Arthritis Tips

Posted: April 1, 2004

Arthritis can damage your joints, organs and skin. There are things you can do to keep the damage from getting worse. They might also make you feel better.

• Try to keep your weight down. Too much weight can make your knees and hips hurt.
• Exercise. Moving all of your joints will help you. The doctor or nurse can help you select safe activities. Try going for a walk every day.
• See your doctor regularly. Seek information that can help you.
• Take your medicines when and how you are supposed to. They can help reduce pain and stiffness.

Sometimes you might still have pain after using your medicine. Here are some things to try:

• Take a warm shower.
• Do some gentle stretching exercises.
• Use an ice pack on the sore area.
• Rest the sore joint.

If you still hurt after using your medicine correctly and doing one or more of these things, call your doctor. Another kind of medicine might work better for you. Some people can also benefit from surgery, such as joint replacement.

Arthroscopic Surgery Seminar at Advanced Healthcare
Monday, May 17, 2004
7:00 p.m.
Advanced Healthcare’s East Mequon Clinic
12203 N. Corporate Parkway
Mequon, Wisconsin
Pre-registration is recommended. For more information, call (262) 512-2880 or 1-888-709-2080.

Knee Pain? Hip Pain? Don’t Miss These Free Seminars
Tuesday, April 13, 2004
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Columbia St. Mary's Columbia Campus
Cardiology Conference Room

Thursday, April 15, 2004
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Columbia St. Mary's Ozaukee Campus
Conference Rooms 1 & 2

Monday, April 19, 2004
2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Columbia St. Mary's Milwaukee Campus
Brady Hall

Learn about the causes of knee and hip pain. These seminars are presented by professional staff members from Columbia St. Mary’s Orthopaedic Program. The discussion will include the importance of obtaining an accurate diagnosis to determine your best treatment option.

For your convenience, the seminars are offered at different locations and on a variety of dates. These seminars are presented once a month at each of our campuses and are scheduled for the entire year. Please select the program and location that works best for you. Call (414) 326-1745 to register.

Arthritis Center – Columbia St. Mary’s
The Arthritis Day Treatment Program is a unique outpatient program designed to meet the needs of people with all forms of arthritis. The program is scheduled as a one-day visit, which may last three to six hours depending on the individual's needs.

If necessary, follow-up visits can be scheduled several weeks or months following the initial visit. The Arthritis Day Treatment Program is a highly coordinated service. The services may include:

• Physical Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Nutritional Therapy
• Instruction on medications and disease process
• Consultations with physician specialists
• Special X-rays, bone scans
• Laboratory studies
• Epidural back injections

Exercise programs are available through the Arthritis Center. These classes are:

PACE: People with Arthritis Can Exercise is sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation and the Arthritis Center. PACE is an exercise program specifically designed for people with arthritis. During the eight-week program, participants go through a series of gentle movements and exercises designed to increase mobility and range of motion and build overall stamina. Call for more information.

SPLASH BACK!: This is a water exercise program designed for those persons whose mobility is affected by the pain and stiffness of arthritis. The program consists of 45 minutes of gentle stretching and mobility exercises. The class is held in a warm-water therapeutic pool and led by a trained instructor. The sessions meet twice weekly for eight weeks. Call for more information.

To receive more information about the Arthritis Center, please call (414) 961-4160.

We Have Answers Do you have medical questions or need help finding a doctor? The experts at Columbia St. Mary's and Advanced Healthcare can help. Click here.