ARTHRITIS

Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease. The design specifications for human joints are very complex. A thick layer of cartilage resting on bone forms joint surfaces. This cartilaginous material is called the articular surface. The joint capsule is lined with a very thin structure called the synovial membrane, which form the synovial fluid. This synovial fluid is the nutrient-bearing fluid. Closely related to joints are tendons and bursae. The tendon is a tough structure that attaches muscle to bone. Bursa is a small structure that allows skin and subcutaneous tissue to move freely over joints.

What goes wrong in arthritis?
In the early stages of arthritis the joint loses water, and the cartilage thickens and ultimately softens due to the loss of fluid. As the disease progress, small clefts develop in the cartilage that deepens till they extend fully to the bone. Proliferation of bone and cartilage leading to bone spurs (osteophytes) that gradually develop and cause joint deformity. Accompanying these changes, there is some inflammation in the synovial membrane leading to varying degrees of loss of normal range of motion. 
Since the joints are no longer able to move properly the muscles that move the joint shrink and become weaker, leading to even greater instability of the joint. Progressive joint deterioration causes painful symptoms.

What causes arthritis?
 

Commonly Used Medications:
Most medications are prescribed on a temporary basis, although some medications must be taken every day for years or even a lifetime. Conventional medications always cause side effects if used for long period.
 

Alternative Medication: Balm For Joint Mobility
Being human, we know that when people hurt from the pain of a chronic illness, they will do virtually anything to feel better, patients and professionals should keep an open mind when it comes to medications, or any non-conventional therapy, because anything that might help a patient should at least be considered.

Fortunately, there is a new product that will help arthritis sufferers get fast, long-term relief from pain, stiffness, and immobility caused by inflammation, without any negative effects one receives from the commonly prescribed drugs. It is in the form of cream that can be applied locally to the affected joint, permeate the outer layer of the skin to find the way to the synovial fluid, to abolish the inflammation and the consequent pain. This ointment is 100% natural product, non-irritant to the skin, very rich in the valuable biologically active ingredients that have both anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. 

The best of the results could be obtained by combining the cream application with the nutritional supplementation that supply the body with daily nutritional requirement essential for keeping strong immune system and in the same time help tissue repair and joint lubrication. The formula of the anti-arthritic cream is mixed with a moisturizer base that release the active ingredients at a constant rate for long period leading to continuous comfort feeling.

Active Ingredients of Balm For Joint Mobility

Cetyl Myristoleate:
Cetyl Myristoleate (CM) is an exciting new-patented product (US patent # 5,569,676) that offers relief to arthritis sufferers.

Harry W. Deihl discovered CM in 1964 however his experiments on CM were published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences in March 1994. He found that CM gave virtually complete protection against adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats.

INDICATIONS
Inflammatory conditions including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid 
CM is an ester of the fatty acid Myristoleic acid. It has the formula CH3 (CH2) 15 OCO (CH2) 7 CH=CH (CH2) 3 CH3 with the chemical name is Cis-9-Myristoleate. It occurs in significant amounts in nature in the oil glands of male beavers.
 

Cetyl myristate is added to the cream base for its moisturizing effect only but it has negligible anti-arthritic activity in treating arthritis, gout and other types of arthritis

TOXICITY, CAUTIONS & CONTRAINDICATIONS:
No toxicity or contraindications have been noted.

Glucosamine Sulfate:

DESCRIPTION
Is a naturally occurring substance found in large concentrations in animal joints. It appears to help increase cartilage components by assisting the chondrocytes, the cartilage-making machinery of the joints, to help in the repair process.

BIOCHEMISTRY
It is produced in the body by the combination of glucose with glutamine to form glucosamine through the enzymatic action of the enzyme glucosamine synthetase; the molecule is then sulfated by the action of cellular enzymes to form glucosamine sulfate (GS).
 

Boswellia:

COMMON NAME
Boswellia, frankincense; in Ayurveda:salai guggal.

