Herbal Solutions For Arthritis Joint Pain

Arthritis as an inflammatory disease manifests mainly in the form of joint pain. If the pain is ignored in its beginning stages it can grow worse making it difficult to even move the joints. Usually doctors prescribe medications that are anti-inflammatory analgesics; however, it might not improve the overall condition. There are certain herbal supplements and oils that make the tissues in the joints more strong and resistant to inflammation. Along with prescription medicines, if the patient resorts to such alternative therapeutic systems, it would go a long way in controlling the chronic pain of arthritis.

Many arthritis patients have experienced a notable change in their joint pain after adopting natural treatment methods involving herbs and essential medicinal oils. Especially in Asian countries like India and China, massage therapy with essential oils and herbal essences have gained much success in curing arthritis joint pain almost completely. There are certain expert techniques administered by traditional natural therapy practitioners. They have in-depth knowledge about the way human body responses and they know how to resuscitate the body's indigenous resistance and healing power. Such treatment demands a complete change of lifestyle and food habits. Although, I cannot describe the traditional sciences in more detail, I have listed below some of the essential herbs that are used in treating arthritis in an all-natural way.

1. A massage using Rumatone Gold oil can relax the joints to a great extent. It also reduces the joint pain quite faster compared to other herbs. It is a herbal treatment for pain relief originally listed in ancient Vedic texts.

2. Fenugreek seeds are quite beneficial in controlling severe arthritis attacks. Taking 40 to 50 grams of fenugreek seeds everyday in addition to regular massage with Fenugreek oil can work wonders in alleviating arthritis joint pain.

3. Consuming purely crushed turmeric power mixed in moderate hot water can improve your arthritis symptoms. Turmeric is a strong anti-inflammatory element and it helps in healing the inflammation at the joints. It also prevents further inflammation. However, it is not an instant measure for acute joint pain but certainly in the long run it will help your body and joints in fighting arthritis joint pain more efficiently.

4. Massaging the joints with a mixture of kerosene oil and olive oil can also help. Note that approximately 70 percent of the mixture should be olive oil. Olive oil has countless healing properties and when used regularly it can definitely sooth the joints.

5. Try using black cohosh. It is a great antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory agent. It has been clinically proved that regular use of black cohosh can reduce the intensity of joint pain.

6. Crushed cumber bark is yet another effective arthritis remedy. Select the bark of wild cucumbers and have them crushed nicely. A teaspoon of this amazing herb can help your body in several ways. However, it acts as a natural laxative too so you might want to reduce the dosage.

The above-mentioned remedies have innumerable healing powers; and remember, they are all used in synthesizing several modern medicines in modern laboratories.

Niacin For Psoriasis

Vitamin B3 (niacin or nicotinic acid) is also touted as a cure for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. If only that were true! Unfortunately, this B vitamin is toxic in high doses and may harm rather than help psoriatics. This has been the sad experience of those taking 100 milligrams or more daily.

"Troublesome side effects often occur, most commonly the 'niacin flush' - intense reddening and itching of the face and upper body that usually diminishes after several weeks. High dose niacin can also cause gastrointestinal upsets, abnormal liver function tests, elevated blood-sugar levels, and, rarely, atrial fibrillation (rapid beating of the heart)," revealed Dr. Stephen Barrett, a psychiatrist, consumer advocate, and board member of the National Council Against Health Fraud (NCAHF) in "Health Schemes, Scams and Frauds."

"The flush is not considered dangerous but the sort of doses that produce it (greater than 100 milligrams) can, in a few individuals, produce other unwanted side effects, including nausea, headache, cramps and diarrhea. Still larger doses of nicotinic acid (in excess of two grams daily) have been reported to produce skin discoloration and dryness, decreased glucose tolerance, high uric-acid levels, and aggravation of peptic ulcers and even symptoms that resemble some of those that accompany hepatitis," according to Dr. Sheldon Saul Hendler in "The Doctors' Vitamin arid Mineral Encyclopedia."

Regular exposure to sunlight has helped patients with psoriasis. Since vitamin D is made in our skin when we are exposed to the sun's ultraviolet rays, quacks claim that oral doses of the same vitamin will benefit psoriatics.

Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way. Oral doses of vitamin D are not recommended. Excess amounts are dangerous and can cause headache, fatigue, muscle weakness, blurred vision and kidney stones among others.

"High doses of vitamin D can be toxic. The major effects of vitamin D toxicity are hypercalcemia (high levels of blood calcium] and soft tissue calcification. Symptoms of hypercalcemia include anorexia, nausea, vomiting, constipation, tiredness, drowsiness and, when more severe - confusion, high blood pressure, kidney failure and coma," Hendler said.

"The margin of safety between the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin D and the level which is toxic in some people is very small; the smallest for any vitamin. Some people develop toxic symptoms three to four times the RDA. Thus the practice of supplementation with this vitamin should be discouraged," concluded Dr. Myron Winick, director of the Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in "The Columbia Encyclopedia of Nutrition." (Next: Are fish oils effective for psoriasis?)

To strengthen your body, take Immunitril - your first line of defense in maintaining a healthy immune system. For details, visit http://www.bodestore.com/immunitril.html.

Arthritis Treatment - How to Reduce Your Arthritis Pain and Stiffness to Manageable Level

The word arthritis means inflammation of the joints. Arthritis is a crippling condition associated with the inflammation of a muscle joint. The inflammation is often caused by the rubbing of the bones. There are two main types of arthritis:

• Osteoarthritis is caused by degeneration of the cartilage in the joints (the cartilage between the bones wears away). Osteoarthritis usually affects older people although it can develop in a younger person, especially where joints have been damaged by injury.

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) a systemic disease caused by abnormality in the body's immune system making it to work improperly and therefore leading to inflammation of the joints. It is an autoimmune disease of the joints (usually).

However, you can learn to live with this disease without permitting it to rule your life. To ease the pain while continuing your daily life, here are some things you can do. Arthritis can be managed through medication, regular exercise (preferably walking), rest, weight-management, nutrition, or in some cases, surgery. Arthritis is a chronic disease that lasts for a long time and possibly for the rest of one's life. Treatments will probably change over time and medication may be adjusted.

• Positive mental outlook and the support of family are essential for performance of daily activities. Stay focused on the positive things in life.

• Try to maintain your social life, laugh with your friends, and keep doing the things you do daily.

• Keep joints warm at night to avoid morning stiffness.

• Practice deep breathing in addition to a regular exercise program. Exercise alleviates arthritis symptoms and improves strength and flexibility. In addition, exercise helps prevent weight gain which makes arthritis pain worse.

• Oily fish is a good source of Vitamins A and D as well as being rich in Omega 3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids have the power to lessen inflammation in the body, as well as lessen the pain associated with arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis patients usually report improvement in joint pains and inflammation when taking fish oil supplements.

• Honey is useful in arthritic and rheumatic pains when combined with apple cider. Use the cider vinegar and honey treatment for arthritis and also apply cider vinegar externally to painful joints. This entails drinking a glass of water with two teaspoons of cider vinegar and two teaspoons of honey three times a day.

• Raw potato extract is a traditional remedy that has been used for centuries. Wash a medium size potato but do not peel. Be sure it has no green patches. Cut it into thin slices. Lay the slices in a bowl, cover with water and cover the bowl. Leave overnight. Drink the water in the morning.

• Calcium supplements can also help some cases of arthritis. If you prefer not to take supplements you can take calcium in dietary form.

• Glucosamine in combination with chondroitin is a supplement that can help lubricate joints while reducing inflammation and pain in some cases.

• Add several teaspoonfuls of ginger to vegetables, salads or beverages daily.

• Garlic and turmeric both have anti inflammatory properties and can be included in your diet in generous quantities.

Eat grapes regularly as grape skins contain resveratrol. Resveratrol deactivates the Cox-2 enzyme, which produces inflammation at the site of injury or pain.

• Regular diet of bananas, which are rich in potassium and vitamin B6, can be helpful in treating rheumatoid arthritis flare up. Eat only bananas for up to 3 days. Bananas should be ripe, i.e. starting to show brown spots on the skin.

• Practice deep breathing in addition to a regular exercise program. Exercise alleviates arthritis symptoms and improves strength and flexibility. In addition, exercise helps prevent weight gain which makes arthritis pain worse.

The following foods are known to make arthritis worse and should be avoided. You may have to cut them all out of your diet for at least 4 days and then reintroduce them one by one to feel the effects:

Sugar, caffeine, red meat, dairy products, citrus fruits, corn (maize), wheat, salt, artificial sweeteners and other food additives.

Take Control:

Arthritis may limit some of the things you do, but it does not have to control your life. One way to reduce your pain is to build your life around wellness, not pain or sickness. Think of pain as a signal to take positive action rather than an ordeal you have to endure. This means thinking positive thoughts, having a sense of humor (i.e. you can joke about your disability), eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly (e.g. walking), enjoying activities with friends and family, taking your medication properly and practicing relaxation.

Exercise and Arthritis:

For a long time, it was thought that people with arthritis should not exercise because it would damage their joints. Now doctors and therapists know that people with arthritis can improve their health and fitness through exercise without hurting their joints. Along with medicine, rest, acupressure, relaxation techniques and regular exercise can keep your joints in working order so that you can continue your daily activities. Everyone should exercise regularly. But if you have arthritis, it is a must. Exercise enhances the muscles around your joints and reduces the pain in your body. It also acts like lubrication for the joints in your body. It also may help prevent further joint damage. If your joints hurt, you may not feel like exercising. However, if you do not exercise, your joints can become even more stiff and painful. Exercise is beneficial because it keeps your muscles, bones and joints healthy. Be sure, however, that you only exercise within your body's limits.

Psoriatic Arthritis Symptoms

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic skin condition that causes inflammation of the skin and joints. It is quite common, resulting in patchy, scaly and red areas of skin. The areas that mostly get affected by it are the elbows, knees, near the navel and genital area and the scalp.

