The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Arthritis

  • How to treat arthritis

    How to treat arthritis

    Dr Godwin Ihesie of Ihesie Natural Health Services, OGS Plaza, Ajuwon Bus Stop, Iju Hills, answers the question.

    When joint cartilage wears away, bone rubs against bone, causing osteoarthrikktis.

    Sounds painful? It is. The first treatment is to get Information. Information is not a therapy, but learning more about arthritis is actually a powerful weapon. That will let the client know the basic difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are different types of arthritis. They share some similar characteristics, but each has different symptoms and requires different treatment. So, an accurate diagnosis is important.The main difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is the cause behind the joint symptoms.  Osteoarthritis is caused by mechanical wear and tear on the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks the body’s joints. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis.Rheumatoid arthritis affects about one-tenth as many people as osteoarthritis.

    The main difference between  osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is the cause behind the joint symptoms.

    It is crucial that you understand osteoarthritis and what your limits are and are not. Arthritis seriously impairs the quality of life for so many Nigerians. Given that arthritis is so disabling, painful, and common, lots of quack “cures” are out there, from shark cartilage to copper jewelry to snake venom.  But I will mention basic natural remedies that research suggests may actually help ease arthritis pain.

     

    Weight loss

    The best remedy is maintaining a healthy weight; and losing weight if necessary is not the easiest.

    Still, every pound you shed off means some less pressure on your knees. Some people will see their symptoms disappear if they lose real pounds.

     

    Exercise

    Physical activity is essential for people with osteoarthritis, whether it means walking around your apartment if you’re a fragile older person or swimming laps if you’re in better shape. People used to think that exercise made arthritis worse, but the opposite is true—unless you’re pounding the pavement. (Runners with knee osteoarthritis should cut down on mileage, try to cross-train, and run on softer surfaces like tracks and dirt paths.)

    Exercise programmes should include both aerobic exercise—like walking, swimming, or biking—and strengthening exercises, such as isometric and isotonic exercises. Isotonic contractions are muscle contractions that change the length of the muscle. The change in length of the muscle results in the movement of a body part. Isotonic contractions occur because the force exerted by muscle contraction is greater than the external force against it.

    Isometric contractions are muscle contractions where there is no change in the length of the muscle. The contractions occur because the force exerted by the muscle contraction is only equal to the opposing external force, such as gravity. Isotonic exercise is when the amount of resistance remains the same throughout the workout, but the muscle length changes.

    There are two types of isotonic exercise, concentric and eccentric. The most common type, concentric, is when the force the muscle creates is greater than the force the weight generates. An example of concentric isotonic exercise would be a bench press. When the weight is pushed away from the chest, the force the muscle uses is greater than the force of the weight. Eccentric isotonic exercise is when the force of the weight is greater than the force the muscle generates. An example of this is the fact that a person can set down an object that weighs much more than they have the capacity to lift. Eccentric isotonic exercise is the main cause for soreness and muscle injury. However, high tension levels created by eccentric contraction may cause greater muscle strengthening.

    An example of an isometric contraction is when one grips something hard, for example a tennis racket. There is no movement of the arm or the racket, but the muscles in the arm contract to provide a force to keep the racket in place against gravity. An example of an isometric exercise is to hold a weight in front of one’s body in a fixed position. The arm would tire after a few minutes. Activities that involve isometric contraction of the muscles include gymnastics, climbing and wrestling.

    Acupuncture

    Many people have found that acupuncture helps relieve pain and disability due to arthritis; several studies have found benefit from the procedure. Acupuncture is really helpful for many people with osteoarthritis.

     

    Electricity

    Electrical energy can be used to help ease pain and swelling in arthritic joints in a couple of ways. Physical therapists often employ transcutaneous electrostimulation, or TENS, which involves placing electrodes around the affected joint and delivering electromagnetic pulses through the skin.

    And there’s electro-acupuncture, in which the provider uses needles at acupuncture points that are attached to electrodes to pass an electric charge through the acupuncture needles.

    There are some evidence that both approaches can help provide at least, short-term pain relief and also ease joint stiffness.

    In some cases physical therapy can be invaluable. For example, a person, who is so weak that he or she has trouble getting out of a chair can benefit from physical therapy, and possibly have physical therapy administered at home. But the therapist should be experienced in treating osteoarthritis. Many physical therapists are used to treating stroke patients or sports injuries or other things where they are used to pushing people a lot. Physical therapy for osteoarthritis needs to be more gentle.

    Assistive devices such as shoe inserts, canes, splints, braces, and other devices that can help redistribute your weight to take the load off an arthritic joint or hip can be very beneficial.

    They are particularly helpful, for example, if someone has become knock-kneed or bow-legged as a result of having arthritic knees; unloading braces can help restore normal weight distribution, reduce pain, and prevent your arthritis from getting worse.

    While evidence for the benefits of shoe wedges is mixed, some people will find them helpful, especially if they have leg length discrepancies greater than a half-inch.

     

    Diet

    It is important to have a good understanding of what foods to avoid when you have arthritis. By knowing which foods to avoid, you can help reduce your pain, swelling, inflammation and stiffness. While there is no specific “diet” that people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), should follow, researchers have identified certain foods that can help control inflammation. Many of them are found in the so-called Mediterranean diet, which emphasises fish, vegetables and olive oil, among other staples. Certain types of fish are rich in inflammation-fighting omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6, two inflammatory proteins in your body.  At least, three to four ounces, twice a week, the best sources are salmon, tuna, sardines, anchovies and other cold-water fish. Fruits and vegetables are packed with antioxidants, which support the immune system – the body’s natural defense system – and may help fight inflammation.  At least, one and half to two cups of fruit and two to three cups of veggies per meal. The best sources are colorful foods such as blueberries, blackberries, cherries, strawberries, spinach, kale and broccoli.

    Nuts are full of inflammation-fighting mono-unsaturated fat, protein and filling fiber– a bonus if you’re trying to lose a few pounds.  Eat 1.5 ounces of nuts daily (about a handful). The best sources are walnuts, groundnuts, and almonds. Beans have several antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. They’re a low-cost source of fiber, protein, folic acid and minerals such as magnesium, iron, zinc and potassium. Olive oil contains heart-healthy mono-unsaturated fat, antioxidants and oleocanthal, a compound that can lower inflammation and pain.

