Arthritis

Aromatherapy can help treat and prevent arthritis, using a variety of essential oils. Osteo arthritis is probably the most common and is not a single disease but rather the end result of a variety of disorders leading to the structural or functional failure of 1 or more of your joints.

Types of arthritis:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Psoriatic Arthritis
• Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Osteo arthritis

Osteo arthritis involves the entire joint including the nearby muscles, underlying bone, ligaments, joint lining (synovium), and the joint cover (capsule). Osteo arthritis also involves an advancing loss of cartilage. The cartilage tries to repair itself, the bone remodels, the underlying (subchondral) bone hardens, and bone cysts form. This process has several phases.

Disease Progression
The stationary phase of disease progression in osteo arthritis involves the formation of osteophytes or joint space narrowing. Osteo arthritis progresses further with obliteration of the joint space. The appearance of subchondral cysts (cysts in the bone underneath the cartilage) indicates the erosive phase of disease progression in oste arthritis. The last phase in the disease progression involves bone repair and remodeling.

Definitions of Osteo arthritis:
Joint cartilage is a layer of tissue present at the joint surfaces that sustains joint loading and allows motion. It is gel-like, porous, and elastic. Normal cartilage provides a durable, low-friction, load-bearing surface for joints.

Articular surface is the area of the joint where the ends of the bones meet, or articulate, and function like a ball bearing. Bone remodeling is a process in which damaged bone attempts to repair itself. The damage may occur from either an acute injury or as the result of chronic irritation such as that found in osteo arthritis.

Collagen is the main supportive protein found in bone tendon, cartilage, skin , and connective tissue.

Osteophytes are bony outgrowths or lumps, especially at the joint margins. They are thought to develop in order to offload the pressure on the joint by increasing the surface area on which your weight is distributed.

Synovium is a membrane found within the joints that secretes a fluid that lubricates tissues where friction would otherwise occur.

Subchondral bone is the part of bone under the cartilage.

Causes of Osteo arthritis:  
Endocrine: People with diabetes may be prone to osteo arthritis . Other endocrine problems also may promote development, including acromegaly, hypothyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, and obesity.

Posttraumatic: Traumatic causes can be further divided into macrotrauma or microtrauma. An example of macrotrauma is an injury to the joint such as a bone break causing the bones to line up improperly (malalignment), lose stability, or damage cartilage. Microtrauma may occur over time (chronically). An example of this would be repetitive movements or the overuse noted in several occupations.

Inflammatory joint diseases: This category would include infected joints, chronic gout y arthritis , and rheumatoid disease.

Metabolic: Diseases causing errors of metabolism may cause osteo arthritis. Examples include Paget disease and Wilson disease.

Congenital or developmental: Abnormal anatomy such as unequal leg length may be a cause of osteo arthritis.

Genetic: A genetic defect may promote breakdown of the protective architecture of cartilage. Examples include collagen disturbances such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Neuropathic: Diseases such as diabetes can cause nerve problems. The loss of sensation may affect how the body knows the position and condition of the joints or limbs. In other words, the body can't tell when it is injured.

Other: Nutritional problems may cause osteo arthritis . Other diseases such as haemophilia and sickle cell are further examples.

Symptoms of Osteo arthritis:
Pain: Aching pain, stiffness, or difficulty moving the joint may develop in 1 or more joints. The pain may get worse with overuse and may occur at night. With progression of this arthritis, the pain can occur at rest. Specific joints are affected.
Fingers: Bone enlargements in the fingertips (first joint ) are common. These are called Heberden nodes. They are usually not painful. Sometimes they can develop suddenly and are painful, swollen, and red. This is known as nodal osteo arthritis and occurs in women older than 45 years.
Hip: The hips are major weight-bearing joints . Involvement of the hips may be seen more in men. Farmers, construction workers, and firefighters have been found to have an increased incidence of hip osteo arthritis . Researchers think that a heavy physical workload contributes to OA of the hip and knee.
Knees:  The knees are also major weight-bearing joints. Repetitive squatting and kneeling may promote osteo arthritis.
Spine: Osteo arthritis of the spine can cause bone spurs or osteophytes, which can pinch or crowd nerves and cause pain and potentially weakness in the arms or legs.

Self-Care at Home for Osteo arthritis : Lifestyle changes may delay or limit osteo arthritis symptoms.
Weight loss: One study suggested that, for women, weight loss may reduce the risk for osteo arthritis in the knee.
Exercise: Regular exercise may help to strengthen the muscles and potentially stimulate cartilage growth. Avoid high-impact sports. The following types of exercise are recommended: range of motion, strengthening, and aerobic.
Diet: Antioxidant vitamins C and E may provide some protection. Vitamin D and calcium are recommended for strong bones. The recommended daily dose of calcium is 1000-1200 mg. The current guideline for vitamin D is 400 IU per day. Avoid more than 1200 IU of vitamin D per day.
Heat: Hot soaks and warm wax (paraffin) application may relieve pain.
Orthoses: These assistive devices are used to improve function of moveable parts of the body or to support, align, prevent, or correct deformities. Splints or braces help with joint alignment and weight redistribution. Other examples include walkers, crutches or canes, and orthopedic footwear.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications:
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the first drug recommended for osteo arthritis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used for arthritis pain. These include aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), naproxen (Aleve), and ketoprofen (Orudis). Newer OTC preparations include chondroitin and glucosamine sulfate, which are natural substances found in the joint fluid.

