Knee arthritis – Symptoms, types, and treatments
Knee arthritis is a common medical condition that can significantly impact your daily life.
From joint stiffness to reduced range of motion, the symptoms of knee arthritis can make even the simplest tasks, like walking, a painful experience.
While most forms of arthritis are incurable, there are ways to effectively manage the symptoms.
In this article, we will learn about different forms of knee arthritis, their symptoms, and available treatment options. Keep reading if you are ready to say goodbye to your knee pains!
What is knee arthritis?
Knee arthritis is not one disease but rather a term encompassing different forms of arthritis. What these diseases have in common is that they all affect the knee joints.
Knee arthritis symptoms
While arthritis in the knee can have different forms, each with its own progression curve, the symptoms of these diseases are usually similar.
One might experience the following:
- Joint pain that increases with movement or after longer periods of standing or sitting
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Redness around the joint area
- Decreased range of motion
- Unexpected locking of the knee
- Cracking or clicking sound when moving the joint
- Weakness in the knee
Certain forms of arthritis might also have some additional symptoms, like fever or fatigue, which might indicate inflammation.
Types of knee arthritis
While symptoms might be similar across most forms of knee arthritis, the underlying cause, the progression of the disease, and treatment options may vary, depending on the type of arthritis.
For this reason, it's crucial to get a proper diagnosis and determine the kind of knee arthritis we're dealing with.
Below, we will look at the most common forms of arthritis that might affect the knee joints.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It's a degenerative disease where the cartilage between bones starts to break down. The condition worsens over time, sever osteoarthritis might cause permanent damage to the bones as well.
It can affect any joint in the body, including the knees.
Old age, physical trauma, and genetic factors can all increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis in the knee.
As with many other forms of arthritis, osteoarthritis is incurable. The best course of action is to reduce the impact of symptoms through medications, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, surgery.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks healthy tissues in the body. Most of the time, it affects the joints - including the knees - but may also cause damage to the skin, organs, and other areas of the body.
The symptoms are similar to other forms of arthritis: pain, stiffness, and tenderness in the joints. Additionally, people with rheumatoid arthritis might experience fevers, weight loss, fatigue, and general weakness. A common sign of rheumatoid arthritis is when the symptoms appear symmetrically on both sides of the body.
Rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age, and the causes of the disease are not yet known. It appears more commonly in women or those with a family history of the disease. Smoking might also increase your risk of developing it.
There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but it's possible to lessen the effects of the symptoms with medications.
Post-traumatic knee arthritis
Post-traumatic knee arthritis is a form of osteoarthritis that develops after a trauma or an injury to the joint. It might appear shortly after the trauma, but even a previously healed injury can cause post-traumatic knee arthritis later. Usually, it has a faster progression than simple osteoarthritis.
Symptoms are similar to osteoarthritis. The only difference is the speed the disease develops, with post-traumatic arthritis being faster.
When treating post-traumatic knee arthritis, doctors usually focus on pain management and stabilizing the affected joint through low-impact exercise, physical therapy, or braces.
Gout
Gout is a kind of arthritis that might develop resulting from too much uric acid in the body. The urate buildup might form sharp little crystals in the joints, causing pain flare-ups, redness, tenderness, inflammation, and joint discomfort.
Gout most commonly develops in the big toe, but later stages of the disease can affect other joints too. While gout of the knee is rare, it's not unheard of.
During treatment, doctors usually focus on managing the pain attacks and lowering uric acid levels. They may also check for underlying kidney problems, which could cause the urate buildup.
Diagnosing knee arthritis
Doctors can diagnose arthritis in the knee with a combination of physical examination, X-ray or MRI imaging, and blood or joint-fluid tests.
When diagnosing arthritis, it's crucial to look for possible underlying causes and to find the exact form of arthritis, as treatment might be different for each.
Knee arthritis treatment
The course of treatment for knee arthritis depends on which type of arthritis you're dealing with. Non-inflammatory arthritides like osteoarthritis might call for simple painkillers, while autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis might get treated using immunosuppressants.
In severe cases of knee arthritis, doctors might suggest surgery. Surgical options are usually a last resort, and they might include joint replacement, joint fusing, or realignment of the joint.
If you’d like to know more about your treatment options, make sure you read our article on arthritis remedies.
The Dos and Don'ts of living with knee arthritis
In addition to seeing a doctor and getting treatment for your knee arthritis, there are a few things you can do for yourself to lessen the impact of your condition. And some other things you should avoid when you have arthritis.
The Dos
These small lifestyle changes and techniques might help you ease the pain and slow down the progression of the disease.
