Ailments and Situations - Arthritis - Remedies |
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Page 4 of 6 Remedies
- Conventional Approaches -Conventional Approaches Prescription painkillers are the standard approach when dealing with these conditions. However, pain is a symptom and, when masked by painkillers, does not address the underlying cause. In addition, long-term use of some Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) can cause significant side effects, including promotion of osteoarthritic joint deterioration and muscle atrophy (wasting). Further, a number of studies have concluded that long-term NSAID use does not benefit those with OA. Many people often build up a tolerance to arthritis and painkilling medications and production of the natural painkiller, endorphin, is disrupted as your body receives mixed messages. Review the various options below and then discuss a viable course of treatment with your naturopath or other health practitioner. - Amino Acids -Amino Acids Glutathione supplementation may prove helpful. Consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner. - Foods -Foods Pineapple contains bromelain, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Eat separate from meals, however, as bromelain will instead act as a digestive enzyme in the presence of other food. -Food Supplements -Food Supplements Essential Fatty Acids such as flaxseed oil, primrose oil, black currant seed oil and fish oil help reduce morning stiffness and their anti-inflammatory properties provide relief to tender joints. A number of studies have shown the effectiveness of EFA supplementation in treating arthritic conditions. These acids boost prostaglandin production in the body. If using liquid form, take two tablespoons daily. If using flaxseed oil capsules, take 2 to 3 capsules daily, in the morning. If using evening primrose oil capsules take 1 500mg capsule daily, in the morning. Sea cucumber promotes connective tissue and cartilage growth. NOTE: If you have a seafood or shellfish allergy, consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner to determine the appropriateness of this remedy for your needs. Sea cucumber is also a marine animal and may thus be inappropriate for vegetarians or vegans. - Herbs -Herbs Cayenne, prepared as a cream (capsaicin cream), can be used to provide local pain relief. Rub on specific joints that are causing discomfort. The active ingredient, capsaicin, reduces production of the neuropeptide Substance P, a neurotransmitter that relays pain messages to the brain. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and helps relieve pain and swelling. To prepare a decoction, add 3 to 4 teaspoons of fresh or dried root to 4 cups boiling water. Boil for 10 minutes. Take 3 times daily, or when needed. If supplementing, take 500 to 1,000mg 2 to 4 times daily. To prepare an infusion, add 2 teaspoons grated, fresh ginger to one cup of hot water. Take as often as needed. If using in tincture form, take 30 to 60 drops 3 times daily. Nettle is a historically and culturally rooted remedy for treating arthritis. It is used by many cultures around the world, in a variety of preparations. Some choose to use it "fresh"; finding the stinging pain to be a counter-irritant that distracts from arthritic pain, while others choose a less direct approach. Steam the fresh leaves and eat them as a side dish. Be careful though when harvesting and preparing to avoid the sting, which will disappear upon cooking. To prepare an infusion, add 1 to 3 teaspoons dried herb to 1 cup hot water. Drink three times daily. If using in tincture form, take 20 to 60 drops 3 times daily. Turmeric is a curry mainstay that also contains an orange-yellow oil called curcumin. Some studies claim that this oil rivals prescription medications for treating arthritic conditions, due to its anti-inflammatory properties. This herb may improve overall walking ability, in addition to alleviating morning stiffness and joint swelling. Add this wonderful spice to your favourite rice dish or take 200 to 600mg curcumin daily. It is suggested you start with a lower dosage. Other herbs to consider include Devil's Claw, Sarsaparilla, White Willow, Wild Yam, and Yucca. Consult with your herbalist, naturopath, or other health practitioner to determine the appropriateness of these herbs for your needs. - Homeopathy, Osteoarthritis -Homeopathy Certain remedies can be used in acute situations if your symptoms fit the symptom picture of the remedy. For dosages, see the dedicated section on Homeopathy. Consult your homeopath or naturopath to determine your constitutional remedy: the remedy that best fits you as a whole person. Your homeopath or naturopath will take a complete case history considering all of your mental and physical ailments and match these symptoms with the symptom picture of the remedy. Aconite: Pain and inflammation that comes on suddenly following exposure to cold wind and weather. Person is fearful, panicked, or agitated. Apis: For acute situations involving redness, tenderness, and swelling of the hands and knees. Joints feel hot and have stinging