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Arthritis
Contributor: KathiG
Inflamation Inflammation is one of the body's natural reactions to disease or injury, and includes swelling, pain and stiffness. inflammation that lasts for a very long time or recurs, as in arthritis, can lead to tissue damage. A joint is where two or more bones come together, such as the hip or knee. The bones of a joint are covered with a smooth, spongy material called cartilage, which cushions the bones and allows the joint to move without pain. the joint is enclosed in a fibrous casing called the synovium. the synovium's lining produces a slippery fluid -- called synovial fluid -- that nourishes the joint and helps limit friction within. strong bands of tissue, called ligaments, connect the bones and help keep the joint stable. muscles and tendons also support the joints and enable you to move. With arthritis, an area in or around a joint becomes inflamed, causing pain, stiffness and, sometimes, difficulty moving. some types of arthritis also affect other parts of the body, such as the skin and internal organs. Types of arthritis There are more than 100 different types of arthritis. some of the more common types include: Osteoarthritis. This is the most common type of arthritis. it occurs when the cartilage covering the end of the bones gradually wears away. Without the protection of the cartilage, the bones begin to rub against each other and the resulting friction leads to pain and swelling. osteoarthritis can occur in any joint, but most often affects the hands and weight-bearing joints such as the knee, hip and facet joints (in the spine). Osteoarthritis often occurs as the cartilage breaks down, or degenerates, with age. For this reason, osteoarthritis is sometimes called degenerative joint disease. Rheumatoid arthritis. rheumatoid arthritis is a long-lasting disease that can affect joints in any part of the body but most commonly the hands, wrists, and knees. with rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system -- the body's defense system against disease -- mistakenly attacks itself and causes the joint lining to swell. the inflammation then spreads to the surrounding tissues, and can eventually damage cartilage and bone. In more severe cases, rheumatoid arthritis can affect other areas of the body, such as the skin, eyes, and nerves. Gout. Gout is a painful condition that occurs when the body cannot eliminate a natural substance called uric Acid. the excess uric Acid forms needle-like crystals in the joints that cause swelling and severe pain. Gout most often affects the big toe, knee and wrist joints. Although the exact cause of arthritis may not be known, there are several risk factors for arthritis. (a risk factor is a trait or behavior that increases a person's chance of developing a disease or predisposes a person to a certain condition.) risk factors for arthritis include: Age. the risk of developing arthritis, especially osteoarthritis, increases with age. Gender. in general, arthritis occurs more frequently in women than in men. Obesity. being overweight puts extra stress on weight-bearing joints, increasing wear and tear, and increasing the risk of arthritis, especially osteoarthritis. Work factors. some jobs that require repetitive movements or heavy lifting can stress the joints and/or cause an injury, which can lead to arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis. potato juice sesame seeds
Symptoms
Different types of arthritis have different symptoms and the symptoms vary in severity from person to person. osteoarthritis does not generally cause any symptoms outside the joint. symptoms of other types of arthritis may include fatigue, Fever, a rash and the signs of joint inflammation, including:
Causes
There are many different types of arthritis and the cause of most types is not known. It's likely that there are many different causes. Researchers are examining the role of genetics (heredity) and lifestyle behaviors in the development of arthritis.
Is arthritis common?
Arthritis is very common. it has been estimated that as many as 70 million americans -- or about one in three -- have some form of arthritis or joint pain. it is a major cause of lost work time and serious disability for many people. osteoarthritis, the most common form, affects more than 20 million americans. arthritis affects people of all ages, but is more common in older adults.
Treatment
The raw potato juice therapy is considered one of the most successful biological treatments for rheumatic and arthritic conditions. it has been used in folk medicine for centuries. the traditional method of preparing potato juice is to cut a medium-sized potato into thin slices, without peeling the skin, and place the slices overnight in a large gl**** filled with cold water. the water should be drunk in the morning on an empty stomach. fresh juice can also be extracted from potatoes. a medium-sized potato should be diluted with a cup of water and drunk first thing in the morning.
Raw Juices
one cup of green juice, extracted from any green leafy vegetable, mixed in equal proportions with carrot, celery, and red beet juices is good for arthritis. the alkaline action of raw juices dissolves the accumulation of deposits around the joints and in other tissues. a cup of fresh pineapple juice is also valuable, as the enzyme bromelain in fresh pineapple juice reduces swelling and inflammation in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
A teaspoon of black sesame seeds, soaked in a quarter cup of water and kept overnight, has been found to be effective in preventing frequent joint pains. the water in which the seeds are soaked should also be taken along with the seeds first thing in the morning.
Copper
drinking water kept overnight in a copper container accumulates traces of copper, which is said to strengthen the muscular system. a copper ring or bracelet is worn for the same reason.
calcium
studies have shown that calcium can help arthritis. several patients have discovered that joint pains have either been relieved or have disappeared entirely after taking calcium. this mineral should be taken in the form of calcium lactate. two teaspoons of calcium lactate, each teaspoon providing 400 mg of absorbable calcium, may be taken three times daily in water, before meals for at least four months.
garlic
garlic is another effective remedy for arthritis. it contains an anti-inflammatory property which accounts for its effectiveness in the treatment of this disease. garlic may be taken raw or cooked according to individual preference.
bananas
bananas, being a rich source of vitamin b6, have proved useful in the treatment of arthritis. a diet of only bananas for three or four days is advised in treating this condition. the patient may eat eight or nine bananas daily during this period and nothing else.
lime
lime has also been found beneficial as a home remedy for arthritis. the citric Acid found in lime is a solvent of uric Acid which is the primary cause of some types of arthritis. the juice of one lime, diluted with water, may be taken once a day, preferably first thing in the morning.
Alfalfa
a tea made from the herb Alfalfa, especially from its seeds, has shown beneficial results in the treatment of arthritis. one teaspoon of Alfalfa seeds may be added to one cup of water. three to four cups of this tea should be taken daily by arthritics for at least two weeks.
green gram soup
another home remedy found useful in relieving pains in the joints is the use of green gram soup. this soup should be prepared by mixing a tablespoon of green gram in a cup of water, with two crushed garlic cloves. it should be taken twice a day.
castor oil
treatment with castor oil has been found beneficial in arthritis. the procedure, as prescribed by a spanish doctor, is to boil two tablespoons of castor oil over a stove burner. the oil should then be poured into a gl**** of fresh orange juice and taken before breakfast daily till the disease is cured. it was advised to patients to take it for three weeks, wait for another three weeks and then repeat it again for another three weeks. it is, however, essential that the patient must take an alkaline diet while adopting this mode of treatment otherwise the value of the treatment will be lost.
coconut or mustard oil
warm coconut oil or mustard oil, mixed with two or three pieces of camphor should be m****aged on stiff and aching joints. it will increase blood supply, and reduce inflammation and stiffness with the gentle warmth produced while massaging. camphorated oil is an ancient rubefacient used for the purpose.
