There are a number of different forms of the disease, and they all have different symptoms and causes. The pain of arthritis varies according to type and severity, but is almost always described as an aching or burning sensation. The pain may be worse at certain times of the day or following certain types of activity.

There are a number of ways for those who are afflicted with the disorder to find arthritis relief. For extremely mild cases, it is possible to find arthritis pain relief through physical therapy and over the counter topical analgesic balms. Slightly more severe cases can be treated using over the counter pain relievers. However, even the most innocuous seeming and well known pain relief medication can have potentially severe side effects if taken often or in conjunction with other medications, so it is important that sufferers tell their physician of any over the counter pain relief medication use.

Severe arthritis can be treated with prescription analgesics. There are also a number of techniques that can be used to treat the pain. For example, occasionally arthritis is associated with a build up of fluids in the affected area, and draining these fluids using a simple outpatient procedure can often provide a significant level of relief.

As the fluids build up over time, the treatment can be repeated. Other options include medications that do not treat pain directly but rather go after the root causes of the disorder. These medications may improve cartilage health or increase the lubrication between joint structures. For those who have tried all of the available arthritis pain medication and other arthritis treatment options, the last resort option is to have the afflicted joint surgically replaced.

While this is a major operation and may require physical rehabilitation afterwards, the success rate for such surgery is quite high, and many sufferers have found themselves to be pain free for the first time in years following joint replacement surgery. The replacement joint devices are always improving, and the latest models are almost identical to the human joint that they replace.

Arthritis is a very painful and debilitating disorder. While the disease was once only treatable via home remedies and general pain relief medication, advances in medical science have introduced a number of treatments that have proven to be remarkably successful in treating even the most severe cases.

These include newer medications that treat the causes of the disorder rather than just the pain as well as newer surgical techniques that allow for the complete replacement of afflicted joints.