    Two to three tablespoons per day for cooking or in salad dressings or other dishes. Best sources are Extra virgin olive oil is less refined and processed. It retains more nutrients than standard varieties. Onions, garlic and ginger are packed with beneficial antioxidants. They may also reduce inflammation, heart disease risk and LDL, or “bad” cholesterol. Try them sautéed, grilled or raw in salads. Avoid processed foods. Processed foods such as cookies, chips and other snacks can be high in unhealthy fats, which are linked with inflammation. Opt for fresh fruit instead. Canned goods – vegetables and soups – are often high in sodium, which boosts blood pressure. Look for low sodium options, or go with fresh or frozen vegetables.

    Cut the salt. There are conflicting reports about just how bad excess salt is for us. We know it causes fluid retention – one of many factors that can lead to high blood pressure. Also, corticosteroids, often used to treat RA, can cause the body to retain more sodium. So, play it safe and hold the salt when possible.

  • Homeopathy cure for arthritis

    Homeopathy cure for arthritis

    Magnetherapist/ homeopath Dr Cyril Omisande of Cyrillic Holistic Health Clinic, Ibadan and Ijebu-Ode answers the question.

    How arthritis develops

    The mechanical construction of our body makes it possible for bones to join with each other and their meeting places are called joints. These joints facilitates various types of movements. To avoid friction and strain during these movements, the ends of the bones are covered with an elastic tissue called cartilage. A synovial membrane covers the inner surfaces of these joint–cavities. This membrane secretes a fluid that lubricates the joint.

    The synovial membrane and the tips of the bones are ramified with several capillaries, which carry nourishment along with blood to the joints. If any infection or wrong metabolic by-product passes through these capillaries, nutrients and blood circulation will be obstructed, resulting in stagnation and exudation of fluid into the pocket created by the synovial membrane in the joint. This, then makes the joints to be inflamed, enlarged and swollen.

    The cartilages, because of impaired nourishment, lose their elasticity and become dry and brittle. The secretion of the synovial membrane may also diminish and with the progress of the disease, it may cease completely. The joint will thus dry out, become congested, rough and stiff. This may also cause the surrounding ligaments and tendons to be inflamed and progressively lose their tone and flexibility.

    As a result of the impaired metabolism and movement, excessive amount of calcium and other minerals are deposited in the joints. Sometimes osteoporosis or leaching of the calcium and other minerals from the bones can cause severe destruction of the bones and joints.

    These changes are usually accompanied with swelling and pain during movement. Subsequently, the pain becomes absolutely incapable of moving the affected part of the body. If this development is not checked and effectively treated in time, complete destruction of the joint and impairment of its function will be the ultimate result. Along with these signs and symptoms in the joint, the patients also suffer from other disabilities in various parts of the body. Digestive disorders, often very chronic, are present in patients of arthritis.

    Constipation is often prevalent for many years before the actual arthritis symptoms begin to show. General fatigue, physical and emotional stress, lacks of sufficient rest, nutritional deficiencies and glandular disorders could occur long before the final symptoms appear in the joints.

    It is important, therefore, to note that if arthritis is to be successfully treated, there should be a holistic approach by recognising the systemic nature of the disease and the abnormal conditions as well as disorders in other parts of the body that need to be corrected. Depending on the nature of the affliction, the disease is called by different names.

    SIGNS AND SYMPOMS OF ARTHRITIS

    The commonest symptom of arthritis is the pain in the joints. To start with, it may be slow pain and the patient may experience difficulty in climbing stairs or lifting weights. At the beginning, it may just appear and then disappear with the help of some pain killers or without treatment by a little rest. Sometimes it may disappear for months and then reappear. There may be numbness and stiffness of the joints and while walking there may be a cracking sound from the joints.

    Often, the joints become swollen and inflamed. Pain can be mild or very acute. In the first stage, it appears mostly at night or in the morning. It generally gets aggravated if the patient is exposed to cold, wind or rain, especially in winter.

    Cure

    As a Fellow of Nigerian Council of Physicians of Natural Medicine and Vice Chairman, Southwest National Complementary and Alternative Medicine Association (NACAMA), I can add that Homeopathy is the best form of medicine that has treated arthritis successfully. It offers safe long term effective results. The treatment depends upon the manifestation of the disorder, as also the personality, characteristics and overall constitution of individual.

    Homeopathy is an alternative medical practice which originated over 250 years ago. The basis of homeopathic medicine is a philosophy called the “Law of Similar”, otherwise known as “Like cures like”.

    This means a substance that produces symptoms in a healthy person can cure a person suffering with the same symptoms, for example if eating a certain herb causes people to cough, that same herb can be used to treat a sick person whose main symptom is cough. The goal is to stimulate the immune system so that the body heals itself. The orthodox medicine uses the law of opposites e.g. antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, anti–hypertensive etc.

    The premise is similar to that of vaccines. To fight the flu for example, a mild form of a flu virus is administered in the form of a vaccine. It sensitises your immune system so that it recognises and destroys the real germs before they make you sick.

    Homeopathic medicine is made from plants, herbs or animal extracts into dilutions and mother tinctures. The poetised remedy acts as a catalyst to set healing into motion. Homeopathy treats the whole person as a unique individual. Queen Elizabeth 11 of England never travels anywhere without her homeopathic medicines.

    Varieties of arthritis

    Osteo-arthritis

    Osteo-arthritis is perhaps the most common type of arthritis that affects people past middle age. It usually begins as a result of the ageing process-the wear and tear of the joints during the later part of one’s life. It is characterised by the degenerating processes in the joints.

    Rheumatoid Arthritis

    The next most common form of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a serious form of rheumatic affliction, which can cause severe destruction of the joint tissue resulting in extensive deformities which can cripple the patient completely. It usually strikes at a fairly young age, though it can affect persons of any age.

    Women are more prone to this form of arthritis. This type of arthritis begins with an inflammation of the synovial membrane, which eventually leads to deposits in the joints, bone degeneration, deformity and subsequent invalidity unless proper treatment is taken at the appropriate time.

