Arthritis

Arthritis is a form of joint disorder that involves inflammation of one or more joints. There are over 100 different forms of arthritis. The most common form, Osteoarthritis (OA) (degenerative joint disease), is a result of trauma to the joint, infection of the joint, or age. Other arthritis forms are Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Psoriatic Arthritis, and related autoimmune diseases. Septic Arthritis is caused by joint infection.
See also :

• Osteoarthritis (OA)
• Joint Pain
• Back Pain
• Gout
• Rheumatism
• Inflammatory diseases

Causes and Symptoms

• Arthritis is caused by a wide number of factors including injuries, age, toxins, and microbes, hormonal and even genetic. Other causal factors including environmental, allergen and even dental have been identified as both causes and triggers for the disease. Hormonal factors are seen as the cause in post menopausal women, who make up a large percentage of those afflicted with OA
• Stress can be a major factor in the eventual development of arthritis.

Home remedies

• Physiotherapy
• Thermotherapy can be beneficial to those with arthritis and stiff muscles and injuries to the deep tissue of the skin.
• omega-3 fish stops joint pain, halts inflammation and blocks the inflammation-causing cytokines which attack and destroy joint cartilage.
• Cinnamon has a significant relief in arthritis pain after one week and could walk without pain within one month. Arthritis patients may take daily, morning and night, one cup of hot water with two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. If taken regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured.
• Turmeric is a natural treatment for arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
• On their own, turmeric, ginger and bromelain work as effective anti-inflammatory agents. Each works to relieve pain, stiffness and swelling. In combination, they provide a powerhouse of natural medicine.
• Papaya has been shown to prevent and heal many health issues. Conditions like cancer, cardiovascular disease, macular degeneration, and arthritis are alleviated by papaya consumption.
• Rutin : Found naturally in a variety of plants and fruits, this flavanoid has been shown to have a strong anti-inflammatory effect due to it's powerful anti-oxidant activity.
• Citrus bioflavanoids aid in the absorption of vitamins and act as important anti-oxidants. They also inhibit collagenase and elastase, the enzymes responsible for the breakdown of connective tissue.
• Boron is a successful treatment option for arthritis and in more than 95% of cases significant improvement was noticed by bringing about effective calcium integration into the cartilage and bone.
• Arnica is used for Bruises, Sprains, Pain and Swelling, Arthritis, Infection, Inflammation, Varicose Veins, Phlebitis (Vein Inflammation), Insect Bites
• Shilajit can be used as treatment for diabetes, gallstones, kidney stones, heart disease, anemia, anxiety, ulcers, asthma, arthritis, epilepsy and jaundice.
• Cherries help treat gout, arthritis, rheumatism and anaemia due to their high iron content.
• Elderberries have been employed in European folk medicine since antiquity for lots of illnesses from arthritis and asthma to colds and constipation.
• Guava protects against blocked arteries, joint degeneration, nervous system problems and even possibly cancer.
• Maqui Berry : Everything from cancer, to arthritis, to cardiovascular disease is spurred on by inflammation, so consuming mega-doses of antioxidants from sources like maqui berry is a great way to help prevent these and other diseases.
• SAM-e is a natural compound that your body makes and it contains sulfur. It reduces pain and improves movement.
• Gin-Soaked Raisins is an ancient home remedy for Arthritis
• Devil's claw (harpagophytum procumbens) an aromatic plant from Namibia is been used for Rheumatoid arthritis, fever, Skin conditions, Gallbladder conditions, Pancreas conditions, Stomach conditions, Kidney conditions, Back pain.
• a natural enzyme supplement, known as serrapeptase offers help for allergies, asthma, arthritis, MS, and other inflammatory diseases.
• Frankincense, a resin derived from Boswellia trees can Reduce or even eliminate the inflammation associated with chronic arthritis.
• MSM (methyl-sulfonyl methane) delivers the same pain relief as popular over-the-counter arthritis painkillers—but without the serious and potentially fatal health risks?
• Krill Oil an effective natural relief to arthritis and other chronic inflammatory diseases : Its antioxidant properties and its omega-3 content are being linked to the efficacy to the reduction of arthritis symptoms.
