Arthritis Cure?  Not Yet

Sadly, at the present time, a cure for arthritis does not exist and anyone who tells you that there is, is either mistaken, or is being economical with the facts.

Many treatments and remedies are touted as being cures but they are not. This does not mean that they are not effective in reducing pain and stiffness in arthritic joints but they do not remove the cause.

The US Food and Drug Administration says, "There is no cure for arthritis. But correct treatment can ease pain and stiffness."

Whether it is osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, the effects, in terms of pain and stiffness are very similar, although the basic cause is different. Rheumatoid arthritis usually causes more swelling and distortion of the joints

Arthritis can occur in any joints of the body, from the neck to the toes. It can be very debilitating, not only for the intense, constant pain but also for the restrictions it places on normal activities and movement.

 It doesn't really matter where it is, the horrible effects are the same. If it's in the hands, it can stop you opening a jar, or using a knife and fork, or knitting, or even writing your name. In the hips or knees, it will obviously affect your overall mobility and may even make it impossible to cut your toenails or get in and out of the bath

There are numerous possible remedies and treatments to alleviate these problems. Painkilling drugs; physiotherapy and chiropractic treatments; diet and supplements; homeopathic and alternative remedies and most extreme of all, surgery with its expense, pain and long recovery period. I know, I've suffered it myself.

Many people do not appreciate the severe, sometimes life-threatening side effects of some painkillers, particularly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's) and narcotic drugs such as codeine. The most serious possible side effects are heart attacks, strokes, ulcers and intestinal bleeding and addiction.

Physiotherapy can provide some much needed relief but does nothing to treat the source of the problem and needs to be repeated regularly to produce any lasting benefit. This can be a serious, long term expense.

Surgery can be a more permanent cure, by completely replacing the offending joint but it is painful, expensive and can mean a long period of rehabilitation. It is most appropriate for knees and hips but it is not unusual for these mechanical joint to need replacing after ten or fifteen years.

There has been an upsurge in interest and usage of alternative remedies over the past few years, partly because of the problems with all the other solutions. Fish oils, containing Omega 3 fatty acids, are a very popular dietary supplement and are claimed to benefit the heart, the skin and the brain, as well as helping to lubricate the joints.

Omega 3 oils and green lipped mussel have strong anti-inflammatory properties and are probably a safer source than ibuprofen and diclofenac.

The famous explorer and mountaineer, Sir Ranulph Fiennes (full name Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham Fiennes) swears by Cider Vinegar and Honey to keep his arthritis at bay. Last year he ran 7 marathons, in 7 days, in 7 different countries, at the age of 64 and just a few weeks ago he succeeded in climbing Everest, at the age of 65.

Cider Vinegar and Honey couldn't have a stronger recommendation than that! Sir Ranulph's mother also benefited from the same remedy for many years.