Arthritis Josephine was 65 years old and in constant pain from arthritis. She needed strong medication simply in order to function. When she heard me discussing root canals on a radio program, she had a sudden realization. She had been a very healthy and active woman until her knee started bothering her immediately following a root canal! Josephine went directly to her dentist who informed her unequivocally that it was "impossible" for a root canal to cause arthritis. Josephine thought otherwise and came to see me. She choose to have the root canal tooth and two other dead teeth removed. One month later, she was medication and pain free.