Natural Remedies For Arthritis & Joint Pain

Natural Arthritis Remedies

Chronic joint pains or arthritis can not only immobilize, but make life a living hell. Imagine experiencing pain while sleeping, getting out of bed, arising from a toilet seat, dressing, walking, preparing meals, writing and attending to personal matters that involve bodily movements. You’d be surprised to know as many as one in three adults in the US get affected by one of the more than hundred types of arthritis.

Knowing arthritis

According to doctors, the common pains usually go away after a few days, but pains due to arthritis persist over weeks. For most people arthritis sets in as the body ages, as joints naturally degenerate over time. In fact, people over the age of fifty begin to get susceptible to it. So, what exactly is this condition?

Arthritis may include joint pains and inflammation, resulting in the limited movement of the joints. This happens due to decreased lubrication provided by cartilage, a slippery smooth substance that covers most joints. If this cartilage degenerates or gets damaged or narrowed, it can give rise to over a hundred types of arthritis and rheumatic diseases, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia.

An inflamed joint may appear reddish, swollen, tender and warm to the touch. So, if you experience pain, stiffness or swelling, around a joint for more than two weeks, it’s time to visit your physician. Fortunately, arthritis can be managed through a combination of medication, exercise, rest, weight-management, nutrition, and, in some cases, surgery. However, the best course is to prevent the condition or take natural remedies for arthritis.

Preventing arthritis

You can prevent arthritis by following the tips given as under:

a. Avoid excess stress: Protect your joints by avoiding excess stress. This can be done by using devices that assist you around the house. You should also aim at preserving and improving your daily tasks to help treat the condition.

b. Maintain ideal weight: There’s a relation between arthritis and body weight. If you’re overweight, your joints would’ve to bear that much extra weight. By staying within your ideal weight, you help relieve pressure on your hips and knees.

c. Avoid animal foods: Meat contains arachidonic acid that provokes joint inflammation and aggravates arthritis.

d. Find out your food allergies: They’ve been linked to many types of arthritis. So, find out if you’re allergic to food stuffs, like wheat, corn, dairy products, tomatoes, white potatoes, eggplant, peppers, citrus, salt, caffeine, and the like.

Natural remedies for arthritis

Now with so many drugs for arthritis available in the market, why would you go in for natural remedies? The reasons can be many, like you may not have responded well to an over-the-counter medication or may have experienced side effects. You may even be a staunch non-believer in healing your body chemically. So, natural remedy seems the most sensible course. Whether you’re seeking natural remedy for rheumatoid arthritis or arthritis natural pain remedy, there are a few excellent and safe options to be tried. Let’s have a look at them:

a. Natural oils: Consuming fish oils controls inflammation in the body. Even oils of flax, borage, sesame, sunflower and pumpkin prove as effective.

b. Ginger: Being an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory, it is effective in reliving the arthritic condition with no major side effects.

c. Nettle leaf: It improves the condition and reduces the need for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

d. Acupuncture: This Chinese needle therapy is known to relive pain even in the most severe cases.

e. Aroma therapy: Certain natural fragrances help in reducing the pain and discomfiture of arthritic condition.

f. Magnet therapy: Magnets worn as wrist bands or in clothing or bed linens are known to relive this condition.

g. Other therapies: Yoga, meditation, creative visualization and imagery are other natural therapies for arthritis, which have been successfully practiced.

Natural remedies for arthritis seem inviting, especially when compared to the side effects associated with prescription drugs. But, always consult your physician before you try them out.

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Healthy Foods List For Arthritis And Back Pain Relief

Arthritis is the inflammation of joints. There are two theories for the cause:
1. Infection
2. Body's own defenses go out of line and attack its own tissues components as if they were invading pathogens.

This illness affects about 60 million people worldwide who are helpless to do anything about it. Arthritis is a part of the genetic code one was born with, like green eyes and birthmarks.
The most severe case of this crippling disease is RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS. Although one inherits arthritis, yet there are factors relating to it like fatigue, shock, injury, and exposure to cold and dampness.

I have begun to explore the possibilities of food medicine which had improved the quality of life and markedly decreased the the daily arthritic pain of many people. I am not saying I have found a cure for arthritis, because there is no cure. I want to share them with you here, in the hopes that they can benefit someone else who may be fighting the same battle.

* Parsley :
A poultice of bruised leaves gives relief in cases of neuralgia and rheumatism.

