Recognizing Arthritis Symptoms

To address arthritis symptoms and manage pain, it’s important to understand the two main forms of the disease.

Osteoarthritis causes the breakdown of cartilage between joints. Cartilage is the slippery, tough tissue that cushions all our joints, and when it breaks down, it can cause severe pain. Rheumatoid arthritis is an illness where the immune system attacks the protective lining of the body’s joints, specifically the protective lining (the synovial membrane) of the joints. Over time, rheumatoid arthritis can damage bone.

Both types of arthritis have similar symptoms, but treatments can vary significantly. Common symptoms include:

• Pain and stiffness, especially in the joints
• Swelling and redness
• Decreased range of motion
• Fevers and headaches (for rheumatoid arthritis)

Because both types of arthritis present similar symptoms, a person should always seek a professional diagnosis before using any treatments. That includes over-the-counter treatments and herbal remedies; some products can interfere with medications or have unintended side effects, so people should always work with their doctors when choosing a course of treatment.

Ways to Manage Arthritis Pain

To deal with the pain of arthritis, people should consider making a few lifestyle changes. Some common management techniques include:

• Staying active. Regular activity can limit pain. Patients should gently stretch our their joints every day and try to pay attention to posture. Weight management can also limit some of the symptoms.
• Avoiding overexertion. While staying active is important, people with arthritis should know their limits and avoid activities that are likely to cause inflammation and pain. Running, jumping, and other high-impact activities should be avoided.
• Quitting smoking. Tobacco can make the pain of arthritis worse by putting strain on connective tissues.
• Relaxing. Meditation, prayer, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other relaxation techniques can help ease pain and help patients deal with the stress of arthritis.

By starting with lifestyle changes, people with arthritis can take more control over their symptoms, which can make other treatments more effective. Even so, the vast majority of arthritis patients use medications and supplemental therapies as part of their treatment.

Potential Treatments for Arthritis

Medical treatments for arthritis may include painkillers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (including ibuprofen and naproxen), creams and ointments, corticosteroids, and medications to prevent the condition from getting worse quickly. In severe cases, doctors may recommend surgery.

Many arthritis patients look for over-the-counter treatments to assist in pain management. These are sometimes called “complementary" or “supplemental" therapies, since they’re not intended to replace medicine. Examples include:

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids- Found in fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties, which makes them potentially useful for reducing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Some evidence suggests that omega-3 fatty acids can also protect against dementia and heart disease.
• Glucosamine and Chondroitin- These are structural components in cartilage, and some research indicates that they may be helpful for treating some forms of osteoarthritis.
• Vitamins- Vitamin supplements may increase bone strength, limiting some complications associated with arthritis. However, patients should take care when taking vitamin supplements. Many doctors recommend diet modification rather than supplements, as people generally absorb vitamins better through food. Patients who have trouble getting enough nutrients from food may consider vitamin or mineral supplements under the supervision of a doctor.
• Curcumin- The active compound in turmeric, curcumin is an anti-inflammatory agent. It’s difficult for the body to absorb, so some patients take supplements with large amounts of curcumin.

Before taking any supplement, people should speak with their physicians. It’s also important to research carefully, since supplements vary greatly in quality. Other non-medical treatments include devices that alternate hot and cold to reduce pain. Some products are designed to allow arthritis patients to avoid difficult tasks; jar openers, reachers, and other self-help tools can be important components of a pain management strategy.

Researching Arthritis Information Online

Arthritis can be debilitating, and many people try numerous over-the-counter and medical treatments before settling on a treatment plan. People with arthritis should research carefully, and the internet can make this research easier.

Again, before taking any new treatment, it’s important to speak with a physician. Online resources can help people understand more about arthritis and explore options, but only a qualified doctor can determine whether a treatment is appropriate. By looking carefully at multiple sources, patients can take more control over their symptoms and find more effective pain management techniques.