There are many different types of arthritis, the two most common being osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis can be caused by damage to the cartilage which cushions the bones and lets the joints move smoothly. The cartilage becomes worn and uneven which causes your bones to get thicker and broader. Glucosamine is a substance which is widely used by sufferers with osteoarthritis, as it is claimed to help to repair damaged cartilage. Glucosamine, sometimes combined with Chondroitin, is available in tablet form, without prescription.

However, a clinical trial, conducted in Switzerland in 2010, has concluded that there is "..no clinically relevant effect of glucosamine or chondroitin, or a combination of the two, on perceived joint pain. This is a contradiction of the findings of a similar trial carried out in the USA in 2008. Find a full review of both reports at Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of arthritis that is caused by your body’s own immune system, which attacks the synovial fluid, that cushions and lubricates the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is usually more severe than osteoarthritis and is more difficult to treat.

Painkilling Drugs

Painkillers are the popular choice for getting arthritis pain relief, because they are quick, convenient and relatively inexpensive. For the majority of the population, they can be the ideal solution. However, a large number of arthritis sufferers can be in serious danger from the more powerful drugs, such as ibuprofen, codeine and diclofenac, especially if taken regularly and in large doses.

Arthritis, being a degenerative disease, is more likely to afflict older people, who are also prone to heart and blood pressure problems. Anyone suffering from these conditions and also taking anti-inflammatory drugs, can be at serious risk of heart attacks and strokes. In certain cases, people can be ten times more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke.

For anyone in this situation, it is vital that they find alternative ways to get relief from the pain. See Arthritis Drugs

Exercise

Regular, gentle exercise is essential to prevent arthritis steadily getting worse. It is only by keeping the muscles which support and operate the joints strong and supple that further deterioration and pain can be avoided. It is very likely that very strenuous exercise in the past has caused or contributed to the por condition of the joints, so it is most important to avoid putting this sort of strain on weakened and damaged joints.

Non-impact exercises, such as swimming, cycling, walking and yoga are most suited to keeping joints in good order, without doing further damage. Regular stretching exercises are an essential part of any exercise routine.

Diet

The right, balanced diet can play a huge part in getting relief from the pain of arthritis, just as eating the wrong foods can make it much worse. Following a balanced diet, as recommended by the World Health Organisation, is a good start but you can get much more benefit, by using a selection of the helpful vegetables, fruits, fish and herbs and spices as part of your daily diet. See the delicious and varied selection at Anti-inflammatory Foods

This is a change in your daily routine which is quick, easy and inexpensive to make and will make a huge difference to your arthritis and your general health.

Epsom Salts

Salt baths are believed to be very effective in alleviating aches and pains in joints and muscles. The salts have a high magnesium content, which eases the removal of acids through the skin.  Two large cups of epsom salts in a hot bath will provide a pleasant and effective  twenty minutes rest and relaxation.

If you are in good health, with no problems of a heart, blood pressure or digestive nature, then your easiest and quickest arthritis treatment is to pop a painkiller in your mouth. However, if you are one of the majority of arthritis sufferers, who are older and have these other health problems, you are literally taking your life in your hands when your arthritis treatment depends on anti-inflammatory and narcotic drugs.

Even the manufacturers advise that you should not take 200mg of ibuprofen (the smallest dose) for more than 10 days, unless advised by your doctor. The next time you buy Ibuprofen, read the leaflet inside the packet!

There are literally hundreds of things you can do to ease your arthritis pain. If you've read this far, you are probably a member or this unpopular club of arthritis sufferers. We are all different, in the severity of our pain and which joints it affects, so what helps one person enormously may bring very little benefit to someone else.

The trick is, to find a combination of four or five arthritis treatments (or 9, or 15!) that suit you and you'll get the great benefit that I have found.