Is It Really Arthritis Joint Pain?
When you are in pain, there can be dozens of causes. Joint pain can be caused by anything from the flu or other infection, to an auto-immune disorder. It can be confusing to figure out what the cause of your pain is, but understanding the most common symptoms of arthritis joint pain can help you determine what the source of your problem is.
Being educated about your symptoms can also help you work closely with your doctor to determine the best treatment plan for your needs. In almost all situations, an educated and involved patient will have better results than one who relies solely on the knowledge of their doctor.
The most common type of arthritis is classified as osteoarthritis. 21 million of the American patients with arthritis joint pain suffer from this classification of the disease. Osteoarthritis is diagnosed when there is a definite damage that has occurred to the cartilage of your joints. Usually, patients notice the condition slowly, as it worsens over time. Symptoms can include stiffness and soreness around joints.
Osteoarthritis is different than other types in that you will likely feel better in the morning and notice symptoms worsening as your day progresses. Also, the knuckles are rarely an issue, but you may find your knees, neck or hip affected instead. You may also have trouble walking. Osteoarthritis can be treated by a specialist and may include things like physical therapy and medications to reduce inflammation and discomfort.
The other common classification of arthritis, known as rheumatoid arthritis, is actually an auto-immune disease. This means that your immune system is attacking your body as if it were a foreign object, such as a virus or disease. Because it is a disorder of the immune system, there is no cure for this type of arthritis joint pain.
Patients with RA may feel increased stiffness in the morning, or when they have been resting. Fatigue is also a common accompanying symptom that can be used to determine whether you are suffering from this condition. Most of the well known arthritis medications treat the rheumatoid type. Anti-inflammatory medications or painkillers may be prescribed. You may also benefit from one of the medications that interfere with the immune response.
Other conditions can either cause or mimic more common arthritis pain. It is always a good idea to be tested to determine what the actual cause of your pain is. Arthritis joint pain is treated differently than other types of painful joints, so knowing the cause is crucial to proper relief. However, with almost all types of joint inflammation, maintaining mobility and keeping your body healthy are important.
This can include things like incorporating yoga and other low impact exercises, as well as eating a healthy and balanced diet. Losing weight can also give relief. In addition, women are more likely to experience arthritis as their bodies adjust to lower estrogen levels. Aging has an effect as well.
As you can see, there are several causes of arthritis joint pain and many treatments that have been found to be effective. Different patients may respond differently to each option, so explore the choices with your health care provider until you find the most effective treatment plan.
