Different forms of arthritis manifest different symptoms. Common symptoms of arthritis include: persistent joint pain; tenderness in a joint which is aggravated by movement; inflammation indicated by joint swelling, stiffness, redness, and/or warmth; pain and stiffness in the body, especially around the joints; joint deformity; loss of range of motion or flexibility in a joint; unexplained weight loss; non-specific fever; and crepitus (weird crackling sound in the joints.)

There are over 100 different types of arthritis affecting approximately 46 million Americans today. The three most common types are: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout.

Osteoarthritis is more commonly known as degenerative arthritis. This develops from a simple breakdown in the cartilage cushioning the joints, and may lead to an eventual loss of cartilages in one or more joints. Cartilage is a protein-based mass that serves as cushioning between the joints. This type of arthritis usually attacks weight-bearing joints such as the hands, feet, and spine. It is mostly related to aging and it usually progresses further as we age. It generally occurs in the age range of 45-60. Men are at higher risk for osteoarthritis before age 45. Women, however, are more prone to it around age 55 specifically around the hand, foot and knee joints. Severe cases of degenerative arthritis require total joint replacement, mostly of the hip and knee joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis may also affect different joints, and as previously mentioned, it may affect some body organs and even our blood. It mainly affects the synovial lining of the joint. The synovium is a soft tissue that lines the non-cartilaginous surfaces within joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can be developed as a secondary effect of an infection. In this case, the body’s autoimmune system malfunctions and attacks healthy joint tissue, causing inflammation and joint damage. Although it is not as degenerative as osteoarthritis, it may cause joint deformity in a mild level.

Gout is caused by displacement of uric acid crystal in the joints. Also known as hyperuricemia, which literally translates as high uric acid content in the blood, it is a metabolic ailment wherein uric acid builds up in the blood and crystallizes in the joints of the body. Chronic gout attacks may lead to hard lumps of uric acid deposits around the joints, and in the process decrease kidney functions and form kidney stones.

There are different kinds of treatment for the different forms of arthritis. There are medications available that aid in arthritis pain relief. Antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used as relieve pain and decrease inflammation on affected areas. They have to be paired with constant visits to a physical or occupational therapist to ensure that mobility and range of motion is maintained.

Arthritis isn’t just a simple joint pain that we can disregard. The pain alone is difficult to ignore, let alone the complications it will bring if it remains untreated. Nobody is safe from developing arthritis as there are forms that have yet to be defined. The bottom line is, take care of your body – be mindful of your diet and exercise consistently. This alone will greatly reduce your chances of developing this distressing condition.

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.

Arthritis, also known as joint inflammation, is defined as an inflammation of one or more joints and involves the breakdown of cartilage, resulting in pain, swelling, and limited movement.

Cartilage is responsible for protecting the joints and serves as a shock absorber when pressure is placed on the joint during walking or running. It allows for the smooth movement of our limbs. Without cartilage, the bones can rub together and cause pain, swelling (inflammation), and stiffness. Doctors usually prescribe arthritis pain relief and anti-inflammatory drugs to help alleviate the pain.

Arthritis, or joint inflammation, can be due to the following causes:
• Broken Bones;
• Infections that are usually caused by bacteria or viruses;
• An autoimmune disease (the body attacks itself because the immune system believes a body part is foreign)
• General “wear and tear” on joints.

Generally, as soon as the injury heals, the inflammation disappears. The infection is treated and the disease is cured. However, there are some injuries and diseases wherein the inflammation stubbornly remains, continuously causing pain that may lead to deformity. This condition is known as chronic arthritis.

People suffering from arthritis experience the following symptoms:
• Joint pain
• Joint swelling
• Stiffness, especially in the morning
• Warmth around a joint
• Redness of the skin around a joint
• Reduced ability to move the joint

Arthritis is a condition that can occur in men and women of all ages. Other types of arthritis include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis (in adults)
• Osteoarthritis (middle age and above )
• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (in children)
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• Gout
• Scleroderma
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Reiter’s syndrome (reactive arthritis)
• Adult Still’s disease
• Viral arthritis
• Gonococcal arthritis
• Other bacterial infections (non-gonococcal bacterial arthritis)
• Tertiary Lyme disease (the late stage)
• Tuberculous arthritis
• Fungal infections such as blastomycosis

Osteoarthritis, being the most common type, is a chronic disease which causes the cartilage between the bone joints to deteriorate and may cause painful sensation and/or stiffness. New pieces of bones, called bone spurs, may grow around the joints as a result of osteoarthritis. Until now, there is no known reason yet as to the cause of osteoarthritis but it is generally associated with aging. However, factors such as metabolism and genes can play a role in its development.