LATIN NAME
Boswellia serrata

DESCRIPTION
Boswellia is a standardized powder extract of the gum of the Boswellia tree, containing a mixture of boswellic acids. Boswellia tree is a balsamic tree that secretes aromatic oleoresins, which are collected, when they dry, into a gum, after exuding from cuts in the bark.

BIOCHEMISTRY
Four pentacyclic triterpene acids, including beta-boswellic acid, have been identified as causing the anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic actions of extracts of Boswellia serrata. 
Boswellic acids appear to inhibit the 5-lipoxygenase pathway by which Arachadonic acid is converted to leukotrienes.
 

INDICATIONS
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, soft tissue rheumatism, low back pain.

TOXICITY, CAUTIONS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Safe for human and animal use.

Devil's Claw:

COMMON NAME:
Devil's Claw
LATIN NAME:
Harpogophytum procumbens.

ACTIVE SUBSTANCES:
Iridoid glycosides (harpogoside, harpagide, and procumbine), sugars, gum resin, Beta-sitosterol.

Devil's Claw derives its name from its large hooked, claw-like fruit. The tuber is used medicinally and has become a primary treatment for arthritis and rheumatism.
 

Squalene:

DESCRIPTION
Solvent-free, cold-pressed Evening Primrose Oil extracted from the seeds of the Evening Primrose plant.

BIOCHEMISTRY
Evening Primrose Oil is the best known source of the essential fatty acid, Gamma Linolenic Acids (GLA). GLA is normally synthesized in the liver from dietary linoleic acid(LA). This reaction however is frequently deficient in many people because of interference by sugar, saturated fats, and Trans-fatty acids (margarine). In addition the conversion requires Vitamins B-3, B-6, and C as well as the minerals magnesium, zinc, and copper. GLA is part of the Omega 6 series of essential fatty acids and is the critical precursor of the series 1 prostaglandin. PGE 1 series prostaglandin's along with the PGE 3 series protect the body against the deleterious effects of PGE 2 series prostaglandin's such as high blood pressure, sticky platelets, inflammation, water retention and lowered immune function. The series 2 prostaglandin are made from arachidonic acid, which is derived from consumption of excess animal products. As it is rich in GLA, which is known for its beneficial effects for a wide variety of disorders, including atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus eczema, multiple sclerosis, and premenstrual syndrome 
Dosage 100-200 mg/day GLA pr 500-1500mg /d of evening primrose oil. Excess consumption can result in oily skin, an indication to decrease dosage.

Beta Glucans Barley:
It is alcohol extract of soluble barley fibers. It is a polysaccharide or soluble fiber component found in a variey of cereals, it occurs in higest amounts in the endoplasm of barley and oats. Barley soluble fiber is also rich in tocotrienes, which are anti-oxidants, related to vitamin E. It reduces serum cholesterol and stimulates the immune system.

Bilberry:
Bilberry is a perennial shrub native to northern Europe, northern America, and Canada. It is rich in constituents useful for visual acuity and night blindness.

It contains 15 different anthocyanins, which help to maintain the integrity of capillaries and to stabilize collagen. It is potent antioxidants.

Grapeseed:
It contains the highest concentration of proanthocyanidin that had been discovered by Dr. Jack Masquelier and he found that the proanthocyanidins extracted from both pine and grape seed raw material is non-toxic, 100%bioavailable, and the most powerful antioxidant known. It is 50 times more potent than vitamin E and 20 times more potent than vitamin C in free radical scavenging. Like wise, is a master cardiovascular protector and collagen cross-linking regulator because of its unique affinity with both elastin and collagen. Is primarily found in plant parts that are usually removed before eating. Also, is often destroyed during cooking. Therefore supplementation is usually necessary to obtain the optimal body need.

Proanthocyanidins are almost completely non-toxic both in acute dosage and high long-term dosage. They have no potential for causing mutations or birth defects, and have no adverse effect on fertility, pregnancy or nursing.

