Arthritis is derived from the Greek words arthro- for joint, and -itis, which means inflammation. As the name implies, it is a medical condition that affects the joints, with inflammation as its primary manifestation. Inflammation is usually followed by joint pain which is commonly referred to as arthralgia.



Arthritis appears in many different forms. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative disc disease. This appears as a result of aging, joint trauma, or joing infection. Other forms of arthritis include: rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis. These two are considered auto-immune conditions wherein the body is attacking itself. Septic arthritis comes as a result of joint infection. Gouty arthritis and pseudogout are both result of mineral formation in the joint, thereby causing inflammation.

Arthritis may manifest more symptoms after the initial inflammation and pain on the joint areas. The inflammation itself is characterized by stiffness, swelling, redness, warmth, and tenderness of the affected area. For other types of arthritis that are autoimmune in nature, sufferers may also experience fever, gland swelling, weight loss, fatigue, and develop abnormalities of vital organs such as the lungs, heart, or kidneys.

For the most part, dealing with the joint pain is the most difficult thing that arthritis sufferers have to bear with. It can prove disabling, especially for people whose nature of work involves constant travelling. It is because of these people that we keep looking for the best treatment that can provide arthritis pain relief. Treatment depends on the following factors: the doctor's diagnosis, the severity of the disease, and a patient's reponse to previous treatment.

For mild to moderate pain, various over-the-counter and prescription creams and gels designed to provide arthritis pain relief are available in the market. These topical medications are applied directly over the skin to soothe the pain you feel from arthritis. There are applications that make the skin feel either hot or cold. These products may contain counterirritants that help distract the main from the arthritic pain, giving you temporary arthritis pain relief. Another kind of topical medication are aspirin-like pain rubs. These are topical analgesics that not only reduces joint pain, it also reduces swelling once absorbed by the skin. Lastly, are creams made from chili pepper seeds. These seeds contain capsaicin that produces the burning sensation associated with peppers. It is most effective for arthritic pain in joints that are near the skin, like your fingers, knees, and elbows. These over the counter topical medications are more affordable and accessible than its prescription medications or applications counterpart, but offer only temporary arthritis pain relief.

These medications are best paired with a change in one's diet and lifestyle, an ample amount of rest, enough exercise, and joint protection. This allows for better arthritis pain relief, reduced inflammation, retardation of the progression of the disease, reduced chances of requiring therapy, and regain functional independence.

Living with arthritis is difficult. The rising cost of medication and therapy should be enough to make you want to avoid ever contracting the condition in the first place. So take care of your body because it is the only one you have.