    Gout

    Gout usually manifests itself by an inflammation of the joints of the large toe. This is a local symptom of a general metabolic disorder which is caused by the accumulation of uric acid in the tissues. Gout generally affects persons after middle age.

    Lumbago

    Lumbago is a rheumatic condition affecting the muscles of the lower part of the back, also called the lumbar region. Unless cured by proper therapies, attacks of lumbago get more frequent and more painful like all rheumatic complaints, especially as the patient becomes older.

    Sciatica

    Sciatica is the inflammation of the sciatic nerve which runs down from the hip joint.   The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body and runs right down to the ankle joint. Sciatica can be caused by draught, dampness or chill. It can also be caused by a displaced spinal disc or vertebra.

    Muscular rheumatism

    Muscular rheumatism is often caused by draught or chill which constricts the blood vessels in the affected region.  As a result of this constriction, the toxic matter in that region does not get eliminated and inflammation sets in. This generally affects muscles of the shoulder, neck, back, arms or legs.

    Spondylitis

    Spondylitis is a chronic and progressive form of arthritis, which affects one or more of the vertebrate. The degenerative changes in the vertebra are similar to those in rheumatoid arthritis. It is most commonly found in males, who keep bending their necks or backs constantly during their work.

    HEALING WITH HOMEOPATHY

    To put in précis, the homeopathic remedies include:

    Causticum: Is useful when arthritis is long-lasting, or recurring.

    Arnica: Is useful for inflammation, or flare-ups, and also for new injuries caused by the repetitive use of joints. For nervous, ‘pinching’ pains in the joint and fingers.

    Iridium metallicum: Would be an effective remedy when there is a tingling pain of the joint with marked tenderness, sensitivity.

    Argentum metallicum: It is effective in affections of joints, especially elbows and knees.

    Ledum: Is likewise, useful when there is soreness, swelling and pain, presenting with a ‘band like’ feeling around the joint.

    Calcerea Phosphorica: Soreness, cramping, and pain in the joint, made worse by moving or using the joint.

    Ruta: Effective in sore, bruised, sprained felling with stiffness of the joint is typical. Shooting pains, with numbness and tingling of the joint is a characteristic feature.

     

  • Fruits, vegetables ‘good for arthritis’

    Fruits, vegetables ‘good for arthritis’

    People who suffer from arthritis have been advised to consume  fruits and vegetables regularly.

    This, according to the Chairman, National Association of Natural and Traditional Medicine Practitioners (NANTMP), Lagos branch, Dr Yekini Akande, would ensure that damaged cells are repaired or replaced.

    He described arthritis as a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in a joint, adding that it is common among the aged.

    “Today, the condition also affects the young and middle-age adults,” he said. He said people can suffer arthritis if they are overworked or engaged in too much of tedious work.

    “Sometimes, people who have over-worked themselves or are working too hard could develop arthritis. Previous injury, infection, smoking, and occupations which are very demanding physically can also cause it.

    “Arthritis can start suddenly without any obvious cause, and at any age. Sometimes something in your lifestyle or medical history – or a combination of these – could be responsible. A number of factors may increase people’s risk of developing the condition if they are already susceptible to it. Previous injuries sustained by people can increase their risk of arthritis,” he said.

    He continued: “Infections or an allergic reaction can cause short-lived arthritis.

    ‘’Some foods may appear to make your arthritis worse, although your diet or a food intolerance are unlikely to cause arthritis.”

    The traditional medicine practitioner  said men who engage in too much of intercourse without adequate care are likely to have arthritis.

    “After intercourse, men are usually advised to use mineral supplements to cover for the lost energy. This is because the energy expended during the exercise can cause wear and tear to the body,” he said.

    He advised people to rest for six to eight hours after a hard day job so that the body tissue and all organs recover from the activities.

    Akande said too much of carbonhydrates is bad, adding that most people who suffer arthritis are those taking starchy food often.

  • How diet, exercise can tackle arthritis

    How diet, exercise can tackle arthritis

    People with arthritis have been advised to always eat balanced diet. According to a phytotherapist, Dr Francis Elegbuo, by eating a well balanced diet, “sufferers will not only be receiving critical nutrients, they will also be either maintaining or arriving more quickly at a healthy bodyweight that will not aggravate the joints”.

    Phytotherapy is the study of the use of extracts of natural origin as medicines or health-promoting agents. Phytotherapy medicines differ from plant-derived medicines in standard pharmacology. While standard pharmacology isolates an active compound from a given plant, phytotherapy aims to preserve the complexity of substances from a given plant with relatively less processing. Phytotherapists use herbs from around the world.

    Dr Elegbuo said: “If you are overweight you will be adding extra pressure on weight-bearing joints. Through the many patients that I had attended to, I have found that losing just a few calories made a significant difference to their quality of life.”

    He continued: “Arthritis affects the musculoskeletal system, specifically the joints. It is the main cause of disability among people over 55 years of age in industrialised countries, but in developing countries, musculoskeletal pains is common, and its built up largely result in arthritis, due to wear and tear on the joints. The word arthritis comes from the Greek arthron meaning “joint” and the Latin itis meaning ‘inflammation’. The plural of arthritis is arthritides.”

    Dr Elegbuo said: “Arthritis is a term that covers over 100 medical conditions. The most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, infectious arthritis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Most types of arthritis are caused by a combination of factors. These include genetic make up, a physically demanding job, previous injury, infection or allergies, certain foods such as red meat, obesity and autoimmune disease.

    “Most types of arthritis are caused by a combination of several factors working together. These factors may contribute towards a higher arthritis risk-your genetic makeup; a physically demanding job, especially one with repetitive movement; a previous injury; some infections or allergic reactions may cause short-term arthritis. When it is caused by an infection it is known as ‘reactive arthritis’; for a number of people, certain foods can either bring on arthritis symptoms, or make existing ones worse; obesity, which places extra strain on joints. Arthritis may also be caused by autoimmune disease.”

    Having arthritis is not the end of the road as, “phytotherapists and nutritionists are frequently advising arthritis patients to keep sugary and/or fatty foods consumption low So also are the consumption of red meat, cream and cheese. “They should ensure that they eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains. Omega-3 essential fatty acids, have been shown to relieve to some extent the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis,” Elegbuo said.

