Wrist Arthritis
Wrist arthritis is one of the most common locations for arthritis to strike. Although there are many types of arthritis, arthritis wrist is mostly either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is characterized by the deterioration of the joints and the breakdown of cartilage. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is associated with inflammation of the joints, which causes swelling. This, in turn, produces the aches, pains and stiffness for which so many sufferers try to find relief.
Besides the discomfort caused by these pains, swelling, and limited range of motion, wrist arthritis numbness is also a symptom experienced by some people.
The precise cause of wrist arthritis is not known, but it may be the result of various factors. For example, a previous injury to the area may eventually lead to it. Treatments for Wrist Arthritis
Let's discuss wrist arthritis treatments...
There are two possible avenues: controlling the inflammation (rheumatoid arthritis) or helping to rebuild and slow the degeneration of cartilage (osteo).
The pharmaceutical drug COX-2 inhibitors have come under fire for causing the deaths of tens of thousands of people. Vioxx, the most notorious of these, was pulled off the market after studies showed it lead to the premature deaths of tens of thousands of people. Likewise, Celebrex and Bextra produced by Pfizer are now shown to be dangerous as well.
Other common arthritis wrist treatments include over the counter medicines, such as Aleve and Ibupofen (which are classified as NSAID's). These will help control the pain, but they come with their own side effects such as gastrointestinal distress, potential bleeding (they are strong blood thinners), possible ulcer development, and more.
In addition, the use of NSAID's also may actually contribute to the further breakdown of cartilage! And they certainly do nothing to prevent the deterioration of joints.
More extreme measures include: cortisone injections directly to the wrist to alleviate the pain (talk to your doctor about this), or actual surgery to help improve the joints.
So what else is there...?
Other remedies for wrist arthritis may be found in the form of herbal and nutritional supplements.
The most promising of these are ones that contain powerful anti-inflammatory herbs or nutrients.
For example, studies are suggesting that the anti-inflammatories agents in fish oil may bring relief to sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis. And, as most of you probably have heard by now, the omega 3's, DHA, and EPA found in quality fish oils also help imrpove cardiovascular and brain health.
Other possible wrist arthritis remedies are glucosamine and chrondroitin.
Glucosamine is said to help build cartilage and may possibly slow the deterioration of existing cartilage. Therefore, these supplements may benefit people with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The evidence of their efficacy is more or less anecdotal at the current time, but larger scientific studies are being conducted on them.
MSM, a form of organic sulfur, is often touted for arthritis. MSM harbors anti-inflammatory properties.
A bestselling book called "The Miracle of MSM: The Natural Solution for Pain" details the benefits of MSM for a wide range of aches and bodily pains.
Writing in The Journal of Anti-Aging Medicine Ronald M. Lawrence MD states: " MSM takes three to four weeks before you have noticable changes...except in rheumatioid patients--they have felt differences in just one day, and certainly by three or four days."
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