Arthritic Pain

Arthritic pain arises from inflammation or degeneration of one or more joints. The two most common forms are:

  • Osteoarthritis (OA): “Wear-and-tear” damage to cartilage, most often in weight-bearing joints (knees, hips) and hands.

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Autoimmune attack on the joint lining (synovium), causing systemic inflammation and joint erosion.

Symptoms

Deep, aching or throbbing joint pain, often worsening with use

Morning stiffness or stiffness after periods of inactivity (lasting ≥30 minutes in RA)

Joint swelling, warmth, and redness

Reduced range of motion and difficulty with everyday tasks (e.g., gripping, walking)

Crepitus (a crackling or grinding sensation) in affected joints

Possible deformities over time (bony spurs in OA; nodules or joint erosion in RA)

Common Treatments:

Over the Counter Pain Medication