How To Get Rid Of Arthritis And Rheumatism?

Rheumatism or gout is almost similar manifested only slightly differently. Arthritis is another form of rheumatism which can be treated in the same way too. The causes of which is there are obstruction in the body of acids and waste material. Wet and cold exposure increases the pains. There is enlarged and painful joints sometimes it is impossible to move them at all.

Treatment can be effective if followed the right and proper way. Avoid tea, coffee, liquors, fried potatoes, pork and bacon, soda biscuits, white flour products and cane sugar products.

These foods will not be able to rid the system of impurities. Your food should be eaten as dry as possible and well masticated so that it is thoroughly mix with saliva to help digestion. Prolonged fruit diet will obtain wonderful result.

After taking two to three weeks of fruit diet, use potassium broth, French toast, and mashed potato. Drink slippery elm tea for it is nourishing, cleansing and strengthening. Solid food must be taken sparingly, of course, after the fruit diet.

A high enema must be taken every evening for some time as they cleanse and heal. You can use white oak bark, red raspberry or alum root. A good sweat bath is good everyday while drinking two or three cups of pleurisy tea in the tub. Thorough massage after the bath is beneficial but do not massage the area where there is inflammation.

Again, it is best to remind you to eat fresh fruits and vegetables even if you are already cured of your arthritis for they build and restore our body's immune system naturally.

7 Natural Herbs to Help in Arthritis Treatment

Arthritis treatment is dependent on the cause of which there are several possibilities. Sexual infections such as syphilis and gonorrhoea, rheumatic fever and even the lung disease tuberculosis can all cause arthritis. Physical injuries such as sports injuries or even the simplest problem of how comfortably you place your hand at your computer's keyboard (for those who type for long hours). Other problems such as uric acid and the loss of calcium can also contribute to arthritis.

What is arthritis? Simply put, it is an inflammation of the joints. It is characterised by pain in the joint that is accompanied by the inflammation and sometimes reddening. In more severe cases it can affect mobility to the point that it may become extremely difficult to move the affected limb due to the arthritis.

The term arthritis is limited to inflammation of the joints, but there is also rheumatoid arthritis that affects the joints plus the muscles, cartilage and tendons in close proximity to the affected joint.

Nature has brought us natural remedies for almost every affliction and I honestly believe nature has a cure for every disease, it is just a matter of finding it. Over time man has found herbs that can cure their ailments. For some sicknesses, there are many different natural herbs that help to either prevent, treat, stabilise or cure them. Most herbs have several uses and chances are you will hear the names of some common herbs and not be aware of all their medicinal and curative properties. Some may be common seasonings or vegetables that we use everyday. We will however only state the benefits for arthritis sufferers and largely ignore the numerous other health benefits from the use of these herbs.

Please consult your doctor before taking any of these herbs.

The following herbs can help in arthritia treatment and relieve some of the discomfort from arthritis:

Alfalfa - in addition to being a good tonic that stimulates the appetite, alfalfa helps to relieve arthritis when a decoration of the ground seeds is used in combination with alfalfa sprouts.

Angelica - has anti-inflammatory effects that makes it effective in combating arthritis. This is obtained from an extract from the root diluted with water, taken orally. Care must be taken when using Angelica as the fresh roots are toxic and have to be dried properly before being taken orally. In addition people who take angelica and spend time in the sun have been known to develop a rash.

Comfrey - has more protein in its leaf structure than any other known member of the vegetable kingdom, the most notable protein of which is alantoin, which helps in cell division. It is found in the roots as well as the leaves. Alantoin stimulates the healing of both internal and external injuries as a result of it being a catalyst for cell division.

Flax - the seeds of this plant is best known for being high in natural omega 3 oils. In addition, when the seeds are prepared as a poultice, it helps alleviate rheumatoid arthritis and serves as an emollient.

Laurel (Bay) - ever since we were kids, my grandmother used to rub on bay rum whenever we had a fever. It turns out it also has anti-inflammatory properties. The oil extracted from the fruit as well as the leaves can be used as an ointment to help relieve rheumatoid arthritis.

Parsley - famous for its culinary uses in salads, soups, fish dishes to name a few. Parsley can also help in relieving arthritis through an infusion of the entire plant, taken orally. It is not recommended for pregnant women, but pregnant women need to consult their doctors before taking anything beyond normal meals.

Red Clover - an annual plant that is also used to relieve arthritis. This is achieved through an infusion of the entire plant.

All these herbs have many other uses, so using each brings several other benefits. I prefer natural remedies simply because the prescription drugs may have long term side effects or lead to dependence after a period of use. Natural remedies from herbs can even end up being a cure for your illness or disease. They contain so many chemicals, one may just be the one to end your problems.

Using the herbs listed as arthritis treatment may give you the relief you need; you may already have them in your home or garden so now you have found another use for them. Just remember not to consider them a substitute for your doctor.

Autoimmune and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Classified in this group of diseases are rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, the spondylitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, Sjogren's syndrome, autoimmune disease in pregnancy, vasculitis and other rare diseases.

Overall, these diseases affect about 1% of the population with a predilection in women 3 times higher than in men. In all of these diseases the cause is unknown. The many studies seem to support the hypothesis of a genetic predisposition of the immune system (HLA) which, when stimulated by environmental factors (eg microorganisms), could trigger an abnormal inflammatory response, biological structures facing the same body (autoimmune).This would translate into a systemic chronic inflammatory condition and, since the cells of the immune system (white blood cells) and auto-antibodies circulating in blood.

All organ systems may be affected by the inflammatory process in autoimmune diseases.

The different names used to classify these diseases often emphasizes the characteristic involvement of an organ or apparatus.

In some of these diseases, the joint involvement is predominant, and are then referred to as arthritis. In chronic polyarthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and spondylitis) causes a progressive alteration destructive of the articular anatomical structure which induces, over the years, the loss of the normal capacity of movement. Leads to disability, in a high percentage of cases, after long periods of suffering, with persistent pain and swelling of multiple joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common disease and most studied of this group. After 10 years of illness, more than 25% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis live their jobs due to failure to perform the required functions. It frequently causes a progressive isolation of the patient with severe loss of its social contribution. In recent years there has been profoundly new therapeutic approaches and the new biological drugs are now available making it possible to modify, often, disabling the evolution of the disease. And now the fate of RA can be modified by early diagnosis and starting early aggressive anti-rheumatic therapy.

In the elderly may seem as an acute systemic inflammatory condition that causes severe pain and problems in movement, so that those affected are unable to carry out the basic activities. This is the Rheumatic Polymyalgia, which sometimes can be associated in elderly onset of rheumatoid arthritis. In rare cases this disease, very responsive to corticosteroids, is associated with a vasculitic inflammation of the temporal arteriesis called Temporal Arteritis. If not promptly treated can cause blindness. Cortisone is the main treatment of this disease.

Patients with spondylitis have a progressive reduction in the capacity of movement of the spine. This disease affects young patients, and once the ankylosis takes overof the damage is irreversible. Often the diagnosis is delayed because the back pain is not severe, occurs at night, but it reverses with movement and it is a frequent symptom in the general population. For the diagnosis is necessary to perform some laboratory tests to document the inflammatory status and the presence of a particular HLA genetic constitution. The cornerstones of therapy are based on the use of continuous spondylitisof nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic and an intense and constant programchinesiterapico. The occurrence of spondylitis is common even in subjects with psoriatic arthritis, however,the typical arthritic involvement is the of peripheral joints such rheumatoid arthritis. The presence of psoriasis, or family history of this skin disease, detection of arthritis, usually asymmetrical, large and small joints, together with the finding of a systemic inflammatory condition of the laboratory tests, makes a diagnosis. The evolution of this disease that causes erosion and deformation of the joints, is disabling in many cases, as in RA. Compared to rheumatoid arthritis, therapies used to treat psoriatic arthritis and RA are similar. The anti-TNF biologics are highly effective in spondilo artritis.

In these diseases there can be detected through laboratory tests, antibodies directed against their same body (autoimmune) that are directly responsible for the disease. Typically they involve multiple organ systems, resulting in failure of their function.

Patients with Autoimmune and Inflammatory Bowel Disease, regardless of the type of disease, have common everyday problems.

Cherry Juice - Can It Relieve My Gout and Arthritis Pain Naturally?

Gout pain and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms affect more than forty million individuals in the United States. What this means is roughly 1 in 5 individuals endure daily discomfort due to pain, therefore limiting their full satisfaction of life. One organic treatment many are embracing is the Montmorency tart cherry and the reason is straightforward, it really works.

Based on published study outcomes, tart cherries and tart cherry fruit juice may alleviate the pain associated with inflammation and gout pain discomfort. This is a short listing of some of the anti-inflammatory advantages of cherries:

Gout pain
Arthritis
Muscle Discomfort
Pain
Muscle Tenderness

Anthocyanins working in conjunction with the other substances make the cherry the very first option for natural pain alleviation. Actually, it's the anthocyanins that give the actual cherry its deep red color.

Along with helping decrease irritation in the joints to help joint disease victims, this particular ruby red fruit likewise helps to reduce uric acid ranges in your body and break down uric acid deposits that form between your joint to trigger gout pain discomfort. Research in the University of California Davis pointed out that a solitary serving of cherries substantially reduced uric acid ranges in the ladies participants up to 15%.

Therefore with all the kinds of cherries available such as tart, dark and sweet which is the best?

While, just about all cherries contain the important anthocyanins, it's the tart cherries that have proven to have greater levels of anthocyanins and phenolics than the dark, sweet cherry. As the dark cherry products might be much more easily available, you would like use the tart cherry products because of the greater levels of anthocyanins and phenolics.

