Aching with Arthritis?

[Guest guest]

Aching with Arthritis? JoAnn Guest

Jul 11, 2006 14:17 PDT

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What is polyarthritis, and what tests are needed to diagnose it?

 

-- Anonymous

 

 

Answer (Published 02/24/2005)

 

 

Polyarthritis means inflammation of more than one joint and is most

often associated with rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease

(one that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the

body's own tissues).

 

Polyarthritis is also associated with lupus,

polymyalgia rheumatica, and sarcoidosis.

 

All of these autoimmune

disorders can be triggered by infection, tissue injury, or emotional

trauma in people who are genetically predisposed to these conditions.

 

Polyarthritis, as well as its underlying cause, can be diagnosed by

physical exam (the affected joints are swollen, stiff, painful or

tender, and may feel warm and appear reddened) as well as by a

variety of blood tests.

These would include a measure of your

erythocyte sedimentation rate (sed rate). A high sed rate suggests

the presence of acute inflammation and occurs with rheumatoid

arthritis and other immune-mediated connective tissue diseases such

as lupus.

 

Conventional medicine treats autoimmune diseases including

rheumatoid arthritis with steroids and other immunosuppressive

medications, most of which are toxic when used long-term.

Patients

dependent on these strong drugs are less likely to respond to

natural treatments, which can moderate autoimmunity and help control

symptoms.

 

Here are my recommendations:

 

 

Follow a low-protein, high-carbohydrate diet; minimize

consumption of foods of animal origin.

 

Eliminate milk and milk products including commercial foods made

with milk.

 

Avoid polyunsaturated vegetable oils, margarine, vegetable

shortening and products made with partially hydrogenated oils of any

kind.

 

Increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids (eat more cold water

fish, walnuts or freshly ground flaxseeds). Consider taking a fish

oil supplement to help keep your protein intake low.

 

Eliminate or reduce intake of coffee and tobacco - both have been

linked to an increased risk for rheumatoid arthritis.

 

Get regular aerobic exercise (swimming is best for those with

rheumatoid arthritis).

 

Practice relaxation techniques. In addition, visualization can help

moderate autoimmune responses, and psychotherapy can help alter

emotional states that keep the immune system off balance.

 

Try hypnotherapy or guided imagery. Look for a therapist willing to

take on an autoimmune disease. Meditation and yoga can help, too.

 

Avoid health care practitioners who make you feel pessimistic about

your condition.

 

Take the anti-inflammatory herbs ginger and turmeric. I recommend

Zyflamend, made by New Chapter Company, which includes both. You can

safely take these herbs indefinitely.

 

Andrew Weil, M.D.

www.drweil.com

 

JoAnn Guest

mrsjo-

www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Diets