    According to Elegbuo, a common source of Omega-3 fatty acids is oily fish, such as Sardines, Herring, Titus and Salmon. “Many Nigerians tend to place large portions of food on our plate. If you reduce the size of the portions you may lose weight more effectively. Make sure that vegetables and fruit make up a large part of your portion,” he said.

    Dr Elegbuo said: “Although arthritis can make daily tasks more difficult and exhausting, there are many techniques and therapies, which added together, can give an arthritis sufferer much better quality life, compared to no therapy at all. It is important that people with arthritis seek medical health and treatment. Although there is no cure for arthritis, there is a lot you can do to minimise its overall effects on your everyday life. You may wish or have to continue working, and with the right techniques and help from an occupational therapist you may find it not as daunting as you first thought.”

    Meanwhile, a traditional medicine practitioner, Dr. Lambo Adebisi, has recommended exercise, lifestyle changes and healthy diets for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) known as a joint disease.

    According to him, OA is the most common type of arthritis. He said ginger, garlic and vegetables have healing properties that can help sufferers overcome the problem.

    “Eating a balanced, healthy diet can help reduce inflammation in people’s body. They may also help in losing weight or stay at a proper weight,” he said.

    Dr Adebisi also recommended regular consumption of garlic and onions.

    Moreover, anti-inflammatory oils, which are found in nuts, seeds, and cold-water fish, may also help. The disease, he said, is caused by “wear and tear.”

    He said: “Healthy cartilage—the firm, rubbery tissue, which cushions bones at joints by letting bones glide over one another, while cartilage,absorbs energy from the movement.

    “In OA, cartilage breaks down and wears away. As a result, the bones rub together causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.”

    The disease, he said, often makes it difficult for sufferers to move the affected parts, which can be the hands, knees, hips and spine.

    OA, he said, is not limited to men as it also affects women.

    “It affects people more as they get older. People in their 50s and 60s are more susceptible.  An injury to a joint or overuse, as some athletes might have, can cause OA when people are younger,” he said.

    Some symptoms, he said, are joint pain and swelling, stiffness and weakness of joints, among others.

    “Joint pain, often a deep, aching pain that gets worse when you move and better when you rest the joint. In severe cases, the pain may be constant. Stiffness in the morning or after sitting or lying down for more than 15 minutes, joint swelling and joints that are warm to the touch as well as difficult in movement,” he said.

    According to him,  the causes are unknown and are associated with ageing. However, metabolic, genetic, chemical, and mechanical factors can play a role in getting OA.

    He identified risk factors for OA as being older, heredity, being overweight and injury to the joint.

    Others are history of inflammatory joint disease, metabolic or hormonal disorders, bone and joint disorders present at birth.

    He said athletes or construction workers might have the disease because of the rigour of their professions.

    He said a combination of conventional and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments may be most effective.

    People, he said, should change their lifestyle to curb the disease.

    He said when people lose extra weight; it helps relieve the pressure on joints, and  may slow down the loss of cartilage as well as relieve pain.

    “Anybody suffering from OA, who is overweight, should lose weight to help their condition,” he said.

    Regular exercise, he noted, is another good thing people can do when they have OA because it strengthens the muscles to support the joints.

    “Regular daily 30 minutes of brisk walking can help suppress the pain. Also, hydrotherapy can be initiated. This can be in form of warm-water exercise,” he said.

    He charged people suffering from joint pains to avoid refined food, such as white breads, pastas, and sugars.

    “They should eat lean meats, cold-water fish or beans for protein. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains are highly beneficial. Besides, they should avoid caffeine and other stimulants, alcohol, and tobacco,” he said.

    Adebisi said turmeric (Curcuma longa), cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa) devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) and ginger (Zingiber officinale) can be used to manage the problem.

  • ‘Fight off Arthritis with herbal-plants’

    ‘Fight off Arthritis with herbal-plants’

    OYEYEMI GBENGA-MUSTAPHA writes on various types of arthritis and the phytotherapy that can alleviate them.

    Arthritis affects the musculoskeletal system, specifically the joints. It is the main cause of disability among people over 55 years of age in industrialised countries. But due to the husttle and bustle of city life, many Nigerians, as young as 12 years are being diagnosed with arthritis.

    According to a phytotherapist, Dr Francis Elegbuo, of franel food Supplements and Natural Health Clinic, Ijegun, Lagos, the use of herbal-plants in the treatment of various forms of arthritis is efficacious. This is due to their anti-inflammatory or anti-arthritic properties.

    Dr Elegbuo said the word “arthritis” comes from the Greek arthron meaning “joint” and the Latin itis meaning ‘inflammation’. The plural of arthritis is arthritides. He said: “Arthritis is a term that covers over 100 medical conditions. It affects the joints and musculoskeletal system. Most types of arthritis are caused by a combination of factors. These can include genetic makeup, a physically demanding job, previous injury, infection or allergies, certain foods, obesity, autoimmune disease. The most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, infectious arthritis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Any sufferer of arthritis should always be active. Inactivity could harm the health of most patients with arthritis or any kind of rheumatic disease.”

    Dr Elegbuo explained the best way to know if one has arthritis or prone to same, “if you have trouble moving around or feeling pain and stiffness in your body, you could have arthritis. In the majority of cases arthritis causes pain and swelling in the joints. Eventually a swollen joint can suffer severe damage. In some cases, arthritis can cause problems in the patient’s eye, skin or other organs. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and generally affects elderly people. Some forms of arthritis can affect people at a very early age.

    The symptoms of arthritis depend on the type. For example, the symptoms of osteoarthritis develop slowly and get worse as time goes by. There is pain in a joint, either during or after use, or after a period of inactivity. There will be tenderness when pressure is applied to the joint. The joint will be stiff, especially first thing in the morning. The person may find it hard to use the joint – it loses its flexibility. Some patients experience a grating sensation when they use the joint. Hard lumps, or bone spurs may appear around the joint. In some cases the joint might swell. The most commonly affected joints are in the hips, hands, knees and spine.”

