Osteo arthritis is the breakdown of cartilage and fluids in the joints caused by over use and aging. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system improperly identifies the synovial membranes that secrete the lubricating fluid in the joints as foreign. The result is inflammation in the cartilage and tissues and bone surfaces are destroyed as well. Eventually joint pain appears with stiffness and swelling especially after inactivity. It can occur at any age, but usually occurs between the ages of 25 and 55. Women are affected three times more often than men.

Steroids and NSAIDs are the drugs of choice. DMSO and MSM are sulfur derivatives of petroleum, which penetrate through all layers of skin to get to the joint to relieve inflammation. Glucosamine and chondroitin have been shown to improve the structural integrity of cartilage and improves the natural lubrication in the joints. Hyalgan and Synvisc are fluids injected directly into joints (viscosupplements) and relieve pain for months. They fill in for natural hyaluronic acid, a lubricant that breaks down in joints affected by osteoarthritis. Celecoxib resembles sulfa drugs and is safer than NSAIDs and less likely to upset the stomach. Arthrotec, and Meloxicam are other drugs used to reduce inflammation of arthritis. A new drug Enbrel (etanercept) is a protein similar to the one the body produces naturally and it targets rheumatoid arthritis in a unique way. Enbrel and similar Remecaid are very effective with little side effects but are very expensive. All conventional medications have some side effects and should be used with caution.

Emu oil works to relieve inflammation of both types of arthritis. It acts on the soft tissue meaning there still must be some remaining cartilage in the joints to act upon. Emu oil also works faster on joints close to the skin surface, such as hands, feet, knees, and elbows. Our Arthritis Formula significantly enhances this effect especially if applied to inflamed tissue three to four times a day during the first two weeks of use. It's use can usually be reduced afterwards.