A-Z arthritis management Articles

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis, and it affects almost all of us as we age. OA usually has a gradual onset and tends to begin after the age of forty. The knees, hips, fingers and spine are the most susceptible joints. This type of arthritis usually affects one or a few joints at a time. It typically does not affect both sides of the body equally. However, it can sometimes affect both sides. This is a degenerative condition that tends to worsen over time, especially with increased use of the affected joints.

Causes of Osteoarthritis

Joint injuries commonly trigger osteoarthritis. The body may faily to fully repair the resulting damage. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis results from impaired bone and cartilage repair. Nutrient deficiencies may contribute to poor repair. Faulty sensory and repair mechanisms may also play a role.

Signs and Symptoms of Osteoarthritis 

Motion often triggers joint pain in people with osteoarthritis. Stiffness usually worsens after periouds of inactivity. Many people notice stiffness after resting or waking. Early osteoarthritis may not cause inflammation. As damage progresses, the joint may swell. The joint may also change shape over time. Surrounding muscles may spasm, and many people report a grinding feeling in the joint upon moving. Eventually, the affected joint will emanate constant pain even when it is immobile. Most occurrences of osteoarthritis are not symmetrical and only affect one side, for example, the left hand and not the right. One small joint in a finger can be affected without causing pain in the other joints. When the arthritis is more widespread and symmetrical, it is more likely an inflammatory condition called: Rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis Support Options

Conventional Osteoarthritis Support

Medical doctors will often prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to help manage the pain associated with OA. Side effects of some of these drugs include: gastrointestinal bleeding, stomach ulcers, heart attacks and liver problems. Some of these medications, especially the NSAID group, can actually accelerate the degradation of joint tissue and worsen arthritis over time. More potent drugs called corticosteroids are sometimes prescribed for arthritis. These will be medications like cortisone and prednisone. While they are effective at relieving discomfort in the short-term, these drugs can cause loss of bone mass in the long-term. To help reduce this effect, many doctors will inject cortisone directly into the joint space to localize the therapy. Another injection injects viscous fluid directly into the joint capsule. This fluid helps cushion the joint. Synovial fluid normally separates the bones within a joint. The injection temporarily reduces friction. The body eventually reabsorbs the fluid.

Diet

The standard North American diet often lacks minerals needed for joint repair. This deficiency may contribute to osteparthritis. Fruite and vegetables provide nutrients that support joint health. Adequate hydration helps maintain healthy joint fluid levels. Joint fluid helps prevent bone-on-bone contact. In today’s society, most people’s diets also cause their tissues to be acidic. In order to buffer the acid in the tissues, essential minerals are stripped from the body, including those in the joints. An Alkaline Diet will help to prevent worsening of symptoms and maintain a proper mineral balance in the joints.

Topical Support for Osteoarthritis 

Topically, juniper or St. John’s Wort oil can be rubbed into the joints to help reduce pain and relieve stiffness. Topical application of MSM has also been shown to help relieve arthritis pain. Joint creams and tablets with homeopathic remedies like Rhus-t, Arnica, and Sulphur may also be helpful. Hydrotherapy with hot compresses or baths can also provide symptomatic relief. Alternating hot and cold treatments can help to bring down swelling and clear away some of the toxic build-ups. Applying ice to the affected joints after strenuous activity can also help to prevent further joint damage by reducing inflammation.

Osteoarthritis Supplement Support

There are a number of supplements that can help to reduce inflammation in the joint and provide nutrients to allow the body to repair the previous damage. Fish Oil helps to reduce inflammation and provides the essential fatty acids required to keep the joint tissues flexible and strong. Herbs such as Curcumin, Bromelain, and Boswellia can all help to reduce the underlying inflammation caused by joint degradation. Devil’s Claw is an herb that is particularly successful at reducing inflammation in degenerative conditions as well.

Supplements for Improving Joint Function

Glucosamine and Chondroitin work well together to help provide the body with the building blocks required for joint repair. Vitamin C and Collagen can also provide essential building blocks for the body to repair tissues. Hyaluronic Acid (HA) can also provide elasticity and flexibility to the joint cartilage, further helping to reduce joint degradation.

