Arthritis Treatment: What Is the Proper Sequence for Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and affects more than 20 million Americans. It's a condition that affects hyaline cartilage, the tough gristle that caps the ends of long bones.

Hyaline cartilage is a complicated material that consists of a "soup" or matrix made up proteoglycans (complexes of proteins and sugars), collagen, and chondrocytes. Chondrocytes are cartilage cells that both make as well as nourish the matrix.

When OA begins, chondrocytes begin to make destructive enzymes causing cracks or fissures in the cartilage. These are called "fibrillations."

OA preferentially attacks weight-bearing joints such as the neck, low back, hips, and knees.

So far, the treatment of OA of the knee hasn't changed in thirty years. It remains primarily symptomatic.

Weight loss, patient education, strengthening and stretching exercise, physical therapy, assistive devices (such as canes, braces, and walkers), analgesics (pain-relieving medicines), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), thermal modalities (heat and ice) are standard.

Slightly more aggressive measures such as injections with glucocorticoids ("cortisone") and viscosupplements (hyaluronic acid..." rooster comb shots") can be used.

However, there remains a large void because the only remaining option is knee replacement surgery.

While the technical aspects of this procedure have improved, it is still surgery with all the attendant risks of a major invasive procedure in a hospital setting. These include, infection, blood clots, failure of the replacement, and so on. Also, most patients will need a revision procedure (a replacement of the replacement) done. And maybe more than once or twice in their lifetime.

Recently, progress in regenerative medicine procedures have provided hope that there is a n alternative to joint replacement.

Once a patient has undergone a thorough evaluation and been through the conservative treatments, consideration as to whether they may be a candidate for either platelet-rich plasma (PRP) should be considered. PRP is an ultraconcentrate of a patient's own blood that contains a high concentration of platelets, cells that contain a plethora of growth and healing factors.

Recent anecdotal reports indicating that PRP may be of benefit in alleviating symptoms in patients with OA of the knee are encouraging. PRP may be repeated as often as every three months.

In patients who have not done well with PRP, autologous mesenchymal stem cells (a patient's own stem cells obtained from bone marrow and fat) can be used. Small studies have shown that this treatment may both alleviate pain and restore cartilage growth. A stem cell procedure is much more involved than a PRP procedure since visualization using diagnostic ultrasound and arthroscopy are needed in order to localize the area of cartilage loss and "jump start" the regenerative process by inducing injury. This induction method is what leads to the cartilage reparative process since injury and subsequent inflammation are the first stages in the healing process.

Arthritis Pain Management and Diet For Arthritis

With regards to arthritis and diet, the toxic glycoalkaloid solanine is present in most if not all members of the nightshade family. Other glycoalkaloids singled out include hyoscine, anabasine, isopelletierine, alpha-chaconine (found in potato), alpha-solanine, and alpha-tomatine (found in tomatoes). These metabolites become physiologically active in your body. These glycoalkaloids of the nightshade family, if eliminated can help drastically in your arthritis pain management, as they inhibit normal collagen repair in the joints or promote inflammatory degeneration of the joint. Removing the following nightshades from your diet results in pain free joints:

繚 Tomato

繚 Eggplant

繚 Tomatillo

繚 White potato

繚 Cucumber

繚 Peppers (all forms)

繚 Nicotine

繚 Cape gooseberry

繚 Garden huckleberry

繚 Thornapple

繚 Belladonna

繚 Bittersweet

繚 Henbane

Other guidelines to follow in your diet for arthritis are as follows:

1. Foods you should consume

all sea foods

all vegetables (except nightshade), particularly avocado

vegetable oils (particularly flax seed oil)

egg whites

honey

nuts and seeds (particularly flax)

rice of all kinds (brown, white, wild)

parsley, onions, garlic, bay leaf

2. Foods you should avoid

Meat in any form, including broth

Fruit of any kind

Dairy products, egg yolks, milk cheese, yogurt

Vinegar or other acids

Dry roasted nuts (contain MSG)

Alcoholic beverages

Soft drinks

All additives, preservatives, chemicals, MSG, dyes

About this time, I'm sure you are asking, "what the heck can I eat in a diet for arthritis as you just eliminated everything?" The body becomes acidic and the cartilage in the joints begins to dissolve because of the acid in the blood. As the joints lose their lubrication, they begin to rub together and become inflamed. The body can heal itself if it has the correct natural nutrients.

If you are looking not only for a diet for arthritis and arthritis pain management, but an actual solution to treating the cause as well as the symptoms, the following have shown excellent results:

• Bromelain - this sulfur-containing, protein-digesting enzyme contained in pineapple. Bromelain is a mixture of proteases and nonproteolytic enzymes which have anti-inflammatory mechanisms. The probable cause of its pharmacological effects is bromelain's ability to activate plasmin and to reduce kinin levels which increase inflammation, swelling, and pain. Bromelain stimulates plasmin production, which breaks down fibrin. Fibrin impedes tissue drainage, blocks blood vessels, and produces swelling.


• Devil's claw - several studies have demonstrated the efficacy of Devil's claw in the relief of arthritic conditions. Research on the plant's glycosides showed it to be especially helpful in reducing inflammations.


• Boswellia - researchers have concluded that boswellic acids, as non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory agents, are beneficial due to suppression of proliferating tissue found in inflamed areas and also preventing the breakdown of connective tissue. Boswellia acts by a mechanism similar to non-steroidal groups of anti-arthritic drugs with the added advantages of its being free from side effects and gastric irritation and ulcerogenic activity.


• Yucca - the steroidal saponins in yucca have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties which are particularly useful in arthritis pain management. Saponins also act as a lubricant in the joints and act in a similar manner to cortisone, as an anti-inflammatory agent.


• Turmeric - is a perennial herb of the ginger family. Turmeric contains 4-5% of a volatile oil that is composed of turmerone, atlantone, and zingiberone, and 0.3-5.4% curcumin. It is believed that the anti-inflammatory effects of the turmeric volatile oil fraction are due to the anti-histamine activity in early inflammation by way of activating the adrenohypophyseal axis.


• Ginger - restrains the production of inflammatory chemicals called cytokines.


• White Willow Bark - contains anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, anti-pyretic and astringent properties. White Willow Bark is the original source of aspirin or its contents of salicin. Its actions as a pain-relieving (analgesic) substance through its depressant action on the central nervous system. The action of salicylates, for arthritis pain management are due mainly to their ability to produce endorphin like prostaglandins that result in anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.


• Essential fatty acids (EFAs) - fish oil supplementation has been shown to improve the signs and symptoms of arthritis. The anti-inflammatory effect of the omega-3 fatty acids is believed to be mediated in part by their inhibitory effect on production of interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor, both principal mediators of inflammation.

Arthritis can be a severe and crippling disease. Due to the limitations, risks and side effects of conventional therapy, many patients and practitioners are seeking alternative ways to treat the disease and arthritis pain management. While not everyone responds to these therapies, many patients do improve, and some have experienced complete and long-lasting remission. What's more, these alternative, natural treatments have a low incidence of adverse effects unlike conventional medicine.

Different Kinds of Arthritis - Proper Diagnosis Means Better Treatment

There are over 100 different kinds of arthritis. Arthritis as a disease can be difficult to live with. An arthritic condition primarily affects the joints, and a definite cure is yet to be established. Of the different kinds of arthritis, you have to be wary. It's because this disease affects not only adults or aging individuals, but also the young. Considering there is quite a number of arthritic conditions, it is essential that you be keen. In the sense that you have to take time to obtain proper diagnosis. As there are over a hundred different kinds of arthritis, self-diagnosis can be risky.

And especially experimenting on "cures" and treatments on your own- that is, self-medicating. To be able to manage arthritis effectively, you need proper assessment and diagnosis. How can you treat or cure something when in a sense you are aiming for the wrong target? An arthritic condition degenerates, especially when neglected or left untreated. To be able to devise an effective arthritis management plan, get to know what it is that you're really dealing with. Of all the kinds of arthritis, thirteen kinds are said to more commonly manifest. What are some common kinds of arthritis? For one thing, there is gout.

Gout develops due to the accumulation and deposition of monosodium urate or MSU crystals. A person suffering from gout experiences inflammation around the joints, especially the big toe. These swellings are painful, too. Other than the joints, damage cause by gout can also be inflicted on the kidneys. Among the most common kinds of arthritis is the reactive form. A reactive arthritic condition develops after an infection. Often, it is infections of the intestinal or genitourinary tract which gives way to reactive arthritis. This form of arthritic condition more often affects young adults. However, it is likely that appropriate treatments would be effective.

Then there is polymyositis. This, on the other hand is an inflammatory form of muscle disease. It is a systemic condition affecting all muscles. Systemic Lupus Erymatosus or SLE is one of the common kinds of arthritis. SLE is an autoimmune disorder which is systemic in nature as well. It is capable of affecting other vital organs in the body. Women in their childbearing years are more apt to be beset by SLE. Systeminc Lupus Erymatosus is possibly life-threatening. Thus, early diagnosis and treatment are essential. Fibromylagia is a soft tissue form of arthritic condition. This particular form of arthritic condition results from defective neurotransmitter functioning in the brain.

The neurotransmitters are responsible for many sensory functions. As such, people suffering from fibromyalgia could experience bizarre symptoms. Polymyalgia reumatica is another of the common kinds of arthritis which those aged 50 and above often have to deal with. Severe stiffness and aching in the neck, shoulders and hips are common polymyalgia symptoms. But then again, this form of arthritic condition is very treatable, provided it is accurately diagnosed. And proper assessment and diagnosis are indeed necessary especially as there are other conditions with similar symptoms. Other kinds of the disease which affect the majority are carpal tunnel syndrome, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Sjorgen's syndrome and Sceleroderma, among others.

White Willow: Arthritis Cure Or Not?

