Arthritis

Definition: inflammation and/or degeneration of a joint

Causes: While there are many types of arthritis, the two most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is non-inflammatory and rheumatoid arthritis is inflammatory.

Osteoarthritis occurs when there is injury to the joint, usually over an extended period of time. The cartilage that protects the joint starts to break down as is bears weight unevenly, and the joint begins to thin. It can then begin to form spurs, where calcium deposits. It is most common with advancing age, and tends to occur in the knees, hips, spine, hands, and feet.

Rheumatoid is an auto-immune disease (the body’s immune system attacks the body) that causes inflammation in the lining of the joints of the body. The inflammation destroys the joint, causing the symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis may affect other structures in the body, too, such as various organs. It also tends to affect younger people at onset and more women than men.

Signs and symptoms:

Osteoarthritis is characterized by pain and stiffness in joints, and sometimes swelling, usually worse with activity/motion and relieved by rest. There may be stiffness that is worse in the morning. Sometimes the bony spurs can be felt. Eventually there may be reduced motion in the joint.

Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by pain and stiffness and swelling in joints, often with a low-grade fever. The pain does not go away with rest, and obvious joint deformities form, such as changes in the angulation of the fingers and toes. There may also be fatigue and general feeling of non-wellness. It will tend to affect joints on both sides of the body.

Treatment:

Various pain relievers are used to treat osteoarthritis, as well as rheumatoid arthritis. With rheumatoid arthritis, sometimes steroidal medications are used. With both types of arthritis, when damage is severe enough, joint replacement may be utilized.

Several supplements have been shown to be helpful with osteoarthritis. Glucosamine sulfate at a dosage of 500 mg per 50 pounds of weight per day has been shown to help, as well as chondroitin sulfate. Vitamin E and anti-oxidants are also helpful. The herb Boswellia has shown to be helpful.

Rheumatoid arthritis supplements include anti-inflammatory supplements such as fish oils, borage, and evening primrose oil, and anti-oxidants such as vitamin E.

With both types of arthritis, food allergies/sensitivities may be a factor, especially rheumatoid arthritis, and eating a low glycemic index, low allergen diet may be helpful. Common allergens implicated in arthritis include sugar, gluten (wheat), meats, dairy, eggs, and food additives. An elimination diet, gradually eliminating and then re-introducing foods to see how it affects your health, may be helpful in identifying offending substances. Caffeine may also be an irritant.

Chiropractic care can be very helpful in osteoarthritis and is sometimes helpful in rheumatoid arthritis. Acupuncture may also be helpful with the pain of arthritis. Certain homeopathics such as arnica can be used for pain control.

Prevention:

A low glycemic index diet that helps maintain a normal body weight is essential in preventing arthritis. Regular exercise also helps, along with prompt management of injuries using rest and ice for injured joints. Avoid repetitive or overuse injuries to joints.
Regular chiropractic care may slow the progression of osteoarthritis.

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