A Closer Look at Arthritis
Arthritis is the leading cause of joint pain, and is the nation's most common cause of disability, limiting millions of people's activities and ability to work.
While there are many other causes of joint pain – from rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune disorders to gout and injury – osteoarthritis is the one that affects the greatest number of people.
It is estimated that 90% of those over 40 already have the beginnings of arthritis, with the knee being one of the most common joints affected. And while 70% of people age 65 and over have significant symptoms, 3 out of 5 people with arthritis are younger than 65.
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Understanding Arthritis Pain
Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in your joints deteriorates over time. The smooth surface of the cartilage becomes rough, causing irritation. Eventually, if the cartilage wears down completely, you may be left with bone rubbing on bone, causing the ends of your bones to become damaged and limiting motion.
The rubbing also causes swelling and inflammation, which leads to painful, sore aching joints – the primary symptoms of osteoarthritis. So tackling the pain of arthritis means maintaining and restoring the cartilage as well as addressing the inflammation.
Two natural compounds, chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine, have been found help to maintain the thick cushioning in cartilage by attracting and retaining water, which also keeps it elastic.
Meanwhile, herbs such as Curcumin, or turmeric root, tart cherry, Holy basil leaf, Boswellia/Indian Frankincense extract have all been used for centuries as anti-inflammatories.
Additional nutrients may also be beneficial. Fish oils, or omega-3 fatty acids, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, and vitamin C is necessary in the body to form collagen in bones and cartilage.
And the large-scale Framingham Knee Osteoarthritis study has suggested a possible protective effect of vitamin D on progression of knee osteoarthritis as well as protective effects of beta carotene and vitamin E.
Risks and Prevention
As with most conditions, there are risk factors for osteoarthritis that are out of your control, and others that can be managed through lifestyle.
Your risk of developing osteoarthritis increases if you are female (it strikes women three times more often than men), have had a previous joint injury, or if you are 20 pounds or more overweight. Genes, repetitive joint stress and muscle weakness also appear to play a role.
Maintaining a healthy weight is one effective preventive measure you can take to decrease the stress on your joints that can lead to osteoarthritis. Weight loss also can reduce symptoms for overweight or obese people with knee osteoarthritis.
Regular physical exercise, including low impact, joint-friendly activities such as walking, bicycling, and swimming, not only helps with weight management, but can also improve physical function and quality of life even among those who already have osteoarthritis.
A recent study* has also shown that a diet high in allium vegetables, such as garlic, onions and leeks, may help lower the risk osteoarthritis, although more research is needed.
Whether you already have arthritis or not, it is time to address this now in the natural before it progresses. Remember, God has given us a pathway to healing, and He wants you well.
* BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, Volume 11, doi: 10.1186/1471-2474-11-280
"Dietary garlic and hip osteoarthritis: evidence of a protective effect and putative mechanism of action"
