The Arthritis Epidemic and What You Can Do About It

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Adapted from an article by Terry S. Friedmann, M. D., A.B.H.M.
Used by permission of Grade A Notes.

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Overview: What arthritis is and its prevalence

Arthritis refers to a group of illnesses that present symptoms such as joint pain, stiffness and inflammation.  It's claimed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention that fully one third of all Americans suffer from some form of arthritis.

Types of arthritis

There are various types of joint diseases — inflammatory and non-inflammatory.  Inflammatory types include rheumatoid arthritis, gouty arthritis, Rieter's syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), scleroderma, ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and colitis/enteritis-related arthritis.

The non-inflammatory arthritis types include osteoarthritis, traumatic arthritis and osteochondromatosis.

Pathology seen with arthritis

Arthritis typically presents the following physiological abnormalities, seen at the joint level:

• inflammation,
• fluid formation and, ultimately
• calcification,

which may involve surrounding tissue, including cartilage, bone, ligaments and tendons.  In chronic conditions, the entire joint may be ankylosed — the medical term for a fixed joint, where the separate bones in the joint become joined as a single bone, either through calcification or fibrosis.

But the effects of arthrisits are not limited to the joints.  Other lesions — or abnormal changes in body structures — can occur with arthritis.  These include:

• small vessel inflammation (cardiovascular involvement),
• pulmonary fibrosis (respiratory involvement),
• disturbances of the skeletal muscle (musculoskeletal involvement), and
• distrubances of the lymph nodes (immune system involvement).

Consequently, it is clear that this disease represents a serious systemic problem affecting many parts of the body.

Some of the known causes of arthritis

There are many causes of arthritis.  It is result of other factors — not just life — and is not an inevitable part of aging.  Some of the causative agents of arthritis are:

• toxins from medications, food, water and the environment that are not adequately neutralized and eliminated from the body;
• nutritional deficiencies, whether they be in the building blocks of the body (minerals and the vitamins that activate them) or antioxidants that protect the body from oxidative stress;
• bio-mechanical stress, such as poor ergonomics and injuries;
• emotional factors, which create stress-related chemicals that can damage body tissues;
• parasites (much more common than most people think),
• other infectious agents, and
• immune dysfunction.

A genetic predisposition plays a significant role in the development of arthritis, as well.  [Editor's note: I also believe that a major cause of arthritis is the stress on joints (bio-mechanical stress) caused by muscle weaknesses.  In Touch for Health, I learned how different muscles of the body are related — through the meridian system associated with acupuncture and related healing arts — to energy centers in the body and organ systems. 

For example, the sartorius muscle, which has its origin on the outside of the hip and inserts on the inside of the knee, is associated with the Triple Warmer meridian.  This meridian controls the adrenal and thyroid glands; and any weakness in these glands might also manifest itself as a twisted or rotated pelvis (so-called short leg), knee pain or knock-knees.  If this muscle weakness is not corrected, it will produce excessive stress on the knee joints, and could lead to arthritis.

On the other hand, doctors tend to assume that joint pain is arthritis and may give you that diagnosis when all that is wrong is a muscle weakness.]

How arthritis is diagnosed

Ideally, diagnosis of arthritis is made by a thorough history and examination.  However, x-rays may be valuable in confirming the diagnosis and the degree of joint involvement.  Occasionally, CT-scans and MRIs may be utilized.

Laboratory findings are very valuable in diagnosing and monitoring the progress of the disease.  Measuring such parameters as sedimentation rate, IgM antibodies, latex fixation test, ANA titers, the presence of uric acid crystals and HLA-B27 antigens is important.

Two other very valuable and worthwhile tests for diagnosis of, and a key for the treatment for, arthritis are stool analysis and synovial fluid examination.  The synovial fluid is part of the synovium, which is made up of a thin layer of cells that line and lubricate the joints.

The two most common forms of arthritis: Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

In this article, I will focus on the most common forms of the arthridities: osteoarthritis, which has the effect of breaking down the cartilage in the joint; and rheumatoid arthritis, which is caused by an autoimmune phenomena, in which the body attacks and destroys the joints.

Osteoarthritis:

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disorder, and is the most common form of arthritis.  In fact, it is believed that today, 20 million people in the United States suffer from this disease.  However, if the current trend continues, by the year 2020, the number will double to 40 million sufferers, usually first affecting sufferers between the ages of 40 and 50 years.

What specifically is the cause?

Well, as I said, the cartilage between the joints is damaged.

Think of the cartilage as a natural shock absorber that cushions the internal portion of your joints.  Not only that, but the cartilage also acts like a sponge.  As you put stress, pressure or weight on the joint, the synovial fluid that it contains is squeezed out.  It then absorbs minerals and other nutrients from the surrounding tissues; and when the pressure is taken off, the synovial fluid returns to the cartilage, purified and nourished.

However, by continuous and prolonged use, there is often a mechanical breakdown.  This degeneration is, of course, accelerated by toxins, heavy metals and microbes found in the fluid.  After destruction of the cartilage, we sometimes end up with bone on bone.

Why has this disability been classified as an epidemic?

Years of jogging, high-impact aerobics, soccer, football, basketball, racquetball and tennis, particularly with less-than-perfect form, have created major joint damage.  We are observing a large generation — the Baby Boomers — who have been guilty of this self-abuse, supposedly in the name of exercise and good health.

We also see problems with the joints when there is an overweight situation, which is only too common in the United States today.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a debilitating autoimmune disease that often leaves the joints severely deformed.  It is commonly seen in the joints of the hands and feet.  With rheumatoid arthritis, the body's own defense system attacks the synovium layer, which is supposed to lubricate the inner lining of the joints.  This attack clogs the synovium and releases infection-fighting cells, which are normally good; but with Rheumatoid Arthritis, they serve a counter-productive purpose.  These then release proteins called cytokines.

