Osteoarthritis –

Local or degenerative disease of the articular cartilage and formation of "lips and spurs" (osteophytes) at the edge of joints.

Onset is gradual with progressive pain and joint enlargement; it may involve single or multiple joints but does not migrate from joint to joint. It is often associated with previous injury or repetitive strain.

Estimated 80% of over 50s have this disease in the west, with aging there is decreased ability to restore and synthesise normal collagen structures.

Rheumatoid arthritis –

Inflammatory (auto-immune) disease involving the synovial membranes and structures. Localized bone atrophy and rarification of the involved bone is common, with associated muscle atrophy.

Onset is abrupt; joints are swollen, red and tender. This may migrate from joint to joint. Joint deformity with contracture and subcutaneous nodules ar commonly found.

Acute presentation may lead eventually to Osteoarthritis.

Therapy: -

In both cases the main therapeutic goal is to enhance repair processes by various connective tissue cells.

 Dietary: - A general healthy diet, rich in complex carbohydrate and dietary fibre is recommended. Avoid all simple, processed carbohydrates and keep fats to a minimum. Alkaloids may inhibit normal collagen repair in joints (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, peppers and tobacco – all from the nightshade family).

Vitamin A, B6, E, (able to inhibit the enzymatic breakdown of cartilage) C, (frequently deficient in older generation, found to slow cartilage erosion) zinc and copper (a deficiency would allow accelerated joint degeneration).

 Botanical: - Yucca, Devil's claw, Cherries, Hawthorne berries, Ginger, Ginkgo-biloba, St John's Wort, feverfew and bilberries, in particular, found to be very effective.

 Physical: - Weight bearing exercises when no inflammation present. Physiotherapy, Massage, Osteopathy, Hydrotherapy, Electromagnetic therapy, Reflexology, Yoga, Acupuncture and AcuScen therapy can all give both symptomatic help and encourage homeostasis repair.

 Local: - Use of SCENAR equipment, such as the AcuScen can have long term anti-inflammatory, pain relief and cell regulatory effects, thus enabling you to reduce your pain-killing medicines.

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