The word arthritis is used to describe pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. Arthritis isn’t a single condition and there are several different types. It’s incurable, but it can be managed by using certain medications.

There are different types of arthritis, so it’s important to understand them before knowing the treatment options.

Arthritis Types

The most common types of arthritis are:

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term, progressive, and disabling autoimmune disease. It causes inflammation, swelling, and pain in and around the joints and other body organs. Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects the hands and feet first, but it can occur in any joint.

It usually involves the same joints on both sides of the body. Common symptoms include stiff joints, especially upon getting up in the mornings or after sitting down for a while. Some people often experience fatigue and a general feeling of being unwell.

Osteoarthritis

A type of joint disease that results from breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone. The most common symptoms are joint pain and stiffness. Initially, symptoms may occur only following exercise, but over time they may become constant.

Other symptoms may include joint swelling, decreased range of motion, and, when the back is affected, weakness or numbness of the arms and legs.The most commonly involved joints are those near the ends of the fingers, at the base of the thumb, neck, lower back, knee, and hips.

Gout

A form of inflammatory arthritis characterized by recurrent attacks of a red, tender, hot, and swollen joint. Pain typically comes on rapidly, reaching maximal intensity in less than twelve hours. The joint at the base of the big toe is affected in about half of cases.

It may also result in tophi, kidney stones, or urate nephropathy. Gout is due to persistently elevated levels of uric acid in the blood. This occurs from a combination of diet, other health problems, and genetic factors. At high levels, uric acid crystallizes and the crystals deposit in joints, tendons, and surrounding tissues, resulting in an attack of gout. Gout occurs more commonly in those who regularly eat meat or seafood, drink beer, or are overweight.

Arthritis Treatments

Medications for arthritis can have many side-effects, such as hair loss, nausea, breathing difficulties, and increased blood sugar levels. Another option for minimal side-effects is CBD oil. It can be used to treat arthritis because it helps in reducing inflammation. CBD oil is one of the best options because it decreases pain without causing the common side-effects associated with usual treatments. CBD doesn’t have any psychoactive properties, so it can be used regularly without feeling high.

Medications

The most common used arthritis medications are:

Analgesics: A painkiller used to relieve pain, without any effects on inflammation.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: a drug class that reduce pain, decrease fever, prevent blood clots and, in higher doses, decrease inflammation.

Counterirritants: When applied, counterirritants irritate the skin and create a temporary hot and/or cold sensation. These sensations can interrupt pain signals to the brain, essentially distracting the brain from pain. Menthol, eucalyptus, camphor, and wintergreen are all counterirritants.

Physical Therapy

Occupational therapy can teach you how to reduce strain on your joints during daily activities. Occupational therapists can show you how to modify your home and workplace environments to reduce motions that may aggravate arthritis. The goal of physical therapy is to get a person back to the point where he or she can perform normal, everyday activities without difficulty.

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