pain. Symptoms improve with cold applications and made worse with warmth. NOTE: This remedy is derived from an animal and may not be suitable or appropriate if you are vegetarian or vegan. Arnica: For chronic arthritis with a feeling of bruised soreness. Pain made worse with touch and may be associated with joints involved in past injuries. NOTE: Arnica gels and ointments may be applied externally to inflamed, sore areas to soothe arthritic pain. Belladonna: Arthritis flare-ups with throbbing pain and heat sensation. Joints are red and inflamed and surface may be hot to the touch. Bryonia: Tearing or throbbing pain made worse with motion. Movement is intolerable. Rest and stabilizing pressure provide relief. Symptoms improve with cold applications. Calcarea carbonica: Arthritis focused on the knees. Weakness or cramping in the extremities. Inflammation and soreness made worse from cold and dampness. Person is chilly, overweight, and tires easily from exertion. Calcarea phosphorica: Stiff, sore joints made worse from drafts and cold. Person has achy bones, is tired, and feels worse from exertion. Person is dissatisfied and has strong desires for travel or change of circumstances. Calcium deposits or bone spurs may be found in the neck. Calcarea fluorica: Arthritis occurs after chronic joint injury. Enlarged hard joints with possible nodosities or bone spurs. Pain made better from heat and motion. Cimicifuga (Also called "Actaea racemosa"): Extreme aching and stiffness made worse from cold. Shooting pains or twitching in affected area(s). Inflammation may increase during menses. Particularly useful for the neck and large joints. Dulcamara: For arthritis flare-up in cold damp weather, after getting wet and chilled, or when experiencing cold symptoms. Person is stout and has allergies and back pain. Kali carbonicum: For thickened, deformed joints. Situation made worse from cold and dampness. Person is dutiful with strong morals, conservative, and feels anxiety in the stomach. Kalmia latiflora: Sudden, intense arthritic pain where problem starts in higher joints and extends to lower ones. Pain and inflammation may originate in the shoulder and move to the elbow, wrist, and hand. Knees also commonly affected. Situation made worse with motion and during the night. Ledum palustre: Arthritis starts in lower joints and extends to higher ones. Pain and inflammation may originate in the toes and move to the ankles and knees. Joints are swollen and may make cracking sounds. Pain and swelling relieved with cold applications. Pulsatilla: Pain moves unpredictably from one joint to another. Pain may be felt in the heels and the hips and knees are often affected as well. Symptoms made worse with warmth and made better with cold applications and open air. Person is emotional, affectionate, changeable, desires attention and comforting, and may have teary moods. Rhus toxicodendron: Arthritic pain and stiffness made worse with cold, wet weather and made better with warmth and motion. Pain is worse in the morning. Person is extremely restless, but the pain-relieving warmth and motion improve their general state. Ruta graveolens: Arthritis resulting from overuse or repeated wear and tear and now accompanied by significant stiffness and lameness. Tendons and the capsules of the joints possibly affected. Situation made worse with cold, dampness, and exertion. - Homeopathy, Rheumatoid Arthritis -Rheumatoid Arthritis Arnica: For chronic arthritis with a feeling of bruised soreness. Pain made worse with touch and may be associated with joints involved in past injuries. NOTE: Arnica gels and ointments may be applied externally to inflamed, sore areas to soothe arthritic pain. Aurum metallicum: For wandering pain in muscles and joints made better with motion and warmth and is worse at night. Possible deep pain in the limbs when person sleeps, while discomfort may wake the person up. Person is serious and focused on their work and career and has a tendency to feel depressed. Bryonia: Tearing or throbbing pain made worse with the slightest motion. Situation may have developed gradually and is made worse with cold, dry weather. Person cannot be bumped or touched, as discomfort is aggravated by any movement and they may wish to stay still and be left alone. Rest and stabilizing pressure provide relief. Calcarea carbonica: For arthritis of deep aching and node formation around joints. Problems may focus on the knees and hands. Inflammation and soreness made worse from cold and dampness. Person has muscle weakness, easily fatigues from exertion, and likely feels chilliness or sluggishness. Person is solid and responsible but can become very anxious and overwhelmed when ill or overworked. Causticum: For tendon problems, muscle weakness, contractures, and when deformities develop in the joints. Hands and fingers primarily affected, though other joints may be afflicted as well. Stiffness and pain made worse from cold and made better with warmth. Person feels best in rainy weather and worse on clear dry days. Calcarea fluorica: Arthritis occurs after chronic joint injury. Enlarged hard joints with