Just how much tart cherry fruit juice should you consume?

Most people experiencing pain alleviation from consuming 1 oz (2 tbsps) cherry fruit juice concentrate daily. The very best daily serving for the cherry pills would be to take 2 pills daily. Once you start the cherry regiments you should start feeling the main difference anywhere from 2 to 4 days. Additionally, according the cherry industry expert factors to consider you are getting quite a lot of cherry per helping.

Where are you able to find tart cherries?

Fresh cherries are available in the produce section of the local food during the summer time crop period or even from Thompson family farming. Tart cherry fruit juice could be a harder to locate, however one dependable supply is Traverse Bay Farming. The organization may even deliver the merchandise to your doorway free of any kind of delivery costs. Lastly, the cherry pills are available from Fruit Benefit. The organization even offers free shipping on the pills. The advantage of the liquid and getting the pills are actually these items are available for year round usage.

Therefore the next time you are looking for an all natural method to battle pain add some tart cherries to your diet plan.

Arthritis Treatment: Why Should Stem Cells Be Used For Arthritis Treatment?

Arthritis is a term used to describe more than 100 different conditions. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, a form of wear and tear that is often associated with the aging process. What is ironic is that there is abundant evidence that osteoarthritis begins much earlier in life, possibly as early as the teen years.

With osteoarthritis, there is a complex interaction of inflammation, degeneration, and aging that leads to cartilage deterioration.

Cartilage is the gristle that caps the ends of long bones. The function of cartilage is 6to provide shock absorption and gliding mechanisms for joints.

Cartilage consists of a matrix made up of collagen and proteoglycans- proteins and sugars. Also, cartilage is high in water content. In addition to matrix, chondrocytes, cells that are responsible for production of matrix. Imagine grapes inside a gelatin mold.

What causes arthritis is poorly understood. There appears to be a change in chondrocyte function stimulated by inflammatory changes that occur in the synovium, the lining of the joint.

With these changes, the matrix begins to develop cracks and starts to wear away as the chondrocyte makes enzymes that cause destruction rather than construction of matrix.

The Holy Grail of treatment of osteoarthritis has been to develop treatments that help not only with symptoms but also cause retardation of cartilage wear and tear.

That is where stem cells come in.

Various attempts at inducing cartilage healing with stem cells have met with mixed results. The results appear to be highly dependent upon the following factors: age of the patient, body mass index (BMI), extent of cartilage loss, and the technical expertise of the center performing the procedure.

Cartilage is avascular meaning that blood flow is extremely limited. Limited blood flow restricts the ability of cartilage to heal after injury.

Multiple attempts in the past to heal cartilage have met with dismal results. These have included cartilage cell implants (Carticel), mosaicplasty, as well as microfracture. While these procedures have enabled the formation of fibrocartilage, this type of cartilage is not the same as the hyaline cartilage that has been injured and worn away.

The goal is to try and make hyaline cartilage that can withstand the day to day pounding of daily life. However, there has been encouraging evidence that stem cells can overcome the treatment gap.

The use of autologous stem cells has been reported in a recently published paper.

(Wei N, Beard S, Delauter S, Bitner C, Gillis R, Rau L, Miller C, Clark T. Guided Mesenchymal Stem Cell Layering Technique for Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee. J Applied Res. 2011; 11: 44-48)

Hip Arthritis - Pain Relief

Hip arthritis is without doubt one of the most common forms of arthritis- which can have many different causes. There is one factor in common however- this is loss of cartilage from the hip joint. The loss of cartilage results in the hip bones grinding unnaturally together, resulting in pain. Hip arthritis advances quite quickly once it sets in, and pain and treatment options vary greatly depending on the patient's age, health and lifestyle.

Once hip arthritis has been diagnosed, the doctor will consider both surgical and non-surgical options for treatment. The doctor may recommend combining several treatment methods. Simple non-invasive treatments for hip arthritis include weight loss, anti-inflammatory medication such as Naprosyn and Ibuprofen, and lifestyle changes- such as taking up regular walking. These non-surgical methods assist in reducing the pain, and preventing symptoms re-occurring. Sufferers of hip arthritis should be aware of some claims of the benefits of "Nutraceuticals" such as Glucosamine supplements in treating hip arthritis. There is no strong evidence that links their effectiveness with hip arthritis and they are not FDA regulated in the US.

In terms of surgical treatment options for hip arthritis there are 2: Osteotomy, wherein the surgeon cuts the bone to re-align the hip joint and Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA), which means total hip joint replacement. The latter is obviously more serious.

THA is the most common form of surgery used to treat hip arthritis. The doctor will need to analyze various factors before deciding that THA is the best treatment for hip arthritis. The beauty of THA is that in time it will allow most patient to regain normal use of their hips, so they can resume the activities which may be so dear to them. Another strong reason for pursuing THA as a viable treatment option for hip arthritis, is the fact that the pain will be eased immeasurably- specifically the pain experienced at night, which is the worst. THA is not necessarily the best treatment option for everyone. Many patients will be able to comfortably modify their lifestyles to reduce the need to pursue the THA procedure.

Many sufferers of hip arthritis are pursuing THA, due to recent medical advancements, and the brilliance of surgeons specifically in the US. Further to this the materials used nowadays in THA are totally durable, meaning they will not break down over time. These recent developments have seen a spike in the number of patients been encouraged to pursue THA as a viable and effective treatment option for hip arthritis.

THA is an extremely effective and safe procedure performed under anesthetic, which greatly lowers the risks of surgery-related complications and allows for a faster recovery- and hence less time off from work. Currently in the US, patients undergoing THA do not remain in hospital for longer than 5 days. Hip joint replacement usually has an extremely high success rate with 85 to 95 percent success rate over a period of 20 years. This is re-assuring for sufferers of hip arthritis, as it provides a swift method of dealing with the pain for the long term.

The Most Common Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease characterized by an inflammation in the joint area. Rheumatoid arthritis is said to be a disease of the immune system. What happens inside the body of a patient diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis is that his immune system mistakenly thinks that his own body tissues are harmful bacteria or viruses. And so the antibodies move to attack them. But these tissues are actually healthy tissues. In fact, they are the main ones that compose the joints. When this happens, the particular area where antibodies attacked becomes severely inflamed.

Rheumatoid arthritis can be caused by a number of factors. While it is rather hard even for the doctors to tell their patient what actually makes them contract the disease, the most common of all factors are listed below:

Viruses, Fungi, and Bacteria

These elements have long been suspected to be the root causes of rheumatoid arthritis. But then again, it hasn't been proven that they alone are sufficient to cause the disease. What is certain is that viruses, fungi, and bacteria play a certain role in the development of the disease, as they trigger the body's immune system to act. Therefore, it can not be ruled out that these infectious agents may have something to do with rheumatoid arthritis.

Genetics

There are also studies showing that rheumatoid arthritis can be inherited. There have been worldwide researches performed to seek the main cause of this disease. And with that many researches conducted, all of experts behind them can't rule genetics as a factor. In a certain group of patients who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, it was found out that a number of them have family members who are suffering from the disease in one way or another. This had caused scientists to assume that certain types of rheumatoid arthritis can be transferred genetically.

Allergens

Because rheumatoid arthritis involves the immune system, it is reasonable to assume that certain allergens cause the antibodies to attack the joints. Allergens fall under the environmental factors that could trigger the disease. These could be the food you eat, exposure to certain types of bacteria in the air, and the deficiency of certain types of vitamins in the body. It is therefore important that a series of consultations with a health expert is carried out so that it becomes easy for them to determine what triggers a particular rheumatoid arthritis attack. Defining one's allergen is very helpful in preventing the disease.

Changes in One's Hormones

One other cause of rheumatoid arthritis would be the changes in one's hormones. For the females, it was found out that during pregnancy, their levels of progesterone and estrogen becomes relatively high. However, after giving birth, it drastically decreases. This is one of the reasons why rheumatoid arthritis often happens in a woman after child birth.

On the flip side, some mothers have experienced improved rheumatoid arthritis condition during the entire length of their pregnancy. But after the time the baby is born, they experience a certain degree of flare up.

Smoking

There have been relevant studies that show smoking tobacco can increase a person's risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, now or at any time in the future. On the other hand, for those people who already have rheumatoid arthritis and still continue to smoke, their chances of having an attack are higher than those who don't. There are certain substances found inside a tobacco that triggers the attack.

These are the different and most common causes of rheumatoid arthritis. Knowing the main root of the disease is going to be very helpful in preventing its occurrence altogether. And if the main cause of rheumatoid arthritis is defined, the very people who are suffering from it may act accordingly to make sure they keep away from the very things that cause the disease. Doing so will spare them of the intense pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joint and muscle that can be affected by the disease.

Simple Treatment Options For Osteoporosis That Work

Osteoporosis is one of the most common types of arthritis. This condition results in too much loss of calcium in the bones. So what happens when your bones lose calcium, the density of your bones is going to be lower than it should be. The bones become brittle and fragile, substantially increasing the risk for bone fractures. Women are often more likely to experience loss of calcium and reduced bone density.

Common Thing Among all Types of Arthritis

One kind of arthritis is Osteoporosis, and is simply one of many different kinds, but they all have something very much in common. What can this commonality be? It is pain... One thing that you can do to subdue the pain is to reduce the inflammation and a means to do that is with Amazing Arthritis Relief. So the real question is, are you suffering from arthritis pain, and if the response is yes, then you have to learn more about this wonderful product named amazing arthritis relief, or the new product name amazing bone and joint.

