What is Arthritis
Arthritis is a form of joint disorder that involves inflammation of one or more joints.There are over 100 different forms of arthritis.The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease), a result of trauma to the joint, infection of the joint, or age. Other arthritis forms are rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and related autoimmune diseases. Septic arthritis is caused by joint infection.
Gouty Arthritis – This disease, which affects mostly adult males, is caused by a nutritional and metabolic disorder. DMSO research: In a study (John and Laudahn, 1967) of 19 patients, 16 enjoyed total elimination of symptoms and three had partial remission. In another study (Blumenthal and Fuchs, 1967) of five patients, two had excellent results, two had good results and one saw no change. Dosage is usually 5 milliliters of 90 percent solution applied topically to the painful area and the surrounding area two to four times daily until relief of symptoms occurs.
Rheumatoid Arthritis – DMSO produces best results with early treatment in rheumatoid arthritis. It is not a cure for RA, but it gives relief in the majority of cases. In severe cases, a series of intravenous infusions of dimethyl sulfoxide may be given. Check with your doctor. Studies in Germany and Japan showed significant results in over half of patients–from complete remission of symptoms to less joint pain, better grip strength and better range of motion–using topical applications of 90 percent solution for six months in the German study and four weeks in the Japanese study. Sometimes it works for RA, sometimes it doesn’t, but considering the disabling effects of that disease, it may be worth a try.
Osteoarthritis – DMSO can relieve joint pain, increase range of motion and increase grip strength. Many studies have been conducted, both in the U.S. and in other countries, on the effects of dimethyl sulfoxide on arthritis. All found it to relieve pain and inflammation.
DMSO research: In the largest study, in Germany, over 1641 patients were given two to five milliliters of dimethyl sulfoxide topically two to four times daily for the first week, then twice daily for the remainder of two to six months, until remission of symptoms occurred. Eight hundred fifty one patients enjoyed full remission, 553 had partial relief, and 237 reported no benefit.
In another study (Steinberg 1967) with 152 patients, a 90 percent solution was applied topically four times a day to the joints and surrounding areas. Patients reported considerable pain relief just minutes after application, lasting four to six hours. Almost 85 percent reported significant results.
In a Russian test, scientists concluded that “the use of DMSO for inflammatory and degenerative joint disease is well founded. Treatment with DMSO in different combinations is tolerated well by patients and adverse side effects are seldom encountered.” Dimethyl sulfoxide is most effective for those who have had arthritis for a short time.
Although it relieves pain in both acute and chronic arthritis, it works best in the acute forms. Dimethyl sulfoxide works here because it is an anti-inflammatory and because it reduces autoimmune antibodies that damage or destroy tissue. It also prevents free radicals from destroying lubricating fluid in the joints.
DMSO works best of all in osteoarthritis. Patients of all ages get good results, no matter how long or how severe the condition. Larger joints–hip, knee, shoulder–may require longer treatment. Dimethyl sulfoxide injections (rather than application to the skin) may be indicated in really severe conditions.