Arthritis is defined as a joint disorder that features inflammation. The area of the body where two different bones meet is called the joint. A joint functions to move the body parts connected by its bones.

Literally, arthritis means "inflammation of one or more joints". The illness comes in many forms, with each form having a peculiar cause.

The most common form is osteoarthritis or simply OA. Other arthritis forms include autoimmune diseases such as psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis wherein the body attacks itself. Caused by a joint infection is another form of arthritis called septic arthritis.

Another form is gouty arthritis which is brought about by the depositions of uric acid crystals in the joint resulting further to inflammation. Pseudogout is a very rare type of gout which is brought about by the formation of rhomboid crystals of calcium pyrophosphate.

All forms of arthritis are accompanied by pain. Pain occurring in the joints is called arthralagia.

Arthritis pain patterns may vary depending on what type of arthritis is present and the location in the body where the illness is being experienced. For instance, arthritis pain brought about by rheumatoid arthritis is generally worse during the mornings and most frequently accompanied with stiffness.

During its early stages, the patients affected by the ailment will often show no symptoms after a morning shower. Both in children and in aged patients, arthritis pain may not be the presenting feature. For the aged patients, they only tend to move less, while infant patients refuse to use the affected limbs.

There is no single treatment that can be applied for everyone affected with arthritis. Seeking medical help is necessary. The doctor will determine what type of arthritis is present and will be developing a management plan specifically designed to reduce the particular pain and improve the function of the joints. There are a number of treatments that can provide short-term relief for arthritis pain.

First thing to do is to manage your arthritis pain. There are forms of arthritis which are classified as chronic diseases. These types may last a lifetime and the pain could be really distressing since it affects the patients on many levels. An important factor in controlling the ailment and ensuring a good quality of life is learning how to manage pain over the long term.

Being continually sought are better ways to control pain. With the goal of relieving pain, arthritis patients may try different ways of relieving pain techniques. From these, the best technique may be identified. The success or failure of each form of therapy may vary from person to person. What could have worked for one person may not work for another person.

Osteoarthritis sufferers may have very little inflammation. Acetaminophen is a suggested pain reliever. On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis patients may experience pain that is caused by inflammation. Suggested medications for rheumatoid arthritis patients are aspirin or other forms of NSAIDS. To allow the joints to rest, it could be helpful to use a splint or a base.