possible nodosities or bone spurs. Pain made better from heat and motion. Dulcamara: For arthritis flare-up in cold damp weather, after getting wet and chilled, or when experiencing cold symptoms. Person is stout and has allergies and back pain. Kali bichromicum: Arthritic pains may alternate with asthma or stomach symptoms. Pains can come and go or shift around with frequency. Discomfort and inflammation made worse with heat and made better with warm weather. Kali carbonicum: For thickened, deformed joints. Situation made worse from cold and dampness. Person is dutiful with strong morals, conservative, and feels anxiety in the stomach. Kalmia latiflora: Sudden, intense arthritic pain where problem starts in higher joints and extends to lower ones. Pain and inflammation may originate in the shoulder and move to the elbow, wrist, and hand. Knees also commonly affected. Situation made worse with motion and during the night. Ledum palustre: Arthritis starts in lower joints and extends to higher ones. Pain and inflammation may originate in the toes and move to the ankles and knees. Joints are swollen and may make cracking sounds. Pain and swelling relieved with cold applications. Pulsatilla: Pain moves unpredictably from one joint to another. Pain may be felt in the heels and the hips and knees are often affected as well. Symptoms made worse with warmth and made better with cold applications and open air. Person is emotional, affectionate, changeable, desires attention and comforting, and may have teary moods. Rhododendron: Storm-related swelling and soreness flare-ups that continue until the weather clears. Symptoms made worse with cold and dampness. Discomfort most noticeable in the early morning or after being still for an extended period of time. Person feels better with warmth, gentle motion, and after eating. Rhus toxicodendron: Pain and stiffness most noticeable in the morning and upon first motion. Situation made better with continued movement. Stiffness and pain relieved by hot baths or showers and warm applications. Condition made worse in cold, wet weather. Person may be extremely restless, needs to be moving constantly, and cannot find a comfortable position. Perpetual motion helps relieve anxiety. Ruta graveolens: Arthritis resulting from overuse or repeated wear and tear and now accompanied by significant stiffness and lameness. Tendons and the capsules of the joints possibly affected. Situation made worse with cold, dampness, and exertion. - Lifestyle -Lifestyle A healthy diet is essential to a successful arthritis remedy regimen. Begin by eliminating "junk foods" from your diet, including refined sugars and processed snacks and foods. Include organic fruits and vegetables (bright green, orange, and yellow are the best -- rich in vitamin-absorbing bioflavonoids), whole grains, and pure water. A well-rounded diet will also provide you with a rich source of antioxidants, which help prevent joint deterioration from free radical damage. Osteoarthritis sufferers should avoid nightshade vegetables, such as peppers, potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplant as these foods may exacerbate symptoms. You may wish to discuss this issue with your nutritionist, naturopath, or other health practitioner. Avoid foods containing iron, as this mineral is found in higher amounts in the synovial fluid of rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. This includes liver, red meat, kelp, egg yolks, oysters, clams, green leafy vegetables, almonds, avocados, dates, beans, lentils, peaches and pears. As iron concentrations vary significantly in these foods, your nutritionist, naturopath, or other health practitioner can help outline a dietary approach appropriate for your needs. Avoid saturated fats, which can promote inflammation. This includes the majority of fast foods and junk foods, fried foods, hydrogenated oils, and foods containing such oils. Aim for a total daily fat intake of 20% of calories. Your nutritionist, naturopath, or other health practitioner can help you achieve this goal. Compliment your diet with an exercise routine appropriate for your age and ability. See Therapies, Healing Aids, and More, below. Soft deep chairs are particularly difficult for hip and/or knee osteoarthritis sufferers to get up from. Use more firm, straight chairs instead. If overweight, weight loss has been found to provide some benefits through reduced pain levels on weight-bearing joints. Discuss this issue with your naturopath or other health practitioner. - Minerals -Minerals Copper can act as an anti-inflammatory agent, as it activates an enzyme (superoxide dismutase) that protects against joint inflammation. Copper bracelets are a common approach for RA sufferers, who tend to be copper deficient. A single-blind study concluded that those who wore the bracelets versus a control group perceived the copper to be more effective in alleviating arthritic symptoms. Some studies have shown that those suffering from RA are deficient in selenium. Supplement with 200mcg daily or eat one Brazil nut. This antioxidant mineral also complements Vitamin E (see Vitamins, below). Zinc