• Olive Oil : Both olive oil and walnut oil are good sources of omega-3s as well. Adding both to your diet could help reduce the inflammation and pain caused by arthritis. When researchers from Albany Medical College gave fish oil and olive oil supplements to a group of volunteers the folks taking the fish oil had their signs of inflammation plummet, as expected. But the olive oil group saw significant benefits too. Signs of inflammation in the olive oil group dropped nearly 40 percent. But omega-3s aren’t the only thing olive oil has going for it. The oil is also rich in oleocanthal. Oleocanthal is an anti-inflammatory compound that, similar to NSAID drugs, inhibits the COX-2 enzymes which cause inflammation and pain.
• willow bark and Aspen Bark are actually the herbal form of aspirin. It too contains salicin, mimicking the effects of aspirin.
• Boswellia blox the enzyme enzyme called 5-lipoxygenase or 5-LOX responsable for inflammatory diseases like arthritis.
• Cayenne peppers give off heat that seems to have a warming effect to almost all parts of the human body. It also promotes better blood circulation, allowing nutrient-rich blood to go to the joints that are inflamed and promoting better healing. The heat also helps relieve pain in arthritis and can even help with low back pain. Aside from that, cayenne also has salicylates, very much like those found in aspirin, which promotes a pain-numbing effect. It also decreases substance P concentration. Substance P is a chemical that is utilized by our nerve cells in order to transmit pain messages. If pain messages are not transmitted, the sensation of pain will not be interpreted thus, pain will not be perceived.
• Ginger tea and ginger compress may relief signs and symptoms of arthritis. Ginger contains the chemical gingerol. Gingerol has been found to reduce inflammation and block pain pathways.
• ginseng : make use of the American ginseng and not Asian ginseng. Asian ginseng may actually exacerbate arthritis symptoms. Ginseng has ginsenodises – compounds that have various pharmacological effects which encompasses arthritis symptom relief.
• Proteolytic Enzymes reduce inflammation and swelling of joints
• Licorice acts similar to cortisone – without the side effects. Cortisone has been known to reduce inflammatory processes by decreasing swelling and pain. However, it has also been known to suppress the function of the immune system, making the one receiving it more prone to sickness. With licorice, you get the same anti-inflammatory effect minus the immune system suppression. But consult a professional herbalist before you decide to take licorice on a long-term basis. Long-term use may increase one’s blood pressure levels.
• Wintergreen contains methyl-salicylate which helps relieve pain. However, methyl-salicylate is toxic to the skin, especially when it is applied topically by salicylate-sensitive individuals. Be cautious when using topical preparations of the herb, such as its oil form. You may also use its dried form herb.
• Oregano has rosmarinic acid – a compound with antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Its antioxidant property stands out because it helps combat free radicals, substances that have been known to cause cell damage and is involved in premature aging, degenerative arthritis as well as inflammation. Numerous studies have also been conducted, linking oregano use with arthritis relief.
• Epsom Salt is actually Magnesium Sulfate. Magnesium is a mineral that has anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers from New England had revealed that an arthritic pain sufferer can actually find comfort in an Epsom Salt bath. The heat helps in relieving the swelling and helps by promoting proper blood circulation all throughout the body.
• St. John's wort oil has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties which help ease arthritis pain.
• Garlic : Studies show that foods in the allium family, such as garlic, could help protect you against arthritis pain and cartilage damage. Folks who eat a lot of garlic, and other allium veggies such as on onions and leeks, show fewer signs of arthritis to begin with. The pungent spice contains diallyl disulphine, a natural anti-inflammatory. Scientists say the sulfur compound could combat the enzymes responsible for damaging your cartilage and causing you pain
• Thunder God Vine might help rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by relieving swelling (inflammation) and by changing the way the immune system responds to the arthritis. Thunder god vine is sometimes applied to the skin for rheumatoid arthritis.
• Green Tea : Black, white and green teas all contain anti-inflammatory polyphenols. Which means they’re all good choices for soothing your inflamed joints and reducing arthritis pain. But green tea, which contains the potent polyphenol epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG), is a real standout when it comes to fighting arthritis symptoms. EGCG’s antioxidant activity is practically off the charts. In fact, scientists say it can be up to 100 times more powerful than other antioxidant superstars such as vitamin C and E. And all that antioxidant power helps interrupt the production of the molecules damaging your joints.