This is a particular type of arthritis that takes place in those people who already have psoriasis. A person suffering from psoriatic arthritis will have symptoms of both the skin and joint disorder.

The likelihood of this condition taking place is equal for men and women alike - usually, at the age group of 30-50. For some people the condition may be mild and not as severe as it is for the rest, affecting only a couple of joints.

It is important to be familiar with the symptoms and recognize them when they start showing up, and if they are not treated on time, the symptoms may worsen, resulting in more serious health issues.

The most common symptoms include the effect of psoriatic arthritis over the fingers and toes of a person. Rough, scaly and dry rashes start taking place on areas of the body such as the knees and elbows.

The joints start to swell up which causes great pain and uneasiness. For example, the swelling of the wrists and fingers, knees, ankles and toes would result in the person hardly being able to carry out any of the tasks in daily routine. The fingers and toes may swell up to such an extent that they would appear to be sausage like. Moreover, grayish scales would show up on the scalp and other areas where the condition has taken its toll.

Apart from the swelling up of the joints, the person may also suffer pain in the lower back and buttocks. The nails would get highly affected, becoming pitted.? Upon waking up, the joints would seem to be quite stiff. Also, fatigue and a lethargic feeling are common for people who are suffering from psoriatic arthritis.

Arthritis - An Explanation

Arthritis, which affects the musculoskeletal system, generally refers to the slow erosion over time of the cushioning cartilage that is situated in the area between the bony joints and which normally protects them as they move against each other during normal exercise.

When I was eventually diagnosed with this condition I was told I must have had it for about 15 years although for much of that time I didn't know I had a problem. It is not always immediately apparent even though early arthritic symptoms can sometimes include some stiffness and restriction in movement. By the time it eventually shows up or is diagnosed, often the damage has been done, is irreversible and can only be corrected by surgery.

So prevention is definitely better than cure in this case and needs to involve taking special care to look after the cartilage in your body. As in the case of all living cells, specialised cartilage cells called chondrocytes normally go through a natural and continuous process of dying and being constantly replaced and require the right nutrients and environment to thrive.

In the case of Rheumatoid arthritis or following an injury however, inflammation can arise which produces an environment that is detrimental to and can attack and kill the cartilage cells more quickly than the body can replace them, especially if there aren't enough of the right nutrients available within the body to make joint repair feasible.

Arthritis can be a localized to one or more joints in the body such as the hip, shoulder or knee. Or it can be experienced as a more generalized condition throughout the body as a whole, generally affecting the muscles and soft tissues. Fibromyalgia or inflammatory Rheumatoid Arthritis would be a common type of arthritis under this category, as well as gout and as the condition varies so would the treatment although it is possible to have more than one type of arthritis at the same time requiring several different approaches.

This condition can start as early as infancy or childhood although it is not so common at this stage of life. It is much more common among adults in the over 60's, and shows up mostly in the form of osteoarthritis. As the American population ages, the number of people suffering with it is increasing and it is considered to be more common amongst people who have practised high impact sports for some time, thus increasing the wear and tear on the joints. The prime cause of disability in the United States of America these days is considered to be arthritis.

If you want to help prevent the onset of this debilitating and very common and painful disease I recommend you take the time to follow a few easy and simple, yet possibly life-changing steps.

* Watch your diet and seek to maintain your appropriate ideal weight

* Regularly consume plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit. They are a really good source of vitamins D and C

* Take the time to make sure that there is enough enough calcium in your diet

* Take regular low to medium- impact exercise and take care to reduce the risk of sports injuries

* Natural therapies have also been found to be very useful in both preventing damage and alleviating the pain and discomfort associated with arthritis, even sometimes curing it completely

* Take steps to reduce the level of stress in your life such as taking up meditation or setting aside some restful 'you time'

What Foods Can I Eat If I Have Arthritis?

The link between food and arthritis has been difficult to prove because of the difficulty inherent in study design. However, observations made over the last several decades point to trends that may be important. Multiple studies have suggested that rheumatoid arthritis symptoms could be reproduced by the reintroduction of certain foods and ameliorated by excluding these foods from the diet.

More recently, rheumatoid arthritis has been shown to worsen when there is an excessive amount of Omega-3 fatty acids in the diet. Excessive ingestion of feedlot beef, refined cooking oils and margarines result in an increase of inflammatory symptoms. Some evidence has linked the consumption of saturated fats found in whole milk, cheese, as well as other animal products such as red meat and poultry to worsening RA symptoms. (O'Banion DR. J Holistic Med 1982; 4: 49-57)

An interesting connection has been proposed by some researchers that a food allergy to high saturated fat foods, meat, dairy, omega-6 fatty acids, and refined vegetable oils may be responsible for some rheumatoid arthritis flares (Hicklin JA, et al. Clin Allergy 1980; 10: 463-470.)

For centuries, nightshade foods such as potatoes, eggplant, and pepper have been claimed to aggravate arthritis. Firm data here, though, is not compelling. Study design has been a drawback. Doing a randomized double-blind study using foods is exceedingly difficult.

Small studies evaluating the effects of foods in rheumatoid arthritis sufferers have continued to make a case for food being a significant inciting factor in disease. Studies performed by researchers have demonstrated that partial fasting with avoidance of animal fat, refined sugar, citrus fruits, preservatives, coffee, tea, alcohol, salt, and strong spices which were associated with symptoms led to a reduction of symptoms.

Another study published by Beri et al showed that an elimination and rechallenge diet provided significant improvement in 71% of patients tested. (Beri, D, et al Ann Rheum Dis 1988; 47: 69-72)

In another study, Darlington evaluated 70 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. By eliminating foods deemed to provoke symptoms, he was able to eliminate symptoms as well as need for medications in 19% of patients. Darlington also identified foods such as grapefruit, cheese, malt, coffee, beef, eggs, rye, oats, milk, oranges, bacon, tomato, peanuts, cane sugar, butter, lamb, lemon, and soy as causative factors. (Darlington LG. Rheum Dis North Am 1991; 127: 273-285)

A recent study suggested that a diet high in vitamin D such as is found with salmon, tuna, shrimp, sunflower seeds, eggs, and vitamin-D fortified milk may prevent rheumatoid arthritis. (Merlino, LA et al. Arthritis Rheum 2004; 50: 72-77)

The upshot of these studies indicates that perhaps dietary manipulation should be considered as a possible therapeutic intervention. Elimination of all foods believed to be causing symptoms followed by single food reintroductions to determine which foods might be the culprits seems a reasonable course of action. Foods such as corn, wheat, cow's milk, pork, oranges, oats, rye, eggs, beef, coffee, malt, cheese, grapefruit, lemon, tomato, peanuts, and soy seem to be the most common offenders.

In our office we have found the Immunolab assay (Fort Lauderdale, FL) to be useful in excluding food allergies as a potentially important contributing factor to arthritis symptoms.

Statins: A New Hope in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory arthritis occurring in people who suffer from recurrent bouts of joint pain, swelling and deformity. Apart from inflammation of the joints, there are abnormal changes in blood vessels in these people which puts them at an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack prematurely and reduction in life-expectancy. Excess number of deaths due to cardiovascular cause were consistently observed in people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

A drug that controls the inflammation and also prevents changes in blood vessels will be highly useful in these people. Statins (e.g. lovastatin, simvastatin) have shown lot of promise in this regard.

Statins inhibit an enzyme of the lipid metabolism called as HMG-CoA reductase; therefore they are called as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Process of atherosclerosis i.e. clogging of blood vessels with cholesterol is accelerated in inflammatory arthritis. The levels of good (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol are abnormally low while those of bad (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol are higher in inflammatory arthritis. Statins reduce the low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and inhibit atherosclerosis. As atherosclerosis is the culprit for vascular events like heart attack and stroke, the risk of these diseases is also reduced.

Apart from lowering lipid levels, the statins were found to have anti-inflammatory action in recent studies. In inflammatory arthritis, statins may suppress the inflammatory response of the synovial membrane which lines the joint cavity. Statins act on blood cells like lymphocytes and macrophages which are responsible for inflammation and inhibit the release of harmful chemicals like cytokines from these cells. As inflammation is responsible for clinical features of inflammatory arthritis, statins markedly improve the clinical picture in these patients. Statins not only relieve pain and stiffness, but also retard the ongoing process of joint destruction.

Leung et al found that atorvastatin suppressed immune responses and cytokine release in mice. Abud-Mendoza C et al found that simvastatin showed marked improvement in signs and symptoms in patients with refractory rheumatoid arthritis which was unresponsive to methotrexate, a powerful drug. Similarly, atorvastatin was shown to be highly effective in rheumatoid arthritis in a recent randomized controlled
trial.

Inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis is not confined to the joints only. Low-grade inflammation exists in blood vessels also. This along with malfunction of endothelial cells lining blood vessels may accelerate the atherosclerotic process leading to vascular events such as heart attack at younger age as compared with normal population. Statins suppress this inflammation and inhibit release of harmful free radicals. Statins also improve the function of endothelial cells. Statins also reduce the levels of C-reactive protein, an independent risk factor for heart disease. Thus statins act as protectors against vascular events and may reduce the morbidity due to these diseases.

Statins should be used in rheumatoid arthritis unresponsive to treatment with disease modifying anti-Rheumatic drug (DMARD) as adjuvant therapy. They can also be used in protection against vascular diseases. The existing statins are mainly developed to act as lipid modulating agents rather than anti-inflammatory drugs. Further research is required for developing new statins who have more potent anti-inflammatory action. Recently, a new statin, Geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) has been found to have potent anti-inflammatory effects. Further trials are required to prove its efficacy and safety.

