Many
conditions bear the generic name Òarthritis.Ó The dictionary definition of
arthritis is inflammation of the joints, but the differences between each
arthritic condition can and does vary. Ask any individual diagnosed with
arthritis and they will tell you what they understand; their joints hurt!
A more old
fashioned term, yet one that seems more fitting would be rheumatism. The term
implies that other structures (besides the bones that make up a joint) such as
connective tissue, muscles, tendons, bursae and other fibrous tissue
surrounding the joint are affected by the pain and destruction of this chronic
degenerative disease.
What
causes arthritis? The answer to this question is not a simple one and it
depends on who you ask. A medical doctor may say itÕs just old age and over use
and that answer is correct, but only in part. Arthritis traced backwards from
its early beginnings in the body will reveal that indeed many other organ
systems besides the musculoskelatal system are involved.
What are
the most common types of arthritis? The American Rheumatic Association and The
Arthritis Foundation have named thirteen separate conditions as arthritic. The
two most common forms are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis with
fibromyalgia beginning to be a close second.
Osteoarthritis
usually effects people over the age of 30 and is believed by age 70 to be a
universal condition. Although the cause in not fully understood, it is most
often associated with continuos over use of the joint or joints. Old injury can
also play a part along with osteoporosis, poor diet, smoking, heavy alcohol use
and genetics.
The
etiology of Rheumatoid arthritis is also poorly understood. It is thought to be
autoimmune in nature and causes
chronic inflammation of the connective tissue throughout the body including
lungs, heart, blood vessels and internal organs, not just the joints. It can be
bacterial and is sometimes Lyme disease in disguise. It strikes infants as well
as elderly and everyone inbetween. Women are many times more seriously
affected. It is an aggressive disease and certainly much more serious than
osteoarthritis. This disease is best managed under the care of a physician, not
on your own. That is not to say natural therapies are not beneficial.
Firbromyalgia
is not really a new disorder, few things that plague man kind are. The name is
new and the rising number of new cases is directly related to our Western life
style of poor nutrition, obesity and other environmental pollutions. Doctors
are diagnosing everyone, especially women with this disorder many times without
the exacting criteria agreed upon in studies done by the Arthritis Foundation.
People
suffering with FM complain of everything from sore muscles and trigger points
to bouts of irritable bowel and low grade fever. This opportunistic disorder
attacks when immunity is low due to poor health habits sometimes coupled with
hidden bacterial or viral infection.
Many
individuals use NSAIDS (non steroidal antinflamatories) to control their
symptoms, but what else can we do? Massage can be a valuable adjunct to
treatment programs for several reasons. Massage is the single best muscle
relaxant, and helps resolve muscle contractures gently. It increases arterial
blood flow and oxygenation of the tissues. It increases the flow of synovial
fluid in the joints while breaking up exudate that settles in and around the
joints bringing freedom of movement. An exercise program will also be an
invaluable tool in the fight against your painful joints.
A clean
diet of more limited amounts of protein, especially animal protein is
beneficial. Limit highly processed foods, coffee, pop and in their place use
clean water and herbal teas. Some arthritics find the avoidance of night shade
plants to be helpful — tomato, potato, green pepper, eggplant.
Food
supplements important for joint health, glucosamine sulfate with or without
chondroitin, an essential fatty acid fish oil, flax, or primrose oil and MSM
which is beneficial for some cases. Use a high quality B vitamin. Mineral
supplementation should NOT be overlooked especially sulphur and magnesium.
Malic Acid, another supplement found in the skins of apples has proven to be
helpful. When you try a new supplement, try one thing at a time so if something
backfires youÕre sure whatÕs making you feel worse.
One final
note, any chronic degenerative disease, including arthritis usually can be
improved upon. These kinds of conditions can be discouraging — knowing
that you have some control over the process may be just what you need. ItÕs
your responsibility, go for it!
Till next
time, Rebecca.