Curing Horse Arthritis

Arthritis is one of the most common causes of debilitation and lameness in horses. It occurs when there is continuous inflammation of cartilage in the joint, resulting in the complete destruction of that cartilage. As time passes, the cartilage of the joint becomes so thin that it causes severe pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion.

What is probably the must frustrating and unfortunate aspect of arthritis in horses is that it is not a reversible condition, meaning the condition will only worsen over time if not treated. While there is no way to cure arthritis in horses, there is certainly a large selection of treatments available that can help to slow the destructive process and provide some relief to your horse.

Continue Regular Exercise

Unless your horse is severely lame, you should always continue to provide regular, daily exercise to your horse. The benefit of exercise is that it allows for the continued support and strengthening of the muscles that support the joints. This is turn helps the cartilage of the joints to remain strong and can help to reduce the quick progression of arthritis.

Additionally, horses that are regularly exercised on a consistent basis have a much lower chance of developing arthritis. Because exercises produces repetitive strengthening of the joints and associated cartilage, it is always good to keep your horse active and well-exercised.

Corticosteroid and Hyaluronic Acid Injections

After your horse has been diagnosed with arthritis, the first line of defense is usually a two-part injection of hyaluronic acid and a corticosteroid. Hyaluronic acid is naturally produced by the joint fluid, which produces an anti-inflammatory effect. When this is injected into a horse's joint, it tends to strengthen the joint and also prompts the body to begin producing more hyaluronic acid.

Given in combination with hyaluronic acid is a corticosteroid, which also produces anti-inflammatory effects. However, the benefit of the corticosteroid is that it has the ability to halt to the deterioration of the joint relatively quickly, essentially providing a tremendous amount of pain relief. Depending on the severity of the arthritis and lameness, this type of injection is usually given once every six to 12 months.

Medications and Supplements

If your horse has arthritis, it goes without saying that you will most likely be medicating him and providing supplementation for the remainder of his life. Most commonly prescribed is a NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). This type of medication is not as strong as a true steroid, but it can provide a tolerable amount of pain relief and inflammation. Used in conjunction with annual corticosteroid injections, NSAIDs have been found to help the return of a horse's range of motion and his normal activities.

Feeding supplements to your horse can sometimes be difficult because of the vast selection available to you. For a horse with arthritis, you should be specifically looking for a supplement that includes glucosamine and chondroitin, which are also compositions normally created by the body. A supplement with these two ingredients can aid in the repair of damaged cartilage and in the return of elasticity to the cartilage.

Natural Arthritis Treatment & Information

Arthritis can affect the joints in number of forms like osteoarthritis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, reactive arthritis, temporomandibular joint arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and Ankylosing spondolysis. Though certain forms arthritis affect only particulars joints some forms can affect almost all body joints. Prolonged and untreated arthritis conditions can even lead to swollen skin in some cases.

Usually, almost all types of arthritis are chronic in nature. Though the initial symptoms of arthritis may not show serious complications, prolonged existence of arthritis symptoms and improper treatment or negligence can lead to gradual damage of the joints.

Swelling, persistent pain, stiffness of joints is the most common symptoms of arthritis. However, some forms of arthritis may produce additional symptoms like feeling of pain and tenderness (when touched), redness and warmth surrounding joints and difficulty in movement of joints.

Certain medications are available for treating arthritis. The arthritis treatment is aimed at reducing inflammation and relieving pain. Some over the counter medications and tropical creams can be taken in consultation with health care provider for relieving arthritis symptoms. Combination of Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs are commonly prescribed for relieving arthritis symptoms.

Though proven effective, medications can produce certain unwanted side effects. Keeping in view this facilities researchers are making all efforts to develop a medication that could provide faster relief without producing any side effects. Arthritis sufferers also prefer alternative therapies over the medications. Certain specific physical exercises may help in easy joint movements.

Diet also plays a greater role in reducing arthritis symptoms. Adequate quantity of minerals, vitamins etc in the diet ensure strong body immune system. Deficiency of these essential nutritional values weakens the immune system and weak immune system makes the right condition of development of various abnormalities including arthritis. Liquid dietary supplements like colloidal gold, colloidal silver, colloidal copper etc can help you in enhancing immune system by making good deficiency of minerals. Colloidal silver has the property to regulate the body hormonal balances. Furthermore, silver has the property of killing bacteria, viruses and microorganisms.

Colloidal silver, being obtained from pure silver and manufactured through non-chemical process, does not produce any side effects. You must understand that colloidal silver is not a treatment for arthritis but can help you in prevention of arthritis and reducing arthritis symptoms. Usually, colloidal silver is used as a part of combination therapy.

Will Vitamins Help Arthritis Suffering?

Studies concerning vitamins and arthritis suffering, positive results have been seen. Vitamins are not the only beneficial nutrients. Minerals and amino acids, as well as unique compounds such as glucosamine and SAM-e have been evaluated for their pain-relieving benefits.

2 Important Steps

Step One, of course, is to insure that you are getting all of the essential nutrients on a daily basis. That is difficult to do, without a good supplement. The value of the popular multi-vitamins is questionable, though, because they contain synthetics and the cheapest forms of the available nutrients. So, always shop for all-natural supplements. Plastic nutrients probably don't have much of an effect.

The Second Step for someone that has sore knuckles, general stiffness or a small amount of inflammation is omega-3 fish oil. Fish oil has been used for hundreds of years to relieve the pain associated with osteoarthritis. Modern day studies have shown that it is beneficial for the rheumatoid type, too.

Scientific comparisons have shown that some fish oils have more anti-inflammatory activity than others. So, look for a supplement company that has had their fish oil tested for its inflammation fighting ability.

Mussel Power

Once you have the basics of a multi-nutritional formula and a good fish oil supplement, you might consider green lipped mussel powder, which is another natural anti-inflammatory. The mussels contain a variety of nutrients important to joint and bone health.

Some of the studies concerning vitamins and arthritis suffering in the knee joints have looked at the value of natural vitamin E and glucosamine sulfate. Although glucosamine has been recommended for years as a dietary supplement for rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, researchers are still debating the effectiveness of the treatments.

This and other studies have confirmed that it is the type of glucosamine used in the studies that accounts for the varied results. Glucosamine sulfate is far more effective than glucosamine hydrochloride. But, since both have a beneficial effect, some of the better manufacturers include both types in their supplements.

Vitamin Research Result

Studies concerning specific vitamins and arthritis suffering indicate that A, C, D and E may be beneficial, because they reduce the oxidative damage done by free radicals, and also because the body's natural antioxidant status decreases with age. In the study mentioned above, researchers concluded that 400mg of natural vitamin E (derived from palm oil) per day was just as effective as glucosamine sulfate.

To date, there have been no studies comparing the effectiveness of other nutrients, such as SAM-e and chondroitin. So, when it comes to vitamins and arthritis suffering, it is safe to say that a combination of ingredients (rather than a single vitamin like E) is the best choice.

3 Factors to Seriously Consider

If combined with a -
1. Healthy diet,
2. Regular physical activity and
3. Good dietary supplements can help repair damaged joints and reduce pain, while the healing process is ongoing. Some consumers say that the supplements are beneficial, even if they don't focus on what they eat or manage to get enough exercise.

If you decide that supplementation is the right choice for you, look for a brand that includes a number of natural anti-inflammatories, including turmeric, piperine and ginger. In studies concerning herbs, vitamins and arthritis suffering, those three spice extracts have proven to be most effective.

And now please visit the HealthyBodySupplements website listed below for more important information on Vitamins and Arthritis Suffering.

Natural Arthritis Treatment For Dogs

Depending of what type of arthritis your dog is affected with, the pain that comes with it can be severe that it can cripple your dog's activities. The earlier you detect the symptoms the better your pet's chances are in preventing the disease to progress. Unfortunately, not all of us can afford surgery and regular MRI scans. Personally, I think surgery should be the last option though. Before you even think about that, make sure you have done every available arthritis treatment for dogs.

To avoid harmful side effects, go natural. There are plenty of natural anti-inflammatories to choose from like Glucosamine, MSM, Cetyl-M and Omega 3 fatty acids. All have been proven to be effective arthritis treatment for dogs.

Alfalfa is also known to be effective in soothing the joints when they are swelling. Make a tea out of alfalfa herbs and the dosage that you would give to your pet will depend on his size and weight. Make the tea as a part of your dog's daily meals to see the results.

Another surprisingly effective arthritis treatment for dogs is mussels. You can just use the shellfish extracts as an alternative to the fresh ones. You can get a number of such products in your local pet store. Studies confirm that seafood can help in restoring and repairing damaged connective tissues.

Massage your dog at least twice a day and apply some medicated herbal oil to help soothe aching joints and muscles. Another way on how you can help relieve the pain is by using heat treatment. When arthritis is present, it gets more painful during the cold winter months so it's mandatory to keep your dog warm all the time.

Give your dog enough time to recover. A natural treatment is highly recommended if you are in a tight budget and you don't want to worry about adverse side effects.

The Use Of Probiotic Supplements For Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis

It is not possible to diagnose the existence of rheumatoid arthritis beforehand. Although it is a hereditary disease, there are several factors, both environmental and biological, which may also trigger the onset of this debilitating disease. Similarly, the factors can be suppressed for sometime by the reversal of the relevant causes.

One of the most important and noteworthy causes of rheumatoid arthritis is the destruction of the gut bacteria which is healthy in a number of ways. Consuming too many antibiotics also leads to the disruption of friendly bacteria; emotional trauma is also one main cause. This is mainly due to the strong impact of stress on the gut. If these useful bacteria get imbalanced even once, it will take years to re-balance it. Furthermore, there must be something helpful and effective to fix this problem. If this re-balancing of gut bacteria takes place, it will initiate in lessening the symptoms and severity of rheumatoid arthritis. The only solution to fix this problem is to ensure intake of healthy bacteria through diet on a daily basis.