Thus statins will play increasingly important role in management of inflammatory arthritis due to their multiple benefits. They improve the quality of life by relieving the symptoms of arthritis and at the same time protect a person from premature death due to cardiovascular causes.

References:

1. McInnes IB, McCarey DW, Sattar N (2004) Do statins offer therapeutic potential in inflammatory arthritis? Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 63, 1535-37.:

2. Leung BP, Sattar N, Crilly A, Prach M, Mccarey DW, Payne H, Madhok R et al (2003)A Novel Anti-Inflammatory Role for Simvastatin in Inflammatory Arthritis. The journal of immunology 170, 1524-30.:

3. Abud-Mendoza C, de la Fuente H, Cuevas Orta E, et al (2003) Therapy with statins in patients with refractory rheumatic diseases: a preliminary study. Lupus 12, 607-611.:

4. McCarrey DW, McInnes IB, Madhok R, et al (2004) Trial of atorvastatin in Rheumatoid Arthritis (TARA), double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet 363, 2015-2021.:

5. Mason J C, Ahmed Z, Mankoff R, Lidington E A, Ahmad S, Bhatia V, et al (2002) Statin-induced expression of decay-accelerating factor protects vascular endothelium against complement-mediated injury. Circulation Research 91, 696-703.

Health and Fitness: Arthritis Article Category

Foot Arthritis - How To Treat It?

Foot arthritis could be described as one of the more common forms of arthritis. The problem with the foot is that it consists of 28 bones and 30 joints, of which any are susceptible to arthritis. If arthritis develops in any of these joints, its going to affect the way you walk, run and move in general. The joints in the foot which are more commonly affected are: the big toe, the ankle, the mid foot and the hind foot joint.

The most common form of arthritis which develops in the foot is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the result of getting older, and essentially wear and tear on the joints and cartilage. The cartilage wears down, and the bones rub together resulting in pain and swelling.

Traumatic arthritis is a common form of osteoarthritis that develops in the foot of a patient following some form of severe injury. This can develop in the foot even when the injury was treated correctly, and given time to recover fully. The most common forms of traumatic foot arthritis are a torn ligament, broken bone or severe sprain.

There are various symptoms and indications of foot arthritis, which should alert the sufferer to the condition immediately. These symptoms include swelling, tenderness, pain, stiffness and reduced mobility of the affected joint. All these symptoms will eventually lead to a difficulty in walking.

For a doctor to properly diagnose foot arthritis, a serious of tests and physical examinations will need to be performed. The doctor will also require information about your health and lifestyle to give clues on the complexity of the condition. The next step is to perform a walking analysis. In performing this walking analysis, the doctor will measure your stride and test your ankle and foot strength. Certain diagnostic imaging tests may also be required to further diagnose your condition- theses may include and X-Ray, CT or MRI scan.

After fully evaluating your foot arthritis, your doctor/physician will devise the most suitable treatment plan. There are many non-surgical treatments available, these include:

Taking anti-inflammatory medication

Steroid injection

Foot brace or cane usage

Ankle and foot support usage

Physical therapy

The final treatment option is surgery, and is generally reserved as a 'last resort' when all other treatment methods have failed. The key to effectively treating arthritis is early diagnosis. Don't ignore those sensations of stiffness and soreness; see a doctor as soon as possible, so that you have the best chance of treating your foot arthritis.

How to Treat Arthritis in Cats

Just like us, the majority of animals experience arthritis as they become older. Arthritis, which is the breaking down of cartilage that surrounds the bones of the joints, occurs frequently in domesticate cats and dogs.

For a cat, arthritis can begin at the age of just eight years. Because the disease is progressive in nature, it is likely to start in a mild form, which may not be immediately discernable to an owner. However, if left untreated, arthritis can become so severe that it demobilizes your cat. So, as an owner, it is helpful for you to know how best to help a cat with arthritis. One option is to introduce supplements to your cat's diet.

Omega 3
Omega 3 is a wonderful supplement for cats with arthritis, as it helps to lubricate the joints and, therefore, increase ease of mobility. Similarly, cod liver oil can be added to a cat's food. However, you should take care to not to give your cat too much cod liver oil - he, or she, should have no more then 翹 of a teaspoon per day.

Glucosamine
Glucosamine is recognized as one of the very best supplements in treating arthritis. It is an amino derivative found in plants and animals. Regular glucosamine supplements can strengthen and protect the cartilage that still surrounds the joints. Administering glucosamine can be done in two ways: intravenously (by injection) and orally (in liquid or pill form).

Of course, an injection of glucosamine offers the most concentrated dose, so is perhaps the best method in severe cases of arthritis. In pill form the effects of the glucosamine are lessened, due to the method of production. Liquid, on the other hand, is the next best thing to an injection and can be added to a cat's food.

Chondroitin
Typically, chondroitin is given in conjunction with glucosamine. Like glucosamine, chondroitin protects the remaining cartilage and promotes healing in the damaged areas. Chondroitin is often given with glucosamine, because it aids the latter's absorption into the cartilage. In addition, these supplements tend to come with added vitamins and minerals that will boost the general health of your cat.

How to Ease Arthritis with Diet and Exercise
Naturally, supplements are not the only option available to you. In fact, in many cases, you may be able to ease your cat's arthritic pain with a few lifestyle changes. For example, if your cat is overweight the pain of arthritis will be exacerbated by the obesity. In addition, gentle, but regular, exercise can help to increase mobility and improve the lubrication around the joints. Therefore, diet and exercise are among the most important factors when trying to treat arthritis in cats.

When it comes to a cat's diet, there are two potential problems: your cat may be overweight or underweight. Of course, if your cat is obese this can cause a multitude of other health concerns, so it is advisable to seek the advice of a vet, who will be able to offer tips on the method of reducing a cat's weight healthily. If, on the other hand, your cat is underweight, this could be the symptom of an underlying health condition. Therefore, again, it is important to seek the advice of a vet.

As mentioned above, exercise is a wonderful way to keep your cat's joints limber and, of course, help dramatically in weight loss. Try playing with your cat at least once a day, but ensure that your cat's movement is gentle. It is recommended that you do not encourage any movement that is painful for the cat and that you keep these play sessions reasonable short.

Obviously, these are just some of the many treatment methods available for feline arthritis. However, before beginning any diet or supplement regime, it is recommended that you consult your vet.

All About Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is termed as a chronic disease. It is common among most people across the globe. The disease is usually characterized via inflammation of the skin and joints. The inflammation of the skin is medically termed as psoriasis and inflammation of the joints is known as arthritis.

This disease is very common among people between the ages of 40 and 60. Both males and females are affected equally by this disease. It is believed that the skin disease or psoriasis occur separately from the joint pain or the arthritis.

Psoriatic arthritis can be referred to as a systemic rheumatic disease that has the potential to result in the body tissue inflammation. It may also affect other parts of the body such as the heart, eyes, kidneys and lungs.

This type of arthritis usually share several features with the arthritis of other types including reactive arthritis, arthritis related to Crohn's disease, ankylosing spondylitis and arthritis related to ulcerative colitis.

Almost all these conditions may result in inflammation in the spine as well as other joints. The inflammation can also occur in the eyes, mouth, skin and several other organs.

A) Causes of this type of arthritis

There are several causes associated to this type of arthritis. However, the exact cause of this disease is unknown. It is believed that a blend of several genetic and immune factors in conjunction with several environmental factors is responsible for the occurrence of this disease. Patients suffering from this disease may suffer from inflammation of the skin. Certain genes such as HLA-B27 are responsible for the occurrence of this disease.

Several other genes have also been found responsible for this disease. Medical experts feel that some changes occurring in the immune system may play a significant role in developing psoriatic arthritis. Exposure to infection and changes in the environment are also responsible for this disease to occur.

B) Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis

If you want to treat a disease, it is extremely important to know about it at an early stage. This is the best way to rush for medical help and get the best of treatment available.

When it comes to psoriatic arthritis, a patient tends to experience inflammation of the skin as the primary symptoms. Of course, there are other symptoms such as inflammation of the joints, pain in the joints, swelling, and the skin getting hot and red. In some cases, inflammation of the joint in the fingers or toes can result in the swelling of the entire digit.

This results in the appearance of a sausage. Stiffness in the joints is the most common symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. This condition may also result in inflammation of the spine and even the sacrum. This finally results in stiffness and pain in the lower back, neck, buttocks and upper back.

C) Treatments

The condition can be treated with a combination of anti-inflammatory medicines or NSAIDs and exercises. In progressive cases, more powerful medication such as corticosteroids, methotrexate and antimalarial medicines are prescribed. Early diagnosis is the best treatment.

High Tibial Osteotomy to Treat Osteoarthritis of the Knee

A High Tibial Osteotomy is a descriptive term used to describe an operation used to treat osteoarthritis of the knee. An osteotomy is the act of cutting a bone. 'High Tibial' details the location of this cut, the upper portion of the tibia or shin bone that forms the bottom half of the knee joint.

A high tibial osteotomy is used to treat unicompartmental osteoarthritis of the knee. This means that the arthritic wear is confined to one half of the knee - either the inside, or outside of the joint. When arthritis wears down one side of the articular cartilage covering the ends of the bones, angulation occurs. This results in a disproportionate amount of body weight being taken through the worn side. This in turn leads to an increased rate of wear and an acceleration of symptoms such as pain, stiffness and swelling.

A high tibial osteotomy looks to realign the knee to evenly share weight between both the inside and outside of the knee. This is achieved by cutting the bone then either taking a wedge of bone out, or adding a wedge of bone in.

This type of surgery has a long recovery period as the cut essentially fractures the main weight bearing bone of the lower leg. Even after surgically fixing the bone in its new position, it is unable to take any weight for a significant period of time. This has a major implication for work, lifestyle and everyday activities.

This operation is not suitable for everyone but can be a valuable tool for those too young for a total knee replacement.

