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.

But for many people, pain takes on a very dramatic meaning, especially when the pain comes from a condition such as arthritis. Arthritis can affect the entire body and causes pain to the bones, tendons and muscles. Some people have resorted to the use of arthritis pain relief medications in an attempt to alleviate the pain. Others have a higher pain tolerance or pain threshold and do not necessarily need to take medication to stop arthritic pain.

Medically speaking, pain tolerance refers to just how much pain a person can withstand before breaking down emotionally or psychologically. In some cases, it may also refer to how much pain a person can endure before passing out. However, some people afflicted with arthritis claim that pain tolerance may also refer to the body and mind’s ability to incorporate or endure pain on a daily basis without it severely impacting on their daily routines. Interestingly, pain tolerance can be actually developed by training the mind and the body to “ignore” pain. However, the use of the term “ignore” might be a misnomer in this case. Patients who refuse to take arthritis pain relief medications attest that those who have pain tolerance don’t so much as ignore pain as simply “live with it.” The idea is that people with a high level of pain tolerance have developed a threshold that can be compared to people with a high alcohol tolerance; some people can drink a lot without actually getting drunk. Some people can naturally cope with pain that is more frequent and at higher levels than other people.

Pain tolerance is still the subject of much debate in scientific circles. There are many patients who claim that it is real and that they can actually demonstrate their ability to withstand pain. On the other hand, people who have taken arthritis pain relief medications claim that the drugs can dull the mind’s ability to drown out the sensation of pain. They further claim that the dulling sensation also prevents them from performing other daily tasks.

However, despite reported side effects, most prefer to stick to using arthritis pain relief medication. For one thing, most people would rather not have to spend the time needed to grow accustomed to the pain. Another obvious reason is that not everyone can develop a high tolerance for pain. In many ways, pain tolerance is affected by a person’s psychology and outlook.

Deciding who needs to take drugs to control arthritis is an important task for a pain control specialist or doctor. Since a person’s state of mind determines how much he or she can mentally handle before breaking down, a doctor cannot simply decide if medication is needed without a thorough consultation. In addition, there is also the possibility of developing drug dependence due to long-term use of arthritis pain relief.

Whether patients can develop pain tolerance when taken off arthritis pain relief treatments is arguable at best; not everyone has the capacity for the same threshold of pain as those who don’t take medication. The choice to take medication or not is not the only factor to be considered. Other determinants such as physical conditioning, psychological state, and other physiological factors also have an effect on the development of pain tolerance.

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 can be purchased without a prescription, and does not irritate the stomach like other medication such as aspirin or ibuprofen. It is supplied in time release caplet form, meaning that the drug is released over an extended time period. This means that the medication need not be taken as frequently as other pain killers.

Tylenol Arthritis Pain does not appear to have any side effects, but if you have an existing condition alongside arthritis you should consult with your doctor before taking it or you are taking other medication. Tylenol should not be taken with other pain relieving medication, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, prescription medication or any other product containing acetaminophen.

Many arthritis sufferers have found some pain relief from taking Tylenol Arthritis Pain, so it may be worth discussing this with your doctor or physician.

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.

Used for arthritis sufferers as well as those who have repetitive motion problems in their joints, the arthritis pain relief gloves offer support for the muscles whilst gently warming the affected areas. The gloves are designed to cover the muscle, ligaments, tendons and metacarpal bones in a protective material. These arthritis relief gloves are usually worn at night while the sufferer sleeps. This helps prevent the stiffening of the joints that can be a nightly torture for those who have acute arthritis. The arthritic relief glove has proven itself so effective that the material is being used to create support sheaths for other parts of the body which are potentially affected by arthritis. Knee wraps are available, which can be worn during your working day and which help keep walking and other daily living activities from becoming unbearably painful.

The arthritis relief material has been fashioned into ankle and elbow braces as well. These arthritis relief gloves are much more effective than the old methods of heating rice filled pads to provide the necessary heat to affected areas for pain relief. The gloves and other pain relief wraps are long lasting and washable. They are available with velcro adjustment strips so can be made as tight or loose as you need. Usually these arthritis relief gloves will cost between $10 and $30 depending on the brand and special features offered. They are available at local pharmacies, major retailers and online directly from the manufacturers.

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.