Millions of people around the world are affected by arthritis, a potentially crippling disease. There are, in fact, more than 100 different variations of this painful disease that affects men, women and even children. The battle against arthritis can be long and is certainly painful, but new tools and medical advancements are making the fight a little easier.

The two main types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Both types are quite painful and can be completely debilitating. Fortunately, modern medicine has given the average arthritis patient access to a wider variety of treatment options than ever before.

Drug Treatments

NSAID drugs make up the most common class of pharmaceutical therapies prescribed by doctors today. These drugs are prescribed because of their anti-inflammatory properties. Because they are non-steroidal, many doctors consider them as safer alternatives to comparable drug therapy options. Patients suffering with severe localized pain may also be given cortisone shots.

Alternative Lifestyle Choices

A healthy lifestyle certainly has positive effects on your overall quality of life. That's why doctors will suggest that people with arthritis alter some of their day-to-day lifestyle management choices. Living well with arthritis is so much easier when you enjoy regular physical activity. Strength training and other weight-bearing exercises are widely recommended. Low-impact exercises, such as walking, can also be beneficial. Your ability to keep arthritis under control also has a lot to do with following a smart diet and maintaining a healthy weight.

Gamma-Linolenic Acids

Natural therapies, such as Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA), are now being used by people with arthritis. These natural alternatives are used as complimentary treatments along with more traditional medical options. Gamma-Linolenic Acid is a form of omega-6 fatty acid that can be derived from the seeds of specific plants.

There has been much excitement within the medical world over the health benefits derived from GLAs, and there is new speculation that these 'wonder acids' can have beneficial effects for some arthritis sufferers. Some of the more widely known GLAs are derived from the seeds of the black currant, borage and evening primrose. These plants have long been used as natural remedies to treat a variety of ailments, and now the GLAs derived from these plants are being used to alleviate the inflammation often associated with arthritis.

Here is the latest medical indication of how GLAs can help counteract many of the most painful effects of living with arthritis. In 2000, the Cochrane Collaboration reported the results after examining seven studies of GLA plants, including the popular borage, evening primrose, and black currant. Researchers studied the oils derived from these plants, and how they could be used to treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

The studies, unfortunately, were inconclusive as researchers failed to prove the true efficacy of GLA plants and oils. Even still, some medical researchers continue to believe that there is a link between GLAs and their potential for providing relief from arthritic pain, morning joint stiffness, tenderness and overall discomfort.

Even though most GLAs and their native plants enjoy a respectable, long-standing record as safe and effective herbs, there are nevertheless certain risks with the consumption of these herbs in any form. Many herbalists and health experts warn that many GLAs and their plants should not be taken along with prescription medications. Furthermore, some GLAs can actually worsen an underlying medical condition. Researchers have indicated that there are specific negative effects caused by certain GLA plants.

For instance, studies have shown that some borage seed oil preparations contain ingredients called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) that can cause serious harm to the liver, and exacerbate the symptoms of liver disease. Problems have been linked to the consumption of evening primrose oil when combined with phenothiazine drugs. Moreover, many herbal remedies are actually potent drugs that may cause strong side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, intestinal gas and bloating.

Despite the potential risks, researchers continue to explore new and better treatments for arthritis. Gamma-Linolenic Acid is one such option that is still under close scrutiny in the medical field. As always, knowledge is your best weapon. Do your own research and learn all that you can about the many available treatment options to help you win the fight against arthritis.
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