Arthritis

Arthritis and Inflammation

Arthritis is among the oldest known afflictions of human beings. The word -arthritis- literally means joint inflammation, but it is often used more broadly to indicate any of the more than 100 so called rheumatic diseases. Such disorders can affect not only the joints but other connective tissues of the body. These include important supporting structures, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments, as well as the protective coverings of internal organs. Many botanicals are known to help reduce inflammation without the dangerous side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs. Some of nature’s anti-inflammatories include: ginger, aloe vera, white willow bark, omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, tumeric, boswellin, bromelain, mangosteen fruit, many other herbs and fruits and more yet to be discovered.

Osteoarthritis

The most common form of arthritis, afflicting more than 30 million Americans, is degenerative joint disease, or osteoarthritis (OA). OA primarily affects cartilage - the protective material that covers and cushions the ends of the bones causing it to fray, wear, ulcerate, and in extreme cases, to disappear entirely, leaving a bone-on-bone joint. At the edges of the joint, bony spurs may form. Disability results most often from disease in the weight-bearing joints (knees, hips, and spine). You may have heard of glucosamine, it is today's preferred natural remedy for all sorts of arthritis.

Older people are the most frequent victims of osteoarthritis but injuries can bring on the disease in younger people as well. Excessive or unusual wear of the joints is an important contributing factor and results from overweight, poor posture, injury, strain from one's occupation or recreation, or a combination of these factors. The most common symptoms are pain and stiffness. Pain is usually experienced when joints are used, especially finger joints and those that bear the body's weight. Drug therapy has many serious drawbacks, although painkillers and anti-inflammatory agents are helpful in some people.

Treatments

There are many ways to deal with the symptoms and causes of arthritis.