Arthritis is caused by an erosion of cartilage between bones in a joint. Arthritis is most common in the hands, fingers, shoulders, hips, knees and lumbar (lower back) region. Symptoms can include severe pain, a burning sensation, numbness and weakness in joints and even an inability to effectively move a certain joint. There are nearly 100 different types of arthritis including osteoarthritis, the most common type, rheumatoid arthritis, tendonitis and even gout. Rheumatoid arthritis and severe osteoarthritis can sometimes cause certain joints to become deformed. But you can relieve arthritis with a combination of treatments.

Within the first 48-72 hours after the onset of arthritis you should used ice on your arthritic joint. Ice reduces inflammation and spelling by restricting the flow of blood to specific joints. Once the intial inflammation is under control, use a heating pad or very warm water to promote blood flow back to the joint. Blood contains oxygen and many nutrients such as vitamin A & C (antioxidants) which are necessary for healing.

It is also a good idea to rest your joint from the get-go because any initial physical activity early on can exacerbate your arthritis symptoms. Wait until you get your inflammation under control before doing any rehabilitiation exercises. These exercises usually include both stretching and resistance exercises. Exercise also stimulates blood flow to the joints. Stretching exercises will keep your joint flexible once the recovery process has started. And resistance exercises such as light weightlifting can increase strength in the muscles and tendons and add greated stability to a specific joint. When you exercise, it is important to build muscles that are adjacent to your affected joint. For example, if you have arthritis in your lumbar vertebrae (lower back), building muscles in your abdomen, buttocks and legs in addition to lower back muscles will take even more pressure off your back vertebrae. This will help expedite the healing process.

A good diet is also important for relieving pain from arthritis. Eat plenty of fresh vegetables, nuts and fruits. All of these foods contain nutrients that are effective in relieving arthritis pain. Glucosamine and chondroitin, two supplements, can also help relieve arthritis pain. Glucosamine is a gluten protein and chondroitin is a complex carbohydrate. Both help regenerate existing cartilage in a joint and bolster synovial fluid production in the bursa sacs.

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