There are many factors to consider before your doctor can prescribe arthritis pain relief treatment plan such as the particular cause of arthritis, affected joints, severity of arthritis, and how the condition affects your daily activities. Age and occupation will also be taken into consideration.

Eliminating the underlying cause of the arthritis is one of the goals for treating arthritis. However, not all causes are curable, such as those that cause osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Relieving pain and discomfort as well as prevention from further damage will then become the focus.

Lifestyle changes and exercise can greatly help in improving the condition of those suffering from arthritis. Medications such as arthritis pain relief and anti-inflammatory drugs can be taken in addition to exercise and lifestyle changes.

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.

You may experience stiffness or pain in one or more of your joints. You will usually experience this pain in the neck, knees, fingers or hips, but your toes and elbows can also become affected. This stiffness or pain may be more apparent on waking or after sitting for long periods of time. As the joints naturally loosen with use, the pain may ease during the day, but may return in the evening.

The joints may become hot or swollen, and in the event of Osteoporosis bony growths may develop, usually on the knuckles.

As the condition progresses, every day activities such as opening bottles, turning taps or even walking can become affected. Activity can aggravate pain and swelling, and sleep can be disturbed. The pain and stiffness may limit the range of motion in the affected joint.

Some people experience other symptoms such as general tiredness or exhaustion, or unexplained fever. Most forms of arthritis tend to develop after the age of 40, although the condition can develop earlier.

As arthritis is a progressive condition, these symptoms are likely to worsen over time. If you do experience one or more of these symptoms consistently, visit your doctor for a possible diagnosis.

Hip arthritis can differ from other forms of arthritis in that it does not always follow a natural progression; sufferers report that the severity of symptoms can fluctuate month by month, and that these can be influenced by the weather and climatic conditions. This means that it can be difficult to determine the progression of hip arthritis.

Hip arthritis generally affects those over 50 years old. People who are overweight tend to be at greater risk of developing it, and excess weight can exacerbate the symptoms. Past injuries or trauma to the area, or fractures to bones around the hip joint, can be contributory factors in developing hip arthritis. There is also thought to be a genetic link.

Symptoms of hip arthritis are; pain and stiffness in the hip area, particularly on exertion, affected walking gait and a limited range of motion in the hip.

If you suspect that you may be suffering from hip arthritis, consult your doctor, who should carry out a physical examination and arrange for x-rays to be taken to determine the extent of the condition.

Treatment;
Anti-Inflammatory medication (NSAIDS) may be prescribed to reduce symptoms such as pain and inflammation. These can include prescription medications or non prescription medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen.

Corticosteroids (symptom-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs or SMARDS) may be prescribed. These can be taken orally, applied to the skin in cream or gel form or given by injection.

Lifestyle changes such as weight loss could be beneficial in reducing symptoms and pressure on the joints, and can help to prevent hip arthritis developing.

Walking aids may help mobility and reduce pressure on the joint, such as a stick or cane used in the opposite hand.

You may need to limit activities which cause pain, although certain activities may be beneficial, such as swimming, which supports the joints. There may be certain exercises you can carry out to strengthen the muscles surrounding the hip joint and improve flexibility- a physiotherapist may work with you to devise a suitable exercise program.

Surgery may be required in advanced cases of hip arthritis. The most common types of surgery preformed are;

•    Total hip replacement, involving the replacement of the ball and socket joint with a metal and plastic joint. This can be particularly useful for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers.

•    If the arthritis has only affected the lining of the joint rather than the cartilage, Synovectomy surgery may be offered (removal of part or all of the joint lining).

•    An operation to reduce bone marrow pressure and increase the flow of the blood, known as Core Decompression, may be suitable in some cases.

Many people are turning towards natural remedies for treating gout. These are much safer, with little or no side effects.

There are certain foods which are thought to lessen the occurrence of gout attacks. These include foods high in potassium, cherry juice, blueberries and dairy foods. You should aim to eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, and drink plenty of water each day (six to eight glasses) to help your body excrete uric acids. Foods containing a high level of purines should be avoided- these include alcohol, kidney, liver, creamy sauces and shellfish.