White Willow has been used to treat the symptoms of arthritis in conjunction with other supplements for many years. The White Willow Bark is a tree that is native to Europe and Asia. The ancient Greeks and Egyptians knew that the bark of the tree had anti-inflammatory properties and could relieve pain. During the 1800s it was discovered that the active ingredient in the bark is salicin. A synthetic version of the substance, salicylic acid was produced in later years, to try to imitate the effect of salicin. The problem with salicylic acid is that it is pretty harsh on the stomach lining if taken over a period of time. This problem was partly solved when a less harsh version of salicylic acid, aspirin was developed. Despite this, aspirin is still quite tough on the stomach lining.

Over the years, White Willow (or if you like, herbal aspirin) has been used for many conditions involving pain and inflammation, such as flu, back pain, head ache, migraine and arthritis. White willow's analgesic (or pain-relieving) effect works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, a chemical that is produced by the body when you experience pain, inflammation or when you have an injury. Some sources suggest that it is even more effective than aspirin in treating inflammation. It also appears that it is not nearly as harsh on the stomach lining then the drug aspirin. It is noted that the Willow bark is slower acting than aspirin, but that the pain relieving effects lasts much longer.

Research shows that low doses of this supplement can benefit people with osteoarthritis to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with the disease. This is exciting information, because most patients with arthritis fear the negative side effects of chemical medications, and are always looking for safer, more effective ways to treat their joint pain.

On study proving the efficacy of White Willow for arthritis pain was a randomised trial published in the American Journal of Medicine. Two groups took White Willow, while the other group took a placebo. 39% of the group taking the supplement were pain free for at least 5 days during the last week of the four week trial.

White Willow also benefits rheumatoid arthritis patients because of the obvious inflammation reducing effects, although some sources are hesitant to confirm such benefits for rheumatoid arthritis. It can therefore form a solid part of a joint supplement. In small doses, WW is safe to use in the long term.

Just a caution: This supplement can have some of the same side effects as aspirin, although it is typically not a problem for most people. So if you show any sensitivity to taking aspirin, it is not advisable to take this supplement.

Arthritis Pain - How to Deal With Arthritis Pain

Arthritis is defined as a joint disorder that features inflammation. The area of the body where two different bones meet is called the joint. A joint functions to move the body parts connected by its bones.

Literally, arthritis means "inflammation of one or more joints". The illness comes in many forms, with each form having a peculiar cause.

The most common form is osteoarthritis or simply OA. Other arthritis forms include autoimmune diseases such as psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis wherein the body attacks itself. Caused by a joint infection is another form of arthritis called septic arthritis.

Another form is gouty arthritis which is brought about by the depositions of uric acid crystals in the joint resulting further to inflammation. Pseudogout is a very rare type of gout which is brought about by the formation of rhomboid crystals of calcium pyrophosphate.

All forms of arthritis are accompanied by pain. Pain occurring in the joints is called arthralagia.

Arthritis pain patterns may vary depending on what type of arthritis is present and the location in the body where the illness is being experienced. For instance, arthritis pain brought about by rheumatoid arthritis is generally worse during the mornings and most frequently accompanied with stiffness.

During its early stages, the patients affected by the ailment will often show no symptoms after a morning shower. Both in children and in aged patients, arthritis pain may not be the presenting feature. For the aged patients, they only tend to move less, while infant patients refuse to use the affected limbs.

There is no single treatment that can be applied for everyone affected with arthritis. Seeking medical help is necessary. The doctor will determine what type of arthritis is present and will be developing a management plan specifically designed to reduce the particular pain and improve the function of the joints. There are a number of treatments that can provide short-term relief for arthritis pain.

First thing to do is to manage your arthritis pain. There are forms of arthritis which are classified as chronic diseases. These types may last a lifetime and the pain could be really distressing since it affects the patients on many levels. An important factor in controlling the ailment and ensuring a good quality of life is learning how to manage pain over the long term.

Being continually sought are better ways to control pain. With the goal of relieving pain, arthritis patients may try different ways of relieving pain techniques. From these, the best technique may be identified. The success or failure of each form of therapy may vary from person to person. What could have worked for one person may not work for another person.

Osteoarthritis sufferers may have very little inflammation. Acetaminophen is a suggested pain reliever. On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis patients may experience pain that is caused by inflammation. Suggested medications for rheumatoid arthritis patients are aspirin or other forms of NSAIDS. To allow the joints to rest, it could be helpful to use a splint or a base.

Arthritis Knee Pain - What Can You Do About It?

Arthritis knee pain affects so many Americans over the age of 50. The things you use to enjoy in life all of a sudden have become a chore. Simple things like going up the stairs and squatting are being done gingerly and with careful consideration. You can't remember the last time you danced, golfed, biked, jogged or walked with ease. So lets take a look at arthritis knee pain and in particular arthritis itself and find out what are the possible causes and can something be done to help you enjoy life again.

Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes swelling and pain in the joints. It mostly affects the knee joints because the knee is the joint that we used most often. We stand, sit, walk, squat with the knees so the degeneration of the joint start here most often causing arthritis knee pain. There are several classifications of arthritis but the one that is most familiar is Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis affects millions of Americans each and every day causing arthritis knee pain . Not only are we talking about arthritis in the knees but also arthritis can affect the hips, hands, spine and legs as well. As osteoarthritis starts its course, degeneration of the cartilage that protects the bones begin to wear down causing the rubbing of the bones against each other. This causes swelling and pain in the joints that are affected. Over time, the pain and swelling become worse causing limited mobility and range of motion. For arthritis knee pain sufferer, flare ups occur with the change in whether, falling barometric pressure, and first thing in the morning upon rising. There is no true consensus as to what causes osteoarthritis but food allergies, poor diet, and mineral deposits have been linked.

So how can we alleviate arthritis knee pain? Let us focus on diet. Diet is an effective way to alleviate arthritis pain if you know which foods to avoid and which foods to consume in adequate quantities. One food that has been found to be essential is cold-water fish such as salmon and mackerel. Cold water fish is loaded with essential fatty acids and have anti-inflammatory properties that decreases swelling in arthritis knees. Increasing the amount of fiber intake such as raw fruits and vegetables is another way to decrease arthritis knee pain. Fiber acts as a sweeper that sweeps away excess mineral and acid in the body. To get a double benefit, eat vegetables like cauliflower and broccoli because these vegetables are not only provide fiber for sweeping but also have anti-inflammatory properties as well. Also eat foods high in sulfur such as garlic, asparagus, and onion because sulfur helps repair cartilage and bone which we know is essential for fluid joint mobility. Finally, drink plenty of water especially when you first get up in the morning to help lubricate the knee joints and thus decreasing the arthritis knee pain.

Now that you know what causes arthritis pain start looking at your diet and other risk factors. Start consuming foods loaded with essential fatty acids, fiber and sulfur. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day and get plenty of rest. You can take control of arthritis knee pain and start enjoying life once again.

Psoriatic Arthritis Along With Pustular Arthritis & Steps For a Cure

Psoriatic arthritis, a chronic disease, is characterized by inflammation or swelling of skin (psoriasis) and joints (arthritis). It features patchy, red areas of human skin with inflammation and scaling. Psoriasis frequently affects the tips of our elbows and knees, the scalp, around the genital areas and the navel. Approximately 30% of patients who get psoriasis also develop an inflammation of joints. And patients having inflammatory arthritis and psoriasis are mostly diagnosed for having psoriatic arthritis.

The beginning of psoriatic arthritis is generally found in the fourth and fifth decade of human life. Gents and ladies are equally affected. The skin disease and the arthritis often appear separate. In fact, the psoriasis precedes the joint disease in about 80% of patients. But sometimes the arthritis also precedes the psoriasis in 15% of patients. In some people, the diagnosis of this arthritis may become difficult if the joint disease precedes psoriasis by long years. In fact, some patients have arthritis for more than 20 years before psoriasis actually appears! But also, patients have psoriasis for more than 20 years prior to arthritis development, leading to the diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis. This type of arthritis is nothing but a systemic rheumatic disease that can cause inflammation in body tissues other than the skin, such as in eyes, lungs, heart, and kidneys. It shares several other arthritic conditions, like ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis (formerly known as Reiter's syndrome), and also arthritis associated along with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. All these conditions may cause inflammation or swelling in the spine and other joints also, and the eyes, mouth, skin, and various other organs. According to their similarities and tendency to give rise to inflammation of spine, these conditions are conjointly called as "spondyloarthropathies."

Genetic problems, disorder in immune system as well as atmospheric changes are the most important causes of this disease. In patients with the above cited disease who have arthritis of spine, a gene named HLA-B27 is frequently found. Blood testing is now available to test this. Several others are also found to be more common in patients with this arthritis. Some changes in immune system may be important sometimes in its development. For example, the decline in the number of helper T cells in AIDS patients plays a role in the development and progression of the disease psoriasis in patients. Now-a-days the importance of these infectious agents and also other environmental factors in the cause of this arthritis is investigated by researchers.

Pustular psoriasis is also one of the several types of psoriasis which causes parts of our skin to redden, expand and covered by pus-filled blisters called as pustules. There are also several subtypes of this psoriasis. It may stay confined to small areas of patients' body; some times, just on the palms of our hands, the soles of our feet, or the fingers and toes are harmed and this is called the focal form of this disease. But It also can cover larger areas of the body as well. The generalized form which is also called as von Zumbusch psoriasis is more serious, and this form can also be fatal. For its cure we have to follow the same steps as in normal psoriasis like, reducing stress, smoking, drinking and dealing a healthy life. Its treatment also follows the three processes that are, topical, light therapy and systemic.

