Natural remedies can treat arthritic hands

By Dr. Peter Gott 

Dear Dr. Gott: My 67-year-old husband has recently become affected by arthritis pain in his hands. They swell and his knuckles seem to "stick." What are some ways of dealing with this problem? He is currently taking aspirin for the pain, but we'd like to know if a supplement or anything else would be helpful.

Dear Reader: There are more than 100 types of arthritis, the most common of which is osteoarthritis. This form typically occurs as we age and is the result of joint cartilage breakdown.

While typically seen in seniors, anyone can develop osteoarthritis; it generally affects weight-bearing joints such as the hips, knees and spine, but may be present in just about any joint in the body.

To determine if this is the cause of your husband's hand pain, I suggest he make an appointment with his physician for an examination, blood work and X-rays.

Other types of arthritis can cause similar symptoms but may require different treatment. I will answer your question as though he has osteoarthritis since it is the most likely cause.

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin can relieve pain and swelling, but do not use more than the recommended dose because they may upset the stomach.

Glucosamine chondroitin may prevent further damage and rebuild lost cartilage.

Topical castor oil, or castor oil-based lotions with capsaicin or menthol (such as Castiva), applied to the affected areas twice a day can reduce pain.

A purple grape juice and liquid pectin combination has been found to reduce pain and swelling while increasing mobility. Simply mix 8 ounces of the juice with 1 to 2 tablespoons of the liquid pectin; drink up to three times a day. When pain levels have been lowered, reduce the pectin to 1 to 2 teaspoons and drink the mixture once or twice a day as a maintenance dose.

Other readers have had success using 4 ounces of grape juice and 8 ounces of apple juice, and a few brave souls have even taken the pectin without any juice at all. Apple pectin capsules have also been found beneficial by some, but they may be difficult to find.

Beyond that, prescription anti-inflammatory and pain medications may be recommended. Exercise and physical therapy will keep the joints moving. Heat or ice applied to the affected areas several times a day may also relieve pain.

There are many options, so I urge your husband to see a physician to get to the bottom of the situation. Together, they can then come up with a treatment plan that will successfully ease pain, improve hand mobility and prevent further damage.

Write to Dr. Gott, c/o NEA-United Media, 200 Madison Ave., Fourth Floor, New York, NY 10016.

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