Foods containing live culture bacteria have healthy impact on the immune system of the body, which in turn prevents it from malfunctioning. Yoghurt containing live culture bacteria in it has a good deal of beneficial effects. There are an infinite number of sources which contain probiotics, and can also be artificially made by you without any difficulty. Thus, probiotics must be incorporated in your everyday diet. Dairy products are a good and easy source of probiotics. They can be consumed through yoghurt, kefir, and many other dairy products. Those who are not fond of dairy products can still get probiotic supplements through innumerable foods.

An important source of non-dairy probiotic supplement is available in most markets in the form of cultured coconut milk. Homemade cultured coconut milk, soy milk, and rice milk or fruit juice made from kefir grains is also a good source of probiotic supplements and as such, can be used for treating RA. Unpasteurised sauerkraut, sour pickles, vegetable ferments such as sour turnips, fermented radish, potato cheese are also healthy sources.

Probiotic food supplements are either made from an established culture which can be either bought or captured wild bacteria from the air such as sauerkraut, kim chee, sour pickles, other vegetable ferments, brines, and porridge. Thus, probiotic supplements are highly beneficial in balancing the gut flora and reversing the symptoms experienced by people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthritis Pain Lessened Through Bioenergy Therapy

84 Year Old Male

An 84-year-old male was recently treated for arthritis in his right hand. The knuckles in his thumb, all the way back to the joint near his wrist, were swollen to twice the size of his other hand. The entire area was discolored. It was so painful that he couldn't open his hand and had no use of his thumb. He had experienced the arthritis for many years. In the past, he had sought medical treatment for the pain. He received painful injections of cortisone into the joint of his hand which gave only temporary relief. When asked to evaluate the pain on a scale of 0 to 10, with 10 being the worst pain, he placed his pain level at a 10.

Pain Level

One of the first things a bioenergy therapist will ask when dealing with pain, is to find out from the client about the pain level. While this client had a pain level of 10, it's not uncommon to find someone who complains strongly about pain, rating the level at 5 to 6. The therapist needs to understand as much as possible about the client's experience.

Energy Work

Next, this man learned how the therapy worked:

• His hand would be treated energetically 4 days in a row.


• This would be followed by a full week of NO therapy.


• The process involved only the use of light touch (energy).


• He could possibly feel tingling sensations, warmth, heaviness, pressure or nothing while undergoing the therapy.


• He would need to allow his hand to heal by not over-using it when it felt better.

An analogy would be drinking lots of water and resting in bed when you have a cold. If you don't, it takes longer to get well.

Initial Therapy

After the initial treatment, this man looked incredulous. He honestly couldn't believe it. He insisted that he wasn't kidding and that his hand didn't hurt near as much as it had prior to the therapy. He sat moving his hand, making a fist and opening his thumb in disbelief.

He truly thought after sleeping through the night, he would awaken with the same pain. But, the following morning, the swelling was less, the discoloration slightly less, and he could still partially use his hand.

Following the Four Days

The swelling was minimal, the discoloration much less, the pain almost gone, and the use of his hand was greatly improved. It was still not the same as the other hand. He reported that he decided that his hand would always hurt a little. That he couldn't expect it to be like the other hand.

Expectations

Many people entering therapy are afraid to set any expectations. Those suffering with arthritis have generally had the pain for a long time. They also normally have limited use of particular joints and they've grown to expect a worsening condition.

Laying on of hands is not magic. It takes time for the person's body to heal to whatever degree it is able to heal. And, everyone's body is different. Many people with arthritis need multiple 4-day sessions to continue making progress.

Healing By Distance

In the case cited above, this man needed additional treatment by distance during a second 4-day session. As he received bioenergy therapy by distance, he reported feeling a pulling on his thumb and it began to ache. This often happens when working with pain. The pain may seem to intensify while working on the area energetically or after the therapy is completed. However, following the aching, many times the pain will lessen to a 1 or 0 on the pain scale.

Follow Up

This man's first question was if he could return to playing golf. It was imperative that he give his body a chance to heal as fully as possible after receiving the energy. Waiting a couple of weeks before hitting a golf ball was not a long time. If some pain returned at that point, he was to wait another couple of weeks before trying again.

It's important to understand this distinction: this man may always have arthritis, but he doesn't need to suffer the symptoms of arthritis. Just as an AIDS patient may always test positive for AIDS, but no longer suffer the symptoms of the long held disease.

Our Internal Wisdom

Our bodies are wise. They know when they've healed enough to begin a new activity. When a person experiences long-term arthritis pain, it's difficult for them to believe that anything can make a difference. Once they do begin to feel better, they want to hurry and begin doing everything that has been limited in the past. It's like they want to make up for lost time!

The secret is to listen to your body's wisdom.

Surgical Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis of Hips

Arthritis of the hip may lead to degeneration of the hip joint, a deep 'ball-and-socket' joint that connects the leg to the pelvis. Its progression can take a toll on many aspects of your life, deteriorating your ability to do routine work and causing unending joint pain, joint stiffness and decreased hip flexibility. You may also need a cane, walker or even a wheelchair to move around.

The hip joint is located where the thigh bone (femur) meets the pelvis (hip). Normally, a round ball at the top of the femur moves smoothly in the socket of the hip.

Hip arthritis (osteoarthritis) is a common cause of hip joint pain which may worsen with hip movement. Patients with advanced osteoarthritis also known as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease may require surgical intervention.

Arthritis of the hip may range from earliest mild stages to its most severe crippling form. In its milder stage, arthritis can be treated with steroids and anti-rheumatoid medications, heat treatment, exercise, supportive devices and modification of activities. But, in severe cases where the cartilage on both sides of the joint wears away completely, surgical intervention is the only effective way to treat the hip adequately.

There are two main surgical methods to treat osteoarthritis (OA or degenerative arthritis) of the hip - Hip Joint Replacement Surgery and Hip Resurfacing Surgery.

Hip replacement (hip arthroscope) is usually considered for patients who experience severe joint pain at night, decreased hip mobility and rubbing sensations during certain movements, and have tried conservative measures to relieve these symptoms but failed.

Total hip replacement is a very successful procedure for the treatment of arthritic hip. Often considered as the cheapest and safest form of hip replacement surgery, it is a surgical procedure in which the hip joint is replaced by artificially constructed components. This form of surgery amputates the damaged and worn parts of the femur including the head (ball) of femur and fixes a new, smaller man-made metal ball into the rest of the femur, which brings back the hip to its strong, stable and flexible state again.

Pros
There is no risk of femoral neck fracture because this bone is removed.
The surgery consistently reduces or eliminates the hip pain.
It can give you many years of freedom from uneasiness and fatigue that so far kept you awake at night.
Osteoarthritis patients can experience a significant improvement in their hip mobility and movements after the surgery.

Cons
Surgery calls for more femoral bone amputation.
More chances of hip dislocations.
Plastic or ceramic surfaces may break.
Patients may continue to experience thigh pain.
Most patients can't perform high璽??level athletics.
Chances are strong that traditional hip replacement will wear out and the patient may require a second replacement (revision).

Hip resurfacing is a type of hip replacement which calls for preservation rather than amputation of the original socket (acetabulum) and the ball of the thigh bone. Instead of removing the femoral head, a hollow metal cap is fitted onto the damaged surfaces of the ball. The socket part of the hip joint is also resurfaced with a metal component.

Pros
Hip resurfacing removes considerably less bone from the femur.
Larger portion of the natural femoral bone remains intact.
It is a bone conserving surgery, allowing for a revision (repeat) hip surgery if required later.
The hip resurfacing implants have a larger head and cup, making the hip really harder to dislocate.
The surgery allows patients to resume sport and high demand activities.

Cons
This form of hip joint surgery is technically more difficult to perform.
It requires a larger incision in thigh that can lead to excessive blood loss.
Hip resurfacing patients may fracture their thigh bone at the femoral neck, requiring revision surgery.
Complete recovery after the operation can take from six weeks to three months.

The Most Common Types of Arthritis

Arthritis or inflammation of the joints is the leading cause of disability among the elderly worldwide. Millions of old people suffer from arthritis pain such as swollen joints, redness, stiffness in the morning, fatigue and even fever. It all begins from small areas of the body such as wrists, ankles, hands and eventually spread to larger areas such as shoulders, arms, back, hips and even neck area. Fundamental to understanding arthritis is learning that there are various types of arthritis, no less than a hundred forms. As a general overview of the types of arthritis, this article would feature common types of arthritis that affects millions of?? people worldwide. Being equipped with the knowledge of the different types of arthritis help people cope by taking the right precautions that would prevent the progress of arthritis.

The following are the most common types of arthritis afflicting people:

Rheumatoid arthritis - this form of arthritis exhibit swelling or inflammation of the joints. This type of arthritis can have an early onset age as early as 40s, especially among women. The synovial lining of the joints is usually attacked and thereby gets swollen. Immediate treatment should be sought since deformity of bones is possible in such cases. Even younger people such as children maybe suffer from rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis - This type is characterized by reduced elasticity of the cartilage which is most often weakened by stretching and excessive physical activity. Cartilage is important since it absorbs the shock to our joints thus loss of this material would lead to quick wear and tear of?? the joints itself. Pain results from bones rubbing against one another. When this happens, the person with OA has limited mobility.

Infectious arthritis - This occurs when an infection penetrates the synovium thereby enabling the bacteria, fungi or viruses to travel? through the bloodstream and infect tissues and joints. Individuals that have previous infections have a high probability of having this type of arthritis that is why it is crucial to seek treatment for any illness since infection can cause more damage later.

Juvenile arthritis? ( JRA ) - Children under 16 yrs of age can suffer from JRA. Usually, they are anemic and have fever along with painful joints. It has various forms which indicate? the degree of severity of arthritis in a child.