Lemon juice is very good at preventing gout attacks as it stimulates to body’s ability to form calcium carbonate, which neutralizes acids in the body. Drink lemon juice in hot or warm water.

Apple Cider Vinegar helps the body to break down uric acid deposits. Drink two teaspoons per day. This can be rather bitter so it may be more palatable mixed with honey or water, or used as a salad dressing.

Baking soda helps to alkalize the body and prevent gout attacks. Try taking ½ teaspoon with your meals.

Try bathing the affected leg or foot in Epsom salts added to hot water. This will help break down uric acid deposits.

In addition to diet, there are several supplements you can try;
Fish oil can be beneficial- take supplements or aim to include oily fish regularly in your diet.

Glucosamine or Shark Cartilage can promote regeneration of cartilage affected by arthritis.

Vitamin B Complex will enable the body to eliminate uric acids.

Vitamin C will help to lower uric acid levels in the body.

Vitamin E may be useful as a deficiency can contribute to the formation of uric acid.

Bromelain is a useful anti-inflammatory supplement.

L-glutamine, L-glycine and L-glutathione are antacids and will help the body eliminate deposits of uric acid.

Black Cohosh and Ginkgo Biloba have proved beneficial in treating arthritis and lessening symptoms.

See this article for other herbal remedies which can help arthritis.

Some people find relief in other natural remedies such as acupuncture or acupressure. You should also make sure you keep the affected leg elevated as much as possible.

Symptoms; You may notice increased stiffness in the spine, which can be worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity. There will also be pain, which may be exacerbated by movement and which may come and go. There may be additional pain or numbness in the neck, shoulders, arms or legs, including the Sciatic nerve.

Movement of the spine may be limited and you may find bending difficult. In extreme cases, the spine may become deformed. Often, bony growths occur which can form ‘spurs’, which can cause increased pain or restriction of movement. You may also notice a ‘crunching’ or clicking sound or sensation on moving.

If the arthritis develops in the lower spinal region, it can affect the nerves to the legs and buttocks. Arthritis in the cervical area can similarly affect the arms and shoulders.

If you think you may have spinal arthritis, consult your doctor, who may refer you for an x-ray for diagnosis and the extent of the damage.

Treatment; As with other forms of arthritis, there is currently no known cure, but a range of treatments are available to relieve symptoms.

Medications which may be prescribed include anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids or painkillers.

Losing excess weight will help to reduce pressure on the spine and soft tissue. Diet can be important; eating calcium and nutrient rich foods can help maintain bone density and strength and slow the rate of deterioration. Exercise has also proven beneficial in improving flexibility and relieving pain. A health professional or physiotherapist should be able to put together a suitable exercise or diet program for you.

Heat or ice treatment applied regularly has also proved to relieve pain and discomfort in sufferers.

Arthritis of the spine can cause the invertebral discs within the spine to deteriorate, which may then require further treatment. The joints of the spine can be affected by formation of bony growths on the spine, which may be removed by surgery.

Having spinal arthritis need not restrict you. A lot of people experience only minimal symptoms, and pain can be managed with appropriate medication and support.

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.

Known as rheumatoid nodules, they can cause complications such as limited joint mobility, pain, ulceration, neuropathy and infection. Although they are not usually painful, they can cause problems if they are located in an area subject to a lot of use, such as hands or feet.
Rheumatoid nodules can be removed by surgery, but if they are found in an area of repeated use or trauma, they can return within a few months. Intranodular steroid injections can be effective in reducing the size of the nodule.

Osteoarthritis can cause a different type of nodule; enlargements of the last joints of the fingers. These are known as Heberden’s Nodules, and development can be affected by genetic factors.

The middle joints of the fingers may also be affected, known as Bouchard’s Nodules. The joint where the hand and wrist meet can also become enlarged, giving the hand a somewhat squared appearance.

Initially these ‘nodules’ are filled with a gel- like substance known as mucin, and can be painful or tender to touch. In time they may harden and become boney in texture.

They typically develop in middle age, and symptoms can include a redness of the joints, or swelling. This can be followed by numbness or loss of dexterity. Once the nodules are formed, the pain and initial swelling usually subsides, but can leave the fingers deformed.
Heberden’s and Bouchard’s nodules are more likely to develop in women.