What is it?.
Many conditions give rise to arthritis, defined as “inflammation of the joints”. The two most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis:
Osteoarthritis, is a condition in which the cartilage between the joints wears away, normally through ordinary wear and tear. It usually occurs in the areas subject to the greatest stress, such as the knees, hips, neck and spine, although the second joints of the fingers and the joints at the base of the thumb are often effected. Osteoarthritis is so common it could be viewed as part of the ageing process: 85% of the elderly have X-ray indications of osteoarthritis, although only a small portion show symptoms. It is more common in women than in men and symptoms include:
Stiffness and pain in the joints (crepitus) and a creaking sound as the joint is moved, indicating that the cartilage has been worn away and bone is moving against bone without any protection.
Bony swelling of the joint, leading to deformity and accentuated by surrounding muscle wasting.
Synovitis, which is acute attacks of pain, swelling and inflammation with warmth and redness which occur due to inflammation of the membrane lining the joint.
Causes:
The joints of the body are covered with a layer of smooth cartilage which allows them to move smoothly against each other. It also protects the bone from shocks or jolts which would normally cause bone to splinter. With osteoarthritis, the cartilage wears away and as part of the attempt to repair, bony outgrowths (Osteophytes) form at the margins of the joints. Pain, stiffness and occasionally loss of function result. Inflammation of the synovial membrane can cause swelling from increased fluid in the joints. Osteoarthritis is broken into two categories, as follows:
Primary generalized osteoarthritis: Which attacks previously normal joints. It runs in families and can be recognized by the bony deformity and swelling on the second joint of the fingers.
Secondary osteoarthritis: which effects previously damaged joints. It is more common on weight-bearing joints. Those who have had previous joint problems of damage are more likely to experience secondary osteoarthritis. Obesity may accelerate the progress of the condition, especially in the knees.
Treatment: Exercise may be recommended to sufferers, although it is important that it does not apply pressure or stress on the joints: Acupuncture, herbal medicine, Homeopathy, and nutrition, plus certain supplements such as a good quality glucosamine and chondroitin are included in natural treatment.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition in which the joints become inflamed and painful. It affects some two percent of the population and about 5% of women over the age of 55. Unlike osteoarthritis the patient feels generally unwell, with weight loss malaise, and pain and stiffness in the hands, feet and knee’s. It can develop slowly, causing pain and stiffness in the joints or it can appear quickly, causing a high fever with pain and stiffness in larger joints. A clue to diagnosis is morning stiffness – it can take over an hour for the joints to loosen up. Ligaments, tendons, and muscles may also become inflamed and weakened. Eventually, joints may become deformed, causing pain and disability. The most severe cases destroy the joints.
Causes.
Although it’s exact cause is unknown, Rheumatoid arthritis is thought to be an autoimmune disease. Something triggers off an inflammatory process in the synovial membranes lining the joints. The synovium becomes inflamed, swollen and thickened, spreading over the cartilage and eroding it. The condition may occur at any age but it often begins in the elderly. It affects three times more women than men. Complications of rheumatoid arthritis are numerous, and include anemia, joint infection, damage to the peripheral nerves, eyes, lungs, heart and ulceration of the lower limbs, as well as side effects that can be brought on by prescription medication.
At Acu-Care Naturopathics, treatment for arthritis involves: Acupuncture herbal medicine, homeopathy specific suplemements and nutritional advice.
Regardless of your medically diagnosed condition natural medicine has something to offer either as a stand alone treatment or as complementary treatment along side orthodox treatment.
The Acu-Care Naturopathic clinic is suitably located for many of Perth’s suburbs and is particularly handy for; Belmont, south perth, vic park, lathlain, Carlisle, kewdale, rivervale, redcliffe, burswood and cloverdale.
To find out more about acupuncture call 9478-1415 or better still make an appointment today.