One thing for sure is you have to talk with your doctor more about how to stop the osteoporosis if you sense that you currently have it or you could acquire it in the future.

Prevention is the Key

As with many things, prevention is the key. If you recognize that you are at risk for osteoporosis, consider eating a high calcium diet. 1500 mg is what most wellness professionals state a diet rich in calcium should be at.

Foods to Eat

There are foods that you can consume that are rich in calcium that are dairy products like milk, and fish is another and you can try sardines and salmon. Another thing that is possible is to add some vitamin's to your diet by eating calcium and vitamin D supplements. Vitamin D can also be absorbed naturally just by spending more time in the sun. Multivitamins can also give you the vitamin D and calcium that you need. Again, you will need to speak with your doctor to make sure you are getting all the nutrients you require to prevent osteoporosis, and to discuss whether you will need to supplement your diet with calcium and vitamin D.

If you are a tobacco user or drinker, your physician may also suggest you to limit these activities as much as possible. Research has shown that smoking can lower estrogen levels, leaving your bones more at risk for losing bone mass. Moderate to heavy alcohol use has also been linked to loss of bone density. We all know that daily exercise is very good for you and this is no exception when trying to prevent osteoporosis. When you are thinking of exercise, sports and lifting weights can improve your muscle mass and can also aid with bone mass. Another easy but forgotten exercise that can really help is just going out and walking.

Osteoporosis Treatment Options

Women who have already been diagnosed and have osteoporosis, can add estrogen treatment as an option. When trying to prevent osteoporosis, estrogen replacement therapy has worked really well. A lot of the time the hips and the spine can be the problem area's and the estrogen therapy can serve to increase the bone mass in these area's. However, some women have experienced side effects from the use of estrogen replacement therapy. One thing that has been noticed is the increase in jeopardy for breast cancer and the use of estrogen has been seen, so you must speak to your doctor about this. However, estrogen has also been proven to reduce the risk of heart failure and attacks.

There are other treatment alternatives for individuals suffering from osteoporosis. New drug therapies are currently being developed. Current alternatives include prescription medications that are used to help regenerate bone density and slow the progress of the condition. One thing that you have to do is to consult with your physician about what is better for you and your conditions. One thing that you can do to reduce the arthritis pain that is connected with most types is to try a all natural herbal pain relief. These can be used in conjunction with other things that you are currently doing right now and won't interfere. So learn more about arthritis herbal pain relief.

Would you Like More Information...

There are many websites online that provide you with the information you need on treating Osteoporosis. Be sure to do your due diligence and always consult with your doctor if you have any questions. Below you are going to learn more about how to treat the pain of osteoporosis.

A Brief Insight Into Osteoarthritis

Did you know that a staggering 40 million people in United States of America alone suffer from some form of arthritis, joined by another million in the U.K., if that is comforting news?

Arthritis could be described as severe inflammation of the joints leading to unbearable pain, swelling of the affected parts, accompanied by immobility of those parts. In the case of osteoarthritis, an inflammation of tissue around the joint can be seen; bone cartilage suffers damage, apart from bone growths along the joint edges, making joint movements extremely painful and at times impossible.

Normally, knees, hips and big toe joints are the first ones to face the brunt of osteoarthritis, though they are not the only ones.

Women, past the age of 50, are known to suffer from osteoarthritis more than their male counterparts. This number increases with advancing age, and studies show that not less than 80% of people over the age of 65 are likely to suffer from this ailment, with definite symptoms becoming visible in only about 10% of them. Osteoarthritis cannot be ruled out in the case of people under the age of 50, due to causes like sports injury, occupational hazard or any other joint-related condition. The symptoms vary greatly from one person to another and depend on which joint is affected too. However, the fact lies that osteoarthritis of a joint almost means that the particular joint will cease to work!

The white, shiny bone covering called the cartilage, prevents the bones from wearing out when they rub against each other. A gluey mass called the synovial fluid, found between the bone joints, also helps in smooth movement of the bone joints and their agility. This fluid loses its elasticity with the onset and progress of osteoarthritis, leading to stiffness between the joints. This stiffness can worsen in days to come and the bone cartilage starts to wear out, becomes thinner and develops cracks. The bone below the cartilage reacts by becoming thicker at the surface and forms bony lumps here and there.

Past injuries, excess weight and heredity are the known causes of osteoarthritis. Among these, excess body weight is the worst feared one as it can worsen the problem at a fast pace. A point to be noted here is that the excess weight can lead to excess pressure on the joints, thus aggravating the condition. Not all people suffering from osteoarthritis show similar symptoms and the degree varies in each case. The pain feels mild to start with and becomes unbearable over a period, so much so that the victim is in great pain even at rest.

Osteoarthritis cannot be cured though the painful sensations can be lessened with treatment and the rate of deterioration of the joints can be controlled. The medical experts prescribe certain specific work outs to reduce pain and control the rapid progression of the ailment, to be performed under the vigil of a professional. In case one suffers from the osteoarthritis of lower extremities, walking aids are recommended to reduce pressure on the limbs. Other recommendations in case of unbearable pains include painkillers or sometimes surgery, especially of the hips and knees.

Please click the link in the resource box below for more information on OSTEOPOROSIS.

Some Symptoms Associated with Arthritis

A group of joint disorders is an overall term for arthritis. Our joints are surrounded by a layer of cartilage. Aiding in motion, this cartilage is a protective lubricant. Pain in the joints is caused by damage to the cartilage that surrounds the joints. With more than one hundred types of arthritis, symptoms can vary. However, in order to help detect arthritis here a few general symptoms that you can look for.

One of the more common symptoms is persistent joint pain. If when moving or doing certain activities that can range from walking, writing, throwing or even standing up the pain in your joints worsens, then that is another sign of arthritis.

Other symptoms can be warmth and redness in color as well as stiffness and swelling in your joints. This is a sign of inflammation in the joint. If you lose your range of motion or flexibility, these may also be a result of arthritis.

Weight loss for no reason as well as fatigue and weakness are considered symptoms of arthritis. A crackling sound combined with grating sensation that is affecting the joint is called crepitus another symptom of arthritis. This symptom may or may not be painful to you. Other areas that can be affected by crepitus are the lungs and under the skin. The wearing down of cartilage can be a cause of crepitus in the joint.

As mentioned earlier there are various types of arthritis and it is possible to be diagnosed with more than one type. This means that each person's symptoms will be different. With this in mind, you should be tested immediately for arthritis. There are online screen tests that you can take to determine whether you do or do not have arthritis. These tests are easy and convenient to take. These screen tests are geared with specific symptoms that are associated with particular arthritis types such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and osteoarthritis, and other types of arthritis.

Of course, visiting your doctor is the only sure way to tell if you suffer from arthritis. By accessing your medical history, doing a physical examination, lab tests and x-rays are things that your doctor will do to determine if you have arthritis. If you are experiencing any of the above mentioned symptoms, then it is you should visit your doctor at the earliest convenience for consultation. It is important to not treat yourself for arthritis if you have not been diagnosed by a doctor as having arthritis. In order to better treat your specific type of arthritis, you need to be diagnosed properly by your doctor.

What Causes Arthritis?

It can sometimes be a mystery. You speak to people in their thirties who are suffering from arthritis but others in the seventies are happily going about their business without the inconvenience of this condition. So exactly what causes arthritis?

First of all we have to be clear about what type of arthritis we are talking about because there are several different types with different symptoms. We'll concentrate on osteoarthritis as this is the most common condition and most people will know somebody who suffers from it to a greater or lesser degree.

Doctors do not know the precise causes but they are able to identify a number of risk factors for getting the condition. Here are some of those factors:

Age - We are more likely to suffer from arthritis the older we get. The cartilage that protects the ends of the bones in a joint becomes thinner in sufferers and less able to repair itself. The condition is sometimes referred to as a 'wear and tear' disease.

Injury - It has been found that osteoarthritis can develop in joints that have been previously affected by injury. But just because you have had a broken bone or other injury it doesn't mean that you are going to get arthritis in later life.

Weight - being overweight can put more stress on the weight-bearing joints of the body such as the knees and hips. These are frequently affected by arthritis and many doctors would recommend that overweight sufferers try to lose some weight if possible

Sport - There is a paradox here. Playing sport can have many beneficial effects to us all, including people with arthritis. But high impact sport at a professional level has also been implicated as a possible cause of arthritis. The twisting motion on the knee in sports like soccer, or the constant pounding of the jogger running 50 miles a week could be a contributory factor in developing arthritis. Less intense activities such as swimming are less likely to cause such problems.

Occupation - The occupation that you have performed for years may also be telling. Physical jobs such as building site laborers are more at risk. Assembly line workers who perform repetitive tasks can also be more likely to suffer.

Although it is not always possible to exactly pinpoint the causes of arthritis, it is useful to know the risk factors so that we can take action to reduce the risk of getting the disease.

Is There a Natural Cure For Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Many people wonder if there is a natural cure for rheumatoid arthritis. Most doctors will tell patients who have been diagnosed with the disease that there is no proven cure for arthritis. What they mean is that modern medicine has been unable to come up with any cure for this condition. The question that many people ask then is whether there is a cure to be found in natural treatments.

Modern medicine has yet to determine the exact cause of RA. Without this information, they are unable to formulate an effective cure. There have however been some instances where people have found natural cures for arthritis. In all of these cases, the cure had something to do with their diet.