has antioxidant properties that protect against free radical joint damage. Levels are often found to be lower in people with RA. Take 25mg daily twice daily. Do not exceed 100mg daily from all sources as higher doses can depress the immune system. - Miscellaneous -Miscellaneous Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is found in the lining of joints and is similar to glucosamine sulfate (see below) in function. CS levels are typically low in OA sufferers and supplementation can help reduce osteoarthritis pain and promote cartilage repair. Take 400mg 3 times daily. You may wish to dissolve the capsule contents in water for optimal absorption. You will likely require supplementation for two to three months before positive effects are realized. Glucosamine sulfate (GS) provides a necessary building block for joint cartilage repair and reduces osteoarthritis pain in the process. A number of single and double blind studies have found that GS significantly reduces osteoarthritic symptoms. Take 500mg 3 times daily. You will likely require supplementation for three to eight weeks before positive effects are realized. Glycosaminoglycans (GAG) support connective tissue and are found in green lipped mussel extract (Perna canaliculus). Take 350mg 3 times daily. Quercetin helps stabilize cell membranes, has anti-inflammatory properties, and helps control histamine production associated with allergic reactions. Take 500mg 3 times daily, before meals. S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe) has anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and tissue-promoting properties, resulting in healthy tissue formation and reduced pain, stiffness, and swelling. Take 400mg 3 times daily. - Therapies, Healing Aids, and More -Therapies, Healing Aids, and More Acupuncture often proves beneficial for relieving pain. Acupuncture will focus on meridian points and improve energy flow and subsequent balance in the body. Though it may be uncomfortable, exercise is important to strengthen joints and muscles, maintain healthy cartilage, and improve your range of motion. Daily stretching should be the focus. Discuss with your fitness trainer, naturopath, or other health practitioner an appropriate routine to strengthen and tone without overexertion or strain. Start with a simple routine and gradually incorporate more challenging exercises as your strength and stamina improve. Have yourself tested for food allergies. Sensitive foods can result in inflammation, exacerbating symptoms. Common food allergies include: corn, dairy, nightshade vegetables (eggplant, tomatoes, et cetera), soy, and wheat. VEGA (electrodermal) testing, skin tests, or positive IgE RAST testing can help isolate specific allergens. While testing for food allergies, determine the presence of heavy metal toxicity and/or other environmental sensitivities as well. Your naturopath or other health practitioner will assist you in this process. Hydrotherapy is another common therapy used to deal with pain and promote general comfort. The hot and cold applications of hydrotherapy dilate blood vessels, improve circulation, increase cell nutrient absorption, and remove waste. Be sure to end on a cold application. Various types of amoebas, such as nugleema amoeba, can trigger severe rheumatoid arthritis. If this is a concern, have yourself tested and treated for parasites. Qi Gong, Tai Chi, and Yoga can all help to relieve symptoms. - Vitamins -Vitamins Vitamin B3 (Niacin) increases joint mobility, improves muscle strength, and reduces fatigue in osteoarthritis sufferers. Take 100mg up to 3 times daily. You may wish to start at a lower dosage and work your way up. DO NOT exceed 300mg total daily intake, unless under the supervision of your naturopath or other health practitioner. NOTE: Do not take B3 if you have a liver disorder, gout, or high blood pressure. Also, do not be alarmed if you experience a niacin flush -- a dilation of blood vessels resulting in redness and tingling around joints, certain muscles and other portions of your body, and increased warmth. Depending on dosage, the effect can last from several minutes to an hour. The effect is completely normal, though you may be caught off guard at first -- especially if you do not know it is coming. Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) promotes the production of adrenal hormones and red blood cells. In turn, this increases steroid production and may reduce morning stiffness and pain and increase overall mobility. Take 150mg 3 times daily. Vitamin E prevents free radical damage to joints and improves overall joint mobility. A double blind study of 81 patients found that 75 percent of them experienced increased glutathione peroxidase levels and reduced joint pain compared to those on a placebo. It has also been found that RA sufferers have lower vitamin E levels in joint fluid, believed to be the result of the utilization of vitamin E during the inflammation process. Take 600 IU daily. This vitamin may also be complemented with selenium (200mcg daily or one Brazil nut).
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