    He added: “In Rheumatoid arthritis, the person often finds the same joints on each side of the body are painfully swollen, inflamed, and stiff. The fingers, arms, legs and wrists are most commonly affected. Symptoms are usually worst on waking up in the morning and the stiffness can last for 30 minutes at this time. The joint is tender when touched. Hands may be red and puffy. There may be rheumatoid nodules (bumps of tissue under the skin of the patient’s arms). Many patients with rheumatoid arthritis feel tired most of the time. Weight loss is common. The smaller joints are usually noticeably affected first. Experts say patients with rheumatoid arthritis have problems with several joints at the same time. As the arthritis progresses it spreads from the smaller joints in your hands, wrists, ankles and feet to your elbows, knees, hips, neck, shoulders and jaw.

    “In Infectious arthritis the patient commonly has a fever, joint inflammation and swelling. They will feel tenderness and/or a sharp pain. Often these symptoms are linked to an injury or another illness. Most commonly affected areas are the knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist and finger. In the majority of cases just one joint is affected.”

    Dr Elegbuo said when a child below 12 years has arthritis, it is called Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. “In Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, the patient is a child and will experience intermittent fevers which tend to peak in the evening and then suddenly disappear. Appetite will be poor and weight may be lost. There may be blotchy rashes on arms and legs. Anaemia is also common. The child may limp or have a sore wrist, finger, or knee. A joint may suddenly swell and stay larger than it usually is. The child may experience a stiff neck, hips or some other joint.”

    On ways out using herbal-plants, the Phytotherapist said: “Aloe vera is one of the most commonly used herbs in alternative medicine. Known for its healing properties, it is popular for treating small skin abrasions. You may already have a bottle of aloe vera gel in the medicine cabinet from a past experience with sunburn for pain relief. This same type of product may be applied topically to soothe achy joints. Oral aloe vera can cause decreased blood sugar and gastrointestinal side effects, such as diarrhoea. Topical aloe vera use, on the other hand, does not cause any side effects.

    “Cat’s claw is another anti-inflammatory herb that may reduce swelling in arthritis. Traditionally, cat’s claw is used to boost your immune system. In recent years, the immunity powers of the herb have been tried in arthritis. The downside is that cat’s claw may over stimulate the immune system, potentially making arthritis pain worse.

    “Eucalyptus, like aloe vera, is widely available in western markets. It is used in oral medications, and topical oil extracts are used for a variety of conditions. Topical forms of eucalyptus leaves are used to treat arthritis pain. These plant leaves contain tannins, which may be helpful in reducing swelling and the resulting pain that arthritis causes. Some users follow up with heat pads to maximise the effects of eucalyptus on swollen joints.

    “One may have ginger as spice in the cabinet for cooking, but this herb is also a staple in many alternative medicine cabinets. The same compounds that give ginger its strong flavor are also the same ones that have anti-inflammatory properties.

    “Green tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world, and has even been used to reduce inflammation in the body. It is possible that green tea can be used to treat arthritis inflammation in the form of beverages, tablets, or tinctures. Tumeric used in cooking to make curry, is a yellow powder made from the related flowering plant. Unlike other types of herbs, turmeric may work best in fighting joint pain when it is taken orally.”

  • How to get rid of arthritis

    How to get rid of arthritis

    The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Health-Forever Product Limited, Otunba Olajuwon Okubena answers the question on arthritis.

    Natural medicine practitioners believe there is no disease without cure. Arthritis, however, is not an exemption.

    Arthritis is a group of conditions involving damage to the joints. It is the leading cause of disability in people, especially the elderly from 55 years.

    Arthritis is no longer the disease of the old because younger people are, these days, susceptible.

    There are different forms of arthritis; each having a different cause. The most common is osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease). This occurs as a result of trauma to the joint, infection of the joint, or age. Emerging evidence suggests that abnormal anatomy might contribute to the early development of osteoarthritis.  Other forms of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, as well as autoimmune diseases in which the body attacks itself.

    Orthodox medicine practitioners believe there is no cure for arthritis, and so they prescribe treatments that will lessen the pain and discomfort of the disease.

    Tylenol, aspirin, and ibuprofen are a few of the non-prescription drugs that doctors often recommend. Others are cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors, steroids, and anti-biologics.

    Surgery, however, is an option in some instances. But what physicians recommend most are effective pain-lessening treatments for the arthritis.

    There are testimonies of people who have used other methods other than orthodox medicine to treat arthritis.

    For example, a woman found succour after many years of pain from arthritis by changing her lifestyle.

    What she did was to change her diet. She got rid of my arthritis by radically changing her diet. I tell people with arthritis that if they want to get rid of it, they have to give up everything enjoyable except sexual intercourse. She spent three weeks on the diet. She bought an electric juice extractor and for the first three days, the only food she consumed was freshly extracted fruit juice and vegetable juice. She drank the juice five or six times a day, a couple of glasses at a time, or whatever she felt comfortable with. She also drank peppermint tea and rain water. People must drink the juice as soon as they extract it – don’t keep it in the fridge for later, and don’t use juice bought from a supermarket.

    After three days you continue with the juice every day, but additionally you start eating raw fruit, raw vegetables and raw nuts in quantities you’re comfortable with Herb tea and rain water are the only drinks allowed – I drank peppermint tea and still do. The emphasis is on fresh raw food and juices – nothing is to be cooked. You can’t add anything to the food either, such as salt, sugar, sauce, but you can use herbs to flavour the raw vegetables. People should avoid alcohol and caffeine. In fact, everything is not allowed except fresh fruit juice and veg juice and whole fresh raw fruit.