There are still many types of arthritis but the ones mentioned are the most common form. Don't? let arthritis worsen. Consult a doctor today.

Arthritis Cure - Dealing With Depression and Osteoarthritis

Depression is a most common side effect of osteoarthritis. This occurs when you start out healthy, being able to do things for yourself, but overtime you are less able to take care of yourself as the pains get worse. Research has shown that up to twenty percent of people with osteoarthritis are depressed at any given time, a percentage consistent with that found in other people with chronic diseases.

If osteoarthritis has left you depressed, there are a number of things you can do in addition to the arthritis treatment you get from your doctor.

1 Psychotherapy
This is often referred to as the 'talking cure', and it is used to treat mild episodes of depression.

2 Drug Therapy
This is the use of drugs to improve the symptoms of depression. The class of drugs used for this purpose is called antidepressants. It is advisable to consult your doctor before taking any antidepressant because medicines used in treating depression sometimes have different side effects.

Psychotherapy and drug therapy are mostly combined to treat arthritis patients with depression, and this combined approach has advantages.
It reestablishes normal body patterns more quickly
It helps to ensure compliance in taking medication
It recognizes the dual influence of biology and environment.

3 Learn to cope with your condition
Research has shown that those who cope best with any disease are less likely to develop depression, that is, those who deal with their osteoarthritis are less likely to sink into depression. Be proactive at solving your problem, and try to be as flexible with your daily activities as possible. Be ready to modify your lifestyle in a positive way, thereby winning the battle over depression.

4 Get Social Support
It is advisable for you to join a support group where you can find sympathetic ears and get some advice on coping with your condition.

5 Learn to Relax
Always find a way to cool off and reduce your stress. The best defense against stress is a positive attitude.

Stress itself may not cause depression but can make it worse. It signals certain glands to release high-voltage chemicals that can 'shock' the body and weaken the immune system, making your osteoarthritis symptoms seem worse while increasing your risk of getting some other disease.

Do anything you can to relax and shake off the stress- listening to music, meditating, or taking up a hobby. Getting enough sleep is also essential to reducing stress.

6 Touch Therapy
Research has shown that touch can reduce psychological stress associated with arthritis. And only a very soft touch is required as bear hugs may be too much for many osteoarthritis sufferers. A gentle, loving touch can be very beneficial in fighting arthritis.

Ayurveda - 3 Tips to Heal Arthritis With a Natural Health Approach

Thousands of Americans are living with pain in their joints, suffering with Arthritis.  It doesn't have to be this way.  Western medicine offers little beyond narcotic pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs.  However there is a very effective alternative to this plan of treatment.

Many find permanent relief with modalities offered from Ayurveda.  Ayurveda is the worlds oldest continuously practiced form of medicine in the world, originating in India.

Here are three tips to get you started with Ayurveda, and get you on the road to pain free living.

1).  Determine your "dosha".   In Ayurveda, each person is treated according to their own individual constitution, or body/mind type, called your "dosha.  Determine your dosha with an Ayurvedic practitoner, or with a book on Ayurveda, there are many available.  Once you know your dosha you can then determine which type of arthritis you have.  There are two types in Ayurveda and the treatment methods are based on this.  Vata-type arthritis has different symptoms and treatments than Pitta-type arthritis. 

Western medicine doesn't address this fact and thus, your treatment plan is very likely not  the right one.  This is why so many people continue to take more and more drugs bit still live with pain every day.

2)  Follow a dosha pacifying diet.   Vata types may have too much dryness in their body and should follow a lubricating, vata pacifying diet to restore balance and healing.  Pitta types may have too much heat in their body and should follow a cooling, pitta pacifying routine.   These will help to bring the opposites qualities of the disease into your body, restoring harmony, putting you in the best place for the body to self heal. 

3).  Add Ayurveda LIfestyle Tips to your Routine.  In Addition to implementing a dosha pacifying diet, you may add other  treatments to your daily routine.  Yoga, therapeutic essential oils, abhyanga ,( an ayurveda self massage done with  a dosha specific oil), breathwork, and herbal therapies create a synergisitc effect in the body helping to  remove accumulated toxins, (ama), from your body and joints.

My Knee Joint Hurts! Be Sure to Ask These Crucial Questions Before Your Doctor Starts Treatment

There are many types of arthritis, but the most common form is osteoarthritis- a breakdown and loss of joint cartilage. A wear and tear type of condition, it is found mostly in seniors, but younger people can also suffer from it's painful effects.

Your first line of defense against arthritis is probably an over- the- counter pain reliever. It may help, but as you lose more cartilage, the effectiveness wears off.

Next, is usually a trip to your doctor. You should be able to receive an accurate diagnosis of your problem, but make sure you ask the right questions concerning your treatment. For osteoarthritis, common treatments include cortisone shots, or a prescription for an anti-inflammatory drug know as NSAID.

Cortisone injections are usually safe and can give satisfactory arthritis pain control in many cases, but only for a short time. Usually though, doctors will put a limit on the number of injections given, because they can cause a weakening of the tendons.

Another doctors' choice is one of the NSAID type of drugs for pain relief. These are powerful medications which can also cause serious side effects. These drugs are heavily advertised on TV and widely prescribed. Make sure your doctor thoroughly explains the negatives associated with these drugs. Also, ask your doctor about possible interactions with any medications you may be taking.

A common thread with both cortisone injections and NSAID drugs is that these treatments do not correct the condition. All they really do is treat the symptoms, but not the problem itself. So, while your joints may feel better, they are still deteriorating. And the NSAIDs come complete with horrific side effects, which can be damaging and sometimes even fatal.

If your doctor suggests NSAID medications, make sure to ask for what period of time. Remember, those type of drugs only help control the pain-nothing else. They do nothing to correct anything and can actually make things worse.

You want to know about the long-term result of any treatment you're offered. If you aren't getting a real solution, your future options usually come down to more limited mobility, or painful joint replacement. Not a pleasant picture, but you may have a better choice.

Ask your doctor how much cartilage is left. If there is some amount remaining, why not try a good natural solution, which can start to regenerate the cartilage, stop arthritis pain and prevent painful surgery.

Undoubtedly, you won't receive much support or help from your doctor if you bring up that subject. The reason is that your doctor receives very little in the way of natural healing, or nutritional information from traditional medical training.

A good, natural remedy won't interfere with any treatment you are receiving and can help in stopping arthritis pain and restoring the cartilage. And you don't have to worry about potential drug interactions, or the deadly side effects of NSAID drugs.

Pain Control - Coping With Arthritis

How pain control helps you cope with your arthritis.

Living with a degenerative joint disease such as arthritis often means living with severe aches and pains associated with these diseases. Knowing how to alleviate the pain comes from learning about how to control the disease. There are different types of arthritis and knowing which type you have affects what treatment may be needed. However, before beginning a treatment plan, let's learn some basic concepts regarding pain.

• Aches and pains are not all the same.Just as there are different types of arthritis so are there different types of pain. Along with that, each patient is also different and it may take trying different treatments to find the best pain control method that works best for you.


• What causes pain? Most will occur to alert us that something is wrong with our body. Our nerves release chemical signals then transmit the signals to our brain. There are short-term signals like we get when touching something hot to help keep us safe. Long-lasting pain experienced with arthritis is a different kind of hurting. This type must be managed with proper pain control to improve our comfort levels and improve the quality of life.


• How do we control pain? Our brain and spinal cord has an arrangement of nerves that our pain signals travel through. Creating chemicals either naturally or with supplements that interfere and block these signals will help stop pain.

There are many factors that can contribute to the aches and pains with arthritis that include:

• Inflammation- Responsible for causing swelling and redness in the affected joints.


• Injury to joint tissues- Resulting from pressure, stress, injury or the disease process of the joints.


• Fatigue- A basic result of the arthritic disease process, which makes the pain build up and thus more difficult to handle.


• Depression and stress-Limited movement and being unable to enjoy countless activities can make depression a serious issue caused by this disease. Increased aches and pains, stress, depression and the loss of abilities can make the overall pain control management more difficult.

What contributes to the increase of aches and pains associated with arthritis?

Depression, Anxiety, Fatigue, Focusing on pain, Overdoing physical activity, Stress, Increased disease activity.

What helps with the pain control associated with arthritis?

Cold or heat treatments, Topical pain relievers, Distraction, Massage, Supplements and Medications, Relaxation, Appropriate low impact exercises, Humor, positive attitude and pleasing thoughts

What ever the type of arthritis you may have there is sure to be some level of joint pain that you will have with it. It is important to find ways to cope with the best pain control possible to ensure your happiness and a good quality of life.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Herbal Medicine Treatment

Juniper

Juniper was a popular diuretic in the 17th century. At the time a Dutch physician created a medicinal alcoholic extract of the berry, which eventually became the basis for gin. It has been suggested that some of the benefit attributed to the gin and raisins remedy comes from the residue of juniper.

American Indians used juniper for arthritic conditions, and German physicians continue to prescribe it for this purpose as well as for indigestion. The German Commission E, the federal authority that regulates herbal medicines in Germany, suggests a dose of 2 to 10 grams of the dried fruit per day.

An alternative is to bruise a teaspoon of juniper berries, place them in a cup of boiling water for fifteen minutes, and drink this infusion. One to two cups of teas a day are recommended, but you shouldn't take it for longer than 6 weeks.

Turmeric and Frankincense

These 2 are ayurvedic herbs. Ayurvedic herbs have a reputation for successful treatment of arthritic conditions that stretches back centuries. Two of the most respected are turmeric (curcumin) and frankincense (boswellin). They have been used individually and together for both esteo- and rheumatoid arthritis.

Turmeric has demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity and therefore would be expected to provide relief from a variety of arthritic conditions.

Turmeric appears quite safe since it is a principal ingredient in curries and has been used by Indian cooks for thousands of years. People taking anticoagulants like Coumadin (warfarin) should probably avoid this remedy, however, as turmeric may add to the anticlotting effect.