Chondroitin is thought to promote an increase in the making of the building blocks of cartilage (collagen and proteoglycans) as well as having an anti- inflammatory effect.

Glucosamine may also stimulate production of the building blocks of cartilage as well as being an anti- inflammation agent. Glucosamine was found to increase blood sugar in animal studies, so people with diabetes should consult their doctor first. A recent study showed that glucosamine slowed progression of osteo arthritis in the knee.

Rheumatoid arthritis overview:
Rheumatoid arthritis should not be confused with other forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis or arthritis associated with infections . Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. This means that the body´s immune system mistakenly attacks the tissues it is supposed to protect. The immune system produces specialized cells and chemicals, which are released into the bloodstream and begin to attack body tissues. This response causes abnormal growth and inflammation in the synovium, the membrane that lines the joint. This process is called synovitis and is the hallmark of an inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis. As the synovitis expands inside and outside of the joint, it can damage the bone and cartilage of the joint and the surrounding tissues, such as ligaments, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels. Rheumatoid arthritis most often affects the smaller joints, such as those of the hands and/or feet, wrists, elbows, knees, and/or ankles.

Symptoms:
The symptoms often lead to significant discomfort and disability. Many people with rheumatoid arthritis have difficulty carrying out normal activities of daily living, such as standing, walking, dressing, washing, using the toilet, preparing food, and carrying out household chores. The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis interfere with work for many people. As many as half of those with rheumatoid arthritis are no longer able to work 10-20 years after their condition is diagnosed. On average, life expectancy is somewhat shorter for people with rheumatoid arthritis  than for the general population. This does not mean that everyone with rheumatoid arthritis has a shortened life span. Rheumatoid arthritis itself is not a fatal disease. However, it can be associated with many complications and treatment-related side effects that can contribute to premature death. Although rheumatoid arthritis most often affects the joints, it is a disease of the entire body. It can affect many organs and body systems besides the joints. This is what is meant by systematic disease. 

Musculoskeletal structures: Damage to muscles surrounding joints may cause atrophy (shrinking and weakening). This is most common in the hands. Atrophy also may result from not using a muscle , usually because of pain or swelling. Damage to bones and tendons can cause deformities, especially of the hands and feet. Osteoporosis and carpal tunnel syndrome are other common complications of rheumatoid arthritis.

Skin: Many people with rheumatoid arthritis form small nodules on or near the joint that are visible under the skin . These rheumatoid nodules are most noticeable under the skin  on the bony areas that stick out when a joint is flexed. Dark purplish areas on the skin  (purpura) are caused by bleeding into the skin  from blood vessels damaged by rheumatoid arthritis. This damage to the blood vessels is called vasculitis, and these vasculitic lesions also may cause skin   ulcers . Heart: Collection of fluid around the heart from inflammation  is not uncommon in rheumatoid arthritis. This usually causes only mild symptoms, if any, but it can be very severe.

Rheumatoid arthritis can affect the heart muscle , the heart valves, or the blood vessels of the heart (coronary arteries).

Lungs: Rheumatoid arthritis effects on the lungs may take several forms. Fluid may collect around one or both lungs, or tissues may become stiff or overgrown. Any of these effects can have a negative effect on breathing.

Digestive tract: The digestive tract is usually not affected directly by rheumatoid arthritis. Dry mouth, related to Sjögren syndrome, is the most common symptom of gastrointestinal involvement. Digestive complications are much more likely to be caused by medications used to treat the condition, such as gastritis (stomach inflammation) or stomach ulcer associated with NSAID therapy. Any part of the digestive tract may become inflamed if the patient develops vasculitis, but this is uncommon. If the liver is involved (10%), it may become enlarged and cause discomfort in the abdomen.

Kidneys: The kidneys are not usually affected directly by rheumatoid arthritis . Kidney problems in rheumatoid arthritis are much more likely to be caused by medications used to treat the condition. 

Blood vessels: Vasculitic lesions can occur in any organ but are most common in the skin , where they appear as purpura or skin ulcers .

Blood: Anemia or “low blood” is a common complication of rheumatoid arthritis. Anemia  means that you have an abnormally low number of red blood cells and that these cells are low in hemoglobin, the substance that carries oxygen through the body. (Anemia has many different causes and is by no means unique to rheumatoid arthritis .)

Nervous system: The deformity and damage to joints in rheumatoid arthritis often leads to entrapment of nerves. Carpal tunnel syndrome is one example of this. Entrapment can damage nerves and may lead to serious consequences.

Eyes: The eyes commonly become dry and/or inflamed in rheumatoid arthritis. This is called Sjögren syndrome. The severity of this condition depends on which parts of the eye are affected.