    Others are vegetable, raw nuts, herb tea and rain water. The distilled water you can buy in supermarkets would probably be okay, but town water that has chlorine is definitely bad and should be avoided. The purpose of this diet is to flush the toxins out of your body, particularly uric acid. Uric acid, as doctors know, is a bad inflammatory agent that deposits itself as crystals in the joints and in places of injury in the body. It helps to cause the pain, inflammation and swelling associated with arthritis. Doctors prescribe drugs to to combat the effects of uric acid, but a far more effective way is to flush it out of your system so that it can’t cause problems. Uric acid is one of the many toxic by-products produced from food during the digestive process. On the typical western diet there is such an over-abundance of these toxins produced within the body that the organs of elimination can’t cope with the excessive workload, and the toxins build up to the point where they can start causing problems. The idea is to change over to an easily digestible diet that produces a minimum amount of toxic by-products. The eliminative organs of the body can easily cope with the greatly reduced workload, and also can clear out the backlog of accumulated toxins. As the toxins were cleared from my body my pain and swelling reduced progressively until after about two weeks I was about 80 per cent clear of pain and I stopped the anti- inflammatory drugs. After three weeks I was totally clear of symptoms of arthritis – no pain, no swelling – nothing. As a long term maintenance programme you can go on to a 75/25 diet, i.e. each meal must contain at least 75 per cent good food and no more than 25 per cent bad food. Good foods are all those included in the three week diet. Bad foods are all other foods. If you really want to maintain optimal health, eat raw fruit, raw vegetables, and raw nuts as your only food for the rest of your life.

    Free radicals are thought to play a role in rheumatoid arthritis. These naturally occurring chemicals can cause damage to many parts of body, including the joints. Antioxidants are substances that fight free radicals. Some of the most famous antioxidants are vitamin E, vitamin C, and beta-carotene. The mineral selenium, while not an antioxidant in its own right, helps the body manufacture the potent antioxidant glutathione.

    A recent study found that the addition of an antioxidant mixture or vitamin E alone to a standard treatment regimen for rheumatoid arthritis improves symptoms.

    This controlled, but apparently not blinded, trial compared standard treatment alone against standard treatment plus vitamin E and standard treatment plus a mixture of antioxidants.

    The results showed that participants in the vitamin E and antioxidant mixture groups experienced more rapid and marked improvement in pain, stiffness, and laboratory measurements of disease severity.

    Some years ago, a middle aged woman was escorted to my office by a friend to seek solution for her arthritis problem. It was a big problem for her to even sit down on the chair. She wasted no time in narrating her story. She told me her grandmother died of arthritis complications. According to her, her mother was on wheelchair at home because she lost the ability to move about and here she was almost breaking down because of the same disease. She further told me that they have exhausted all prescribed medications. She asked if there is any hope.

    I recommended three capsules of Jobelyn, to be taken thrice daily with a considerable volume of water of between three to five litres daily. “Is that all?”, she asked.

    I promised to offer her a refund for the purchase of the product should the treatment failed after one month of treatment. Her condition improved considerably and she returned before the end of the month was to give testimony and introduce two other friends going through the pains and agony of arthritis. What is the magic behind the efficacy of this product?  From research studies in United States and Germany, it has been established that Jobelyn is the most powerful natural antioxidant, over 3,000 times more powerful that vitamin E. It has a rich combination of different antioxidants, such as Orac-hydro, Orac-lipo,  Horac, Norac and Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD).

    Jobelyn, which is produced from Sorghum bicolor. It is rich in food nutrients such as carbohydrate, protein and dietary fibre in addition to numerous amino acids and minerals. This is best combination of food and medicine by nature. In my excitement, I informed my friend, Dr. David Abia-Okon (a surgeon) of my new discovery for Jobelyn. Though he believes in the efficacy of the product but he confines its use to the treatment of anaemia, sickle-cell anaemia and stroke.

    My friend refused to embrace the idea of Jobelyn as a remedy for arthritis. The only way to convince him was through scientific evidence. After one year of research on the product at the Pharmacology Department of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU),  Ile-Ife, Brunswick Laboratories, USA and Mdbiosciences also in USA, we carried out bio-assay guided isolation of pure active compounds which have proven superior to many of the existing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) cox-2 selective drugs used to treat inflammations, pains and arthritis.

    The product significantly inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced release of cytokines (IL-1beta, TNFalpha, IL-6, IL-8) and PGE2. The product has a very high selective effect on Cox-2 than on Cox-1 activities with a selectivity index (IC50 Cox-2 : IC50 Cox-1) much lower than those of well-known antiinflammatory agents

    If you are to prevent arthritis from destroying your life you must refrain from processed foods and other acid forming foods. Normally, a healthy diet should be 70 per cent alkaline and 30 per cent acidic. Alkaline foods are typically foods which are still in their natural state (raw and fresh). And acidic foods are typically foods which have been altered through processing, frying, and high-fat cooking. Therefore, instead of eating acidic foods (cooked and processed), you should be eating mostly raw, fresh vegetables and fruits. They are rich in antioxidants which neutralise free radicals that are responsible for inflammation, arthritis and pains. Also, reducing the consumption of meats could also be helpful to your arthritis. By eating less meat and more fresh fruits and vegetables, you would be allowing your body to receive more nutrients and keep your acidic levels low. The result of your new diet could change the pain and inflammation affecting your arthritic joints.

    Chronic inflammation has a known negative impact on immune defense mechanisms, and is an underlying phenomenon for many health problems. The nature of inûammatory status by bioactive consumables, particularly those present in common and traditional medicinal foods, is becoming an increasingly important factor in global preventive health management. Chronic inûammation is linked to metabolic diseases and obesity, and altered cell-mediated immune responses are affected by multiple mechanisms, due in part to a positive feedback loop between local inûammation in a dipose tissue and dysregulated immune cell activation and production of pro-inûammatory mediators, such as leptin.

    As obesity continues to rise, representing malnutrition and metabolic disease, it is suggested that speciûc food components may exert speciûc immune regulatory effects.

    Our immune system is an amazing network of cells that function from very basic to highly complex levels. The purpose of this system is to protect us from our environment and watch for any early damage in our own cells. Sometimes, however, the system goes awry and misreads signals. As a result, our defenses do not recognise our own body at work, and begin “attacking” cells. This leads to illnesses called autoimmune (self-immune) diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation of the joints), systemic lupus erythematosus (commonly known as “lupus,” an inflammatory disease of connective tissue), and vasculitis (inflammation of a vessel of the body).

    When our immune system gets confused, it can do damage to our own bodies.  Genetic background as well as particular environmental factors, such as smoking, can increase a patient’s risk for developing an autoimmune illness.

    What’s the immune system? The immune system allows us to identify and destroy foreign invaders (bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc) and survey our own cells to prevent them from growing uncontrollably (cancer and other disorders). Its complexity and ability to protect us is astounding.