TOPICALLY APPLIED BALM FOR JOINT MOBILITY CREAM IS RECOMMENDED FOR THE FOLLOWING COMMON INFLAMMATORY JOINT DISORDERS: 

Osteoarthritis:
It is the most common form of arthritis. It is frequently called degenerative joint disease or "wear and tear" arthritis. Although it can be brought on suddenly by an injury, its onset is generally gradual; aging brings on a breakdown in cartilage, and pain gets progressively more severe, although it can be relieved with rest. Dull, throbbing nighttime pain is characteristic of on top inflammation, and it may be accompanied by muscle weakness or deterioration. Gait patterns may grow erratic. Progressive loss of articular cartilage begins with fraying or fibrillation of the articular surface and progresses to exposure of subchondral bone. Attempted repair of the cartilage, remodeling of subchondral bone, and, formation of osteophytes, accompany the degeneration of the articular cartilage Once degeneration of the joint begins, it usually progresses inexorably, causing increasing pain and loss of mobility despite attempted repair of the articular surface. The limited capacity of articular cartilage for repair or regeneration has led, in the past, to the widely accepted view that an osteoarthritic joint cannot be restored to normal structure and function. Even the most effective current conventional treatments for Osteoarthritis do not restore the joints structure. 
Osteoarthritis, commonly involves the distal and proximal interphalyngeal finger joints, the base of the thumbs, forming bony swelling, the cervical spine (cervical spondylitis), the lumbar spine (lumbar spondylitis), and the large joints including Hips and Knees. X-rays may show joint space narrowing and bony spurs - osteophytes. There may be Subchondral cyst formation and sclerosis of the opposing bone surfaces.

Osteoarthritis of the interphalyngeal joints, knee and hip joints (the x-ray shows joint space narrowing and bony spurs)

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA):
In this disease process, the immune system of the patient could no longer be able to recognize his own tissue and forms autoantibodies against the tissue antigens. An interaction between the autoantibodies and joint components antigens occurs, and causes alterations in the composition of the synovial fluid. Under the strain of daily activities and other forces, those alterations in bone and joint structure result in the deformities frequently seen in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. 
Early in the course of the disease several changes in joint structures occur. Joint effusion and inflammation of the joint synovial membrane occur producing a soft tissue swelling that is easily detected during evaluation of the patient. Additionally, changes (osteoporosis) in the ends of the bones forming the joint may be present early in the disease process. The cartilage and bone becomes eroded and the joints become very deformed. It can attack any synovial joint in the body. With the exception of the distal interphalyngeal joints, it has the greatest affinity for the small joints of the hand, wrist, and foot. In many cases the joint involvement in the limbs becomes relatively symmetrical. 

Constitutional signs and symptoms often accompany joint pain, like lengthy morning stiffness, fatigue, and weight loss and it may affect various systems of the body, such as the eyes, lungs, heart, and nervous system. 
Women are three or four times more likely than men to suffer RA, indicating a linkage to heredity. RA has a much more acute onset than osteoarthritis. It is characterized by alternating periods of remission, and exacerbation. The latter stage is marked by the return of inflammation, stiffness, and pain. Serious joint deformity, and loss of motion, frequently results from acute rheumatoid arthritis.



Advanced rheumatoid arthritis of the hand

Gout (gouty arthritis):
It is a syndrome caused by an inflammatory response to the deposition of monosodium urate monohydrate crystals in the joints. This condition develops secondary to hyperuricemia (high blood level of uric acid). A single big toe joint is commonly the locus, heels, ankles and knees could be also affected possibly because these joints are subjected to so much pressure in walking; attacks of gouty arthritis are extremely painful, perhaps more so than any other form of arthritis. Men are much more likely to be afflicted than women, an indication that heredity may play a role in the disease. Acute gout is characterized rapid onset of pain, swelling and associated redness of the affected joint. The pain may be excruciating. A Chronic form associated with accumulation of crystals with secondary bone and joint destruction could complicate long-standing disease. Gout is commonly associated with obesity, heavy alcohol intake, hypertension, renal impairment and diuretic use. While a rich diet that contains lots of red meat, rich sauces, and brandy is popularly associated with gout, there are other protein compounds in such foods as lentils and beans, might play a role too.



