Almost one in three adults within the United States alone suffers from arthritis. It affects over twenty-one million American each year and this number continues to grow. Arthritis is not just one disease, in fact it is so complex that it has more then one hundred different types of conditions that are all very different from each other but affects people from all walks of life, at any stage and age.

Arthritis symptoms may include inflammation, stiffness, swelling, and warmth at the joint site. It can also include rapid or gradual weight loss, fatigue and fever.

There are over a 100 different types of arthritis. The most common type of arthritis is Osteoarthritis. It usually affects the knees and hips. It is commonly referred as the "wear and tear" arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder, meaning that the immune system attacks the lining of joints as if it were a foreign, harmful substance. The associated swelling can be quite pronounced in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Lupus arthritis is an autoimmune disorder. The joints most affected by this form of arthritis include the wrists, hands and knees.

Gouty arthritis usually affects the big toe and knee. It is brought about by formations of crystals within the joint.

Arthritis pain is caused by many different reasons, including inflammation of the tissues that line the joints, the tendons, or ligaments around the joints, and muscle strain. Fatigue also causes arthritis pain to worsen.

The first stage of arthritis is swelling. The second stage is rapid division and growth of the cells. In the third stage the cells release specific enzymes, which erode the bone, causing the joint to lose its shape. It is then the arthritis pain becomes unbearable. Since this is a systemic disease, it can migrate and affect other body organs. So it is better to detect arthritis at its early stage before it spreads to other parts of the body. Arthritis can be treated with proper therapy and medication.

One of the best and effective forms of arthritis pain relief is to eat well and adopt a healthy way of living. Exercises can also be a good deterrent to pain as a result of arthritis, although you will need to consult with your doctor or arthritis specialist in order to find out what the best exercise is for you and your arthritis condition. Often you will need to just take a gentle walk every day or perform some light stretching on a daily basis.

Another popular way is through massage therapy. It has been known for its many benefits since as early as the 2nd century BC. Although it cannot cure or stop the progression of arthritic conditions, it does help to relax the muscles and reduces the pain and inflammation.

Massaging can also be quite effective in increasing the blood circulation in the affected area. Flexibility and mobility will increase. A sense of overall relaxation and wellness can also be achieved.

Nutrition and weight plays a big role when it comes to arthritis relief and an overall good diet helps to regulate the body. Being overweight will put more strain on the joints, which over time allows arthritis to wear out the joints and tissues surrounding them. Vitamins and minerals can help with arthritis relief by reducing the swelling of tissues and can provide relief from pain.

• Vitamin E: Studies show that a dietary supplement of Vitamin E reduces arthritis inflammation.
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C slows all forms of arthritis as well as reduces knee and joint pain.
• Beta-carotene: Beta-carotene has similar effects as Vitamin C in reducing inflammation and slowing down arthritis.
• Lutein: Studies show that lutein, an antioxidant, lowers the risk of knee osteoarthritis.
• Lycopene: Lycopene is another antioxidant that lowers the risk of knee osteoarthritis.

Remedy # 1

Take two to four tablespoonfuls of castor oil per day. This will help to flush out the toxins collected in the areas of the joints. Also have a cup of strong ginger tea each morning. This keeps the digestive system quite efficient and brings about a drastic reduction in the severity of joint pains.

Remedy # 2

Crush two to three cloves of garlic and add it to a glass of diluted milk. Boil this to one fourth of its original amount. Cool it down and drink it just before bedtime each night.

Remedy # 3

If you simply fast for one complete day, or stick to a liquid diet (not milk or its products), then it will also help in removing the toxins from the body. This will bring an immense relief to the arthritic pains. You can also go on a total banana diet. Eat about eight to ten bananas each day and nothing else; keep up this diet for three to four days. Bananas have all the important minerals bones need, including calcium, potassium and phosphorus.

Remedy # 4

In a cup of warm water, put two teaspoons of lemon juice and one teaspoon of honey. Have this twice a day. It will reduce the severity of arthritic pains.

Remedy # 5

Every morning when you wake up, have two cloves of garlic before even brushing your teeth. If you cannot tolerate the pungent taste of the clove, then you can roast them in castor oil till they are golden in color. Apart from reducing the arthritic pains, this is also a very effective remedy in treating cardiovascular problems, and it can actually keep heart attacks at bay.

Remedy # 6

Mix some turmeric powder in a cup of warm water. Dissolve it and then drink it when still a bit warm. This will reduce the severity of the arthritic pains.

Remedy # 7

Extract the juice of one raw potato. Drink this juice every morning on an empty stomach. This is believed to reduce the acute pains of arthritis.

Remedy # 8

Prepare a soup using one green leafy vegetable, carrots, celery and beetroots. Mix all these individual soups in equal proportions to make one bowl. Have this soup once daily. You will get all the necessary minerals required for the bones.

Remedy # 9

Warm some coconut oil and put a few pieces of camphor in it. Use this oil to massage on the aching joints. You will find tremendous and quick relief in the arthritic pains.

Remedy # 10

Prepare some alfalfa tea and drink it regularly. Twice a day is the best bet. Your arthritic pains will show reduction from day one.