Stay active
When dealing with knee pain, it's easy to fall into a more sedentary lifestyle in hope of avoiding the pain. But that usually only makes arthritis worse. So make sure you get some exercise, even if it’s just a couple of minutes a day.
Choose low-impact activities that don't put too much stress on the joints. Swimming, rowing, tai chi, and yoga are all good options.
Try to maintain a healthy weight
Putting too much weight on your knees can stress the joints and speed up the progression of arthritis. So it's best to maintain a healthy weight as much as you can.
Following a balanced diet and doing low-impact cardio - like swimming - can help you achieve that.
Support your knees
You might want to use external support to reduce stress on your knees. Wrap bandages, braces, or even walking canes can help by stabilizing and supporting the joint.
The Don’ts
There are some other things that you might want to avoid if you are dealing with knee arthritis.
Don't put further stress on your joints
Try to reduce unnecessary load and stress on your knees. Avoid high-impact sports such as running, soccer, kickboxing, or basketball.
Only carry as much weight as your knees can safely support. If your knee joints are weak as a result of arthritis, it's best to avoid hauling heavy loads like furniture and so.
Always wear protective gear when doing activities with a risk of falling - like cycling. Knee protectors can reduce further joint damage.
Don't eat too many unhealthy foods
Following a healthy and balanced diet comes with many benefits, and it can also reduce the impact of arthritis in some cases.
It's best to avoid inflammatory foods like fried meals, red and processed meats, refined grains, and sodas. Doctors also advise cutting back on alcohol, as certain beverages amplify the inflammatory symptoms of arthritis. You might want to introduce some anti-inflammatory foods to your diet instead, like salmon, blueberries, tomatoes, and green leafy vegetables, to name a few.
How does joint arthritis affect different joints?
Joint arthritis is a painful condition that affects a surprisingly big part of our adult population.
It comes with symptoms that can severely hinder our everyday lives, like joint pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion.
Stay with us to learn more about how arthritis can affect different joints and what you can do about it.
Different forms of arthritis and our joints
The term arthritis itself refers to a group of diseases that causes joint inflammation and pain.
So, technically, every form of arthritis is joint arthritis. But there are differences in the underlying causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
If you'd like to learn more about the most common types of the disease, you can do so in our overview article about arthritis. In this article, we will talk about how arthritis can affect different joints.
How arthritis affects different joints?
Most forms of joint arthritis can occur in any joint of the body. However, they usually affect only a few at a time, especially in their early stages.
Arthritis in the foot
Painful, swollen or red joints in the feet might be a sign of arthritis.
Gout is one of the most notable examples of foot arthritis, as it often starts in the big toe. Other forms of arthritis which might affect the feet are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis.
If you experience foot arthritis, the following things can help ease the symptoms:
- Wear special shoe inserts that decrease the stress on the joints
- Avoid high-impact exercises like running and soccer
- Use temperature therapy to reduce pain and stiffness, but avoid heat therapy if you have inflammatory arthritis
Knee arthritis
The knees are one of the joints most commonly affected by arthritis.
Osteoarthritis might often be the cause behind this. It's a degenerative joint disease that causes the joint tissues to break down over time. Post-traumatic arthritis might also be at play, as it is a form of osteoarthritis triggered by joint trauma.
Here are a few tips on how to make life with knee arthritis easier:
- Avoid further stress and trauma to the joint
- Reduce the load on the damaged joints by maintaining a healthy weight
- Stabilize the joint with wrap bandages, braces, or walking canes
Hip arthritis
If you experience pain, weakness, and cracking sounds in your hip area, these might be the signs of hip arthritis.
Because the hips are weight-bearing joints, they have a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and avascular necrosis can also affect the hip area.
When dealing with hip arthritis, you might want to pay attention to these things:
- Avoid overuse and high-impact stress on the joints
- Try to change your office chair to an ergonomic one
- Stay physically active with low-impact sports like swimming
Spinal arthritis
Arthritis in the spine can cause back pain, inflammation, and stiffness. In severe cases, it might even limit your range of motion.
Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are common forms of the disease that might affect the spine and the sacrum area. The symptoms usually appear in the neck or the lower back. If you experience back pain, it's crucial to see a doctor, because some conditions have a better prognosis with early treatment.
Try to apply the following everyday changes to reduce your back pain:
- Use an ergonomic mattress and office chair that offers better support for your spine
- Remain physically active
- Avoid sitting in one position for too long, and take small breaks when working in front of a computer
- Make sure your core muscles can support your spine by keeping them in good shape with low-impact exercises like tai chi or swimming
Arthritis in the shoulders and elbows
Arthritis in the elbows or shoulders is less common than in other joints, but it can still occur.
Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis could affect these joints, but psoriatic arthritis and gout are also possible causes, especially in the elbow. While they are not categorized as arthritides, frozen shoulder and bursitis could also cause similar symptoms in the shoulder area.
If you experience pain, stiffness, and swelling, following these simple steps might help ease your symptoms:
- Avoid repetitive movements, high-impact stress, and overuse of the joint
- If you are doing office work, try to find a more comfortable position for your arms or use an ergonomic mouse
- Braces and wrap bandages can help stabilize the joint and reduce further stress
- Avoid lifting heavy weights
Arthritis in hands and fingers
The fingers and the wrist are often affected by arthritis.
Psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, osteoarthritis, and gout are different forms of arthritis that might appear in the joints of the hand. They might cause pain, swelling, stiffness, or in more severe cases, even bone deformities.
This form of arthritis can be especially uncomfortable because we use our hands for so many things. When dealing with arthritis of the hands, even simple everyday tasks can turn into painful challenges.
There are a few things that might make it easier to manage your symptoms:
- Try to avoid strong gripping movements and overuse of the joints
- If you work in an office setting, try to use an ergonomic mouse
- Try to utilize technologies like voice commands and speech-to-text tools to minimize the stress on your hands
Polyarthritis
Sometimes arthritis only affects one single joint, but more often than not, it appears in multiple joints simultaneously. Rheumatoid arthritis is well known for this because it's a systematic autoimmune disease that affects the whole immune system, and the symptoms often appear symmetrically on both sides of the body.
When some form of arthritis affects more than five joints, we call it polyarthritis.
It's important to note that it's also possible to have multiple different kinds of arthritis in parallel.
Treatment options for joint arthritis
Regardless of which joints arthritis appears in, it's best to look for treatment options as soon as possible. For many forms of arthritis, an early diagnosis can make treatment more effective.
Different types of arthritis have different underlying causes and symptoms. Because of this, treatment options may also vary. Most kinds of joint arthritis are incurable, so usually, the goal is to minimize the impact of symptoms and slow down further progression of the disease.
Medications, physical therapy, alternative pain management methods, and surgery can all be part of the treatment plan. If you'd like to know more about your treatment options, see our article about remedies for arthritis.
Osteoarthritis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis resulting from the breakdown and abrasion of joint tissue. The symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, and difficulty of movement.
Early diagnosis can increase the chances of successful treatment and reduce permanent damage. That is why it’s crucial to understand osteoarthritis.
In this article, we will learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative arthritis often referred to as the wear and tear of the joints. But it’s more than just simple wear and tear.
As a result of osteoarthritis, joint tissues themselves go through changes, causing them to break down over time. This process can affect the protective cushion called cartilage, the tendons and ligaments, the lining of the joint, and even the bones. The results are joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.
The effects of osteoarthritis usually increase over time and can turn even simple everyday activities into painful struggles.
Types of osteoarthritis
We can distinguish between primary and secondary osteoarthritis. It’s called primary when the cause of the disease is unknown, and secondary when it’s caused by an underlying injury, disease, or infection.
Symptoms and signs of osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a condition that worsens over time. We can break down the progression of the disease into different stages. Each stage has distinct symptoms and varying levels of impact on our everyday lives.
The first stage is called pre-osteoarthritis, where the disease is not apparent yet, but early cellular level changes can already be present. While this stage of the disease doesn’t show symptoms yet, diagnosis is possible using MRI technology.
Osteoarthritis then progresses to the early stage, where mild joint pain may occur, but the symptoms are still sparse. During this stage, the cartilage may start to wear down.
In the next stage, painful growths on the ends of the bones may appear, called bone spurs. The damage to the cartilage increases, causing the space between the joints to narrow. Symptoms of this stage may include stiffness and increased pain during joint movement.
The worsening disease can enter a moderate stage, where the cartilage and the bones can show visible signs of abrasion. Bone spurs may increase in size and get more painful. In this stage, the joint pain usually becomes more apparent with movement, and the joints get stiffer after periods of inactivity.
In the final stage of osteoarthritis, the cartilage of the joints has suffered severe damage. With most or all of the cushioning gone, the bones may rub against each other, causing intense pain. This stage of the disease can significantly affect our everyday lives, turning even the simplest activities into painful experiences. The symptoms may include swelling and inflammation of the joints as well.
Diagnosing osteoarthritis
Doctors can diagnose osteoarthritis using a combination of physical examination, imaging tests, and fluid analysis.
