Although arthritis won't really kill you, it can literally cripple you. Arthritis causes a lot of limitations and cuts back even the most undemanding activities such as bathing, walking or dressing. Because of intense pain in the joints, arthritis can be quite debilitating. Added to that, it's also a recurring disease.
Thousands are afflicted with arthritis each year and statistics show that one in every three adults over 40 suffer or will suffer from arthritis as they move on to the retirement years. There is no specific age or gender for susceptibility since arthritis can develop even in infants, but the average onset of arthritis symptoms is 47, with more than 50% occurring before the age of 65. And arthritis is not just debilitating to the body – it can also devastate your finances. It is estimated that arthritis can cost a single person a whopping USD 150,000 in medical or support treatment and lost wages during his or her lifetime.
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two most common forms that afflict the greater majority. Osteoarthritis is a condition that results from normal wear and tear of the knees, hips, or ankles since they bear much of the weight in the body. Arthritis also invades the shoulders and other highly mobile joints in the cervical and lumbar spinal regions. Ease of movement and lubrication within our joints are enabled by synovial fluid, which works much like grease on gears and joints in any dynamic structure. It is also responsible for overall health and maintenance of the cartilage. Unavoidably, synovial fluid diminishes with age and results in the cartilage thinning, eventually causing the bones to grind against each other. This grinding action is what causes arthritis pain and the difficulty in movements.
Rheumatoid Arthritis on the other hand is a condition brought about by the assault of anti-bodies on the synovial lining of the joints. Although these anti-bodies are produced by our own immune system, genetics, certain infections or environmental factors can trigger a misdirected immune system and cause destruction of the synovial membrane and the cartilage. Inflammatory conditions such as swelling, stiffness and pain manifest as a result of this. Rheumatoid Arthritis may arise at any age, and this type of immunologically induced arthritis is also prevalent in other systemic illnesses such as Lupus and Scleroderma.
Symptoms of arthritis are not permanent – when inflammation is present, the disease is active and that period is known as a “flare”. As the symptoms subside, it is said that the disease is “in remission”. Remission is usually brought about by treatment, although it can also happen spontaneously and may last for months or even years.
Conventional treatments for arthritis include the use of anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids to relieve its painful effects. Typically, cortisone injections and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been used to treat symptoms. And although these drugs can help to ease the pain, they don't repair the damaged tissues – hence relief is said to be merely symptomatic.
Undesirable side effects may also arise with constant use of NSAIDs and steroids. Osteoporosis and skin thinning are two of the most common side effects, and NSAIDs also tend to irritate the digestive tract and cause stomach ulcers.
While there is no known cure for arthritis, there is growing evidence that tissue repair and replacement can arrest disease progress. In fact, this has been the focus of controversial stem cell replacement studies over the years. Whether or not stem cell replacement will eventually emerge as the cure for arthritis, it might help to know that natural substances can work at relieving the discomforts of arthritis pain and possibly slow the progression of the disease – without the side effects.
Aloe Vera is one of the best known natural substances for its anti-inflammatory properties. Aloe generally provides analgesic relief but it has also been observed to stimulate the immune system and speed up cell growth and replacement. Aloe Vera contains basic sugars which are also found in every cell of the body – it is packed with nutrients that include vitamins E, C, and the B series, as well as iron, manganese, calcium and zinc. Aloe Vera also contains essential amino and fatty acids needed by the body.
Possibly more than its nutritional benefits is the ability of Aloe Vera to assist the body in repairing damaged tissue by regenerating cells. Glucosamine and chondroitin are two other joint supplements that combined with aloe have created a breakthrough formulation aimed at helping with arthritis. Glucosamine increases fluid maintenance in the cartilage, while chondroitin, an ingredient of cartilage tissue, works to draw fluid and nutrients in. As we age, the body's capacity to produce these natural elements of healthy cartilage is diminished, thus leading to painful joint conditions. Naturally occurring substances combined with Aloe Vera may work best for arthritis pain relief, tissue repair and cell regeneration without the nasty side effects!
Learn more about breakthrough aloe formulations that relieve arthritis symptoms and help to rebuild healthy cells in your joints at Forever Freedom.