Gouty arthritis of the big toe

Ankylosing spondylitis:
It primarily affects the spine and the sacroiliac joints. The joints and ligaments that normally permit the spine to move become inflamed and stiff. The bones of the spine may grow together, causing the spine to become rigid and inflexible. Heredity seems to play a role since approximately one in five people affected by ankylosing spondylitis have a relative with the same disorder. Almost all people with ankylosing spondylitis can expect to lead normal and productive lives. The mean age of onset is at age 27, with inflammatory back symptoms as back pain, stiffness and progressive spinal restriction. The Stiffness occurs early in the day on waking and eases off through the morning and with exercise. The duration of the stiffness is proportional to the activity of inflammation. Complaints of fever, fatigue and weight loss are common. Despite the chronic nature of the illness, only a few people with ankylosing spondylitis will become severely disabled.


Ankylosing spondylitis with involvement of the vertebrae, hip joint (sacroiliac joint) and the eye(uveitis)

X-ray shows characteristic changes in the form of bony bridges between the vertebrae and calcification of the anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments. As the disease progress there is loss of the usual spinal curvature and the patients develop restricted range of spinal movement. Hip disease is the most serious joint involved, and suggests a more severe disease. 

Eye involvement is potentially serious with uveitis. This presents as a painful red eye. Vision may be disturbed. The involvement occurs especially with peripheral disease, but does not reflect severity of disease. Treatment usually requires steroid eye drops, and is usually self limiting.

Topical application of Balm For Joint Mobility and Glucosamine gel 3-5 times daily each, in alternative order, to the affected joint during the inflammatory phase of the disease, stops the inflammation, relieves the pain, stops the complications, that usually happens as a result of the inflammatory process and restore the articular cartilage normal structure. The best of the results is obtained when combined the nutritional capsules for joint mobility two capsules 2-3 times daily.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Does the protocol work for all types of arthritis whatever is the cause?
The program, which includes the topical anti-arthritic cream and the nutritional supplementation, has been found effective in treatment of rheumatoid, Osteoarthritis, Gout, Ankylosing spondylitis, Reiter's syndrome, Sjorgren's syndrome and psoriasis. It has also been found to relieve various types of back pain of undetermined origin.

Is it harmful in any way?
No harmful short or long-term effects were ever observed in humans or in laboratory animals. It is a perfectly safe, naturally derived substance.

How does the protocol work?
The anti -arthritic cream is a powerful anti-inflammatory; stop the complication of arthritis by reducing the inflammatory tissue response, which lead to abnormal tissue proliferation of the bones, cartilage and synovial membranes. It has also fast analgesic effect in acute pain. The nutritional supplementation normalizes the hyper-immune responses with its favorable results in autoimmune conditions. The Glucosamine sulfate helps the formation of more surfactant that lubricates the articular surface of the joints.

Does the protocol improve joint mobility?
Absolutely! The joint mobility usually improves as a result of the diminished arthritic pain. However, if the bones have fused, only surgery may restore joint function.

Does the recommended protocol stop arthritis pain?
The arthritic pain will gradually improve and finally the patient will need just small maintenance dose of the nutritional supplementation together with one time application of the topical cream to keep the lubrication of the joints.

How long is it before benefits are noticed?
Most people begin to feel relief within ten-fourteen days. Others may take a bit longer and few may even need six-eight weeks.

Can it correct deformities?
Reduction of the swelling improves dramatically and often allows the bones to return to their normal position. Extreme cases may require some physical therapy.

Does it work for everyone?
Yes, unless there is sever bon diffusion

Can I continue with my usual medications?
Yes, but after a few days, you may find that you won't need them, it's best to avoid steroids if possible after gradual reduction of the recommended.

Is age a factor?
All ages respond well, but the dose should be according to the age.