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Living With Arthritis
by author Dr. J.W. Tan, MD

As many as one in seven adults in Canada suffers from an arthritic condition, and there is currently no universally accepted conventional cure, or effective treatment that works for all of them. Today, arthritis sufferers are often dissatisfied with painkillers and other conventional drugs, and most have to live with annoying side effects. For these reasons, natural treatments have become viable alternatives.

In order to understand what is happening in arthritis, we must first look at the musculoskeletal system of a healthy body. A joint is the place where the ends of two bones meet. These ends are separated from each other by a layer of cartilage that prevents the bones from rubbing together. Synovial fluid, secreted from the synovial membrane that lines the joint, lubricates the bone ends, and reduces friction between them. Damage to the joint causes inflammation, creating pain and restricting mobility.

Arthritis takes may forms and is responsible for more than 100 different conditions. These can be anything from relatively mild forms of tendonitis and bursitis, to crippling systemic forms, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Some options for treatment include physiotherapy, exercise and relaxation techniques, as well as various drugs. Medical treatment of arthritis can be divided into two main categories:

1. Treatment to control the symptoms of pain, stiffness, and swelling such as pain killers and anti-inflammatory drugs

2. Treatment to control the disease itself, which can also be divided into two broad categories: cortisone anti-inflammatory drugs, and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

If you are on long term Aspirin or NSAIDs treatment, it may be prudent to consider that these drugs are known to damage connective tissue, increase uric acid levels and inhibit cartilage repair, thus often exacerbating the very arthritic and rheumatic symptoms they purport to help. However, there are natural products that effectively combat inflammation without producing negative side effects.

Devil’s claw is renowned for its beneficial effect on inflammatory pain. It reduces pain sensation and improves the mobility of those with rheumatoid or osteoarthritis, often within the first few weeks of treatment. One of the many positive aspects to using this herb is that it rarely upsets the stomach. It does not interfere with conventional medication or other herbs and can be used for long term treatment. When taken over a period of 6 months or more, devil’s claw may rebalance immune function, which is extremely important in rheumatoid arthritis. It is, however, also suitable for all forms of arthritis.

Devil’s Claw can also be taken in conjunction with glucosamine sulphate, which helps repair affected cartilage and ligaments in the joints. Glucosamine sulphate occurs naturally in the body but can be supplemented to improve the chances of successful tissue repair.

Those suffering from joint pain often feel the benefit of a topical application (a cream or gel), which may give warming or soothing effects. The fresh arnica flower (Arnica montana) is an herb traditionally used to relieve painful swellings, bruises, and injuries. It contains lactones for an anti-inflammatory effect that dispels pain. Where the joint is swollen, arnica ointment can be helpful in reducing this reaction. The ointment is quickly absorbed into the affected area and can be used on a daily basis for as long as required. Topical applications can be very useful where pain is localized and as an adjunct to internal treatment designed to reverse or ameliorate the course of the ailment.

Dr. Tan is the Medical Director of Bioforce, UK. He is a specialist in Herbal Medicine.

Source: alive #253, November 2003