The word "arthritis" sounds as painful as the actual condition. Arthritis is a common sickness among aging people. People who suffer from arthritis have a difficult time performing daily activities because of the swelling and intense pain they feel in their joints. Arthritis occurs when the cartilage, the material that cushions the joints and prevents them from rubbing against each other, begins to disintegrate. Chances of arthritis increase with age because the cartilage has less capability of repairing itself. There are more than a hundred various types of arthritis that cause misery to people. Moreover, arthritis can also happen to young people.

At times, arthritis is also affected by the genetic makeup of a person. Some people are more prone to getting arthritis than other people. Weight and intensity of physical activities also increase the chances of arthritis. Professional athletes, for example, are prone to getting arthritis because of the strain their sport causes on their knees and other joints. Weight is also a crucial factor because more work is exerted on the joints when they have to support heavier weight.

Arthritis is a common ailment that’s not life threatening. However, it needs utmost attention because the pain it causes becomes an obstacle for a person to perform daily activities normally. It is important to consult a doctor first to determine the kind of arthritis you are dealing with. Generally, all kinds of arthritis lead to joint pain but the difference can also be in the cause. For instance, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition.

This means that the body itself disintegrates its own joints and soft tissues. Rheumatoid arthritis commonly affects the hands and feet, as well as the shoulder, neck, and elbow. Rheumatoid arthritis, being an autoimmune disease, has no cure but there are medications to relieve the pain. Gouty arthritis, on the other hand, is caused by the accumulation of urate crystals in the joint.

Gouty arthritis is caused by weight gain, heavy alcohol intake, high blood pressure, low thyroid levels, and irregular kidney function. Rheumatoid arthritis is usually inevitable for old people. On the other hand, gouty arthritis can occur with young people who are living an unhealthy lifestyle that causes the build-up of urate crystals.

Your best bet for arthritis treatment is by consulting your doctor. However, there are several things that you can do to alleviate the pain. Gouty arthritis, for example, is a condition with obesity as one of the causes. Maintaining or keeping a certain weight will relieve the inflammation of the joints. Osteoarthritis is inevitable among the old people because as the bone size increase, the spaces between the bones decrease. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis cannot be cured, but there are treatments that can relieve the pain and inflammation.

A gentle massage with warm olive oil on the joints can alleviate the pain. Painkillers are always an option, but must be avoided if possible. A regular exercise regimen should be observed to strengthen the joints. However, it should be done in moderate amounts to avoid wearing out the joints. Eating foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids such as fish is an effective way to minimize the pain of rheumatoid arthritis.