Miracle Foods Against Arthritis

If you suffer from this debilitating condition, whether inflammatory or degenerative, it's a good idea to eat healthy, of course, avoiding toxins and pesticides. In addition to what's a sensible nutritional plan, you may not be aware of the fact that focusing on an alkalizing eating plan (as opposed to an acidifying one) will be highly beneficial against this condition.

I always wondered, as a teenager and then as an adult, why I would have specific cravings towards certain foods, such as onions, leeks, green peas, green beans, lemon and so on. I would devour huge quantities of it. At the same time, there were foods that, after consuming them, would make me feel unwell even if they are not necessarily, objectively 'bad'. Today I know it's because my body was 'telling' me I had to 'alkalize' my system in order to somehow 'fight' my Rheumatoid Arthritis. Those foods always helped and I never really connected the dots, so to speak!

So, amongst the best and most alkalizing nutrients you ought to consume are fresh lemons and limes (squeezed in mineral spring water, which is also alkalizing and much better than any tap water for this purpose), watermelons, all green vegetables, sea salt (no other salt is as good), onions and leeks. Amongst foods to absolutely avoid (because they are acidifying) are artificial sweeteners and sugar (so the best options is to use Stevia, which is a natural vegetable sweetener and alkalizing!), white breads, white pasta, white rice, cookies and similar, white noodles, all pop drinks, alcoholic drinks (especially hard liquors and beer), fatty meats and indeed most meats.

Common Symptoms of Arthritis in the Neck

Arthritis in the neck can become apparent at any age but the usual range is 30 to 50 years. The most common forms of arthritis that affect the neck are cervical spondylosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Both these diseases will damage the joints and this is what will cause the symptoms of arthritis in the neck.

So what sort of symptoms can you expect with cervical spondylosis?

• Stiffness of the neck: this can occur when you wake up in the morning and may disappear with gentle exercise of the neck. You may experience stiffness if you have not moved for a while.
• Pain: pain is an inevitable part of arthritis.
• Weakness and numbness of the arms and hands: this may occur if the nerves are getting pinched due to the discs and joints degeneration.
• Misbalance and weakness of the legs: this is again due to nerve involvement.
• Clicking and grinding sounds in the neck region: as the joints and cartilage break down the bones will start to rub together and cause these sounds.
• Muscle spasms:

You can also have underlying problems like fatigue, irritability and headaches.

Common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in the neck:
• Swollen, tender and warm joints
• Pain and stiffness when you get up which lasts longer than 30 minutes
• Fatigue and fever

If you are experiencing any or all of these symptoms you may very likely have arthritis in the neck. There are a number of medications on the market, which can often help with pain and decrease swelling. They can also slow down the degeneration of the joints and cartilage.

There are also some things that will help to ease the pain and decrease inflammation.

• Gentle exercise of the neck can ease stiffness and keep you mobile.
• Hot and cold compresses can also help to reduce inflammation swelling and pain.
• Massaging the neck can also help to loosen stiff muscles and aching joints.
• Glucosamine is a supplement that has helped many people suffering from arthritis to improve their joints.
• Eating a healthy diet will help you to be in the best possible health and will sometimes help with rheumatoid arthritis.
• Omega 3 found in fish oil supplements can also help
• Physical therapy is good to keep your joints more flexible and helps decrease stiffness.
• If you are overweight this will aggravate your arthritis. It is best to maintain a good weight, as it will give less pressure on your joints and you will have better health.

Arthritis Treatment: Assistive Devices for Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and is characterized by progressive deterioration of joint cartilage. Cartilage is the gristle that caps the ends of long bones and provides shock absorption and gliding properties. OA is also characterized by decreased regeneration of cartilage.

While it typically occurs after the age of 40, it is becoming clear that OA can actually begin much sooner, sometimes as early as the teen-age years.

OA incidence does increase with advancing age. While joint damage from osteoarthritis progresses relatively slowly, the inexorable progression leads to joint stiffness and pain, gradual deformity, joint instability and eventual loss of function.

The standard approach to OA involving the knee is fairly straightforward. Analgesic and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), thermal modalities (ice), physical therapy, exercises, and injections of glucocorticoids and viscosupplements (lubricants), are pro forma. These measures are, at best, palliative.
Eventually, most patients go on to have joint replacement surgery.

[Recently, the use of mesenchymal stem cells for treatment of OA of the knee has been found to be effective in many cases, extending the time or even reducing the need for replacement.]

Studies looking at gait have shown that patients with OA of the knee shift their weight to the medial (inside) compartment of their knee while walking.

In addition, the pain, deformity, and instability of knee OA leads to gradual quadriceps weakness and atrophy. All of these play a role in the altered gait characterized by patients with OA of the knee.

In addition to quadriceps strengthening exercises, measures that unload the medial compartment of the knee may be effective in improving exercise tolerance, reducing pain, and improving function.
There are two types of devices that can accomplish this.

The first is an unloading type of brace. These braces, made of lightweight polymer materials, are designed to "open up" the closed medial compartment. When this is accomplished, there is a marked improvement in gait, as well as reduction in pain.

Another very effective device that's overlooked and sometimes even resisted by patients is a cane.

"The use of a cane with the purpose of reducing the biomechanical load on the joints of the lower limb is part of the treatment for patients with knee osteoarthritis. This strategy is expected to increase both independence and tolerance to exercise, allowing a more efficient gait, with a reduction in joint stress." (Jones A, Silva PG, Silva AC, et al. Impact of Cane Use on Pain, Function, General Health and Energy Expenditure During Gait in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2012;71(2):172-179)

A cane should always be used in the hand opposite to the affected knee. Studies have shown this reduces the load on the medial compartment of the knee and also normalizes gait mechanics.

At our center, following stem cell procedures, we almost always temporarily have patients use an unloader type brace after the procedure and advise the use of crutches early on and a cane after that in most cases.

Herbal Pain Relief For Arthritis - 3 Herbs That Work Great and Naturally

If you are looking for herbal pain relief for arthritis, you may end up settling for traditional pain medications because herbal remedies can be confusing to use. You hear people all the time saying that herbs is the way to go if you want to get to the root cause of your problem. This may be well and good but with so many natural remedies for pain relief on the market, how can you decide what is really effective for arthritis pain.

First of all you must know that herbs do not work like traditional medications. Most prescription and over- the-counter medications mask illnesses. They never get to the root cause of any illness except for antibiotics which is another subject and I don't have time to get into it here.

Herbs on the other hand, in the right combination, will get to the root cause of the problem and work to heal you from the inside out. However, it does take awhile for herbs to work and most don't work immediately. If you are really suffering from arthritis pain, you really need to take this into consideration because you may not get quick pain relief.

So what are some of the herbal pain relievers that really work for arthritis. One herb, white willow bark, is a natural pain reliever. It is actually what inspired the making of aspirin a synthetic version of white willow bark. Unlike aspirin, white willow bark does not have the gastric side effects that are common with taking aspirin. This herb is also good for reducing inflammation in the joints.

Turmeric is another herb that can provide herbal pain relief for arthritis. There are literally thousands of testimonial about the benefits of turmeric in relieving joint pain. This herb is commonly used as a spice in east Asia and Hungarian dishes. It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It is best to buy it in bulk and start out with 1/8 tsp daily and then gradually work you way up to 1 tsp in a month or two to help relieve arthritis pain.

Finally, cayenne pepper with its active ingredient capsaicin is effective for easing pain caused by arthritis. Capsaicin can be used topically as a cream, ointment or ingested as a capsule. It also reduces inflammation, improves circulation, and lowers blood sugars. The recommended dose to relief arthritis pain is to take two capsules three to four times a day.

They are many others herbal remedies that are recommended for arthritis like glucosamine that help rebuild cartilage so you can use glucosamine in conjunction with tumeric, white willow bark, or cayenne pepper. Herbal pain relief for arthritis may not happen overnight but these three herbs work if you are consistent in their use.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Medicine

Chronic inflammatory disease that causes joint swelling, pain and stiffness is called rheumatoid arthritis also known as RA. Do not confuse RA with another form of arthritis known as osteoarthritis. RA is caused by an autoimmune disorder where as osteoarthritis is due to the wear and tear we put on our joints as we age.

It is important to understand that rheumatoid arthritis is caused by our immune system attacking cells in our joints that are not invaders, but are seen as such by the immune system. This is why it is called an autoimmune disease, it simply means that our body is attacking itself.

There is no cure for arthritis, but there are treatments that you can use to alleviate the pain associated with it so that you can have a pain free happy lifestyle. The use of rheumatoid arthritis medicine is of great benefit. We are going to look at a few of the different types available to you.

When it comes to finding the right medicine to help you, you need to be aware that there are only four different categories of arthritis medications.

These are analgesics, NSAIDs, glucocorticoids (or steroids) and anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Most often these rheumatoid arthritis medicines are used in conjunction with one another therefore it is very important that you talk to your doctor about your treatment options.

The first line of medicines that are usually prescribed are the NSAIDs which are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory. They are used to treat the inflammation and pain associated with the inflammation. They do not prevent or stop any damage to the joint. We all know these medications they include: Aspirin, Anacin, Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to name a few. These are over the counter medicines (OTC) that have been around for years.

They are usually taken orally, every four to six hours. Depending on the strength of the medicine and the stage of your RA will determine the effectiveness of the OTC medicines.

There are also prescriptions NSAIDs and these include: Feldene, Flurbiprofen, Relafen, Voltaren and Clinoril to name a few. Doctors have also found that using COX2 inhibitors which block the production of COX-2 enzymes selectively help decrease the inflammation and provide effective relief with few side effects. The most popular is of course Celebrex.

Most often it is the NSAIDs used in conjunction with the DMARDs to achieve effective relief. The DMARDs stop the production of cells in the immune system that causes pain and swelling. The DMARDs offers the most hope to RA sufferers, because if the disease is caught early enough and these meds are started early it can put RA into remission.

