My high school choir teacher suffered with rheumatoid arthritis from a young age. The joints in his hands, arms and legs were all affected. His gnarled fingers still never missed a note as he accompanied us on the piano, and with the aid of a conductor’s baton he directed us to first place at our state competition.

I never realized what a challenge it was for him until I started experiencing the normal aches and pains a runner gets in the knees over time. Despite his debilitating disorder, my choir teacher suited up and showed up daily and inspired a generation of amateur singers.

What is Arthritis?

There are at least 100 types of arthritis. The most common types are: Osteoarthritis (OA), Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Juvenile Arthritis, Gout, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), and Fibromyalgia. Arthritis is a condition characterized by the inflammation of one or more joints and causes pain, stiffness, and limited movement. All types are degenerative with no known cure. Arthritis in general can affect anyone at any age of life, but specific types affect certain age groups. OA is associated with aging, while juvenile RA begins in childhood.

General Causes

The breakdown of cartilage in the joints causes arthritis. Cartilage protects the joints, absorbing shock from pressure put on the joints, and allows for smooth movement. When the cartilage buffer wears away, the bones rub together and cause the tell-tale signs of swelling and pain in the joints.
Joint inflammation may be caused by a variety of reasons including:
• Broken bone
• Autoimmune disease
• Infection caused by a virus or bacterium

Often, when the injury heals, the disease is treated, and the infection clears, the inflammation goes away. Sometimes with an injury or disease, there has been permanent destruction of the joints resulting in long-term pain or deformity where the inflammation persists, and the consequence is chronic arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is the most common type, and is felt chiefly in the fingers, hips and knees. OA is more likely to occur as you age, and is associated with certain risk factors:
• Being overweight
• A previously injured joint
• Using joints in a repetitive manner on a consistent basis (like that of athletes, construction workers, assembly line or factory workers)

Symptoms

• Joint pain
• Inflammation of joints
• Morning stiffness that may continue throughout the day
• Warmth around the joint
• Redness of the skin around the joint
• Reduced flexibility and movement in the joint

Home Remedies

• Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils can be taken as a daily supplement (1,000mg gel capsules three times a day) reduces morning stiffness and joint pain by decreasing interleukin-1 beta production.
• Ginger root/Mint tea: Take about a 1 1/2 inch piece of fresh ginger root, peel and then slice root into mug, add some fresh mint leaves, pour boiling water over and steep at least 1/2 hour (the longer the better). Drink one cup before you retire for the night. The mint tempers the ginger to help with the stomach, and the ginger works as an anti-inflammatory as well as an analgesic. The tea cleans out the toxins and helps you to get a good night’s sleep.
• Vitamins C and E, magnesium, B-6, and niacin can help with stiffness.
• Aspirin—take one 200mg tablet or capsule daily for therapeutic dose.

Avoid:

• Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids which can be found in margarine and salad oils and tend to exacerbate symptoms associated with RA
• Soft Drinks
• Foods with additives
• Acidic fruits

Limit Intake of:

• Sugar
• Caffeine
• Salt

-Anne

Do you have any remedies for Arthritis? Comment and share with us!

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