Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints and cartilage that can affect any part of the body, including the fingers, knees, feet, and back. Osteoarthritis is primarily caused by degeneration of the cartilage that occurs with age and is made worse by repetitive physical tasks and physical activities that place undue stress on the joints. The main symptoms of osteoarthritis are pain and stiffness; they are generally relieved by resting the affected joint. Rheumatoid arthritis affects people of all ages and is thought to be an autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack its own tissue. The primary symptom of rheumatoid arthritis is painful, stiff joints that tend to become swollen, tender, and deformed. Fatigue, a low-grade fever, and depression may accompany this condition. Although conventional medicine regards arthritis as incurable, many people have had symptoms relieved and even reversed through dietary changes, nutritional supplementation, gentle exercise such as yoga and tai chi, and stress management techniques such as deep breathing exercises. Saunas, hot tubs, and hot baths can also stimulate circulation and provide relief from pain and stiffness. Chiropractic Care Nutrition and Supplements Herbal Remedies Homeopathic Remedies Essential Oils Chiropractic Care  coming soon BACK TO MENU Nutrition and Supplements A diet low in saturated fats and high in fiber will help to reduce excess weight, which is important for alleviating stress on the weight-bearing joints. Eat one serving of cold-water fish such as salmon, sardines, or herring every day-they are rich sources of essential fatty acids, which help to reduce inflammation. People who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis often have food allergies and may want to consult with a health practitioner for guidance in testing for such sensitivities. Eliminating the most common food allergens (wheat, corn, and dairy products) is a good place to begin, and some arthritis sufferers have found that avoiding foods from the nightshade family, which include tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, peppers, and tobacco, is helpful. In addition, decreasing the intake of saturated animal fats can help to reduce inflammation. The following supplements may help relieve the symptoms of arthritis and prevent further damage to the joints: evening primrose oil, three to six capsules daily: a good source of essential fatty acids, which help reduce the inflammatory response calcium and magnesium, in a 2:1 ratio (e.g., 1,000 mg calcium and 500 mg magnesium): to prevent the bone loss that occurs with arthritis vitamin C plus bioflavonoids, 2-5 grams daily: for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects The following supplements are especially helpful for rheumatoid arthritis: bromelain, 400 mg between meals, three times daily: to help reduce joint swelling curcumin, 400 mg three times daily: for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties The following supplement is especially helpful in treating osteoarthritis and reducing further degeneration: glucosamine sulfate, 500 mg three times daily; to relieve pain and inflammation BACK TO MENU Herbal Remedies Herbal remedies are valuable in the treatment of arthritis to reduce inflammation and pain and stimulate circulation. Try any of the following herbs: feverfew, two capsules of freeze-dried herb three times a day: to help inhibit inflammation, especially in rheumatoid arthritis devil's claw or wild yam, 1 teaspoon of tincture or three capsules three times a day: to reduce pain and swelling white willow bark or meadowsweet, 1/2 teaspoon of tincture, two capsules, or 1 cup of tea as needed to relieve pain: contains salicylin, the same active ingredient found in aspirin capsaicin (from cayenne), applied topically as a cream: to stimulate circulation and relieve pain BACK TO MENU Homeopathic Remedies Homeopathic remedies for arthritis are best prescribed by a homeopathic practitioner. However, the following remedies may be helpful for providing relief from joint pain: Arnica: for a sore, bruised feeling in the joints, made worse by touch Bryonia: for swollen joints and pain that is aggravated by the slightest movement Colocynthis: for pain that is worse from movement, but better from warmth and pressure Rhus tox.: for aching joints that are worse in the morning and better from heat and continued movement Also available are combination remedy formulas that are prepared with some or all of the above single remedies. BACK TO MENU Essential Oils Methods for using essential oils for arthritis include massage, baths, and compresses applied to the painful joints. Try any of the following essential oils, singly or in combination, all of which have pain relieving properties and stimulate circulation to the affected joints: eucalyptus ginger rosemary PAGE TOP Powered by ProfessionalPlanets.com™ Copyright 1999 © ProfessionalPlanets.com™ All rights reserved. Terms of Use