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RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AND MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM: JOINT SPACE AND FLUID, SYNOVIUM

admin — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 13:51:14 +0000

What is the joint space?
The space between the bones is called a joint space. Fluid made by the cells lining the joint fills the joint space, or the joint can be filled with cartilage. When this fluid becomes inflammatory, the synovial cells assume an amorphous shape. This is called a “pannus.” The pannus can actually eat away at the bone of the joint. It is like a benign tumor in many ways. In the arthritic diseases, the joint space is the site of most inflammation.

What is joint fluid?
Joint fluid is a lubricant for the cells lining the joint and bathes both them and the cartilage cells. This fluid is rich in nutrients and contains some very important lubricants, which stop friction in the joint space. Normal joint fluid is usually very clear and has a slight yellow tinge. The fluid will also “gel” upon standing and is rather thick or viscous.

What is the synovium?
A capsule surrounds the joint space. The inner lining of this capsule is called the synovium, or the synovial membrane. It is usually three cells thick and overlaps on itself.

What do synovial cells do?
The synovial cells act as the major chemical and structural support cells for the joint. They also make up a small immune system within the joint. Some of the cells that make up the synovial membrane can eat germs, some make enzymes within the joint, and some are involved in the synthesis of the synovial fluid that bathes the joint.

Why is the synovium important in RA?
As rheumatoid arthritis progressively worsens, the synovial cells increase in number, and the lining itself gets very thick. The germ-eating synovial cells, in particular, increase. Usually these cells make up about only 20 percent of the synovial cells, but when rheumatoid arthritis is present, these cells increase to encompass 50 to 80 percent of the total synovial cells. The resulting mass is called a pannus. There is also an influx of T cells and the В cells to the area, indicating that there is a severe infection or that there is “cellular confusion” and really no identifiable foreign substance. The latter theory is probably the case, since there seems to be an overwhelming response to an unknown insult that triggers this disease process.
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NOTES FOR ARTHRITIS TREATMENT

admin — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 12:14:35 +0000

1.   If arthritis patient uses aspirin, cortisone, prednisone, or ACTH (the usual drugs prescribed by doctors for pain) he should take extra amounts of vitamin С (massive doses up to 5,000 mg. a day) because all the above-mentioned drugs significantly lower blood and tissue level of vitamin C, as shown in clinical studies.
2.    If arthritis patient has been taking cortisone or other corticosteroid drugs for a prolonged period (over a period of several years), such drugs cannot be withdrawn abruptly, but only gradually, and always under the supervision of a doctor. Such patients, even when they are put on a fast, should continue with medication, possibly on a reduced dosage.
3.   The following poultice for swollen joints has been used with good results: take 2 tbsp. mullein, 3 tbsp. granulated slippery elm bark, 1 tbsp. lobelia, 1 tsp. cayenne (red pepper powder). Mix ingredients in a bowl and add hot water to make a paste. Spread the paste on a cloth and cover the swollen joints with the poultice. Wrap the cloth with a plastic sheet and then with a dry towel. Leave for 1/2 to 1 hour, or less if burning sensation becomes unbearable.
4.   Castor oil packs are excellent for affected joints which are not in an inflamed condition (after the acute inflammation has subsided). The castor oil pack is made in the following manner: pour 3 to 4 tbsp. of castor oil in a pan and heat oil until it starts to simmer. Dip a flannel cloth into the oil until all the cloth is saturated. Place the cloth on the affected area and cover with a plastic sheet larger than the cloth, then cover with a thin towel and place an electric heating pad over it. Cover the whole pack with a large towel or blanket. Keep on for 1/2-1 hour. Peanut oil can be used if castor oil is not available.
5.   Mustard plasters on affected joints (not in an inflammatory condition) is an old time-proven remedy.
6.   Excellent treatment for bursitis: peanut oil packs, as above, plus 2 tbsp. of peanut oil daily, internally. Diet: the same as above for arthritis.
7.   There have been numerous reports by former arthritis patients who claim that they have cured their arthritis by drinking’2-3 tablespoons of sea water each day (or water from the Salt Lake).
8.   It has been found in studies by Dr. Barton-Wright, et al., in England, that arthritis patients show always low blood levels of pantothenic acid. This could be due to dietary deficiencies, absorption difficulties or patient’s inordinately high requirement of this vitamin. Clinical tests with intramuscular injections of pantothenic acid, in combination with sebacic acid and cysteine, were “remarkably success-M”.

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WHAT DO THE PEOPLE SAY FOR ARTHRITIS: STORY 6

admin — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 11:12:39 +0000

Mrs M.G., an accountant in California, writes: “My knees have always been a problem, ever since I got hit by a car when I was eight years old. They weren’t too bad at first. But when I reached 25 and put on a little weight, they kept getting worse every year. I’m only 38 now, but I’ve felt like an old lady for the past ten years.

“Now, I can’t believe I went dancing! I haven’t been able to do that in eight years. I was on my feet, jumping up and down, often on tiptoe, for THREE HOURS at the rock concert! In heels, yet! I haven’t been able to wear heels for six years. Unbelievable!

“I overdid it, of course, being out of shape and all. So I got sore muscles but that went away in a day. (You might caution people to take it slow at first. It’s so easy to go overboard without the pain.)

“I don’t know how to thank you enough for making me feel young again. Who would ever have believed a handful of capsules could do this for me. I swear it’s a miracle!” [Editor's note: Mrs M.G. took CMO in August of 1995 and has needed no further treatment of any kind.]

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