Treatment with Foods

The most promising natural treatment seems to involve seafood. Fish, in particular, seems to be particularly effective at curing arthritis. Some people discovered that when they added fish to their regular diets, their arthritis symptoms lessened. They continued to improve with continuous intake of fish. Eventually, people realized that it was the fish oils in the fish that was treating their arthritis problems.

Studies have since shown that there is a scientific basis behind this form of natural treatment for RA. The answer lies in the omega fatty acids in fish oils as well as other trace elements. These help to address the inflammation caused by arthritis and also the joint degeneration.

In some cases, conventional anti-inflammatory drugs have proven to be ineffective. In such cases, natural supplements derived from fish oils have been effective. In particular, omega-3 fatty acids have been particularly effective at combating rheumatoid arthritis. It works through reducing the effects of inflammatory agents.

Problems with Natural Treatments

While natural treatments do appear to have some potential, they still cannot be considered cures. Rheumatoid arthritis results in damage to the joints and surrounding tissues. Modern medicines have been unable to reverse this damage, and the body is unable to heal it on its own. Natural treatments have also proven to be ineffective at doing so. Thus while natural treatments are useful in treating rheumatoid arthritis, they have not yet reached the level of cures.

Still Useful

While natural treatments for rheumatoid arthritis cannot cure the condition, they should still be taken into consideration. Modern medicines have often proven to be relatively ineffective at treating rheumatoid arthritis. In such cases, people often despair of ever finding any help for their condition. When this happens, they should be made aware of the existence of natural treatments. These treatments are relatively inexpensive, and have often proven to be very effective.

For those who do not wish to consume supplements, simple diet adjustments have been known to work as well. Many fish such as salmon are known to contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. By including fish in their daily diets, patients have been able to greatly improve their arthritis symptoms.

It can therefore be said that there is no proven natural cure for rheumatoid arthritis. However, natural cures should not be simply dismissed, as many doctors are wont to do. So, if you find that modern medicines have no effect on your rheumatoid arthritis, you should seriously consider using natural treatments to control the condition.

Main Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

Did you know that low back pain is one of the earliest symptoms of arthritis? People over 60 arthritis is the most common cause of low back pain. Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis are the two most common forms of arthritis. Here are the main rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.

Hand and feet joint stiffness in the morning is the main symptom. Often the stiffness will last for more than an hour and the swelling and pain will last more than six weeks. Another common symptom is that rheumatoid is symmetrical so if it's your hands then both will hurt. Tiredness and fever are also a symptoms. Pea sized nodules can sometimes be felt under the skin.

Anemia, fluid accumulation on the ankles and behind the knees, and loss of appetite may be symptomatic of rheumatoid arthritis. In children chills, shaking, and a pink rash can occur.

Rheumatoid arthritis is painful. How this occurs isn't really understood. It's known that cartilage itself doest not cause the pain because there is no nerves to transmit pain signals. It is caused by the irritation of the tissues around the joints. Treatment with NSAIDs helps reduce pain because it stops the production of prostaglandins.

The type of pain rheumatoid arthritis causes can be a result of many conditions including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, autoimmune diseases, and injuries or infection.

How arthritis acts can be very unpredictable and very cyclic. It can stay for awhile then disappear only to reappear. No matter how mild your symptoms if they last for more than 6 weeks they should be checked by a doctor. If they are severe they should be checked much sooner.

More than 7 million Americans suffer from this type of arthritis. In fact it is the most common type affecting 1 in every 5 people in every age group.

The most recognizable symptom of rheumatoid arthritis is the symmetrical way of the pain. Two hands, two knees, two hips, two ankles. In the hands it often affects the proximal interphalagneal and metacarpal phalangeal joints, wrists, and elbows.

One distinction between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is that the later can affect your entire body and it can make you feel tired and sick all over. The body's immune system begins attacking the body mistaking it's own tissue for an invasive body.

It sends special white blood cells combined with cytokines which are a toxic chemical to destroy the foreign material. But the trouble is that foreign material is your own body materials.

The reason for this form of arthritis is still not understood and research continues on. One very scary concern with this arthritis is its ability to affect your internal organs like skin, spleen, blood vessels, heart, muscles, and lungs. And the damage causes is irreversible.

Rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed by a rheumatologist by establish at least 6 weeks of joint pain and inflammation combined with the symptoms. There are also some blood tests that can help. And MRI can be helpful too.

Although there is no cure there are enough treatments available that combined correctly can provide relief and improved quality of life. There's no reason to suffer anymore!

Arthritis Treatment: What Are the Options For Treating Osteoarthritis of the Knee?

Osteoarthritis of the knee (OAK) is one of the most common maladies seen in a rheumatologist's office.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, based on figures from 2007 to 2009, there are more than 50 million Americans with arthritis. Of these, more than half are limited in their activity because of their condition. (Hall MJ, DeFrances CJ. 2001 National Hospital Discharge Survey. Adv Data. 2003; 332: 1-18. Published April 9, 2003; Hall MJ, DeFrances CJ, et al. National Hospital Discharge Survey: 2007 summary. Natl Health Stat Report. 2010; 29: 1-20, 24).

One striking finding in these surveys is the increasing frequency of knee replacement surgery, also known as total knee arthroplasty. In 2007, 543,000 knee replacements were performed. The demand for this procedure is increasing most in the 45 to 64 year age group (Bozic KJ, Masselli J, et al. JBJS Am. 2010; 92: 2643-2652; Jain R. Am J Ortho. 2011; 40 (suppl): 1-4).

It has been predicted that the demand for knee replacement surgery will increase by 673% between 2005 and 2030. And, revisions- meaning replacements of the replacements are also expected to soar by 601% by the year 2030.

Orthopedic surgeons are licking their chops and already planning for this deluge by planning to train more joint replacement surgeons, button-holing politicians to increase reimbursement for the procedure, increase access to operating rooms, and even starting high volume efficient centers just devoted to joint replacement.

In all fairness to orthopedic surgeons, they are dealing with the problem of osteoarthritis of the knee in the only way they know how... and that is to replace the joint.

However, there are other methods of dealing with OAK. Early on, the judicious use of anti-inflammatory medicines, both oral as well as topical may help. Weight control, physical therapy and injections of either glucocorticoid or viscosupplements (lubricants) can also be of benefit. Knee bracing is another option as is the injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The latter has been shown to help with symptoms. There may also be a disease modifying effect.

Biotech and pharmaceuticasl companies are looking into the possibility of developing disease modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADS). However, the course to FDA approval is arduous.

Finally, progress in the use of autologous stem cells has proven to be a real boon for many osteoarthritis of the knee sufferers. At our center, we are seeing very promising results. As techniques for this procedure improve, the need for total knee arthroplasty, hopefully, will decline.

Arthritis Symptoms? Start with Glucosamine Chondrotin Supplements

Do you feel pain in your joints upon waking up in the morning? Do you feel that your knees seem to be protesting when you get up? When jogging, do your knees feel stiff and unable to go on?

These may be early symptoms of arthritis. Arthritis is not easily diagnosed for there are over a hundred types of arthritis that affect the joints such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, lupus, gout, and the most common being: osteoarthritis.

What is osteoarthritis?

This type of arthritis can affect any joint in the body but normally affects the body's weight-bearing joints. It is associated with joint pain through constant use. Orthopedics and arthritis specialists particularly like to dub osteoarthritis as the wear and tear arthritis because affected joints tend to degenerate through constant use. What happens is that the cartilage in the joints get worn out and thins, thereby ineffectively padding the bony layers in the joints. As a result, bone spurs materialize, which are bony overgrowths that rub with bones. Friction is produced through contact, hence, joint pain.

Osteoarthritis is further aggravated by the experience of traumatic injuries, dehydration, and glucosamine insufficiency in the body. Of the latter, it is said that as the individual grows older, glucosamine supply depletes and production is delayed. This means that cartilage repair is undermined by cartilage breakdown in the body.

The role of glucosamine in arthritis treatment

Glucosamine is a very essential molecule in the body. It enables the repair or "regeneration" of cartilage in joints. Several studies have shown that glucosamine can delay joint degeneration which is an effect of arthritis. The theory behind this is that glucosamine provides the body a very important component of healthy cartilage called glycosaminoglycans. Glucosamine comes in three different forms: glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, and N-acetyl glucosamine, all of which are available in the market today. However, the most popular and widely-used form remains to be glucosamine sulfate for specialists believe it has more beneficial effects.

Combined with chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine is able to assist in rebuilding damaged cartilage in joints. Chondroitin traps essential fluids that would lubricate joint parts for flexible and pain-free movement. The synthesis of glucosamine and chondroitin in the body produces a joint lubricant called synovial fluid which is a jelly-like material.

Alternative Arthritis treatment

NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used to be very popular in the treatment of arthritis. In fact, some people still use them today. Though NSAIDs have produced satisfactory effects in arthritis sufferers, this type of drugs have also been associated with a series of gastrointestinal side effects such as bleeding. An alternative treatment of arthritis that is increasingly earning the favor of not just patients but the doctors as well is Synflex Liquid Glucosamine. Synflex Glucosamine is a dietary supplement. It enables joint repair and rehabilitation through regular intake.

The theory is that supplementing your diet with glucosamine helps in the increase production of glycosaminoglycans and synovial fluid that are needed to keep your cartilages healthy and less prone to immediate destruction or breakdown. Syn-flex Liquid Glucosamine comes with anti-inflammatory ingredients such as yucca that helps in alleviating joint pain from arthritis without the side effects produced by NSAIDs. You'll also find that these dietary supplements have been widely used in pets with tremendous success. The fact that Synflex comes in liquid form gives it a huge advantage in 2 ways, absorption into your system (relief in as little as 10 days) and its ease of administering to pets. Learn more of this leader in Glucosamine sales at Syn-flex-usa.com.

