Inflammation in one, several or many joints, usually accompanied by pain, sometimes redness, swelling.

There are differently described types:

1. Osteoarthritis - degeneration of joints
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis - Immune system acting against and damaging joints and sometimes surrounding tissue

LIFESTYLE ATTENTION

1. Osteoarthritis
   • Lose weight if over-weight, height/age.
   • Move protein food intake away from meat to predominantly fish and vegetable sources.
2. Rheumatoid
   • Reduce sugar, animal products and refined carbohydrates.
   • Vegetarian diets reduce inflammation.
   • Eat plenty of fish
   • Be allergy tested - very important - so often an answer lies here.

TISSUE SALTS

Ferrum Phos - first stages of pain
Kali Mur - second stages of pain
Natrum Phos - When acidity is apparent
Kali Phos - when pain shifts from place to place
Calc Phos - Pain worse at night
Silicsa - shoulder pains

HOMOEOPATHIC
1. Osteoarthritis
• Byronia - for pain relief
• Pulsatilla - when heat makes pain worse
• Arnica - joint pain exacerbated by injury

2. Rheumatoid
• Byronia - aches worse in cold dry weather
• Pulsatilla - digestion upset by fatty foods
• Calcium - pains and stiffness worse at night
• Mecurius - if night pains are accompanied by offensive sweats
• Calcarea Hypophos - pains in wrists and hands

HERBALS - all types
Cinnamon
Cayenne
Sarsaparilla
Devils claw (Rheumatoid only)
Damiana
Alfalfa
Celery Seed
Licorice Root

AROMATHERAPY

1. Osteoarthritis
• Bath/Massage Mix - Pettigrain (10) Ginger (25) Rosemary (15)
2. Rheumatoid
• Bath Mix - Fennel, Cypress, Juniper
• Massage Mix - Chamomile, Peppermint, Lavender
Periodically alternate with sulphur and mustard baths

SPECIAL FOODS

• Fish such as sardines, salmon, mackeral, cod.
• Increase intake of nuts (except peanuts).
• Pineapple, watermelon, papaya fruits.
• Drink steam/distilled water or reverse osmosis.
• Avoid eggplant, green peppers, tomatoes, potatoes.
• Avoid iron food build up from animal foods.

SPECIAL EXERCISE
Essential, but seek professional help and follow your personalised plan under audited guidance.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

• Seek help/relief from Yoga.
• Hydrotherapy
• Professional Massage
• Heat Treatments.
• Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.
• Join a national or local support group for updating on workable information.
• Cleanse the liver or fast to clean it every now and again.
• If constipated, or a history of, take advice on Colon cleansing and repopulation of bowels with Acidophilus, Bifido and other relevant "friendly" bacteria. The latter are very important in all conditions.