CONTENTS
Stretching
Exercise
Diet
Supplements
Success cases
Specific types
______________________________________________________________
STRETCHING
Do stretching (actual stretching to a slightly uncomfortable level) at least 5 times a day. Use it as a break every hour or hour and a half. Even mild, easy stretching works.
EXERCISE
DIET
Low sugar
Eliminate milk products
Eliminate for at least two months, one at a time (perhaps) all sugar except natural fruits (but don't eat any citrus fruits), wheat, corn, and soy. See which makes a difference in your symptoms, restoring the eliminated item at the end of two months and noticing the effect.
Eliminate (or at least lessen) intake of coffee. No tobacco!
Eat more fish (get more omega-3 fatty acids)
OTHER
Use ice and heat. Heat works best for soreness and stiffness — try a heating pad, hot shower, or hot pack 2 or 3 times a day for 20 to 30 minutes. Cold works best for swollen joints — try putting cold packs on a painful joint 2 or 3 times a day for 10 to 20 minutes. Be sure to put a thin towel between the ice and your skin.
Physical therapy
Massage helps relax tense muscles.
Acupuncture uses very thin needles, pressure, heat, or electricity to stimulate natural chemicals in your body that help reduce pain.
Chiropractors adjust your body to help align your spine and other joints.
Biofeedback teaches you to use your mind to control how your body feels.
SUPPLEMENTS
Omega 3 essential fatty acids - Fish, nuts, pills (over 2 grams) Consult specialist advice before doing anything, however:
SUCCESS CASES
The "Happy Woman" cures arthritis.
Although her age is a well-kept secret it is "up there". About 4 years ago she was suffering from arthritis and also at a higher weight.
What she did was to:
2. Follow her Blood Type Diet.
That's it!
SPECIFIC TYPES OF ARTHRITIS
DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS
Prescribed Gabapenthin, for seizures and/or to relieve nerve pain. May cause blurred vision or impair your thinking or reactions, drowsiness, dizziness. Avoid taking antacids within two hours before or after. Pharmacist says there is no therapeutic/restorative effect, only pain relief.
NSAIDs / COX-2 Inhibitors
NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are among the most commonly prescribed and widely used arthritis drugs. There are three types of NSAIDs: salicylates (both acetylated, such as aspirin, and nonacetylated such as (Disalcid) salsalate, (Trilisate) choline magnesium trisalicylate and (Doan's Pills, Novasal) magnesium salicylate), the traditional NSAIDs, and COX-2 selective inhibitors. NSAIDs work by blocking the activity of the enzyme, cyclooxygenase, also known as COX. Research has revealed that there are two forms, known as COX-1 and COX-2. NSAIDs affect both forms. COX-1 is involved in maintaining healthy tissue, while COX-2 is involved in the inflammation pathway. COX-2 selective inhibitors became a new subset of NSAIDs born of this research. About.com
Pain relievers can make you feel better, but they're not going to change the course of your arthritis.
The dietary supplements glucosamine and chondroitin have also been touted for osteoarthritis relief, although the evidence about their effectiveness is mixed. While some studies haven't found much of a benefit, others suggest glucosamine and chondroitin may help reduce pain in some patients with mild OA.
You may also want to try over-the-counter (OTC) arthritis creams, gels, and ointments. Although many people use glucosamine and chondroitin supplements, there is no good evidence that they are truly effective.
QUESTIONS FOR DOC:
I didn't adequately express my pain level.
Doc says "alot of arthritis". Chronic? How severe? Expect to be debilitating?
What do you call this kind of arthritis?
Should I take an anti-inflammatory? If so, which ones and how often? What's the limit?
How come mostly on one side? Seems that there would be a separate cause for that, one that could be treated.
Is there damage to joints? Will they lead to a need for replacement?
Should I see a physical therapist?
Classes, courses, books? I read your webpage on it.
