Clinical Corner: Arthritis

Arthritis

Arthritis is a broad term that refers to a group of more than 100 different conditions that affect the joints, bones, and muscles. The most common types of arthritis include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that results from wear and tear on the joints over time. It typically affects people over the age of 50 and is characterized by pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the affected joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints. It typically affects the hands, feet, and wrists and can lead to joint deformity and disability.

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that affects people with psoriasis, a skin condition that causes red, scaly patches on the skin. It can cause joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.

Symptoms 

– Joint pain: 

Arthritis can cause pain in one or more joints. The pain may be constant or intermittent and can range from mild to severe.

– Stiffness: 

Arthritis can make the affected joints feel stiff, especially in the morning or after sitting or standing for a prolonged period.

– Swelling: 

Arthritis can cause swelling in the affected joints, making them appear larger than usual.

– Limited range of motion: 

Arthritis can make it difficult to move the affected joint through its full range of motion.

– Redness and warmth: 

Arthritis can cause the affected joint to become red and warm to the touch.

– Fatigue: 

Arthritis can cause fatigue or tiredness, which may be due to the inflammation associated with the condition.

– Deformities: 

In some cases, arthritis can cause the affected joint to become deformed, which can make it difficult to perform daily activities.

Causes

– Wear and tear: 

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is caused by the wear and tear on the joints over time. Structural misalignments, spasms, or deposits in the joints can diminish the cartilage  in the joints are common issues with osteoarthritis.

– Inflammation: 

Rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune forms of arthritis are caused by inflammation in the joints due to an overactive immune system. 

– Genetics: 

Some types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, have a genetic component.

– Infection: 

Certain types of arthritis can be caused by an infection, such as reactive arthritis or septic arthritis.

– Injury: 

Joint injuries or trauma can increase the risk of developing arthritis in that joint later in life.

Fascial lesions, spasms, and scar tissue cause a reduction of blood flow and lymphatic movement in an area which contributes to arthritic conditions. 

– Metabolic abnormalities: 

Gout, a type of arthritis, is caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints due to metabolic abnormalities.

– Other health conditions: 

Certain health conditions, such as lupus or Lyme disease, can also increase the risk of developing arthritis.

Applications: Ointment, Liniment, Body Tonics

Single Oils:

Rosemary, Cedar, Lovage, Black Pepper, Ginger, Juniper, Pine, German Chamomile (inflammation)

Blends:

Joint Relief (blood flow to area, spasms), Arthricare (deposits), Lymphatic Blend (purifying the area)

• Galbanum worn neat on the wrist or a few drops taken internally in water can help ease the pain associated with this condition
• Sage can help calm and soothe sensory nerves associated with stagnant lymph
• Sage helps to reduce brain fatigue and has protective qualities for the nervous system
• Black Cumin can help to reduce inflammation and accelerate the healing process (1-3 drops internally in water)
• Chakral Root Cleanser is a deep lymphatic cleanser that also breaks up stagnant energy (Chi) which can help to reduce symptoms