New Class of Rheumatoid Arthritis Drugs Can Bring Much-Needed Relief

Several of my patients have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, a frustrating condition in which the immune system begins to fight its own body as if it were a disease. In doing so, the body develops a severe, chronic inflammatory response in trying to heal it. This inflammation can flare in all the major joints of the body.

Traditional treatment options for RA have been DMARDs (disease modifying antirheumatic drugs), or SAARD (slow acting antirheumatic drugs), and have been fairly successful in treating early diagnosed RA. However, not everyone with RA responds to them and they do have side effects similar to those of NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

In the last 10 years, however, a new class of RA drugs has come on the scene, the "biologics", or BRM's (biologic response modifiers) and have shown greater success in people who have not done well on the traditional drugs. If you have RA, I'd like to share with you what I tell my own patients about the BRM class of RA drugs to help you manage your RA better.

Treating RA with Biologic-Type Drugs

Like my patients, if you watch television, you may have seen commercials for a few of the new biologic-type RA drugs, Enbrel, Humira, Orencia, and Simponi. You may have wanted to ask your doctor about the possibility of perhaps trying one of these RA treatments.

These RA drugs are actually created from human genes, proteins, and are designed to inhibit the inflammatory response that the immune system causes. These drugs were specifically created for those patients whose RA does not respond well to more traditional treatments and have been proven to slow progression of the disease. They differ from the older type drugs in that the biologics zero in on specific parts of the immune system instead of broadly treating the entire immune system, thereby lessening side effects.

Advantages to Taking BRM Type RA Drugs

Even though BRM's will not cure RA, and those who take them still have symptoms of stiffness and pain, they have far less symptoms than those who do not take them, according to recent research conducted by one of the biologics manufacturer, Centocor Ortho Biotech, Inc. The drugs help improve quality of life, functioning, and ability to productively work, preventing much of the disability that accompanies RA.

Are There Side Effects/Disadvantages of Biologics?

As I tell my patients, whenever you take a chemically based drug, there are likely some side effects, and this is true of the biologic-type RA drugs as well. However, there are not as many, or severe, as with the more traditional type RA drugs. The most common side effect is rash at the injection site but with any drug that suppresses the immune system, there is always the risk of other side effects. These include:

• Susceptibility to infections and other diseases developing


• Cannot receive vaccinations (flu, etc) while taking biologics


• Pre-existing health conditions like multiple sclerosis or congestive heart failure excludes their use. They could also aggravate an underlying case of tuberculosis. Everyone who wants to take a biologic-type RA should be tested for TB before taking them.


• Effects on unborn fetus not clearly known - pregnant women should use with caution.


• Must be taken by injection, or intravenous infusion. However, an oral biologic-RA drug is on the drawing table so perhaps one will be available soon.


• Biologics have to clear from system prior to surgery as open wounds with a depressed immune system can increase the risk for serious infection.

What You Can Do For Your RA

In addition to perhaps taking biologic response modifier-type RA drugs, there are several things you can do for yourself that will further help your symptoms such as:

• Regular aerobic exercise: 30 minutes, 5 days a week. Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise as it takes impact of joints. An elliptical machine is also good as it too takes the stress off of joints. Tai chi and yoga are also helpful.


• Regular sleep: We all need at least 6 hours of sleep per night, but if you have RA, you likely need more sleep. This also combats developing fibromyalgia which can accompany RA.


• Stress control: Stress can cause stiffness and pain in people who don't have RA. In those who do, it can greatly aggravate or intensify existing symptoms. Find ways to decompress like meditation, exercise, or meeting with friends.


• Alternative treatments: I have often referred my RA patients for acupuncture, acupressure or reflexology (needle-free massage based acupuncture), tai chi exercise, hydrotherapy. These treatments can be done in addition to taking BRMs or DMARD/SAARD. In addition, herbal anti-inflammatories as white willow bark, bromelain, capsaicin, Boswellia, glucosamine, MSM, to name a few. Check with a pharmacist about possible drug interaction if you are taking prescription RA drugs.


• Diet: Many people with RA do better on gluten-free diets as wheat and oats can contribute to inflammation. Be sure to supplement with antioxidants.

RA is a condition that afflicts over 1.5 million Americans. Early diagnosis of it is crucial to getting the proper treatment for it before disabling joint damage begins. If you have symptoms of RA, severe pain and stiffness in the morning rising from bed, and/or after sitting, please contact your doctor and be evaluated for RA. Whatever drug treatment you and your doctor decide on, making the appropriate, natural lifestyle changes will also help you stay mobile.

Arthritis Treatment: Treat to Target For Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis affecting more than two million Americans.

It is a systemic, chronic, autoimmune disease for which there is no cure. RA is capable of causing severe damage not only to joints but to other organ systems as well including the lungs, heart, peripheral nervous system, bone marrow, and eyes.

The 2010 criteria formulated by the American College of Rheumatology as well as the European League Against Rheumatism developed new standards to improve the early diagnosis of the disease. This would, of course, lead to earlier implementation of treatment.

The criteria specifies that a classification of "definite RA" is based on clinical confirmation of inflammation of at least one joint; absence of an alternative explanation that better explains the inflamed joint, and achievement of a total score of 6 or more (out of 10) from individual scores in four areas: number and site of involved joints, positive blood tests for rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP, elevated blood tests for inflammation, and symptom duration.

As a result of these more clearly defined criteria, there has been the move towards "treating to target" meaning treatment should be aimed at a patient with goal of achieving either remission or low disease activity (LDA) as quickly as possible.

There are three steps to this approach:

• The first is to define the target as remission.
• The second is to assess the patient every three months (at a minimum) to see if remission has been achieved.
• The third is to change therapy if remission is not achieved by the three month mark.

Remission is defined as having no more than one swollen or tender joint, a C-reactive protein (CRP) less than or equal to 1 mg/dl, and a patient global assessment of less than or equal to one on a one to ten scale.
Some investigators choose to use a more elaborate Simplified Disease Activity Index which requires, in my estimation, more calculation.

Since disease activity has been shown to correlate strongly with disease presence at one year, after start of treatment, it is extremely important to monitor disease activity frequently. Because of this evidence it's critical to consider a change in treatment early if the patient is not responding and to monitor changes closely.

While not every patient will achieve remission, they should at least be in the LDA category. These changes, I believe are an improvement on the "gestalt" approach we've used for many years to evaluate patients.

Five Ways to Help Your Older Dog's Arthritis

For your older dog, arthritis can really put a halt to her activities. It also impacts his overall health as he isn't exercising as much. You can use these tips to give your dog relief from symptoms and pain of arthritis in dogs.

1. Lose weight: For older dogs, arthritis is only one of the issues that can be triggered by an excessive amount of body fat. If your dog is overweight, it will aggravate any arthritic symptoms he is feeling. Help your pet lose weight by switching to a "light" dog food, and making sure he gets some gentle exercise. You should also avoid giving your senior dog table scraps—"people food" can be very calorie rich and could contribute to your dog's weight problem.

2. Supplement for joint health: Find a homeopathic supplement that's easy to give to him as well as offer support for joint mobility. A natural supplement can help by alleviating stress on his joints, and help preserve cartilage. Joint supplements are safe and effective for older dogs, and should be added to your dog's health plan as soon as you consider him an "older" dog.

3. Provide a soft bed: Older dogs with arthritis must have a clean, warm and soft bed to help him sleep. If your dog has always slept on the couch, he may not be able to climb up as easily. Put his dog bed in a warm area and make sure the batting is thick and supports his structure. Large breeds may find it easier if the bed is raised a few inches off the ground.

4. Exercise: Encourage your older dog with arthritis to take part in slower gentler exercise routines. A short walk around the block will help keep your dog fit, and help him preserve the muscles in his legs and back.

5. Offer accessibility options: Older dogs with arthritis still need to be a part of the family. If your dog likes to travel in the car, invest in a small pet ramp so he can climb inside without injuring himself. Add accessibility devices like ramps to help your dog get in the truck or on the couch. You may need to offer some support with a strap or harness while your pet is climbing up or down stairs (down can be more difficult for some dogs, as they can't control the speed of their descent).

In older dogs, arthritis is a serious condition that can affect their quality of life if left untreated. Fortunately, arthritis and its effects can generally be dealt with using the techniques above. One of the best things you can do for your older dog with arthritis is to take him to the vet for an evaluation and examination. Your vet will be able to work with you to determine the best treatment plan for your dog.

Magnetic Bracelet Therapy - Therapy For Arthritis and Osteoporosis Diseases

Jewelry is a component of interest to all people, regardless of race, class and even ethnicity. This is a normal human life. The question is, do you know that jewelry can be a tool that is not only decorative but also could serve as a therapeutic tool to maintain health and reduce the level of pain that we experience? Did you know?

This article will discuss how the jewelry can help us to maintain our health. With the help of magnetic jewelry that we were wearing on our bodies 24 hours a day are able to enjoy a life free from pain.
Those whom to wear a ring magnet (not the normal ring) for many years been able to cure the disease called arthritis. Once again, do you know of this story?

If you start looking for remedies for your illness, surely you will find some type of treatment and medicines are to be supplied. It all depends on the type of disease you are facing now.
But you must remember, most medicines and treatments will have their side effects. I'm not saying you can not go to the doctor and receive medication that they recommend. But you also have to be careful with the medicines supplied.

Magnetic therapy is one of the medical heritages introduced thousands of years ago and is still used until today. It is proven treatment to help heal the pain in the wrist, the fingers and hands.
For this purpose, you can wear a magnetic bracelet on your wrist to increase the circulation the blood.

Jewelry with magnets used to work on the parts that have positive polarities. Once you get improved blood circulation better results from the use of magnetic bracelets, thus amount of your oxygen received in your body will grow and reduce inflammation in the affected areas such as hand and wrist.

