How to manage arthritis symptoms and get pain relief support

Most people think of arthritis as a problem for older adults. The number of adults affected by arthritis increases with age. According to 2022 data for the United States, 3.6% of adults ages 18–34 had arthritis compared to 53.9% in adults age 75 and older. It’s the leading cause of disability in the United States and has been diagnosed in nearly 60 million people.

No matter your age, arthritis can get in the way of everyday tasks — and it leaves most people looking for answers.

A health care provider, such as MinuteClinic®, should be the first stop. They can explain how arthritis might be affecting your body and what the best management options are for you. Some of their recommendations might include over-the-counter products. They might also refer you to someone who specializes in joint disease.

If you’re looking for information about arthritis symptoms, what to expect or what the options are for arthritis pain relief support, read on.

In this article:

What is arthritis?

The word arthritis refers to a wide range of conditions that occur in joints and their connective tissues. The symptoms they have in common may include a decreased range of motion, joint pain, stiffness or swelling and over time.

Arthritis can be broken down into two main types. Noninflammatory arthritis, sometimes referred to as degenerative arthritis, is usually caused by wear and tear of the joints. Inflammatory arthritis, on the other hand, is usually caused by an immune response.

Osteoarthritis belongs to the first category and is the most common form of arthritis, affecting more than 32.5 million Americans. It has a few subtypes, including post-traumatic arthritis, which occurs after physical trauma to the joint.

Inflammatory arthritis is also widespread. One common subtype is gout, which is an autoinflammatory disease that affects over nine million adults. Another is rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease that affects more than a million Americans. Gout typically occurs in the big toe but can affect many joints, Rheumatoid arthritis can affect many joints, but the ankles, elbows, feet, hands, knees and wrists and are commonly affected.

What causes arthritis?

Arthritis can happen for a number of reasons. For osteoarthritis — the “wear and tear” kind — the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases notes the following factors:

• Aging
• Family history of osteoarthritis
• History of injury to or surgery on a joint
• Joints that do not form correctly
• Obesity
• Overuse from repetitive movement of the joint

Kevin R. Stone, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with The Stone Clinic in San Francisco, notes that in some subtypes, the cause is more specific. “In post-traumatic arthritis, there’s an injury to the joint — or a surgeon produced an injury to the joint by taking out a key structure,” he explains. “And over time, the joint has degraded.”

For inflammatory arthritis, the causes can be more complex. In gout, for instance, there is a buildup of uric acid in the body. Gout occurs due to the body's inflammatory response to the buildup of uric acid in and around the joints. (It should be noted that elevated levels of uric acid in the body don’t always lead to gout.)

With rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system begins to attack the body’s joints, which is thought to be triggered by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Smoking is a significant risk factor for this condition. Other causes include psoriatic arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis.

Arthritis pain relief support options

Before receiving treatment for arthritis, it’s important to get a diagnosis from a health care provider. They are best suited to offer guidance on arthritis pain relief support options. They can also take any symptoms or risk factors into consideration for specific types of arthritis.

Because arthritis causes discomfort in daily life, research suggests that relieving pain and swelling or inflammation is a good first option. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) can be purchased over the counter and are often recommended, but speak to a health care provider before taking one.

Research also suggests that topical creams — specifically the NSAID diclofenac — can help and can have fewer side effects than oral medications.

When talking about arthritis pain relief support, Dr. Stone notes a supplement that may be of help: glucosamine. And, indeed, research suggests that glucosamine can help reduce the symptoms in people with arthritis. It is sometimes combined with chondroitin, another supplement. Studies show that together, they may be effective in reducing pain and stiffness.

Glucosamine products can be purchased in many combinations and formulations.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements, and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.