No one really knows the exact cause of this painful and disabling disease. Also experts believe that emotional stress plays a very important role in the cause of arthritis. Factors relating to it are fatigue, shock, injury, and exposure to cold and dampness. At times nodules may show up under the skin, around the elbows, wrists and fingers, and occasionally on the ankles. The control of this particular type of arthritis may require the cooperation of a physician, a physical therapist, an orthopedic surgeon, and often the physician who specializes in psychosomatic diseases.
Rest is considered one of the most essential factors in treatment which includes emotional rest.
Diet need not be too restrictive, but should be rich in animal proteins, calcium and iron adequate in vitamins. At present, many arthritic patients have been taking aspirins as a temporary pain-reliever with good results in some cases. Mrs. G. had arthritis for years until she found relief taking alfalfa tea twice a day. Mrs. O. got relief by taking therapeutic doses of vitamins. Mrs. B. found relief by taking a tablespoon of fruit pectin in a small glass of cranberry juice every morning.