Most people stop drinking the medicine used to cure arthritis after they start wearing a magnetic bracelet. However, my advice, do not let you stop further medications unless recommended by the specialist doctor. This is because the magnetic therapy will only be impact after by using for a long period.

There are some patients that I know used the magnetic therapy for over two years, informed that they are wearing the magnetic bracelets and the output is very good to against the disease osteoporosis. In addition to arthritis and osteoporosis, all magnetic therapy is very helpful in healing minor injuries, diabetes, especially in the legs and fibromyalgia.

There are many types of jewelry magnetic bracelets. You will see a ring made of copper, stainless steel and titanium. For the application of this ring, you can choose whatever suitable for you based on style, design and color.

Though magnetic therapy have many benefits to sustain your health, but the use of magnetic absolutely not recommended for pregnant women. In addition, if you use electric plants and wearing an electronic implant, you are not suggested to use any magnetic bracelet therapy to relieve pain and heal the wounds and diabetes.

To obtain supplies of this magnet, you can find in internet.You will find thousands of pages that elaborate the latest information about magnetic therapy and the advantages of using this treatment method in more detail.

More and more people have started wearing magnetic bracelets. This is because many clinical studies have been performed and the results could prove effective in treating diseases such as arthritis and osteoporosis.

Can Arthritis Bracelets Heal Joint Aches?

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is an average phrase applied to inflammatory procedures from the important joints and muscle groups. It's actually a complicated disorder that consists of more than a hundred specific conditions which enables it to have an effect on men and women at any stage of life. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis may be caused from strains and traumas a result of recurring movements, sports, and over exertion. Arthritic bones are usually responsive to climate differences. The raised sensitivity is perceived as brought on by the infected important joints developing extra nerve endings so as to guard the joint from further deterioration.

The various factors behind rheumatoid arthritis may include hormone discrepancy, Physical and emotional pressure and inherited conditions.Many think that it truly is caused by mentally or physically demanding hard work, carried out in unpleasant climatic conditions and irritated by moist, ill-heated residences. Lacking of vitamins such as calcium, magnesium, protein are also the elements to blame for osteoarthritis.

Lacking any arthritis bracelets, many people endure hardships needlessly. If a person suffers from the awful malady of rheumatoid arthritis, you know how it will eventually control your every single activity and movements. Uncomplicated daily assignments become a chore even on the better of occasions. An rheumatoid arthritis bracelets can help you reunite the motion you used to have just before this condition took over your joints.

You will find generally 2 bracelet types for rheumatoid arthritis include both magnetic and copper materials. It is a non-invasive treatment and its particular healing features have already been experienced first hand by numerous people across the world.

There seem to be several advantages to wearing these healing bracelet, however there are also some people who are cynical as to the benefits.Some individuals claim wonderful benefits while others tend not to observe a significant improvement. It is unattainable to tell what help you will have until you have tried. Remember, you must be certain you don't have a copper hypersensitivity before putting on a copper osteoarthritis band as a small amount of copper can quite possibly be absorbed by your skin. For the majority of people this is not a challenge, but it is best to be certain beforehand. The magnetic version is intended to get rid of pain in infected parts by boosting blood circulation and introducing a negative polarity. Decreased inflammation may result also.

To conclude our findings, these healing accessories will be an aid to make improvements to your life quality while relieving pains from your joints in the same time. Have you thought to give it a try today?

Which Natural Arthritis Supplements Are Most Effective?

If you're suffering from the pain and inflammation of arthritis and are looking for an alternative to harsh chemical drugs and their side effects, you may be wondering which natural arthritis supplements are most effective. Do any of them really work?

The good news is that there are a number of natural remedies for arthritis that have proven to be very effective at alleviating the condition. The successful treatment of arthritis has two components. The first is the reduction of inflammation, and the second is improving the condition of the joints and cartilage. Therefore, the best supplements will have ingredients that focus on these two factors.

Green lipped mussel extract is a remarkable natural arthritis supplement that has had excellent results in curing Grade I and II arthritis, which hasn't led to major loss of articular cartridge. What's noteworthy about it is that it contains a rare type of Omega-3 fatty acid called Eicosatetraenoic Acid (ETA) and it's also high in glycosaminoglycans.

The ETA in green lipped mussel extract has been proven to be more effective than the Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil in fighting inflammation. The way it does this is, amongst other things, by inhibiting the production of inflammatory compounds in the body.

Glycosaminoglycans are found in joint cartilage, joint fluid, connective tissue and skin. They're made from an amino sugar called glucosamine. Providing the body with additional glycosaminoglycans gives it the "building blocks" that it needs to improve and repair joint cartilage and fluid.

Many people find that green lipped mussel extract is enough to provide them with substantial relief from the symptoms of arthritis. Others have even better results from taking both green lipped mussel extract and fish oil together. Fish oil contains the most nutritionally important Omega-3 fatty acids, which also have anti-inflammatory capabilities. However, what you'll discover is that the oil of some fish has higher anti-inflammatory properties than others. If your arthritis is more severe, you may want to take additional supplements.

Two other nutrients that help the joints are glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate. Both play a role in the preservation and rebuilding of joint tissues, and stimulation of cartilage cells. A rarer ingredient is SAMe (S-adenosyl-methionine), which has been shown to aid the production of cartilage. In one clinical trial, it was proven to be superior to ibuprofen in the treatment osteoarthritis.

Of course, the key is finding supplements that contain all these ingredients and are of a high quality. Unfortunately, there are vast differences in the quality of natural arthritis supplements on the market, so much research is needed.

The Basics Of Osteoarthritis and How The Disease Affects Your Bones

Known as degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis. It is defined by the loss of cartilage, a material found in the joints. Cartilage functions as a natural buffer between the bones, preventing them from making contact with one another whenever a person moves. With osteoarthritis, this material erodes to the point that the bones rub together. Moving the joint causes the patient to experience pain, the severity of which depends on the extent of the erosion.

Osteoarthritis can affect cartilage throughout the body, but is most commonly found in hips, knees, lower spine, feet, and hands. The disease is incurable and progressive; the loss of cartilage increases with time.

We'll provide an overview of the disease below, beginning with its symptoms. We'll explain how it is diagnosed, and describe some of the treatments that can be given to reduce the patient's discomfort.

Symptoms Caused By Osteoarthritis

Symptoms may not be noticeable until the condition reaches a moderate or advanced stage. Even though the buffer between the bones begins to erode, there may be little to no pain in the beginning. Over time, however, the loss of cartilage becomes significant, which can cause several symptoms. The most common among them is joint pain. The patient may experience soreness in the joint during, and after, moving it.

The joint will also become increasingly stiff as time passes. Stiffness will be most pronounced immediately after waking, and lasts until the joint regains flexibility.

Many patients experience bone spurs (osteophytes), which are small lumps that develop along the margins of the joint. The lumps are hard, and indicate increasing damage to the surface of the bones.

What Causes Osteoarthritis?

There are a number of contributing factors to the disease, including age. Older people are more susceptible to it than their younger counterparts. To understand the reason, it is important to be familiar with the change that cartilage undergoes as a person grows older.

In a young person, the makeup of cartilage includes a substantial amount of protein. With time, however, the amount of water in the material increases. This causes the cartilage to become more vulnerable to erosion as the bones of the joint rub against it. By the time the patient has reached an advanced age, the buffer may have completely deteriorated.

Other factors that play a role in the development of osteoarthritis include obesity, trauma to the joint, and genetic predisposition. But age, by far, is the main factor.

Detecting the Erosion Of Cartilage

After a physical examination, a doctor will order x-rays to examine the structure of the joint. The x-rays will display cartilage erosion as well as the formation of osteophytes. The physician will be able to determine the extent of the arthritis.

In some cases, an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is ordered to provide clearer details of the joint. The images will display the ligaments, soft tissues, bone, and layer of cartilage. This test is less common due to cost, but is ordered when x-rays prove inadequate.

One or more blood tests are usually performed to help rule out other conditions that may be triggering joint pain. An analysis of the synovial fluid in the joint is also done. This may reveal inflammation as well as causes of swelling.

Treatments To Help Minimize The Patient's Pain

As mentioned earlier, osteoarthritis is incurable. But there are treatment options available that can reduce the pain the patient experiences as the disease progresses. A number of medications may be given. These include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroid injections. Physical therapy is also recommended in order to strengthen the joint.

In severe cases of the disease, surgery may be recommended. A surgeon may attempt to realign the bones to reduce pressure (called osteotomy). Or, the joint may be replaced (total arthroplasty); this is primarily done when there is substantial cartilage erosion in the hips or knees.

It's estimated that seven out of ten people over the age of 70 show signs on x-rays or MRIs of osteoarthritis. Although there is no cure for the disease, it can be treated.

What Cherry Juice Does for Arthritis

Fruits, even in the form of fruit juices, play an important role in a healthy lifestyle, particularly in the controlling of symptoms or prevention of numerous ailments and conditions. One such condition: arthritis. In this article, we shall delve into the world of the sweet and bright red fruit we have all come to love-the cherry-and how it is beneficial to those who suffer from arthritis.

Arthritis is a collection of a number of medically-defined conditions that affect the joints. Case in point, gout; gout is a form of arthritis that is caused by excess uric acid crystallizing on joints. This formation causes swelling immobility, accompanied by a great deal of pain.

It has long been accepted that cherries have anti-inflammatory properties. Research has shown that this is mainly because of its rich phytochemical content-particularly anthocyanins - which also happens to give the cherry its ruby-red color.

More importantly, the same anthocyanins act as pain receptors, making the cherry a natural and organic analgesic. They inhibit the enzymes cyclooxygenase 1 and cyclooxygenase 2, which block pain signals transmitted to the brain; as with a little play on words, "without the brain, there is no pain."

