Alternatives to Vioxx

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Good Morning!

 

Alternatives to Vioxx

 

Today, Vioxx is being pulled from the shelfs of pharmacies world

wide, due to a newest study that has shown an increased risk if heart

attack and stroke. There is an increased risk especially for those

taking Vioxx for more than 18 months. For those who are not aware of

Vioxx, this is a pharmacutical drug for arthritis and joint pain.

 

View full story here:

 

http://www.reuters.co.uk/newsArticle.jhtml?

type=healthNews & storyID=6378459 & section=news

 

Below are some suggestion I give to patients:

 

Alfalfa contains minerals for bone formation. Joint inflammation and

pain are greatly reduced with White Willow. White Willow bark has

anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. Extracts providing 60–

120 mg salicin per day are approved for people with rheumatoid

arthritis. Although the analgesic actions of willow are typically

slow-acting, they last longer than aspirin.

 

A cream containing small amounts of Capsaicin, a compound found in

Cayenne Pepper,can help relieve pain when rubbed onto arthritic

joints, according to the results of a double blind study. It does

this by depleting the nerves of a pain-mediating neurotransmitter

known as substance P. Although application of capsaicin cream may

initially cause a burning feeling, the burning will lessen with each

application and soon disappear for most people. A cream containing

0.025–0.075% of capsaicin can be applied to the affected joints three

to five times a day.

 

Dandelion, Devil's Claw and Wintergreen have also been helpful with

Rheumatoid Arthritis.

 

Ginger has been used in Ayurvedic medicine as an anti-inflammatory.

Taking 6–50 grams of fresh or powdered ginger per day indicated that

ginger might be helpful.

Glucosamine and chondroitin can help repair damaged joint cartilage

and prevent joint erosion. The combination seems to be showing the

most promise as an arthritis cure.

 

Glucosamine sulfate (GS), a nutrient derived from sea shells,

contains a building block needed for the repair of joint cartilage.

GS has significantly reduced symptoms of osteoarthritis. All

published clinical investigations on the effects of GS in people with

osteoarthritis report statistically significant improvement. Most

research trials use 500 mg GS taken three times per day. Benefits

from GS generally become evident after three to eight weeks of

treatment. Avoid if you have any allergic reactions to shell fish.

 

Glucosamine stimulates the production of the specific elements of

cartilage and protects them. It helps your body repair worn

cartilage, reduce pain and improve function. Chondroitin attracts

fluids into proteoglycans, the molecules dispersed through out the

cartilage that give the tissue its shock-absorber quality, and

protects the cartilage against breakdown. These are substances the

body already produces for itself in small amounts.

 

Glucosamine sulfate, a dietary supplement reduces the signs and

symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee, according to research

presented at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific

Meeting Nov. 13-17 in Boston, Mass.

 

" For the first time, we have shown that a compound may be able at

least to slow down the progression of osteoarthritis, " said lead

investigator Jean-Yves Reginster, MD PhD, of the University of Liege

in Belgium. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is the

deterioration of cartilage that cushions bones in the joints. This

affects 12 percent of the population, many of whom eventually undergo

total joint replacement or become disabled. The three-year study

compared disease symptoms and average joint space widths, as measured

by radiographs, between patients taking a 1500 mg daily dose of

glucosamine sulfate and those taking a placebo. Joint space narrowed

in patients on placebo but showed no further narrowing in patients on

glucosamine sulfate. Symptoms worsened for patients on placebo and

improved for those on glucosamine sulfate.

 

The Arthritis Foundation says there is sufficient information to

support the pain relief claims made for SAM-e. Glucosamine is found

in almost all tissue; it has a role in the repair and maintenance of

joint cartilage. Chondroitin sulfate is a major component of

cartilage and is thought to inhibit the enzymes that contribute to

the breakdown of cartilage. SAM-e is derived from methionine, an

essential amino acid; it may promote cartilage formation and repair.

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are usually sold together. In

clinical studies, the supplements had to be taken for several weeks

before providing any pain relief. Don't forget the truly natural and

proven methods for battling osteoarthritis, lose excess weight and

exercise.

 

S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe) possesses anti-inflammatory, pain-

relieving, and tissue-healing properties that may help protect the

health of joints. The primary way in which SAMe reduces

osteoarthritis symptoms remains unclear. SAMe increases the formation

of healthy tissue and reduces pain and stiffness and equal to over

the counter drugs such as Ibuprofen and Naproxen. 400 mg taken three

times per day appears to be the optimal intake of SAMe.

 

Bromelain is a plant-enzyme. Bromelain is not actually a single

substance, but a group of protein-digesting enzymes found in

pineapple juice and in the stem of pineapple plants. It is primarily

produced in Japan, Hawaii, and Taiwan.

Local swelling is the releasing of histimines in a localized area

causes the vasodilation and increased permeability of blood vessels.

Bromelain has an anti-inflammatory effect and is a very effective

treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis. It is recommend taking 200 to 400

milligrams three times a day on an empty stomach at least ninety

minutes before or three hours after eating. Discontinue use if you

develop any itching or rash.

 

 

Aromatherapy complements other treatments for arthritis. Essential

oils that benefit arthritis include basil, black pepper, lemon,

eucalyptus, ginger... these oils can ease pain and discomfort, reduce

swelling, and relieve sore muscles.

 

 

Homeopathy works. Consider the following:

 

Kali Carbonicum: is often considered for symptoms of arthritis; pain

in the lower back, shoulder blades or knees; wakefulness between 2

and 4 a.m.; sensitivity to cold weather and feelings of anxiety felt

in the stomach or solar plexus. Someone needing this remedy may have

a conservative nature.

 

 

Aconitum napellus: This remedy may be helpful for pain and

inflammation that comes on suddenly after exposure to cold wind and

weather. The person is likely to feel fearful, panicked, or agitated.

 

Apis mellifica: This remedy can be helpful in acute conditions with

redness, tenderness, and swelling. Joints feel hot and have stinging

pain. The hands and knees are often affected. Warmth can aggravate

the symptoms and cool applications bring relief.

 

Bryonia: This remedy can be useful for tearing or throbbing pain that

is worse from any motion. Rest and pressure may bring relief (if the

pressure adds stability), but movement is intolerable. Cold

applications often reduce discomfort.

 

Calcarea fluorica: This remedy is often indicated for arthritic pains

that are improved by heat and motion. Joints become enlarged and

hard, and nodosities or bone spurs may develop.

 

 

For more help with arthritis, go to:

 

http://www.peacefulmind.com/arthritis_frame.htm

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

Peacefulmind.com

Therapies for healing

mind, body, spirit