What Excatly is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a disease that causes chronic joint pain and stiffness, immobility, and sometimes disability. The word ‘arthritis’ means ‘inflammation of joints’. It comes from two Greek words, athron meaning joints and its meaning inflammation. Because arthritis is an inflammation disease, and food can greatly influence the level of joint pain, choosing the right foods can be pivotal in alleviating the pain and swelling associated with this condition. In the early stages, the whole body is usually involved and one or two joints may become completely deformed, leaving the patient handicapped and somewhat weakened. Rheumatoid arthritis, Polyarthritis, Osteoarthritis, Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, septic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, Lupus, Gout are some kind of arthritis.
3 Types of Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common form and results from the breakdown of cartilage in the joints. Without cartilage, the bone rubs on bone, which results in pain and stiffness. It is a degenerative joint disease which usually occurs in the older age-group. It results from structural changes in the articular cartilage in the joints, usually those which are weight-bearing such as the spine and knees. Other symptoms include watery eyes, dry neck, leg cramps, allergies, arterisclerosis, impairment in the functioning of the gall-bladder and liver disturbances. The possible causes include malnutrition, continuous physical stress, obesity, glandular insufficiency, calcium deficiency and shortage of hydrochloric acid.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: It results from the inflammation of the synovium, a layer of tissue around the joint. This inflammation can cause damage to the joint over time and results in chronic pain and disability. Rheumatoid arthritis is a serious disease which affects not only the joints of the fingers, writs, hips, knees and feet but also the muscles, tendons and other tissues of the body. Symptoms include anaemia, colitis, constipation, gall-bladder disturbances, low blood pressure, deformed hands and feet. The condition may be caused by hormonal imbalance, physical and emotional stress, infection, severe fright, shock and injury.
- Juvenile Arthritis: It is also known as Still’s disease. It is any form of artritis that occurs in children under eighteen years of age.
Arthritis Pain Relief Natural Home Treatment
- Devil’s Claw: It is the African Herb. Devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is now one of the most scientifically validated herbal medicines for rheumatic and arthritic disorders. Perhaps the first herbal remedy to be considered for joint and muscle pain, devil’s claw can relieve arthritic pain and inflammation, slowing or preventing deterioration in symptoms. Devil’s claw extracts is effective in relieving arthritic pain in the knee, hip, and back. Osteoarthritis, gout, fibromyalgia, and back pain can all benefit from this herb. Devil’s claw is best taken before symptoms demand attention, especially if suitable dietary changes are also made. A distinctly bitter remedy, the tincture or decoction will help to stimulate appetite and absorption. Devil’s claw should not be used during pregnancy; it is best avoided if you suffer from stomach acidity or ulcers.
- Potato: The raw potato juice therapy is considered one of the most successful biological treatment for rheumatic and arthritic conditions. It has been used in folk medicine for centuries. The old method of preparing potato juice was to cut the potato into thin slices, without peeling the skin, and place them overnight in a large glass filled with cold water. The water should be drunk in the morning on an empty stomach. Fresh juice can also be extracted from potatoes and diluted with water on 50: 50 basis, first thing in the morning.
- Black Sesame Seeds: Very useful remedy to strengthen muscular system. Black sesame seeds also known as gingerly seeds, soaked overnight in water, have been found to be effective in preventing frequent joint pains. The water in which the seeds are soaked should also be taken along with the seeds the first thing in the morning. Drinking water kept overnight in a copper container also serves the same purpose. This water has traces of copper which helps strengthen the muscular system. For the same reason wearing a copper ring, wrist bands or bracelet will also help.
- Cabbage Leaves: An old remedy for arthritis is to boil some cabbage leaves, cooling them slightly and wrapping the affected area in the warm leaves. This is then covered with a towel.
- Celery: It is used in the treatment of arthritis and rheumatoid disorders; in Japan, rheumatic patients are sometimes put on a celery-only diet. Eat celery seeds to treat arthritis (for which they act as an anti-inflammatory) and to relieve muscle spasms (antispasmodic action).
- Sea Bathing: Sea bathing is considered beneficial in the treatment of arthritis. The natural iodine in the sea water is said to relieve arthritis pain. As is well-known, iodine regulates the acid-alkaline balance in the blood and tissues, helps to repair and regenerate worn out tissues and nourishes the skeletal structure. It enters into the thyroid gland’s secretion. The hormone uses this iodine to nullify germs in the bloodstream and to create a self- cleansing of internal toxemia. If sea bathing is not possible, the patient should relax for 30 minutes every night in a tub of warm water in which a cupful of sea salt has been mixed. The minerals in the sea salt, especially iodine, can be absorbed through the skin pores. This will help correct an internal imbalance.
- Nettle: The treatment is to grasp the nettles in a gloved hand and swat the sore joints with the nettles. This may seem bizarre, but the practice has proven to be so effective for some sufferers of arthritis that they now maintain a nettle plant on their window sill. The term “Urtication” comes from the botanical name, Urtica dioica and dates back some 2,000 years to biblical times. Urtica dioica is “Stinging Nettle. Eating nettles or drinking nettle tea is an old remedy for arthritis. The “stings” in stinging nettles contain histamine, which is anti-inflammatory.
- Ginger + Castor Oil: You can also drink 1 cup of ginger tea with 2 teaspoons of castor oil added. Castor oil contains natural precursors of steroids, which help to heal the inflammatory condition of rheumatoid arthritis. Take this tea before going to bed. Expect some laxative effect from the castor oil.
