During or after the menopause the falling levels of oestrogen and progesterone combined with the natural ageing process makes women more susceptible to illness. The muscular and skeletal system is the most vulnerable and can affect women of all ages, in all walks of life.The skeleton is the main framework that supports the body and enables a range of movements- these in turn are controlled by the tendons, muscles and ligaments; these are attached to the bones. A joint is the point where bones meet and move against one another. The human body has over 200 joints, the main ones being hips, knees, feet, elbows and hands. Arthritis may develop in any one or more of these.

Oesteo Arthritis

Arthritis means ‘inflamed joint’. This is defined as pains, stiffness or swelling in or round a joint, which may be one off, persist for two weeks or more, then becoming a chronic.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, it is the gradual degeneration of cartilage, which surrounds and cushions the joints and as it wears away the bones thicken and scrape together growing outward. It may take years to develop, but increasingly, people under 40 develop this condition, usually in the load bearing joints causing stiffness, pain discomfort and disability.

It may be hereditary usually in the 1st finger joint called Heberden’s nodes, This is caused by a change in amino acids that are the basic building blocks for all proteins which cause cartilage to deteriorate prematurely. Other areas affected include the neck, back, vertebra, hips and knees, which may cause pressure on the sciatic nerve. Muscles and tendons may also shrink causing pain.

Which joints are affected?

• The hands, particularly the joints of the fingers, it is 10 times more common in women than men.
• The knees, which may be painful and tender, the hips where pain may be experienced in the groin or referred pain in the buttocks causing restriction of movement and the feet usually the big toe.
• The spine maybe effected from the neck to lower back. Medical Consultation will confirm the diagnosis when conventional treatment maybe prescribed, analgesic drugs, advice on losing weight and to retain mobility to control pain.

There is no cure for arthritis but today complementary therapies can help provide gentle but effective relief and alternatives to drugs, providing relief without the side effects. Along side some conventional treatments alternative therapy play a wide role, from the many therapies that are available today from massage, hydrotherapy, acupuncture, reflex-zone therapy, and herbal remedies, diet and supplements

Diet is an important factor to consider. There is an increasing amount of evidence that nutrition plays an important role in arthritis as well as the menopause. Although a well balanced diet may be followed, some times it is necessary to supplement to increase certain nutrients. Ensure you have sufficient mineral intake, the shortage of one vital element can cause the others to be less effective, affecting the essential balance of the body’s pH level.

Supplements for osteoarthritis:

Glucosamine sulphate is a naturally occurring substance in the joints but taken, as a supplement will boost its function and stimulate the growth of cartilage.
Chondroitin sulphate will help boost levels that may be depleted in the joint cartilage
Vitamin B6 is needed in the absorption of the above
Antioxidants slow the rate of joint deterioration
Calcium it is essential to have a good intake of from an early age to build healthy bones, this is the best way to prevent osteoarthritis
Vitamin D adequate amounts are required too aid the absorption of calcium
Magnesium maintenance of healthy bones
Zinc-regeneration of connective tissue
Boron affects calcium levels but may increase oestrogen levels, found in bee pollen and kelp.

Herbs :

Ginger is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties along with Parsley and celery that help remove and excrete acidic toxins from the body.

You can read about Rheumatoid arthritis on this page.