Being that this article is focused on cherries in liquid form (juice), it is essential to note that the effectiveness of cherry juice for arthritis depends on the purity and concentration of the juice itself. In this makeshift scale of purity, cherries mulched at home, added with nothing but pure water is the same as eating cherries in its natural form. The more non-cherry ingredients you add-sugar, flavoring, etc.-the less pure, and therefore the less effective, the cherry becomes.

Taking into consideration arthritis as a whole, the main benefits sufferers can claim from the fruit are, number one, its anti-inflammatory properties, and number two, its pain-killing properties. However, using cherries solely for its pain-killing properties could not compare to the immediate benefits of using over-the-counter pain killers. In other words, do not rely on drinking cherry juice alone for your pain. As for anti-inflammatory, taking cherry juice for arthritis is seen more as a long-term symptom-controlling supplement than a cure. Because arthritis is chronic, the pain associated with it is chronic as well; taking cherry juice regularly enables you to have a steady supply of anti-inflammatories in your body, making living with the painful condition more manageable. Always remember to drink only the purest juice you can find; as with such, it is highly recommended to make your own juice (from fresh cherries) whenever possible.

How Eating Wheat Can Contribute To Arthritis

There are a number of less obvious neurological and autoimmune conditions that are the indirect result of consuming wheat and gluten, these symptoms and conditions tend to present themselves in less obvious ways, than gas, bloating and skin conditions and tend to get diagnostic labels that don't help solve the underlying problems. Sadly, most of the people who need this information aren't reading this article right now. The good news is that YOU are and the more you are aware of symptoms and potential conditions which are known to be linked, the safer and healthier we all will be.

It is important to note that many of these conditions can be caused by a number of factors - however, my experience is that most people suffering from the diseases and conditions I'm going to discuss in a minute, never consider wheat or gluten as a possible root cause - and that's why it is important to be aware of all the ways that wheat and gluten can affect our physiology.

Let's start with a class of diseases known as autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases by themselves create a variety of symptoms by definition-and this makes it really difficult for the medical community to properly diagnose and treat the real disease.

One of the most common is arthritis, which tends to be one of the common diseases that come from wheat and gluten especially in middle-aged and elderly people, although it can affect kids too. Arthritis is a medical term which actually covers over 50 conditions and rheumatic diseases that affect something like 20% of adults.

Rheumatic diseases by the way are those which are characterized by inflammation or pain in muscles joints or fibrous tissue. One of the things that I really struggled with before cleaning up my diet was extreme pain in my neck and back both of those areas are linked to old rugby injuries. I'm not sure if the inflammation in those two areas for me or any area of the body is a result of eating wheat or gluten, or if it's an indirect result of the inflammation response that comes from having toxic byproducts in your bloodstream because your liver can't break down the toxins being produced in your lower intestine.

Either way arthritis affects joints and tissues around the joints and is a painful condition which is in the United States and Canada anyway technically classified as a disability. More than 10 million of the 40+ million adults diagnosed with arthritis say that the condition affects the quality of their life in some way.

One of the more common types of arthritis that affects something like 1% of the North American population is called rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a process where the synovial lining-or the membrane that surrounds the joints swells up and then loses its protective qualities. Over time these inflamed cells will begin to release bad enzymes in that area that can actually break down bone and cartilage which inevitably causes the joints to lose its shape and alignment not to mention pain and loss of movement.

When I got off wheat and gluten I immediately noticed a dramatic improvement in the pain I had in my neck as well as my back and of all the non-typical symptoms that come from eating wheat or gluten, most people in the medical community recognize arthritis - specifically rheumatoid arthritis as one which can be greatly improved by eliminating gluten from the diet.

Osteoarthritis is primarily where you just have wear and tear on the joints. Most people as they get older show some kind of osteoarthritis. Having said that the inflammation that comes from wheat and gluten can exacerbate the pain and suffering that comes from osteoarthritis.

Arthritis Pain Management

Arthritis pain management is a constant routine for those who suffer from Osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis, commonly known as arthritis, is the most common form of arthritis. The condition unfortunately is degenerative, meaning it continues to worsen over time and normally begins during middle age. The condition causes inflammation, which in turn causes the joint to swell, with pain and limited movement.

The pain can be quite severe especially the weight bearing joints such as the hips and knees. Joints that have arthritis seem to react negatively to extreme cold temperatures and rainy weather. Those with arthritis say their joints ache and hurt more. Arthritis pain management is often a process, because simply taking prescription pain medication, long-term, is never a good idea due to the side effects and addiction potential.

Since long-term use of prescription drugs and over the counter drugs is not the best option, a person with this condition must find daily ways in which to control their arthritis pain.

Diet, Herbs, and Exercise

It is no secret that the food we eat impacts our health. This has been scientifically proven, so it makes sense that the foods you consume could greatly reduce overall pain. This includes a well-balanced diet:

- High fiber foods, because this helps reduce inflammation, which is what normally causes the pain in the first place.

- Eat food such as fish or salmon because they contain omega fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and pain. If you do not like fish, you can take gel caps, but make sure they are a single source such as salmon oil or flaxseed oil.

- Reducing the amount of saturated fat and sugars keeps the body from gaining weight, and additional weight can make the pain worse especially if your arthritis is in your hips or knees.

- Cold and heat packs work well to decrease the swelling, which lowers the pain. Alternate between heat and cold applications for the best outcome

- Take ginger extract because it contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help keep the pain at bay.

- Glucosamine is also a wonderful product to take for controlling pain by increasing the ability to move the joint more freely.

- Exercise such as waking, yoga, stretching, and biking are all very good activities to engage in to reduce the pain long-term.

Other ways to manage the pain of arthritis includes keeping stress at a minimal level. Everyone has stress, but extreme stress can cause the arthritic joints to hurt more because stress naturally depletes the body of nutrients and in turn pain increases.

Final Thoughts

You may have daily pain from arthritis, but it is possible to manage the pain through exercise, diet, reducing stress, and adding useful herbs. Many people that have an arthritic joint assume it is best to keep it still and not move it, however, this is incorrect. If you do not move the joint, it continues to swell and then makes movement quite difficult. Keeping the joint moving helps the blood circulate and helps to reduce pain.

Things You Should Know About Rheumatoid Arthritis

Arthritis is the general term which means inflammation of the joints. The inflammation is characterized by stiffness, pain, redness, and swelling of the affected area. Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of arthritis that is classified as an autoimmune disease that affects the joints on both sides of the body this symmetry distinguishes this disease from other forms of arthritis.

This kind of arthritis affects 1 percent of the U.S population, which affects mostly women; however, men tend to be severely affected when they get this disease. The disease can manifest on any person between 25 and 50 years of age. It can progress rapidly, and on others, they experience it on a transient level and enter a period of remission.

The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown but it is thought, that it may be due to the genetic makeup of the person, with the combination of environment and hormonal factors. That is why a person may become afflicted and prone to rheumatoid arthritis. There seems to be a trigger that sends signal to the brain specifically the immune system to attack the joints. Due to the increase of cells and inflammatory substance that is produce by the immune system, the joints becomes irritated, the cartilage weakens, which results in the narrowing of the space between the cartilage and the bones, thus the rubbing of the bones occurs.

The symptoms and pain varies from person to person, most often, the joints may feel stiff, painful, and warm to the touch, swollen, and inflamed. It may be a gradual manifestation on both the affected area, or it can attack suddenly. The inflamed joints are usually stiff after a prolonged period of inactivity or in the morning just after awakening.

People with this disease, usually feels tired and weak in the early afternoon. Treatment starts from simple, conservative measures such as rest and adequate nutrition to drugs and surgery. Often treatment starts with the least aggressive measures and moving to the more aggressive measure as the need implies.

The usual treatment is to rest the affected area or joints. Using the affected area aggravates the inflammation. Regular rest periods often relieves pain and total bed rest help relieve severe flare ups. A healthy diet and exercise can help in preventing sudden flares of rheumatoid arthritis and exercise help the joints to function normally and prevent stiffing.

Medicines can offer relief for swelling, joint pain, inflammation, and probably prevent the progression of the disease, which varies from natural to synthetic forms of medications. There are liniments, ointments and creams to relieve pain for mild attacks that gives instant relief.

Anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirins, ibuprofen and naproxen, targets the pain and relieve swelling of the affected area. Also, there are drugs that work in blocking or suppressing the immune system that attacks the joints, this is a powerful drug that is often given on severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis and it should be closely monitored by the physician. There are invasive treatments that can help in the prevention of this disease like the Apheresis. It is a treatment that will remove the antibodies from the blood with the aid of the Prosorba. Prosorba is a cateter that is similar to the one used in dialysis, the Prosorba column is placed in the large vein and then harvesting of the antibodies is done, this type of treatment is done every 12 weeks.

Relief and management of this disease is available today. It is very important to consult your doctor and follow them carefully so that you can prevent the progression of the disease. Rest is very important also so that you can easily get back to your daily routine without medical aid.

General Information About Osteoarthritis

Common Characteristics of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is one of the most common ailments associated with getting older, and it is therefore most common in those parts of the world where people live the longest. More than 15 million Americans receive medical attention for osteoarthritis each year, and more than twice that many are affected by it to some degree. However, it rarely results in serious disability.

Osteoarthritis is essentially a "wear-and-tear" disorder. In typical cases, symptoms appear after the age of 50, and usually in the large joints that bear the most weight--the hips, knees, shoulders and spine.

Pain and stiffness are at their most uncomfortable upon arising in the morning and are likely to be intensified during damp, cold weather. (This does not mean, however, that symptoms are likely to disappear in a warm, dry climate.) Redness and swelling of the affected joints may also occur. Joints, particularly in the fingers, may become permanently gnarled by osteoarthritis, but this almost never interferes with their function. Painless bony bumps, known as Heberden's nodes, may also appear symmetrically on the fingers of both hands or on toe joints as well.

