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.

The second type, rheumatoid arthritis, is caused by the body’s immune system attacking joint tissue. Still not fully understood in the medical community, this condition most often starts in a person’s hands, wrists and feet. It then advances to shoulders, elbows and hips.

Symptoms of RA include pain, stiffness, fatigue, weakness, slight fever and inflamed tissue lumps under the skin. Both OA and RA generally develop symmetrically, i.e. the same joints on both the left and right sides of the body are affected.

One difference between OA and RA is the swelling which these conditions cause. With RA, people report “soft and squishy” swellings. People suffering from OA report “hard and bony” swellings. Another difference is that RA appears to be hereditary- a person is more likely to develop RA if a sibling or parent had the condition. A person with a history of joint damage, either through injury or chronic strain, runs a higher risk of developing OA.

There is no specific age for arthritis to occur. While it can affect every age group, it seems to focus on those over 45 years of age. And while neither gender is immune, a reported 74 percent of OA cases (or just over 15 million) are women. People with excess weight tend to be at risk of developing OA in later life, especially in the knees which support most of the body’s weight. Losing weight can reduce the risk of developing OA almost by half. Regular activity combined with exercise also reduces risk, strengthening joint muscles and reducing joint wear.

Other Conditions That Can Cause Pain
Pain and stiffness similar to rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can be caused by many other conditions. Even if injury or infection can be ruled out, anything from bunions to fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome can cause pain.

Only a medical professional can identify many sources of joint pain, because similar symptoms can result from other autoimmune diseases, including cancer or other forms of arthritis.

The Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis
The causes of rheumatoid arthritis are not fully understood, but important contributing factors have been identified. The self-destructive immune response of rheumatoid arthritis may be caused by a combination of genetic susceptibility and an environmental trigger. Changing hormones also may play an important part in the disease, possibly in response to an infection from the environment.

More than one gene has been linked to risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Specific genes may increase a person’s chance of developing the disease, and also could partially determine how serious his or her condition is. However, since not all people with a genetic predisposition to rheumatoid arthritis actually have the disease, other factors must be important.

A specific environmental trigger has not yet been found, but some research suggests that infection by a virus or bacterium can lead to rheumatoid arthritis in genetically susceptible people. This does not mean that rheumatoid arthritis is contagious. People with rheumatoid arthritis appear to have more antibodies in the synovial fluid in their joints, suggesting that there may be have been an infection.

Low levels of hormones from the adrenal gland are common in people with rheumatoid arthritis, but how hormones interact with environmental and genetic factors is unknown. Hormone changes may contribute to the progression of the rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis most often affects the wrist and finger joints closest to the hand, but can also affect joints in the feet and throughout the body. Anyone can be affected by rheumatoid arthritis, but women are more likely to develop symptoms. These most often begin between the ages of 20 and 30. The causes of rheumatoid arthritis are not yet understood, but many effective strategies have been developed to manage the symptoms.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms and Signs
The main symptom of rheumatoid arthritis is joint stiffness in the morning, often in the hands or feet. Stiffness that persists for an hour or more, or swelling and pain that lasts for more than six weeks, may be indicative of rheumatoid arthritis. Joint discomfort is typically symmetrical, i.e. both hands will hurt or feel stiff, not just one. Early rheumatoid arthritis symptoms also may include fever, excessive tiredness, or pea-sized lumps called “nodules” that can be felt under the skin.

Other possible rheumatoid arthritis symptoms include anemia, appetite loss and the accumulation of fluid in the ankles or behind the knee. In children, symptoms may include shaking chills and a pink rash which may follow the characteristic painful and swollen joints.

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.

RA can be notoriously difficult to diagnose as symptoms can differ from one person to the other, and can mimic other health conditions such as fibromyalgia. The full range of symptoms which may be experienced tend to develop over a period of time. The most common symptoms to be aware of are;

Joint pain which may come and go; joint stiffness, especially on waking or after a prolonged period of rest; swelling to the soft tissue areas of the joint and unusual feelings of warmth or redness in the joints. Sufferers may also experience feelings of fatigue. One symptom that appears to be typical of RA is joint symmetry pain- that is, if symptoms occur in one of the joints on one side of the body, the same symptoms may occur in the corresponding joint on the other side of the body.

Joints most likely to be affected are those in the hands, fingers and wrists, but RA can attack any joints in the body. As the condition advances, sufferers can develop hard, tender lumps under the skin, known as arthritic nodules. These can vary in size but are not usually painful, although they can occasionally become infected.

If you suspect you may have RA, see your doctor in the first instance. He may refer you for tests and x-rays to diagnose the condition and determine the extent of its progression. Although there is no cure for RA at present, there are a variety of different treatments available to alleviate the symptoms and inflammation, and slow the rate of joint damage. Although it is classed as a chronic condition, symptoms can vary in severity and can come and go, with many people experiencing periods of remission when they are relatively symptom free.

With the right treatment, there is no reason why RA sufferers cannot continue to follow a full and active lifestyle.

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.

The main types of arthritis cream available are;

Trolamine Salicylate Topical Analgesic creams, containing the active ingredient Trolamine Salicylates. These work by reducing the inflammation and swelling in the joints and muscles affected by arthritis. People who are allergic to aspirin or who are taking blood-thinners should discuss with their doctor before taking these as they could affect this medication. Trolamine Salicylate Topical Analgesic creams include Aspercreme and Sportscreme.

Topical Analgesic creams containing the active ingredient, Capsaicin, which is derived from chili pepper seeds. It is thought to work by decreasing the levels of the substance responsible for transmitting pain in the body (substance P). These creams are thought to work best on joints which are closest to the skin, such as finger joints. These creams include Zostrix.

Counter-irritants, which generally contain combinations of eucalyptus, camphor, Methyl Salicylate and menthol. These creams work by causing irritation to the skin where it is applied. This stimulates the body’s sensory receptors to heat and cold, which then produces a counter irritant response which provides a temporary relief from the pain and discomfort of the arthritis symptoms. Counter-irritant creams include Bengay Products

There are also various other arthritis creams available, including;

Voltaren Gel; this is a NSAID product which typically contains diclofenac sodium in a topical gel formation. Voltaren Gel should not be used by patients with a sensitivity to diclofenac. Patients taking oral NSAIDS and aspirin should not use Voltaren Gel as there is an increased risk of adverse side effects.

Glucosamine Cream; the benefits of taking Glucosamine supplements to relieve arthritis symptoms are well known. Glucosamine is also available as a cream, and is known to be effective at relieving joint pain and discomfort and increasing joint function.

Tiger Balm Arthritis Rub;
this is a counter-irritant cream but also works by soothing the joint pain and muscular aches associated with arthritis. Active ingredients include clove oil, camphor, cajuput oil and menthol.