Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis affecting up to 20 million people in the United States alone. Osteoarthritis (OA) begins with the decomposition of cartilage in joints, resulting in joint pain, throbbing, and stiffness. An arthritis pain relief sure comes in handy for this type of the disease.

Rheumatoid arthritis, one of the more common types, occurs when synovial membrane gets inflamed and joint swells up. If it is allowed to increase it can affect the cartilage and cause severe pain. In its more advances stage it can affect other parts of the body such as lungs, heart and eyes. This disease is three times more common in women than in men.

Psoriatic Arthritis is not as well known as the preceding two, but actually eats away at the joints and can also manifest as psoriasis on the skin.

The motives, why patients change their arthritis pain relief therapies are numerous. Here are a few. Do any of these make sense for you to alter your arthritis pain relief?

Their current medication is not doing the job any more. While it may have worked in the past this arthritis pain relief solution is just not effective now.

Moving away from chemical healing to some natural arthritis pain relief is much more appealing.

With the costs of medications on the rise, some sufferers are looking for alternative arthritis pain relief.

Some people are worried. The arthritis pain relief they are taking may be doing some damage to other areas of their bodies.

The mental game. Rise above the pain:

You must continually focus on what you can do, rather than what you cannot do. Devise strategies and set goals in order to continue living your life to the fullest potential. You must focus on remaining active and maintaining as much independence as possible

Some useful solutions

By using fatty acids which provide lubrication for the joints, the joints will not wear down as much as a result less inflammation and less pain. Some recommend oils are: - Borage Oil - Primrose Oil and - NKO Oil

Vitamin C, E and beta-carotenes are powerful antioxidants that help to neutralize free radicals. These oxygen-reactive free radical molecules are thought to contribute significantly to disease and tissue damage. It has been found that cells from damaged knee cartilage can release great amounts of free radicals. In fact, studies have shown that those who have a high Vitamin C intake have a two-thirds reduction in the risk of further damage to their knees. Well-known scientist Dr. Linus Pauling recommends 18 grams of V-C per day as an arthritis preventative measure.

Selenium deficiency can cause a particular type of arthritis called Kashin-Bek disease, but it is more common where the soil is deficient in selenium, though sufferers of RA have less in their blood than others. Fish, organ meats, whole grains, nuts and beans will provide selenium.

Zinc may help reduce pain, stiffness and swelling. Some trials showed this was true, though others gave conflicting results. Oysters, cheese and tofu are all good sources of zinc.

More arthritis pain relief treatments.

Acupuncture

Animal foods: avoid them. Arachidonic acid found in meat provokes joint inflammation.

Bee/snake venom: Little scientific backing, real chance for allergic reaction.

Chondroitin: helps draw fluid into cartilage, improving shock-absorbing ability.

Elimination diets/weight control: more weight equals more joint pressure. It is debatable if fasting reduces symptoms or not.

Fish oils: controls inflammation in the body. Examples of other oils also used for the same purpose: flax, borage, sesame, sunflower and pumpkin.

Food allergies: linked to many causes for arthritis. Common foods to look out for: wheat, corn, dairy, citrus, salt, caffeine, tomatoes, white potatoes, eggplant and peppers. (Does not include black peppers).

Resources

NutraSanus

Essortmant

Arthritis Foundation

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