Your Complete Guide to the Causes and Symptoms of Arthritis Joint Pain

Severe arthritis joint pain (rated seven or higher on a scale of zero to ten) affects approximately 15 million people every year¹. Arthritis joint pain refers to pain or discomfort felt in or around the body's joints, caused by one of multiple types of arthritis. The most common of these is osteoarthritis (OA).^2A

In this guide, we cover the different types of arthritis that may cause arthritis joint pain, common symptoms experienced, and treatment options.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis.^5A This condition is referred to as a "wear and tear" disease as it tends to occur with increased age.

OA involves a breakdown of the cartilage.^5B Cartilage is substance that provides cushioning between bones and prevents grating. Over time, thinning cartilage increases the chances of bone rubbing and bone re-shaping, ultimately changing the form of the joint.

This form of arthritis tends to affect joints in the hands, knees, and hips^5C, causing pain, stiffness, or swelling in these areas. It also tends to occur more in women than in men, though it is not clear why.^5D

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition^6A that causes flare-ups of arthritis symptoms. In RA, your immune system begins to attack the healthy cells and tissues surrounding your joints. It tends to occur mostly in the hands, wrists, and knees,^6B causing inflammation, tissue damage, and chronic pain.

Health professionals believe that there is a genetic component linked with the development of RA^7A, though other risk factors^6C play a role as well. These include increased age, obesity, smoking history, and gender.

Psoriatic arthritis is another common type of arthritis in which the immune system causes flare-ups of arthritis symptoms⁸ in the joints, tendons and ligaments.

Ankylosing spondylitis is a spinal arthritis affecting the joints and ligaments of the spine.^9A This type of arthritis causes inflammation in the joints and ligaments of the spine^9B and a loss of flexibility of the spine. In severe cases, it may lead to the fusion of back vertebrae^9C.

A common misconception of arthritis is that it only affects aging adults. And while many forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, are age-related, children may develop other forms of the condition. A common type of arthritis affecting children is Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA).^10A

JIA describes a range of disorders that causes inflammation in the joints^10B, with common symptoms including joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Arthritis treatment may help to manage JIA symptoms and, in some cases, lead to remission^10C.

Joint pain and inflammation are two of the most common signs of arthritis. They may be temporarily eased by over-the-counter treatment options.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), available in the form of oral tablets, may help to reduce pain and inflammation¹⁴ in arthritis flare-ups. However, it is recommended to chat with your healthcare provider before taking any medication.

Topical pain relievers, such as Biofreeze topical products, work via external application. Menthol-based and available in a variety of formats, Biofreeze topical analgesics provide targeted pain relief for sore joints.¹⁵

Heat therapy and cold therapy have long been used¹⁶ for treating acute injuries and chronic pain. Though both heat and cold are effective tools for pain management, certain injuries and pain conditions are better treated with either heat or cold. So what about arthritis conditions?

Heat application may help reduce stiffness and restore or improve mobility¹⁷, which are common symptoms of arthritis conditions. Heat increases the temperature of the skin, dilating blood vessels and increasing blood flow. It also helps stiff muscles and joints loosen and relax.

Cold application, on the other hand, may be useful in numbing the pain and reducing inflammation and swelling around arthritic joints. Research has shown that cold application increases one's pain threshold and pain tolerance¹⁸, which may help in managing chronic pain, including arthritis joint pain.

Heat and cold therapy are only temporary solutions for arthritis pain, but they are easy to do by yourself, within the comfort of your home. Heat pads, hot showers, ice packs, and cold showers are some options.¹⁹

Find out more about cold therapy in our guide, here.

Find out more about whether you should use heat or ice on muscle pain, here.

If your arthritis pain is severe, your healthcare provider may recommend surgery. If other methods are not working for treating arthritis pain, consult a healthcare provider for more information.²⁰

Physical activity may seem counterintuitive if you are struggling with joint pain or arthritis. However, the right kind of physical activity may help to manage pain, while also elevating your mood and overall health.

Participating in low-impact physical activity²¹, such as cycling, swimming, or yoga ensures your body stays physically healthy, flexible, and strong, while being gentle on your joints.

Pay attention to how often and how frequently you exercise as well. Try to avoid overusing certain parts of the body, which may lead to pain.

Make sure to warm up and warm down before and after exercise. This will help you avoid stiff muscles and other symptoms of delayed onset muscle soreness²²

Living with arthritis can be tiring and painful. Even if you're taking active measures to manage and reduce pain, arthritis can be a huge mental and emotional drain.

Make sure you take time to practice self-care in any and all forms.

Sharing your experience can also be beneficial. Look for local or online support groups to find people who understand the challenges of joint pain and joint conditions. This kind of support can help make living with arthritis much more bearable, and much more hopeful.