Unlike our bones, the cartilage inside our joints is not vascularized (i.e.

, it
has no blood vessels). This is one reason why cartilage does not heal well afte
r an injury. In athletes in particular, joint injuries often result in cartilage
degeneration and arthritis. The process is chronic and irreversible, and to thi
s day, no effective treatment exists.
EPFL scientists Dominique Pioletti and Harm-Anton Klok have developed a hydrogel
that promotes cartilage regeneration. In a joint, cartilage-producing cells onl
y respond to treatment if they are mechanically stimulated at the same time, for
example in the knee joint when a person is walking. To exploit this fact, the s
cientists created a hydrogel that delivers a therapeutic drug to the cells only
when they are undergoing repetitive movement. The results of their work, which i
s part of the "Smart Materials" Swiss National Research Project (PNR 62), have b
een published in the journal Biomaterials.
The cells that produce cartilage in a joint are called chondrocytes. When a join
t is at rest, its chondrocytes are mostly inactive. However, when the same joint
is moving, its chondrocytes activate receptors that are sensitive to growth fac
tors produced by the body. At the same time, the chondrocytes become sensitive t
o treatments that help them regenerate damaged cartilage. "The receptors involve
d only appear after 5-20 minutes of repetitive movement," says Prof. Pioletti. "
We therefore had to develop a way to time the release of the medication."
When a knee joint is in movement, friction generates heat.
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Arthritis
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Arthritis is a progressive inflammatory condition caused when the soft muscles i
n the joints become inflamed, severely restricting the movement of the joint and
causing a lot of pain and discomfort. In older people, who are most susceptible
to this condition, arthritis is the leading cause of restriction of movement or
immobility. Arthritis is a condition that we are all quite familiar with and ev
en if you haven?t been afflicted with the condition it is most likely that you a
re acquainted with someone who is. Arthritis is a degenerative condition that af
fects the joints causing severe pain and greatly reducing mobility. In severe ca
ses and if neglected the effects can be debilitating. Arthritis is typically ass
ociated with old age and although most prevalent among the aged it can affect al
most anyone, but this it is uncommon among young adults and children. Arthritis
may not be a life threatening condition but it is a dreaded condition because of
the extent to which it affects your life. Simple tasks and routines that we nor
mally take for granted can become quite a challenge. For example, arthritis in t
he hands, wrists or fingers can make working at the computer near impossible. Wh
ile it can be quite debilitating it is not unmanageable. Arthritis can be manage
d and controlled to minimize its impact on your life. But to effectively control
and treat the condition you need to be well informed and understand the conditi
on.
Arthritis Picture
The word 'arthritis' means 'inflammation of the joints'. It is derived from two
Greek words: athron, meaning joints; and itis, meaning inflammation. It is, gene
rally, a chronic disease process. Arthritis occurs in various forms, the most fr
equent being osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degene
rative joint disease which usually occurs in the older age-group. Rheumatoid art
hritis is a serious disease which affects not only the joints of the fingers, wr
ists, hips, knees, and feet, but also the muscles, tendons and other tissues of
the body.
There are a lot of different kinds of arthritis, categorized according to the ex
tent of wear and tear in the joints and the cartilaginous tissues. Sometimes, th
e inflammation could be caused due to excessive wear and tear of the joints. How
ever, the inflammation could also be caused due to autoimmune disorders. Such di
sorders, in which the immune system attacks the joints, are one of the leading c
auses of arthritis and rheumatism.
There are various types of arthritis but most forms of the condition do cause so
me amount of swelling and pain the joints, so if you do experience pain and stif
fness in any of the joints in your body on a regular basis then it is possible t
hat you may be suffering from arthritis. All of our bodily movements and our mob
ility or flexibility is dependent on the proper functioning of the joints. Swell
ing or inflammation of the joints, which is typical of most types of arthritis,
can however cause the joints to get severely damaged over time. Some forms of ar
thritis can even cause problems in organs like the eyes or skin.
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common manifestations of arthritis and this us
ually develops as a result of aging or due to some injury. Some types of arthrit
is may also develop as a result of your immune system turning on your own body.
The immune system which normally protects against infections may begin attacking
your own body?s tissue in this type of arthritis, with rheumatoid arthritis bei
ng the most common. Although arthritis is by and large associated with old age o
r aging, the condition can also affect children. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis i
s fortunately a very rare condition. At times arthritis may develop as a result
of an infections spreading from one part of the body to the joint, and this is t
ermed as infectious arthritis.
Arthritis may be a degenerative condition to which there is no permanent cure, b
ut treatment can help to manage and control arthritis, reducing its effect on yo
ur everyday life. The main focus of arthritis treatment, whether with convention
al treatment or with natural arthritis remedies is towards preventing further de
terioration of the joints and to increase and preserve mobility, while restricti
ng arthritis pain. Arthritis pain relief and management is best achieved through
a combination of medical treatments and natural remedies or self care that coul
d include specialized arthritis diet plans, lifestyle routines, and physiotherap
y that may include specific exercises like yoga or pilates.
