How to manage arthritis symptoms and get pain relief

Most people think of arthritis as a problem for older adults. But roughly 60 percent of adults with arthritis are between the ages of 18 and 64.¹ It’s the leading cause of disability in the United States and has been diagnosed in nearly 60 million people.²

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 pain.

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

In this article:

• What is arthritis?
• What causes arthritis?
• Arthritis symptoms
• Arthritis pain relief options
• Factors that may help prevent arthritis

What is arthritis?

The word arthritis refers to a wide range of conditions that occur in joints and their connective tissues.³ The symptoms they have in common may include joint pain, stiffness, swelling and a decreased range of motion over time.⁴

Arthritis can be broken down into two main types.⁵ Noninflammatory arthritis, sometimes referred to as degenerative arthritis, is usually caused by wear and tear of the joints.^6,7 Inflammatory arthritis, on the other hand, is usually caused by an immune response.⁸

Osteoarthritis belongs to the first category and is the most common form of arthritis, affecting more than 32.5 million Americans.⁹ It has a few subtypes, including post-traumatic arthritis, which occurs after physical trauma to the joint.¹⁰

Inflammatory arthritis is also widespread. One common subtype is gout, which affects over 9 million U.S. adults.¹¹ Another is rheumatoid arthritis, which affects more than a million Americans.^12,13 Gout typically occurs in the big toe or feet,¹⁴ while rheumatoid arthritis can affect many joints, including those in the hands, wrists, feet, ankles and knees.

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:¹⁵

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

Kevin R. Stone, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with The Stone Clinic in San Francisco,¹⁶ 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.¹⁷ Tiny crystals form in and around the joints¹⁸ (though it should be noted that elevated levels of uric acid don’t always lead to gout¹⁹).

With rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system begins to attack the body’s joints,²⁰ which is thought to be triggered by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.²¹ Smoking is a significant risk factor for this condition.

Arthritis symptoms

The symptoms of most forms of arthritis are similar: pain in the joint, limited mobility and a decreased range of motion.²²

Specific symptoms can include:

• Intermittent or constant pain
• Joint stiffness
• Reduced range of motion
• Joint instability
• Swelling
• Muscle weakness
  

It may be possible to manage these symptoms. Note, though, that even when arthritis seems under control, it’s common to have flare-ups or times when arthritis symptoms are tougher to manage.²³

Arthritis pain relief 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 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-line defense. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) can be purchased over the counter and are often recommended, but speak to a doctor before taking one.²⁴

Research also suggests that topical creams — specifically the NSAID diclofenac — can help and can have fewer side effects than oral medications.²⁵

When talking about arthritis pain relief, 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.²⁶ It is sometimes combined with chondroitin, another supplement. Studies show that together, they may be effective in reducing pain and stiffness.²⁷

Glucosamine products can be purchased in many combinations and formulations.

Factors that may help prevent arthritis

Some factors that lead to arthritis — aging, injury, genetics — can’t always be avoided. But others may be more in your control.

In the case of gout, for instance, studies suggest that modifying the diet to contain less alcohol and protein can help reduce flare-ups.²⁸ While rheumatoid arthritis has no cure, early diagnosis and treatment can lead to less severe cases, so it’s important to see a provider when the symptoms first appear.²⁹ Quitting smoking may also lower rheumatoid arthritis risk.³⁰

For osteoarthritis, understanding the causes of joint wear and tear can help with developing a prevention strategy. This often consists of changing risk factors: maintaining a healthy weight, exercising and looking at corrective surgery on joints.³¹

Although there is no cure for arthritis, it can often be managed, and flare-ups can be kept at bay. If you are experiencing anything concerning, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with a health care provider or specialist. They can often address your specific type of arthritis to keep daily activities as pain-free as possible.

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