Arthritis (Osteoarthritis)

The term arthritis means inflammation of a joint. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disorder that commonly occurs in the weight bearing joints (the knees, hips and spine). The cartilage in the joints begins to wear away, which causes the underlying bone to thicken and become distorted. At intermittent periods the joint becomes painful, swollen and stiff. The condition may become so severe that it may interfere with normal life.

Osteoarthritis becomes more common with age and is usually caused by free radical damage to the joint cartilage.

What you can do to help

Take plenty of antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin A (as beta carotene). These antioxidants will help to prevent the damage caused by free radicals and thus help prevent the development of the disease. These may be taken as part of a good multivitamin and mineral supplement.

Ensure that you get plenty of magnesium and potassium, a deficiency of which will make the muscles weak and spasm.

You may have a vitamin D deficiency, perhaps because of inadequate exposure to the sunlight and this should be rectified by allowing 10 to 15 minutes of sunlight onto arms, legs or back daily. You should take care not to burn by having more exposure to sunlight than suggested. However, do not take too much vitamin D. Taking high doses of vitamin D (10,000 to 50,000 IUs daily) may be harmful and a dose of 400IUs per day is adequate for housebound elderly people.

Zinc and selenium will be required in increased amounts by the body to assist in the healing of the joint.

It is necessary to get as much exercise as feasible and if you are overweight, try to loose the excess.

Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and drink plenty of pure filtered water.

Try to avoid eating refined carbohydrates and sugars and cut down on animal fats, especially if you are trying to loose weight.

Avoid members of the 'nightshade' family of foods, since they can cause joint problems. These include:

paprika,
potatoes,
tomatoes,
eggplant, and
peppers.
Evening primrose oil has an anti-inflammatory effect and may be useful.

Avoid caffeinated drinks, such as coffee as these lead to an increase in joint pains.

A copper bracelet, popular with many arthritis sufferers, does seem to have some value, perhaps because small amounts of copper are absorbed through the skin. (see...)