First, they will perform a physical exam and check the range of movement, flexibility, and signs of swelling or tenderness.
If they suspect arthritis, X-ray or MRI scans can reveal signs of cartilage loss and bone spurs.
During a joint aspiration test, they draw liquid directly from the joints to look for signs of inflammation and infections. A blood test can help rule out other forms of arthritis.
Diagnosing osteoarthritis in its early stages can provide a chance to slow down the progression of the disease and delay the more painful later stages.
Osteoarthritis causes
While osteoarthritis is commonly known as the wear and tear of the joints, it’s more than just simple abrasion. When you suffer from osteoarthritis, the tissues change on a cellular level. And while the overuse of the joint can accelerate the progression of the disease, osteoarthritis may occur even without it.
Some common risk factors may increase the chances of developing the disease and worsen the condition.
Some occupations and sports require repeated movement, which might lead to stress and overuse of the joints. This kind of stress, or other joint injuries, can increase the risks of faster development of the disease.
Age and sex can also contribute to osteoarthritis, as the risk increases with older age, and the disease is more common among women.
As with other forms of arthritis, obesity can be a risk factor because it increases the load and stress on the joints.
Osteoarthritis can develop from bone deformities or some metabolic diseases too. These are sometimes related to genetics and family history and sometimes caused by other medical conditions.
Osteoarthritis treatment
While osteoarthritis can’t be cured entirely, it’s possible to manage the symptoms and slow down or even stop the progression of the disease.
Treatment for osteoarthritis usually involves a combination of different methods.
Medications
The main goal of osteoarthritis medication is to reduce the pain and inflammation.
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, doctors may prescribe different kinds of medications. The most commonly used ones are the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that often reduce both inflammation and pain. If you can’t take other forms of medicine, paracetamol painkillers might be recommended. For very intense pain, doctors might give you opioids, but usually only for a shorter period.
In some cases, when other forms of treatment don’t work well, steroid injections can offer relief.
Lifestyle changes
Some general lifestyle changes can decrease the risk of osteoarthritis or slow down the progression of an already-developed disease.
Regular exercise can help in multiple different ways. It strengthens the joints and the surrounding muscles, increasing durability and joint support. It can also help you lose weight and decrease the load and stress on the joints. When you have osteoarthritis, it’s best to consult your doctor about exercise plans, as high-impact movements like running might do more harm than good. Low-impact exercises like swimming or tai-chi might be better choices.
It is also worth considering changing your diet. As mentioned before, losing weight could be an essential lifestyle change to manage the disease, and a well-structured diet can help you with that. You might also want to avoid unhealthy food choices, such as meals high in fats, sugary drinks, and other inflammatory foods.
Surgery
Surgery is usually only recommended in rare cases when other types of treatments fail or the joint damage is very severe.
Joint replacement, joint fusing, or bone surgery are all possible options, but usually, these are reserved as a last measure.
Pain relief for osteoarthritis
One of the biggest challenges with osteoarthritis is managing the everyday pain.
While traditional medicines offer effective pain relief, they rarely come without side effects. Especially when taken regularly over a long period of time.
So, we often look for alternative pain remedies. This is exactly how we came up with a new and effective solution called vibrotactile technology. This method is entirely drug-free, so you don't have to worry about side effects. And it doesn't interfere with other pain meds, either.
We call this new way of pain management the Freedom SuperPatch because it finally sets you free not only from the pain but also from the worry of potentially harmful medications.
Ready to reclaim your Freedom? Check out our Freedom pain patches!
Inflammatory Arthritis – Types, Symptoms, Causes, And Treatments
Inflammatory arthritis is not a single disease but a group of medical conditions that affect the joints and cause inflammation.
If you experience joint inflammation, you might be dealing with inflammatory arthritis. To learn more about your condition, you need to know the different types of inflammatory arthritis, their symptoms, and possible treatment options.
So, in the following article, we will explore these and more.
What is inflammatory arthritis?
Arthritis is an umbrella term for diseases that affect the joints and cause pain, swelling, and often inflammation. Many forms of arthritis are inflammatory diseases, but not all of them.
A common example of non-inflammatory arthritis could be osteoarthritis.
The question arises, why is it even necessary to differentiate between non-inflammatory and inflammatory arthritides? The reason for that is the difference in treatment methods.
Those with inflammatory arthritis will not only need to manage the pain symptoms but also treat the underlying inflammation and potentially the cause of that inflammation too.
