Frank,
I am sorry about your wife's health. My prayers are with you.
Arthr-its. "Its" means inflamation. It is not a virus or bacteria. Most alternative doctors consider it to be an auto-immune response. It is your own immune system attacking something it shouldn't. My wife's naturopath, who has arthritis as well, recommend that she follow a diet from Peter D'adamo's book/diet called Eat Right For Your Blood Type. When she follows this diet she has less pain, when she is off it it comes back. Just a thought from Dr. Quack.
Mentally challenged. LOL.
Starkeeper