Causes of Osteoarthritis

When a person is young and spry, the joints between the bones swing freely like efficient, well-oiled hinges. Stresses and strains are absorbed by the cartilage pads that provide cushioning and lubrication at the ends of the bones where they constantly come together as the parts of the body make their coordinated movements.

Over the years, these protective layers become eroded, lubricating fluids diminish and the result is a sensation often described as "creaking" at the joints. In addition to a decrease in smoothness of function, small growths, or spurs, may develop on the bones in the area of the joints. These are 10 times more prevalent among women than among men and are likely to aggravate an already uncomfortable condition.

Signs and Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Since the weight-bearing joints are the ones most commonly affected, stiffness and discomfort in the knees and hips are likeliest to occur first, especially in the overweight person or in someone whose life style involves long stretches of standing or walking. A visit to the doctor for diagnosis normally includes close inspection of painful areas as well as X-ray examination of the joints in question. (when X-ray pictures are taken for diagnosis of some other condition in younger patients, they usually reveal the beginnings of cartilage erosion in the weight-bearing joints at a stage that does not yet produce associated symptoms.) Other than X-rays and visual examination, there are no other diagnostic tests for osteoarthritis.

Treatment of Osteoarthritis

Where overweight exists as a contributing factor, efforts should be made to lose the extra pounds and keep them off. Application of warm, moist heat, slow and gentle massage of the affected joints and a reduction (not a total cessation) of normal activities are ways in which patients can help themselves when there is an intensification of discomfort. Where pressure on the weight-bearing joints can be diminished through postural adjustments, special exercises may be recommended.

Drug Therapy

Although inflammation is not one of the initial symptoms of osteoarthritis, as the joint degeneration progresses, swelling, redness and other signs of inflammation may occur. When this happens, anti-inflammatory drug therapy may be recommended.

Aspirin. Patients who can tolerate high doses of aspirin may be treated with this drug alone. However, patients on anti-inflammatory aspirin therapy, which may involve taking 16 or more tablets a day, should be aware of possible side effects, among which the most common are ringing in the ears, heartburn and other gastrointestinal upsets. To minimize gastrointestinal complications, the aspirin should be scheduled after meals. Acetaminophen, in smaller dosages, may be recommended as an alternative to aspirin.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. These are relatively new drugs that relieve the pain and joint inflammation of osteoarthritis. It is the physician's role to match the patient with the particular drug that will be most suitable and effective without adverse effects. Sometimes drugs are used in combination, but whatever the procedure, supervision by the doctor is usually indicated if maximum benefit is to be achieved.

Steroids. In those few cases where other measures fail, steroid drugs (cortisone) may be injected into the damaged joint for temporary relief. However, long-term treatment with steroids is not recommended for osteoarthritis.

Surgery

When an older person suffers such severe osteoarthritis that most normal activity becomes impossible, surgical replacement of the affected joints may be considered. Hip replacement, in which the entire hip joint or head of the femur is replaced, is the most common operation of this type. The replacement joint is made of plastic and metal parts and is held in place by special plastic cements. The artificial joints allow the previously immobilized patient to be relieved of crippling pain, and most activities can be resumed following physical therapy and regaining of muscle function.

More recent joint replacements include the knee--a joint that is more complicated than the hip and, consequently, poses more engineering problems in replacing. However, the newer artificial knee joints are providing good results, both in terms of pain relief and restoration of function.

Traumatic Arthritis

Closely related to osteoarthritis, traumatic arthritis is usually the result of excessive joint use combined with injury. It is commonly seen in athletes. Rest will usually resolve the problem, although in some instances, drugs or surgery may be required, particularly in the case of athletes who need to quickly regain the use of the injured joints.

Summing Up

For millions of people, osteoarthritis is an inevitable condition of aging. Most cases can be handled by rest and common sense. Anti-inflammatory drugs--both non-prescription painkillers such as aspirin or acetaminophen, or prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents--may be used during flare-ups.

Osteoarthritis rarely turns into a crippling disease, but as newer and more effective drugs are available for reducing aches and pains to a minimum, there is little reason for allowing this particular cause of physical discomfort to be a dominating factor in determining one's life style in advancing years.

Natural Arthritis Pain Relief - By Doing Simple Arthritis Exercises

Treating arthritis is not easy.

Apart from the regular medication, proper diet, rest and
relaxation, doctors also recommend arthritis exercises.
These are specially designed exercises for people with
different types of arthritis. Exercising is a must do for
all people suffering of arthritis because it will help them
increase the flexibility of the joints, increase bone
vigor, muscle strength and energy levels, so they will have
a better control of their weight and a strong heart. But
most of all, exercising will help keep joints completely
movable and will fortify the adjacent muscles. This way,
arthritis sufferers will experience less pain when
performing the everyday activities. So it is fair to say
that arthritis exercises are strongly recommended for
arthritis patients by all the doctors in the world.

But depending on the type of arthritis one person might
have, the doctor will recommend a certain type of
exercises. People should not choose the exercises program
on their own; instead, always ask your doctor what
exercises are recommended for their type of arthritis.
Depending on the severity of the condition and which joints
are affected, the doctor will propose a certain type of
exercising program.

There are three types of exercises: range of motion,
strengthening and endurance. Range of motion exercises, for
example dancing, are the ones that move the joints in all
directions, as far as possible. These are the easiest type
of exercises recommended for all types of arthritis because
they will keep the joints mobile and will prevent
stiffness. Doctors advise their patients to perform a range
of motion exercises every day, or at least every other day.
The number and intensity of exercises can be gradually
increased as the patient gets in shape.

Strengthening exercises include isometric and isotonic
movements. Isometric exercises are the ones that work the
muscles without moving the joints, while isotonic exercises
work both the muscles and the joints. Both types of
movements help with building strong muscles around the
joints that are causing problems. Stronger muscles will
better support the joints, meaning pain will be reduced and
the patient will move more easily. Unless the patient has
swelled joints or severe pains, the doctor suggests doing
strengthening exercises every other day.

Endurance exercises are the ones that improve the
cardiovascular condition by increasing the heart rate for
at least 20-30 minutes. Not all arthritis patients can
perform endurance exercises. Depending on the patient's age
and physical condition, the doctor will recommend or not
endurance exercises and also the type of exercises.
Walking, bicycling or swimming are the best choices because
their joints are not that stressed by these type of
activities. For example, making exercises in warm water
will help in two ways: the warm water will aid by
decreasing the pain and relaxing the muscles, and at the
same time the water will be supporting the body, this way
placing less stress on the joints. Endurance exercises
should be performed three times a week for about 20-30
minutes.

There are also other types of simple exercises that can be
done by all arthritis patients. The every day activities
can be easily transformed into arthritis exercises. In the
morning when you get up and get dressed, try to amplify
your movements, this way the morning stiffness of your
joints will rapidly disappear. Also, take every chance to
do some household activities like: wash the car or do the
dishes because these movements will help decrease the pain
from your joints. When you watch television, during the
commercial breaks get up of your chair and do something;
even small movements burn calories and help you reduce your
weight. You can also park your car a little further away
from office or home as walking will do you good.

Before beginning an arthritis exercises program, always
consult an experienced doctor or a physical therapist. They
are the ones that can advise what exercises are recommended
for specific types of arthritis. They can suggest a
particular type of exercises for inflamed and swollen
joints or certain exercises for particular joints. The
exercising program should be started with easy exercises,
but the difficulty of the movements should be gradually
increased. The patient should also be careful to thoroughly
warm up before starting the exercises and cool down after
finishing the program.

Although exercising is good for arthritis patients,
occasionally some people can get into some uncomfortable
conditions: augmented weakness, constant fatigue, joint
swelling or pain that lasts more than one hour after
exercises are finished. This means that exercises are too
strenuous and the patient should talk to his doctor and
make the necessary changes in his exercises program. After
finding the ideal arthritis exercises program, the only
thing that patients have to do is to strictly follow it and
the improvements will soon appear.

Relieve Arthritis Pain With Blackstrap Molasses

First of all, let's look at the definition of blackstrap molasses - blackstrap is just one type of molasses which is the dark liquid byproduct of the process of refining sugar cane into table sugar, being made from the third boiling of the sugar syrup. It is the concentrated byproduct left over after the sugar's sucrose has been crystallized. It is an extremely rich source of vitamins and minerals. Blackstrap Molasses is found in good supermarkets and health food stores. Get the best quality available and make sure it's without sulphur. Store the bottle in the refrigerator once it's opened or a cool, dry place and it should keep for a good six months. Many people have been helped with their arthritis pain by taking one tablespoon of blackstrap molasses either by itself or dissolved in a cup of warm water. People start the day with this and maybe another dose either during the day, if necessary, or at night. Please remember this is a form of sugar and you should clean your teeth afterwards or risk tooth decay! Arthritis sufferers often take this natural remedy instead of a pain killer, and why not, if it works for you! You can experiment with this - if it isn't working well enough, then take two tablespoons instead of one, but one tablespoon seems to work for most people. Another tip about taking the molasses. If you have a hard time getting it down, then help yourself by adding orange or apple juice, even lemon juice. The main thing is that you take it so it's up to you to make it as pleasant as you can...

Another use is to dissolve a tablespoon in warm water and soak sore fingers, hands, wrists or feet to relief arthritis pain. People with fibromyalgia or carpal tunnel syndrome could also benefit from this.

As you have read above, blackstrap molasses is very rich in vitamins and minerals so it can help with many ailments - here are a few:

Canker sores: put it directly on the canker sore for almost immediate relief.

Constipation: Use a couple of tablespoons - it's a great laxative .

Energy: People report that they have much more energy and helps sugar cravings.

Acid Reflux: results are within days of first taking it.

Anemia: Blackstrap molasses is good as it contains so much iron - in fact it contains more iron than nine eggs!

Hair: Brings back the shine and apparently can even reverse graying hair.

