Arthritis cures
"Miracle" cures for arthritis range from the exotic snake venom to the mundane lemon juice, from the harmless milk of cows injected with vaccines to the downright dangerous unsupervised use of steroids. They include solvents, devices, diets, and other unusual therapies. Peddlers of quack products prey on their victims' hopes and on the public's misconceptions about arthritis. In the past, devices such as the "inductoscope" purported to cure through magnetic induction. The "Congo kit" consisted of two hemp gloves to bring about a cure when worn. Copper bracelets supposedly allow copper to be absorbed through the skin, leaving a green mark said to relieve arthritis symptoms. And the "Acu-Dot," a small, round, adhesive bandage with tiny magnets attached, was promoted to temporarily relieve minor aches and pains of arthritis. More recently, the "Stimulator," a device advertised in print and through infomercials that included a testimony by Evel Knievel, was touted as alleviating arthritis and other pain through emission of a weak electric spark. No device has proven effective in treating arthritis, and the federal Food and Drug Administration has taken action against the promoters of some. Every possible dietary and "natural" cure has been promoted for arthritis treatment, including ingestion of green-lipped mussel extract, dessicated liver pills, shark cartilage and chicken bones, gin-soaked raisins, honegar (a mixture of honey and vinegar) or avoidance of certain foods, such as tomatoes or potatoes. Although arthritis-relief cookbooks are abundant, no diet--except for gout--which promises relief has been proven. According to the FDA, no herb, either singly or in combination with other herbs or ingredients, can cure any form of arthritis. Furthermore, no medical evidence exists to suggest that a lack of vitamins or minerals causes arthritis or that taking vitamins or minerals will cure it. A controversial treatment for arthritis pain relief involves the use of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Primarily used as an industrial solvent, it has been promoted as a rub-on ointment or liquid for arthritis pain. Although legally available in some states, its use as a treatment for arthritis has not been approved by the FDA in the absence of sufficient evidence of its safety and effectiveness. FDA reports cite side effects associated with its use in tests, including nausea, headaches, eye damage, and skin rashes. Submersion in cow manure, injections of sex hormones, and acupuncture are among many of the other unproven remedies promoted to cure arthritis. Still others include chelation (a blood-cleansing technique) and use of Chuifong Toukuwan (a Chinese herbal blend that may also include potent, unlabeled drugs). Arthritis Ease capsules are one current source of complaints to the Better Business Bureau from purchasers who say they don't relieve pain as advertised. In the absence of scientific evidence to support their safety and effectiveness, medical authorities caution against use of these or any other unproven measures. Because the nature of arthritis is to give more pain at some times than at others, use of a phony treatment, device, or "cure" with subsequent relief from symptoms can convince the sufferer that the therapy or product brought the relief.
The following tips will help you avoid paying for useless and possibly dangerous remedies for arthritis and other health problems for which no recognized cure presently exists: Be wary of "cures," "guaranteed cures," or promises of immediate or complete relief of undiagnosed pain. Also beware of claims that a product offered as an arthritis cure is also a cure for other serious health problems. Look for key words: "Breakthrough," "secret," "exclusive," or "special" are not scientific words and often appear in promotions of quack products. Be cautious of vaguely-worded testimonials that cannot be verified. Testimonials should not serve as a substitute for scientific proof of a product. Keep in mind that an ethical health practitioner is not likely to advertise his or her accomplishments on behalf of famous personalities. Remember that cures for serious medical problems are not usually available by mail order. Be leery of any special diet or nutrition treatment program promoted as a cure for arthritis. Except in the case of gout, scientists have not found any foods or nutrients that cause arthritis or that make it better or worse. Because causes and symptoms vary with the form of arthritis and from person to person, treatment varies as well. Be suspicious of any one remedy that claims to relieve the symptoms of all types of arthritis. Don't heed the advice of any person or group promoting distrust, e.g., "Your physician doesn't know about this," "Don't listen to the Food and Drug Administration," etc. Watch out for advertisements that claim FDA approval. Federal law does not permit the mention of "FDA" or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in any way that suggests marketing approval for any drug or medical device. If you have questions about an advertised product, check with your nearest FDA office or Better Business Bureau before buying the product. Be wary of health remedies sold door-to-door or at public lectures by self-proclaimed health advisers. Look at high-pressure sales tactics and one-time-only deals as clues that something is wrong. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' National Health Information Center can help you get in touch with public and private groups that have information about traditional and alternative therapies for arthritis and other conditions. Your public library also may have a computer link to provide you with direct access to the National Health Information Center. To check on whether a product is "government approved," to learn more about an over-the-counter drug, prescription drug, cosmetic, or medical device, or to report an adverse reaction to any of these products, call the Food and Drug Administration's Consumer Affairs Information Line. For the latest information on vitamins and nutritional supplements, call the FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.
The Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, is part of the United States government. It is FDA's job to make sure medicines for arthritis and other illnesses work and are safe. Arthritis can strike at any age. It hurts the joints, where two bones meet. It damages the joints and makes them stiff and painful. Sometimes it's so bad it can cripple a person. Correct treatment can ease the pain and help prevent more damage. You can help your treatment work. If you have arthritis, the doctor may prescribe a medicine for you or tell you to use a medicine you buy without a prescription, like aspirin. You may need to take more than one medicine.
• Swelling Ask: • How should I take this medicine? Tell the doctor if you are taking other medicines. And ask if you should keep taking them. Like arthritis medicine, many medicines for headaches or colds or flu have pain killers in them. Some common pain killers are aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and naproxen. So before you buy any medicine, read the label to see what's in it. Does it have a pain killer? If it does, ask your doctor or pharmacist if it's OK for you to take it. • Never take any medicine for arthritis without your doctor's advice. You may need extra rest when your arthritis gets worse, or flares up. But even then, it's good to gently exercise the joints that hurt. Gentle exercise can ease the pain and help you sleep better. Ask your doctor how to exercise your joints. It helps to learn about your arthritis. Many people do this by joining a group with other people who have the disease. To find a group, look in the newspaper. Or ask your doctor or the hospital. The local Arthritis Foundation office has information, too. Watch Our for 'Cures' That Don't Work
Many of these have never been tested. They're just a waste of money. Pain and stiffness often come and go by themselves, for no known reason. You may use an untested product and then feel better. But you may have felt better even without the product. There is no cure for arthritis. But correct treatment can ease pain and stiffness. If you use worthless products, you delay real help. So the damage gets worse. Remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn't true Ask your doctor or other health-care worker. And ask FDA. There may be an FDA office near you. Look for their number in the blue pages of the phone book. You can also contact FDA through its toll-free number, 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332). Or, on the World Wide Web at www.fda.gov. Or call the Arthritis Foundation's toll-free number, 1-800-283-7800.
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