If you have arthritis in both thumbs you may be suffering from Rheumatoid arthritis and should have it checked out in odrder to avoid further damaging the joints in the thumb and posibly others. However the initial treatment would be to use some sort of anti inflammatory and or analgesic.

I've just been doing some research on this. The consensus is worst case scenario (but

very rare) would be inflammatory breast cancer, usually not caught by mammogram. More commonly, cancer does not cause pain or burning and this is probably a hormonal issue - if it's cyclical - then related to periods, if not cyclical, then probably related to

post-menopausal hormonal changes. One surgeon suggested taking evening primrose oil capsules three times a day (can find in any vitamin/health food store). So if you're really paranoid than suggest it the cancer scenario to your doctor, as it was stated that most doctors would miss that diagnosis, otherwise try the primrose oil and see if

you get any relief.

Most forms of arthritis are found in the joints of the body and are characterized by pain and dysfunction The main forms are inflammatory and non inflammatory arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints. RA can also cause inflammation of the tissue around the joints, and in other organs and tissue in the body. An autoimmune disease is a condition where body's tissues are mistakenly attacked by the body's own immune system. The immune is designed to "seek and destroy" invaders or foreign materials of the body, especially infections. Persons with autoimmune diseases have antibodies in their blood that attack their own body tissue, where they can be associated with inflammation. Because it can affect several organs of the body it is known as a systemic illness and is sometimes called rheumatoid disease. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic illness, meaning it can last for years, patients may experience long periods of time without symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive illness that has the potential to cause joint destruction and functional disability.

Osteoarthritis is another very common form of arthritis and this is more likely to come later in life as the result of wear and tear. and sometimes trauma causing joint damage and displacement.

Gouty arthritis is another form of arthritis that is the result of the formation of crystals being formed in joints and other parts of the body. this disease tent to be prevalent mainly in men

A noncommunicable disease is one that cannot be spread. They are not contagious. Most noncommunicable diseases are caused by hereditary factors, lifestyle choices, or just genetic abnormalities. Some of the top noncommunicable diseases are:

1. Arthritis: Inflammation of the joints in the body, there are many types
2. Asthma: Inflammation in the airways, difficulties breathing
3. Cancer: Abnormal cell growth in the body, there are many types of cancer that effect both men and women of all ages
4. Hypertension: High blood pressure
5. Diabetes: High sugar (glucose) levels
6. Depression: Feeling sad, hopeless, worthless, loss of energy, death or suicide thoughts, maybe even some weight changes
7. Alzheimer's: Affects older adults, memory loss occurs
8. Osteoporosis: low bones mass, weakness
9. Heart disease: Includes angina, heart attack, congenital heart disease, heart failure, etc.
10. Fibromyalgia: Problems with soft tissue in the body, pain in the tissues of the body

Glucosamine (C6H13NO5) is an amino sugar and a prominent precursor in the biochemical synthesis of glycosylated proteins and lipids. Glucosamine is commonly used as a treatment for osteoarthritis, although its acceptance as a medical therapy varies.

Oral glucosamine is commonly used for the treatment of osteoarthritis.Since glucosamine is a precursor for glycosaminoglycans, andglycosaminoglycans are a major component of joint cartilage,supplemental glucosamine may help to rebuild cartilage and treatarthritis. Its use as a therapy for osteoarthritis appears safe, butthere is conflicting evidence as to its effectiveness.

A typical dosage of glucosamine salt is 1,500 mg per day. Glucosamine contains an amino group that is positively charged at physiological pH. The anionincluded in the salt may vary. Commonly sold forms of glucosamine areglucosamine sulphate and glucosamine hydrochloride. The amount ofglucosamine present in 1500 mg of glucosamine salt will depend on whichanion is present and whether additional salts are included in themanufacturer's calculation. Glucosamine is often sold in combination with other supplements such as chondroitin sulfate and methylsulfonylmethane.

In the United States, glucosamine is not approved by the Food and Drug Administrationfor medical use in humans. Since glucosamine is classified as a dietarysupplement, evidence of safety and efficacy is not required as long asit is not advertised as a treatment for a medical condition. Nevertheless, glucosamine is a popular alternative medicineused by consumers for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Glucosamine isalso extensively used in veterinary medicine as an unregulated butwidely accepted supplement.

In Europe, glucosamine is approved as a medical drug and is sold in the form of glucosamine sulphate.

Clinical studies of glucosamine have consistently reported thatglucosamine appears safe. Since glucosamine is usually derived from shellfish,those allergic to shellfish or who have kosher concerns may wish toavoid it. However, since glucosamine is derived from the shells ofthese animals while the allergen is within the flesh of the animals, it is probably safe even for those with shellfish allergy.Alternative sources using fungal fermentation of corn are available.Another concern has been that the extra glucosamine could contribute todiabetes by interfering with the normal regulation of the hexosaminebiosynthesis pathway, but several investigations have found no evidence that this occurs. The U.S. National Institutes of Healthis currently conducting a study of supplemental glucosamine in obesepatients, since this population may be particularly sensitive to anyeffects of glucosamine on insulin resistance.Finally, in the United States, glucosamine is sold as a dietarysupplement, so safety and formulation is solely the responsibility ofthe manufacturer.

Glucosamine should not be used if you are experiencing a cold or ear/throat infection1.



1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glucosamine

I do not know about a herb, but I do know about a food which has been said to help tremendously with pain and discomfort -- more than the pharmaceuticals in fact. This food is red cherries; with 17 different antioxidants, they are very good for you in many ways. They are a natural cox-2 inhibitor which should help dramatically with the pain. When regular cherries are not potent enough, they can be purchased in concentrated form in most health food stores.

Answer

I don't know if you would consider this an "herb" but it IS natural. From personal experience I have found tea tree oil to be most helpful in removing my severe headaches because of cervical arthritis in my neck. I rub it wherever my neck is tender turn out the light and sleep like a baby. It hasn't failed me yet and I have used it at least 8 month. Yes it has a fragrance - sort of a wintergreen- but no one has ever mentioned it. It is so good to not wake up with a head ache!

Salai Guggul is known to be effective. A good product with a combination of Salai Guggul and some other herb is Arthrid. More information on www.sindor.com. My mom and uncle are on it.