Arthritis is a painful condition that affects about 46 million Americans. The most common type is osteoarthritis, which is often age related, although it can be the result of wear and tear on the joints from fitness or sports. In Australia, a type of arthritis, gout, took center stage in the media when the socceroo Harry Kewell was thought to be suffering from it in the 2006 World Cup.

Injury and age are not the only causes of arthritis however. Crohns sufferers often develop arthritis in one or more of their joints. This is a result of permeability in the gut wall due to damage from chronic inflammation. Bacteria and infections can also cause arthritis in other conditions. And rheumatoid arthritis, another common form, is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks its' own cells.

What Can You Do About It?

There is no cure for most types of arthritis, and the focus is on pain management and slowing down the progression of it. Some types of arthritis, like septic arthritis, have a greater chance of clearing up when the main problem is addressed. This was my experience when I was suffering from crohns related arthritis.

The different types of arthritis will have different treatment strategies, and this is also true of arthritis natural remedies.

For those suffering from the types of arthritis that cause wear and tear on the joints, dietary changes may be suggested if a person is overweight. But more than the weight issue, this is a holistic approach that seeks to minimize cartilage degeneration by keeping the immune system at it's peak. It seeks to do this by providing optimum amounts of vitamins, minerals, and other dietary elements. Additionally, some foods can increase inflammation in the body, and others can help reduce it. Fruit and vegetables, with their antioxidant activity, usually exert an anti-inflammatory effect.

Other natural arthritis remedies include the herb white willow, for pain management, and the supplement MSM. Both have an anti-inflammatory effect. MSM needs to be taken in large quantities to be effective in pain relief, but it does work very well. White willow can be taken as an oral supplement, and it can be mixed into a tincture prepared by a herbalist. It can also be used externally, mixed with aloe vera and rubbed onto the affected joints.

Burdock is a good remedy for arthritic conditions. It can reduce the swelling in joints, and may assist in breaking down any calcification in the joints.