Arthritis, more specifically osteoarthritis, is a common rheumatologic disorder. It is estimated that 40 million Americans and 80 percent of persons older than 75 years are affected by arthritis. Although symptoms of arthritis occur earlier in women, the prevalence of arthritis among men and women is equal. The diagnosis of arthritis is largely clinical because radiographic findings do not always correlate with symptoms.

What causes arthritis?
The exact cause of arthritis is not fully understood. Multiple factors (e.g., heredity, trauma, and obesity) interact to cause this disorder. Any event that changes the environment of the chondrocyte has the potential to cause osteoarthritis. Although usually occurring as a primary disorder, osteoarthritis can occur secondary to other processes. The pathophysiology of arthritis involves a combination of mechanical, cellular, and biochemical processes. The interaction of these processes leads to changes in the composition and mechanical properties of the articular cartilage. Cartilage is composed of water, collagen, and proteoglycans. In healthy cartilage, continual internal remodeling occurs as the chondrocytes replace macromolecules lost through degradation. This process becomes disrupted in arthritis, leading to increased degenerative changes and an abnormal repair response.

Meniscal tear
Damage to the meniscus in the knee joint may lead to osteoarthritis in middle-age and elderly patients. The meniscus is the wedge of cartilage in the knee that stops the end of the femur (thighbone) rubbing directly on the top of the tibia (the main shinbone). The meniscus is actually two structures on each side of the knee joint.  Arthritis & Rheumatism, March 2009.

What is the standard medical treatment?
Acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications remain first-line traditional drugs for the treatment of arthritis. Salsalate (Disalcid) or choline magnesium trisalicylate (Trilisate) are good alternatives. Agents such as cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors (COX-2) and sodium hyaluronate joint injections offer new treatment alternatives. Complementary medication for arthritis use has also increased.
       
Natural therapy for arthritis
The most commonly used alternative or complementary nutrients for osteoarthritis are glucosamine and chondroitin. Several other nutrients and herbs may potentially help reduce symptoms of arthritis. Yoga is helpful.

Many Nutrients have been found to be helpful in Arthritis. These Include the following found in Joint Power Rx:
Joint Power Rx Formulated by Ray Sahelian, M.D.
Because joint pain is so debilitating, Glucosamine and Chondroitin alone are often not enough. This powerful joint formula includes several additional herbal extracts and nutrients that play a role in joint health.  

Joint Power Rx Supplement Facts:
Serving Size: 4 Capsules
Servings Per Container: 30 (1 month)

Boswellia serrata extract can be purchased.
Chondroitin sulfate is available for sale. You can buy Chondroitin-Sulfate here.
Glucosamine sulfate or hydrochloride.
Lipoic acid or alpha lipoic acid. You can find Alpha-Lipoic-R-50 here.
MSM pill, you can purchase MSM supplements at this online health supplement store.
Curcumin pill, you can purchase Curcumin supplement here.
Some people think CMO is helpful.

Common risk factors for arthritis
Age older than 50

Obesity (weight-bearing joints) since additional weight puts pressure on joints and results in premature deterioration of cartilage tissue

History of immobilization

Injury to the joint

Joint hypermobility or instability

Prolonged occupational or sports stress
Diet (see study below) -- the types of fat we consume may have an influence.

Depression
People with arthritis seem to have an elevated rate of depression, but the disorder goes untreated more often than not.

Arthritis studies and Research with natural therapies
An increase in blood pressure may be more likely when the painkiller Vioxx rather than other similar drugs are used to treat arthritis.

Just because aspirin, ibuprofen and similar pain relief medications can be purchased at a local supermarket or gas station without a prescription does not mean people should not take basic precautions when using them, according to the National Consumers League and the US Food and Drug Administration. The two groups joined together to launch their "Take With Care" campaign to educate consumers about the safe use of nonprescription pain relievers. "Although these medicines are safe when taken as directed, many consumers don't realize the potency of OTC pain relievers," Peter J. Pitts, associate commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration said during the campaign launch. Some of the potentially serious side effects associated with the misuse of over-the-counter pain relievers include an increased risk of liver problems and kidney damage.

Chondroitin Useful in Arthritis
Back in the mid 1990s the America public became aware of effective nutritional alternatives to standard medical drugs for the treatment of arthritis. Glucosamine was the first nutrient that became popular. Since then, many other nutrients and herbs have been promoted, including chondroitin. Chondroitin sulfate is a major constituent of cartilage providing structure, holding water, and allowing other molecules to move through cartilage—an important property, as there is no blood supply to cartilage. In degenerative joint disease, such as osteoarthritis, there is a loss of chondroitin sulfate as the cartilage erodes. But, few studies have looked at the long-term benefit of oral chondroitin supplements. In a study performed at University of Genova Medical School, in Italy, 12 individuals with arthritis of the hands were treated with 800 mg/day of chondroitin sulfate plus naproxen, and compared to 12 others who were given naproxen only. Naproxen is an anti-inflammatory medicine similar to Motrin and sold over the counter as Aleve. X-rays of the hands were done at the start of the study and again after 24 months. In both groups, degeneration of joints showed a general tendency to increase over time, however, the damage was much lower in those treated with chondroitin sulfate plus naproxen than in patients taking naproxen alone.

Types of shoes to wear
When it comes to easing the pain of arthritic knees, footwear choice matters. Flatter shoes with more flexible soles are easier on the knees than clogs or walking shoes. Dr. Najia Shakoor of Rush Medical College in Chicago, says past injuries, overuse, excess weight and aging all contribute to osteoarthritis, or breakdown of cartilage within the joints. Knee osteoarthritis is particularly common, and can be disabling. The "loading" of a person's weight onto the knee joint is a key factor in the development of arthritis, says Dr. Najia Shakoor. Abnormal loading can worsen wear and tear and add to joint pain, while reducing joint loading can help ease pain. Arthritis Care & Research, online February 26, 2010.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis treatment
After juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) goes into remission, extending methotrexate treatment beyond six months does not prevent relapse. JAMA April 2010.

Creams used for this condition
Celadrin is a proprietary blend of special fatty acids promoted for its ability to decrease joint pain.
Topricin cream anti-Inflammatory pain relief

Arthritis natural therapy questions
Does a homeopathic preparation for arthritis joint pain relief work? I have a product in mind called Topricin cream.
   We have not seen any studies with homeopathic preparations for arthritis joint pain.
    
I have gout and arthritis and was wondering if there is research information regarding taking tongkat ali herb with glucosamine and chondroitin since I don't want to take a prescription medication for erectile problems.
    Tongkat ali should not interact with glucosamine and chondroitin.

Is pascalatie clay of benefit in this musculoskeletal condition, any information? What about Lyprinol asthma and arthritis medication?
   We have not studied the role of pascalatie clay in joint health.