DMARDs are all only available by prescription and some of their names are: Imuran, Arava, Methotrexate, Hydroxchloroquine and Sulfasalazine. In order to use these medicines they all require blood work to be done to monitor the possible side effects. Depending on the medicine and the route that it is taken either orally or injected will dictate the type of side effects that you experience with the DMARDs.

There have been many concerned patients that have taken these medicines that have worried about the side effects and the long term effect the medicine would have on them.

Studies over the years have shown that DMARDs are incredibly effective in treating RA and that the side effects associated with any of the rheumatoid arthritis medicines are uncommon, part of this is due to the fact that there are frequent lab tests performed to monitor and control the risk of any side effect. In the beginning DMARDs were thought to only be good for short term treatment, however now they are regarded as one of the best long terms treatment options patients have.

The next set of medications to look at that treat RA is the steroids. Also known as the corticosteroids, these are only used for extreme cases of inflammation and sever pain. Prednisone is the most commonly used steroid. Prednisone can be taken orally or by injection into the joint. Prednisone is normally titrated up in dose when taken orally and needs to be titrated down. It never recommended that once you are put on a steroid treatment that you just stop it.

Steroids also come with their own set of side effects that make most patients unhappy, including weight gain and what is known as the "moon face". These side effects generally go away after stopping the medicine. Prednisone is very effective though in helping alleviated pain and swelling in extreme cases.

There are many options available to people that suffer from RA. Your options range from over the counter medicines to prescriptions. Most have minimal side effects and are effective. Talk to your doctor and plan your treatment together.

Arthritis Symptoms? How to Choose the Right Treatment for Your Pet

Most dog and cat owners can not stand the thought of seeing their beloved pet in pain. Arthritis in cats and dogs is as prevalent in them as it is in humans with a staggering 1/3 of pets being afflicted. The question is: How can an owner choose the right treatment for their pet?

Any treatment for arthritis must first be given the green light by a veterinarian after proper diagnosis. There are plenty of treatments for arthritis out there, but an owner should be sure if the treatment for arthritis that they have in mind is right for their pet. There are considerations before choosing a treatment for a pet suffering from arthritic joint pain.

Things to consider include:

1. Cost-effectiveness. Money spent on a treatment that works is money well spent. Money spent on a product that works for half the price is just smart. The form of treatment that a pet receives needs to be effective and when possible, more affordable.

2. Easy to administer. Pets hate taking medicine as much as we do. Trying to get pills into them 3 times a day is much easier said than done. Some medications have gone to chewables making dosing easy on the pet and owner but many times I have had to trick my dog into eating a snack with his medication inside. He has now mastered the fine art of extracting a pill from his treat before swallowing. So, if possible, the form of treatment given should be owner and pet friendly.

3. Minimal side effects. As pet owners, the last thing we want to do is give something to our pet that causes more harm than good. A good treatment for arthritis, or for any illness for that matter, should have little to no side effects. Medications prescribed and only available through a vet usually contain a list of side effects that range from mild to severe.

4. Healing. Immediate pain management is desirable, but when possible, the treatment administered to a pet should lead to a more substantial, prolonged healing. Some treatments only block the pain and do nothing about repairing damaged tissue. Some treatments can assist the body in healing itself.

5. Safety. The treatment should not have any ingredient that is harmful to your pet. With all of the pet food product recalls recently, we need to be as certain as possible the product used is safe for ingestion.

One treatment that is getting the nod from more and more veterinarians these days, is a combination of two supplements that are safe and effective. Glucosamine and chondroitin taken in combination, has been found to alleviate pain in those suffering joint disease more effectively than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, commonly referred to as NSAIDs. One such product containing both supplements that has proven itself safe, effective, and affordable goes by the brand name Syn-flex Liquid Glucosamine.

Arthritis Diet - Can What You Eat Reduce Arthritis Pain?

Inflammation is a root problem in arthritis, and it is often directly responsible for joint pain and tissue damage. Your food choices can either increase or decrease inflammation.

The first rule is to avoid refined, processed, and manufactured foods, most of which contain pro - inflammatory fats, carbohydrates, and additives. For example, Omega six fatty acids intensify inflammation, and most people eat too much of them. A major source is refined soybean oil, a cheap ingredient in many processed foods such as cookies, crackers, and snacks. Another culprit is high fructose corn syrup, the ubiquitous sweetener. It is a quickly digested carbohydrate that disturbs metabolism in many people and favors production of inflammation - promoting substances in the body.

When preparing your food, use good-quality extra-virgin olive oil. Its unique antioxidant polyphenol content helps protect all tissues from inflammatory damage. Be sure also to increase consumption of anti-inflammatory Omega three fatty acids by eating oily fish such as sockeye salmon, sardines, and herring at least three times a week.

Learn to distinguish good carbs from bad carbs by understanding glycemic load, the measure of how carbohydrate foods affect blood sugar. Minimizing spikes in blood sugar by reducing glycemic load of meals helps contain inflammation. Replace high glycemic load foods, such as those made with flour and sugar, with foods that have lower glycemic loads, such as whole or cracked grains, sweet potatoes, winter squashes, and beans. Moderate portions of pasta cooked el dente are better than most breads and potatoes.

Reduce consumption of animal protein, especially red meat and chicken, which contain a pro - inflammatory amino acid. Instead, eat more vegetable proteins such as beans and soy foods.

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables that cover the color spectrum. The pigments in these foods have protective effects. Try to find ways to consume ginger and turmeric in any form. Both spices have powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Two tips : add a teaspoon of powdered turmeric to soups, stews, and other dishes, and eat candied ginger with bits of dark chocolate (also rich in antioxidants) when you want a sweet treat. And try to include in your diet good quality tea, especially white, green or oolong, another source of anti-inflammatory compounds. Small changes in your diet are just one more component of treating arthritis pain.

Debunking the Myths of Osteoarthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease)

OA is the most common cause of disability and about half of patients with other chronic illnesses also have osteoarthritis. There are certain myths patients have about degenerative joint disease that continue to persist but simply are not true. Here are the top 5 and the actual truths:

1) Osteoarthritis is simply part and parcel of getting old

a. It is not inevitable. It's a complicated process and one that has to do with the way receptors in cartilage cells react to physical forces.

2) Medical imaging tells the whole osteoarthritis story

a. In fact, we cannot tell how much pain or trouble functioning a patient will have based on the x-ray degeneration. The two do not correlate. Meniscal tears on MRI's in older patients are seen over 80% of the time, but they are not usually a cause of pain.

3) Nothing can be done for osteoarthritis.

a. We cannot rebuild cartilage yet. That may be something stem cells help us with in the future. However, treatments such as physical therapy, medications, injections, bracing, can help dramatically relieve pain non-operatively.

4) Patients think when they are using a joint they are causing damage.

a. No evidence actually backs this up. Evidence actually supports the long term benefits of exercise. When a patient receives an injection into an arthritic joint, it can allow exercise and increased musculoskeletal and cardiac health. The pain relief allows for these benefits, and further joint damage is not always promoted.

5) Patients think they will all need surgery from osteoarthritis.

a. About 40% of senior citizens have osteoarthritis of the knees or hips. Only about 5% of those will ever undergo a joint replacement.

4 Proven Ways to Relieve Arthritis Pain

Arthritis is a condition that affects millions around the world. It strikes anybody, regardless of your age and gender. There are about 200 types of arthritis with osteoarthritis being the most common among affected individuals. Rheumatoid arthritis is the 2nd most common form of arthritis. There is presently no cure for arthritis. However, it is possible to relieve the symptoms by using these 4 proven ways.

1. Lose Weight

If you are fat, I would suggest that you start losing some weight to reduce the pressure on your weight-bearing joints like your knees and hips. There are many ways to lose weight. However, the most effective way to lose weight is by controlling your diet. Reduce your carbohydrate intake, and take more fruits and vegetables.

Fruits and vegetables contain a lot of fibre which will make you feel full faster. Besides that, it contains a lot of beneficial vitamins like antioxidants, along with minerals which can help reduce joint inflammations.

The main reason behind your weight gain is due to excessive carbohydrate intake. When there are excessive carbohydrates in your body which are not burned to provide energy, they will be converted to fats which are deposited on your body, resulting in weight gain. This explains why limiting your carbohydrate intake is the key to successful weight loss.

2. Exercise

Most arthritis patients are afraid to exercise due to their fear of sustaining injuries. However, studies have shown that simple flexibility exercises can be very good for maintaining joint function and preventing muscle wastage due to inactivity.

So, what are flexibility exercises? They are simple stretching exercises that can be performed without the supervision of healthcare professionals. Therefore, you can do them at the comfort of your home and at any time of the day.

In fact, it is highly recommended for you to do them before and after any physical exercise sessions to reduce the odds of getting an injury while exercising.

3. Diet

The Arthritic Association recommends a diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and natural products for arthritis patients. Therefore, try to include these food items as much as possible in your diet to reduce your arthritic symptoms.

Consider supplementing your diet with arthritis supplements like Provailen because it helps to fill the nutritional gap in your diet and ensure that your joints are well-nourished.

Avoid taking food items like chocolates, spices, herbs and diary products because they tend to aggravate your condition.

4. Rest

Having adequate rest is important for your overall health. Getting a good sleep of 7 to 8 hours daily will ensure that your joints are well rested and reduce any form of inflammation.

With these 4 tips in mind, I am very confident you can relieve your arthritis pain and start leading the normal life which you deserve. Good Luck!

Natural Remedies For Arthritis - How to Eliminate Arthritis Pain and Stiffness

Arthritis is an inflammatory joint condition causing stiffness, swelling, and pain. There are approximately 300 joints throughout your body. Arthritis limits your activity and usually gets worse if left untreated.

