How to Prevent Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

By: admin

• Joints

January 23, 2009

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Pain in a joint may be caused by an injury or a condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis, food sensitivity or infection. Natural remedies can be used for pain that has not been directly caused by an injury. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage lining a joint – usually a weight bearing joint, such as the knee or hip – wears away. Excess fluid can then accumulate in the joint, causing swelling, pain and reduced mobility. Osteoarthritis is more common in people over 60. It affects almost three times as many women as men.

Osteoarthritis is mainly associated with damaged cartilage in the joints from the wear and tear of ageing, but it may have a genetic component. To reduce your likelihood of suffering from joint damage, avoid becoming overweight, since this puts additional strain on the joints. Eat a healthy diet containing plenty of fruits and vegetables. This will provide nutrients your body needs to repair damaged cartilage.

Rheumatoid arthritis results from inflammation of the membrane lining the joints and eventually the cartilage, too. The affected joints become swollen, stiff and painful. In people with this form of arthritis, the normal immune response that is designed to protect from infection turns against the joint lining. The disorder usually begins in the fingers, wrists and toes. You may inherit a tendency to rheumatoid arthritis, and one or more of several triggers may play a part.

Some people with this condition have additional symptom, such as fatigue, anemia, poor circulation, and trouble with the tendons, eyes and thyroid gland. The disease generally begins in young or middle aged adults and is two to three times more common in women. Women who have taken oral contraceptive pills seem to have a lower risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

To help prevent rheumatoid arthritis, try to discover and avoid any trigger factors. Possibilities include stress and certain foods such as (in order of likelihood) wheat and other cereal grains, red meat, sugar, animal fats, salt, coffee, dairy foods, and potatoes. Tomatoes, potatoes, capsicums and eggplants may promote arthritis in some people. Try excluding these foods to see if this eases your condition. It may be that pesticide poisoning and certain medications can also act as rheumatoid arthritis triggers.

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