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A complementary therapy approach to arthritis
Short days, long nights, cold weather, ice and rain, yes, autumn and winter are approaching and this is what we have to look forward too. However, perhaps you should count yourself lucky, it could be much worse if you suffer from arthritis, as autumn and winter sees an aggravation of this painful, debilitating condition for many sufferers.
What is arthritis?
The word arthritis comes from two words "arthro-" meaning joint and "itis" meaning inflammation of, so put simply arthritis is the inflammation of the joints. It is a condition that can affect any moveable joints and is commonly associated with ageing. However, there are many different forms of arthritis, some of the more common are described: -
Osteoarthritis (OA) - This is the form most commonly associated with old age and tends to affect the bigger joints, such as hips and knees, more so than the smaller joints. The cartilage wears away and bone deformity occurs. As the degeneration progresses the degree of inflammation, pain and movement restriction becomes worse. This is the most common form of arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) - This is an inflammatory arthritis caused by an autoimmune disease. In this condition the body's own immune response starts to attack the joint and destroy the synovial membrane (this is important in the lubrication of the joint). Deposits arise in the joint space and the joint becomes deformed with time. This form of arthritis occurs in younger age groups and has a female bias. With time it may also affect soft tissue organs causing a wide range of different symptoms. There is also a childhood form of rheumatoid arthritis called Still's disease.
Psoriatic arthritis - This arthritis is seen in some suffers of psoriasis (a skin disease). The exact association between the arthritis and the psoriasis is not totally clear. Approximately 5-8% of psoriasis sufferers go on to develop arthritis.
Gonoarthritis - Believe it or not this form of arthritis is associated with sexually transmitted infections and may cause septic arthritis.
Other forms of arthritis can be associated with various infections, various forms of trauma to a joint and inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Orthodox Treatments
These depend on the type of arthritis. They may range from painkillers and general anti-inflammatory drugs through to joint replacement or immobilisation. Arthroses with an infective cause are treated with antibiotics. Rheumatoid arthritis is often treated with steroids in order to try and reduce the inflammatory processes. A person may also be encouraged to seek help from hydrotherapy or the expertise of physiotherapists, osteopaths and chiropractors. In general the success of the treatment is dependent on the degree of joint degeneration that has already occurred.
Complementary therapy treatments
Manipulation/massage therapies These may help to reduce inflammation, swelling and pain in the joint and in some cases can help to free the joint so that a greater degree of movement can be experienced. Any arthritis sufferer should seek out a therapist experienced in treating this condition, as it is all too easy to be over zealous in massaging or manipulating an affected region, thus making the problem temporarily worse.
Nutrition Advice on your diet and nutritional supplementation can greatly help a condition such as osteoarthritis and I would advise a visit to a nutritionist for any arthritis sufferer. It is well known that a diet rich in plants that belong to the family Solanaceae can aggravate inflamed joints and make the arthritis worse. Such plants include potatoes, sweet peppers, aubergines (egg plants) and tomatoes. They contain a chemical called solanine which can cause reactions in sensitive people. It is also recommended to eat foods that are rich in sulphur such as asparagus, garlic, onions and eggs. Arthritis sufferers should also eat pineapple as this contains an enzyme called bromelain which reduces inflammation. Pineapples should be fresh as the canning process and freezing can destroy the enzyme. If you do not like pineapple then bromelain is available as a supplement.
Various supplements have been shown to help people. These include glucosamine, chondroitin, fatty acids, free form amino acid complexes, green lipped mussel extract and multi vitamin and mineral ion supplementation. All of these are involved in the reduction of inflammation and the repair of the damaged cartilage. They should be prescribed by a nutritionist to suit your individual needs; the practitioner can also determine whether you have a food allergy or intolerance that is adding to the joint problem.
Homeopathy There are many homeopathic remedies that can be used in the treatment of the various forms of arthritis. Some of the more commonly used ones are: -
Rhus toxicodendron when the pain is worse for being in one position and then your first movement. The pain lessens as you move about. Pains are also worse in damp weather, the cold and at night.
Bryonia when you cannot bear to move the joint or limb at all, the slightest movement makes the pain much worse. The pain also makes you bad tempered and snappy. The patient requiring this remedy is also very thirsty.
Belladonna when the pain is throbbing, the joint is hot and the skin over it is reddened.
Calcium carbonate weak or lame joints that are knobbly to feel. The joints are stiff, worse from motion, cold, damp and better for warmth and rubbing.
Ledum the arthritis travels upwards, from the finger/toes to the wrists/ankles and then further on. The joints are stiff and swollen and could look as if they are bruised. The joints are worse for heat and better for cold compresses.
I have also been using a preparation made from several homeopathic remedies mixed together (in homeopathic circles this is referred to as polypharmacy). The remedy complex is called Zeel-T and is available on prescription only, in both tablet and cream form. I have been amazed by the results, even with severe osteoarthritis of many years standing. It has been prescribed for osteo-, rheumatoid, psoriatic and gonoarthritis and in every case it has reduced pain, swelling and given greater mobility around the joint. Zeel-T can be obtained from the Southfields clinic:
Tablets 50 tablets @ £5.25 Cream - 50 grams @ £8.75
250 tablets @ £19.95 100 grams @ £16.50
Case Study
Mrs M.B., 76 years, has suffered from a progressive curvature of the spine due to osteoporosis and osteoarthritis of the hips and lumbar spine. Recently she developed severe pain in her low back and left hip which extended down her groin and inner thigh, the pain was so severe as to confine her upstairs to bed, she needed the use of two sticks and the support of her husband to walk to the bathroom. Her problem was diagnosed as referred pain due to the arthritis in the lumbar spine. Strong painkillers were prescribed by her GP but did not give any relief and the pain was still as severe two weeks later. Mrs B was then started on Zeel-T tablets one three times daily and Zeel-T cream massaged into her groin and thigh twice daily. She decided to abandon her painkillers. Within four days she was able to walk downstairs for the first time in two weeks and after ten days she was able to go out for lunch with her daughter. She still has some degree of pain in the hip joint but is improving daily and is fully mobile without the use of her walking sticks.
The patient's permission was given to use details of her case.
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