By following these natural remedies for arthritis, you can greatly reduce and in many cases, eliminate arthritis pain without the damaging effects of drugs. Medications may help reduce inflammation but there are side effects such as upset stomach, gastrointestinal bleeding and kidney problems.

Connection between Diet and Arthritis

• Eating a well-balance diet is essential for arthritis sufferers. If you are serious about eliminating pain, then you must be willing to make changes. Eating more fruits and vegetables and decreasing the amount of processed foods will detoxify your body and keep it running smoothly.


• A healthier diet also aids in weight reduction. Being overweight puts undue pressure on your joints and increases the painful symptoms.


• Natural remedies for arthritis include yellow and orange fruits and vegetables. They are high in vitamin A and are essential for bone function as well as aiding your immune system in the reduction of pain. Apricots, cantaloupe, grapefruit, mangoes, oranges, carrots, and winter squash are good starters. A glass of fresh squeezed orange juice a day is a tasty way to get a good dose of vitamin A.


• Eliminating dairy, sugar, and wheat from your diet is also essential in the reduction of arthritis pain. Drink rice milk or almond milk and eat whole grains instead. Use honey as a sweetener in place of sugar.

The Result of Proper Intake of Fluid and Arthritis

• Drinking 8-10 glasses of water a day helps to release toxins and controls constipation, decreasing the amount of pain in your joints. It is also essential in weight reduction. Regular intake of fluids also aids in the proper functioning of all major body organs.


• The best way to make sure you are drinking the recommended dosage is to measure the amount you drink. Unless you do, you are only guessing.

Benefits of Exercise and Arthritis

• Regular physical activity plays an essential role in the treatment of arthritis. One of the best known exercises encompassing a wide range of benefits is Yoga. These benefits include increased strength, flexibility and energy, decreasing body aches and pains. Most importantly, Yoga promotes joint health.


• "How To" tapes and CD's for beginning yoga are readily available in bookstores and libraries. Start slow, fifteen to twenty minutes a day, and in a short period of time you will begin to feel the benefits of regular stretching and meditation. Pain and stiffness will begin to decrease, making you wonder why you had not started sooner.

Making healthy changes in your lifestyle will bring relief of arthritic symptoms and in many cases, eliminate pain and stiffness altogether. Stick to natural remedies for arthritis and stay away from prescription and non-prescription medications. Be patient and understand you did not get arthritis overnight. Relief will come with consistency, diligence and being gentle with your body. You will lose weight and eliminate toxins, feeling and looking better than you ever thought possible.

Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment - What Are Your Options?

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that can develop in some people who experience the skin condition psoriasis. There are five main types of psoriatic arthritis- Symmetric arthritis, Asymmetric arthritis, Digital Interphalangeal Predominant (DIP) arthritis, Arthritis mutilans and Spondylitis. In this article we will examine treatments available.

Generally speaking, psoriatic arthritis treatment will be the same as treatment for any other form of arthritis. Your doctor will advise on treatment based on the type or types of the condition you have and the range and severity of symptoms. An early diagnosis will help to slow the progression of the disease and help to prevent further damage to the joints. Ideally treatment for psoriatic arthritis should go hand in hand with treatment of psoriasis.

Natural Treatments
Exercising can be beneficial as it will help to reduce stiffness and pain, and will strengthen the muscles around the joints. Your physiotherapist should be able to show you certain exercises designed to improve joint mobility and function. Low impact aerobic exercise, such as swimming and walking, can improve overall health and fitness, reduce excess weight and improve muscle strength and flexibility.

Physiotherapy can provide relief for some individuals, as can relaxation techniques of using electrotherapy, for example a TENS machine.

Use of ice packs to the affected joints can help to relieve swelling and joint pain.

There are also a number of prescription medications which can reduce symptoms.

Non- steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)
NSAIDS can be prescribed early on to relieve inflammation and swelling. As they are largely aspirin based, they can cause irritation to the stomach so should be avoided if you are prone to stomach ulcers.

Corticosteroids
Steroids are strong anti-inflammatory drugs which may be prescribed if the symptoms are severe, or if the patient experiences a flare-up. If used in high doses, the condition of the skin should be monitored as steroids can affect psoriasis. Steroids are often used in lower doses to reduce the risk of these side effects whilst stabilizing the arthritis.

Steroids can also be administered in injection form directly to the joint. They can be particularly effective when only one joint is affected, but there is a risk of adverse side effects of injections are given too often.

DMARDs
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) contain agents that target the specific occurrences within the body which cause both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. They can help to slow the progression of arthritis and help stop further joint tissue damage from occurring.

Systemic Medication
Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressive drug used to treat psoriasis that can also slow the progression of psoriatic arthritis. Prolonged use can cause kidney damage so regular blood tests should be undertaken.

Methotrexate can help prevent joint deterioration and relieve the symptoms of the condition. However, there are a number of potential side effects, including liver damage, so should be carefully monitored.

Sulfasalazine is an anti-inflammatory drug which has been proven effective in the treatment of the condition.

Antimalarials
Antimalarial medication is usually used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, but has also been used to successfully treat psoriatic arthritis. As side effect scan include headaches and blurred vision, regular eye tests should be undertaken. Some antimalarial medication can also exacerbate symptoms of psoriasis.

If you think you may have psoriatic arthritis, you should see your doctor in the first instance for a diagnosis and to discuss possible treatment options.

Arthritis Neck Pain - Causes & Treatments

No one likes to suffer any sort of injury to the neck. When the neck suffers from pain and tension, the rest of the body will fall in line with the suffering as pain will shoot through the rest of the nerve endings in the body. Now, does that mean the prognosis for anyone suffering from arthritis neck pain is bleak? No, that is not the answer at all. There may very well be several alternatives available to those looking for a solution to their arthritic neck pain problems. The key first step is to identify the presence of such a problem and then seek out the proper treatment for the condition.

Why does arthritic neck pain develop? The anatomical structure of the neck can be considered rather complex. There are 7 bones found in the neck and they are dubbed the cervical vertebrae. Since it would definitely not be appealing to experience bone on bone "scraping" whenever we move, our bodies evolved in such a way that cartilage exists between the bones. Nerve endings are connected through the vertebrae so that a sense of cohesive communication exists between the vertebrae and the rest of the body. While all these many components that make up the neck's strength and structure are durable, they are not indestructible. That is why they can be prone to wear and tear and the unfortunate development of arthritis.

Do not, however, assume that this makes treatment for arthritis neck pain impossible. Also, do not assume that invasive options such as neck surgery are the only way to deal with the issue. Physical rehab, for example, could be employed as could a whole host of non-invasive treatments.

But, why does this condition occur in the first place? There can be several reasons why such problems are so. Mainly, a significant amount of wear and tear on the joints will lead to significant problems. They will suffer a breakdown of cartilage or experience microtears and abrasions. In some instances, severe and traumatic injury is what leads to the eventual development of arthritis neck pain. Once the development of such arthritis manifests, a great deal of the quality of one's life can suffer as a result. After all, it is pretty difficult to go through the day without moving one's head and when you have arthritis, moving your head can lead to a very painful response. Then again, you need not even have to move your head to suffer from such problems. The onset of a stiff neck for no apparent reason could also be indicative of the development of arthritic neck pain.

Does this mean "all is lost" and the quality of the afflicted person's life will never improve? No, this is not the case at all. Treatments for dealing with problems associated with arthritis neck pain are available. You simply need to explore the appropriate course of action to take with your physician or therapist.

At the most basic of levels, there are over the counter anti-inflammatory products that can aid in reducing the pain of such a condition. For those that may not experience the best response to such OTC treatments, prescription anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed. And, of course, there are physical therapy treatments that can be performed to alleviate if not outright cure the problem. So, if you do suffer from arthritis neck pain, you can feel confident that there are effective methods to deal with the condition.

Rheumatoid Arthritis - The Role of Nutrition and Vitamin C

Rheumatoid Arthritis is considered an autoimmune disease that affects nearly 1 in 100 people. Joints can become painfully inflamed, swollen, deformed and destroyed by the disease. People diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis will be in lifelong treatment. Certain medications, diet, physical therapy, exercise and sometimes surgery can postpone the damaging effects of rheumatoid arthritis.

Doctors don't know exactly what causes rheumatoid arthritis, but they believe that it is the body's immune system attacking healthy tissues instead of damaged ones. This is why it is considered to be an autoimmune disorder. It can strike at any age and is slightly more common in women than in men. There is not a known prevention of RA, but research has shown that people who are active, have a healthy diet high in vitamin C, and who do not smoke are up to three times less likely to develop RA.

Nutrition plays several important roles in treating rheumatoid arthritis. Vitamin C in particular has received a lot of attention in research on treating RA. This disease seems to be triggered by infection. The immune system overreacts to the infection and starts attacking joints. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that calms and strengthens the immune system at the same time. It is believed that vitamin C, when kept at optimal levels, can control the onset of rheumatoid arthritis attacks.

Vitamin C is also a powerful tool for controlling inflammation. It specifically fights the tenascin-C molecules that get into joints and trigger the immune system to activate. Tenascin-C molecules are also thought to be responsible for sustaining inflammation. People who suffer from RA often have elevated levels of this molecule in their joints. Recent studies are focusing on controlling the molecular switch that activates the immune system and sends it into attack mode. Although there is no cure for RA at this time, researchers are optimistic about vitamin C's role in preventing and treating the disease.

Vitamin C plays a major role in collagen synthesis, which can help keep your joints healthy. Vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium supplements also fight inflammation, increase blood flow to joints, and can even relieve painful symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Keeping your joints as healthy as possible is the first step in preventing and treating RA. One way to tell if your body is not producing enough collagen is to check your gums. This is the easiest place to check your connective tissue health. If they are red, swollen, or bleed when you floss or brush, then you may have low levels of vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium or magnesium. Proper levels of these vitamins and supplements support connective tissues, such as bones, joints and gums, all over your body.

