Helping to manage the emotional effects of arthritis

Arthritis is a chronic disease that has no known cause or cure. The disease is often serious and can cause excruciating pain in the joints and other parts of the body. Some people recognize the physical problems associated with arthritis, but few realize the social and emotional impact it can have on the patient and the family. In this article the author discusses how social workers and other therapists can help arthritic patients cope with the disease and live more productively despite their physical limitations.