There is no single cure for arthritis, whatever its form - and what works for one person will not work for another - but avoiding chemicals in your food by switching to an organic diet and managing the symptoms with a programme of moderate exercise, anti-inflammatory herbs and foods, and collagen-building supplements may help. Lots of people already take a fish oil supplement, which provides omega 3 fatty acids to alleviate stiffness. If you do find relief with these, make sure you are taking a product that comes from an unpolluted source.

Glucosamine is the substance many sufferers now swear by, but while it can bring relief, it does not work for everyone. It takes several months to kick-in, which makes the prescription anti-inflammatory drugs a more rapid solution to the pain; glucosamine is still a long way from being that miracle cure. It is a natural constituent of cartilage and has been shown to stimulate the production of connective tissue; prompting claims that it will not only halt the progress of the disease, but also reverse it by re-building lost cartilage. Sadly, the body’s own levels of glucosamine decrease with age.

What has now been proven is that glucosamine works best when taken in conjunction with chondroitin, a substance that attracts more fluid into the spaces around the joints to lubricate them. Early results of trials in Germany show that it is also very effective when taken with collagen, an essential protein that is crucial for building bone, and there are now new supplements that combine all three active ingredients.

Daily doses of vitamin D (400ius or international units), and high doses of vitamin E (2500ius), have also been shown in various studies to slow down the disease and reduce the symptoms of arthritis. So have daily doses of borage oil, which contains a joint-protecting substance called Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA). One trial showed those taking the equivalent of 2.4g daily, alongside their regular arthritis drugs, were six times more likely to report a significant improvement in joint pain and swelling than those in the control group. In the second six months of the yearlong study, 50% of those taking high doses of GLA reported a 50% reduction in pain and stiffness.

Another fatty acid, found in small quantities in foods such as nuts, vegetables, and butter is Cetyl Myristoleate, (CM). There are no double-blind clinical trials investigating its usefulness in the treatment of arthritis, but researchers are excited by the discovery that Swiss albino mice (born with unusually high levels of this fatty acid) never get arthritis. These mice seem to be protected even when exposed to factors that cause the condition in other breeds. Of course, what works for mice may not work for men.

Organic sulphur, or Methylsulphonylmethane (MSM), is also crucial to healthy connective tissue. It is found in every cell in the body and plays a key role in the production of amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. Although available in a wide range of foods, including plants, meat, eggs, poultry, and dairy, it is easily destroyed by heat and food processing. So to relieve the pain and inflammation of arthritis, it is better taken in supplement form.

Developed to prevent the stomach bleeding and gastric irritation that is a common side-effect of anti-arthritis drugs, Nexrutine is a brand new anti-inflammatory agent now available as a supplement. The active ingredient comes from rue - a plant most gardeners would treat as a weed but whose name comes from the Greek word reuo, which means to set free - as in free from disease.

The NHS bill for treating gastric bleeding caused by anti-inflammatory drugs is currently £367 million a year. In clinical trials, nine out of 10 volunteers who took 250mg of Nexrutine three times a day for two weeks. reported no gastric side-effects. In fact, Nexrutine is so gentle; you even take it between meals and not with food.

Arthritis sufferers would also benefit from taking a herbal tincture inspired by the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Herbasway’s Fevera works to remove heat and inflammation from the body, making it popular with arthritis patients. It contains another less well-known herb, Knotweed, which is a rich source of anti-inflammatory antioxidants, plus cooling Kudzu, which is used in Chinese medicine to expel internal heat.

Digestive health also plays a role in relieving the symptoms of arthritis. Researchers admit they have no idea why this should be the case but a deficiency in the so-called ‘friendly’ bacteria that aid digestion in the gut has now been linked with a worsening of the symptoms. To remedy this, you need to take a good probiotic supplement.

An Indian take-away is not an obvious health food but a curry can actually help alleviate joint problems. This is because the spices usually include turmeric, cardamon, cinnamon, garlic, ginger, coriander, and cumin, all of which have an anti-inflammatory effect in the body. Chillies are another fiery food that can help. They contain a chemical called capsaicin, which depletes of another chemical called substance P, (normally used to send pain signals around the body). Capsaicin also triggers the release of the body’s own pain-relieving endorphins, which work in the same way as morphine.

Anchovies contain Omega 3 fatty acids, which modulate the metabolism of prostaglandin. Too much of the latter, which plays a part in inflammatory conditions, can make the symptoms worse. Foods that will exacerbate your symptoms and should therefore be avoided include the nightshade family. This means no tomatoes, potatoes or aubergines.

*Collagen Plus is made by Arthrovite and contains glucosamine, collagen, and chondroitin; plus vitamin C, (crucial for the formation of healthy bones and cartilage), calcium, and magnesium. It comes in powder form, which you dilute with water to make an orange-flavoured drink, which you have with breakfast. Mail order on 0800-0181282.

*A daily 10g dose of Borage oil provides the equivalent of 800mg. Take this for 12 weeks before expecting to see any significant improvement. Mail order from Farmacia (020-7831 0830).

*Higher Nature (01435-882880) sells organic sulphur MSM and an unpolluted fish oil. Call 01435-882880 for details of both products. Collagen Complex contains chondroitin, glucosamine, collagen, and sulphur – it costs £17.95 for 60 capsules. A supplement called Arthro Pain Relief Factor contains Omega 3 fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin, and bowsellia complex. 60 soft gel capsules cost £16.45. Mail order these last two products from Revital (0800-252875) and add £1.50 p&p.

*Nexrutine is available from Victoria Health on 0800-413 596. 90 x 250mg capsules cost £19.95. Take 2-3 capsules daily. Note: these capsules contain gelatin and so are not suitable for vegetarians. You can order Herbasway tinctures from the same company.

*In recent independent laboratory tests of probiotic supplements, Biocare’s Bioacidophilus was rated the top supplement. It provides something in the order of 4 million replacement live bacteria per capsule and should be kept in the fridge. It costs £16.95 for 60 capsules. Call 0121-433 3727 to mail order and add £1 p&p