It is important to take care when supplementing with vitamins and supplements. Before you buy vitamins, talk to your doctor about dosages that are right for you and your condition. Higher or lower than normal vitamin C levels can actually worsen symptoms in osteoarthritis patients, so you will need to be monitored by a physician if this is the case for you. When you buy vitamins, choose the best vitamin C that you can find to ensure proper absorption.

Vitamin K - An Arthritis Preventative Home Remedy

Most all of us will have to deal with arthritis joint pain - joint inflammation and deterioration of cartilage - at some time. Arthritis occurs in the knees, elbow, fingers, and any where there is a bone joint. Where it occurs in your body will be determined by genetics, diet, and repetitive use of the joint.

As with most illness or body conditions there is always a home remedy that can help reduce, eliminate or even cure the condition. There are many natural cures for arthritis and many home remedies.

Here is one natural substance that reduces the severity of arthritis and provides a more natural balance and function of bone and chemicals at the bone joint - vitamin k.

Vitamin k also gives blood the ability to form blood clots, which prevent us from bleeding to death whenever we cut ourselves.

There has been recent activity in testing vitamin k for the prevention of arthritis and for reducing the severity of bone degeneration. In her studies, Tuhina Neogi, of Boston University School of Medicine found that low levels of vitamin k in individual activated bone and cartilage deterioration. And, those found with low vitamin k also had more severe arthritis.

So what does all of this mean? When you are deficient in vitamin k you are more susceptible to bone and cartilage degeneration and abnormalities. As you age and start to have arthritis and you are deficient in vitamin k your arthritis will be more severe.

Here's how to get more vitamin k in your diet. You can take vitamin k supplement in doses of 5 to 15 mg daily. Look for plant based vitamin k1 and k2 since these have no toxicity associated with them. Avoid using K3 which is the synthetic form, which can cause liver toxicity.

For those of you that are using blood thinning medication, coumadin, it best not to use vitamin k supplements. In some cases doctors also recommend not eating those foods that are high in vitamin k.

But if you not taking blood thinning medication and have no major cardiovascular conditions then supplementing with vitamin k should not be a problem.

Here are some foods that you should be eating daily to get natural organic vitamin k:

Dark green leafy vegetables of all kinds, chestnut leaves, spinach leaves, kale, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, endive, olive oil, avocados, meat, egg yolk, cheese, yogurt.

Start eating more dark green vegetables and add a small amount of vitamin k to your daily diet. This will help you offset the degradation of you bone joints and reduce the severity of arthritis as you use your joints more and more.

Apple Cider Vinegar - A Natural Arthritis Tonic

Using apple cider vinegar for arthritis is something that has been done for centuries. There are many reasons for this that you should be aware of. Apple cider vinegar actually has many medicinal benefits and relieving arthritis pain is one of them.

One thing to know about arthritis is that it can be characterized by the formation of crystallized uric acid around the joints. The use of apple cider vinegar is recommended to break down these crystals. This is done by the malic acid that is one of the active compounds of this type of vinegar. The acid will break down the crystals so they can pass out of the body. It should be noted that this does not prevent them from forming.

Inflammation is something that people with arthritis also suffer from. This type of vinegar can help with this as well because it is a natural antioxidant. The antioxidant properties will reduce the inflammation around the joints. Additionally it is thought that this reduction will help to slow the progress of the condition. Pain relief is also something that this vinegar can help with. The malic and acetic acids in the vinegar also help the body fight infections.

How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar to Fight Arthritis Pain

There are two common ways in which people can administer apple cider vinegar for arthritis. One is through a compress. To do this, you will heat a solution of one part apple cider vinegar to six parts water. When the mixture is hot to the touch then take it off the heat and soak a cloth in it. Ring out the excess and put it onto aching joints.

Another way to administer this vinegar is as a tonic. Many people take a tablespoon two times a day. It is possible to take this vinegar straight if you do not mind the taste. You could also mix a tablespoon full into a glass of water and have it that way or you can make a tea with a teaspoon of natural honey.

You can't go wrong trying apple cider vinegar for arthritis. The cost of this natural remedy is minimal and the benefits are too numerous to mention. Also buy the brand that has organic raw unfiltered apples to get the best results.

How to Stop Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain!

Having a debilitating physical condition is bad enough, but it's even worse when doctors don't even know the real cause of the illness. Welcome to the delemma faced by two million sufferers of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis(R.A.) is a painful condition that can fully impact your quality of life and your lifestyle because it effects the joints. Doctors are still baffled by the causes but they do know that it is an auto immune system disease. So basically with Rheumatoid Arthritis the bodies auto immune system (which is the gatekeeper for all of the foreign substances that can enter your body) ) breaks down! When this occurs, it cannot defend and drive away the viruses and bacteria.

Those who suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis have an immune system which is constantly under attack; can't ward off the intruders and eventually malfunctions as a result. Even otherwise normal parts of the body are prey and are vulnerable to this takeover.

The main symptoms come from the tissue area that surrounds the joints,( usually in the feet or hands) and there is considerable inflammation which causes a varying degree of pain. In the course of this tissue attack, the joint region is open to further destruction and degeneration.

Joints are a meeting place where two bones converge. They rotate around each other. The different parts include the cartilage, which provides a smooth surface and allows the bones to move around without friction. And surrounding the cartilage is a membrane called the synovium, which produces a thick oil-like substance that lubricates the joint.

The joint itself is supported by a wrapping of ligaments which hold the bones in place and keep them moving in the right direction. For sufferers of Rheumatoid Arthritis, the bodies immune system attacks the healthy tissue of the joints. Fluids enter along with antibodies and defense cells and the joint starts to swell; stiffen and cause pain! After a while there can be permanent decay and degeneration which could cause disfigurement if left untreated.

So, what do you do to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis and how do you stop R.A.'s onslaught?

Since the causes are still unknown it's hard to say that you can prevent it, but knowing the effects of the disease can help you to treat the symptoms that start with the breakdown of the joint itself.

Recently, the use of an all natural substance called cetylmyristoleate (CMO) has proven to be very effective. Cetylmyristoleate (CMO) is a waxy/ gooey substance which is taken orally, that lubricates the membrane of the synovium, thus restoring some of the lost fluidity of the joint. This relieves the swelling; inflammation and pain and also assists in a broader range of motion.

Can we stop Rheumatoid Arthritis?.... probably not! - but we can ease the pain and suffering by regenerating parts of the joint region. We can start by using cetylmyristoleate(CMO) on a regular basis.

Osteoarthritis - What You Can Do to Prevent It

Osteoarthritis is a type of disease from the arthritis family which is caused due to the wear and tear of the joints. It is a degenerative disease associated with the breakdown of cartilage in the joints. Cartilage is a tough but elastic tissue that acts as a cushion between two bones, enabling smooth movements of the joints and also preventing them from damage due to sudden jerks. Breakdown in the cartilage leads to deteriorating joints as the friction between the bones increases. This leads to severe pain, swelling and difficulty in movement.

Causes of Osteoarthritis

Studies suggest that men over the age of 70 and women over the age of 50 are more likely to be affected by this disease. After menopause sets in, women are more susceptible to this disease, since there is a drop in the oestrogenic hormone levels, which leads to faster degeneration of the cartilage. However, old age is not the only cause of this disease; people of any age can be affected by it. Heredity is another reason that can cause this disease, particularly affecting the hands and the hip. Research suggests that inherited irregularities in the structure of the cartilage can lead to the onset of osteoarthritis.

Obesity is one of the main causes of developing this disease, particularly in the knee and the hip since these joints carry the body weight all the time. Excess weight causes increased pressure on them leading to pain and inflammation. Sportspersons are also very susceptible to this disease. This is because their joints and bones are used excessively, leading to higher levels of cartilage degeneration. For example, football players can develop osteoarthritis of the hip and cyclists can develop osteoarthritis of the knees.

Tips for prevention of Osteoarthritis

Keeping your weight under control and exercising regularly can help keep osteoarthritis at bay. However, incorrect method of exercising can increase the pressure on your joints, thereby affecting them adversely. Hence exercising under proper guidance can help keep your joints fit. Boot camp workouts are easily one of the better options to help keep your bones and joints in shape. These workouts are high intensity, resistance building and muscle strengthening group activities. Resistance training activities helps reduce joint pains and prevent them from injuries. If you are already suffering from osteoarthritis, you should inform your boot camp instructor in advance, so that he can modify your workout sessions accordingly. However, before you start any new activity, it is important to consult your medical practitioner and go by his advice.

It is advisable for older people to consult their doctor for vitamins and calcium supplements that will help in keeping their joints and bones healthy. If osteoarthritis has already set in, the doctor may prescribe pain killers along with the supplements that will help reduce pain and swelling in the joints.

In case of extreme pain and joints damaged beyond repair, joint replacement surgery may be required.

Recent studies suggest that risk of developing osteoarthritis due to onset of menopause in women, can be reduced to a great extent by hormone replacement surgery.

Arthritis Treatment: New Hope for Tophaceous Gout?

Gout, a disease of antiquity, is experiencing a resurgence. In fact, it's been estimated that more than eight million Americans may have the disease. There are several reasons for this. First, more Americans are obese, a significant risk factor for gout.

Second the obesity is often accompanied by other risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and elevated blood lipids, the combination being known as "the metabolic syndrome."

Finally, there has been an increased availability as well as increased consumption of high fructose containing beverages, another risk factor for gout.

The underlying physiologic reason for gout is the inability of the body to rid itself of uric acid. Uric acid is a byproduct of the metabolism of purines, a major constituent of many foods.

Ordinarily, the kidneys are responsible for the bulk of elimination of uric acid but in gout they cannot keep up with the huge burden of uric acid in the blood.