From the above you can see that blackstrap molasses can be a great benefit for your health. It's easy to find in your supermarket or health food store and is a wonderful natural pain reliever especially for arthritis.

Arthritis Treatment: Should Combination Treatment Be Used for Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common inflammatory form of arthritis affecting almost 2 million Americans. It is a chronic, systemic, autoimmune process driven by a complex array of cells, cytokines (protein messengers), and antibodies.

What is significant is that it is a disease that affects internal organs and is associated with a marked increase in morbidity and mortality when not treated aggressively. RA is a leading cause of disability as well.

In the early 1980's, methotrexate (MTX) assumed the position of being the disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) of choice when treating RA. DMARDS are supposed to slow the progression of disease and multiple studies confirmed the effectiveness of MTX in doing so. Unfortunately, as effective as this drug can be, there were still many instances when patients would not respond as well as hoped or they would sustain side effects that limited the use of the drug.

Multiple combinations of DMARDS have been used to "enhance" the effectiveness of MTX. These have included MTX plus Arava, MTX plus cyclosporine, MTX plus Azulifidine, and most often MTX plus Plaquenil and Azulfidine.

A recent study (TEAR) study purportedly showed that the latter combination was as effective as MTX plus a biologic medicine. The results of this study are still being discussed among rheumatologists. The upside is that combination DMARDs are significantly cheaper than biologics. The downside is that x-ray damage appears to be worse with combination DMARD than the combination of MTX and biologic. And x-ray damage correlates with future disability.

So let's talk about biologics. The biologic revolution began in the 1990's with the introduction of drugs such as Enbrel, Remicade, and Humira, and more recently Simponi and Cimzia, along with biologic drugs with other mechanisms of action.

It has been shown in a number of studies that the combination of MTX and a biologic is superior to MTX alone. There has been a recent surge of interest in the use of monotherapy with a biologic by itself.

Nonetheless, most rheumatologists still prefer to use MTX in combination with a biologic. All biologics appear to work well in combination with MTX. The exception is Kineret which is not used much by anyone I know, because it doesn't seem to be all that effective. However, Actemra, Orencia, and Rituxan all seem to work better with MTX in combination than MTX alone.

So bottom line... MTX works pretty well for RA but it appears to work even better when combined with another medicine, preferably a biologic.

Lupus, An Autoimmune Disease With Arthritic Symptoms

Lupus, an autoimmune disease strikes about one in two thousand people. Women are eight to ten times more likely to have lupus than men. Many of its symptoms mimic other diseases so it usually takes more than a year to make a definite diagnosis. Most often women from age twenty to forty are diagnosed with the disease although it can occur in either gender and after age fifty it is equally common to both men and women.

The person with lupus may look perfectly normal to family and friends or even Doctors. The disease can cause nausea, weight loss, and muscle weakness, as well as chronic inflammation in many different parts of the body, including the skin, muscles, and the joints, lymph nodes, and spleen.

The majority of people with lupus usually live full and normal lives. Although lupus is not a true form of arthritis; it is a connective-tissue disease and is classified as a rheumatic disease as the symptoms usually include swelling and joint pain.

Some people with lupus do develop symptoms of arthritis though only a few will suffer the deformities associated with more severe forms of that disease.

To date, there are no known cures for the disease. The causes of lupus are still a mystery; although it is thought that there could be an inherited predisposition to the disease. Some external trigger, perhaps a virus, could be responsible for starting the disease process in genetically predisposed people. Environmental factors, such as an injury, or an infection could contribute to the disease.

The biggest problem comes when trying to diagnose the disease. No two people present the same symptoms. The symptoms can include weight and hair loss, sores in the mouth, and some will get throat and facial swelling.

If the patient has a history of rheumatoid arthritis in their immediate family or a history of some other autoimmune disease, that could be a clue to determining if lupus is actually present. Joint inflammation for instance, would suggest arthritis; but if the inflammation is accompanied with a rash on the body consistent with lupus, the diagnosis is clearer. If there is inflammation around the lungs and the heart, that could be a further clue that lupus could be present.

The range of joints affected in lupus is almost the same ones that are affected in rheumatoid arthritis. While any joint in the body can be affected; it is usually the wrists, the large knuckles at the base of the fingers, and the middle finger joints. Knees fall victim to lupus more often than the hips. As a general rule, lupus patients seldom suffer any joint deformity.

Your diet, exercise and the proper amount of rest all play a significant role in the management of the disease. If you tire easily when going about your daily tasks; stop, take a break and don't overdo it. If you get over tired, that could cause a flare-up. Try to keep your stress levels at a minimum.

Exercise is important to maintain overall body health. It not only gives you more joint flexibility, makes you feel good, look better and live longer.

Last, but not least, your diet is very important, as it is with any arthritic condition. Best thing to do is consult with your Doctor and let him recommend a diet suitable for you.

Arthritis Pain - Understanding Its Signs and Causes - Health and Fitness Even With Arthritis

Arthritis is a term that includes a group of disorders which affect joints and muscles. Arthritis symptoms include joint pain, inflammation and limited movement of joints. When a joint is inflamed it may be swollen, tender, warm to the touch or red. In joint arthritis, the cartilage is usually damaged, narrowed and lost by a degeneration process or by inflammation. This makes movement painful. Arthritis is the most common and disabling chronic condition in women. Some myths hold it that Arthritis is a disease of aging. While this appears so, yet infants can be affected from birth with a form of arthritis known as Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Pain
Dealing with pain can be the hardest part of having arthritis or a related condition, but you can learn to manage it and its impact on your life. Pain is the body's alarm system that tells us that something is wrong. When the body is injured, nerves in the affected area release chemical signals. Other nerves send these signals to the brain, where they are recognized as pain. Pain often tells the affected person that action is required. Long-lasting pain, like the one that accompanies arthritis, is different. While it tells you that something is wrong, it often is not as easy to relieve. Managing this type of pain is essential to enhance quality of life and sense of well-being.

Causes of Arthritis
Arthritis pain is caused by several factors, such as: inflammation, damage to joint tissues, fatigue that results from the disease process. Arthritis pain and inflammation cannot be avoided as the body ages. Along with physical changes, such as difficulty in moving, the emotional ups and downs of arthritis also can add to your pain. If you feel depressed or stressed because your movement is limited or you can no longer do some of the activities you enjoy, your pain may seem worse. You may get caught up in a cycle of pain, limited abilities, stress and depression that makes managing your pain and arthritis seem more difficult.

Signs of Arthritis
Arthritis pain can be ongoing or can come and go. It may occur when you are moving or after you have been still for some time. You may feel pain in one spot or in many parts of your body. Your joints may feel stiff and be hard to move. You may find that it is hard to do daily tasks you used to do easily, such as climbing the staircase or opening a jar or even writing. Pain and stiffness usually will be more severe in the morning or after periods of inactivity. In some cases of inflammatory arthritis, the skin over the joint may appear swollen and red, and feel warm to the touch. Some types of arthritis can also be associated with fatigue.

Types of Arthritis
There are five main types of Arthritis: Osteoarthritis (OA), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Fibromyalgia, Lupus, and Gout. The two most common types, Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis are frequently experienced by women. The various types of Arthritis and related conditions can affect anyone, no matter his race, gender or race.

• Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common one and is mostly known as degenerative joint disease. It causes damage to cartilage and bones causing joint pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of function. It develops when cartilage (the smooth covering over the bones in the joints), starts to break down, usually as a result of aging, trauma or increased wear and tear. The result is pain and inflammation as bone rubs against bone.

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic disease that can affect the whole body, caused by abnormality in the body's immune system making it to work improperly and therefore leading to inflammation of the joints and some internal organs. Such chronic inflammation leads to deterioration, pain and limited movement. It is an autoimmune disease and has no known cause. Two percent of people worldwide are affected while it is three times more common in women than men. Symptoms of RA are inflamed, swollen, painful and deformed joints.

Understanding arthritis is essential for its management, treatment and control. Inadequate or incorrect information however, may lead to unnecessary panic with harmful consequences.

Discovering Arthritis - An Informative Guide

One of the most common misconceptions is that arthritis is a single condition. Actually, it's a group of conditions in which bones and joints have been damaged by adverse conditions. Typically, arthritis occurs in older people but it can develop in younger people too. Due to its widespread commonality, people must always be watching out for it.

Types of Arthritis

There's several types of arthritis with the most common being rheumatoid arthritis, gouty arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory condition that causes an immune system to turn on itself. It is one of the most painful and disabling kinds of arthritis.

It is a systematic disease, which means that it also affects additional articular tissues across the body including blood vessels and skin. The cause is still not known but it is widely believed to be infectious.

Unlike its counterparts, Psoriatic arthritis affects people who are afflicted by psoriasis which is a ruthless dry skin condition. Treatment for Psoriatic arthritis is similar to the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis whereby the reduction and management of the inflammation that is controlled by the disease is the main focus of treatment.  

Gouty arthritis, on the other hand, is not the same in that it is caused by a congenital disorder. The classic symptoms are swelling, burning pain, inflammation and stiffness of the joints surrounding the area. It often affects several parts of the body in particular the knees, ankles, wrists, elbows, fingers, and spine.

Diagnosing Arthritis

Prior to being allocated the correct form of treatment for your condition, there must be a medical diagnosis. This can be done as soon as your doctor has carried out a routine set of tests. X-rays and blood tests are used in the forming of the final diagnosis whilst the screening blood tests may also prove beneficial if other arthritides are suspected.

Whilst there is no definitive form of prevention, there are several things that can be done to help you guard against the formation of the disease. One example would be making sure that you are taking in enough calcium, which will be helping to keep your bones strong and healthy. Strong and healthy bones will be much less likely to develop an arthritic condition.

If you suspect any form of arthritis, you must make sure that you make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as you can. This will allow him to make a proper diagnosis and assessment and put you on the correct course of treatment to help the relief of your symptoms.