One of the most common conditions in the United States today is a debilitating inflammatory disease that affects our joints. It is estimated that there are over 100 different forms of this disease and over 40 million people suffer from one form or another.

Though typically thought to be an affliction of the aging, arthritis can affect anyone at any time, and with all of the different forms, each with their own symptoms, it could be hard to determine just what type of arthritis an individual is suffering from.

The signs and symptoms of arthritis are varied, though some of the first symptoms are familiar and easy to recognize. Symptoms such as general pain or swelling around the joints, an increased stiffness in the joints in the morning, a cracking sound in the knees when standing, and joints with a red appearance that feel warm to the touch are all signs of arthritis.

However, before you rush to purchase an over-the-counter arthritis treatment, you should talk to your doctor. Your doctor is the only one who will be able to tell you what form of arthritis you may have and how to treat it.

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis that plagues sufferers. It affects the joints and is a systemic disease that can affect other organs. Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms tend to disappear after sometime, but the problem is still there. The true cause of rheumatoid arthritis is presently unknown, though many suggest that things such as infections, fungi, or bacteria are the culprits. However, there are also those that believe that rheumatoid arthritis is hereditary. Painful and swollen joints are a common warning sign of rheumatoid arthritis, followed by muscle pain, extreme fatigue, redness and warmth at the joints, even a low grade fever and appetite loss.

Next to rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis is a common affliction, caused by breaking down of joint cartilage. Osteoarthritis commonly begins in one joint and typically only affects the one joint. It does not move to internal organs. Osteoarthritis commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine. By the time the pain starts setting in for an osteoarthritis sufferer, the damage to the affected joint cartilage could be considerable.

Relieving pain from a form of arthritis can be as simple as over-the-counter or prescription medication. However, in the most severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Being overweight can also play a role in arthritis. Some physicians believe that a change in diet can also ease the pain of arthritis, though there is a lot of debate on the topic. Regardless, you should speak to your doctor who can tell you just what form of arthritis you may have, and what treatment options may work best for you.

About The Author: Amanda Baker writes for http://tobeinformed.com.

Arthritis isn’t anything to joke about and those who suffer from it need effective arthritis treatments. If you have arthritis, you know how painful a condition it really is. The problem with finding suitable arthritis treatments is two-fold. First, the arthritis treatments that get prescribed ultimately depend on the initial diagnosis, which is why it’s so important to discuss the situation with a medical practitioner. And second, many suffers cannot tolerate the side effects of NSAIDS or surgery and for this group, natural arthritis treatments really are their only options.

Natural arthritis treatments encompass any type of treatments that do not involve the use of NSAIDS or COX-2 Inhibitors. If you suffer from arthritis and you’ve tried these types of treatments without success, it may be time for you to research natural treatments for your arthritis. Here are a few to consider.

Physical/Heat/Massage/Relaxation Therapy

Arthritis is pain in the joint area and it can strike in any part of the body where joints exist. This pain isn’t always the result of damaged joints. It can be caused by overworked tendons, a build-up of scar tissue, frayed nerves and tense muscles. These types of therapies are oftentimes effective because they generally are designed to focus on the affected area. Rubbing and kneading, applying heat, or using a walker or other type of device designed to improve mobility and posture can all help to promote improved blood circulation and loosen overly tight areas. The goal of these types of therapies is to work on the root of the pain and hopefully, after repeated treatments if necessary, make the pain disappear permanently.

General Exercise

In a total reversal of what was thought to be true decades ago, doctors today frequently prescribe exercise as an effective natural arthritis treatment. Regular exercise is also an effective preventative measure against arthritis. When people don’t exercise, their muscles weaken and become stiff and this leads to the type of pain associated later on with arthritis. Cardiovascular exercises, light strength training exercises, and range-of-motion exercises (stretching) all produce positive results. http://www.arthritisnatural.com/relievingarthritispain/

Water exercises

Hydrotherapy or water exercises, work by immersing the body into tanks or pools that have been filled with warm water. Once inside, the patient performs resistance-type exercises to hopefully alleviate the pain. This type of a workout is physically intensive so it should always be performed in a supervised setting.

Controversial Alternatives

Search the web and you’ll find an abundance of products that claim to be “natural” arthritis treatments. Among the more popular are Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Manganese, MSM, Niacinamidem, Tumeric and Ginger extract. Promoters of these naturally-occurring ingredients claim they reduce inflammation, slow the aging process, and promote joint repair. Before spending a lot of money purchasing products containing these ingredients, and especially before taking these or any other products that claim they are natural arthritis treatments, discuss the benefits of each with a doctor or someone you trust who knows more than you do about natural remedies. You might find that making some changes to your diet is just as effective a treatment.

About The Author: Gray Rollins is a featured writer for http://www.arthritisnatural.com. For more information about arthritis treatments, please visit http://www.arthritisnatural.com/arthritispainrelieftips/.