While most people who experience one or two attacks a year can be managed conservatively, patients who experience repeated attacks or who have markedly elevated levels of serum uric acid (SUA), are candidates for medical treatment.

Medicines such as colchicine, non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs, and steroids are helpful for breaking acute attacks of the disease. For chronic disease where the aim is to lower SUA, medicines such as probenecid, allopurinol, and febuxostat (Uloric) are useful.

However, a small percentage of patients will not respond to these measures. Some patients with long-standing gout develop tophi, collections of uric acid near the skin surface. These are an indication of a tremendous uric acid burden. A new drug called pegloticase (Krystexxa) lowers SUA by converting it to allantoin, an inert ingredient. It is administered intravenously in a dose of 8 mgs intravenously every two weeks and drives the SUA to 0 within 3 months. Tophi "melt away."

The down side is that approximately 25-50 per cent of patients will develop blocking antibodies to the drug and if not recognized, can experience severe infusion reactions.

The way to spot this coming is get a SUA level the morning before a proposed infusion. If the SUA is 4 mgs/dl or higher the patient has developed antibodies and is at high risk for an infusion reaction and should not be given pegloticase. Patients should not receive other SUA lowering therapies along with pegloticase since they may mask the development of antibodies. Patients should be screened for G6PD deficiency since this is a contraindication to receiving pegloticase. Finally, "prepping" a patient with steroids and an antihistamine also lower the risk of infusion reactions.

Ways to Identify Psoriatic Arthritis Symptoms

Psoriatic arthritis is chronic disease formed by the inflammation of the skin and the joints. It usually develops in people between thirty to fifty years old; however, this condition can begin in childhood. Its symptoms can happen at any time. It can appear mild and non-progressive, but to some, it has persistent inflammation and requires appropriate treatment to prevent joint damage and disability.

There is an increased risk developing this condition when someone has parents or siblings who have the disease. Thus, it is essential to identify the signs and symptoms to get appropriate treatment from a professional medical practitioner.

Its Multiple Symptoms

One the general symptoms can be found in the tips of the fingers or toes. These symptoms are:

繚 Pain and swelling in the joints (such as wrists, ankles, knees and joints at the end of fingers and toes.

繚 Sausage-like fingers and toes caused by swelling

繚 Lower back pain

繚 Pain in the buttocks

繚 Scaly spots in the scalp, knees, elbows and lower end of the backbone

繚 Pitting of the fingernails or toenails

繚 Stiffness of joints every morning

繚 Tendinitis

繚 Conjunctivitis

Other symptoms can be found in the spine. This causes pain and stiffness in the low back, buttocks, upper back and neck.

Identifying the Culprits

Physical examination performed by a qualified doctor is generally the first step in order to identify psoriatic arthritis. Blood tests, x-rays and joint fluid tests are needed to determine whether a patient is suffering from this. Being educated with the symptoms can also help the doctor to easily identify the cause of the condition and find appropriate treatment to lessen the occurrence of its symptoms.

Five Types of Psoriatic Arthritis

There are five known types of psoriatic arthritis. These are:

繚 Asymmetrical - affects not more than three joints.

繚 Symmetrical - occurs on both sides of the body at the same time.

繚 Spondylitis - manifests in the spine and neck of a person.

繚 Distal interphalangeal - affects the nails and the joints at the tip of fingers and toes.

繚 Arthritis mutilans - damages the joints and progresses from months to years.

Psoriatic arthritis symptoms are also similar to other forms of arthritis making it extremely hard to classify. It can be in different forms and if left untreated or undiagnosed for proper treatment can become destructive to the joints and other affected areas. Seeking medical attention is advisable. Once you observe unusual appearance of your nails or skin, or pain in your joints, talk to your doctor to identify the root of the problem.

Arthritis and Its Types

It is one of the diseases having a painful effect. It has a far-reaching impact on most people who either have themselves or their family members affected by this disease. Literally Arthritis is a term given to joint inflammation. However in the biological world this term is used for hundreds of diseases. These diseases can affect your ligaments muscles tendons and bones causing stiffness, swelling and massive pain.

Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are the common types of this disease.

When the diseases takes place on the common joint causing degenerative effect the arthritis is known as osteoarthritis. This is a common type of arthritis and has already affected more than 20 million of US population. In this type the main targeted portion is the cartilage. If you are having this disease you will find that the outer cartilage layer gets broken down. It causes reduction of cushion in the bones and they start rubbing against each other. This leads to a loss in motion for the particular joint involved alongside swelling and pain. Spurs start growing at the edges of the joint. Following that it is seen that the spurs start to break off and float in the joint itself. This causes further damage and more pain. Such arthritis form can only have an affect on your joints.

Another common arthritis form which has more than couple of million of US population currently affected with it is the rheumatoid arthritis. Unlike osteoarthritis this form of arthritis is not limited to joint you would find it affecting heart nerves blood eyes skin and other parts of our body. It is actually an inflammation characterized by symmetry. This means that if one of the joints are affected you would find the joint parallel to that also getting affected.

This is why it is quite simple to detect this form of arthritis. Other symptoms of the disease include swelling and pain in joint alongside stiffness inactivity and fatigue. People having rheumatoid arthritis have rheumatoid factor. However it has little or no use if you are trying to diagnose this disease. Apart from rheumatoid arthritis there are a number of other diseases which can have rheumatoid factor. If you see any of the symptoms of the two arthritis types you should consult a rheumatologist today.

Ganoderma As an Alternative Treatment For Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition characterized by joint pain and swelling. This disease is commonly manifested by people in the ages of 40 to 60 and is highly predominant among women. Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects the small joints in the human body such as the hands, feet and wrists. The hallmark symptom would include joint stiffness and swelling in the morning. A person suffering from arthritis may have difficulty in grasping things, writing, walking, dressing, etc.

The use of herbal therapies has long been employed in the Asian regions. Japan, China and India have practiced herbal treatments through the years to cure diseases. Popularly known as reishi or ling zhi, Ganoderma lucidum is a leathery mushroom plant that has been used in Asian medicine for centuries. It is among the Orient's best elixirs. Here are some health benefits of Ganoderma:

• It works systemically through the cell level.
• It strengthens the human body's immunity and thus helps it fight off diseases and other infections.
• It is believed to calm the mind and reduce stress.
• It can be used by individuals on all ages from children to pregnant women.
• It contains anti-aging elements that is helpful for maintaining that youthful glow.

Ganoderma is used as an alternative therapy for arthritis, insomnia, diabetes, gastric ulcers, hypertension and allergic reactions. According to recent studies, Ganoderma has immune modulating and anti-inflammatory properties that is perfect for treating autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disorders. Ganoderma is believed to reduce pain and swelling. It also helps modify autoimmune reactions in cases of rheumatoid arthritis. Ganoderma lucidum herb has been proven to improve and intensify the alpha and gamma interferon in the body. This can effectively regulate your immune system.

How Ganoderma is used

The herb itself is very bitter and tough. In plain form it is frankly inedible. Because of this, those who want to experience the health benefits of ganoderma can do so in a number of ways be ingested in the body in several ways: via supplements or beverages such as healthy ganoderma coffees and teas. While easiest to buy products that are already ganoderma enriched, there is also a way to make an herb tincture out of boiling the mushroom. Ling zhi mushrooms are commercially available in the market these days in dried powder form, syrup, capsules, tea and tinctures.

You can make your own herb tincture by boiling 翻 ounce of dried Ganoderma mushroom in 3 cups of water. Be sure to chop the mushroom into tiny pieces. Let the chopped mushroom sit in cold water for 3 to 4 hours even before boiling it. Use cold water when soaking the herb to make sure all the nutrients are absorbed properly. Slowly bring the mixture into boil. Let the solution simmer for about 45 minutes and then cool down to adequate drinking temperature. With the use of a metal strainer or coffee filter paper, strain the entire mixture. Be sure to store your Ganoderma herb drink in a covered glass jar inside the refrigerator.

Ganoderma is indeed one of the best options for treating arthritis the natural way!

Arthritis and Rheumatism: Glucosamine Supplements

Arthritis and Rheumatism - How to differentiate them?

Inflammatory pain resulting from the joints is arthritis and pains arising from tissues surrounding the bodily joints such as muscle, bone, ligament or tendon is rheumatism. These conditions are common and have long been considered to be chronic, degenerative and untreatable. Standard medication can make up of aspirin, corticosteroids and other non-steroidal anti inflammatory medicines which go to alleviate pain. The negative side of a long term usage on these drugs can possibly develop the dire side effects of a kidney and or liver damage. These as well intensify cartilage breakdown and hamper the body's natural repair system.

The good news is that there are now many natural herbal substances that have provided an alternative treatment to these joint pain conditions. While these natural substances normally takes a longer time to show results, however in the long run, they could be just as effective as conventional approach. This comes without the side effects too!

On the contrary, one should be wary of any substances on the market that promise quick results. Many of such substances in fact work against the body's natural healing mechanisms and in worst cases may cause more harm than just joint pains. These drugs may contain harmful substances in order to provide an instant result may cause harm to the kidney and liver.

Glucosamine is an amino sugar that is naturally produced by the human body. It is present in the cartilage, kidneys and liver. Glucosamine is understood to aid in healing damaged cartilage, constructing new cartilage, protecting and cushioning joints, alleviating pain and anti inflammatory. In the course of ageing, the body's natural production of Glucosamine drops as well. This is a sign that more senior people take joint pain supplements in one way or another to address this joint pain problem.

A common and widely available joint pain supplement in the market is glucosamine. What is Glucosamine? Glucosamine supplement originates from shrimp or crab shells and comes in 2 forms: pill and liquid. Some scientific/ medical studies suggested most pills and capsules contain certain binders or fillers that in fact making it difficult for the wanted active ingredients to be absorbed by the body to the maximal. Glucosamine in liquid form is thus regarded as a better source in that the body can absorb much more effectively compared to pills. Moreover, nutritional supplements in liquid forms are absorbed much more quickly by the body.

