Rheumatoid Arthritis

I was so tired at work that I would look for an empty office to lie down in after lunch.  When I went to the doctor, he took fluid from little sacks in my knees.  I had rheumatoid arthritis brought on by Lyme disease.  After taking antibiotics for the Lyme disease,  the swelling in my knees went down.  For some reason my immune system attacked my knee joints as it was fighting the Lyme disease.  Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto immune condition;  the body attacks the joints, thinking that they are “not me”.

Osteoarthritis

My mother has a new steel and Teflon knee.  She had her right knee replaced two months ago since she suffers from “wear and tear” arthiritis, or osteoarthristis and had alot of pain walking.  It is painful because the cartilage, which cushions the bones of the joints, breaks down.  This is also known as a degenerative arthritis, which means it cannot get better, but you can reduce the pain by using supplements to lubricate your joints. 

Conventional Medicine COX-2 Inhibitors

The conventional prescribed medications available for joint pain tend to have many side affects.  For example, Vioxx was taken off of the market because of its effects on the heart. Celecoxib (brand name Celebrex) is also a COX-2 inhibitor, a non-steroidal anti inflammatory (NSAID), which reduces inflammation but may also affect the heart. 

Natural Supplements

There are natural supplements that can help reduce joint pain, reduce swelling, lubricate the joints, and avoid those side affects associated with conventional medications.

These are just a few of the natural ingredients that can be found in different types of joint support supplements.  Be sure you check the labels on any supplements before you give it to your child.  Even some natural ingredients can have side effects, especially for children and pregnant women.

• Glucosamine – This is an amino sugar that is well known in .joint protection and is naturally found in the body.  It is usually made from shellfish.  Those who are allergic to shellfish should talk to their doctor before taking anything with glucosamine.  Some of the most common side effects of glucosamine are constipation, headache, heartburn, drowsiness, nausea and vomiting.  If you are allergic to shellfish, you may find symptoms, such as a rash, hives, difficulty breathing, and tightness in the chest or swelling in the mouth or face.

• Chondroitin Sulfate – This is usually found naturally in the body and is usually combined with glucosamine.  It is made from shark cartilage. It builds cartilage that lubricates and cushions the joints.  In healthy joints, wear and tear is restored from within the body.  Bodies tend to lose the ability to synthesize new cartilage tissues that are needed to repair injuries and wear and tear on the body.

GAIT Study

An ongoing study, GAIT, of the effects of glucosamine and chrondroitin sulfate in combination can be seen here: GAIT study.  Preliminary results show pain relief.  The study is continuing to see if the combination can protect against arthritis from causing damage to begin with.

• Vitamin C – This is essential for the healing of wounds and for the repairing and maintaining cartilage, bones and teeth. It also forms collagen, which is essential protein used to make tissue, tendons and ligaments. Vitamin C is considered safe.  Too much vitamin C can cause diarrhea.

• MSM – This is also known as methylsulfonylmethane.  It provides sulfur that is critical to joints, cartilage, skin, hair and nails.  Not only is it important for parts of your body, it also provides energy.  It is found in meat, eggs and dairy products.  In the case of joint protection, it helps to rebuild connective tissues.

• Ginger has been used to treat stomach aches, nausea and diarrhea.  It has also been used for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and joint and muscle pain.  According to the National Health Institute (NIH), Ginger Fact Sheet, there are very few side effects to ginger. 

• White Willow Bark Extract – This is used to ease discomfort.  Native Americans chewed willow bark to relieve pain; 150 years ago, pharmaceutical companies developed aspirin from the bark.  Children under the age of 16 should NOT take willow bark.  Also, pregnant or nursing women should stay away from white willow bark.

• Fish Oil is lubrication for the joints.  There are forms for children and stronger forms for adults.

It is never too late to start protecting your joints.  It is true, the older you get, the more your joints deteriorate.  Unfortunately, joint problems do not only happen to the elderly.  You can develop joint problems as a child, from an injury in sports, gaining weight too quickly, carrying your child on one side or any number of other reasons.  Don’t wait to protect your joints.  Take the steps now to build up the cartilage and keep those joints lubricated before you develop problems. Joint pain can be almost unbearable.  Don’t wait until that pain arrives.  Include a joint support supplement in your daily routine today.