Arthritis. 

Although there are different causes and different parts of the body are affected, arthritis is an inflammation of the joints; characterized by swelling, warmth, redness, pain and restriction in movement. 

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease whose exact cause in not known.  This type of arthritis generally presents with joint pain that is worse on waking and improves with activity.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is sometimes described as a ‘wear and tear’ disease.  It mostly (but not solely) affects women over 60 years old and has a strong hereditary element.  Primary OA has no obvious predisposing cause, whereas Secondary OA does (inc. RA, gout, corticosteroid use, haemophilia, neuropathies, trauma, joint hypermobility and joint dysplasia).

Gout is an inflammatory arthritis associated with hyperuricaemia (an abnormally high concentration of uric acid in the blood).  Its prevalence is on the rise, with ten times more males being affected than females.

Tennis elbow is not an arthritis as such, but rather an inflammation of the tendon at the outer border of the elbow due to overuse of the forearm muscle.

Is there a natural arthritis relief? 
Joint pain, whether osteo, rheumatoid, gout, SLE, psoriatic arthritis or otherwise, has responded well to ‘arthritis herbs’ and supplements.  By now, everybody has heard of natural remedies for arthritis such as glucosamine and chondroitin, which have performed very impressively in clinical trials in the treatment of arthritis pain: including greater range of movement, improvement of arthritis swelling,cartilage synthesis and reduction of inflammation. 

Remedies for arthritis are not confined to these alone; arthritis and diet is another factor to consider.  Make an appointment with Naturopath now for an arthritis alternative.