Arthritis in the hands and feet or hips can be particularly problematic during p
regnancy. Women suffering from arthritis should give serious thought to a decisi
on to get pregnant because of the risk of complications.
Symptoms of Arthritis
Pain and Stiffness in the Joints, Anaemia, Colitis
The main symptoms of osteoarthritis are pain and stiffness in the joints. The pa
in usually increases after exercise. Rheumatoid arthritis is often called the 'c
ooked food disease'. lt usually develops gradually over several months, with per
sistent pain and stiffness in one or more joints. Ultimately the whole body is a
ffected. Symptoms include anemia, colitis, constipation, deformed hands and feet
.
The gradual onset of osteoarthritis will typically cause symptoms like a progres
sive stiffening of the joints and some amount of pain but there is unlikely to b
e any noticeable swelling, or fever and chills.
Rheumatoid arthritis can cause symptoms like painful swelling and inflammation o
f the joints with stiffness, usually affecting the fingers, legs, arms and wrist
s. These symptoms are generally most severe when you wake up each morning.
If you experience joint inflammation and tenderness or pain that is also accompa
nied by a fever or chills then it is very likely that what you are experiencing
could be infectious arthritis or some other disease that causes arthritis like s
ymptoms.
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis could cause symptoms like weight loss and a loss o
f appetite or anemia and fever in children. You may also notice the appearance o
f blotchy rashes on the arms and legs.
If the onset of the pain and inflammation is very sudden and is accompanied by r
edness and tenderness then there is a high possibility that it is the beginning
of gout.
Causes of Arthritis
Structural Changes in the Articular Cartilage in the Joints
Osteoarthritis results from structural changes in the articular cartilage in the
joints, usually those which are weight-bearing, such as the spine and knees.
Hormonal Imbalance, Physical and Emotional Stress
Rheumatoid arthritis is due to an inflammation of the synovium or lining of the
joints. This is accompanied by swelling and eventually leads to deformity. The c
ondition may be caused by hormonal imbalance, physical and emotional stress, inf
ection, severe fright, shock, and injury.
Heredity
Hereditary factors may also be responsible for the onset of this disease.
Arthritis Causes
There are various types of arthritis and accordingly a number of possible causes
. Arthritis generally does involve a breakdown and deterioration of cartilage ho
wever, which is essential for protection of the joints to enable smooth movement
. With the destruction of or loss of cartilage there is some amount of friction
as the bones make contact causing severe pain and swelling. The causes of arthri
tis in the back, neck, hips, knees, elbows, wrists, and ankles or other joints c
ould be attributed to various factors such as autoimmune diseases, bone damage,
general wear and tear or aging, or because of infection. If caused by some other
condition the inflammation or other symptoms of arthritis should resolve once t
he infection has been treated or the injury healed. At times however the conditi
on will not resolve even after the elimination of the cause as you may have deve
loped chronic arthritis. Arthritis like osteoarthritis is also age related and i
t will not go away completely.
Some factors that put you at risk of developing arthritis however include being
overweight. Obesity may cause arthritis to develop a lot more easily because of
the high amount of stress and pressure on the joints. Performing certain repetit
ive movements like repeatedly hammering at a nail or batting could put stress on
the concerned joint, which is why construction workers or baseball players for
example are at risk. A lack of physical activity also contributes to deteriorati
on and muscle or tissue loss and may contribute to arthritis. An unhealthy diet
that is excessively high in fat or previous injuries to a joint may also contrib
ute to the eventual development of arthritis.
Remedies for Arthritis
Arthritis Treatment Using Potato Juice
The raw potato juice therapy is considered one of the most successful biological
treatments for rheumatic and arthritic conditions. It has been used in folk med
icine for centuries. The traditional method of preparing potato juice is to cut
a medium-sized potato into thin slices, without peeling the skin, and place the
slices overnight in a large glass filled with cold water. The water should be dr
unk in the morning on an empty stomach. Fresh juice can also be extracted from p
otatoes. A medium-sized potato should be diluted with a cup of water and drunk f
irst thing in the morning.
Arthritis Treatment Using Other Raw Juices
One cup of green juice, extracted from any green leafy vegetable, mixed in equal
proportions with carrot, celery, and red beet juices is good for arthritis. The
alkaline action of raw juices dissolves the accumulation of deposits around the
joints and in other tissues. A cup of fresh pineapple juice is also valuable, a
s the enzyme bromelain in fresh pineapple juice reduces swelling and inflammatio
n in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Arthritis Treatment Using Sesame Seeds
A teaspoon of black sesame seeds, soaked in a quarter cup of water and kept over
night, has been found to be effective in preventing frequent joint pains. The wa
ter in which the seeds are soaked should also be taken along with the seeds firs
t thing in the morning.
Arthritis Treatment Using Copper
Drinking water kept overnight in a copper container accumulates traces of copper
, which is said to strengthen the muscular system. A copper ring or bracelet is
worn for the same reason.
