Arthritis

Description

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis are the most common forms of this debilitating joint disease. Others include ankylosing spondylitis, Gout, lupus and psoriatic arthritis (see Psoriasis).

Rheumatoid Arthritis occurs throughout the world and affects one to two per cent of the population. Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, which affects a quarter of a million children and adolescents under 18, is another auto-immune disease, whereby the body destroys its own joints.

Osteoarthritis affects some sixteen million Americans, usually those over the age of 55. The symptoms include a gradual deterioration of the joints, particularly if there has been athletic trauma. The treatment includes replacement of one or both of the weight bearing joints of the legs, hips and knees.

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Herbs

Alfalfa (7)
Sarsaparilla (8)

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Nutritional Supplements

Fish Oil(1)
Garlic (2)
Glucosamine Sulphate (3,4)
Kelp
Selenium (9)
B Complex
Vitamin C (5)
Vitamin E (5)
Zinc (6, 9)

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Homoeopathy

Rhus tox.
Sprains, arthritis, and repetitive strain such as tennis elbow.
Worse for damp conditions or immobility.
Characteristic stiff Pain on starting to move.

Merc sol.
General burning rheumatic Pains especially at night. Pain may feel like it is "in the bones."

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References

1. James MJ, et al. Dietary n-3 fatty acids and therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis. Semin Arthritis Rheum 27: 85-97, 1997.
2. Murray MT. Which is better: Aged versus fresh Garlic; glucosamine sulfate versus chondroitin sulfate. Am J Natural Med 1997;4:5-8.
3. Noack W, et al. Glucosamine sulfate in Osteoarthritis of the knee. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2: 51-59, 1994.
4. Rovati, LC, et al. A large, randomized, placebo controlled, double-blind study of glucosamine sulfate vs. Piroxicam and vs. their association, on the kinetics of the symptomatic effect in knee Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2(Suppl. 1): 56, 1994.
5. Schwartz ER. The modulation of osteoarthritic development by vitamins C and E. Int J Vit Nutr Res(Suppl. 26): 141-146, 1984.
6. Simkin PA. Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis with oral Zinc sulfate. Agents Actions 1981;8(suppl):587-96.
7. Malinow MR, et al. Effect of Alfalfa saponins in the management of arthritis. J Applied Nutr 1975; 27:45-50.
8. Ageel AM, Mossa JS, Al-Yahya MA, et al. Experimental studies on antirheumatic crude drugs used in Saudi traditional medicine. Drugs Exp Clin Res 1989;15:369-72.