Arthritis Neck Pain - Quick Home Remedies for Arthritic Neck Pain

There are many different ways to deal with arthritis neck pain. Before you look for methods and treatments options for arthritis neck pain, it is important to understand the cause of the pain. The pain is caused by damage to any of the cartilages which connect the neck all the way to the cervical spine. The damage results in cervical spine or neck problems and as it progresses you will have to deal with arthritis neck pain. Choosing the right treatment can reduce the pain significantly.

The best remedy for arthritis neck pain is a neck surgery. You can reduce the pain through physical therapy. Relief from the pain is only if you are willing to put in the required effort. Not doing anything about the pain will only make it more severe. According to studies, sedentary people are more prone to arthritis than those with an active lifestyle.

The first and most important step in getting relief from arthritis neck pain is to take action, stop doing nothing and adopt a more active lifestyle. There are a number of exercises and other physical therapies which you can use to build a regimen and such a regimen will give you effective relief from pain and stiffness. Get yourself an appointment with a professional therapist who can teach you the right way to do the exercises. A physical therapist can also tell you which exercises will work best for your condition. Here are some other methods to help you reduce arthritis neck pain.

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy combines heat, air and water. A hot tub can do wonders for you; it reduces neck pain significantly and also comforts your body. The body weight is reduced to almost nothing which takes the pressure off. The water and air give the body a good massage. Your doctor will tell you everything you need to know about hydrotherapy such as the ideal water temperature for your body. Many people suffering from arthritis also use the water to exercise as the water warms up the muscles and the body for the exercise routine.

Posture exercises: Physical therapy can be combined with posture exercises to give you significant pain relief. Poor posture will only aggravate the neck pain due to arthritis. All you need is an exercise ball and a set of exercise bands.

Massage: A good massage therapy increases mobility, flexibility and circulation which in turn reduce the pain. Apply a small amount of biofreeze to affected area. BIOFREEZE is a great topical analgesic gel which works by increasing blood flow and circulation to the area.

Arthritis meds: There are a variety of pain killers in the market which can help reduce arthritis neck pain. But consider medication only after you have tried every other method. They may have side effects so you must consult a professional before using any medication to avoid making the pain worse.

Arthritis Treatment Dogs Will Thank You For

We love our pets and it breaks our hearts to see them suffer from arthritis. This degenerative disease can cause severe pain in muscles and joints. It can also reduce your pet's quality of life and activities. Before we dig into arthritis treatment dogs respond to very well, let's briefly discuss osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and it is caused by the changes in the joint cartilage as a result of overuse, birth defect, trauma, underlying disease or age. Age is the most common risk factor for this disease. As the cartilage tends to deteriorate, the bones of the joint thicken and then it becomes distorted thus swelling occurs.

One arthritis treatment dogs will thank you for is glucosamine. It is a simple molecule which is composed of glucose and amine hence the name. The number one benefit of this amino sugar is that it helps create cushioning fluids and tissues around the joints thus reducing pain. Its job is to repair damaged arthritic joints and build synovial fluids. Research shows that as the dog gets older, he loses the ability to produce sufficient levels of glucosamine. The cartilage loses its cushiony like nature.

There has been very little established research about the effectiveness of glucosamine in dogs however, there are numerous studies done in people which indeed prove the importance of this amino sugar in preventing and treating arthritis. Overall, the results have been positive and dogs respond very well to glucosamine supplements. It's truly one of the arthritis treatment dogs need. It's also one of the few drugs that provides long term benefits and relief when it comes to arthritis pain.

Bee Pollen for Arthritis - How Does the Treatment of Bee Pollen For Arthritis Work?

The pollen from the bee has been used in many health problems throughout the centuries. It has been considered one of the most pure holistic ways of treating the wide variety of ailments inflicted in the human body. Bee pollen for arthritis treatment is one of the major breakthroughs in the holistic world. So how does it work?

We all know that pollens contain all the essential nutrients we need to survive. By ingesting these pollens everyday, we are well nourished and well supplied with antihistamine, antibiotic, and antioxidant properties of such pollens. One of the major health benefits from bee pollen is the retardation or delaying of the normal aging process.

A part of this aging process is the development of the inevitable arthritis. Arthritis has more than one hundred types with each having its own causes, symptoms, and healing means. Each arthritis type is very much different from the other but the pain suffered by patients is the most common symptom indication. Because of this, dealing with the arthritis pain has always been an important factor for patients to understand and learn.

When one daily takes in bee supplements, arthritis is kept at bay longer. Those who do not take in these pollens suffer from arthritis symptoms earlier. The most affected part of the body of one having the arthritis disease is the joints in between bones.

Our bones need the calcium nutrient everyday and the pollen from the bee provides us with the needed calcium daily requirement. If bones get weak, the cartilage areas in the joints suffer and endure more of the body weight. The cartilage areas also benefit from the pollens' nutrition content because it restores its proper lubrication.

Bee pollen for arthritis treatment involves the reduction of excessive weight problems since these pollens correct the chemical imbalances of the metabolism. Too much weight is one of the major causes for arthritis. Fat cells are extracted out of the body because of the rich lecithin content of these pollens. The pollens also act as natural suppressants to prevent one from compulsive eating or unnecessary food cravings in between meals. If the weight is corrected earlier, arthritis is prevented from developing.

However, if arthritis is already present in the patient's body, the painful symptoms it causes can be lessened by putting off the excess weight. This excess weight will put more stress on the joints which feels most of the pain. Also, arthritis patients have the difficulty in moving. Bee pollen for arthritis provides outstanding energy for more movement and more vigor.

As you can see, the pollen from the bee and its health benefits can help treat a variety of ailments including arthritis. You don't need to take in chemically prepared medicines to get rid of your pain. A quality bee supplement is the only thing you need for all your health needs. It is extremely important to purchase the best bee supplement that can give you these health benefits though because other bee products released in health food shops cannot provide you with the expected health benefits.

How do you know if the pollen you're about to buy is the best? Always look for pollens sourced from New Zealand, the only known source of the best pollens in the world. The bees thriving here are free from the harmful effects of pollution and population that's why they are the only ones that produce the best of all pollens.

Dogs and Arthritis - Overview of Arthritis In Dogs

According to available statistics, between 25 and 30 percent of all dogs suffer from arthritis. That means in some ways, dogs and arthritis almost go together. Unfortunately, this joint condition can be just as painful in dogs as it is in people. And like people, dogs can develop one of several forms of arthritis.

What Arthritis Is

Your dog's skeletal system is a marvelous framework of bones, ligaments and cartilage all working together. The joints provide the flexibility needed for different movements such as running, jumping, walking and climbing, among many others. Sometimes, however, things go wrong with the joints and movement is painful and impaired. Arthritis can develop when a joint sustains damage, whether it's caused by physical trauma (such as an injury) or disease. Once this occurs, a dog's ordinary movements become much more difficult and painful.

Arthritis is caused by inflammation in a joint. The condition is categorized by the source of this inflammation. There are two main types of arthritis - degenerative (osteoarthritis) and inflammatory.

Osteoarthritis (sometimes called degenerative joint disease) is by far the most common type of canine arthritis. This type of arthritis develops over time and is often caused by injury to a joint which eventually damages or destroys the cartilage that protects the bones. In addition to injury, excessive jumping, excessive weight or even just the aging process can cause cartilage destruction and eventually lead to arthritis. Hip dysplasia and patella luxation ("loose" kneecaps) can also cause the type of joint degeneration that causes arthritis.

Inflammatory arthritis (sometimes called inflammatory joint disease) is the other main type of arthritis, but it is far less common. It can be caused by an infection (such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever or a bacterial infection) or an underlying immune disorder such as lupus erythematosus. This form of arthritis typically affects more than one joint and is associated with overall stiffness, fever and loss of appetite. Rheumatoid arthritis can also occur in dogs, although it is rare.

Age and Breed Susceptibility

Although it's true that younger dogs can develop arthritis, older dogs are much more prone to the condition. In young dogs the cause is likely to be an injury, but in older or overweight dogs, it is more likely to be caused by simple wear and tear. Some breeds are more susceptible to arthritis than others, although it can occur in any dog. As a general rule, larger breeds such as Labrador Retrievers, Collies, Rottweilers and German Shepherds are at higher risk.

Symptoms

Your dog might be stiff or lame after exercise or a long nap, or he might be reluctant to climb up or down stairs. Don't automatically assume he has arthritis, however. Although these symptoms could be signs of arthritis, they might instead be the result of some other health condition. Instead of making assumptions, take your dog to the vet for evaluation and appropriate treatment.

As a general rule, however, dogs with arthritis will exhibit one or more of the following symptoms:

* Limping or walking very slowly
* A reluctance to go on walks, climb up or down stairs, run, jump or play
* Yelping in pain when touched, or resisting being touched
* Slowness or visible difficulty when rising from a lying or sitting position

In addition, dogs with chronic arthritis might become aggressive, depressed, nervous or lethargic.

Treatment and Therapies

When it comes to dogs and arthritis, early diagnosis and good management of the condition are the keys, because arthritis cannot be completely cured. As a result, arthritis treatments and therapies are intended to reduce the symptoms and make arthritic dogs more comfortable.

Gentle, low-stress exercise and moderate quantities of nutritious, healthy food can help control an arthritic dog's weight and thereby reduce weight-induced stress on arthritic joints. Leading an active lifestyle will also ensure that a dog's joints are kept in motion and cause less pain. Dogs should be taken on a daily walk to keep them as mobile as possible.

