Arthritis & What You Can Do About It

Arthritis & What You Can Do About It

Arthritis is the one of the most common causes of disability in the western world.

More than 20 million people with arthritis have severe limitation in physical function on a daily basis. 

Each year, arthritis results in nearly one million hospitalisations and up to 45 million outpatient visits.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a joint disorder involving inflammation of one or more joints. There are many types but the most common are Osteo and Rheumatoid arthritis.

Most people suffering from arthritic pain have osteoarthritis. This is often caused by trauma to a joint, infection of a joint, or a persons age, and usually attacks major joints such as the spine, hips, and knees.

Rheumatoid Arthritis on the other hand is where the body’s own immune system, attacks it’s own tissue, usually the fingers, wrists, elbows, and knees.

Treatment In Western Medicine

Western Medicine uses drug therapy, to ease the symptoms.

This may include painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids, which come with side effects.

Sometimes surgery is used to reduce joint damage or when full joint replacement is needed.

Treatment In Chinese medicine

The treatment of arthritis in Chinese medicine depends on the underlying cause.

In Chinese medicine there are two causes:

  1. Excess inflammation (feels hot and swollen)
  2. Poor blood circulation (the joint feels cold to touch)

When inflammation is the cause, acupuncture and Chinese herbs are used to cool the inflammation, stop pain and reduce swelling.

When poor blood circulation is the cause, acupuncture and Chinese herbs are used to warm up and push blood through the joint to restore natural function.

Dietary changes alongside acupuncture and herbal medicine are often advised, particularly in Rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthritis Is Not Just An Inflammatory Disease

As you may have noticed, Chinese medicine adds the extra layer of sophistication to the treatment of arthritis.

It distinguishes the difference between an inflamed joint and a joint that’s suffering from reduced blood circulation.

This is the opposite from Western Medicine and may explain why Chinese medicine can be more successful in treating this disease in some patients.

If you suffer from arthritis give Chinese medicine a good chance before allowing your body to inundated with a lifetime of drugs.

In many cases, Chinese medicine produces great results and give you a life free from the side effects of long-term drug use.

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