* Cayenne Pepper :
In herbal treatment today, Capsicum is used for rheumatism, and arthritis. Capsicum and its active ingredients are used extensively in many pharmaceutical preparations.The capsaicin in cayenne blocks a chemical involved in the nerve transmission of pain. Cayenne is also rich in salicylates, natural aspirin like compounds. Massage a balm containing cayenne into your temples for headaches, or take encapsulated cayenne. Capsaicin, an extract from cayenne and other peppers, can dramatically reduce chronic nerve pain. Studies have proven its usefulness for arthritis, shingles, trigeminal neuralgia, and diabetic neuropathy. It appears to act by decreasing the concentration of substance P, the primary chemical used by nerve cells to transmit pain signals. This effect can require several weeks of regular use.

* Fennel :
An infusion of 1 OZ. of the dried leaves to 1 pint of boiling water is taken in wine glassful doses, frequently repeated. It has also been recommended as an external application for dissolving glandular swellings. Oil of fennel relieves muscular or rheumatic pains.

* Hops :
As an external remedy, an infusion of Hops is much in demand in combination with chamomile flowers or poppy heads as a fomentation for swelling of a painful nature, inflammation, neuralgic and rheumatic pains, bruises, boils and gatherings. It removes pain and allays inflammation in a very short time.

* Ginseng , Siberian :
For treating rheumatoid arthritis and making muscles and bones strong.

* Lavender :
A fomentation of lavender as external application relieves stiffness of the joints. Oil of lavender is sometimes effective in bringing back circulation to feet that have lost feeling.

* Pineapple :
Research demonstrates bromelin helps the body eliminate substances related to arthritis and triggers the release of a prostaglandin that tamps down inflammation. Some question remains about bromelin's absorption from the gut, and to many herbal authorities the value may be over hyped. Nature gave us many similar proteolytic enzymes, (like Ginger), that are more highly concentrated in the edible parts of the plants.

* Barberry, Common :
Both Chinese gold thread (native to the mountains of Szechwan province in China) and the barberry known in Europe and North America are rich natural sources of berberine. Berberine is bright yellow and somewhat bitter, and has long been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effects.Compounds in these plants inhibit the COX-2 enzyme. Berberine-containing herbs thus offer significant medical benefits across the spectrum of diseases.

* Celery :
It is recommended to eat the cultivated fresh root as well as taking the oil or fluid extract. Celery is said to be very good for rheumatism, when it is often combined with Coca, Damiana, etc. Dose: fluid extract, 3 to 7 drops every four hours.

* Black Pepper :
Black pepper has been used in vertigo, paralytic and arthritic disorders.

* Ginger :
Ginger root has traditionally been used in India to treat arthritis. Components of ginger such as gingerol can inhibit the production of prostaglandins possibly more effectively that the arthritis drug Indomethacin.To ease arthritis pain, drink a cup of ginger tea daily, brewed with one half to one teaspoon of fresh ground root. Available at most grocery stores, choose roots that have smooth skins, and freeze sliced ginger to keep fresh.

* Licorice :
It acts much like your body's own natural corticosteroids, the most potent anti-inflammatory substance. Licorice decreases generation of damaging molecules called free radicals at the site of inflammation and it inhibits an enzyme that's involved in the inflammatory process.

* Evening Primrose :
The seed from this plant contains the essential fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid ( GLA), which as an effect on inflammation. For this reason, the seed oil may significantly help arthritis pain, especially in cases of rheumatoid arthritis.

* Borage :
Like evening primrose and black current seeds, borage seeds are another source of gammalinolenic acid (GLA), the omega-6 fatty acid that the body uses to make an inflammation fighting, autoimmune-boosting prostaglandin. * Flax The linoleic acid found in flax seed oil may also be beneficial for arthritis because it alters how the body breaks down prostaglandins, chemicals involved in inflammation.

* Turmeric :
The curcumin and curcuminoids in turmeric are first-rate arthritis-alleviating anti-inflammatory agents,These phytochemicals fight inflammation much like COX-2 inhibitors. They inhibits the production of prostaglandins. Turmeric can be taken in food, or applied topically to the joint as a poultice to relieve pain.

* Rosemary :
Apply a compress of Rosemary to relieve sore muscles, stiff joints, and rheumatic pains.

* Peach :
Leaves are boiled in water and the extract is applied locally.

* Olives :
Bruised leaves are put on the inside leg a little over the ankle.

* cress
Its juice is mixed with water and taken orally 1-3 times daily.

* Ivy :
Leaves are boiled with water and the resultant extract is taken orally,1-2 cups daily. 1-2 g of leaves for 1 cup water.

* Wheat Grass :
15 g of completely dried roots are boiled with 1/2 Liter of water for 10minutes. The extract is cooled, filtered and taken up to 4 cups daily.