Anti-inflammatory medications such as NSAIDs can be used to help alleviate the pain, inflammation, swelling and stiffness associated with arthritis. Analgesics such as aspirin or acetaminophen can also encourage movement by helping to overcome the pain. When the arthritis is causing extreme pain, cortisone injected directly into the joint can result in almost immediate relief.

A large number of joint health supplements are also available when you're dealing with dogs and arthritis. Most contain glucosamine and chondroitin, although some include additional ingredients such as specific vitamins and minerals. Finally, you can also help by giving your dog a soft comfy place to sleep, such as a thick foam rubber cushion. Dogs and arthritis are a painful combination, but there are some things you can do to help.

Arthritis Knee Pain Treatment and Herbal Remedies - Relieve Pain and Inflammation

Knee is one of the most commonly affected joint by arthritis, severe pain can hinder even the day-to-day activities and can cause lot of problem. Sometimes conditions get so deteriorated that a knee replacement surgery remains the only treatment left. Moving the affected joint at least few times in a day is very important for treating arthritis knee which is only possible when patient get relief for sometime from pain and inflammation. Medicines like steroids, narcotic pain medication and NSAID are recommended by the doctors for arthritis knee pain relief, all of these are effective without any doubt but their side effects are well known, NSAID are treated as having minimum side effects of all the three but its complete effects are still not known.

Herbs are very effective ways to relieve arthritis knee pain and inflammation and of course they are free of side effects. Some herbs are effective when taken orally and some are for topical use. Cayenne cream is very popular herbal remedy for arthritis pain relief including knee due to its properties resembling the effects of NSAID. Cayenne cream's topical application on knee can reduce the signals of pain passing to the brain which makes the patient feel reduced or no pain for sometime. Ginger is an herb which can be used orally as well as externally for knee pain relief. Ginger has rich anti-oxidant properties and promotes blood flow in to the affected part.

Warm mustard oil spread over madar leaf and tied to the knee relieves the pain and inflammation caused due to arthritis effectively. Ashwagandha or withania somnifera is a natural pain reliever and has been recommended in Ayurveda for arthritis pain relief. Some other popular herbs used for arthritis knee pain relief are nettle leaves, in some old medications the sting of nettle thorn was given directly on the knee for immediate relief from pain and inflammation. Massage of warm oregano oil is also helpful in treating the knee pain.

If there is not acute inflammation and pain in the knee then moist heat is very effective to alleviate the arthritis pain. Soak a cloth in warm water and cover the knee till the temperature gets normal, repeat these compresses few times and 2-3 times in a day for pain relief. Hot and cold compresses are also effective for arthritis knee pain relief. In case of acute knee pain only cold compresses shall be applied. Exercises like water cycling is also an effective way to promote movement and blood circulation in the knee joint which reduces the frequency and intensity of the flares of pain. Mobilization therapy exercises are also effective in preventing arthritis knee pain and also alleviating it, however any exercise regimen shall not be chosen without medical opinion. Some yoga poses have been found very effective in relieving the knee pain and even preventing arthritis itself.

Sun salutation is a series of seven yoga exercise which is good for musculoskeletal and cardio-vascular system. Some breathing exercises can promote blood flow in the body for arthritis pain relief and promoting endurance.

Rheumatoid Arthritis - There Is Still Hope

Back in February 2009, I came down with Rheumatoid Arthritis. I had no idea what was happening. I just woke up one morning and my feet and knees were stinging and burning. They just hurt, more than they had ever hurt before. I tried to put my feet on the floor, but the sharp stinging pain became intense as they touched the floor. As I looked at my feet and knees they were red, swollen and quite warm to the touch, and just touching them was quite painful.

I called my work to let them know I wouldn't be in that day. I then called my doctor and made an appointment for that afternoon. As the day went on, the pain became worse. By that afternoon I was forced to use crutches to get myself to the car. By the time I had reached the car, I was in tears, from the sharp stabbing pain each time my feet touched the ground.

My wife drove me to the doctor's and brought out a wheelchair for me. Again I had to stand to get into the wheelchair. I couldn't remember ever having such intense sharp stabbing pains. As my doctor evaluated my swollen feet and knees he ordered x-rays and sonograms and set up an appointment with a podiatric specialist within a few days. In the meantime, he gave me a prescription for pain medication, Hydrocodone.

Again, a few days later, I made my way to the car in tears and to the Podiatrist's Office. She went over my x-rays and scans and examined my feet and knees and told me that I should see a Rheumatologist. She suggested one about an hour away, saying he was one of the best in the area. After returning home and regaining my composure, I called to make an appointment with the Rheumatologist. The soonest they could get me in was six weeks. I couldn't believe they couldn't work me in sooner, but they insist that was the soonest available date. They did say they would put me on their cancellation list and if there were any cancellation they would get me in sooner, but there were already eight others on that list ahead of me.

For the next six weeks, I worked out the least painful routines, as far as bathing, going to the bathroom, pillow positions so I could sleep, and keeping anything from touching my feet. My feet were swollen so tight I couldn't even wiggle my ankles, more less my toes. My knees were so tender that any side pressure was extremely painful. So just trying to roll over in bed was a major painful ordeal. Those six weeks would have been totally unbearable if it wasn't for the TV and my laptop. The TV was a great distraction from the pain and the laptop kept me in touch with what was happening at work, in town or any where else. This was a lot better than just popping pain pills. In fact, I was able to stop taking the pain pills except when I was trying to get to sleep. I would take two about an hour before turning out the lights and I would sleep fairly well.

When I finally got in to see the Rheumatologist, he knew what was going on within a few minutes of examination. He took a few blood tests to confirm his assessment and check for any other problems. Then he wrote me a couple of prescriptions for Gabapentin and Plaquenil. The Gabapentin is used for nerve or neuralgia pain relief and Plaquenil which is a Hydroxychloroquine, is used for aggressive treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis, but it has serious side effects such as: It can cause blurred vision and light flashes; Can cause neurological problems, headaches, weakness in muscles, dizziness; May change your blood chemistry, white blood cell count, low platelets, anemia...; Hearing problems, even possible hearing loss; And even Liver and Kidney damage. He wanted me on Plaquenil because of the severity of my Rheumatoid Arthritis and wanted me back in 4 weeks to run more blood tests to check for any possible side effects. He also told me even with this aggressive medication, it would take 10 - 12 weeks before I would notice any changes or improvements. Now that was down right discouraging, and yes, it did take a full 12 weeks before I started noticing an easing of pain and reduction in swelling. One morning I woke up and I could roll my ankles a bit and wiggle my toes ever so slightly, and I was excited. It was more than I could have done in the past several months.

For the next three months I was able to get back to work in a wheelchair. I kept my feet propped up on a box under my desk to help to keep the swelling down. It was still very painful to stand just long enough to move from the car to the wheelchair or when going to the bathroom, especially that first month back at work.

As time went on, I was able to drive myself to work and get the wheelchair out of the back seat by myself. I had to practice this several times before I was able to do it without falling over. Have you ever seen a turtle on his back, well, that was me. Luckily I had the wheelchair out of the car when I lost my balance and went over. I was able to open the wheelchair and use it to pull myself up.

Each time I was able to do something new and/or better, it gave me a feeling of accomplishing something worth while. I kept trying to do new things, to do things better, and as I kept seeing improvements, it encouraged me to do more.

After three months in the wheelchair, I started getting around at home with a cane. My legs were getting stronger and I was becoming more stable as I regained strength back to my legs and ankles. I finally started using my cane at work and leaving the wheelchair home.

After about six months on Gabapentin and Plaquenil, the doctor took me off the Plaquenil and put me on Sulfasalazine, with the Gabapentin. The Sulfasalazine is used for milder cases of Rheumatoid Arthritis and has very few side effects. Now that my Rheumatoid Arthritis was under control, he felt the Sulfasalazine would be sufficient to control my joint inflammation and also it has fewer side effects; Temporary nausea and upset stomach. I only have one kidney, so I am very protective of it and I expressed that concern to my doctor on our second visit.

It has been a couple of years now and I am doing quite well. I have not been able to run laps, and my joints are a bit stiff in the morning, or after sitting for a while, but other than that, I'm happy to be able to just get around again.

Life is good when you are mobile. I hope this information is of some benefit to you and provides the encouragement you are in need of.

Thank you

Arthritis and Spondylolisthesis

The term arthritis refers to inflammation of a joint anywhere in the body, including the spine. The condition may result from, or be associated with, various disorders including infection, degenerative disease, metabolic disturbance and tumors. Types of arthritis include ankylosing rheumatoid spondylitis, a chronic progressive disease that usually affects the spine and adjacent structures.

Osteoarthritis affects mostly the weight bearing joints, but also others such as the facet joints, and rheumatoid arthritis, which can sometimes produce crippling deformities. Osteoarthritis related degenerative changes in the spinal bones and joints, which are common among people over forty, are known as spondylosis.

The prefix spondyl means vertebra. They can result in an abnormal curvature of the thoracic chest spine in older people, a condition known as kyphosis. For accurate diagnosis, x-rays are required. Treatments include rest immobilization, pain relieving and anti inflammatory medication, followed by graduated exercise and postural training by a physiotherapist.

Surgery is necessary only in extreme cases. What is spondylolisthesis? In this condition, one vertebra slips forward or subluxates on top of another. This movement narrows the spinal canal through which the spinal cord passes. Although it can occur anywhere along the spine, it most frequently involves the slipping of the bottom lumbar vertebra over the sacrum.