Like many autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis typically waxes and wanes. Most people with rheumatoid arthritis experience periods in which their symptoms worsen (flares or active disease) separated by periods in which the symptoms improve. With successful treatment, symptoms may even go away completely (remission, or inactive disease).

Who does it affect?
About 2.1 million people in the United States are believed to have rheumatoid arthritis . About 1.5 million of these are women. Women are 2-3 times more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than men. Rheumatoid arthritis affects all ages, races, and social and ethnic groups. It is most likely to strike people aged 35-50 years, but it can occur in children, teenagers, and elderly people. (A similar disease affecting young people is known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.) Worldwide, about 1% of people are believed to have rheumatoid arthritis, but the rate varies among different groups of people. For example, rheumatoid arthritis affects about 5-6% of some Native American groups, while the rate is very low in some Caribbean peoples of African descent. The rate is about 2-3% in people who have a close relative with rheumatoid arthritis, such as a parent, brother or sister, or child.

Controlling rheumatoid arthritis
Although there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, the disease can be controlled in most people. Early, aggressive therapy to stop or slow down inflammation  in the joints can prevent or reduce symptoms, prevent or reduce joint destruction and deformity, and prevent or lessen disability and other complications.

Aromatherapy:
Recommended oils: Lavender, Juniper, Thyme, Rosemary, Benzoe, Eucalyptus, Camomile, Pine Scotch, Camphor, Angelica Root, Ginger, Origanum, Black Pepper and Lemon.

Benzoin Essential Oil - Styrax Benzoin (10ml)

10ml bottle of Benzoin Essential Oil (Styrax Benzoin)

£3.75

Camphor Essential Oil - Cinnamomum Camphor (10ml)

Use Camphor in an oil burner or steam inhalation to help with any chest infections. Also can be used during convalescing. Try Camphor on a cold compress for sprains and inflammation.

£3.45

Chamomile German 10% Dilute Essential Oil - Matricaria Recutica

Fantastic oil for so many purposes including skin care, inflammed tendons and swollen joints, digestive prolems especially where related to stress.

£4.25

Chamomile Roman 10% Dilute Essential Oil - Chamaemelum Nobile

A wonderful oil which has so many valuable properties Chamomile would be a great one to always keep in and can be used in skin care, musuclar aches and pains and digestive problems.

£4.00

Chamomile Roman Pure Essential Oil - Chamaemelum Nobile (10ml)

Chamomile is a great oil to use for nervous disorders. It is soothing and calming and can help where a person is irritable or nervous. It can also help with insomnia.

£10.25

Eucalyptus Essential Oil - Eucalyptus Globulus (10ml)

Eucalyptus is best loved for its ability to help with chest infections and blocked up noses. However it is also great for muscular aches, colds sores, herpes or burns and makes a useful and natural painkiller.

£1.37

Ginger Essential Oil - Zingiber Officinale (10ml)

Ginger is great for muscular aches and pains. Dilute it in carrier oil and massage straight onto the area. Use Ginger for nausea and sickenss as well as colds, fevers and flu.

£4.25

Lavender Essential Oil - Lavandula Officinalis (10ml)

Lavender has been used continuously for thousands of years and its popularity has only ever increased. If you could have no other essential oil in your house, then Lavender would be the prime choice: It has a wide range of uses and is a natural antibiotic, anti-depressant, sedative and de-toxifier.

£2.40

Juniper Essential Oil (10ml)

Juniper has a special affinity with the urino-genital tract and can be used to treat many associated conditions. It is also good for respiratory problems and certain skin conditions.

£4.25

Lemon Essential Oil - Citrus Limon (10ml)

This antiseptic and anti-bacterial oil will perform many tasks especially when blended with other oils, including treating verrucas, insect bites and tension headaches. It has a tonic action on the lymphatic system and a stimulating action on the digestive system. It will aid slimming, help shift cellulite and smooth out those wrinkles

£2.75

Pine Essential Oil - Pinus Sylvestris (10ml)

The most common use for Pine is for bronchitis, catarrh, sore throat and infections of the chest. Good in steam inhalations. Also try it for digestive problems.

£1.62

Rosemary Essential Oil - Rosemarinus Officinalis (10ml)

Rosemary is believed to have a refreshing, invigorating affect on the skin and can be used for a variety of skin and hair problems. It is good for stiff and overworked muscles, Steam inhalations with Rosemary can be good for catarrh and sinusitus. Rosemary also has a strong connection with the central nervous system and can help with memory and mental clarity.

£2.75

Thyme White Essential Oil - Thymus Vulgaris (10ml)

Try Thyme for your hair or skin and in a hot compress to ease the pain of rheumatism. One of the best uses for Thyme is in all forms of infection because it strengthens the bodies resistance to invading organisms. It can help with insomnia and is reputed to strengthen the memory and stimulate the brain.

£8.25

Black Pepper Essential Oil - Piper Nigrum (10ml)

Black Pepper is best used for circulation and sore muscles. It is good for chilblains and can help the digestive tract as well as being valuable for catarrh and chills.

£4.25