internetosaurusrex.com

Although arthritis won't really kill you, it can literally cripple you. Arthritis causes a lot of limitations and cuts back even the most undemanding activities such as bathing, walking or dressing. Arthritis can be rather debilitating because of extreme pain on the joints Added to that, it's also a recurring disease.

Arthritis affects many thousands of people every year and statistics show that one in every three adults over 40 suffer or will suffer from arthritis as they move on to the retirement years. Arthritis has no specified age or gender parameter since arthritis can develop even in infants, but most sufferers begin to experience symptoms when they near their fifties, with more than 50% occurring before the age of 65. The sad thing about arthritis is that it can be debilitating both to the body and to one's finances. It is estimated that arthritis can cost a single person a whopping USD 150,000 in medical or support treatment and lost wages during his or her lifetime.

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two most common forms that afflict the greater majority. Osteoarthritis is brought about by wear and tear of the body's weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips and ankles. It also affects the shoulders and the highly mobile joints of the cervical and lumbar spine. Like grease on joints and gears in a mechanical structure, synovial fluid maintains lubrication and ease of movement within our joints. It is also responsible for the overall health of the cartilage surrounding the bone interface. Unavoidably, synovial fluid diminishes with age and results in the cartilage thinning, eventually causing the bones to grind against each other. This grinding action is what causes arthritis pain and the difficulty in movements.

Rheumatoid Arthritis on the other hand is caused by anti-bodies attacking the synovial lining of the joints. These anti-bodies are produced by the body's immune system but genetics, certain infections or environmental factors can trigger a misdirected immune system and cause destruction of the synovial membrane and the cartilage. Inflammatory conditions such as swelling, stiffness and pain manifest as a result of this. Rheumatoid Arthritis affects any age group, and this type of immunologically induced arthritis is also prevalent in other systemic illnesses such as Lupus and Scleroderma.

Symptoms of arthritis are not permanent – when inflammation is present, the disease is active and that period is known as a “flare”. When the symptoms go away, it is said that the disease is “in remission”. Remission is usually brought about by treatment, although it can also happen spontaneously and may last for months or even years.

Conventional treatments for arthritis include the use of anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids to relieve its painful effects. Typically, cortisone injections and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been used to treat symptoms. And although these drugs can help to ease the pain, they don't repair the damaged tissues – hence relief is said to be merely symptomatic.

Undesirable side effects may also arise with constant use of NSAIDs and steroids. Osteoporosis and skin thinning are two of the most common side effects, and NSAIDs also tend to irritate the digestive tract and cause stomach ulcers.

While there is no known cure for arthritis, there is growing evidence that tissue repair and replacement can delay disease progression. In fact, this has been the focus of controversial stem cell replacement studies over the years. Whether or not stem cell replacement will eventually emerge as the cure for arthritis, it is a welcome relief to know that natural substances are available to relieve arthritis pain and discomfort, and slow progression of the disease – without the side effects.

Aloe Vera is one of the best known natural substances for its anti-inflammatory properties. Aloe generally provides analgesic relief but it has also been observed to stimulate the immune system and speed up cell growth and replacement. Aloe Vera contains basic sugars which are also found in every cell of the body – it is packed with nutrients that include vitamins E, C, and the B series, as well as iron, manganese, calcium and zinc. Aloe Vera also contains essential amino and fatty acids needed by the body.

Paramount to its nutritional benefits is the ability of Aloe Vera to help the body regenerate cells and repair damaged tissue. Glucosamine and chondroitin are two other joint supplements that combined with aloe have created a breakthrough formulation aimed at helping with arthritis. Glucosamine increases fluid maintenance in the cartilage, while chondroitin, an ingredient of cartilage tissue, works to draw fluid and nutrients in. As the body ages, its capacity to produce these natural elements of healthy cartilage is diminished, thus leading to wear and tear on the joints. Combined with Aloe Vera which aids in tissue repair and cell regeneration, natural relief for arthritis without the side effects may simply be found in a glass of naturally occurring substances!

Learn more about breakthrough aloe formulations that relieve arthritis symptoms and help to rebuild healthy cells in your joints at Forever Freedom.