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what is it?
The term arthritis means inflammation of the joints. There are over 100 different forms affecting people from childhood to old age. The most common type, osteoarthritis (OA), in which the cartilage becomes worn away, affects up to 80% of over-50s, especially women. Symptoms include:
- Pain and stiffness in the joints
- Pain on use and aching
- Crepitus (a creaking sound in the joints) — a sign that cartilage has worn away
- Bony protrusions at finger joints
- Synovitis (acute attacks of pain, swelling and inflammation).
The less common but more serious rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is generally much more debilitating. Symptoms include:
- Redness and warmth
- Swelling, pain and stiffness of the joints (especially first thing in the morning)
- Unlike with osteoarthritis, sufferers may feel extremely unwell and experience weight loss and fatigue
- In severe cases the disease can seriously damage the joints.
what causes it?
Osteoarthritis is caused by the cartilage that protects the end of the joints wearing away either as a normal consequence of ageing or joint injury. Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease in which the body's own immune system attacks the tissue lining the joints.
how complementary therapies may help
Each therapy has been coded from 1 to 5 depending on the amount of scientific evidence there is for its effectiveness. The higher the number the stronger the evidence, so 5 = definitely, 4 = probably, 3 = possibly, 2 = opinion, and 1 = rumour. (There is more detail about these in the 'does it work?' section of 'before you start'.)
Having said this, the codes aren't meant to be cast in stone or to put you off trying a particular therapy or therapies if you feel they might be helpful to you.
Go to therapies for a full description of each individual treatment, plus information on how to find practitioners.
acupuncture and shiatsu
(code 4)
Some studies suggest that stimulating acupoints, either with needles, the fingers (in shiatsu) or the technique of moxibustion (smouldering herbs), can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Research has shown that acupuncture may be particularly effective for osteoarthritis affecting the knee joint.
herbal medicine
(code 4)
Research suggests that Devil's Claw, a South African root, is effective in alleviating joint pain in both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. The herb contains a number of active ingredients including glycocides (anti-inflammatory chemicals).
A herbalist may prescribe a number of herbs tailored to your individual symptom pattern. These may include alfalfa, celery and parsley to detoxify the body. Willow, primula, aloe vera and feverfew are said to reduce inflammation.
Other research suggests that nettle leaf may help alleviate symptoms, especially for pain at the base of the thumb, which can be particularly troublesome in osteoarthritis, although more studies need to be done.
Other herbs that may be recommended include ginger, bromelain (an enzyme found in pineapple), curcumin (a compound found in the Indian root turmeric) and cayenne pepper.
nutritional therapies
(code 4)
Short term fasting and vegetarian diets have been found to help some people with rheumatoid arthritis. However such diets should always be closely supervised by a qualified practitioner as there is a danger of nutritional deficiencies if unsupervised.
Some practitioners attribute arthritis to sensitivity to foods from the nightshade family, eg, tomatoes, potatoes, aubergines (and tobacco). However there is no sound scientific research to back this up.
Other common food intolerances that are said to be a factor for some sufferers include wheat and dairy products. A practitioner may try to identify any food intolerances by putting you on an exclusion diet.
Nutritional supplements may also be recommended such as glucosamine, a substance found naturally in cartilage. Recent research has found it to be as helpful as anti-inflammatory drugs in helping alleviate pain and it is suggested it may even help prevent degeneration of the cartilage in osteoarthritis, although further studies are needed to corroborate this. Some practitioners believe glucosamine is more effective when prescribed with another anti-inflammatory supplement, chondroitin.
Fish oils such as cod liver oil have been found to be effective for some people with rheumatoid arthritis. There is also interest in another supplement called avocado unsapponifiables to relieve joint pain.
relaxation and breathing
(code 4)
Relaxing can help to reduce stress and tension and so make pain more manageable. It may even help avoid flare-ups of rheumatoid arthritis.
homeopathy
(code 3)
Remedies will be prescribed based on your precise symptom picture. Rhus tox has been found to be effective for joint stiffness caused by rheumatoid arthritis.
naturopathy
(code 3)
Hydrotherapy or water treatment is widely used to help ease joint pain and induce relaxation for sufferers of both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. As well as swimming it may include mineral and herbal baths. Hydrotherapy is sometimes used as an adjunct to conventional treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs. A naturopathic practitioner would also look at your diet and lifestyle and suggest ways to adjust this.
osteopathy and chiropractic
(code 3)
Gentle manipulation and massage may help ease the muscular stiffness which can contribute to joint pain and increase circulation to the joint area. Research suggests it can be especially effective for problems affecting the joints of the back and the neck in osteoarthritis. The treatment is likely to be most effective if given early in the course of the disease. It is extremely important to consult a qualified practitioner to avoid actually damaging the joints.
yoga
(code 3)
Yoga can help the body stay more supple and flexible, although care should be taken with certain postures depending on the area of the body affected. For instance postures where the weight is taken on the hands may make osteoarthritis affecting the hands worse. Meditation and visualisation techniques used in yoga can also help by encouraging relaxation which can help sufferers deal with pain.
massage
(code 2)
Massage can help improve mobility in osteoarthritis and may reduce pain by improving circulation to the areas affected and helping you relax.
» help and info
If you have further questions, why not search the extensive bank of answers provided by our trained advisors? Check out just ask.
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(July 2002)
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