Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, refers to an inflammation of the joints, while "osteo," or osteoarthritis, refers to a degenerative joint disease characterized by calcified out-growths from cartilage. A joint affected by rheumatoid arthritis becomes inflamed, warm to the touch, swollen and painful. Rheumatoid arthritis can appear all of a sudden, and in some cases, just disappear as suddenly. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis both respond favorably to certain vitamin and mineral supplements.
Vitamin Supplements
Frequent vitamin deficiencies seen in people with rheumatoid arthritis include folic acid, vitamins B-6, B-12, C, D and E. According to the John Hopkins Arthritis Center, taking a supplement to replace these micronutrients may be necessary, if diet alone is insufficient. Vitamin C prevents the capillary walls in the joints from breaking down and causing bleeding, swelling and pain. Folic acid, vitamin B-12 and dietary iron -- not a supplement, may be helpful in treating the anemia that can accompany arthritis. Some long-term arthritic patients also suffer from liver disorders, which deter the conversion of carotene into vitamin A.
Mineral Supplements
People with rheumatoid arthritis often have a deficiency in calcium, magnesium, zinc and selenium. The John Hopkins Arthritis Center suggests taking a supplement to replace these minerals. Most people with rheumatoid arthritis have high serum copper and low iron levels, although the joints and lymph nodes have excess iron that may be responsible for the painful joints. Zinc and Copper, with anti-inflammatory properties, may help with inflammation. Manganese helps to repair damaged cartilage, and selenium acts as an antioxidant to protect against further damage.
Conventional Treatment
No cure currently exists for rheumatoid arthritis; however, treatment encompasses relieving the symptoms and preventing joint deformity. Drug therapy can cause remission of the disease, while exercise may keep the joints mobile and stable. Resting an affected joint during flare-ups can often relieve some of the pain and stiffness. When the disease process becomes unmanageable, your physician may suggest surgery to release the tendons around the affected joint. He may also want to remove the inflamed synovial membrane as well as remove damaged cartilage. Joint replacement may also be an option.