    The immune system is linked to rheumatic diseases.

    The human system can be divided into innate (born with) and adaptive (developed through life) systems. The innate immune system is an evolutionary “ancient” system that reacts quickly to danger by identifying damaged cells as well as infectious invaders such as bacteria and virus.

  • Alternative ways to treat arthritis

    All hope is not lost for those suffering from waist pain and arthritis who have tried orthodox medicine without getting relief.

    Their pains can be reduced through Complementary Alternative Medicine Practice (CAMP) by receiving osteopathic treatment.

    Osteopathy is a form of treatment which emphasises manipulation.

    “It is a drug free treatment and manual therapy that focuses on treating and strengthening the muscles and the joints, an Osteopath, Olufemi Bankole, said at an Acupuncture seminar with the Chinese at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR).

    ”This, however, is not to say that osteopaths do not believe in drugs because there is no discipline that is self-sufficient. All disciplines are inter-related. We believe in osteopathy, manipulation and drugs.”

    He described arthritis as a form of joint disorder that involves inflammation of one or more joints. “The most common cause of arthritis is infection of the joint, accident involving the joint or aging process,” he said.

    According to him, the major complaints by individuals who have arthritis are joint pain.

    “The pain is often constant and may be localised in the joint involved. The pain from arthritis is due to inflammation that occurs around the joint, damage to the joint from diseases, muscle strains caused by forceful movements against stiff painful joints and fatigue,” he added.

    He said pains from arthritis could be leg pain, neck pain, shoulder pain or any other joint in the body.

    Bankole advised people to seek a qualified osteopath on arthritis.

    He said they should also avoid strenuous movements. “You can move your whole body instead of straining just one part of the body to make a move. Exercises help to improve easy movement of the joints,” he added.

    To prevent arthritis, Bankole said people should watch what they eat, stressing that they should not over-eat to avoid being obese. “Burn calories in your body and let your cholesterol level be kept low. Ensure adequate movement every day, exercise regularly as it helps in blood circulation and joints movement,” he said.

    A naturopath, Gilbert Ezengige, who spoke on nutritional medicine stressed that every health practitioner must be sound in nutritional medicine.

    He described food as health and health as food. “We must eat food that are highly nutritious because they improve the stability of the heart and purifies the red blood cells among others,”.

    He urged on daily intake of fruits and vegetables, saying that they boosts the immune system.

    Healthy and balanced nutrition is also good for the body, he added.

    Ezengige noted that people should avoid taking more than one fruit at a time. This, he said would help the body to derive maximum benefits from each of them.

    “Avocado pear, cashew nut, carrot, tomatoes, cabbage, fresh salad, orange, lime, soya beans, letups, lemon and garlic are some of the fruits people should eat daily,” he said.

    An acupuncturist, Bade Adewale, who spoke on acupuncture, said it involves sticking some fine needles into some selected parts in the body to treat ailment that cannot be easily managed by some western forms of medications. He said the practice can help treat different ailments like arthritis.

    The Chief Consultant to Tianshi Group, Mark Igbani, who spoke on: “The need for detoxification, said it helps to remove substances that are capable of causing harm to the body.

    He said toxins are harmful to the body, adding that they come from tobacco smoke, generator smoke and diet or environmental exposure, among others.

    Igbani said it is crucial to remove toxins from the body because it can damage the liver and kidneys, among others.

     

  • ‘Arthritis can be cured with herbs’

    Director, Pax Herbal Clinic and Research Laboratories, Father Anselm Adodo writes on arthritis; Provost, Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (FEDCAM), Lagos, Dr Idowu Ogunkoya answers question two.

    One’s occupation plays a major role not only in the development of arthritis but in the quality of one’s health in general. Those who stand for long hours daily are prone to pain on the knees. Those whose occupation requires lifting heavy objects are prone to waist pain.

    Arthritis is a disorder of the joints. The term “arthritis” comes from two Greek words, “Arthon” which means joint and “Itis”, which means inflammation. Arthritis, then, means inflammation of the joints. There are over one hundred types of joint disorders, though they are all related. They are characterized by pain, swelling and stiffness and, at times, deformity.

    Rheumatism is another word often used for arthritis. But its meaning is rather vague and means different things to different people. In Nigeria the term is used for various aches and pains in muscles and joints as well as for pains in general.

    What is a joint?

    A joint is where two bones meet. There are two categories of joints, namely: immobile and mobile joints.

    Immobile joints: These refer to the inflexible and semi-flexible joints of the body. These joints do not move much as they have no cavity, for example, the head and spinal cord. These joints are technically called diarthrosis.

    Mobile joints: These are the flexible joints of the body.  For example, the shoulder, knee, waist, toe, finger, etc. They all have a cavity. These joints are called diarthrosis.

    There are two main types of arthritis, namely osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

    •Osteoarthritis: This is the most common type of arthritis. It is degeneration or wearing out of a joint due to old age, over-exertion or injury.  Osteoarthritis affects the mobile joints of the body.

    Causes of osteoarthritis

    Let us differentiate two kinds of osteoarthritis: primary and secondary. Primary osteoarthritis occurs when joint degeneration sets in on its own without any abnormal or apparent cause. Secondary osteoarthritis is that which has a known cause. The causes can be any or all of the following:

    • Heredity: Osteoarthritis can be hereditary when parents pass on to their children genes, which dispose them to a certain degeneration of the joint.

    • Excessive Stress: If a joint is dislocated or injured and yet is still being exerted, arthritis may occur.

    • Previous Damage:  Untreated dislocation or half-treated fracture will eventually lead to arthritis. Athletes who engage in physical exertions are often tempted to manage a dislocation or fracture. The eventual result is arthritis.

    • Over-weight: Accumulation of excess calories add more weight to the body. Extra body weight puts too much stress on the hips and knees. The result is arthritis.

    • Occupation: One’s occupation plays a major role not only in the development of arthritis but in the quality of one’s health in general. Those who stand for long hours daily are prone to pain on the knees. Those whose occupation requires lifting heavy objects are prone to waist pain, technically called lumbago.

    • Rheumatoid arthritis

    The second type of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis.  It is an inflammation of the same joints on the two sides of the body. For example, the same pain experienced on, say, the right knee, or shoulder is also experienced on the left. The symptoms tend to come and go.