Types of inflammatory arthritis
When we say inflammatory arthritis, we can refer to many different diseases.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
An inflammatory autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis causes the immune system to attack healthy cells. Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms may include joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Reactive arthritis (ReA)
Reactive arthritis, as the name suggests, usually develops as a reaction to an infection or food poisoning. It causes inflammation and pain in the joints.
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)
Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic disease that causes inflammation in the spine area leading to back pain and joint stiffness.
Psoriatic arthritis
Psoriasis is an inflammatory autoimmune condition that causes the skin to form scaly patches. The disease might attack the joints, making them stiff and painful, called psoriatic arthritis.
Septic arthritis
Septic arthritis can develop as a result of an underlying infection. It's often called infectious arthritis for this reason. With septic arthritis, early diagnosis is crucial to avoid permanent damage.
Gout
Gout is a disease where uric acid buildup creates sharp little crystals in the joints, causing pain flare-ups and inflammation.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
SLE is the most common form of lupus, an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the tissues in the body, including the joints.
Inflammatory arthritis symptoms
As we have seen, inflammatory arthritis has many different forms, and their symptoms could differ. What they all have in common is the inflammation of the joints, which leads to some typical symptoms across the different types.
- Joint pain
- Swelling
- Warmth
- Tenderness
- Stiffness, especially in the morning
Keep in mind that the above symptoms might also indicate non-inflammatory arthritis and other joint diseases as well.
Many forms of inflammatory arthritis are results of an underlying autoimmune disease, and those might affect other parts of the body, not just the joints. So people might experience other symptoms in addition to the ones listed above. These might include fatigue, pain, fever, weight loss, etc.
Diagnosing inflammatory arthritis
As inflammatory arthritis encompasses more than one disease, the methods of diagnosis can differ for each.
Doctors usually examine the symptoms, take blood and joint fluid samples, and order imaging tests like X-rays and MRIs.
With many forms of arthritis, early diagnosis is crucial, as it may increase your chances of avoiding permanent damage and more severe consequences. So, if you experience any of the previously mentioned symptoms, it's advised that you book an appointment with your doctor.
Inflammatory arthritis treatment
As the root cause behind these inflammatory joint diseases can differ, so does the treatment for them. A few of them can be cured, others can go into remission, and with some, your best course of action is simply reducing the symptoms.
Relieving pain and reducing inflammation are common treatment goals with almost all forms of inflammatory arthritis.
These can be achieved with different medications, depending on the severity of the symptoms and other factors. Analgesic painkillers reduce the pain but not the inflammation, so doctors usually recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) instead. While NSAIDs can reduce the symptoms of pain and inflammation, they can't stop the progression of the disease.
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are commonly used to treat inflammatory or autoimmune conditions. These drugs are immunosuppressants or immunomodulators, meaning that they usually reduce the activity of the immune system, which in turn slows down or stops autoimmune diseases. Their downside is that your body will be more vulnerable to other attacks because of the weaker immune system.
Another option for treating inflammatory arthritis is corticosteroids. These can be injected directly into the joints, reducing inflammation and suppressing the autoimmune reaction. Their effects can last for as long as a couple of months.
Other ways to reduce inflammation
While they don't substitute proper medical treatment, some lifestyle changes and alternative methods might help reduce the inflammation in your body.
A healthy diet
Following an anti-inflammatory diet for arthritis can reduce symptoms and lead to an overall healthier lifestyle.
Grapes, tomatoes, green leafy vegetables, blueberries, nuts, tea, and salmon are some of the best anti-inflammatory foods. Some spices like turmeric, rosemary, cumin, ginger, and cinnamon may also help with inflammation.
Some other foods are best to avoid. Red and processed meats, fried food, soda, and refined carbohydrates are all known for their inflammatory effects. Heavy alcohol consumption can also lead to increased inflammation, so it's best to lower your intake of alcoholic drinks.
Regular exercise
Leading an active lifestyle has many benefits, including a protective effect against chronic inflammation.
In addition to its anti-inflammatory effects, regular exercise may also help you lose weight, reducing the load on the joints, which is beneficial for any form of arthritis.
However, arthritis patients should avoid further stress on the joints, so be mindful when choosing exercise options. Low-impact sports like tai-chi or swimming are preferable over high-impact movements like running.
Stress management
When we experience stress, our body releases different chemicals and hormones. These trigger a stress response, which is useful in the short term but it also suppresses many important bodily functions at the same time. When stress becomes chronic, this can negatively affect our bodies in many different ways, including increased inflammation.
Therefore, managing everyday stress levels can help ease the symptoms of inflammatory diseases and provide many other benefits.