Together with Chondroitin and MSM, Glucosamine pills are popularly used for the treatment of Osteoarthritis, one of the most common types of arthritis.

Helpful Tips for Arthritis Sufferers

Arthritis is a disease that affects men and women alike. Although it is more common in adults, children are not immune from it. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis affects children before age 16. Juvenile arthritis can affect children as young as six months old. In all cases arthritis results from inflammation of the joints and can result in joint pain and swelling. We all know that we have cartilage between our bones that protects the joints where the bones meet, and allows the joints to move more smoothly. When one suffers from arthritis, it is as a result of a breakdown of the cartilage between the bones. One can imagine then that cartilage breakdown causes the bones to rub together and as a result we get the inflammation, pain and stiffness.

My dad suffered from chronic rheumatoid arthritis for a long time. To a certain extent and in hindsight, we would all probably agree that his own negligence in treating his symptoms at an early stage resulted in the long suffering that he endured as a consequence. For a long time my dad ignored the symptoms of arthritis because he just felt it was not worth making a big deal about. Was he in pain? I am sure that he was throughout the progression of his illness. As the pain grew progressively more intense his complained less and less, always thinking that it could be worse, and was trying to make the best of a bad situation. I guess he had a really high tolerance for pain because by the time he went to the doctor, there was not much that could be done to reduce his discomfort. His knee was totally disfigured. Every painful step that he took was like a torturous ritual of bone grinding on bone according to what the x-rays showed and to the doctors disbelief. Yet, when the doctor suggested that he must be in a lot of pain he still waived it off as being bearable and that it was not a big deal. When dad was out of ear shot the doctor confided that regardless of what Dad says, he must be and has been in a lot of pain for a really long time. That was really hard to hear. The disease, therefore, its symptoms and treatment are things that we need to be aware of and pay attention to just in case we or our loved ones must deal with the disease.

Below are some of the symptoms that we should be aware of. Many of these symptoms can be observed with the naked eye or can be felt. We have to be vigilant and seek professional help early as soon as we begin noticing these changes in either our own bodies or those of our loved ones.

• Joint pain - This can be felt. Also we know by observing or listening and paying attention to the person experiencing the discomfort and talking about it


• Joint swelling - can be observed or the arthritis sufferer might experience discomfort or tightness in the joint first and then observe the swelling


• Limited ability to move the joint-- The joint feels different from before the illness. May happen slowly over time


• The skin around a joint develops some redness in color-- The way that we know about this is by paying attention to changes in our bodies


• Stiffness-- This usually happens after prolonged sitting. May also be felt in the mornings after the joints have been in the same position for some time


• Increased temperature around the joint -- usually fells warmer to the touch

All of these symptoms are very easy to feel or observe but because they are so routine they can easily be missed also. The types of treatments that are used for arthritis depend on the stage at which one is with the illness when they are seeking treatment. The earlier arthritis symptoms are recognized and treated, the more functional the patient is over the course of the illness.

Disabled World News (2010-06-21) lists some of the treatments for arthritis to include:

• Rest


• Relaxation


• Exercise


• Proper diet


• Medication


• Instruction about the proper use of joints and ways to conserve energy.

The article also mentions other more invasive treatments that include the use of methods to relieve pain, and assistive devices such as splints or braces. Although the treatments seem relatively routine, in severe cases, surgery may be necessary. It is up to doctors and patients to work together to develop a treatment plan that helps the patient maintain or improve his or her lifestyle.

It is generally understood that the treatment of arthritis is not a one size fit all. When one looks at the treatment options, they mostly seem non-invasive. This would suggest that early diagnosis and treatment can make a huge difference in the quality of lives of arthritis sufferers although none of these will actually cure the disease. Be observant and get to a health professional early.

Why is Osteoarthritis So Darned Hard to Treat?

Recent research efforts from both Northwestern University in Chicago and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center have described work on the use of a new nanofiber gel that promotes cartilage growth in joints.

The material is injected into the damaged joint and stimulates bone marrow stem cells to produce natural cartilage.

The nanofibers allow stem cells from bone marrow to produce cartilage containing type II collagen and repair a damaged joint.

Type II collagen is the major protein component in articular cartilage, the gristle that caps the ends of long bones within a joint.

This is distinctly different from the Type I collagen produced as a result of another procedure used to heal cartilage damage called microfracture. Microfracture is a surgical procedure where small holes are drilled into the bone beneath the area of cartilage damage. This leads to bleeding from the bone marrow.

Ostensibly, stem cells from the marrow create new cartilage.

Microfracture causes the production of cartilage having predominately type I collagen. Type I collagen is the type found most commonly in scar tissue.

Type II collagen is weaker than Type I collagen and probably does not hold up as well. This may be one explanation why microfracture surgery has not been as successful as first thought.

Another type of procedure called autologous chondrocyte transplantation has also been used. In this procedure, cartilage is harvested from a non-weight-bearing part of the joint. The cartilage is then specially treated in a laboratory so that individual cartilage cells multiply. The cartilage cells are then put back into the joint under a small flap of tissue that is sewn into place. Recovery is long and the cartilage produced also appears to contain mostly Type I collagen.

Mosaicplasty where multiple cartilage plugs are fitted into the cartilage defect has also been used. Results are mixed.

Stem cell treatment has the appeal of being less invasive and requiring less recovery time. However, controlled data is nonexistent. Supportive evidence consists of case studies and small numbers.

One issue that has plagued researchers and clinicians alike is the mechanical forces present within weight-bearing joints such as the hip and knee.

When asked his opinion regarding the nanofiber issue, Dr. William Arnold, a Chicago-based rheumatologist stated, "This isn't the first 'cartilage growth stimulator'...and it won't be the last. There's no way that cartilage regrows on the surface of the medial femoral condyle (of the knee) without a mechanical correction accompanying the "regrowth". The shear compression forces in the medial compartment are formidable... and would quickly chew up any flimsy cartilage surface beginning to grow on the surface of the condyle."

Dr. Nathan Wei, a rheumatologist specializing in stem cell treatment for osteoarthritis, concurs with Dr. Arnold to a point. He states, "The impact loading forces on weight-bearing joints such as the knee and hip are one thing to contend with but with the hip there is the added stress of rotational movement and in the knee there are gliding and rotational forces to deal with as well."

He argues though, "Animal models have demonstrated that stem cell procedures are effective. And while human data is sparse, early evidence supports further investigation... I do agree that mechanical forces need to be dealt with through various means in order to allow stem cells to 'take'. We are currently attempting to address this issue. Our results so far are very encouraging."

Got Osteoarthritis? Don't Worry, So Does Everyone Else Your Age

Osteoarthritis is a recurring disease caused by the deterioration of joint cartilages. It is actually the most common form of arthritis. The deterioration is mainly due to the years of wear and tear of the joints where the body's ability to form new bone margins between bone connections and cartilages have significantly decreased. Osteoarthritis is common in the phalanges and other joints found in the knees and hips.

As a common joint disease, osteoarthritis is widespread for both males and females. Typically, this disease starts to appear at the age of 40 and may get worse as one gets older. In a number of cases, osteoarthritis can cause serious handicap to people as it can decrease the dexterity of the fingers or toes and the mobility of hips, knees and elbows; in fact, osteoarthritis is second only to heart ailments when it comes to work-related disabilities.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis include deep pain in the joints especially after heavy exercise or excessive movement. However, the pain can subside after ample rest. If you suffer from osteoarthritis, you may also experience stiffness in the joints during the morning and after doing heavy exercise. And hearing or feeling that your joints are grating as you move can be considered normal if you have osteoarthritis.

The bad news about osteoarthritis is that it could be permanent as there is no known cure for it. However, there are many ways to relieve its symptoms. Medical attention pertaining to this disease is focused on soothing the pain that accompanies it. As of the moment, the most effective approach to relieving the osteoarthritis pain is to take oral pain pills. Some topical creams are also used to help alleviate pain.

Then, if ordinary analgesic and topical creams are not enough, anti-inflammatory drugs without steroidal derivatives can also be used. For extreme cases, injections with non-sulfated form of polysaccharides, a type of complex carbohydrates, can help in lubricating connective tissues like your aging joints. A process called visco-supplementation together with other surgical treatments, have increasingly become popular especially for osteoarthritis in the knees. But remember, all these measures just deal with the pain and in no way can these cures improve the principal disease which is osteoarthritis.

Instead of totally depending on synthetic medication, osteoarthritis sufferers must also aim to lose weight and do regular exercises. Weight can be a major factor in the overall wear and tear of joints, while adequate exercise can improve the strength of most connective tissues. As for your exercise, you can also add yoga movements. The twists and turns that are characteristic of yoga are proven to build flexibility and strength to connective tissues, plus they can also put a stop to stiffness in your muscles and joints.

Other pain solutions include alternative approaches. Foremost among the alternative means of relieving osteoarthritis pain is acupuncture. In acupuncture, small needles are inserted into certain points of the body. When these points are stimulated, the flow of energy in the body becomes more efficient, thereby releasing substances like serotonin and endorphins which can soothe osteoarthritis pain among other things.

Finally, don't forget traditional hot and cold compress. Rotating hot pads and ice packs on your aching joints can also provide some remedy for osteoarthritis pain. This is similar to the way athletes take care of their injuries sustained in a match or training session. Although the effects can be short-lived, hot and cold compress sure beats grinding your teeth in pain.

If you are suffering from osteoarthritis, you should consult with your doctor. You can also use supplements like Phosoplex to relieve the pain and put you back in motion. For more information about this product, you can visit Phosoplex.com.