Lower Back Arthritis - Lumbar Spine Pain Problems - Symptoms, Treatment and Remedies For Discomfort

Do you suffer from arthritis pain in your lower back?

Do you want to honestly do something about it?

1.) Introduction

There is little doubt among people that your back is a complex structure that is composed of bones, muscles and tissue all working together. The lumbar aspect of your spine, where pain is commonly felt, supports the weight of the rest of your back (meaning your mid and upper back). Unfortunately, back pain, one of the most common everyday pain problems can be difficult to treat.

People who suffer from arthritis in their lower back (lumbar spine) are commonly those individuals that are older. However, arthritis in the lower back can be seen in many different age groups. Typically, patient's who are at an increased risk for having lumbar spine arthritis include:

• older individuals


• obese persons


• heavy laborers who use their backs


• those individuals that have previous back problems

2.) Where Does Arthritis Effect The Spine?

Arthritis of the lower back (lumbar spine area) happens in the joints that connect each spinal segment together. We are referring to the vertebrae when we say "spinal segments". Your vertebrae are actually connected in three separate locations. They are connected in front of the spinal cord and behind the spinal cord the vertebrae (back bones) are joined by two small joints. These are referred to as facet joints. Each vertebrae is separated vertically by a spinal disc. All of these components work together to allow you movements such as bending, flexing, extending or moving from sided to side and twists.

3.) Arthritic Facets

When your facet joints are effected by arthritis, the spinal movements that you make can cause you pain. You may also feel stiff at the same time. Typically you will see lumbar spine arthritis accompanied by disc degeneration and / or spinal stenosis.

4.) Disc Degeneration & Spinal Stenosis

Just like anything else, time can wear out portions of the spine. Your discs are no different. Things can be done to help treat the pain, but your discs will many times be degenerating if you also have facet arthritis. - Spinal stenosis can also accompany facet arthritis. Stenosis refers to the narrowing of the spinal canal that houses the spinal cord. Symptoms of spinal stenosis may include: leg pain, numbness or tingling in one of your extremities. You may also suffer from difficulty with walking.

5.) Back Support

One great way to help reduce back pain is to consider using a low profile and light weight back support. These are often times well concealed by just using a t-shirt! - They can help promote healing of an injured spine and can also help to reduce pain due to an arthritic lumbar spine. Although arthritis can cause a lot of problems for people, these supports can help to reduce related pains and stiffness. If you are serious about pain relief you should check one out today.

The Truth About Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain Relief - Does Sitting in a Hot Tub Really Help?

It's quite common advice - although probably not from the strict professionals - that spending time, soaking in a hot tub is a great method of rheumatoid arthritis pain relief. But is this actually true? Is this something that people in pain actually do, or is it just lame advice dished out by an uneducated friend?

In this article we'll take a closer look into whether this approach is right for you or whether it's just an overly recommended myth. Here are some things to think about before considering a hot tub as effective rheumatoid arthritis pain relief:

It May Be A "No Go" To Start With: You don't really need anyone to tell you that you might not even be able to get into the hot tub in the first place. If you're in that much pain, then climbing over the edge of the steep sides or up a precarious ladder can be next to impossible. So, no matter how much rheumatoid arthritis pain relief other people have experienced with a hot tub, it's not worth you injuring or hurting yourself even more. And it's one thing climbing into the hot tub, but remember, you'll have to climb out again, only this time wet and slippery. So use your own judgement: if you have the ability to get into the hot tub, then there's no harm in giving it a shot, but don't go beyond your limits.

It Depends On You: The thing with rheumatoid arthritis pain relief, is that it varies so much from person to person. What works for one rheumatoid arthritis sufferer could have absolutely no effect on another sufferer, or could even make their pain worse. You need to know what works for you. Do you find that cold water eases up your pain the most, or simply cool air? Or do you find that actually moving your joint or applying pressure gives you the most relief? At the end of the day, sitting in a hot tub could be the complete opposite of what has given you relief up until this point.

Be Careful Of Flare Ups: You may find that applying heat does help your general rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, but during a flare up of your joints, adding heat just makes the feeling worse. Again, try and use your own judgement.

In conclusion, to answer the question: does sitting in a hot tub provide relief of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms? The answer is: maybe. If you're capable of climbing over the sides and know that up until this point, heat usually helps with rheumatoid arthritis pain relief, then it's definitely worth giving the idea a shot. However, you just need to know that it's definitely not a clear cut rule that works for everyone, and to not place too much expectation on the idea.

Aleve, Vioxx, Celebrex, and Bextra: What You Need To Know About Arthritis Pain Medications

Recent controversy about the safety of pain medications for arthritis has left patients and health care professionals alike confused about which medications are safe to use. In fact, a recent survey by the Boston-based Rippe Lifestyle Institute indicated that many people with arthritis are suffering unnecessarily because they have stopped or reduced their use of pain relievers due to confusion about which drugs are considered safe.

The survey also showed that now, more than ever, those with arthritis need to understand the benefits and possible side effects associated with all arthritis pain medications. In order to do so, people with arthritis, their caregivers and families must be familiar with recent news about the two types of drugs most commonly used to treat arthritis pain - non-selective, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and another group of NSAIDs known as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) specific inhibitors.

COX-2 specific inhibitors vs. Other NSAIDs

COX-2 specific inhibitors are the newest members of the NSAID class of medications. Available by prescription only, they became widely used in recent years to reduce joint pain and swelling. COX-2 specific inhibitors work by selectively blocking, or inhibiting, one of the two enzymes associated with inflammation. Some experts think that this selective inhibition may be one reason for some of the negative side effects currently associated with COX-2 specific inhibitors.

Non-selective NSAIDs were developed earlier than COX-2 specific inhibitors and have been widely used to relieve arthritis pain and inflammation for many years. Unlike COX-2 specific inhibitors, non-selective NSAIDs inhibit both major enzymes involved in the inflammatory process, COX-1 and COX-2. The non-selective NSAID category includes a number of different medications that are available in both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) products.

Timeline of Events

To understand the current state of affairs, it is important to understand the sequence of events. The controversy started when a study published in the October 21, 2004, issue of the New England Journal of Medicine cited the COX-2 specific inhibitor, Vioxx as potentially causing "major adverse events," including heart attack and stroke, among patients taking the drug. As a result, Merck (the drug's manufacturer) voluntarily withdrew Vioxx from the market. However, in the months following, the safety of the other available COX-2 specific inhibitors such as Celebrex and Bextra, as well as other arthritis pain medications in the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) class, were also called into question.

Consequently, in February 2005, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) convened a special Advisory Committee, made up of members of the Arthritis and Drug Safety Advisory Committees, to review the cardiovascular safety of these arthritis pain medications.

FDA Directive: Stronger Warning Labels for Some Pain Medications

On April 7, 2005, taking into account the recommendations of the Advisory Committee, the FDA issued the following directives:

o Bextra, a COX-2 specific inhibitor manufactured by Pfizer, was withdrawn from the market.

o All prescription NSAIDs must revise their labeling to include a "black box" warning that highlights the potential increased risk for cardiovascular (CV) events as well as the potentially life threatening gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding associated with these drugs. Celebrex, the only COX-2 specific inhibitor remaining on the US market, was included in this directive.

o All OTC NSAIDs (except aspirin) will be required to revise their labeling to include more specific information about the potential for GI and CV side effects, a stronger reminder to follow label instructions, as well as a warning about potential skin reactions.

To further evaluate the potential for increased CV risk, the FDA also announced that all NSAIDs must conduct and submit to the FDA a comprehensive review and analysis of pertinent safety data from clinical trials.

o Aleve (naproxen sodium) is supported by clinical studies conducted to gain approval of naproxen as a prescription product and as OTC that do not provide any evidence of increased risk of cardiovascular events.

Treatment Options: What Should Arthritis Patients Know?

For some people who suffer from pain associated with arthritis, their symptoms can be managed with exercise, heat/cold therapy, joint protection, assistive devices, weight control, or in some severe cases, surgery. For others, medications are needed to help manage the symptoms associated with arthritis.

When taken as directed OTC medications such as Aleve provide a safe and effective way to treat mild to moderate pain of minor arthritis. If patients have questions, they should consult their health care professional about which treatment option is most appropriate.

Why It's Important to Treat Arthritis

Arthritis affects approximately 66 million Americans and is the nation's leading cause of disability. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, and they all have different symptoms that vary in severity from person to person. The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis, is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage that causes the bones to rub together, resulting in pain, loss of movements and stiffness. Arthritis is usually a chronic condition.

For more information on Aleve and naproxen, visit the Aleve website at www.aleve.com. For more information on arthritis pain relief, visit www.arthritis.org

Is There A Difference Between Arthritis And Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

A number of people wonder if they have or are prone to carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) which is understandable because not many, as of yet, have heard about the illness. That said, many mistake it for arthritis while others would like to know the similarities/ difference between them. If you fall into any or all of these categories, you'll find your answers by the time you're done reading this article.

To understand the difference between carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis, it may be best to first define both...

Carpal tunnel is the name of the anatomy of the region around the human wrist. Hence, CTS happens as a result of the median nerve which runs through the carpal tunnel being compressed or twisted beyond its limit. This causes numbness to the fingers, hands, and could also result in back pain and some nights without sleep.

On the other hand, arthritis (in general) occurs as a result of an inflammation to the joints. It is a problem caused when the joint surface at certain part of the body (e.g. wrist or ankle) becomes rough due to constant rubbing against each other. The result of this is, the 2 joint surfaces no longer glide smoothly over each other which results pain and inability to use the joint as should be.