While we can't eliminate stressors from our lives completely, meditation and breathing exercises can reduce their effects.
Cold therapy
Temperature therapy is a commonly recommended alternative method for joint pain relief. It's effective, easy to use, and doesn't interfere with medications.
But when dealing with inflammatory arthritis, it's best to avoid heat therapy because it stimulates inflammation.
Cold therapy, on the other hand, can not only offer pain relief but also reduces inflammation and swelling.
Traditional vs. Alternative Arthritis Treatments: Which One Works Best?
Arthritis can be a devastating disease that takes its toll on our everyday well-being. It turns even simple activities, like walking and picking things up, into painful tasks. Finding remedies for arthritis is crucial to regain your pain-free life.
To help you find the best remedy for your symptoms, we will look at different treatment options, weighing the pros and cons of each.
If you are ready to finally say goodbye to your arthritis pains, keep reading!
The goal of arthritis treatments
Before we dive into the list of remedies, we need to talk a bit about the goal of arthritis treatments.
Arthritis has many forms. Each of them affects the joints in negative ways, but the set of symptoms and the progression of the disease can vary. What’s important to keep in mind is that most forms of arthritis can cause permanent damage to the joints. Once the damage is done, it usually can’t be undone completely.
Furthermore, most types of arthritis are incurable conditions and will get worse over time.
So, generally, the aim of treatment is to slow down the progression of the disease and lessen the impact of the symptoms on our everyday lives.
Traditional treatment options for arthritis
First, we will discuss traditional remedies, often prescribed by doctors.
Over-the-counter or prescription painkillers
Pain relief is among the top priorities when treating arthritis.
For this purpose, doctors often recommend traditional painkillers, either OTC or prescription ones, depending on how severe the pain is. These usually reduce the pain symptoms, but some of them don’t treat the inflammation.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Ibuprofen and Naproxen are frequently used NSAID medications. They reduce both inflammation and pain.
While these medications are reliable sources of pain relief, they often come with undesirable side effects, such as stomach irritations or an increased risk of heart problems.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are often used in treating arthritis, either in the form of pills or directly injected into the joints. They help reduce inflammation and work as an immunosuppressant. The latter is important, because some types of arthritis are autoimmune diseases, meaning that the immune system attacks the joints, causing damage.
Corticosteroid treatments are usually more effective than NSAIDs, and the effects of one injection can last for several months. However, they also weaken the immune system, and repeated use can increase cartilage loss. So, they don’t come without side effects either.
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
DMARDs are often used by patients with autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis. They can slow down the progression of the disease by suppressing the immune reaction of the body. While this can help treat the symptoms of arthritis, it also comes with a weakened immune system.
Targeted DMARDs are a fairly new type of medication. As their name suggests, instead of affecting the whole immune system, they only target certain molecules, lessening the side effects while keeping the benefits.
Topical solutions
Creams, gels, patches, and other topical solutions can be used instead of - or in conjunction with - oral medicines.
The active ingredients in these solutions can vary. Some contain natural numbing or cooling agents, others are targeted NSAID medications.
Surgery for arthritis
Surgery is a more drastic measure, but in some severe cases, it might be the only effective treatment.
During joint repair surgery, the surfaces of the bones are smoothened and realigned. This removes the painful bone spurs at the ends of bones, and helps alleviate the pain. In some cases, the joint can’t be saved anymore, and replacement surgery might be necessary. During this process, they replace the whole joint with an artificial one.
Natural, alternative, and home remedies for arthritis
Alongside the traditional medications, there are also some alternative remedies that can help alleviate the symptoms of arthritis.
When looking at alternative treatments, it’s important to do the proper research for each option. Some of the solutions you might come across are science-backed and recommended by doctors, while others, not so much.
Herbal remedies for arthritis
Some herbal and natural solutions can ease the pain of the joints and allow a better range of movement. These are usually topical remedies, like creams applied directly to the affected joints.
Common ingredients in these products are menthol and capsaicin. Menthol has a cooling effect that soothes the nerves, reduces inflammation, and alleviates the pain. Capsaicin - extracted from chili peppers - has the exact opposite effect causing an initial burning sensation in the area, which numbs the pain by blocking a pain signal chemical in the body.
Hot and cold therapy
Temperature therapy is a natural and science-backed way to reduce pain, stiffness, and inflammation.
Heat therapy can relax the stiff joints and improve circulation in the surrounding area. It can be as simple as a hot bath or a heating pad. But some prefer using warm paraffin wax on the painful joints.
