Arthritis actually means “joint inflammation” and there are over 100 related conditions or forms of disease. Left untreated, it can become advanced, resulting in joint damage that is irreversible. If you suspect you have arthritis, early detection and treatment are vital.

The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although both have similar symptoms, both have different causes. When joints are overused or injured, osteoarthritis can develop. The cartilage protecting and cushioning the joint wears away, resulting in the bones rubbing painfully against each other. This seems to be more common in the knees, but is also found in the hips, spine and hands. By the time pain is felt, a lot of the cartilage will already have been worn away.

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How joint pain and the destruction of cartilage are related is not yet fully understood. Cartilage itself does not cause pain because there are no nerve structures in cartilage to transmit pain signals. Most likely, the pain of rheumatoid arthritis is caused by the irritation of other tissues in and around the affected joints. This irritation may be caused by chemical-messenger substances, such as prostaglandin E2, that are associated with the disease process. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce pain because they inhibit the production of prostaglandins.

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Arthritis is one of the leading causes of disability in the US. 20% of arthritis sufferers are unable to perform vital life activities such as working or housekeeping because of their condition. Arthritis sufferers endure more days in severe pain, experience more days with limited ability to perform daily activities, and have more difficulty performing personal-care routines than people without arthritis. As with other chronic pain conditions, arthritis can also have a negative effect on mental health. Some forms of arthritis also make your body age faster.

The Definition of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis, known as Still’s disease in children, is a condition that causes inflammation of joints and associated pain, swelling and stiffness. Rheumatoid arthritis causes the body’s own immune system to attack joint tissue, breaking down collagen, cartilage, and sometimes bone or other organs. This chronic disease affects people differently and fluctuates over time, often marked by symptoms that improve only to re-emerge later. In some cases rheumatoid arthritis is mild and lasts only a few months (this kind of rheumatoid arthritis is called type 1), while in others the disease becomes progressively complicated by disability and other health problems, lasting many years (this is called type 2 rheumatoid arthritis).

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It is possible to identify Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) in its early stages if you learn how to recognise the common symptoms of this condition. RA usually starts with one or more symptoms which can change over time with its progression.

RA often starts in middle age, but can also develop in younger people and even children. It causes inflammation of the joint linings (synovium), which results in excessive joint fluid being produced, causing stiffness, pain, characteristic swelling and loss of joint function. In worse cases, it can cause inflammation of the lining of the lungs, heart and surrounding blood vessels. RA can also cause the glands around the mouth and eyes to become inflamed, causing dryness- this is known as Sjogren’s syndrome.

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Many arthritis sufferers have found some relief from their symptoms by using arthritis cream. These products are applied to the skin, and can mostly be obtained over the counter. Some of the creams contain the pain relievers Menthol and Capsaicin, whilst others contain an active ingredient such as Salicylate.

Arthritis creams have very few side effects and are generally safe to use, but if you are planning on using them you should consult your doctor as there is a chance that they could affect other medication you may be taking. If you have sore or broken skin, you should also be wary of using them.

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