EULAR Recommendations for Pain Management in Inflammatory Arthritis and Osteoarthritis

Jun 13, 2018

A bio-psychosocial approach geared to the patient’s specific needs, preferences, priorities, and pain characteristics.

Reference1. Geenen R, Overman CL, Christensen R, et al. EULAR recommendations for the health professional’s approach to pain management in inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2018;77:797-807. doi: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2017-212662.

EULAR, European League Against Rheumatism.

Geenen and colleagues on a multidisciplinary task force published updated guidelines for health professionals on the management of inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis pain.¹

Scroll through the slides for their 10 specific recommendations and the take-home message for clinicians.

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Pain encompasses multiple and mutually interacting biological, psychological, and social factors that include but are not limited to pain severity, peripheral and central neurophysiological processes (inflammation and joint damage), physical (dis)ability, resilience and vulnerabilities (emotions, cognitions, behavior, lifestyle), social factors (work, support, economic), sleep quality, obesity, and other health risks.

A patient-centered framework should guide the assessment and treatment process.

The assessment is brief or extensive depending on factors such as available time, whether it is a first or regular consultation, and the needs of the patient.

An occupational therapist can offer education about appropriate ways to use joints and ergonomic principles, appraise the need for an orthotic or assistive device, give advice about how to acquire the device, fit the customized aid to the patient, and offer training in the use of it or refer to an appropriate specialist who will do this (eg, orthopedic shoemaker).