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Arthritis in its many forms (rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, juvenile, etc.) is a debilitating problem for millions of people around the world. The problem is so widespread that an organization, the arthritis foundation, was created to help educate and find causes and hopefully a cure for the disease. Many suffer from joint pain and discomfort in their ankle, knee, hip, shoulder or many other places in their body. Early diagnosis of the condition is always good good. Sufferers seeking relief, remedies, and treatments will find no shortage of ways to deal with the degenerative and chronic symptoms... (continued after the below article)

Some information on some of the more common treatments for arthritis including over the counter treatments as well as prescription drugs.

Arthritis Treatment - Types Of Arthritis Treatments

by Gray Rollins

Contrary to popular belief, arthritis is not a condition that only old people get. It is a condition that can impact people of all ages, and in severe cases, the pain associated with arthritis can be absolutely debilitating. In its simplest definition, arthritis is the pain that emerges in the area where two joints come together such as the fingers, knees, elbows, hips, and shoulders.

There are a number of tests that can be performed that will help determine the cause of the pain, the degree and frequency of the pain, and the areas most impacted. Once all of this information is gathered, there is a better chance an effective course of arthritis treatments can be offered. Here are some of the more common arthritis treatments.

NSAIDS/Over the counter treatments

NSAIDS, which stands for Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Drugs are effective at treating the symptoms of arthritis. Many different drugs fall into the category of NSAIDS, many of which are available only by prescription.

Over the counter medications that reduce pain and inflammation are for many people, effective arthritis treatments. Aspirin, acetaminophen, naproxen and ibuprofen are all safe if taken as directed and easy to obtain without a prescription. These types of arthritis treatments are relatively inexpensive and have few negative side effects.

Taken as directed, NSAIDS can help arthritis sufferers get relief from stiffness, swelling, inflammation, and pain in the joints. Before taking any of these treatments however, be sure to discuss the risks and all known side effects associated with taking this type of medication.

COX-2 Inhibitors

These types of arthritis treatments are better known by their brand names: Vioxx, Celebrex, Bextra and the like. While these products do an effective job treating the symptoms of arthritis, their effectiveness came with a heavy price in the form of potentially life-threatening side effects. Several of these name-brand products have been taken off the market. If you’d like more information about COX-2 Inhibitors, you should consult your doctor. http://www.arthritisnatural.com/safetyofarthritismedications/

Joint Replacement

This type of arthritis treatment involves a surgical procedure and is most often prescribed for patients with severely damaged joints. During surgery, the damaged joint is removed, and a replacement part is put in place. The resulting pain is mainly caused by the incision and generally will pass in several weeks. After recovery, patients should be able to resume up to 75% of mobility in the affected joint area. Hip replacement is the most common type of joint replacement surgery but regardless of the type, replacement is a very effective arthritis treatment.

Other Types of Surgery

Sometimes rather than replacing a joint, surgery is prescribed to repair a tendon that has become damaged or to remove the tendon’s covering if that is what’s causing the pain. The lining inside the joint cavity is also something that might be removed during a surgical procedure, as could the removal of a bone. Sometimes the joint pain is being caused by nerves that have become trapped and a surgical procedure can alleviate this situation as well.

Gray Rollins is a featured writer for http://www.arthritisnatural.com. For more information about arthritis treatments, please visit http://www.arthritisnatural.com/arthritispainrelieftips/.

(continued from before the article) ...There are prescription and over the counter drugs and medications (like Celebrex, Celecoxib, Ketoprofen, Oruvail, Orudis, Meclofenamate, Meclomen, Naproxen, Naprosyn, COX-2 enzyme inhibitors, and NSAIDS to name just a few) as well as natural alternative approaches like nutritional supplements, vitamins, natural and herbal remedies (like MSM, chondroitin, glucosamine sulfate to name a couple). Diet and exercise are considered by many to be a significant part of the puzzle. Wow. This can be pretty confusing... Severe and advanced cases sometimes require radical measures like joint replacement surgery. If you search the Internet, you will find no shortage of facts, knowledge and information on the matter. With so much study, clinical tests from doctors and medical practitioners, and such broad beliefs about the causes and cures for arthritis it is difficult to know what the authoritative answer is. I certainly don't have it. But... I've collected a broad range of information that I've found interesting and informative. It's just a start... but we have to start somewhere.