Arthritis is usually not a contracted disease like a cold or the flu. It is most often a condition of self neglect, caused by malnutrition, dehydration and an overly acidic body. Yes, certain types of arthritis sometime run in families, such as rheumatoid arthritis; however just because you have a genetic weakness does not make arthritis inevitable. Independent modern research has shown that there are many different ways of treatment and prevention of arthritis. It couldn't come at a better time as arthritis symptoms, particularly osteoarthritis incidence has risen dramatically in the last 10 to 20 years. The search for arthritis pain relief has been the prime thrust of much pharmaceutical drug research. Unfortunately, the public can no longer depend on the effects of many of these drugs as they been proven to be more dangerous than the condition they were developed for as proven by the withdrawal of Vioxx from the marketplace due to mortality from extended use. Western medical treatment of arthritis primarily includes use of steroids, pain relief medication and surgical intervention. Prior to the research of these alternative methods of treatment, medical doctors took a watchful wait and see attitude towards arthritis until such time surgical intervention would be called for (knee or hip replacement). There are other effective methods of treating arthritis other than surgery or long-term use of drugs that have very dangerous side-effects and indeed often increase the symptoms of arthritis. Fortunately, new research has shown other extremely effective methods of not only relieving the pain of arthritis but also actually rebuilding the affected joints. Even the American Medical Association has advocated the use of many of these approaches which include glucosamine, chondroitin, devils claw and numerous other easily available, effective and safe natural treatments for arthritis and the symptoms of arthritis. With education and public awareness of the early signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis, the average member of the public can successfully treat osteoarthritis of the major joints. Yes, you can even rebuild damaged joints that have been giving you grating, 24 hour pain in some cases for decades.

The importance of diet and proper hydration (drinking water) is proving to be extremely important for prevention of arthritis. Did you know that one of the most common problems for seniors is dehydration? Did you know that one of the major components in cartilage found in all joints is water?

The point that I am making is often a change in diet, lifestyle, drinking habits are also needed in order to successfully and permanently treat arthritis. Remember that all choices you make help to create your body. These include healthy as well as bad choices, different choices = different outcomes. Be prepared to change some of the fundamentals in your life.

Martin Stone is a practicing Naturopath with 25 years clinical and writing experience. He is a published Author and regular contributor to Woodland Publishers as well as a number of other herbal and supplement companies.