Arthritis Treatment Using Calcium
Studies have shown that calcium can help arthritis. Several patients have discov
ered that joint pains have either been relieved or have disappeared entirely aft
er taking calcium. This mineral should be taken in the form of calcium lactate.
Two teaspoons of calcium lactate, each teaspoon providing 400 mg of absorbable c
alcium, may be taken three times daily in water, before meals for at least four
months.
Arthritis Treatment Using Garlic
Garlic is another effective remedy for arthritis. It contains an anti-inflammato
ry property which accounts for its effectiveness in the treatment of this diseas
e. Garlic may be taken raw or cooked according to individual preference.
Arthritis Treatment Using Bananas
Bananas, being a rich source of vitamin B6, have proved useful in the treatment
of arthritis. A diet of only bananas for three or four days is advised in treati
ng this condition. The patient may eat eight or nine bananas daily during this p
eriod and nothing else.
Arthritis Treatment Using Lime
Lime has also been found beneficial as a home remedy for arthritis. The citric a
cid found in lime is a solvent of uric acid which is the primary cause of some t
ypes of arthritis. The juice of one lime, diluted with water, may be taken once
a day, preferably first thing in the morning.
Arthritis Treatment Using Alfalfa
A tea made from the herb alfalfa, especially from its seeds, has shown beneficia
l results in the treatment of arthritis. One teaspoon of alfalfa seeds may be ad
ded to one cup of water. Three to four cups of this tea should be taken daily by
arthritics for at least two weeks.
Arthritis Treatment Using Green Gram Soup
Another home remedy found useful in relieving pains in the joints is the use of
green gram soup. This soup should be prepared by mixing a tablespoon of green gr
am in a cup of water, with two crushed garlic cloves. It should be taken twice a
day.
Arthritis Treatment Using Castor Oil
Treatment with castor oil has been found beneficial in arthritis. The procedure,
as prescribed by a Spanish doctor, is to boil two tablespoons of castor oil ove
r a stove burner. The oil should then be poured into a glass of fresh orange jui
ce and taken before breakfast daily till the disease is cured. It was advised to
patients to take it for three weeks, wait for another three weeks and then repe
at it again for another three weeks. It is, however, essential that the patient
must take an alkaline diet while adopting this mode of treatment otherwise the v
alue of the treatment will be lost.
Arthritis Treatment Using Coconut or Mustard Oil
Warm coconut oil or mustard oil, mixed with two or three pieces of camphor shoul
d be massaged on stiff and aching joints. It will increase blood supply, and red
uce inflammation and stiffness with the gentle warmth produced while massaging.
Camphorated oil is an ancient rubefacient used for the purpose.
Home Remedies for Arthritis
While arthritis almost always requires medical attention to slow down the degene
ration of the joints, a lot of people prefer natural arthritis treatment. This a
pproach is usually slow, but is free of side effects. The treatment of rheumatoi
d arthritis ranges from herbal remedies to joint replacement surgeries. Dependin
g on the condition and the severity of the damage to the joints, a doctor would
recommend treatments.
A lot of people consume garlic to treat their arthritis. You can consume raw gar
lic with a glass of water, and if that is not acceptable to you, you can even ge
t yourself some garlic supplements. If there is swelling and redness in your joi
nts, you can apply roasted fenugreek seeds, soaked in mustard oil to the joints.
These help reduce the redness and the swelling in the joints, giving you a larg
er range of motion.
Another important thing to do is to pay attention to your diet. Drink lots of fl
uids so that the body tissues, especially those in the joints, remain hydrated.
This would help to maintain the health of your joints.
Diet for Arthritis
Take Fruits and Vegetables in the Form of Salads
The diet of an arthritis patient should be planned so as to produce alkalinity i
n the blood. It should include fruits and vegetables in the form of salads, and,
at least, two cooked vegetables. In severe cases, it would be advisable to put
the patient on raw vegetable juice therapy three times a day, for about a week.
Repeated juice fasts are recommended at intervals of every two months.
Suggestion for Arthritis
Keep Body Warm, Don't Bandage Joints
The body should be kept warm at all times . Joints should not be bandaged tightl
y as this limits movement and interferes with the free circulation of blood.
Take Rest, Should have Plenty of Indirect Ventilation
There should be plenty of indirect ventilation in the bedroom. Rest is advised w
hen there is acute inflammation in the joints.
Sea Bathing
Sea bathing has been found valuable in arthritis. The natural iodine in sea wate
r is said to relieve arthritis pain. As is well known, Iodine regulates the acid
-alkaline balance in the blood and tissues, helps to repair and regenerate worn
out tissues and nourishes the skeletal structure. It enters into the thyroid gla
nd's secretion. The hormone uses the iodine to cleanse the internal toxins. If s
ea bathing is not possible, the patient should relax for thirty minutes every ni
ght in a tub of warm water, in which a cup of common salt has been mixed. The mi
nerals in the salt,especially Iodine, will be absorbed through the pores of the
skin. This will help correct an internal imbalance.
Yoga
Yoga is one of the most effective treatments for arthritis in the shoulders, hip
s, knees, or any other area and can be adapted to suit your condition.
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