Arthritis is the breakdown of cartilage that normally protects the joint and allows for smooth movement, states MedlinePlus, of the National Institutes of Health. Cartilage acts as a shock absorber when pressure is placed on a particular joint during physical activity. With age, excessive use or injury, cartilage can become damaged and result in the formation of bone spurs, or humps of bone. Arthritis is first treated with ice and medications, but surgery may be necessary. Pain management begins with consulting a doctor.
Pain and Tenderness
The most common symptoms of arthritis are pain and tenderness in the affected joints. MayoClinic.com states that pain and tenderness may occur during or after movement of the affected joint. This occurs because bone spurs rub against each other due to the lack of cartilage in the joint. This symptom is treated with rest, ice and arthritis medications. Doctor may recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Aleve, Motrin or Advil. These medications reduce chemical signals related to pain and inflammation. Doctors sometimes recommend corticosteroid injections, which can be placed directly into the affected joint. These injections reduce inflammation in the arthritic joint and can improve pain and tenderness symptoms.
Joint Stiffness
Joint stiffness, another common symptom of arthritis, is most noticeable when waking in the morning or after a period of inactivity. This occurs because arthritic joints commonly lack the proper lubrication needed to work smoothly. Physical activity causes a release of chemical signals that increase the lubrication and range of motion of a joint. Thus, regular light exercise can be beneficial for people with arthritis. Furthermore, a doctor may recommend an injection of artificial joint fluid to help ease joint stiffness.
Grating Sensation
When cartilage breaks down in a joint, bone spurs may form. Bone spurs form because bones rub together when there is no cartilage to protect the ends. New bone is then formed on top of injured bone, which results in bone spurs. Bone spurs can rub together during movement, causing grating sensations or popping sounds. Once bone spurs are large enough to rub together, a doctor may consider surgical options, especially if movement is severely painful.
