Osteoarthritis
This
is a condition of degradation in the joints and connective tissues
of the body, usually related to three factors: constitutional and
genetic predispositions; damage due to repeated use; and toxicity
in the system. There will be swelling and inflammation around the
joints, typically in the hands but also anywhere else in the body.
The consistent feature is that the affected joints remain the painful
ones, i.e., there is no “wind” component (see Rheumatoid
arthritis). Cartilage and lubricating sinovial fluid may degenerate
and disappear, aggravating joint friction and the resulting inflammation.
Treatment Goal(s):
· Reduce inflammation, provide cartilage and sinovial fluid
support, detoxify through the liver.
Primary
Treatment:
· Anti-inflammatory herbs such as Salix alba (White willow)
and Filipendula ulmaria (Meadowsweet) have been traditionally used
to good effect for long-term support.
· Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil’s claw) has shown
good results in managing osteoarthritic pain.
· Administer a supplement of Glucosamine sulphate, at least
1000mg daily.
· Use liver support, as the case indicates but usually including
Curcuma longa (Turmeric) for its anti-inflammatory and “damp-heat”
clearing properties.
Supportive
Treatment:
· Use oil or tincture of Arnica Montana to control pain and
swelling, especially upon rising.
· Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse chestnut) is a good systemic
anti-inflammatory for joint pain with swelling and loss of function.
· Adjust the diet to reduce the intake of acidifying (high-protein)
foods, increase the use of vegetables and fruits as primary caloric
sources, and use an elimination diet to isolate potential aggravating
factors (caffeine, wheat, nightshade vegetables such as tomatoes,
peppers, and eggplants).
· Include many sources of essential fatty acids (Flax oil,
fish oil) and fiber in the diet.
Differential diagnoses, cautions, and other considerations:
· Be careful administering anti-inflammatory herbs long-term.
Monitor the digestion for any signs of impact.
· Rule out the possibility of infection or injury in the
affected joint by monitoring swelling and body temperature at first.
