Inflammation in one, several or many joints, usually accompanied by pain, sometimes redness, swelling. There are differently described types:

• Ankylosing spondylitis

 Arthritis of the spine. The joints linking the vertebra get inflammed and the bones fuse. This may also happen to either or both hips.

• Gout

Where uric acid - a waste product of the body accumulates in the joints causing inflammation and often much pain.

LIFESTYLE ATTENTION

1. Ankylosingspondylitis

• Replace intake of all sugars, pastas, potatoes by barley or rice malt, pulses and vegetables.
• Increase intake of Vitamin C foods (fresh fruits and vegetables) if on regular pain killers.
• Increase foods supplying iron (green vegetables) and Vitamin A (liver, kidney, carrots)

2. Gout

• Reduce intake of anchovies, shellfish, meat, coffee, tea, cola, chocolate immediately.
• Eat plenty of cherries when in season.
• Drink plenty of filtered water.
• Avoid alcohol at all costs.
• 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. Ankylosingspondylitis
   • Aesculus - pain worsened by walking and stooping
   • Arnica - for pain relief
2. Gout
   • Arnica - joints bruised and painful
   • Ledum - joints swollen
   • Calcium - when exceptionally painful
   • Benzioc Acid - when urine smells strong

HERBALS – all types

• Cinnamon
• Cayenne
• Sarsaparilla
• Devils claw (Rheumatoid only)
• Damiana
• Alfalfa Celery Seed
• Licorice Root

AROMATHERAPY

1. Ankylosingspondylitis

• Bath/Massage Mix - Blackpepper, Cedarwood, Ginger

2. Gout

•  Bath Mix -Juniper, Basil, Thyme
• Massage Mix - Basil, Pine,
  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.