Arthritis is a potentially crippling disease that affects millions of people around the world. Men and women of all ages, and even children, are challenged by more than 100 different variations of arthritis. It can be a long and certainly painful battle, but there are new tools available to help make the fight a little easier.

The two main types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Both types are quite painful and can be completely debilitating. Fortunately, modern medicine has given the average arthritis patient access to a wider variety of treatment options than ever before.

Drug Therapy

The most common drug therapy prescribed involves the use of NSAID class drugs. These drugs have anti-inflammatory properties, and because they are non-steroidal, they are generally considered safer than other drug therapy options. Cortisone shots may be prescribed in cases where the patient is suffering from severe localized pain.

Alternative Lifestyle Choices

People who make healthy lifestyle choices enjoy positive benefits in all areas of their lives. This is why many doctors will encourage patients with arthritis to alter some of their day-to-day lifestyle management choices. For example, it's much easier to live well with arthritis when you participate in regular physical activity. It's recommended that you perform strength training and other weight-bearing exercises, as well as low-impact exercises like walking. Following a smart diet and maintaining a healthy weight are also beneficial in keeping arthritis under control.

Gamma-Linolenic Acid

There is now another treatment option for people with arthritis: using natural therapies, such as Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) to complement more traditional medical options. Gamma-linolenic Acid is a type of omega-6 fatty acid that is derived from the seeds of some plants.

There is excitement in the medical world about the health benefits derived from GLAs, new speculation suggests that these 'wonder acids' may provide beneficial effects for people suffering with arthritis. Evening primrose, black currant and borage are among the plants known to provide seeds rich in GLAs. Historically used as natural treatments for a variety of ailments, these plants are now heralded for the GLAs used to alleviate the inflammation that is so often associated with arthritis.

Here is the latest medical indication of how GLAs can help counteract many of the most painful effects of living with arthritis. In 2000, the Cochrane Collaboration reported the results after examining seven studies of GLA plants, including the popular borage, evening primrose, and black currant. Researchers studied the oils derived from these plants, and how they could be used to treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

The studies were unfortunately inconclusive, as researchers were not able to prove the true efficacy of GLA plants and oils. However, some medical researchers continue to believe that there is a link between GLAs and the potential for relief of arthritic pain, morning joint stiffness, tenderness and overall discomfort.

Even though most GLAs and their native plants enjoy a respectable, long-standing record as safe and effective herbs, there are nevertheless certain risks with the consumption of these herbs in any form. Many herbalists and health experts warn that many GLAs and their plants should not be taken along with prescription medications. Furthermore, some GLAs can actually worsen an underlying medical condition. Researchers have indicated that there are specific negative effects caused by certain GLA plants.

For instance, studies have shown that some borage seed oil preparations contain ingredients called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) that can cause serious harm to the liver, and exacerbate the symptoms of liver disease. Problems have been linked to the consumption of evening primrose oil when combined with phenothiazine drugs. Moreover, many herbal remedies are actually potent drugs that may cause strong side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, intestinal gas and bloating.

Researchers continue to find new and better treatments for arthritis. Gamma-Linolenic Acid is one such option that is still under scrutiny in the medical field. Education is often your best weapon, so do your own research. Learn all that you can about the many treatment options that are available to help you with the fight against arthritis.