Cytokines raise havoc by causing a superfluous growth of new and erratic blood vessels and, consequently, the factor of inflammation and all the resulting consequences.  This has the effect of creating, not just cartilage damage, but bony destruction, as well.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is the second most common type of arthritis, affecting some 2.5 million Americans in the last year.  It generally strikes between the ages of 20 and 50, and is three times more common in women than men.

Standard treatments for arthritis

Of course, since the etiology in each disease is distinct, the treatment will be different.  Generally, however, there are treatments which benefit both types.  I will begin first with what is generally recommended by your physician.

Ttraditional treatment: Doctors typically treat arthritis with medicines such as corticosteroids, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), which include aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen, as well as antibiotics, antiprotozoa drugs, COX-2 inhibitors (like Vioxx), which suppress cytokines, and methotrexate, a cancer drug.  However, all of these drugs have side effects, some severe.  Indeed, many researchers believe there is too much emphasis placed on drugs, and I fully agree.

Surgery is also recommended.  This includes arthroscopy, bone fusion, tissue repair, particularly when there is muscle, tendon and ligament tears or damage, and lastly, total joint replacement.  However, I firmly believe that these practices should be reserved only for serious, end-stages of joint destruction.

Complimentary Treatment — The Good News!

There are a plethora of great therapeutic-grade essential oils and essential oil-enhanced nutritional supplements, designed to prevent and cure the terrible consequences of the arthritic disease.  Even better yet, there is a new product out that will actually reverse joint damage.

Let's take a good look at the natural options available to you. 

Of first concern is the immune system.  In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system is misbehaving.  It's not just overactive; it's dysfunctional.  It consumes and destroys damaged tissue; but the problem is with discernment.  In its enthusiasm to do its job, the immune system begins to attack and damage good, healthy tissue.  So, rather than retard its function so that it no longer destroys as much good as diseased tissue, as is often recommended, we need to improve and up-regulate the immune system.

So what increases the efficiency and adequately regulates the immune system?  Two powerful products: the super antioxidant juice and the immune-boosting supplement.

The super antioxidant juice is an incredible, great-tasting product that contains 18 amino acids, 21 different minerals and many antioxidants, as well as powerful immune-boosting phyto-nutrients and polysaccharides.  If you drink one ounce, twice daily, you'll get the maximum benefit.

The immune-boosting supplement is a very powerful blend of immune-stimulating products that enhances your system with as many as 16 different ingredients.  Take one chewable tablet daily.

With these two products, you will begin to notice a major difference in your immune system's performance.

Another great product for arthritis is the essential oil of Idaho Tansy.  When applied neat (undiluted) directly over the joints, you will rapidly see its remarkable benefits.  It stimulates the production of synovial fluid, which as I stated, lubricates the internal portion of your joints.  I would apply it to the affected joints two to three times a day .

The joint restoring supplement, contains MSM, glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate and manganese.

• MSM acts as a ground substance in the structure of your skin, nails and hair, along with other tissues, and creates an abundance of growth.
• Glucosamine, evidence suggests, helps to relieve arthritis pain, possibly by encouraging cartilage growth.
• Chondroitin is believed to protect the cartilage from degeneration.
• Manganese acts as a co-factor, allowing these products to work.

For the overall healing of joints and their surrounding structures, the combination of the super MSM supplement and the advanced calcium supplement are wonder.  Mix one teaspoon of each in four ounces of water, and take twice daily.

The pain relief blend, a therapeutic-grade essential oil blend, is the great stand-by.  When applied diluted over the joints, it not only rapidly dissipates pain but, according to my clinical experience with patients, it supports healing as well.  Those of you who are presently using therapeutic-grade essential oils on a regular basis should consider yourselves very fortunate indeed, because of what you now have at your fingertips.

In addition to these specific products, there are general things you can do to reverse or cure arthritis.  You should all know these things already, but I will just give you a quick reminder.

• Take control of your lifestyle.
• Eat a sensible diet and control your weight.
• Supplement this diet with good nutrients.
• Perform responsible exercise, such as walking, low-impact aerobics and water workouts in a swimming pool. 

[Editor's note: While water aerobics give you a very gentle form of excercise, it may actually be the cause of some arthritic-like problems.  This is due to the chlorine and fluoride in the water. 

The skin can absorb a lot of water in the course of a workout, which creates quite a load of on the system.  It can be devastating to the immune system, and has actually been linked to Fibromyalgia- and arthritic-like symptoms.  I would strongly advise against doing water aerobics, unless the only other option is no exercise at all.

The exercise that I would most recommend would be tai chi or xigong.  Not only are they very gentle forms of exercise, they are a powerful way to build and balance your internal energy.]

It is important to build muscle, because that helps to support your joints, thereby reducing their stress.  [Editor's note: I'd also advise seeing a chiropractor that is familiar with Touch for Health.  Often (as was noted above), the muscle weakness that contributes to joint problems is not a lack of strength (in the Greco-Roman sense), but a lack of vital energy (chi, in the Chinese, acupuncture sense).  Sometimes, just massaging a few points on the body will increase muscle strength to the point that joint pain is almost instantly alleviated.]

• Detoxify the body through occasional fasting and liver cleansing programs.
• Get plenty of rest.  Much of the body's healing occurs during sleep.

Lastly, always include a spiritual plan in your program, with daily prayer and mediation on the things of the Lord.  Give thanks to Him for your blessings and, submitting yourself to His will in all things, look to Him for your strength day-by-day.

I am certain that, if you follow this program as I have set it out, you will see good results.