Herbal medicine has proven itself in most occasions to be helpful in curing or alleviating many health conditions. And although it does not always fit well into other schools of medical and scientific thought, some herbs have been medically documented, however the efficacy of most herbs is based on anecdotal evidence or the from folk tales.

While research on the active substances in herbs cannot fully be equated with the effectiveness of a whole herb or whole herb extract, all plants yield compounds that have different medicinal actions. The fact is that the therapeutic effect of any herb depends upon the amount of the action or effect of all the constituents present, some of which we may know nothing about.

Types Of Arthritic Pain

Arthritis is a painful condition that affects middles-aged individuals and the elderly, although in some cases it also affects teenagers and young adults. It’s the inflammation of the joints and cartilage that affects any part of the body, including the fingers, knees, feet, and back. There are three types of arthritis, and these are:

- Rheumatoid arthritis. it is a type that is more associated autoimmune disorder that occurs due to attack of our immune system on the joints.

- Osteoarthritis. it is another form that occurs due to age related changes. In this condition there is formation of osteophytes in the joints.

- Gout. This refers to the formation of uric acid crystals in the joint. Due to any kind of deformity there is decreased in the serum uric acid metabolism thereby leads to the accumulation of uric acid in the joints. It is commonly called as the disease of the wealthy, as it is more commonly seen in people who are well-off.

Conventional Treatments For This Condition

Though conventional medicine often views arthritis as an incurable condition, many individuals have had their symptoms relieved, and possibly even reversed through dietary changes, taking of nutritional supplements, gentle exercise like yoga and tai chi, and stress management methods like deep breathing exercises. Saunas and hot baths have also been noted to stimulate circulation and provide relief from pain and stiffness.

Herbal Remedies For Arthritis

- Evening primrose oil.

This herb, when taken in capsule form, three to six capsules daily, serves as a goods source of essential fatty acids, which help in lessening the inflammation.

- Devil’s claw or Wild yam

For arthritis sufferers, taking 1 teaspoon of tincture or three capsules three times a day, helps to reduce pain and swelling

- White willow bark or Meadowsweet

Drink 1/2 teaspoon of tincture, two capsules, or 1 cup of tea as needed to relieve pain and inflammation. This herb contains salicylin, which is the same active ingredient found in aspirin

- Capsaicin (from cayenne)

When applied topically to the affected area as a cream, it helps stimulate circulation and ease pain.

- Feverfew

Take 2 capsules of the freeze-dried herb three times a day. This helps to inhibit inflammation, especially in rheumatoid arthritis.

According to health industry observers, the majority of herbs sold today are safe,however many of them are also capable of causing adverse side effects. Consumers should remember that the most potent poisons are derived from, or are present in, plants.

Moreover, these herbal treatments are capable of interacting with over the counter medications; as some mixtures cannot and should not be taken by particular individuals; and some natural remedies can be used only in certain amounts or combinations. To make sure you get the best benefit, as well as the highest level of safety and care, consult with a trained herbalist.

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Gout medication may help reduce the pain that you are feeling, but it is important that you understand gout medicine before you start popping the pills. This article is going to focus on the three main reasons gout medications are used.

The first reason that gout medication is used is to relieve the pain that comes from the inflamed joint. Doctors usually suggest that a person take over the counter medications such as Tylenol. The only type of pain relief medication you should avoid is aspirin.

The second reason doctors suggest using medication for gout is to reduce joint inflammation. The joints that are affected by the uric acid crystals become very inflamed and swollen. Usually a patient will start by taking an over the counter pill with anti-inflammatory ingredients such as Advil and ibueprofen. If the other the counter medication is not enough, a doctor may instead prescribe a stronger medication.

The third reason a person may begin taking medication for gout, is to reduce the levels of uric acid in the body. These medications are prescription only, and they may not be the right choice for everyone.

There are a few prescription medications that work in other ways to lower the uric acid levels in the body, or other processes to help relieve gout symptoms. Some of these medications include: Allopurinol, Sulfinpyrazone, Febuxostat, and Probenecid. If you are considering using gout medication to treat you symptoms, you should always talk to your doctor first to see what is right for your individual situation.

One of the most effective ways of reducing the symptoms of a gout attack is through medication. Medications are necessary not just to relieve the pain of acute attacks but also to prevent attacks from recurring. Some gout medications can also target high levels of uric acid in the blood, a condition referred to as hyperuricemia.

To successfully treat gout, it is better to consult a doctor than try to alleviate symptoms through self-medication. Tests will be performed to determine the level of uric acid in the body which might include a urine test or taking a sample of fluid from the affected joint. Once the presence of gout is determined, only then will the course of therapy or medications should be discussed.

Some of the most common medications used to treat gout are:

NSAIDs and corticosteroids

Probably the most common medications used to treat gout are NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are taken orally. As their name implies, NSAIDs function to reduce the swelling in the affected joints and reduce pain.

NSAIDs also block the production of a substance called prostaglandin, which is responsible for causing inflammation and the feeling of pain. Initially, NSAIDs are taken in high doses for as long as symptoms last and medication may continue for about three more days after symptoms have subsided.

It is worth noting, however that while NSAIDs are effective in reducing the inflammation in the joints caused by uric acid crystals, they do not decrease the amount of uric acid found in the body. An NSAID will not, by itself, eliminate uric acid.

Corticosteroids may be prescribed if a patient does not respond to an NSAID or if it is not well tolerated. Corticosteroids are also anti-inflammatory medications and can produce immediate relief if injected directly into the joint. The only drawback is that it cannot be used on a regular basis (i.e., for every attack) because it can cause the weakening of cartilage and promote the deterioration of the joints.

In some cases where symptoms cannot be alleviated or controlled by NSAIDs or corticosteroids, a drug called colchicines may be prescribed during the first 12 hours of a gout attack and is usually taken every hour. It does have side effects, though, such as diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramps and vomiting.

Gout medications such as probenecid and allopurinol may be prescribed to regulate the levels of uric acid in the blood and are often prescribed to older patients. These medications prevent the development of tophi which are chalk-colored lumps found under the skin, usually around joints.

Another medication that has a long history with gout is colchicine. It has been around since the 1800s and can significantly reduce swelling and relieve pain as well as stop future attacks. It has enjoyed a certain staying power because of its effectiveness. However, its use can cause certain side effects such as vomiting, nausea and diarrhea even when used during a short period.

Other than probenecids, colchicines and allopurinol, sulfinpyrazone may also be prescribed for the treatment of tophi and the prevention of further attacks.

Watching the side effects

Gout medications do have their side effects and can range from mild nausea or dizziness to abdominal cramps and headaches. If you do suffer from these, there is no need to grin and bear it just to get relief later. You can talk to your doctor about it and ask for alternatives. By no means should you stop taking your medications without talking to your doctor first.

Supplements and quack medications

Gout sufferers are often advised to take dietary supplements such as Vitamins E, B-complex and folic acid to replenish the body’s supply. There are also some very attractive and tempting ads making the rounds in the internet and the papers, promising a ‘total cure’ or a ‘miraculous treatment’ for gout.

Before giving in to these ads, it is better to consult with your doctor first. Some of these medications and supplements may not contain harmful ingredients, but they may mix with your current medication and affect your body adversely.

Further research

No cure has yet been discovered for gout, but scientists continue to conduct research on the subject, specifically on the effectiveness of other medications with newer compounds that are safe to use. Studies on the structure of the enzymes involved in breaking down purines inside the body are also being done, to promote further understanding of how these enzymes affect or promote the occurrence of gout.

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