Treatment for Arthritis
– An Overview of the Different Options
When it comes to treatment for arthritis, there are a number of options. These options range from the conventional medical methods to natural methods like herbal and homeopathic arthritis treatment. Treatment for arthritis is aimed to reduce pain and improve flexibility of the affected joints
What is the Best Treatment for Arthritis?
Unfortunately the question has no definitive answer. The right arthritis treatment for you depends on the arthritis type, its severity, your age, current lifestyle and your past medical history. Consider the two most common forms of arthritis – osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis, characterized by wear and tear of the cartilage is largely a degenerative disease with little inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disorder with significant inflammation around the joints and other tissues too. So the treatment for rheumatoid arthritis focuses on reducing the inflammation, while osteoarthritis treatment provides pain relief and recommends activities that reduce further denegation of the cartilage to prevent progression of the disease.
Medical Treatment for Arthritis
Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis usually begins the NSAIDs and corticosteroids to relieve pain and inflammation. These are often combined with Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) that arrest progression of the disease and prevent permanent joint damage and deformity. DMARDs have no effect on pain or inflammation.
Natural Treatment for Arthritis
Natural treatment for arthritis does away with the side effects caused by allopathic drugs. Natural treatment encompasses herbal options as well as modifications in the diet.
Herbal treatment of arthritis uses materials of plant origin like the Boswellia serrata (Indian Frankencense) that contains boswellic acids, which have potent anti-inflammatory properties. Another herbal treatment is the use of the secondary root extract from the African Devil’s Claw plant that significantly relieves arthritis pain. Available as herbal supplements, they can be used in treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. Glucosamine supplements that play a role in rebuilding the cartilage are suitable in osteoarthritis treatment.
Another effective natural treatment for arthritis is an antioxidant rich diet which reduces overall systemic inflammation. Green tea, citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables are good sources of antioxidants. Foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids such as salmon and tuna and walnuts and flax seeds reduce inflammation and are beneficial in arthritis.
The absence of associated side effects has made homeopathic treatment for arthritis extremely popular. Exactly how homeopathy relieves arthritis symptoms is not known. It probably works by realigning the body’s immune system, which is beneficial particularly in rheumatoid arthritis. And homeopathic medicines relieve joint pain and stiffness, making it an ideal choice for treatment of arthritis, whatever its nature.
Arthritis diagnosis can be devastating. But remember, you can still win over the condition by availing the right treatment for arthritis.