* Colocynth :
If it is rubbed on the FEET, it relieves pain in the back, in the legs and in joint. It is one of the most effective remedies.

Some compounded foods :
There are also some tried blends of different foods that have been found to produce good results in relieving arthritis pain. If you find it greasy or of unpalatable appearance, you can mix it with any regular cream so that it is better dispensed. Unless directed to make a paste , you can use water extract of the plant.

# Crushed Linseed or Linseed oil + Vinegar:
To be applied locally.

# Lupin beans + Vinegar + Honey :
They are heated together and the resultant mixture is applied locally,it is helpful in relieving articular pain, Sciatica and Gout pain.

# Blackberries leaves + Figs :
To be heated together in water and the resultant extract is taken orally.

# Sugar apple + Barley extract :
Sugar apple is heated with Barley extract ( the water left after boiling Barley in it), and the resultant extract is applied locally.

# Thyme + Honey :
If powdered Thyme leaves or Thyme oil or extract is mixed with Honey it relieves arthritis pain almost immediately.

# Nigella + Honey :
Nigella oil is mixed with Honey and taken orally. The amounts are approximated to your convenience.

# Coriander oil + Almond oil + oil of Violet :
Mixed together and applied locally.

# Olive oil + Bran + Vinegar :
All are heated together and applied to the joints, then cover with wool cloth.

# Cabbage leaves + Barley mill (flower) :
Cabbage leaves are pasted with Barley mill, applied to the joints, then cover with wool cloth.

# Cabbage leaves + Garlic :
They are pasted together and applied to the affected joints. You can correct the odor using some aromatic oils of those mentioned above.

# Cucumber + Fenugreek + Vinegar + Garlic + Olive oil :
Fenugreek is boiled in water to be softened, Cucumber is peeled, and equal amounts of Cucumber, Fenugreek, and Vinegar are put in some Olive oil and heated after adding some garlic clove or oil and table salt, stirr until you get an ointment that is locally applied to the affected joints and covered with wool cloth ( you may leave it for the whole night).

# Figs + Pine nut + Safflower oil :
Mix using heat and apply locally.

# Caraway oil + Olive oil :
Caraway oil or the water extract of the seeds is added to double its amount of Olive oil and applied to the affected joint.

# Coriander + Henna + Barley mill + Vinegar :
The oil of Coriander or its water extract is mixed with the other ingredients and made into paste that is applied locally.

# Cartilage of Lamb + Saffron :
Cartilage of Lamb legs is mixed with Saffron and applied into the affected joints ( Glucosamine?).

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Herbal Remedies for Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Spondylosis, Muscular Ache

Arthritis is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world. According to Ayurveda arthritis is primarily a vata (air) disease which is due to accumulation of toxins in the joints and is known as amavata.This can be caused by poor digestion and a weakened colon, resulting in the accumulation of undigested food and the buildup of waste matter. Poor digestion allows toxins to accumulate in the body, and problems with the colon allow the toxins to reach the joints.

Symptoms : Fever; Immense pain & stiffness in affected muscles in case of chronic muscular rheumatism; Pain or tenderness in a joint which is aggravated by any movement or activity, such as walking, getting up from a chair, writing, typing, holding an object, throwing a ball, turning a key; Excruciating pain and stiffness in the joints in case of chronic articular rheumatism.

Home Remedies: The following are a few simple cures that might just help relieve you from the pain of arthritis. Try any of them to see what works for you.

Two teaspoons of lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey mixed in a cup of warm water taken twice a day is good for curing arthritis; Two teaspoons of juice from fresh leaves of bathua, drink every day on an empty stomach for 2-3 months; Half a teaspoon of turmeric powder with warm water helps cure arthritis; Taking alfalfa tea twice a day makes a good cure; Two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and 2 teaspoons of honey dissolved in a small glass of warm water taken once or twice a day brings relief; Rub the aching joints with hot vinegar to get some relief from pain; Two parts pure olive oil and one part kerosene makes a wonderful liniment to bathe afflicted joints; Add one tablespoon cod liver oil to the juice of one orange, whip and drink before sleeping; One raw clove of garlic every day is very beneficial. This clove can be fried in ghee (clarified butter) or castor oil. Take for 2 months; Guggulu is very helpful in curing arthritis. Eat half a teaspoon twice a day after meals with warm water; Exercise the afflicted joints in a tub full of hot water; Drink carrot juice, cucumber juice, eat cooked vegetables and/or vegetable soups, and drink coconut water for a healthy body & massage your joints daily to cure arthritis; On an empty stomach eat 2-3 walnuts or some coconut; Avoid mental tensions that lead to stress. Lose weight, if necessary, to get close to your ideal weight. If you weigh less, there is less weight on your joints and less pain;

