Wisconsin Medical Journal

Doctor Vasudevan is Clinical Professor of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Medical College of Wisconsin, and Clinical Professor of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin-Madison. He was a member of American Pain Society panel on developing guidelines for the management of pain in Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Juvenile Chronic Arthritis. Doctor Potts is a resident in Neurology, University of New York-Rochester. Ms Mehrotra is an epidemiologist at the Wisconsin Division of Public Health. Please address correspondence to Sridhar V. Vasudevan, MD, PO Box 240860, Milwaukee, WI 53224-9023. INTRODUCTION Pain is a complex biological, psychological, and social process and a significant factor that influences function and quality of life for individuals with arthritis. Arthritis is a generic term that describes many different and usually painful conditions, the most common of which is osteoarthritis.1,2 Despite significant advances in the understanding of pain mechanisms, many people with arthritis experience levels of acute and chronic pain that decrease their function and quality of life.2 In 2002, the American Pain Society (APS), a multidisciplinary pain organization committed to the improvement of the management and study of pain associated with many conditions, published evidence-based guidelines for management of pain in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile chronic arthritis.2 Optimal management of individuals with arthritis, in addition to appropriate diagnosis and management of the underlying condition when possible, should address pain management. This article provides highlights of the assessment and management of individuals with pain associated with arthritis.