Arthritis

Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degeneration of the joints in the body – quite typically the knees, wrists, fingers, hips and spine but can be found in other areas as well. It is often worse in the morning but gets better with movement.

The treatment for this may include:

  • a dietary guide, as some foods will aggravate this condition
  • a detoxification process to help clear the liver, as often this will relieve the symptoms as well
  • the intake of natural anti-inflammatory products and/or anti-arthritic herbs
  • Arthritis bracelets (see products)

Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory and degenerative condition of the joints. This condition is an auto-immune disorder which goes in waves of attacks and doesn’t necessarily get better with movement. It can be triggered by stress.

The treatment for this may include:

  • the intake of natural anti-inflammatory products and/or anti-arthritic herbs
  • a comprehensive approach to the immune system

Gout
Gout is a form of arthritis which has an excess of uric acid in the system. People with gout do not produce enough a particular enzyme which converts the uric acid into a more soluble compound. This disorder can easily be controlled by dietary considerations.

Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is an arthritic condition of widespread pain with a low-pain threshold. It may be accompanied with stress, anxiety, chronic fatigue – all causing sleep disturbances.The pain is a chronic achy-type pain and commonly affects the lower back, the neck, the shoulders, back of the head, upper chest region, the thigh area, although any area of the body can be affected.

The naturopathic approach to this will be:

  • anti-oxidant therapy
  • herbal medicine
  • therapeutic massage
  • vitamin and mineral therapy
  • exercise therapy
  • Sometimes Fibromyalgia is misdiagnosed, and with remedial bodywork including spinal work and muscle & ligament therapy, many people will attain quite a lot of relief.

Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing SpondylitisAn auto-immune disorder which may be triggered by a bacterial infection in the digestive tract or by a retrovirus. There may also be a genetic component to this disorder.

Naturopathically, this disorder will be treated through:

  • dietary regime
  • improvement & strengthening of the immune system through the use of nutrients and mineral therapy
  • supplementation of vitamins and herbal remedies
  • an exercise regime