Effetive and Proven Results For - Arthcare Oil (Anti Inflammatory and Muscle Relaxant Herbal Massage Oil) :

Arthcare Oil is the best natural solution for your problem, manufactured under the guidance of renowned MD Ayurveda Specialist doctor. Arthcare is an anti-arthritic herbal oil which not only gives a sure relief in rheumatic arthritis but also strengthens the bone tissues, the skeletal and the neuromuscular systems, giving a comfortable movements of joints and muscles. It is a powerful antioxidant and increases the energy level. Arthcare penetrates the body tissue faster than any other ointment because of its strong anti-inflammatory action. It removes stiffness and improves mobility of limbs. It brings relief from backaches, muscular strains, rheumatic pains, joint pains etc. Body massage with Arthcare oil, relaxes an asthmatic person. Arthcare is scientifically proven Ayurvedic formulation containing the herbal combination of well known traditional herbs described above. Within few minutes of application you will feel relaxed from pain. For Best Results Take 2 Arthcare Capsules twice a day and massage the affected area with Arthcare Oil 2-3 times a day.
Herbal Remedies:

The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. The following have been used traditionally to treat rheumatoid arthritis:

Shallaki also known as boswellia (Boswellia serrata), comes from a tree that yields gum when its bark is peeled away. In clinical trials, promising results were observed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, chronic colitis, Crohn's disease. Researchers found that standardized Boswellia extract significantly reduced swelling and pain and usually reduced morning stiffness for people with rheumatoid arthritis. http://www.ayurvediccure.com/shallaki.htm ;

Ashvagandha (Withania somniferum) is an Asian plant of the potato family. Its roots have long been used to treat "rheumatism," high blood pressure, immune dysfunctions, erection problems and also to ease inflammation. Because of all this, it's sometimes called the "Indian ginseng." http://www.ayurvediccure.com/ashwagandha.htm ;

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) may be among the best-studied of the four. Research suggests ginger root inhibits production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which are involved in pain and inflammation. In an uncontrolled 1992 Danish study, 56 patients who had either RA, OA or muscular discomfort took powdered ginger. All of those with musculoskeletal pain and three-fourths of those with OA or RA reported varying degrees of pain relief and no side effects, even among those who took the ginger for more than two years.http://www.ayurvedivccure.com/products.htm ;

Herbal oils are applied to the arthritis to loosen stiff joints, restore mobility, remove pain, inflammation or swelling, nourish tissues and relieve pain. The experienced hands dipped in the pleasantly warmed oil will travel all over the body with pressure. Arthcare not only increases blood circulation but also gives a sure relief for rheumatic arthritis, spondylosis, paralysis, muscular disorder, slipped disc, asthma and tuberculosis. Brings in relief from stress, strain and tensions. It is also very good for tonning of one's muscles and nerves. Get instant relief within minutes of application of oil. For more information please read at http://www.ayurvediccure.com/arthcareoil.htm . Advice:

Epsom Salt (magnesium sulfate): Magnesium has both anti-inflammatory and anti- arthritic properties and it can be absorbed through the skin. Magnesium is one of the most important of the essential minerals in the body, and it is commonly deficient in the American diet. A New England remedy for arthritis is a hot bath of Epsom salts. The heat of the bath can increase circulation and reduce the swelling of arthritis.

Dosage and Directions: Fill a bathtub with water as hot as you can stand. Add 2 cups of Epsom salts. Bathe for thirty minutes, adding hot water as necessary to keep the temperature warm. Do this daily as often as you'd like.
More Details about Arthritis, Joint Pain, Back Pain Massage here.

Summary: Herbal Guide to Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Spondylosis, Muscular Ache, Know Some Home Remedies , Effetive Herbs and Effective Products

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http://www.ayurvediccure.com/arthcareoil.htm http://www.ayurvediccure.com/arthritis.htm


Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Herbal Supplements and Herbal Remedies

at http://www.ayurvediccure.co.uk

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Arthritis websites and studies

