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Arresting Arthritis Naturally

© Robert M. Oliva

Joint pain is something almost all of us have experienced. In fact, for many of us this pain can become so severe that it interfers with performing our daily tasks. Medical praticioners call this joint pain arthritis. This is a term that covers many forms of joint deterioration. According to the Arthritis Foundation, 21 million Americans suffer from what is called osteoarthritis and 2.1 million suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. Women have this condition more often then men.

Keeping our joints functioning is important if we wish to live active and healthy lifestyles. But until recently there was little hope for the prevention or cure of joint problems. Pain management was the best most of us could hope for. Today there are some new and promising ways that may prevent or diminish the severity of this condition.

Understanding Arthritis

Arthritis covers a range of over 100 problems associated with our joints. These problems may include joint membrane inflammation, cartilage breakdown, metabolic disorders, infections, traumas and injuries, connective tissue disorders and spinal stiffening. As we age, our ability to maintain healthy cartilage may decline. The enzymes that repair and restore the cartilage is reduced and the water needed in the joint decreases. Without water and the healing enzymes, the joints becomes more prone to damage.

Currently, many believe that OA and RA are caused by the action of matrix enzymes. Some of these enzymes are proinflammatory. Inflammation is the tissue response to some chemicial, immunoligical or mechanical stress. It is usualy accompanied by arachidonic acid. This acid is present in the production of what is called prostaglandin PGE2. PGE2 is an important element in the production of inflammation. Researchers hope that reducing or eliminating these inflammatory elements could lead to a new and more effective treatment of arthritic conditions.

Let's look at two main forms of arthritis:

Osteo-arthritis

Osteo-arthritis (OA), the most common form of arthritis, is a degenerative process of the cartilage, synovial membrane and bones of our joints. There is a gradual breakdown that often affects the weight bearing joints of the knees, hips, hands and spinal joints. A deterioration of the cartilage leads to its ulceration and thinning. This leads to a lose of shock absorption in the affected joint. The underlying bone begins to thicken due to the stress involved and bone spurs develop. In advanced stages a painful inflammation of the synovial fluid occurs, then swelling, and finally a reduced range of motion in the joint. Many factors are thought to play a role in the onset of OA. These factors include age, genetics, obesity, and accidents.

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