Arthritis is a joint disorder that causes joints to swell and be inflamed. Arthritis affects millions of people all over the world. There are over 100 different types of arthritis including juvenile and infectious arthritis. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that is caused by trauma, infection or age. The symptoms of osteoarthritis include tenderness, stiffness, effusion and joint pain. There are many causes of osteoarthritis though it is thought to be linked to heredity. As patients experience pain in their joints they move less which causes surrounding muscles to atrophy and stiffen.

Gout is a very painful type of arthritis. Gout is caused by the crystallization of uric acid inside joints which causes them to be inflamed. There are many factors that can lead to the development of gout. Dietary factors, such as drinking soft drinks or beer, can lead to gout. The unique thing about gout is that it is controllable by changing your diet and lifestyle. For women, after menopause they have an increased risk of developing gout. Estrogen lowers uric acid levels so when estrogen levels drop uric acid can build up in joints. Some medical conditions, like diabetes and hypertension, have been found to increase the likelihood of developing gout. Like most forms of arthritis, gout is thought to have a genetic link.

Beyond heredity there are other causes of arthritis. As people age they are more likely to develop arthritis. The cartilage becomes more brittle in bones as you age and has less ability to repair itself. Injury to joints can also increase the likelihood of developing arthritis. When joints are damaged it can cause irregularities in the normally smooth joint. Having an infection or illness in a joint can also lead to the development of arthritis. Being overweight is a major risk factor for developing arthritis. Joints can be damaged by carrying a heavy load on a regular basis. Obesity is particularly difficult on the knees and hips.

There are many suggested cures for arthritis relief. One of the cures for arthritis is over the counter pain relievers. Many patients choose to pair their pain reliever with a topic arthritis cream. Topical arthritis cream can provide instant relief from the pain. The cream is applied directly to the joint that hurts. Typically the creams lasts the duration of the over the counter medication. For severe pain many patients turn to prescription medication. Applying heat to the joint can also provide pain relief. Heat can be applied using a heating pad, warm washcloth or have a bath. There are other remedies for arthritis pain such as exercise and physical therapy. Exercising can reduce joint pain by building up muscle strength. Visiting a physical therapist can give you tips for low impact exercises you can do at home to reduce joint pain. There are many natural remedies for . For more information of these remedy options consider visiting a naturopathic doctor.