Websites

American College of Rheumatology

Arthritis Foundation

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Ayurveda and Arthritis

Relevant Studies

* Iron and rheumatoid arthritis. Day-to-day variation in iron levels is lower in the elderly than in the younger population. Iron levels are similar in both elderly women with or without rheumatoid arthritis. J Am Diet Assoc, March 1996.
* Riboflavin Deficiency and Rheumatoid Arthritis. There is an association of riboflavin deficiency with the further development of rheumatoid arthritis and the inflammation characterizing the disease. Ann Rheum Dis, Nov. 1996.
* Vitamin D and Osteoarthritis. Low intake and low serum levels of vitamin D seem to be associated with an increased risk for progression of osteoarthritis in the knee. Ann Intern Med, Sept. 1, 1996.
* Vitamin A and Infectious Arthritis. Vitamin A deficiency may exacerbate acute Lyme arthritis. Conversely, intake of vitamin A may ease symptoms of Lyme arthritis. J Infect Dis, Oct. 1996.
* Weight Loss and Osteoarthritis. Early indicators suggest that weight loss can prevent the onset of osteoarthritic symptoms and alleviate symptoms already present. Am J Clin Nutr, March 1996

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Arthritis Treatment

What treatment options are available?
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.

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Arthritis Diet & Nutrition

Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers may experience some improvement by adopting a vegetarian diet, according to a study in the British Journal of Nutrition. The 13-month study of 44 patients with active rheumatoid arthritis found that those on vegetarian regimens experienced fewer arthritis symptoms than the volunteers whose diet contained meat and other animal products.

One explanation stems from the fact that vegetarian diets contain different types of fats from those found in diets that include animal products. While it's true that the bulk of the fat in our bodies is used as a source of energy or to store energy, a small amount of fat goes to form powerful hormone-like compounds called prostaglandins or PGs.

There are several different families of PGs, each causing the body to behave in different ways. Where arthritis is concerned, some PGs can encourage inflammation while others will not. The type of fat we eat is one the factors that determines how much of each type of PG the body makes.

Previous research has found that omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish oil as well as borage seed oil, evening primrose oil and flaxseed oil, are able to decrease the painful symptoms of arthritis. Theoretically, the body turns them into PGs that don't encourage inflammation. By contrast, animal products and the omega-6 polyunsaturated vegetable oils turn into PGs that promote inflammation.

A 1996 study in the journal Epidemiology found that regular intake of high omega-3 fish, such as salmon, mackerel, brook trout, bluefish or herring, reduces the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. (Fried food, incidentally, was associated with a higher risk.)

A study in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases reported that vitamin E may alleviate some of the stiffness experienced by arthritis sufferers. Those taking 600 mg of vitamin E twice a day for twelve weeks reportedly had a major reduction in pain.

A study in the Journal of Rheumatology found that supplements of N-acetyl-L-cysteine were helpful in relieving some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

The claim that arthritis is caused by a food allergy is controversial. This being said though, it's best to maintain a journal, charting any changes in symptoms alongside the day's activities and the foods you eat. Discuss any suspect patterns with your allergist.

The Arthritis Foundation, which originally stated that it "cannot recommend" glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate as treatment, has backed off the strength of that statement. In a more recent press release, it calls the initial data on glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate "promising," but that it "cannot formulate a definite recommendation" until more substantial studies are done.

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Description of Arthritis

More than fifty 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. The chances of developing arthritis increase the more sedentary you become.

OSTEOARTHRITIS

* Osteoarthritis develops as the cartilage at the ends of the bones, at the joints, wears away.
* Friction is caused by the roughening of the cartilage. The cartilage deteriorates as the once-smooth surfaces are no longer able to slide easily against each other. Tendons, ligaments and muscles keeping the joints in place weaken, and the joint becomes stiff, deformed and painful.
* Osteoarthritis makes bones brittle, thus increasing the risk for fractures.
* Osteocytes, or bone spurs, develop near the worn-away cartilage in the neck and back, but can only be detected with an X-ray.
* Osteoarthritis most typically occurs after 40, and can be found in the majority of people over 60.
* Symptoms can be mild to severe and develop in three times as many women than men.



RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

* Rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis develop when the immune system attacks the synovial membrane (lines the joints and secretes lubricating fluid) because it mistakes the membrane for a foreign body.
* The joints then become inflamed, and the cartilage, tissues and bone surfaces are destroyed.
* Scar tissue develops, causing the bones to fuse together. Joints become gnarled and deformed.
* Rheumatoid arthritis, also called rheumatism or synovitis, affects people from ages 25-50 with women developing it two to three times more than men.
* Damage can progress to the muscles, heart, eyes, lungs, and nerves.
* This damage can also occur in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis sufferers who are made up of those 18 and under, with six times as many girls as boys afflicted.



INFECTIOUS 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.

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Arthritis causes, symptoms and Risks

What are the Causes/Risks?

OSTEOARTHRITIS

* Degenerative joint disease which is 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.



INFECTIOUS 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.



What are the 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.


Description
Nutrition & Diet
Treatment
Websites & studies
References and Sources: Medline, Pubmed, National Institutes of Health

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