Treating arthritis naturally

Arthritis is a common inflammatory condition affecting around 3.6 million Australians that is one of the leading causes of pain and disability in the community. Unfortunately, the pharmaceuticals used to relieve arthritis pain can have side effects of their own. We look at natural and gentle ways to prevent and heal this widespread condition.

- LISA GUY

Arthritis is the term given to more than a hundred different medical conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system, specifically the joints.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, which is considered a “wear and tear” degenerative disease. Osteoarthritis occurs when there is continual stress being put on particular joints, which wears down the cartilage between the bones and joint. Cartilage is a type of smooth connective tissue that covers the ends of bones where they come together to form joints. It allows bones to glide easily over each other, along with providing cushioning and absorbing shock, and protecting the joints from injury. When cartilage wears down over time the bones start rubbing together, which results in pain and swelling, and eventually loss of mobility.

Other types of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis (RA), gout, juvenile arthritis, fibromyalgia, psoriatic arthritis, lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, Ross River fever and scleroderma.

RA is the most common autoimmune disease in Australia. In RA the body’s immune system starts mistakenly attacking the joints. This causes inflammation, pain and swelling, and a thickening of the synovium with a reduction of synovial fluid, decreasing joint mobility. The synovium is the tissue that lines the joints and produces a lubricating fluid that allows the joints to move freely. If inflammation is left unchecked, however, bone and cartilage destruction can occur.