Arthritis is an inflammatory condition of the joint(s) that is characterised by pain, swelling, stiffness deformity and reduced mobility in the joint(s).
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of the disease and involves the deterioration of the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones. The once smooth surface of the of cartilage becomes rough resulting in friction. The cartilage begins to break down, and the normally smooth sliding surfaces of the bones become pitted and irregular. The tendons, ligaments, and muscles holding the joint together become weaker, and the joint itself becomes deformed, painful and stiff.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder a self-attacking-self disease in which the body’s immune system improperly identifies the synovial membranes that secrete the lubricating fluid in the joints as foreign. Often the bone surfaces are destroyed as well . The body replaces this damaged tissue with scar tissue , causing the normal spaces within the joints to become narrow and the bones to fuse together.
Conventional treatment is usually with nonsteroidal (NSAID) anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen.
Case Study
Mrs P Born in 1949 with a family history of arthritis. The osteo-arthritis is extremely painful in both wrists with less severity in both knee and shoulder joints. The arthritis started after a fall whilst on holiday in India in 1996. She has been taking prescribed medications of one type or other for four-and a-half years with some or very little relief.
On screening, the patient was found to be sensitive to citrus fruits, the nightshade family of vegetables, caffeine alcohol and wheat. In addition she was deficient in trace minerals, B-Complex and essential fatty acids. On the follow up appointment one month later, having excluded the sensitive foods, taken the recommended supplements and followed additional dietary advice, the patient reported a 75% improvement with increased mobility in the affected joints and reduced pain and swelling. A further 20% improvement was experienced at the three month follow up appointment.