There are a number of combination products that provide several of the above recommendations in a single product to help make supplementing easy.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the second most common type of arthritis. It usually affects women between the ages of 25 and 50; there is a juvenile form that can affect children. The disease commonly affects the fingers and toes first. Other susceptible joints are the wrists, ankles, knees and spine. Unlike Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis often affects most joints symmetrically (on both sides of the body). The affected joints become red and swollen, causing stiffness and reduced function. Over time, the joints degrade, resulting in pain and further inflammation. Let's explore common symptoms associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis as well as the top treatments. 

What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?

The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, but heredity does seem to play a role. It is an autoimmune condition in which the body attacks its own joint tissues. This causes joint damage and erosion over time. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis come and go. The amount of joint destruction can vary, and joint pain can move throughout the body. Attacks can be triggered by viral infections, food sensitivities, or stress.

What Symptoms Are Associated With Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Swelling and redness of the joints, along with joint pain and stiffness, are the most common indications of rheumatoid arthritis. Swelling and inflammation can contribute to joint deformities over time, creating protrusions which interfere with the proper functioning of the joint. 

Rheumatoid arthritis can cause symptoms beyond the affected joints. Common symptoms include poor appetite, fatigue, low-grade fever, and weight loss. Often, RA will affect both sides of the body, for example, both the left and right ankles. In some cases, the disease can affect other organs, like the heart, eyes and lungs. Many people with RA will have blood work that is positive for rheumatoid factor (RF), and have high C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels.

Are There Treatments For Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Conventional Methods

There are many strong drugs currently used to treat RA, and each has a variety of side effects. Common medications include: methotrexate, sulfasalazine, infliximab, and leflunomide. Most are targeted at reducing the immune response in the body; thus, they can actually increase the risk of infections. Some drugs are also known to deplete vitamins and minerals. Individuals taking medication for this condition should consult their health professional about these interactions.

Dietary Considerations

Avoid consuming any foods to which you are sensitive. Some people with arthritis report sensitivity to nightshade vegetables. These foods include tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, and green peppers. They contain a substance called solanine that interferes with the muscle’s enzyme system, causing pain. Other common food sensitivities are dairy, wheat/gluten, corn, and soy. Digestive enzymes can help break down food more effectively. However, they may not resolve every digestive concern.

There are a number of different dietary approaches to RA. Most people’s diets cause an acidic environment. To buffer the acid in the tissues, essential minerals are stripped from the body, including those in the joints. An Alkaline Diet helps prevent worsening of symptoms and maintain proper mineral balance in the joints. In addition to an alkaline diet, certain foods may help support joint health. Consider increasing pineapple, ginger, and turmeric. Sulfur-rich foods include eggs, garlic, and onions. Flax seeds provide fiber, while ocean fish provide essential fatty acids. All of these foods contain substances that can help to reduce inflammation in the body. Iron from supplemental sources may aggravate arthritis; see our Iron article for dietary sources. Fluoride in drinking water disrupts collagen and may contribute to arthritis. Drinking plenty of filtered water can help flush toxins out of the body and promote healthy joint fluid.

Topical Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis

People sometimes apply juniper or St. John's wort oil to affected joints. These oils may help ease discomfort and stiffness. Topical MSM may also help support joint comfort. Joint creams and tablets with homeopathic remedies like Rhus-t, arnica, and sulphur may also be helpful. Hydrotherapy with hot compresses or baths can also provide symptomatic relief. Alternating hot and cold treatments can help bring down swelling and clear away some of the toxic build-up.

Supplements for Reducing Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Adding Fish Oil is a great way to help reduce inflammation in the body and provide essential fatty acids for joint repair. Curcumin, Bromelain, and Boswelia can all help to reduce the underlying inflammation that is triggering joint degredation. Devil’s Claw is particularly successful at reducing inflammation in degenerative conditions. Glucosamine and Chondroitin work well together to help provide the body with the building blocks required for joint repair. Vitamin C, and Collagen can also provide essential building blocks for repair. There are a number of combination products that provide several of the above recommendations in a single product to help make taking supplements easy.