Arthritis refers to joint inflammation. But joint arthritis often refers to a group of over 100 rheumatic diseases which can cause pain, stiffness, as well as swelling in the joints. Such diseases may affect joints as well as many other parts of the body.In fact, joint arthritis can affect important supporting structures like muscles, bones, besides tendons as well as ligaments and internal organs.

The various types of arthritis are associated with pain which can be divided into two categories, which is acute or chronic. Acute pain refers to temporary pain. It may last a few seconds or a little longer but it tends to wane as the healing occurs. Chronic pain is seen in people having osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. This may be mild or severe and can even last months, years, or even a lifetime.

The painful symptoms of joint arthritis include inflammation, swelling besides redness, pain as well as stiffness. There are hundreds of different kinds of arthritis. The three most common ones are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis as well as gout.

In order to treat joint arthritis, the most popular are the Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs. All these are prescription medications. Even though these drugs can be quite helpful in treating the symptoms of arthritis, but due to the possible side effects, people are opting for safer, natural alternatives in order to treat their painful symptoms.In fact, many natural remedies for joint arthritis can be equally effective as the prescription as well as over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs. Thus they appear to be a better solution for all those who suffer from joint pain, swelling as well as inflammation due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or gout.

Osteoarthritis takes place when the protective cartilage covering the bones tends to wear away. This results in bones rubbing together and this friction leads to joint pain as well as swelling. It commonly affects the hands and hips besides the knee and spine.