Arthritis treatments through medications and natural remedies

Arthritis treatments through medications and natural remedies

Millions of people of all ages and backgrounds suffer from arthritis. Arthritis causes inflammation of the joints, often accompanied by warmth and redness. The two most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The author will not cover these in detail but will focus on treatment through medication and natural remedies. Although it can affect any joint, arthritis is most commonly found in the fingers, knees, and hips.

Treating arthritis with medication

Analgesics:Paracetamol, paracetamol with codeine, aspirin.Function:is to relieve pain, and codeine relieves more severe pain. Aspirin reduces both pain and inflammation.Side effects of aspirin:may include numbness, abdominal pain, ulcers, ringing in the ears, bleeding tendency.Paracetamol side effects:may include dizziness, agitation and, after long-term use, liver damage.Paracetamol with codeine side effects:may include constipation, drowsiness, fatigue, dependence.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs):including acemetacin, diflunisal, etodolac, flubiprofen, mefenmic acid, naproxen.

Function:is to block the production of prostaglandins.Side effects:may include, but are not limited to, abdominal pain and bleeding, indigestion, headache, fluid retention, tinnitus, sensitivity to light.

Cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors:Rofecoxib.Function:is to relieve pain by blocking inflammatory prostaglandins.Side effects:may include stomach pain, nightmares, indigestion, dizziness, stomach ulcers, nausea.

Corticosteroids:Cortisone acetate, dexamethasone, prednisolone, among others.Function:to reduce inflammation.Side effects:may include, but are not limited to, cataracts, high blood pressure, weight gain, thinning skin, weakened bones, increased blood sugar, worsened arthritis, weakened immune system.

Treating Arthritis Through Natural Remedies

Cayenne pepper: pepper spp.;contain capsaicin, a powerful analgesic and anti-inflammatory. These can be found in the ingredients of creams.

Chondroitin sulfate:also occurs naturally in the body. Chondroitin helps prevent other body enzymes from breaking down the building blocks of joint cartilage.

Devil's Claw: Harpagophytum procumbens;contains iridoids that help reduce inflammation.

Feverfew: Chrysanthemum parthenium;was originally used to treat headaches. However, today it is used to treat “rheumatoid arthritis.”

Ginger: Zingiber officinale;is an herb with many benefits. It is most commonly used for nausea and to aid digestion. It is known to stimulate the secretion of bile and help the liver remove toxins. However, ginger contains gingerol, which has been shown to inhibit the production of prostaglandins.

Glucosamine:is a form of amino sugar that our bodies produce naturally. It is considered one of the most important building blocks for joint protection. It is usually found in conjunction with chondroitin sulfate and is widely used.

Joint advance:is a proprietary blend of many proven joint protectors.

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane):provides sulfur, which is a vital building block for joints, cartilage, skin, hair and nails. MSM supports the normal reconstruction of connective tissue.

Turmeric: turmeric longa;It has been shown to inhibit the production of prostaglandins

Pasture: Salix alba;contains salicin, which converts into salicylic acid during digestion. Salicylic acid is the active ingredient in aspirin.

There are many types of arthritis and consequently many treatments. The pharmaceutical medications work, but they can and often do cause many unpleasant side effects. Some of the natural methods described have been used for thousands of years.

Whatever path the arthritis sufferer takes, they should now have more knowledge to make more objective decisions in treating their own arthritis.

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Inspired by Jeffrey Rossini