Arthritis causes joint pain through inflammation or the loss of protective cartilage, leading to symptoms like stiffness, swelling, and reduced function, which can vary by type and severity. Managing the pain involves over-the-counter medication, exercise to maintain flexibility, heat and cold therapy, weight loss to reduce joint stress, and sometimes assistive devices. Treatment approaches differ based on the specific type of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, with the goal of managing the underlying condition.
What is Arthritis Joint Pain?
- Inflammation: Many types of arthritis involve inflammation of the joints, causing pain, warmth, swelling, and redness.
- Cartilage Damage: With conditions like osteoarthritis, the cartilage that cushions bones wears away, leading to bones grinding on bone, causing pain and stiffness.
- Varied Experience: The pain can range from mild to severe, affecting one or more joints and can be accompanied by fatigue, stiffness, and a loss of function.
Managing Arthritis Pain
- Medication: Over-the-counter options like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can provide temporary pain relief.
- Exercise: Regular, low-impact exercises like swimming can help keep joints flexible and reduce pain.
- Heat and Cold: Heating pads and ice packs can help soothe discomfort, though individuals may need to find what works best for them.
- Weight Management: Losing excess weight reduces stress on weight-bearing joints, improving mobility.
- Assistive Devices: Devices like canes or walkers can make daily tasks easier and protect joints.