- Ayurvedic Herb: Simhanada guggulu tablet and chitrak-adhivati tablets are useful. But take approproate dosage as per directed by physician. Similarly, yogaraj guggulu and gandharva haritaki with castor oil can be taken for osteoarthritis pain relief as per doctor’s advice.
- Boswellia: Boswellia is highly prized in traditional Indian medicine and has been used to treat conditions as varied as arthritis. Boswellia is fast becoming one of the most commonly taken medicines for arthritic problems. The specific anti-inflammatory action of the resin makes it an important remedy for chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout. It can also prove valuable in relieving pain and stiffness in osteoarthritis.
- Asparagus Water: Drink asparagus water (the water remaining after steaming asparagus spears) for urinary complaints, arthritis, and rheumatism.
- Licorice: It works to ease inflammation and stiffness. Licorice’s anti inflammatory action serves to relieve stiffness, heat, and pain in muscles and joints. Working in a manner not too dissimilar to prescribed steroids, it helps to dampen chronic inflammation, easing associated discomfort in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and polymyalgia rheumatica.
- Seaweed: Regular use of Bladderwrack (Fucus Vesiculosis) will delay the progress of arthritis and hardening of the arteries. To make an excellent liniment for rheumatism and arthritis add 1oz. (25g.) of dried bladderwrack to 2 cups (500ml.) of water. Simmer for a half-hour. Strain and add to an equal amount of comfrey infused oil. Shake before use and rub in well twice daily. Bladderwrack should be avoided by anyone suffering from an overactive thyroid.
- Joint Pain DIY Lotion: Warm coconut oil or mustard oil, mixed with camphor, should be massaged in case of stiff and aching joints. It will increase blood supply and reduce inflammation and stiffness on account of gentle warmth produced while massaging. Camphorated oil is an ancient rubefacient used for the purpose. OR Mustard oil can be rectified with alcohol (1 part oil to 40 parts alcohol) and used as a lotion for joint pains, arthritis, and sluggish circulation.
- Black Cohosh: For muscle pain, arthritis, and rheumatic conditions (especially when associated with menopause), black cohosh can sometimes prove highly effective in relieving pain and inflammation and improving freedom of movement. As an antispasmodic, the herb eases cramps and restless muscles, and will tend to help lower raised blood pressure.
- Lime: The citric acid found in lime is solvent of the uric acid which is the primary cause of arthritis. Other remedies found useful in relieving pains in the joints include green-gram soup mixed with crushed garlic cloves and a teaspoonful of powdered fenugreek seeds in warm water taken everyday.
- Yoga Cure: The yogic asanas helpful in curing arthritis are trikonasana, bhujangasana, shalabhasana, naukasana, vakrasana and shavasana. Arthritis patients should practice these asanas regularly. Yogic kriyas like jalneti and kapalbhati and pranayamas such as anulomaviloma, ujjai and bhrameri are also beneficial.
Tips for Rheumatoid and Osteoarthritis Arthritis Patients
- Catch some rays. Ultraviolet light generates skin production of vitamin D. Higher levels of this vitamin (and greater exposure to sunlight) correlate with a lower risk of rheumatoid arthritis.
- You can reduce omega-6 and increase omega-3 fatty acids in your diet by changing the types of oils you use and by increasing your fish intake. Use olive oil for cooking vegetables and for salad dressings. you can make salad dressings from flaxseed oil or walnut oil. Enjoy at least two meals per week that incorporate a fatty fish such as salmon or trout.
- Pop a fish oil capsule. Fish oil supplements also reduce morning stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Cod liver oil and evening primrose oil capsules are reported to help rheumatoid arthritis.
- Herbs that contain calcium include nettles, parsley, dandelion leaves, kelp, and horsetail, which can be drunk as often as possible.
- Choose your fruits and vegetables by color. Eat orange, dark green, red, and purple produce throughout your week and enjoy as much of it as you can in its most natural form – for example, fresh berries added to your yogurt and carrot sticks or cantaloupe for a snack. Get creative with anti inflammatory spices such as curry and ginger. Sprinkle them into stir-fries or into a chicken or tuna salad.
- Stretch three times a week. Slowly move your joints through their complete range of motion. Doing so helps to maintain flexibility and reduces the risk of injury.
- The body should be kept warm at all times. Joints should not be bandaged tightly as this limits movement and interferes with the free circulation of blood.
- Recent evidence suggests that an increased intake of magnesium may help prevent the worst effects of osteoporosis. Magnesium sources include nuts, and brewer’s yeast.
- Apples are good detoxifiers. Eat them daily to improve symptoms and cure the condition.
- Rest is of greatest importance to arthritis, who should not overdo their work, exercise or recreation activities.
- Increase your intake of foods containing boron, which reduces the body’s excretion of calcium and magnesium, and increases the production of estrogen.
- Maintaining a normal body weight is also an important factor in preventing arthritis. Obesity places excess stress on weight-bearing joints and interferes with the smooth functioning of tendons, ligaments and muscles.
- Constipation should be avoided as it poisons the system and adds to the irritation and inflammation of the joints. Light exercises such as walking, hiking and swimming are beneficial.
- Consider magnets. For people with osteoarthritis in the hip or knee, a few studies have shown that wearing magnets helped relieve joint pain more effectively than a placebo. However, it’s hard to know whether the magnetic bracelets, necklaces, and pads on the retail market are as strong as those used in studies. There is interest in magnet therapy because the body has natural electromagnetic fields that researchers think may react positively to magnets. For instance, muscle contractions induced by signals from the nervous system are linked to magnetic activity. There is not yet enough information on exactly how magnets work to relieve pain, but researchers note that such products seem to do no harm.