Spondylolisthesis may be the result of trauma, a spinal fracture or arthritis. Its symptoms include mild low back pain, muscle spasm and sciatica, or it may produce no symptoms whatsoever. Practicing good postural habits and strengthening the muscles of the trunk are good preventive measure to take.

Normal disc is the inner soft core is held within the tough, fibrous outer shell. Bulging disc with aging small tears may occur in the outer shell or annulus fibrosus, allowing the inner core or nucleus pulposus to bulge. Herniated or prolapsed disc is when tears in the outer shell increase in size or number, the inner core may spill into the surrounding area and impinge on an adjacent nerve, causing both inflammation and pain.

Treating Bursitis With a Therapeutic Home Ultrasound Machine

The bursa is a tough, flat, membranous sac enclosing any joint between bones in our body. This sac contains a lubricating fluid and lies close to the tendons that attach the muscles to the joint. The fluid in the bursa keeps the ends of the bones in a joint well lubricated and in good condition.

Bursitis is a very painful condition resulting from an excessive accumulation of fluid in the bursa, causing it to swell up and press on the neighboring tissues. Bursitis may be acute, occurring suddenly as a result of injury or trauma. It may be chronic, occurring frequently. When any one of the joints in the body is stressed by being frequently, repeatedly and/or overused for a sustained period of time, the bursa responds by producing excess fluid and becomes painfully inflamed.

There are many other causes for bursitis. These are: staphylococcal or some bacterial infection; deposits of calcium or uric acid crystals; abnormal joints because of difference in leg lengths; arthritis; bone spurs; rheumatoid arthritis; psoriatic arthritis; tuberculosis; thyroid diseases; diabetes; or gout.

The type of bursitis you have depends on which of the joints in your body is affected. Shoulder and elbow bursitis are often associated with excessive physical activity that stress these joints. Bursitis of the hip joint may be due to infection or injury. Runners and ballet dancers are subject to hip bursitis. Sitting for a long time in the same position may cause ischial bursitis. The knee joints could be affected by frequent kneeling in upright position, obesity in conjunction with diseases like diabetes or osteoporosis. Young athletes who do not take care to wear well fitting shoes may develop calcaneal bursitis of the heel or ankle.

There are several options for treatment of bursitis. Very often treatment for bursitis may involve simple procedures of bursitis physical therapy like R.I.C.E, which is resting, icing, compression and elevation of the affected joint. Other bursitis physical therapy procedures are stretching and muscle strengthening exercises, and soft tissue manipulation.

Bursitis treatment may also utilize therapeutic ultrasound. Ultrasound physical therapy reduces pain and inflammation in the bursa because the ultra sound waves increase blood circulation and oxygen to the injury site. In short, ultrasound therapy causes micro-vibrations in the soft tissues beneath the skin's surface to increase blood supply and subsequently decrease local swelling and chronic inflammation. The vibrations also help to speed healing and relieve pain associated with bursitis.

Home ultrasound machines are now available for ultrasound bursitis treatment and rehabilitation. Such ultrasonic treatments are more affordable and convenient than chiropractor and physical therapist visits. Previously, ultrasound therapy treatments have only be available for professional athletes, but it is now possible to rehab bursitis, and many other chronic injuries, in the comfort of your own home.

Soft tissue injuries, such as bursitis, require a specific kind of home ultrasound machine. A home ultrasound physical therapy machine should emit 1Mhz ultrasound waves. It is also important to purchase an FDA approved ultrasound unit that is quality manufactured. Your portable therapeutic ultrasound device should also be covered with at least a 1 year warranty.

Because these home ultrasound machines utilize pulsed ultrasound waves, they are very safe for use by the general public. Pulse ultrasound also is just as effective as continuous wave ultrasound that is used by doctors, but in home treatments will just be more often. With a portable therapeutic ultrasound machine, you can treat your bursitis daily in the comfort of your own home.

Beginning an Exercise Program While Suffering From Arthritis

Before starting any exercise, people with arthritis need to consult their doctors about the extent of physical exertions allowed them. Most doctors are likely to recommend exercise, and advise their patients to start off with simple range-of-motion exercises and low-impact aerobics. Arthritic sufferers can engaged in selected sports and exercise regimens. Doctors will usually warn against participating in sports which are dangerous or have proven negative effects on arthritis.

Your doctor is a good source of advice on how to begin an exercise program. You can also ask an experienced physical therapist to design a routine beneficial for arthritic conditions. These types of programs usually focus on:

• relieving pain


• correct body positioning


• joint preservation


• conservation of physical energy

Checklist: Getting Started on Arthritic-Related Exercises:

· Present your chosen exercise regimen to your doctor for approval.

· Begin under the direct supervision of your physical therapist or a professional athletic trainer.

· Treat sore joints with a hot compress (non-compulsory; although many arthritis sufferers start out their exercise in this manner).

· Warm up and stretch (range-of-motion exercises).

· Use 1 to 2 pound weights for strength training.

· Make movements slow and gradual.

· Apply cold compress after exercise (non-compulsory; although many arthritis sufferers conclude their program with this).

· Aerobic activity is beneficial for cardiovascular health.

· Cease activities when joint pain starts, or if there is any presence of redness and inflammation. Consult with your doctor about its causes and elimination.

· Opt for an exercise regimen you like and stick with it.

For lower risks of arthritis attacks, try some form of recreational exercise after range-of-motion, strength training and aerobic phases, to bring your body to its most optimum state possible.

Exercise Frequency for Arthritis Sufferers

Range-of-motion exercises - should be performed on a daily basis, or every other day.

Strengthening exercises - at least 3 times a week unless there is joint pain and swelling.

Endurance exercises - at least 3 times a week, a half-hour each time, unless there is joint pain and swelling. The ACR advises performing endurance exercises in 10-minute increments throughout the day.

Current Research on Arthritis and Exercise

At present, studies are being conducted on the most beneficial forms of exercise for:

• Rheumatoid arthritis


• Spondyloarthropathies


• Lupus


• Fibromyalgia


• Older people

Exercises for the Various Types of Arthritis

As there are many types of the disease, specific exercises that benefit each type of arthritis can be suggested or designed by:

• experienced physicians


• physical therapists


• occupational therapists

There are exercises to relieve pain, exercises prohibited for specific arthritis types and during pain and inflammation of joints. It is advised that any or all exercises should be discussed with a physician. Doctors who are qualified to treat arthritis include:

• rheumatologists


• orthopaedic surgeons


• general practitioners


• family doctors


• internists


• rehabilitation specialist

Recommended Strength Training Exercises

Factors involved in weight training include personal preference, arthritis type, and inflammatory conditions. Training the muscles can help support the joints to decrease pain. These types of exercises usually involve:

• small free weights


• exercise machines


• isometrics


• elastic bands


• water exercises for resistance

Assuming the proper body positioning is crucial to prevent:

• muscle tears


• pain


• swelling in the joints

Excessive Exercise

When pain starts during exercise and lasts for more than an hour, your exercise program may be too demanding. Arthritic sufferers should constantly fine-tune their exercises with the help of their doctor or physical therapist, particularly when the exercises cause:

• uncommon or constant tiredness


• progressive weakness


• stiffness or decreased ability to move


• increase in swelling


• persistent pain (continuing for more than an hour after completing the exercise program)

Viscosupplements for My Knee Arthritis - What are They?

In osteoarthritis, the cartilage in the joint gradually wears away. During the course of cartilage degeneration, there is inflammation and resultant stiffness and pain. Osteoarthritis may be caused by or aggravated by excess stress on the joint from deformity, repeated trauma, or excess weight. It most often affects middle-aged and older people.

A younger person who develops osteoarthritis may have an inherited form of the disease or may have experienced problems as a result of injury.

In rheumatoid arthritis, the joint becomes inflamed and cartilage may be destroyed as well. Arthritis not only affects joints, it can also affect supporting structures such as:

o muscles

o tendons

o ligaments

Rheumatoid arthritis often affects people at an earlier age than osteoarthritis.
Regardless of the type of arthritis causing knee symptoms, the end result is often the same. A person who has arthritis in the knee may experience pain, swelling, and a decrease in knee motion. A common symptom is morning stiffness that gets better as the person moves around. Sometimes the joint locks or clicks when the knee is bent and straightened, but these signs may occur in other knee disorders as well. The doctor may confirm the diagnosis by performing a physical examination and examining magnetic resonance (MR) scans, which reveal the inner architecture of the knee.

Most often arthritis in the knee is treated initially with pain-reducing medicines, such as analgesics and anti-inflammatory medicines.

Exercise is essential to restore joint movement and strengthen the knee. Losing excess weight can also help people with osteoarthritis.

Glucocorticoid injections are helpful when there is evidence of inflammation.

The normal knee joint produces synovial fluid, a thick slippery substance that nourishes cartilage and allows smooth gliding of the cartilage surfaces. With arthritis, the amount of synovial fluid made by the joint is reduced.

In instances when other therapies do not provide the desired relief, viscosupplements are sometimes used. These are gel-like substances (hyaluronates) that mimic the properties of naturally occurring joint fluid.

These hyaluronates actually supplement the viscous properties of synovial fluid. Injection of hyaluronates is done using either fluoroscopic or ultrasound needle guidance.

Currently, hyaluronate injections are approved for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee in those who have failed to respond to more conservative therapy. The number of injections performed varies with the type of viscosupplement used. Usually 5 injections are required for the best response.