However, there is a link between the two in that if a person is diagnose with arthritis, then chances are that person stands more risk of getting carpal tunnel syndrome. This is because with arthritis, the carpal tunnel may become narrow thereby causing the median nerve to compress and result in the syndrome. It is particularly prevalent in the case of rheumatoid arthritis as this is an inflammatory disease and the inflammation put extra pressure on the nerves passing through the carpel tunnel.

If you are in a dilemma as to whether the pain you feel on your wrist is arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome, then here are a couple of ways doctors test to determine exactly what you want. The doctor can "tap" on the median nerve to see if that causes any tingling. If it does, then there is a good chance you have wrist tunnel syndrome. Another test that is often used is when the doctor has you hold your forearms upright by pointing the fingers down and pressing the backs of the hands together. If this brings on tingling or numbness, then there is a good chance you have CTS. Aside from these two, there is one other quite common test called EMG. However, this is often carried out by a neurologist would do that test.

In summary, it should now be clear that, although arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome are two different defects, they can still be linked together in that someone suffering from arthritis stands more chance of being diagnose with the syndrome due to a potential compression of the carpal tunnel.

If you'd like to know more about the difference between Arthritis and Carpal Wrist Tunnel and how to treat them, you should click on the link provided.

Five Reasons That Water Fasting is Not Just For Weight Loss

There are so many trendy diets, drinks, and concoctions on the market all claiming to promote weight loss but what most people forget is that nature provided the best way to not only lose weight but to cleanse our bodies - better yet, it's free!

Water fasting has been around for centuries and requires nothing more than your patience, a little discipline, and you guessed it - water. The number one reason people give for beginning a water fast is weight loss, but that is actually a side effect of the actual cleansing process. Here are a few of the reasons for doing water fasting whether you want to loose weight or not:

Psychological Benefits

Finishing a 3 or 5 day water fast can be fulfilling, it proves that you are not a slave to your body and that with a strong mind you can overcome the uncomfortable feeling of hunger. Recent studies have shown that water fasting actually produces some of the same chemicals in the brain as sleep, which promotes mental clarity and focus. Fasting has even been shown to prevent epileptic seizures in children, so there are many more effects on the brain that we are just now beginning to understand.

Cardiovascular Effects

It has been proven that fasting actually reduces triglycerides and total cholesterol as well as increases your HDL (good cholesterol) levels.

Joint Health

Studies show that a diet of only water reduces osteoarthritis and relieves rheumatoid arthritis by lubricating the joints.

Cancer Fighter

It has been suggested that when your body stops receiving constant input (which usually turns out to be processed or chemically modified foods) it begins to look around inside to destroy microscopic tumors, bad cells, and free radicals - preventing full on cancer later.

Metabolic Benefits

Water fasting for weight loss has shown to be effective given that you do not "splurge" and eat too much. It is best to come down from the fast properly, slowly increasing back to a normal diet for 2 days after you finish. You will immediately notice a boost in your energy reserves and also that most of your appetite is gone - it will not take as much to feel full. It is these last two factors that promotes the weight loss in people, not the actual lack of food.

In Conclusion

Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of water fasting is that it provides us with a "clean slate" and the feeling that we have removed many impurities from our body. With that in mind, it actually becomes much easier to say "no" to junk food and other temptations out of fear of messing up a good thing.

Even a relatively short period of fasting has been shown to provide benefits, even as quick as 24 hours without eating. Keep in mind that while you will be drinking lots of water to counter the hunger, you can actually overwhelm your kidneys with so many extra fluids and cause back pain. Kidney pain is the number one reason that people stop in the middle of their fast, not hunger.

How Severe Is Your Dog's Arthritis?

Dog arthritis is a complex disease. However, one aspect of the disease a dog owner should have a full grasp of is that this crippling disease does not just develop overnight. If one day you suddenly notice that your dog is experiencing some lameness, it does not mean that your dog may have suddenly developed arthritis. It takes years of wear and tear on your dog's joint cartilage before the disease's symptoms become noticeable. Also, your dog's instinct forces the animal to conceal any pain or discomfort it may be feeling in the joints for as long as possible. Thus, most owners are unaware that their dog has already developed arthritis and only notice the symptoms when their dog's joints have been significantly damaged. This is a situation dog owners should aim to avoid as dog arthritis is best treated in its early stages.

Since dog arthritis is a condition that develops over time, a grading system in terms of severity can be used. In human arthritis, a standardized grading system has been made. This grading system relies on x-rays and arthroscopies to assess the damage on the joints. Unfortunately, a grading system for dogs has yet to be formalized. The absence of a standard dog arthritis severity grading system is a problem that the veterinary world should address as soon as possible. Having a formal scale would make it easier for veterinarians around the world to formulate appropriate treatment plans that best addresses the specific needs of arthritic dogs at different stages of the disease.

In my veterinary practice, I have formulated my own dog arthritis severity grading system. Since this is a personal grading system that I use, I am very much open to discussion and suggestion.

In my dog arthritis grading system, I use four grades. Each grade corresponds to a different stage of cartilage and joint deterioration. Grade 1 is the mildest while Grade 4 is the most severe. With this system, I am able to create a more specific treatment plan that is most suitable to the corresponding grade of severity. Nevertheless, any treatment plan should have the threefold objective: (1) cartilage repair and protection, (2) inflammation management and (3) pain relief.

The following are the four severity grades I formulated:

繚 Grade 1 Arthritis. This is the first stage of dog arthritis; hence, damage to cartilage is quite minimal. The dog may experience some mild and intermittent lameness. Any pain or inflammation can be relieved with rest. Most likely you will not notice anything wrong with your dog as the animal will conceal any pain or discomfort felt in this early phase of the disease. X-rays and endoscopies will reveal a softening of the cartilage. However, there will be no signs osteophytes or bone spurs.

繚 Grade 2 Arthritis. The second stage of dog arthritis severity is marked by moderate lameness experienced most obviously after sleeping or resting. The lameness is still intermittent but manifests more frequently. Fortunately, the lameness eventually disappears as the joints "loosen up" after they "warm up" with use. X-rays and endoscopies reveal minimal cartilage loss but cracks in the cartilage are beginning to show. Early new bone growth (osteophytes), narrowing of joint spaces, and the development of scar tissue can also be detected. It is essential that your dog receives treatment by this stage of the disease as there is still a chance to reverse some of the damage done to the cartilage. Furthermore, surgery, painkillers, and anti-inflammatory drugs are not yet needed.

繚 Grade 3 Arthritis. This grade is described as moderate to severe stage of dog arthritis. In this stage, the dog will be experiencing chronic pain and inflammation. The dog will be having difficulties moving as lameness at this stage can be quite acute. Sadly, it becomes almost impossible to warm up or loosen the joints. X-rays and endoscopies will reveal bigger osteophytes or bone spurs and very thick fissures in the cartilage. It is important that the dog's arthritis avoids reaching this stage, as it is be very hard to restore the damaged joint cartilage of the animal. Also, prescription medication, which can in some cases cause side effects, must now be utilized to manage the symptoms of the disease. In addition, surgery becomes a possible treatment option.

繚 Grade 4 Arthritis. This stage is described as advanced dog arthritis. In this phase of the disease, there is extensive cartilage loss, and the bone underneath the cartilage (sub-chondral bone) as well as the nerves are already exposed. This results in "bone to bone" contact, which is very painful and results in a prolonged inflammatory reaction. Lameness is so severe in this grade that the dog may be immobilized. X-rays and endoscopies will reveal large osteophytes, extensive cartilage lose, "bone to bone" contact, and swollen, thickened joints. Sadly, when your dog's arthritis becomes this severe, saving your dog becomes an uphill battle. In this situation, the worst case scenario of euthanasia may be considered.

Natural Remedies For Arthritis That Actually Work

Arthritis is a painful, irritating and often debilitating disease that affects millions of people around the world. So it comes as no surprise that most vitamin and supplement manufacturers offer some sort of "treatment" or "miracle cure" to cash in on peoples desperation for relief. While there is clinical research that supports the efficacy of certain alternative treatments, the majority of natural arthritis remedies are nothing more than slick marketing ploys and empty promises. Below are some natural solutions to ease arthritis pain that are backed up by solid clinical research and often thousands of years of traditional use.

Exercise and a healthy diet are the most important aspects of relieving arthritis pain. Experts agree that our joints are alleviated of four pounds of pressure for every pound we shed and some people will see their symptoms disappear altogether with a 10 to 20 pound reduction in weight. It is important to choose an exercise that won't further stress the affected joints. Tai Chi is a gentle and safe activity for people with arthritis and countless studies, along with hundreds of years of practical experience in China, have shown that it is very effective at reducing the pain and suffering associated with arthritis.

Another effective treatment from China is acupuncture. Although there is little research with rheumatoid arthritis, studies have shown acupuncture is very effective at easing the pain of osteoarthritis. Traditional Chinese Medical doctors claim acupuncture works by influencing and balancing the life energy that flows throughout the body. By stimulating specific points located on the channels of energy called meridians, blockages are released and balance is restored thus healing the body of illness. Western clinical research has indicated that relief from acupuncture is a result of natural pain killing hormones, such as endorphins, being released due to stimulation of sensory receptors. Whatever the explanation, the results are less pain and misery for arthritis sufferers.

Omega-3 fatty acids such as those found in fish oil have been shown to have anti inflammatory properties. Several studies suggest that fish oil supplements decrease the stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Fish oil also helps to prevent heart disease which people with rheumatoid arthritis are at a higher risk for developing.

Research into several different natural anti-inflammatory herbs has shown great promise for arthritis sufferers.

Turmeric, a spice common to Indian and Middle Eastern cooking, has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. In one study, the active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, was actually more effective than the pharmaceutical medication. There are many supplement companies marketing turmeric capsules but using the spice available at any grocery store is just as effective and cheaper. Always purchase non-irradiated and certified organic turmeric.

