Q: I recall you printing an article containing a home remedy for the pain of arthritis. As I remember, it was to soak raisins in some sort of alcoholic beverage and after a period of time, to eat (just a few) raisins a day. I would like to know what this was. I enjoy your column and frequently think as I read, “you can’t please everyone but you surely try to help some”. Thank you.
A: You are referring to an article written a very long time ago about methods of treating arthritis. I asked readers to write to me regarding their tried and true methods and someone did. If I remember correctly, he or she suggested soaking a hand full of raisins in gin and consuming two or three raisins daily to combat symptoms. The raisins quickly soak up the liquid and are ready to eat a day later.
As an aside, I also remember writing about Lyme disease and readers expressed difficulties with methods geared toward killing the tiny ticks that can cause the disease. One enterprising gentleman (or perhaps the local salesman at his favorite liquor store) recommended floating the tick in gin to accomplish the task. So, my patient presented in my office with a tick in a small bottle of gin and asked my opinion. Being honest, I politely informed him with a grin on my face that it was a waste of good gin and the tick likely took great pride in doing the back stroke across the bottle before taking his last breath! I then sent the tick off to the state as we did in those days and we all had a good laugh wondering what state officials thought when they received a tick who definitely died from gin exposure!
Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints of the body. Common symptoms are pain and stiffness that worsen with age. Two common forms are rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, autoimmune disorder that affects different body joints but is often observed in the hands, knees, wrists, and shoulders. When the condition acts up joints become inflamed, causing swelling, limited range of motion, stiffness, and pain. The patient may be fatigued, have a loss of appetite, and malaise. Affected joint symptoms are generally symmetrical, meaning that both sides of the body are affected simultaneously. RA for some patients can go into remission and become virtually inactive with no symptoms present for an indefinite period, while other patients suffer non-stop symptoms for extended periods. Treatment may include analgesics, NSAIDs, anti-rheumatic drugs, exercise, physical therapy, water aerobics, heat, relaxation, and more.
Osterarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis that can be the result of injury, obesity and aging joints. It commonly affects weight-bearing joints – hips, knees and spine but can also present in the fingers and neck. Risk factors include obesity, joint overuse, heredity, and injury. The severity of the disorder varies from person to person with symptoms that may include pain, joint stiffness following periods of rest, and joint swelling.
Traditional treatment may include OTC pain relievers, physical therapy, hot/cold compresses, exercise such as water aerobics or walking, weight loss if appropriate, and more. When these possibilities fail to provide relief, steroid injections directly into the joint or oral narcotics may be prescribed, followed by arthroscopy or joint replacement.
On the home front, consider adding ¼ cup raw pumpkin seeds to your daily diet, or rub Castiva onto the affected joint(s) twice daily.
