Arthritis vs. Normal Joint Pain: How to Tell the Difference

Do your knees ache when you stand up after sitting for a long time or do your knuckles feel pain when you move your fingers? These are common signs of joint pain. While arthritis is one of the most common causes of joint pain, there are several other conditions that can cause acute joint pain.

Here’s a look at the primary differences between arthritis vs. normal joint pain to help you better understand the causes.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN JOINT PAIN AND ARTHRITIS

Causes of Joint Pain

Joint pain typically comes on suddenly and usually isn’t caused by an underlying condition or damage to the joint. Some of the possible causes of joint pain other than arthritis include:

·Bursitis

·Strains and sprains

·Gout

·Inflammation from trauma

·Overuse

Causes of Arthritis

Chronic joint pain is often a sign of arthritis and joint damage. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, osteoarthritis being the most common. Osteoarthritis results from daily wear and tear on the joints over time.

Rheumatoid arthritis is another common form of arthritis that also causes joint deterioration and damage over time. However, Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the joints which causes them to ache and feel stiff.

Some of the signs of arthritis-related joint pain include:

·Pain

·Swelling

·Stiffness

·Limited or decreased range of motion

Treatment for Joint Pain and Arthritis - OTC Topical Medications

Depending on the underlying cause and severity, joint pain is usually treated with rest, icing, and physical therapy if needed. You can also get temporary pain relief from sore joints with over-the-counter (OTC) medications like topical gels, creams, and ointments that contain active ingredients that can penetrate deep into the joints to provide quick pain relief.

The main pain-relieving ingredients in topical joint pain and arthritis medications are:

·Salicylates

·Counterirritants

·Capsaicin

Some of the most effective OTC topical joint pain medications include:

·Voltarol 12 Hour Joint Pain Relief Gel 100G

·Voltarol Emulgel 1.16% Gel* 30GM

·Voltarol Osteoarthritis 1.16% Gel 50GM

·Voltarol Paineze Emulgel 30GM

·Ibuleve Gel [Contains Ibuprofen] 50G 

For a wide range of over-the-counter arthritis and joint pain treatments, shop at anyPearl Chemist Group pharmacy. Our staff will be happy to help you.