Visit your doctor if you feel any pain in the joint that is continuously bothering you. Let them do a proper examination of the joint. There many also be urine examinations, blood tests, and radiographic X rays done to ascertain arthritis.
The aims for the treatment of arthritis are to delay the occurrence of the disease, stop or slow down the progression of the condition and to rehabilitate the patient.
Medications include analgesics, glucosamine and chondroitin, NSAIDS (Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs), DMARDs (Disease Modifying Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) and steroids.
Other than the medication, physiotherapy forms an integral part of treatment for the patients of arthritis. This may include weight reduction, local heat therapy, joint mobilization exercises, or a muscle strengthening program. Occupational therapy has also been beneficial for arthritic patients in life style modification. Surgical intervention like joint replacement may also be done in the later stages of arthritis.