The herb Boswellia has also been shown to reduce inflammation and improve the immune system. The immune system is often compromised in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Boswellia is available in capsule form from any health food store but do your research and purchase from a reputable manufacturer. When it comes to buying herbs, quality and potency are of the utmost importance and many manufacturers use inferior grade ingredients with little or no healing value.

Shilajit, a member of the herbal remedies from India, has been used successfully for centuries to treat pain and inflammation. It is believed to be a cure for all forms of arthritis and a powerful immune system booster. It is also said to repair and rebuild damaged tissue and promote healthy bones and joints. It is rich in fulvic acid which has been called natures greatest anti-oxidant and alkalizer. Studies have shown that an overly acidic diet can aggravate arthritis. There are some modern clinical studies that have confirmed Shilajit's use as an arthritis treatment but most of these studies have been conducted on animals. Still, centuries of traditional use indicate pure shilajit could be an arthritis sufferers best friend. The most potent form of shilajit available is the authentic black gooey tar-like substance which is collected high in the Himalayan mountain range. It has an unpleasant taste but is considered to be superior to the standardized extract powders available in capsule form. So far no negative side effects have been reported from shilajit. Before using any herb or natural health supplement always consult your doctor or health care professional.

Arthritis Treatment: What Are the Common Tests Ordered on Arthritis Patients?

Laboratory tests are an integral part of "working up" a patient with arthritis. While there is no substitute for a careful and thoughtful history and physical examination, laboratory testing has a number of important functions including screening in and out different conditions, confirming diagnostic suspicions, staging disease, monitoring progress of disease and checking on effects of therapy.

While routine testing including complete blood count (CBC), chemistries, urinalysis, and such are part and parcel of "standard" testing, this article will focus on the "arthritis tests' most often ordered.

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (sed rate) is a time honored blood test for measuring inflammation. As a response to inflammation, the liver produces proteins that coat red blood cells. This causes the blood cells to clump and sediment faster than individual red blood cells. The sed rate is sensitive but not very specific, so that it can be increased as a result of inflammation due to arthritis, malignancy, or infection. Other conditions where the sed rate can be elevated are pregnancy and diabetes.

The C-reactive protein (CRP) is another blood test that measures inflammation. It rises more quickly than the sed rate and resolves more quickly as well. In that respect it probably is a better test for monitoring the inflammation of arthritis. Unfortunately it can also be elevated in patients with other conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, cigarette smoking, and obesity.

Rheumatoid factor is an antibody (IgM) that binds to another antibody (IgG). It is positive in about 70-75 per cent of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Early in the disease it can be negative and it remains negative in about 20 per cent of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. It can also be positive in other diseases such as syphilis, sarcoidosis, malignancies, and infections. In recent years, other forms of rheumatoid factor have been identified which can be useful in diagnosing patients who have rheumatoid arthritis but don't fit the "usual mold."

Anti-CCP is another blood test that is based on an autoantibody directed against the amino acid, arginine. It is much more specific than rheumatoid factor for rheumatoid arthritis although in our lab it is a bit less sensitive. Anti- CCP can occur early in the disease and predicts patients who will have more aggressive disease. We often will use the combination of rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP to achieve both increased sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis.

Antinuclear antibodies are just that... antibodies directed against the nucleus of cells. This is a test that is useful for screening for systemic lupus erythematosus. A patient who is negative for ANA does not have lupus with about 99 per cent certainty. Unfortunately, ANA can be positive in many other conditions including other autoimmune diseases such as Sjogren's disease, scleroderma, inflammatory muscle disease, malignancy, and infection. It can also be positive in up to 30 per cent of healthy people.

For patients where a high level of ANA is noted, there are more specific tests that can be ordered in order to sort out the diagnosis.

How to Find an Effective Treatment for Osteoarthritis

Older individuals who begin to find that they have stiffness or pain within certain joints of the body may want to see their physician for a formal diagnosis. If, as is likely, they are found to be suffering from osteoarthritis, they can begin to develop a treatment plan that will allow them to remain active and independent for a considerable amount of time. Their doctor may ultimately recommend a number of different activities for managing the joint paint. By sticking to the plan that has been devised for them, they should eventually find some relief.

Exercise can do wonders for joint pain and may in fact be the focal point of any effective osteoarthritis treatment regimen. Even if men and women have not committed themselves to physical activity for years, they should at least attempt to do a bit of walking a few days per week. As they gradually build up their cardiovascular systems, they should find themselves more willing to take on longer distances. They may even progress to the point where they would like to try swimming, jogging, or even running. The greater point here, of course, is that sufferers of arthritis can actually boost their flexibility and prevent further joint damage by becoming just a little more active. This is something that everyone should shoot for.

Closely in tune with the idea of exercise is the notion that weight loss will provide significant benefits to those who suffer from arthritis. For example, moderate weight loss can reduce stress on the knees and hips, and this is often where bone degeneration is found. By eating healthier, men and women will often find that the amount of weight they can lose is rather surprising. Sugary snacks should be cut out of the diet and replaced with fruits and vegetables whenever possible. As long as individuals have a drive to drop some weight, they should find success, which will show itself through less frequent joint discomfort.

In some cases, if a certain joint has fallen into total disrepair, individuals might opt for some kind of replacement surgery. Modern medicine has bestowed upon the wider populace a range of incredible benefits, and the ability to rather easily switch out a hip or a knee is one of these. People who choose to have one of these operations should meet with a good surgeon for an idea of what to expect. With an amiable support group of family members and friends, they can pursue a quick recovery. In the aftermath, they'll be able to get around without much pain at all.

The information contained in this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not, nor is it ever intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice or professional recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician(s) or other qualified healthcare provider(s).

Why Do I Get Pain In My Stiff Joints?

Probably the biggest reason for stiff joint pain is arthritis. This could include rheumatoid arthritis and other forms of arthritis as well. It's important that you take the time to consult with your doctor who can diagnose this condition and provide you with potential treatment options.

Infectious diseases can often be a contributing factor to a series of concerns including the pain from stiff joints. Some of the most common types of infectious diseases that can cause these problems are:

• Chickenpox


• Measles


• Parvo


• Rheumatic Fever


• Hepatitis


• Influenza


• Lyme Disease

Keep in mind that these are just some of the concerns that can contribute to this condition. One other factor for this condition is overuse of your joints. This is especially the case on parts of the body that experience regular repetitive use, such as fingers on the keyboard. Often, the best solution for your stiff joint pain is to allow your body to rest for a few days. Repetitive movements which place a heavy load n your joints can be particularly problematic. Any misalignment or jarring can rapidly cause point damage or pain.

You will want to take warm baths, massages your joints and stretch your muscles. These are all useful ways to reduce the amount of stiff joint pain that you have. While these don't usually treat the underlying issue, they will provide you with a temporary solution to help improve circulation and reduce pain.

If you are just starting to experience pain, you will need to pay attention to your body. If the joint pain lasts less than three days, you most likely don't need to seek immediate medical help. However, if it lasts more than three days, you are experiencing sudden weight loss or the pain continues to worsen, you will need to seek medical advice.

You will want to keep in mind that it will be important for you to consult with your doctor about any underlying medical condition that could be causing you to experience this level of pain. To help them understand your condition better, keep track of the areas that seem to be most affected by this condition. Take notes about when the pain started and what you were doing at the time. All of this is going to help them to pinpoint the cause of the joint pain and that can help you to get the results you need. In many cases, an x-ray, blood testing and other tests will be done to help rule out possibilities.

How to Relieve Arthritis Symptoms Naturally

Arthritis is an ailment affecting the joints of the body. We all know that joint is a junction where two bones meet. One bone turns on the other, and aided by the contraction and relaxation of muscles around the joint, help us in moving our limbs, neck and back. While turning on one another, the bones become liable to friction; but specially designed cushioned pads called cartilages cover the bone heads at a joint, and stop the bones from rubbing against each other. These cartilages provide a gelatinous surface, and allow smooth and flexible movement of the joint. However with age, the cartilages become weak, fail to repair themselves after day to day wear and tear; the protein build up of the cartilages start degenerating.

The result is loss of cartilage and exposure of bones to friction. Bones rub against each other and get eroded. This leads to arthritis or joint inflammation. Obesity is another factor causing arthritis. As body weight increases, the load on the joints also increases. The cartilages wear out under excessive pressure exerted by increased body weight. Apart from age and obesity, heredity, previous history of bone injury or joint infection, calcium, potassium and phosphorus deficiencies, hormonal imbalances are other factors leading to arthritis. Among the several types of arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common forms.

Osteoarthritis occurs due to cartilage degeneration, and almost 80% of the world's elderly population is struck by osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune, systemic disorder attacking quite young people. In its case the body's own immune system attacks healthy tissues and organs by mistake, considering them to be foreign anti-bodies.

It is possible to check the progression of arthritis symptoms by slight alteration in life style and dietary changes. Light physical exercise is welcomed. If joints are left idle, the problem of stiffness will aggravate. However strenuous exercises and repetitive movements are to be shunned, for they may lead to further wearing out of affected joints. Alkaline diet, including fresh fruits and vegetables are to be taken. Meat, beef, pork increase the risk of gout, and therefore should be avoided.

The patient should keep away from smoking and alcohol intake, as these habits generate stress on body tissues and increase arthritis pain. Massaging can help a lot in fighting arthritis symptoms. Massaging gives a boost to blood circulation and relaxes the muscles around ailing joints. Hot vinegar, paraffin, castor oil, olive oil or herbal anti inflammatory massage oil such as Rumatone Gold Oil can be used for massaging. Warm water bath and alternate application of hot and cold compresses may relieve joint pain to some extent.

Arthritis Cure - How to Beat Osteoarthritis Pain Through Your Diet (Part 2)

The incidence of osteoarthritis can be greatly reduced through sufficient and regular intake of antioxidants, but there are other food sources that help to fight this scourge. They include foods containing bioflavonoids, foods that counter the effects of steroids and other medications, and so on. They are as follows.

