complementary medicine

It refers to inflammation of joints. It is one of a number of diseases commonly called rheumatism. Arthritis arises from many causes and it is treated in many different ways.

Arthritis has been classified as follows: -

* Arthritis caused by infection.

* Arthritis resulting from rheumatic fever.

* Rheumatoid arthritis.

* Degenerative arthritis.

* Arthritis due to joint injuries.

* Arthritis caused by gout.

* Arthritis originating from the nervous system. Rheumatoid arthritis and arthritis caused by rheumatic fever are classified as collagen disease.

* Rheumatoid arthritis and degenerative arthritis are the two most common types. Millions of men and women are afflicted with them. But good medical treatment begun early and continued faithfully can often do much to alleviate the pain
crippling and disability.

Rheumatoid arthritis

It is a disease not of the joints but of the whole body
i . e. the connective tissues. This tissue reacts sensitively to substances in the body. Stress and worry make it worse. During rainy season and winter months
pains in the joints become most severe.

Rheumatoid arthritis may appear suddenly or gradually. Fatigue
loss of weight
and poor weight can be early signs. Sometimes it may cause an acute fever and pain
swelling and disability in many joints. Any joint can be involved including those of the spine
but the hands and feet are most commonly affected. There may be vague or fleeting pains in early stages; it may rise in the morning and at the end of the day.

Women appear to be afflicated more than men. Children too can be afflicted. Rheumatoid arthritis usually strikes at early ages unlike other types of arthritis. It appears during winter months. Americans are chronic sufferers from this disease.

Fresh raw fruit and vegetable juices offer an excellent treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. It is believed that garlic
musumbi
orange
carrot and beet juice consumed in plenty may give early cure.

Signs and symptoms of Arthritis

* Severe pain in the affected joints.

* Muscles
ligaments and cartilage become inflamed.

* Movement of the joint becomes extremely painful
especially in cold
windy and damp weather.

Home Remedies for Arthritis

* Drinking water kept overnight in a copper container accumulates traces of copper
which is said to strengthen the muscular system. A copper ring or bracelet is worn for the same reason.

* Half a teaspoon of turmeric powder with warm water helps cure arthritis.

* Taking alfalfa tea twice a day makes a good cure.

* Lime has also been found beneficial as a home remedy for arthritis. The citric acid found in lime is a solvent of uric acid which is the primary cause of some types of arthritis. The juice of one lime
diluted with water
may be taken once a day
preferably first thing in the morning.

* Exercise the afflicted joints in tub full of hot water.