    Rheumatoid arthritis is very common these days of processed and artificial food and drinks. It affects both the young and old, even infants. It is more common between the ages of 25 and 55.

    Causes of rheumatoid arthritis

    There is no uniform agreement about the causes of rheumatoid arthritis. Below are some of the possible causes, over and above the ones already mentioned.

    •Viruses: Some scientists have proposed that rheumatoid arthritis can be caused by some kind of infection by viruses, leading to an inflammation of the joints. These viruses are peculiar and live in the body for a long time undetected before their influence is felt.

    •Immunodeficiency syndrome: This refers to a condition whereby the anti-bodies that are meant to fight against foreign agents in the body begin to attack the tissues of the joint as well, causing inflammation and pain.

    Symptoms: Rheumatoid arthritis usually begins with pain and stiffness in one or two joints, mostly the hands and feet. Initially the pain comes and goes. It is often worse on waking up in the morning, but wears off during the day. Gradually the pain becomes intense with constant swelling and inflammation in the joints. Moving or touching the joints becomes painful.

    The arthritis may soon spread to other parts of the body such as the elbows, knees, hips, waist, ankles, shoulders and neck. The person affected feels generally weak, tired, feverish and pale. The eyes become dry due to a reduction of tears. The mouth also becomes dry due to a reduction of salivary fluid, leading to a lack of appetite, followed by weight loss.

    Managing arthritis

    In treating arthritis, the aims are: to strengthen the bones, repair damaged joint tissues, strengthen the weak joint tissues, and immune system against bacteria and viruses, and eradicate the symptoms.

    To achieve these aims, diet is very important. Processed or refined food and drinks such as sugar, biscuits and ice-cream must be avoided. Stop taking coffee. Smoking and alcohol of all kinds must be avoided.

    Take plenty of water, especially on rising daily. Try to take nothing except water and fruits for breakfast.

    Formula I

    Mix one bottle of lime juice, one bottle of grape juice and one bottle of honeytogether.

    Dosage: One shot twice daily for two weeks.

    Side Effect: Intestinal pain for ulcer patients. Preparation should not be taken by ulcer patients.

    Formula II

    Boil eight handfuls eucalyptus leaves, eight handfuls green pawpaw leaves, eight handfuls umbrella or fruits leaves, eight handfuls bitter leaf and 10 bottles of water.

    Dosage: One glassful thrice daily for one month.

    Materials: Six handfuls Pineapple peel, six handfuls Lemon peel, six handfuls Peel of unripe pawpaw and 10 bottles of water.

    Dosage: One glass thrice daily.

  • Arthritis: Causes and treatment

    Arthritis: Causes and treatment

    Arthritis is a joint disorder featuring inflammation. A joint is an area of the body where two different bones meet. A joint functions to move the body parts connected by its bones. Arthritis literally means inflammation of one or more joints. Arthritis is frequently accompanied by joint pain. Joint pain is referred to as arthralgia.

    There are many types of arthritis (over 100 identified, and the number is growing). The types range from those related to wear and tear of cartilage, to those associated with inflammation resulting from an overactive immune system (such as rheumatoid arthritis).

    The causes of arthritis depend on the form of arthritis. Causes include injury (leading to osteoarthritis), metabolic abnormalities (such as gout), hereditary factors, the direct and indirect effect of infections (bacterial and viral), and a misdirected immune system with autoimmunity.

    Arthritis is classified as one of the rheumatic diseases. These are conditions that are different individual illnesses, with differing features, treatments, complications, and prognoses. They are similar in that they have a tendency to affect the joints, muscles, ligaments, cartilage, and tendons, and many have the potential to affect other internal body areas.

    Symptoms

    Symptoms of arthritis include pain and limited function of joints. Inflammation of the joints from arthritis is characterized by joint stiffness, swelling, redness, and warmth. Tenderness of the inflamed joint can be present.

    Many of the forms of arthritis, because they are rheumatic diseases, can cause symptoms affecting various organs of the body that do not directly involve the joints. Therefore, symptoms in some patients with certain forms of arthritis can also include fever, gland swelling, (swollen lymph nodes), weight loss, fatigue, feeling unwell, and even symptoms from abnormalities of organs such as the lungs, heart or kidneys.

    Those at risk

    Arthritis sufferers include men and women, children and adults. Approximately 350 million people worldwide have arthritis. More than 27 million Americans have osteoarthritis. Approximately 1.3 million Americans suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. More than half of those with arthritis are under 65 years of age and nearly 60% of those with arthritis are women.

    Diagnosis

    The first step in the diagnosis of arthritis is a meeting between the doctor and the patient. The doctor will review the history of symptoms, examine the joints for inflammation and deformity, as well as ask questions about or examine other parts of the body for inflammation or signs of diseases that can affect other body areas. Furthermore, certain blood, urine, joint fluid, and/or X-ray tests might be ordered. The diagnosis will be based on the pattern of symptoms, the distribution of the inflamed joints, and any blood and X-ray findings. Several visits may be necessary before the doctor can be certain of the diagnosis. A doctor with special training in arthritis and related diseases is called a rheumatologist.

    Many forms of arthritis are more of an annoyance than serious. However, millions of people suffer daily with pain and disability from arthritis or its complications.

    Treatment

    The treatment of arthritis is very dependent on the precise type of arthritis present. An accurate diagnosis increases the chances for successful treatment. Treatments available include physical therapy, splinting, cold-pack application, paraffin wax dips, anti-inflammatory medications, pain medications, immune-altering medications and surgical operations.

    Arthritis and diet

    For most forms of arthritis, diet play little or no role in precipitating or exacerbating the condition. However, in general, oils of fish have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Some arthritis suffers benefit from omega-3 fatty acid supplements.

    Gout is a particular type of arthritis that is clearly diet-related. Foods that are high in purines, especially red meats and shellfish, can worsen the condition. Moreover, certain foods elevate the levels of uric acid, including alcohol (especially beer) and those foods containing high amounts of fructose (such as the corn syrup found in soft drinks). For people with celiac disease, gluten-containing foods (wheat, barley, rye) can worsen joint pains.