Three types of arthritis and herbal remedies

Arthritis is usually genetically predisposed condition for most of the sufferers. However, wear and tear as the part of the aging process, certain traumas and the food you eat every day can also add to the development of this disease. In fact, arthritis is not a single disorder but many diseases (about 100 diseases) with the same symptom – pain in the joint or joints in the body.

Osteoarthritis

One of the most common types of arthritis is osteoarthritis and statistics show that there are some 33 million of osteoarthritis sufferers among American population. This degenerative disease of the joints mainly affects weight bearing joints. Beside the traumas and your age, obesity and pregnancy are identified as factors which may contribute to expansion of this problem. You can’t stop aging or prevent all traumas, but prevent some repeated injuries caused by the activities you are engaged in.

Obesity is also something you should think about. This condition is responsible for many other medical problems beside osteoarthritis and because of that you must take care of your body. Every osteoarthritis patient should strive to achieve and maintain healthy weight, in order not to worsen his or her condition.

Since pregnancy is also identified as the risk factor for osteoarthritis, you might want to consult your doctor and talk through possible prevention measures.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

This type of arthritis is caused by auto-immune processes in the body. The body of these patients can’t differentiate its own joints from harmful microorganisms and so it starts to attack them and cause joint damage. So far, there are no preventive measures for rheumatoid arthritis. This disease has genetic basis and if your close relative has rheumatoid arthritis, it is very likely you are going to suffer from this problem as well. To slow down or stop rheumatoid attacks doctors usually recommend medications.

Gout

Gout is the source of pain for people suffering from this problem. This disease is hereditary but some believe that it is not always the case and the disease can also be acquired during the life. Excess purines in the blood turn to uric acid and crystallize there. After some time crystals are accumulated in the joints and become the cause of pain. Condition usually affects the big toe and then the rest of the foot. In some cases patients are not able to walk or even put the socks on the affected foot because of the pain they are suffering from.

As the solution for gout, many recommend avoiding organ meats and all sources of purine, whether plant or animal.

Herbal Remedies for Arthritis

Willow bark is recommended for patients suffering from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. It contains the same active ingredient as the Aspirin and can be used internally or topically to relieve the pain and the swelling of the joints.

People allergic to Aspirin and those suffering from gout should not use willow bark.

Goat responds well to tart cherries, so you could use some fresh or concentrated cherry juice or fresh fruits.

Gotu cola and cayenne can also relieve the problems with arthritis. For some patients cayenne may cause too much pain initially, so always be careful when using remedies containing this substance.