Cold therapy can numb the pain receptors in the area, soothing pain and reducing inflammation. A bag of ice, a cold pack, or a bathtub filled with iced water are all simple ways that can help with the acute pains of arthritis.
Massage
Massage therapy has an important medical role in many joint or muscle-related diseases, including arthritis. A good massage can improve blood flow, reduce swelling and stiffness, and temporarily improve the mobility of the joints.
It’s important to note that one should be careful with massages, applying only moderate pressure and never done during a pain flare-up.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
TENS is a treatment that works by sending an electric current through the nerves, overriding pain signals. While some find it an effective way to relieve acute pains, the scientific evidence is not uniform on the uses of TENS. So, currently, the general recommendation is to avoid TENS treatment until more research is done on the topic.
Glucosamine supplements
Another commonly suggested treatment option for arthritis is glucosamine. Glucosamine is a crystalline compound that naturally occurs in connective tissues.
The problem with glucosamine treatment is that some anecdotal evidence supports its use, while other research suggests that it has an adverse effect in treating arthritis. For this reason, doctors and practitioners often advise against it, at least until we have more data.
Lifestyle changes as remedies for arthritis
While joint damage can’t be reversed, some lifestyle factors can have a strong effect on the progression of arthritis. Making some recommended lifestyle changes can slow down the disease and reduce the symptoms at the same time.
Losing weight
Obesity can be a significant risk factor for many forms of arthritis. The reason behind this is the increased load on the already damaged joints that might lead to faster deterioration.
While losing weight is not always easy, especially when your range of motion is already limited because of arthritis, there are still some options.
Following a stricter diet, eating more healthy foods, and getting a little more active can all go a long way toward naturally slowing down the progression of arthritis.
Exercise for arthritis
Regular exercise can help in multiple different ways. As mentioned above, losing some weight can ease the burden on the affected joints. Low-impact movement can also reduce stiffness and increase the range of motion. Another benefit is that the stronger the surrounding muscles are, the better they can support the joint.
When we say exercise, we don’t mean crazy things like running marathons or climbing rocks. There are certain low-impact exercises perfectly suited for arthritis patients.
Swimming or other underwater activities are great because they allow free movement without unnecessary joint stress. Tai chi and some forms of yoga are also highly recommended forms of exercise, both of which can be done at home with minimal or no equipment.
Diet for arthritis
Following a healthy and balanced diet can be beneficial not only for arthritis symptoms but for your general health too.
As we already mentioned above, keeping a healthy weight can reduce the stress on your joints and slow down the progression of certain forms of arthritis. A balanced diet - rich in unprocessed foods, fruits, and vegetables and a limited intake of unhealthy fats - can help you achieve this.
Furthermore, certain foods might have a connection with arthritis symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids, for example, can help reduce inflammation associated with certain forms of arthritis. Vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of arthritis. Red meats are known for their inflammatory effects, so it’s recommended to lower your intake of them if you are suffering from inflammatory arthritis.
You can find a lot of claims online about certain foods that could help with arthritis, but the truth is, only very few of these are fully backed by scientific research. However, aiming for a healthy and balanced diet will help your body in many different ways, while having no real downside. So regardless of its effects (or the lack of them) on your arthritis symptoms, following general guidelines about healthy eating would be beneficial when planning your diet.
A unique treatment option for arthritis pain
As you can see, when choosing arthritis treatment options, you might have to make some compromises. Especially when it comes to pain management, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
Traditional pain medications can come with a lot of side effects. Natural remedies usually have lesser side effects, but they might not be as reliable.
Here at Super Patch, we have a vision that one should not make compromises when it comes to health. This is what inspired our Freedom patches.
These pain patches use innovative vibrotactile technology, stopping the pain right at the nerves without negative side effects or medications involved. They can offer pain relief on their own, or you can even use them in conjunction with other arthritis remedies, as they don’t interfere with traditional medicine.
If you are looking for a unique way to remedy your arthritis symptom - without making compromises - then come and take a look at our Freedom Pain Patches!
[get_custom_product_blog name="FREEDOM Wellness Patch" image="/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Freedom_Mock-e1672969927645.png" cta="Shop Now" link="https://shop.superpatch.com/#/shop/from/*|bdrepid|*?categoryID=65" description="For on-the-go relief from minor aches and pains, the Freedom Patch is the perfect solution for muscle and joint pain from exercise or daily activity."]
Arthritis – Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
Arthritis is a condition that can turn simple everyday tasks into painful experiences. The symptoms may include pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints of the body. Learning about arthritis can help you better understand your condition and take an active role in managing it.
