Arthritis And The Alternative Treatments Available

Arthritis is an increasingly common, musculoskeletal disease, affecting many joints including the spine. There are over 150 recognized musculoskeletal conditions, resulting in chronic joint pain and stiffness, however, the most commonly known are Rheumatoid and Osteoarthritis.

Are there different types of arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease that is largely disabling and progressive. It is extremely painful and can readily affect an individual’s ability to perform routine, daily tasks. It can progress quite quickly; causing edema, or swelling, and can damage cartilage and bone around joints, usually the hands, wrists and feet. Rheumatoid arthritis is systemic; therefore, it can affect the entire body including the internal organs.

Osteoarthritis is also referred to as a degenerative disease. The symptoms which manifest in inflammation and joint pain are induced by worn cartilage, which acts as a cushion to the joints. As bone surfaces become exposed, pain increases, particularly during weight bearing activities such as standing and walking. Pain may encourage individuals to restrict their amount of movement, which can have a negative impact on the surrounding muscles and ligaments. This arthritis is associated with aging and tends to affect joints which have been repetitively stressed such as knees, hips, fingers and the lower spine.

Who is affected by arthritis?

The World Health Organization have estimated that 9.6% of men and 18% of women worldwide, over the age of 60, have symptomatic osteoarthritis, with 25% being unable to perform major daily tasks.

In addition to the debilitating pain experienced by most arthritis sufferers, mainstream treatment costs can be prohibitive in the long term. While most individuals seek out the newest, mainstream medical marvels available, it is worth considering the valuable range of alternative products that can aid in tackling the disease.

What are the alternatives to mainstream medicationsfor arthritis?

One of the most widely known prescriptions for treating arthritis is Cod Liver Oil, however there are problems associated with its tendency to oxidize in the body, and of course, with the smell. There is however, a far less smelly and much more stable alternative, Krill. Krill contains both DHA and EPA fats, and research to date strongly illustrates its role in preventing heart disease and cancer, while having a positive impact on the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. Krill is a natural, synergistic blend of Omega-3 fats and antioxidants, extracted in such a way as to avoid contact with oxygen, heat and light.

Similarly, Omega Pro formula is high potency fish oil, rich in Omega-3 fats EPA and DHA. It is one of few brands certified to contain the lowest levels of toxic substances such as lead, mercury, dioxins and other pesticides. It is sourced from Icelandic stocks and the packaging process avoids any contact with oxygen. The Mayo Clinic cites evidence from randomized controlled trials, of improvements in joint stiffness and tenderness with regular use of fish oil for a period of at least three months.

Gerovital-H3 is well known as an anti-depressant; however it is becoming more widely used in the treatment of arthritis. The active ingredient, procaine hydrochloride, converts into two bio nutrients that occur naturally, but which decline with age; para-Aminobenzoic Acid (PABA) and diethylaminoethanol (DEAE). These are known to improve cell metabolism which positively affects a range of mental and physical afflictions associated with aging, including arthritis.

Joint Pro is another potent product for treating arthritis. It is believed to increase range of movement, stop the progress of cartilage loss, encourage new cartilage growth, and improve blood flow. It contains a blend of natural ingredients widely used to reduce joint and tissue pain including; Bromelain and White Willow (a form of salicylic acid that helps to reduce imflammation), sea cucumber and Ginseng root extract.

Pregnenolone, a natural hormone, is almost as synonymous with treating arthritis as cod liver oil. Used since the 1940s, it is believed to be safe, low toxic and particularly effective in treating inflammation. Research on the use of pregnenolone found 6 out of 11 arthritis sufferers experiencing some real relief in symptoms of joint pain and mobility. Another study of 13 sufferers of osteoarthritis concluded that Pregnenolone supplements reduced pain and improved mobility in 7 of the patients.

SAMe is a natural molecule that energizing the body’s chemical processes, in particular, producing the ‘energy of life’ molecule, ATP (adenosine triphosphate). In Europe, it has been used successfully to reduce pain and swelling of osteoarthritis; in fact, a number of European trials showed that it performed as well as traditional, mainstream arthritis treatments. At high doses, it has not caused any adverse effects, and European doctors have been prescribing it for many years.

Pyritinol is a derivative of vitamin B6. Research has found that, in addition to its beneficial effect on memory and concentration, it has a number of antioxidant properties, and may enhance the immune system. This appears to put Pyritinol in the armory of arthritis fighting supplements. In 1993, the European Multicentre Study Group conducted a double-blind study of patients suffering Rheumatoid arthritis. Results illustrated a definite improvement in joint swelling, pain and general well-being.

The thymus gland, which diminishes rapidly after age 25, results in compromised immune function and a greater occurrence of conditions usually associated with aging. Clinical trials have proven a link between thymus supplementation and reduced joint pain in as little as 6 weeks after starting treatment, with the improvement being recorded up to 72 weeks after.

Wobenzym is an enzyme preparation that has been in use in Europe since the 1960s. It is a natural anti-inflammatory and was originally used to treat osteoarthritis. It has been used by Olympic athletes to reduce the pain of injuries by as much as 50% while improving healing and is widely used to prevent bruising and swelling in post surgical patients.

Wobenzym cream has the same anti-inflammatory action, but contains methanol for pain relief when applied topically.

Lastly, Hy-Col which contains collagen, hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulphate, is known to calm the inflammation of arthritis. The chondroitin sulphate, which has anti-inflammatory properties, is a substance that comprises the connective tissue in skin, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. Chondroitin sulphate augments the synthesis of hyaluronic acid and cartilage production in osteoarthritis patients, in so doing, improving the quality of their joint tissue.