Clinical Corner: Arthritis

Arthritis

Arthritis

1. Increasing the body’s production of cortisone 

Cortisone, a type of corticosteroid, is commonly used to treat arthritis due to its potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. Here are the primary benefits of cortisone for arthritis:

Reduces Inflammation: Cortisone significantly decreases inflammation in the joints, which is a major cause of pain and stiffness in arthritis. By reducing inflammation, it helps to improve joint function and mobility.

Pain Relief: Cortisone injections can provide rapid pain relief. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with severe arthritis pain that does not respond well to other treatments.

Decreases Swelling: By reducing inflammation, cortisone also helps to decrease swelling in the affected joints, which can improve the range of motion and overall joint function.

Improves Mobility: With reduced pain and swelling, individuals often experience improved mobility and a better quality of life. This can make daily activities easier and more manageable.

Reduces Need for Oral Medications: By providing significant localized relief, cortisone can reduce the need for oral anti-inflammatory medications, which can have gastrointestinal and cardiovascular side effects with long-term use.

Adjunct to Physical Therapy: The pain relief and reduction in inflammation provided by cortisone can make it easier for patients to participate in physical therapy and exercise, which are important components of arthritis management.

Types of Arthritis Treated with Cortisone:

Osteoarthritis: Cortisone can help manage the symptoms of osteoarthritis, particularly in weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Cortisone can be used to control acute flare-ups of rheumatoid arthritis, providing relief from severe joint pain and inflammation.

Gouty Arthritis: Cortisone can help manage the intense pain and inflammation associated with gout attacks.

Psoriatic Arthritis: Patients with psoriatic arthritis may also benefit from cortisone  to control joint inflammation and pain.

Single Oil: Sylvester Pine

Apply 3-4 drops on the wrists 2x daily

2. Spurs, Deposits, and Joint Toxicity 

In arthritis, two common complications are the formation of deposits and bone spurs. These developments can exacerbate pain and contribute to reduced joint function. Here’s a detailed explanation of each:

Types of Deposits:

Uric Acid Crystals (Gout): In gout, a type of inflammatory arthritis, excess uric acid in the blood crystallizes and deposits in the joints, particularly in the big toe, causing severe pain and inflammation.

Calcium Pyrophosphate Dihydrate (CPPD) Crystals (Pseudogout): These calcium deposits form in the cartilage and can lead to sudden, painful swelling in the joints, resembling gout but caused by different crystal deposits.

Calcium Hydroxyapatite (Hydroxyapatite Deposition Disease): This condition involves the deposition of calcium phosphate crystals in the tendons, bursae, and joint capsules, leading to pain and inflammation.

Causes:

Metabolic Disorders: Conditions like hyperuricemia (high uric acid levels) can lead to crystal deposition.

Genetic Factors: Some people have a genetic predisposition to develop these deposits.

Aging: The likelihood of crystal deposition increases with age.

Joint Damage: Previous joint injury or wear-and-tear can contribute to the formation of these deposits.

Effects and Implications:

Joint Pain and Swelling: Deposits cause inflammation, leading to pain, redness, and swelling in the affected joints.

Reduced Mobility: The inflammation and pain can restrict joint movement, making daily activities difficult.

Chronic Joint Damage: Repeated episodes of inflammation can lead to long-term joint damage and deformity.

Single Oils: Lovage Leaf, Lovage Root, Eucalyptus Citriodora

Blends: Arthricare 

Apply to the affected area as a body tonic 2x a day

3. Decrease spasms, inflammation, Pain, and increase flow of blood and lymph

Joint Pain and Inflammation: Chronic pain and inflammation can lead to muscle tension and spasms around the affected joints as the body attempts to protect and stabilize the area.

Altered Movement Patterns: Arthritis can cause changes in gait and posture, leading to muscle overuse and spasms in compensating muscle groups.

Nerve Compression: Swollen joints or bone spurs can compress nearby nerves, leading to muscle spasms and cramping.

Effects and Implications:

Increased Pain: Muscle spasms add to the overall pain experienced by arthritis patients, compounding their discomfort.

Reduced Mobility: Spasms can restrict movement and make it difficult to perform daily activities, worsening the patient’s quality of life.

Sleep Disturbances: Painful muscle spasms, especially at night, can disrupt sleep and lead to fatigue.

Blends: Joint Relief, Osteoarthritis 

Apply ointment to affected areas 2x daily

4. Inflammation 

Turmeric, particularly its active compound curcumin, has been extensively studied for its potential benefits in managing arthritis. Here are some of the key benefits of turmeric for arthritis:

Curcumin: The primary bioactive substance in turmeric, curcumin, has potent anti-inflammatory effects. It works by inhibiting various molecules that play a role in inflammation, such as cytokines and enzymes like COX-2, which are involved in the inflammatory process.

Analgesic Effects: Turmeric can help reduce pain associated with arthritis. Studies have shown that curcumin can be as effective as some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in reducing arthritis pain without the side effects.

Free Radical Scavenging: Turmeric has strong antioxidant properties, which help neutralize free radicals in the body. Free radicals can cause oxidative stress and damage to cells, contributing to inflammation and joint damage in arthritis.

Cartilage Protection: Curcumin has been shown to protect cartilage from degradation. This is particularly beneficial for osteoarthritis, where cartilage breakdown is a primary issue.

Regulation of Immune Responses: Turmeric can help modulate the immune system, which is beneficial for autoimmune forms of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis. It can reduce the autoimmune response that leads to joint inflammation and damage.

Reduction in Stiffness: By reducing inflammation and pain, turmeric can improve joint flexibility and mobility, making it easier for individuals with arthritis to perform daily activities.

Single Oils: Turmeric 

Take 2-3 drops in water daily

Arthritis Product Pack:

Sylvester Pine 5ml

Arthricare Body Tonic 2oz

Joint Relief/Licorice Root Ointment 3oz

Turmeric 5ml