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	Arthritis What is Arthritis? Arthritis is a degenerative condition that affects the joints. The primary site of damage is in the articular cartilage. This is the white, shiny material on the ends of the bone. Normally, this material allows the joint to function smoothly without pain, catching, or grinding. When the articular cartilage becomes damaged, the cartilage breaks down and tiny particles are released into the joint. This can lead to inflammation in the synovium, or lining of the joint. The synovium normally creates a small amount of joint fluid, which is similar in consistency to oil. This fluid helps to lubricate the joint. In addition, it provides nutrients and oxygen to the cartilage cells so they can survive. When the synovium releases too much fluid, the joint will swell and may feel stiff and painful. Once the cartilage is worn, roughened cartilage or bone may be rubbing together in the joint. These surfaces are no longer protected by healthy cartilage and the result can be pain when the joint is used. This pain may be felt in the joint or at a site distant from the joint. This is called referred pain and is seen frequently in the hip and knee. In this case, an arthritic condition in the hip may actually cause pain, which is felt in the knee, or a condition in the knee may cause pain in the thigh or shin. The sensation of pain is unique to the individual and can vary greatly in severity and duration. The pain of arthritis will come and go in cycles that can be affected by activity, mood, and the weather. As for mild aching pains around the joints, heat and rest can be helpful for treating arthritis. Tylenol, aspirin, or another analgesic can help with the pain. There are over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines available to help decrease pain and inflammation. You should discuss taking these with your doctor to make sure that they do not interfere with any other drugs you are taking. There are more than 200 types of arthritis and rheumatic disease, and more than seven million people in the UK have long-term health problems due to arthritis or a related condition. Not only adults are affected - one child in every thousand has arthritis. Arthritis is the second most common cause of time off work in both men and women. Acupuncture for the Relief of Arthritis Pain The number of sessions needed varies. For a complex, long-standing problem such as arthritis, one or two treatments a week for several months is not uncommon. In some cases, medical insurance may cover acupuncture for arthritis pain relief. As with any complimentary therapy, you should consult your doctor if you're considering acupuncture for the relief of arthritis pain. He or she may choose to recommend it as part of your regular medical treatment. Your doctor may also refer you to a qualified practitioner. Can acupuncture help my condition? The best answer will come from an experienced practitioner. The practitioner, based on your medical history, condition, and what other treatments you have been or are receiving, can best help you decide whether acupuncture is suitable by itself or as adjunctive therapy. Here at our office we can generally tell patients that if their treatment, according to a Western diagnosis with options, is not resolving the problem, is quite expensive, or has significant side effects/hassles associated with it, then clearly acupuncture is worth a try.                                                                                                                                                    Back to top