• Lavender helps with pain relief by promoting a calm and relaxed mind, making one more able to bear the pain. Gently massaging the area with the use of lavender oil with rosemary can also help reduce pain and stiffness.
• MSM (methyl-sulfonyl methane) delivers the same pain relief as popular over-the-counter arthritis painkillers—but without the serious and potentially fatal health risks.
• Stinging Nettles : Nettle leaf, also known as "stinging nettles," is an herb that has long been used in traditional medicine to reduce inflammation. Rich in natural boron, silicon, and other minerals, nettle has been shown in a number of studies to effectively treat all forms of arthritis, as well as tendinitis and bursitis. Nettle leaf can also be made into a topical cream useful in relieving arthritis symptoms externally.
• fruit pectin and grape juice can relieve joint pain, and reduce swelling and stiffness. Pectin is found in the cells of many plants and acts as a thickener in preparations such as jellies. Grape juice is loaded with antioxidants, among them, anthocyanins, noted for its effect on reducing inflammation.
• Cantaloupe : Just a cup or 160 grams of the rich flavored and sweet aroma cantaloupe can already provide 108 percent of the daily value of vitamin A. Cantaloupe is also rich in vitamin C, which can almost provide 100 percent of the required daily allowance. Potassium, folate, magnesium and B-vitamins are all found in cantaloupe. Not only will you get vitamins and minerals, but cantaloupe is low in calories. Because of its vitamin A content, cantaloupe is implicated in several eye disorders. Studies have shown that those who eat large amounts of cantaloupe regularly are more likely not to develop cataracts; this is due to the beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A for good eyesight. But cantaloupe is more than the eyesight; it is also good in fighting arthritis. The rich antioxidant substances in the fruit can actually help the joints in fighting the substances that destroy the cartilage causing arthritis. By eating the sliced cantaloupe directly or processing it to make a puree, you can already be assured that you are protected from the ill effects of arthritis.
• Sea Cucumber contains chondroitin sulfate (a substance found naturally in human cartilage and sometimes taken in dietary supplement form to treat arthritis).
• Blueberry : Compared to other fruits, blueberry has low amounts of vitamin C, but the fruit is highly rich in vitamin K and phytonutrients that are considered to be antioxidants. Anthocyanins, hydroxycinnamic acids, hydroxybenzoic acids and flavonols are what blueberries are rich of. Blueberries are beneficial for those suffering from cardiovascular diseases and those who have problems balancing the levels of their blood sugar and insulin. But blueberries are also good for those suffering from arthritis. When the joint is subjected to increasing pressure due to usage, there is increase in oxidative stress. The more the oxidative stress, the more the body releases substances that destroy the cartilage. With phytonutrients, they eradicate the substances that thrive on healthy tissues. By increasing the amounts of blueberry in the diet, healthy tissues, such as the cartilage, are protected and arthritis is prevented.
• Kiwifruit is the first fruit remembered when discussing fruits found in New Zealand. A piece of kiwi weighing about 74 grams can already provide 120 percent of the required daily allowance for vitamin C. Any food highly rich in vitamin C is said to be beneficial is preventing the inflammatory process. This is due to vitamin C’s ability to scavenge on free radicals. When the joints are under oxidative stress due to over usage, free radicals increase. When there is accumulation of free radicals, tissues are destroyed and will cause inflammation. By eating away the free radicals, the body, particularly the joints, is protected from debilitating diseases, such as arthritis.
• Guggul’s active chemicals help fight arthritis inflammation.
• Rose Hip : A number of studies suggest that rose hip may help treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Collagen is used to restore elasticity to the joints. Stiff joints are one of the side effects of aging, but an increase in collagen can reduce stiffness and even help arthritis symptoms fade by reducing inflammation and improving joint elasticity.
• Broccoli : Two early studies out of South Korea found compounds in broccoli, especially one called sulforaphane, may help put the brakes on arthritis. The compounds significantly slashed signs of inflammation, effectively reducing the impact of the disease and arthritis pain.
• Healing saints : St. Alphonsus Liguori and St. James the Greater

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.