I know the secret to getting rid of arthritis pain forever and it is not taking drugs. A few years ago I accidentally discovered how to rid one's self of arthritis pain, naturally.

Osteoarthritis affects joints in a different way depending on their location in the body, causing various symptoms. Arthritis pain can be experienced whenever a stiff or swollen joint is used. The first step when looking for solutions to an arthritis pain problem is to understand how arthritis works.

Collagen is the essential protein in cartilage; it forms a mesh to give support and flexibility to the joint. The combination of the collagen meshwork and high water content tightly bound by proteoglycans, creates a resilient, slippery pad in the joint, which resists the compression between bones during muscle movement. Cartilage contains a high percentage of water, but it decreases with age.

Most experts now believe that osteoarthritis results from a genetic susceptibility that causes a biologic response to injuries to the joint, which leads to progressive deterioration of cartilage. Injuries sometimes can be the start in the arthritic disease process; osteoarthritis can develop years later even after a single traumatic injury to a joint or near a joint. The cause of arthritis (osteoarthritis) and the factors leading to the deterioration of cartilage in osteoarthritis is still not understood.

Making a ginger tea, by adding a thin slice or two of fresh gingerroot to hot water, is helpful to many people I know. A study in Great Britain touted the beneficial effects of cod liver oil on osteoarthritis; relieving pain and stiffness, and reversing the destruction of joint cartilage within 24 hours. For snacks, choose raw nuts without salt instead of lifeless roasted nuts.

Natural treatment for arthritis is usually a better choice because it's non-invasive to the body. One natural treatment method involves avoiding all inflammatory foods. Dried Montmorency tart cherries seem to be helpful for arthritis pain also.

If you really want to get rid of your arthritis pain forever it may take a radical change in your diet and an ongoing commitment. Keep in mind, if you take a joint supplement it should help do three things -- build cartilage, relieve everyday joint pain, and enhance your flexibility and movement.

Make smoothies with fruit only using a base of two bananas, adding a cup of frozen or fresh blueberries and mango chunks or substitute any other fruit and add an energy boost of two tablespoons of coconut oil; add one or two leaves of kale for another highly nutritional boost -- no one will ever know. I eat a diet of living foods (fruits, raw veggies, raw nuts and raw seeds) to relieve my arthritis pain and this should be tried for at least 30 days, thus eliminating any foods that might be culprits.

There are a number of exercises which can benefit arthritis sufferers regardless of how much restriction of movement there is. Exercise your affected joints every day, to keep them flexible. If you have pain and swelling in your fingers, try squeezing Thera-putty made for this purpose or exercising with two Chinese chime balls. Exercise in a heated pool; it will help reduce the pressure on your joints and the heat will help you loosen those joints.

Sign up for water aerobics classes at your local community center. Even the lightest exercise can go a long way to maintaining your joint mobility and overall health. Important exercises for arthritis are range-of-motion exercises, isometrics, and some weight bearing exercises.

Once you become more informed about arthritis you'll be able to plan an arthritis treatment program, natural or conventional or a combination of both. At the very least, understand what the side effects and adverse reactions are for any drug you take. Only you know which treatment option is best for you.

Once you understand the facts about arthritis, possible causes and treatment approaches you can take, you'll be on your way to recovery and pain will disappear. Arthritis pain relief is the ultimate goal - understanding arthritis is a good way to get there. Changing your diet to predominately fruits and raw veggies, like I did, can turn your arthritis pain around almost overnight.