As recent as this fall 2004, Merck & Company, one of the nations
top pharmaceutical companies, pulled one of its most popular drugs
for osteoarthritis, Vioxx, from the market after a study linked
Vioxx to increased risk of heart attacks and stroke. Although
scary and frustrating for the many who were taking this drug,
it should never have made it to the market to begin with. Thankfully,
there are some more natural alternatives for those suffering with
arthritis. Two recent studies have confirmed that people who begin
an exercise program and lose weight report significant improvement
in their arthritis symptoms. This combined with essential nutrition
and a few potentially promising supplements, may help you on your
road of recovery and rejuvenation.
Arthritis affects roughly 40 million Americans. Osteoarthritis,
the most common form of arthritis, is a process where deterioration
of the cartilage in the protective cartilage of the joints leads
to considerable pain and decreased mobility. There are many forms
of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is characteristically brought on
by heredity, overuse, and injury to the joint. Symptoms of osteoarthritis
are characterized by inflammation - pain, swelling, and redness
are often present.
Several studies have shown the benefits of exercise for people
with osteoarthritis. Stretching and strengthening exercises will
help support the muscles and ligaments surrounding a joint, which
can protect and reduce stress on the joint. For example, stronger
thigh muscles take some of the stress off of weight-bearing joints
such as the knees and hips. Losing weight can also have a similar
effect.
Exercises to consider include walking, swimming, biking, stretching,
yoga, and resistance (weight) training. Swimming is especially
gentle because it puts less stress on the joints and allows the
body weight to be supported by the water. Cardiovascular conditioning
can be performed in the water without a lot of stress being put
on the larger joints of the body. If there is pain with movement,
then you may need to consider a different exercise. It is imperative
to check with your doctor before engaging in any new exercise
program.
Balance exercise with rest and stretching and relaxation. Try
icing the joint within 24 hours after working it out and then
alternating hot and cold packs. Obviously exercises or sports
that place excessive stress on your joints should be avoided (i.e.
tennis with arthritic knees). Don't be afraid to exercise –
it should not cause any further damage to the joint. Remember
that you are focusing on strengthening the surrounding muscle
tissue to protect and strengthen the joint.
In rheumatoid arthritis, the inflammation is usually an immune
reaction. It could be the body's defense against invading microorganisms,
but often the immune reaction against the body's own tissue is
of unknown cause. Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by an
inflammation of the inner linings of the joint capsules. Blood
tests often reveal the presence of rheumatoid factors, proteins
produced by the immune system in response to the rheumatic process.
There are some herbals medicines that may help the condition of
osteoarthritis by decreasing inflammation and alleviating pain.
Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is a popular herbal remedy
from the Kalahari desert. The herb contains a group of glycosides
called harpagosides that have been shown to have a distinct anti-inflammatory
effect. Yucca, another desert plant has been shown to have a positive
effect in persons with osteoarthritis. Boswellia serrata is an
Ayurvedic herb that appears to have anti-inflammatory actions
and clinical studies support its use in osteoarthritis.
The very popular glucosamine sulfate has enough supportive research
to support its use in osteoarthritis. Glucosamine sulfate has
double-blind clinical trials that have shown greater improvement
in symptoms when glucosamine sulfate was supplemented long-term
compared to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The usual dose
for glucosamine is 1500 milligrams daily, taken with food.
Acupuncture, hydrotherapy, and massage may all provide relief
to the individual suffering with osteoarthritis. Each modality
is definitely worth considering. A multivitamin and mineral could
also benefit arthritis sufferers, as I believe a daily multiple
can benefit most people.
Certain foods may aggravate arthritis and I usually recommend
avoiding these foods if you suffer from osteoarthritis. These
foods are part of the nightshade family and include tomatoes,
potatoes, eggplant, and bell peppers. I also recommend that you
avoid excessive alcohol, avoid tobacco and sugar. Maintain a healthy
weight and get a healthy dose of daily exercise and you'll be
well on your way to doing your best to avoid this painful process.
For a better understanding of Arthritis
we recommend you read the e-book "Arthritis
Relief and Prevention". For more information on obtaining
this book click
here.
