Arthritis pain can take the fun out of those things you love to do. Arthritis may affect almost any joint in your body and cause pain. It often affects the hips, neck, hands, knees and lower back. The condition usually gets worse over time and there is no known cure, although there are treatments that may help you through the day.

While doctors are unsure of the actual cause of osteoarthritis, it is suspected that the condition is caused by several contributing factors. These factors include: aging, injury, heredity, weak muscles and obesity.

The condition usually does not begin to be apparent until after age forty. It is more likely to develop in women than in men. Sports injuries are often one of the risk factors for developing osteoarthritis. In addition, a job that puts more stress on the joints is also a factor in developing the disease.

Over time, osteoarthritis can get worse. The pain may become so severe that persons are no longer able to work or enjoy hobbies. At that point, your doctor may encourage you to have joint replacement surgery.

Several over the counter medications help to treat osteoarthritis. Acetaminophen is often helpful with pain but does not affect swelling. NASIDs help with both pain and swelling. Ibuprofen is one example of a NASID.

Doctors may also prescribe medications that include Tramadol or stronger pain killers such as Darvon or a codeine containing product. Cortisone shots are also found to be useful in some patients.

In addition, some people find help from a natural remedy called glucosamine. This naturally occurring substance is useful in rebuilding the skeletal structure that may have been lost due to osteoarthritis. Costco offers their own Kirkland glucosamine that is affordable and a very good product.

If you can find the correct treatments, you will be able to feel better and enjoy work and hobbies once again.

You may decide to dust of your dreadnought acoustic guitar and call the old band back together. Your fingers will find new life when you get the right treatment and you can once again enjoy your hobby.

Maybe, instead, you want to pull out the old PS2. If you can find the ps2 transformers, you can show the grandkids how a video game should be played. Your once again nimble fingers will let you fine tune your game while they are stuck in school.