1- Foods containing Bioflavonoids

Good sources of these foods include citrus fruits, green tea, onions, berries, fruits that contain a pit ( such as cherries), and whole grains. It is recommended that you take at least one of these foods per day. The recommended daily allowance for bioflavonoid food supplements is 100mg for every 500mg vitamin C.

2- Foods that Counter the Use of NSAIDs, Steroids, and other Medications

Iron- found in organ meats, lean red meat, cooked dried beans and peas, dark leafy vegetables, fish poultry, oysters, whole-grain breads, and cereals.

Folic acid- found in brewer's yeast, dark green leafy vegetables, orange juice, avocados and broccoli.

Phosphorus- found in meat, organ meats, poultry, eggs, fish, non-fat milk, soybeans and peanut butter.

Zinc- lean meat, poultry, organ meats, oysters, brewer's yeast and pumpkin seeds.

Potassium- potatoes, avocados, bananas, apricots, orange juice and peas.

For aspirin takers, take an extra serving of foods rich in vitamin C, iron, and folic acid. Indomethacin takers should eat an iron-rich food each day and watch their sodium/salt intake. Antacid takers should eat a phosphorus-rich food everyday while corticosteroid takers should eat an extra serving of foods containing zinc, potassium, and vitamin C, as well as vitamin D-enriched milk.

3- Foods that Reduce Inflammation

These include foods containing omega-3 fatty acids which are the best inflammation fighters. Good sources include mackerel, herring, salmon, anchovies, sardines and Atlantic sturgeon. These foods contain EPAs which are the best omega-3s. You can take 1 to 2 teaspoons of fish oil if you don't eat fish but do not exceed the recommended dose as fish oil can be toxic in large amounts and can interfere with blood clotting. Talk to your physician before taking any fish oil.

Also included in the list are primrose oil, black currant oil, and borage seed oil. The supplements come in capsule form and you can take 200-300mg per day. Check with you doctor first.

How To Deal With Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis that slowly develops in the latter half of life. This is usually part of the aging process affecting the older population. The possible cause of osteoarthritis is impaired circulation. Treatment therefore for this type of arthritis is directed towards the general improvement of the circulation as well as the joints. Causative factors that predispose people to osteoarthritis include obesity or excessive body weight, injuries and overexertion that result into increased pressure on the joint cartilages. Heredity also plays an important role. The joints mostly affected with osteoarthritis are the hips, spine, knees and fingers joints.

The cartilage in osteoarthritis undergoes degeneration or thinning. The bone in some parts of the joint also undergoes degeneration but at the same time there is an overproduction of bony tissues in other parts. The overproduction of the bony tissues is one of the prominent features of osteoarthritis. For this reason, osteoarthritis is alternatively called "hypertrophic arthritis". The overproduced bony tissues create spurs around the joint margins resulting into a limited joint motion. Overtime the reduced motion may worsen and later on, the joint may become immovable. In osteoarthritis, the joint is seldom inflamed although it may be irregularly enlarged. It can go on for years almost without a symptom even in many severe cases. Often the only symptom seen is the limited motion. Pain most often occurs only when the joint is subjected to sudden strain and a direct blow or injury.

Here are some helpful tips to follow if a person is suffering from osteoarthritis:

1. For painful joints, the use of dry heat applied half an hour or more at least three times a day will be beneficial.

2. The affected joint should be free from any injury. Take special care not to subject that joint to any forms of strain. The joints should not be bent too far enough as to create pain however faulty postures should be corrected as much as possible. It is always important not to cause pain this is the reason why caution should be taken when doing a massage or a passive exercise. Motions that cause pain can be prevented with the use splints or casts.

3. Fatigue and overexertion should be avoided as much as possible especially when performing activities that involve the affected joints.

4. Obese or overweight individuals should strive to attain a normal weight.

5. Patients whose joints in the lower spine and hips are affected should allow a few hours of rest. This can be done by lying down for more hours of the day than usual. This will provide some relief from pressure on the affected joints.

6. Good habits that will improve the person's general health should be practiced. These should include implementation of correct posture that will improve the body mechanics and a good exercise regimen that will increase the muscle power.

A person may assume that having osteoarthritis indicates he is nearing old age and although still young he may fear that he has passed the prime of his life. He may fight against this idea and in doing so disregards any symptoms felt in order to prove that he is not getting old. He needs to understand and become willing to accept the way of life consistent with his reduced capacities. Following this new lifestyle will enable him to lengthen his productive usefulness and even live a normal span of life.

Birth Control Methods and Their Effects on Women With Chronic Health Conditions

The most important thing for you, if you have a chronic condition, is to have an understanding of birth control methods and how they can affect your health. Some of these methods can present specific concerns for certain rheumatic conditions. If you have antiphospholipid syndrome or antiphospholipid antibodies in your blood, lupus or RA, here is what is known about the concerns and the appropriate birth control methods.

Antiphospholipid antibodies and antiphospholipid syndrome: APL or antiphospholipid antibodies are proteins that affect the balance in the blood between clotting and bleeding and are a risk factor for blood clots. APS or antiphospholipid syndrome, is an autoimmune disorder that is characterized by antiphospholipid antibodies, blood clotting, and miscarriages and the syndrome can happen alone or with lupus, even though you have the antibodies you may not have lupus.

If you have antiphospholipid antibodies you are more likely to develop blood clots if you have another risk factor for blood clotting such as a severe illness, surgery, prolonged bed rest, malignancy, or pregnancy or it can be a lifestyle risk factor such as smoking or using combination contraceptives. That's why this second risk factor can be one of the variants in the blood that makes clotting possible. When you have lupus and antiphospholipid antibodies you are more likely to have other medical risk factors for a stroke or heart attack, like migraines, atherosclerosis or clogged arteries, or elevated cholesterol levels.

Contraceptives with estrogen are know to increase the risk of blood clots and when you have moderate to high antiphospholipid antibodies you should stay away from combination hormonal contraceptives. If you have low or borderline levels of the antiphospholipid antibodies, it may depend on whether you have had other risk factors for blood clots, to determine if you should stay clear from the combination hormonal contraceptives. Progesterone-only contraception is a good alternative for you if you have antiphospholipid antibodies and are unable to safely take estrogen. This method is also an effective way to decrease the heavy menstrual flow if you are on blood-thinning medications like warfarin, also known as Coumadin, which is often used to treat APS, Antiphospholipid syndrome.

Systemic lupus erythematosus: It was thought for many years that estrogen increased disease activity in lupus. This assumption was based on the findings in laboratory animals, and the fact that lupus is found mostly in women, 4 out of 5 people with lupus are women, and the reports of birth control pills and pregnancy where women said their lupus got worse. There are early reports that suggested there was an increase risk of lupus flares with the use of contraceptives containing estrogen. But, there are more recent studies that were better-designed, using large numbers of participants and standardized methods of measuring flares that found that estrogen-containing contraceptives are safe in some women with lupus.

And there were two randomized clinical trials published at the end of 2005 that found combination birth control pills don't significantly increase the risk of flares in women with inactive or stable, moderate lupus. The Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment, or SELENA, trial included 183 women with inactive or stable, moderate lupus and compared the effects of a standard combination birth control pill with the effects of an inactive placebo pill. Women who had active lupus, a history of blood clots, or antiphospholipid antibodies couldn't take participant in the study and the number and severity of the lupus flares showed no difference in the two groups. There was another study of 162 women with stable mild-to-moderate lupus that also found no adverse effects on flare rates whether the women used a combination pill, a progesterone-only pill or a copper IUD.

Based on these studies, it would appear that combination pills are safe for you if you have inactive or stable, moderate lupus and don't have antiphospholipid antibodies. Remember, though, that you may not even be able to tell how active your lupus is and often lupus activity can only be detected through blood test or other tests. So if you have lupus and you want to use a combination pill, your rheumatologist must be involved in the decision making. Since about 1/3 of the women with lupus have antiphospholipid antibodies, you have lupus you should be screened for the antibodies before starting a combination birth control pill.

It seems that it would be smart for you if you have lupus to avoid the contraceptive patch, Ortho Evra, given the recent FDA warning that it increases the risk of blood clots above that of combination pills. There's also the birth control pills that contain drospirenone, Yasmin, Yaz, that are more likely to elevate blood levels of potassium, an important consideration for you if you have lupus-related kidney problems. The safety of IUDs, if you are taking immunosuppressive drugs to treat your lupus, is not certain, because the drugs and the IUDs can raise the risk of infection. If you have active lupus, barrier methods or progesterone-only contraceptives are your options. Depo-Provera injections may be a problem if you are taking corticosteroids, because both the Depo-Provera and the corticosteroids increase the risk of bone loss.

Rheumatoid arthritis: There are some who believe that if you have RA you might actually benefit from treatment with estrogen-containing birth control pills because your symptoms improve during pregnancy. But, there's little research into using the pill to treat RA and research does suggest that women with RA have normal estrogen levels but lower than normal androgen levels, so hormonal therapy attempts have focused on supplementing androgens (androgens are primarily male sex hormones, but women have small amounts of them), with mixed results and no clear benefit. Postmenopausal estrogen therapy has also been studied in women with RA but showed no effect on the activity of the RA, and although there are no grounds for saying that combination hormonal contraceptives reduce the activity in Ra, there's no evidence that suggest their use would make a flare more likely to happen. Combination pills or the patch, may be effective and convenient for you if you have RA, but there is a concern that the risk of blood clots from the patch is higher than the risk from the pill. Inserting a vaginal ring or a diaphragm may be difficult if you have severe RA and like with lupus, it's not sure how safe IUDs are if you are taking immunosuppressive drugs such as ethotrexate, corticosteroids, or cyclosporine to treat their RA. There are no studies that have addressed this question specifically with newer RA medicines such as the biologics, among them Enbrel, Remicade and Humira.

