Arthritis (?arth? meaning joint, ?itis? meaning inflammation) isn't a one-note story or even a few variations on a single theme; it actually consists of more than 100 different conditions. Swelling of the joints accompanied by debilitating pain is a sure sign of arthritis(http://www.mitamins.com/disease/Arthritis.html).

The most common misconception about arthritis is that it is a disease only of older people. In fact, arthritis afflicts people of all ages, even children, when it is called juvenile arthritis.

?Arthritis is the number one cause of disability, and the new data confirms that arthritis and chronic joint symptoms are one of our most common public health problems.?

- from a statement released by the CDC (Oct. 2002)

Arthritis or chronic joint symptoms affect approximately 70 million adults, or roughly 1 in 3 Americans.

One of the most difficult things to accept about arthritis is that there's no cure - not yet, anyway. Fortunately, arthritis can be managed through a combination of medication, exercise, rest, weight-management, nutrition, and, in some cases, surgery. But, for some people with some forms of arthritis, current therapeutic strategies simply aren't as effective as they'd like them to be. Well, then, what about trying something else? It is suggested that supplementation may not only relieve symptoms, but may help stall the progress of the disease.

Who can help you?

Dr. Balch is an honor graduate of the Indiana University School of Medicine. A physician of thirty years, Dr. Balch is a member of the AMA and a Fellow in the American college of surgeons. He has also received his license as a Certified Nutritional Consultant, from the American Association of Nutritional Consultants. He is the coauthor of Prescription for Nutritional Healing: A to Z Guide to Supplements, which has sold over 3.5 million copies to date. His other books include Prescription for Dietary Wellness and The Super Antioxidants. In his books, Dr. Balch demystifies the language of health, providing important and readily available remedies that can relieve pain and literally save lives.

What's in the formula?

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are components of normal cartilage. MSM, or methyl sulfonylmethane, is used around the world for relief from muscle pain, joint pain and inflammation. Bromelai restricts excessive pro-inflammatory influences through a number of routes. Devil's claw roots are widely used to manage many inflammatory joint diseases. Alfalfa has traditionally been one of the best herbal arthritis treatments(http://www.mitamins.com/disease/Arthritis.html). One common use of evening primrose oil is to relieve the symptoms of inflammation and bring about arthritis pain relief.

Where can I get it?

Whether you are interested in all things ?natural,? want to avoid side effects from prescription drugs, or want to leave no stone unturned in your quest for relief from a disease that has no cure, Mitamins? web site is a good place to start. Please remember to check for any Drug Interactions if you are on medication to avoid any adverse side-effects with your favorite vitamins and herbs.