Arthritis

 

Cause/Risks

More than 50 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or some other condition causing pain and/or inflammation in the joints. According to The New England Journal of Medicine, American workers lose more time to arthritic pain than to any other affliction. Chances of developing arthritis increase the more sedentary you become.

Osteoarthritis

This is a degenerative joint disease most often the result of aging.
It can also develop because of injury such as bones broken, intense physical activity as in athletics or a defect in the protein comprising the cartilage.
Osteoarthritis appears to have a genetic link; if both your parents have it, it could be that you will develop it, too.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an autoimmune disorder.
Or it may be caused by a viral infection that sets off the immune response in which the synovial membrane falls under attack.
There is some conjecture that physical and/or emotional stress may bring on the disorder.
Poor nutrition may also contribute to the onset of rheumatoid arthritis.

Infactious Arthritis

Infectious arthritis is when a virus or bacteria travels to the joint and attacks it.
It is much less common than the other two types of arthritis discussed above.
Infectious arthritis can be overlooked in treatment of the injury or illness that caused it. If left untreated, infectious arthritis can cause permanent damage.
Symptoms

Osteoarthritis

Stiffness, deformity and pain. No swelling of the joints at first, though inflammation may occur later on. Joints may enlarge as well. A popping and clicking noise accompanies a grating feel as joints become less mobile.
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Swelling, inflammation and stiffness, especially in the morning, in specific joints on both sides of the body. Joints enlarge.
In juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, fever off and on, anemia, loss of appetite and weight are indicators.

Infectious Arthritis

Fever, chills, body aches, pneumonia, confusion, dizziness, low blood pressure, shock, swelling, redness, pain and tenderness in joints.

Treatment/Prevention

Osteoarthritis

Check with your doctor to confirm what type of arthritis you have. An X-ray will detect the presence of osteoarthritis.
Take aspirin or NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) after a meal to relieve pain and inflammation. If you've had gastrointestinal bleeding or are over 65, consult with your doctor first.
Rest to give injured tissues time to heal.
Start a moderate exercise program to alleviate the pain and inhibit further deterioration by strengthening the surrounding bones, muscles and ligaments. Also, if you are overweight, exercising will help drop the extra pounds that are, no doubt, putting more stress on your joints.
Heat or cold therapies may help alleviate the pain and inflammation.
Corticosteroid injections are sometimes called for.
Acupressure can sometimes relieve the pain as can massage or chiropractic treatment.
Surgery is also an option for those suffering from severe arthritis. Damaged connective tissue in the joint is removed to allow new, healthy tissue to grow in its place. Sometimes the entire joint is replaced with an artificial one.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Check with your doctor to confirm what type of arthritis you have. A blood test will discover the presence (or lack) of antibodies called rheumatoid factors. If they are present, you have rheumatoid arthritis.
Note that there is no real cure for rheumatoid arthritis, though symptoms can be alleviated in most individuals if treated aggressively.
Treatment for kids is about the same as for adults, but emphasizing physical therapy and exercise. Most kids can and do recover fully from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
See treatments (above) for osteoarthritis.

Infection Arthritis

Check with your doctor to confirm what type of arthritis you have. Testing a fluid sample from the affected joint can determine whether you have infectious arthritis.
Large intravenous doses of antibiotics and draining excess fluid from the joints is the common practice.
Treating the primary illness is key as well.
See treatments (above) for osteoarthritis.

Natural Remedies

Osteo-Flex 1500 is a holistic herbal complex designed specifically for arthritis.
For arthritis, good digestion is extremely important. Check for food allergies. Short fasts on the Master Cleanser are good in the Spring and Summer. Eat lots of sulpher-containing foods (use MSM), such as asparagus, garlic and onions. Kale is excellent for arthritis. Include lots of green leafy vegetables and fresh fruits. Eat fresh pineapple regularly as it contains bromeliad which is good for inflammation. Drink fresh vegetable juice. Keep lower bowel cleared. Exercise regularly. Keep weight down. Reduce consumption of fats and starchy foods. Avoid dairy, white sugar and any food with added sugar such as cola drinks and other sodas. Avoid salt and fried food.