In this article, we will explore what arthritis is, the various types of the disease, their symptoms, and their causes. We will also look at the treatment options available to manage your pain and improve joint function.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is not one disease, but rather an umbrella term for many conditions that cause inflammation, pain, or swelling in the joints.
These conditions can have a detrimental effect on your everyday life. They limit your movement, cause pain and make it difficult to perform even simple routine tasks, such as walking, climbing stairs, or even holding a pen.
Types of arthritis
Arthritis can come in many different forms. There are more than a hundred diseases and conditions that fit under the term. Each of them has its unique set of symptoms, different levels of severity, and varying treatment options. Let’s take a quick look at the most common ones.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a condition that occurs when the cartilage that covers the ends of bones wears down over time.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis - commonly referred to as RA - is an autoimmune disorder that can cause joint pain, swelling, and deformity.
Gout
Gout is a type of arthritis that results from a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden and severe joint pains.
Psoriatic arthritis
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes excessive skin cell build-up. It can affect the joints too, resulting in pain, stiffness, and swelling.
Septic arthritis
Septic arthritis is a painful infection of the joints, caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
Reactive arthritis
Reactive arthritis is an inflammatory disease that can develop after an infection.
Identifying and understanding the type of arthritis that you could be suffering from will help you find the appropriate treatment options and successfully manage your symptoms.
Arthritis symptoms
While arthritis has many types, the symptoms can be very similar in a lot of cases. They affect the joints in every scenario, but which joints and to what degree can differ from type to type.
If you have arthritis you might experience some of the following symptoms:
- Joint pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Redness and warmth around the joints
- Decreased range of motion
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Joint deformity
- Difficulty performing tasks that involve joint movement
While your exact symptoms may vary depending on what kind of arthritis you’re dealing with, what they all have in common is that they can significantly impact your quality of life and your ability to perform daily activities.
Diagnosing arthritis
Diagnosing arthritis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests.
During a physical exam, a doctor will check for joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and range of motion.
Diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI, ultrasound, or blood tests, may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For certain types of arthritis, a joint aspiration test might be needed, where fluid is drawn from the affected joint for analysis.
With some types of arthritis, an early diagnosis can reduce the risk of permanent damage, and make treatment easier.
Arthritis causes
Arthritis can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, age, joint injuries, infections, and underlying medical conditions. In some cases, repeated stress or overuse of a joint can lead to the development of arthritis.
Some types of the disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, are autoimmune disorders in which the immune system attacks the body's own tissues, including the joints.
Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, is often caused by wear and tear on the cartilage that cushions the joints.
Genetics and age can also be a factor at play, as some types of arthritis mostly affect the older population, and others are more common in families that have a history of arthritis.
Septic and reactive arthritis can be traced back to underlying infections.
While a lot of times arthritis develops on its own, lifestyle factors can also contribute to the occurrence or worsening of certain types of the disease. Obesity, for example, puts extra stress on the joints, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis. Smoking and a sedentary lifestyle can also worsen the symptoms of arthritis.
Treating arthritis
Treatment options for arthritis can depend on multiple factors, including the type and severity of the condition.
Some types of arthritis, like the autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, are incurable. In these cases, the treatment aims to reduce or eliminate the symptoms. For others, like septic arthritis treating the root cause can entirely cure the disease.
Let’s take a quick look at possible remedies for arthritis.
Medications
The main goal of arthritis medication is to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms. This can be achieved with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, or other alternative methods.
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) aim to slow down the progression of rheumatoid arthritis.
In some cases, where the disease is caused by an infection, antibiotics may be prescribed.
Physical therapy
Improving joint flexibility, strength and range of motion can help with certain types of arthritis. Physical therapy is a great option to achieve this.
Additionally, you can reduce the strain on your joints by performing everyday tasks in different ways and maintaining a healthy weight. In some cases, splints or braces might be needed to help support the weakened joint, let it rest, and protect it from further damage.
Surgery
In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
Joint repair surgery aims to smooth and realign the joint surfaces to improve function. Joint replacement is a more drastic approach, where they replace the damaged joint entirely with an artificial one.
Pain relief for arthritis
As most forms of arthritis are incurable, the main focus of treatment should be on managing the symptoms. Reducing the pain can help you regain your normal quality of life, and make everyday movements easier.
While regular pain medications can do a good job at this, they often come with a plethora of side effects. Alternative pain relief options on the other hand, don’t usually cause severe side effects, but their effectiveness can vary greatly.
If you are suffering from arthritis-related pain, SuperPatch has your joints covered. Our pain patches are non-invasive, medication-free products, that can relieve the pain with innovative vibrotactile technology.
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