ARTHRITIS

The word arthritis is a combination of  2 Greek and Latin words meaning inflammation of joints. Arthritis affects the musculoskeletal system, specifically the joints. It is the main cause of disability among people over fifty-five years of age in industrialized countries.

Arthritis is not a single disease - it is a term that covers over 100 medical conditions. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and generally affects elderly patients. Some forms of arthritis can affect people at a very early age. Mostly the following types of Arthritis are encountered in general practice:-

·       Osteoarthritis

·       Rheumatoid arthritis

·       Traumatic arthritis 

In order to better understand what is going on when a person suffers from some form of arthritis, let us look at how a joint works. 

Basically, a joint is where one bone moves on another bone. Ligaments hold the two bones together. The ligaments are like elastic bands, while they keep the bones in place your muscles relax or contract to make the joint move.

Cartilage covers the bone surface to stop the two bones from rubbing directly against each other. The covering of cartilage allows the joint to work smoothly and painlessly.

A capsule surrounds the joint. The space within the joint - the joint cavity - has synovial fluid. Synovial fluid nourishes the joint and the cartilage. The synovial fluid is produced by the synovium (synovial membrane) which lines the joint cavity. 

Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage on the gliding surface of the knee begins wearing away, causing pain and stiffness. When the cartilage wears away completely, the bones rub directly against each other causing decreased mobility and chronic pain. Osteoarthritis is most common in people 50 and older, but is also prevalent in those with a family history of arthritis or those with lifestyles that stress the joints, such as athletes and laborers.

Rheumatoid arthritis is actually an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system begins to attack the synovial membrane causing it to become inflamed and overproduce synovial fluid (the fluid that lubricates your joints). More importantly, the process also causes damage and wear to the articular cartilage.

Traumatic arthritis results from a serious knee injury, such as a fracture, ligament damage or meniscus tear. The impact of the accident also causes mini trauma to the articular cartilage which over time, develops into osteoarthritis, causing knee pain and stiffness.

NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are the most commonly prescribed drugs for arthritis patients. At low doses NSAIDs help a vast range of ailments, from muscle aches, to fever and minor pain. At a higher dose NSAIDs also help reduce joint inflammation. 

As is the case with most drugs, NSAIDs do carry a risk of side-effects, such as stomach upset and gastrointestinal bleeding. The risk of side effects is significantly higher if the patient is over 60. A patient should take this type of drug at high doses under the supervision of a doctor.

 In osteoarthritis, where the joint pain is due to damaged synovial membrane on account of prolonged wear and tear, as generally happens in age group 40+,  a combination of Glucosamine HCL with Boswellia + Cal Mag D, taken for 3 to 4 months is very effective. This combination may not show good results in Rheumatoid Arthritis.