Arthritis and its Treatment

Arthritis is a general term meaning 'inflammation of the joint'. There are different types of arthritis including rheumatoid, osteo and psoriatic arthritis.  Appropriate assessment and diagnosis of these conditions by a health professional should be made.

Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic auto-immune disease characterised by inflammation of the joints.

It is a complex multi-factorial disease whereby the body's own immune system recognises some component of the joint as "foreign" and begins an inflammatory and destructive process. There is a genetic component to rheumatoid arthritis but as studies[1] with identical twins have shown, environmental factors are important in activating the disease. Causative agents include viruses, bacteria, food allergies (eg. wheat, milk), poor circulation, and trauma. At a cellular level the build up of toxins, a pH change which may alter a protein, a lack of nutrients, or a reduction in oxygen availability, may all induce the immune response which is rheumatoid arthritis.

Traditional western treatments include medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids like prednisolone, gold, penicillamine and the cancer chemotherapy drug methotrexate. Unfortunately, all of these compounds have significant toxicity. A revealing study evaluated the long term outcome of treatment in 112 rheumatoid arthritis patients who were being treated with conventional drug medication[2]. After 20 years, despite aggressive therapy with standard drug medication, only 18 percent of all patients were able to lead a normal life. Most patients were either dead (35 percent) or severely disabled (19 percent). Most deaths were directly related to rheumatoid arthritis. Austral-Balm, with its topical application, and its use of emu oil (which has proven anti-inflammatory activity and low toxicity in animal models) is an advance in reducing the toxicity of rheumatoid arthritis treatments and providing effective pain relief.

Looking at the disease as a "toxin induced" process may also be useful. The use of glutamine to reduce gut permeability, and the improvement of digestion with lipase, protease and other digestive enzymes may reduce the "leaking" of toxins from the gut.

Foods to avoid or reduce include wheat, corn, milk and dairy products, beef, the nightshade family of foods (tomato, potato, peppers, eggplant and tobacco), refined and heavily processed foods.

Foods to increase include fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains, cold water fish (mackerel, herring, salmon, sardines, tuna). Dark berries (flavonoid rich berries such as cherries, blueberries and blackberries). Pineapple (contains the anti-inflammatory bromelain).

Herbs and vitamins to consider:

Tumeric (contains curcumin, which assists in the function of the body's cortisol system).
Ginger (containing anti-inflammatory gingerols).
Vitamins C, E, B3 and B5.
Trace elements: copper, manganese, zinc and selenium.

See your health professional for further guidance with vitamin, trace element and herbal treatments of arthritis.

Austral-Balm may be used regularly to treat arthritic symptoms. If you are currently taking oral Non Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Naprosyn®, Indocid®, Voltaren®, etc Austral-Balm may allow you to reduce or even stop your oral medication. Consult your doctor for advice on changing your usual medication. Arthritis is a complex family of diseases, but a lot of new information is emerging that can assist you in treating your condition. 

Other Treatments:

• warm water hydrotherapy
• dead sea bathing and mud packs. A 1995 study[3] showed clinical benefits from both the bathing and mud packs.
• massage (regular massage with Myopax may assist with associated muscle tightness or cramping).
• exercise: regular walking, swimming and stretching. Use well cushioned shoes when walking.
   

Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common disorder of connective tissue which affects the joints. A gradual deterioration of the joint cartilage occurs. Joints most commonly affected are hip, knee, lower back and neck portion of the spine. Proteoglycans, the natural "shock absorbers" of the joint which normally comprise 70 to 80 percent[4] of the joint cartilage drop to 35 to 40 percent in patients with osteoarthritis.

Treatment includes proper diagnosis of the condition, monitoring of diet to exclude any foods that may aggravate the condition (eg. tomatoes, oranges, and capsicum). Giving the cartilage precursor glucosamine, and the amino acids which make up proteoglycan, (that is proline, lysine and glycine) may be of assistance. Vitamins E, C and B5 are all important in countering the disease process.

Foods rich in proteoglycans such as tripe and shark fin may help; a reduction in processed food and red meats may assist.

Austral-Balm may provide temporary pain relief for osteoarthritis.

Psoriatic Arthritis
This is a rheumatoid arthritis like condition. The nails may often be involved. Anti-malarial (plaquenil) type treatments should not be used[5].

The dietary and herbal treatments listed under Rheumatoid Arthritis should assist.

Psoriatic Arthritis may be treated with Austral-Balm.

The Psoriasis component may be treated with Psoria.

Austral-Balm is a non prescription medication.

____________________________________________________________________________

 [1] Arthritis and Related Diseases, Henry Osiecki, Bioconcepts, email orthoplex@ozemail.com.au
 [2] D.L. Scott et al "Long Term Outcome of Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis. Results after 20 years",
      Lancet 1 (1989) 1108-11
 [3] S. Sukenik et al "Balneotherapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis at the Dead Sea" Isr Med J 31 (1995) 210-4
 [4] Arthritis and Related Diseases, Henry Osiecki, Bioconcepts, email orthoplex@ozemail.com.au
 [5] Merck Manual 14th Edition
____________________________________________________________________________