There are other concerns as well and they are the hormone containing contraceptives can interact with other medicines, and this can reduce your medicine's effectiveness or increase its side effects. Some of these medicines are used to treat arthritis and related conditions. Some anticonvulsants like anti-seizure medications that are used to treat seizures, headaches, or chronic pain disorders may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. There are also, corticosteroids, warfin, and cyclosporine that can interact with the contraceptives even though the interactions are weak. Other medications that are used to treat other health conditions, some antibiotics, may also interact with hormone containing contraceptives and if you are using one of these contraceptives you should always remind your doctor of that fact when your doctor prescribes you new medications.

When you have rheumatic conditions and you have to stay in bed for a while, maybe because of a flare-up of the condition, or after surgery you should stop using combination birth control pills, the patch and the vaginal ring. Also, and especially if you have antiphospholipid antibodies, your doctor should give you low doses of a blood-thinning medicine. If you are planning elective surgery, you should talk to your doctor about stopping you combination hormonal contraceptive two months in advance, because estrogen's effects on blood clotting takes up to six weeks to reverse.

There are so many different types of birth control available to you today that if you have a rheumatic condition you can choose a safe and effective method. There are also many factors that have to be taken into consideration and it's essential that you, your gynecologist, and your rheumatologist work together to decide which of these methods is best for you.

Magnetic Bracelets For Arthritis - How Do They Work?

One method that has been effective in relieving arthritis pain is the use of magnetic bracelets. These bracelets are designed to stimulate blood flow and increase oxygen levels in affected areas to lessen inflammation.

Basically, arthritis prevents blood to flow freely into the affected regions of the human body, thus hindering circulation and ultimately reducing the quantity of oxygen around the afflicted parts.

Magnetic bracelets, which are negative magnets, improve blood circulation in the affected regions which have a positive polarity. Consequently, the improved circulation allows more oxygen to enter the afflicted areas and effectively reduces the inflammation. The end result is that the pain associated with arthritis is significantly reduced.

Magnetic bracelets and magnetic therapy have been around for a number of centuries, but only recently acknowledged by western medicine as an effective pain reduction technique.

British researchers recently examined the effects of magnetic bracelets of varying magnetic fields - some were given strong bracelets, others wore weak bracelets, while another group were given "dummy" or placebo bracelets without any magnetic field. After a 12-week period, it was revealed that the strong magnetic group experienced a significant reduction in arthritis pain, whereas the weak and dummy group had little to no pain relief. These results indicate that the use of magnetic bracelets can indeed alleviate pain for arthritic patients, provided that the bracelet has a strong magnetic field (170-200 Tesla).

Regardless of the lack of definite evidence, magnetic bracelets and magnetic therapy have become immensely popular in the USA as well as in several other western countries such as Britain and Australia. In 1999, global sales of magnetic bracelets reached an astounding $5M. This is a quite reasonable figure, as there are over a million arthritis patients in the United Kingdom alone. In recent years, there has also been a considerable rise in the use of alternative non-western techniques in the treatment of pain and other conditions.

If you decide to use magnetic bracelets, however, it is always recommended that you consult a doctor first before proceeding. It is imperative that you do not stop taking your current medications and other arthritis treatments and replacing them completely with magnetic therapy, unless your doctor recommends this course of action. Magnetic bracelets must also be avoided at all cost if you are pregnant, wearing a pacemaker or electronic implants, or currently using heating pads or electric blankets.

It should be noted that there are a diverse range of treatment options for dealing with arthritis pain, and not one should be eliminated entirely. Some therapies may continue to be effective in symptom reduction even as your magnetic bracelet alleviates your pain.

A primary advantage of using magnetic bracelets is the fact that they come in affordable prices. Moreover, they are non-intrusive and can cause hardly any side effects as do other chemical techniques. There is absolutely nothing to lose in trying this method of arthritis treatment. Needless to say, it is well worth your $30 to $100 to try one bracelet.

Magnetic bracelets still continue to gain popularity, as more and more users swear to their effectiveness. In addition, clinical studies provide evidence that magnetic therapy does work in treating arthritis pain. So, if you've been suffering from arthritis pain for the longest time, magnetic bracelets may be the answer you've been looking for.

Arthritis Cure: The Amazing Healing Power Of A Therapeutic Fast

If you are looking for a sure-fire arthritis cure through drug therapy or specialized diet alone, there is none. However, there is a way of bringing about the same results you may be searching for by completely natural means. I'm referring to therapeutic fasting. Through the medium of a supervised therapeutic fast you can jump-start a virtually unknown and unsuspected cleansing agent of nature - autolysis.

How does autolysis relate to your desire to find an arthritis cure? Think about it. If you had a car that wasn't running well due to a lot of oil sludge buildup, what would you do? Clean it out, of course. The same principle applies to your body when you are stricken with arthritis. In order to begin the process of regenerating your body you must first clean out old mucus settlements, metal and mineral deposits, morbid cellular waste, excess carbonic and uric acids, calcium deposits in your joints and harmful bacteria. A therapeutic fast is the mechanism best suited to accomplish this.

In most common forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, the body is heavily laden with carbonic and uric acid and excessive calcium deposition in joints or soft tissue structures. The underlying causes of this condition are usually poor nutrition, lack of relevant exercise, poor breathing, lack of adequate daily rest, low vitality, buildup of excessive bodily waste and stressful life pursuits. Until a strong and persistent effort is made to get rid of these factors your body will further deteriorate in direct proportion to the time it devotes to travelling the same path that led to development of your disease state.

To begin the process of engineering an intelligently planned and executed natural arthritis cure that can last a lifetime, you will need to stimulate your body into breaking down and subsequently expelling toxic material that has served as a breeding ground for the development and steady growth of your symptom complex. It is deep within these hardened mucus pockets that inorganic minerals, metals, harmful bacteria, dead bodily tissue and other undesirable substances find refuge away from the body's normal channels of waste elimination. Simultaneous with this activity you will begin loosening, melting away and absorbing hardened calcium deposits into the blood, lymph or interstitial fluid between cells for use elsewhere in your body or to be eliminated.

You may ask why your body undergoes this magical cleansing process. Your body engages autolysis in its frantic endeavor to locate sources of nourishment so that your cells can continue to feed. Each cell of your body - particularly your central nervous system, brain and heart muscle - must be supplied with a steady source of nutriment even though you are not physically feeding your body externally in any way.

Autolysis usually kicks in at about the third or fourth day of a therapeutic fast. This is the point where your body realizes it's not being fed from any external source and it starts scavenging for any nutriment it can find stored in your body. It will look for sustenance in the blood, lymph, interstitial fluid, organs, glands, muscles, fatty tissue, within joints, inside tumors and other growths and wherever else it may find a source of available food.

This accounts for the quickness with which many fasters who are afflicted with arthritis are able to once again use their joints without excessive pain or discomfort within a few weeks or months after undergoing a therapeutic fast. Much of the hardened organic and inorganic settlements in arthritic joints and soft tissue are broken down and successfully absorbed into the blood stream, lymph or interstitial fluid during the process of autolysis. This is how your body feeds itself during a therapeutic fast. The benefits you derive from this activity are greater joint mobility, removal of toxic waste material, natural and healthy weight loss and the beginning of what could be a new lease on life for you.

This may not be what you had in mind as far as an arthritis cure is concerned. However, it is the way nature cures - by natural cleansing, subsequent tissue rebuilding and replacement and whole being healing.

Arthritis For Old Age

When a person grows old, the body eventually gets weaker, since it has been alive and functioning for the past, let's say, seventy years. The body is strong enough to stand the test of time, at least for a hundred years or so. Of course, it depends on the person if he/ she maintains their health and body to last them through their golden years. But not all people endure being old. A lot of cases concerning health conditions are showing through old age. Since the body gets weaker, it is more prone to illnesses and diseases that may harm or hurt the person more, hence, they have become more vulnerable to such conditions.

A common type of arthritis that affects people over the age of 60, is osteoarthritis. Since symptoms of arthritis are mainly regarded as joint inflammation, or the feeling of pain or stiffness, this type of arthritis also has the same conditions, but is occurring mostly when of old age. Aches and swelling with weakened motion in the joints, particularly hands, hips, knees or spine are the common symptoms of arthritis, specifically osteoarthritis. According to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP), osteoarthritis is described as the deterioration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint; also bony overgrowth. Basically, this illness is breaking down a person's cartilage. Since the cartilage is the tissue that is wrapped around the ends of the joint, having this joint disease will make the bones rub together, causing joint damage over time.

This condition can be very painful if not treated immediately. Due to this illness being parallel to old age, it is very crucial to know the patient's condition as often times as needed. But old age is not necessarily the cause for such disease. Being overweight can be a factor in getting osteoarthritis. It can alter your movements in a number of ways. It will limit your movements up to the point where you cannot reach for that certain object because your fats are way heavier than you think. By not moving that well, or without proper exercise, this may cause to reduction of motion in your joints. Another factor in considering osteoarthritis is by simply injuring a joint. A person who has injured his joint can also lead to this disease, if not medicated promptly or properly.

In dealing with osteoarthritis, it is important to know different kinds of arthritis pain relief. Since most of the people with this illnesses are old, it is crucial for them to be able to function more properly and without pain. Arthritis pain relief comes in the form of simple painkillers, topical pain relief or pain killer creams, pain relief gadgets, exercise, weight control, and surgery. The most suggested method for arthritis pain relief is therapy. There are certain types of therapy that are much considered in dealing with osteoarthritis. Therapies such as massage, pet, warm water, music and hypnotherapy are among them. Moreover, relaxation and meditation are just an overview of possible arthritis pain relief.

With this in mind, it is substantial to know this certain type of arthritis, its causes, and how to relieve the person of it. To our grandparents, or those who are overweight, be sure to ask advice and help from your physician in order to lessen, if not stop, this disease from getting worse.