I recently posted on another forum, and figured you'd be interested in this too, if you're open to trying a "natural" approach. I've always believed our good Creator has put natural things on this earth that we can use to help us. I prefer the natural approach when ever possible to taking pharmaceuticals, or when possible to reduce pharmaceutical reliance. Of course you should preferably include your doctor when using nutritional and herbal supplements, the "natural" approach. You'll find some are very up on such things and others are more oriented toward traditional drugs even though they may bring troublesome side effects. There is research on-line that talks about how prickly pear fruit is one of mother nature's "natural" remedies. It's rich in flavanoids and betalains (the antioxidants) believed to help reduce inflammation, which is at the core of a lot of diseases today including arthritis. Time Magazine had an interesting front page in February 23, 2004 (go to Time.com and input "The Secret Killer"). The title page said, "The Secret Killer-The surprising link between inflammation and heart attacks, cancer, Alzheimers and other diseases. What you can do about it." The actual cover article is called: "Health:The Fires Within." The authors talk about chronic inflammation, and how keeping these fires down with anti inflammatory remedies will be influential in reducing these diseases. One of the more popular approaches to anti inflammatory treatment is with the consumption of prickly pear products.
Prickly pear fruit and the nopal cactus it grows on have been used for centuries as a food and medicinal food in helping with arthritis, diabetes, cholesterol, and many other diseases that have inflammation at the root. Only more recently have doctors begun to recognize their benefits. Popular tv Dr. Oz and Dr. Andrew Weil have both mentioned their benefits as well (you can do a google search with their name and "prickly pear" and find their take on this). That is why there are so many products now that are including prickly pear juice, prickly pear puree, prickly pear extract, and prickly pear powder as part of their ingredients. For example, my husband has found help with his arthritis in his fingers by taking "Prickly Pear Red Fruit Powder," which he buys on line and mixes in water, juice, and smoothies. (It's easier than harvesting your own prickly pears, and a month supply runs about $30 to $35.) He pointed out to me in the customer testimonial page that there are many who have found help with arthritis, stiffness, joint pain, etc. See http://www.pricklypearjuice.org/product-testimonials.php The product isn't very expensive and perhaps you'll find the web site will have some answers for you too. I was impressed with the scientific research studies on the benefits of prickly pear and the nopal cactus that you can also find on a different page of that web site: See: http://www.pricklypearjuice.org/research-studies.php. I think each person is different and may respond more positively to one thing than another. But I think if your quest is to search for "natural" answers to your inflammation issues, you'll find them if you're open minded, and willing to try various herbal remedies (supported by scientific and nutritional data). Good luck!! Sincerely, HyrumsNana.