Currently, there are five FDA approved hyaluronates:

o Hyalgan

o Synvisc

o Euflexa

o Supartz

o Orthovisc

Sometimes, a physician will perform an arthroscopy before providing viscosupplement. Also, a special type of brace to help unload the narrowed part of the knee may be used to help the viscosupplement work better.

Use for other joints is being studied. Studies have shown effectiveness for the shoulder, hip, and ankle. We published a study a few years ago showing these viscosupplements are effective for osteoarthritis affecting the base of the thumb.

The 2 Most Common Types of Arthritis That You Might Be Suffering From

There are millions, perhaps billions, of people throughout the world who are sufferers of a condition that is generally called arthritis, which affects the person's joints to greater or lesser degrees. However badly one is affected by arthritis, each and every sufferer may tell you at one time or another that it is a debilitating and seriously painful condition which hampers their normal day to day activities and disrupts their lifestyles.

Arthritis is generally categorised into one of two variations of the disease - either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis - although there are many subdivisions of this condition which this article will not address. In general, it can be said that all arthritis sufferers experience, in some or all of their joints, the following symptoms: pain ranging from mild to severe, mild to total stiffness, swelling around the affected joints and the inflammation surrounding the affected joints which is always warm to the touch.

The differences between the 2 most common types of arthritis are as follows.

1. Osteoarthritis is the more common of the two forms of this disease which is deemed to be chronic and degenerative. This means that the pain experienced by the sufferer in on-going and that there is no cure. And it also means that over time, the physical condition of the patient will deteriorate. Osteoarthritis, which is also known as Degenerative Joint Disease, afflicts one in three Americans. In general, it attacks adults from the age of forty years onward, but is most commonly physically noticeable only later in life. The most prominent signs of the disease are commonly seen on the fingers of elderly people, which tend to be misshapen and/or knobbly.

2. Rheumatoid arthritis is distinct from osteoarthritis in that this form of the disease not only causes the same symptoms as those of osteoarthritis, but it is also an autoimmune disease which causes inflammation and damage to one's internal organs and blood vessels; thus it is clearly the more serious of the two versions of the disease. Statistics show that Rheumatoid arthritis affects more females than males. There are no age barriers as to when it may start affecting patients of either sex, but it has been proven that the earlier the disease takes hold, the faster it develops. It is also a known fact that Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers do not have sore and swollen joints at the onset of the disease; and that they present with such diverse and varied symptoms as fatigue, weakness and loss of appetite; which then progress to morning stiffness (for more than an hour after waking) and generalized muscle pain. The disease then generally progresses to a stage where it causes damage to, or destruction of, the joints of the wrists, hands and fingers; knees, ankles, feet and toes.

There are many and varied forms of treatment for both forms of arthritis, all of which need to be discussed between doctor and patient. They include over the counter pharmaceutical preparations and prescriptions drugs, natural medicines and approaches, specifically acupuncture and various forms of physical therapy.

Arthritis Trigger Finger - What is it and What Can You Do About It?

Stenosing tenosynovitis is more commonly known as trigger finger arthritis. There is a misconception that the trigger finger is the pointer or index finger when it comes to this kind of arthritis. This is because the index finger is particularly used in pulling the trigger of a gun. But the truth is arthritis trigger finger can occur in any finger of the hand.

What Is It?

Trigger finger is actually a "snapping" or "popping" of a finger of the hand as it is closed or opened. The snapping is the reason why it was called trigger finger in the first place. This condition is more commonly found in the index, middle and ring fingers. And the snapping is readily heard upon attempting to flex the fingers while making a firm grip. There is a sudden stuttering of the digit as it closes then snaps close instead of the usual smooth way.

Sometimes, the affected finger cannot anymore stretch back into position and there is a locking in that position so that the other hand will have to help it towards extension. Upon extension, another snap is heard. Pain accompanies the snapping, leading the patient to the doctor.

The popping of the finger is the hallmark of trigger finger and is usually worse in the morning upon getting up. But as the condition worsens, the popping becomes more regular. In the worst scenario, the bump or swollen part of the tendon may lock in place so that it gets stuck there.

What Causes Trigger Finger?

So how do we get this condition? Actually, trigger finger is an inflammation of the tendon that pulls the finger to a closed position upon flexion. It may also be caused by scarring in the same tendon. Most of the time, it comes in isolated cases. In this particular case, though, trigger finger comes with other symptoms within the hand that accompanies rheumatoid arthritis in the area.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an abnormal condition that is caused by wear and tear or overuse. So prolonged use of the fingers can eventually lead to micro-injuries that may later on swell and lead to trigger finger. Aside from this, rheumatoid arthritis has been found to be a hereditary condition where it runs in families. Therefore, adding wear-and-tear may trigger it onset or exacerbate the already-present condition.

In 2005, it has been found that most of the patients with rheumatoid arthritis come with symptoms of swelling around the tendons of the palm, later on leading to trigger finger. The onset of this condition is gradual and is more commonly seen in women with the fourth finger being the most commonly involved. Studies also prove that trigger finger does not come from heavy use but with light constant use of the area.

How Can It Be Treated?

If we do get trigger finger, what can we do treat it? There are home remedies available for the treatment of this condition and for most types of arthritis in general. Doing passive stretching of the hand and fingers toward extension is a good way to prevent the formation of adhesions in the area and to improve blood circulation as well. Putting ice intermittently in the area for 15 minutes or more actually lessens the swelling that goes with inflammation. The most important is activity modification where the movements that causes more symptoms should be avoided altogether.

But of course in most instances, trigger finger cannot be treated by home remedies alone. Doctors prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs that are very helpful for the healing of the part involved. Usually, drugs like ibuprofen, diclofenac and naproxen are given to patients. The fastest relief is the injection of a local cortisone around the affected tendon.

Splinting the area is also a solution to prevent usage of the tendons. This will prevent the worsening of the inflammation.

There are cases when even after 2 cortisone injections, there is no relief for the patient. This is when surgery is required to remove the scarred or inflamed tissues. Almost half the number of patients respond to cortisone injection. Those who don't resort to surgery. Although with little risk, there are cases that recur after the operation. But this is only done if the rest of the treatment therapy have been tried but were not successful.

If you feel that you are starting to show symptoms of arthritis trigger finger, do not panic. Consulting the doctor is still the best remedy. It is better to catch the condition while it is still beginning. The later you go to a doctor, the more likely that you are going to undergo surgery. So don't be scared, see your orthopedic doctor right away.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment - Non-Dairy Sources of Probiotics Supplements

Rheumatoid Arthritis is not inevitable, no matter the particulars of your family history or genetics. Some people have genetics that make them more susceptible, but something must still trigger the disease process. Likewise, it is usually possible, even after the rheumatoid arthritis has been triggered, to "untrigger" it by reversing its underlying causes.

One underlying causes of rheumatoid arthritis is a disruption of healthy gut bacteria. This can happen because of any number of stressors: taking antibiotics, losing a job, losing a loved one, having a loved one seriously ill or injured, divorce, your home going into foreclosure, surgery, taking a board exam, traveling in a third world country, getting some other illness, working long hours without enough rest and more. Even joyful events like the birth or a child, a job promotion or, moving to a new house can cause stress that can trigger RA.

This is because for most people stress has a strong impact on the gut. Once gut flora gets out of balance it can stay that way for years and years, until something helps it to rebalance itself.

This rebalancing of gut flora is one way to help "untrigger" rheumatoid arthritis.

One way to do this is by reintroducing healthy bacteria everyday through your diet.

Most people know about the benefits of eating live culture yogurt because of the healthy bacteria it contains. Most people don't realize the almost infinite number of other sources of probiotics. Many can be made in your own kitchen without much effort and easily incorporated into your everyday diet.

If you can eat dairy, it is easy to get probiotics through yogurt, kefir, and the many commercial probiotics supplements grown on a dairy base.

If you can't eat dairy, you may not realize how easy it is to still get enough probiotics.

Here is partial list of the many non-dairy probiotics-containing foods you can eat and drink:

1. Commercially available cultured coconut milk


2. Homemade cultured coconut milk, soymilk, rice milk or fruit juice made using kefir grains


3. Unpasteurized sauerkraut


4. Unpasteurized kim chee


5. Sour pickles


6. Other vegetable ferments, such as sour beets, sour turnips, fermented radishes, etc.


7. "Potato cheese" - cooked potato fermented with brine from live sauerkraut culture


8. Brine from ferments used as a digestive tonic and Soup Stock


9. Fermented chutney


10. Miso


11. Miso Pickles


12. Tempeh-soy


13. Ferments made from other beans such as pinto beans, kidney beans, navy beans, etc.


14. Rejuvenac-made from sprouted grain


15. Kombucha-a tea fermented with a special kombucha culture


16. Porridge-fermented overnight before cooking to increase digestibility

These probiotics-containing foods start with either an already established culture which you can buy or someone can gift you (yogurt, kefir, miso, tempeh and other bean ferments and kombutcha) or capture wild bacteria from the air (sauerkraut, kim chee, sour pickles, other vegetable ferments, brines, rejuvenac and porridge.)

Zinc For Arthritis: An Effective Strategy?

There are so many new arthritis supplements on the market, the it becomes hard to figure out what you should take and what not!Taking Zinc for arthritis pain is an underrated strategy, with many people opting for the supplements that attract the most hype, like glucosamine and chondroitin.

However, Zinc should form part of your arthritis supplementation plan. It is an important mineral for hundreds of different processes in the body. The body cannot manufacture its own zinc, so you have to eat enough food containing it, or you need to take a supplement to get enough of this element into your body. Important to note, is that even a small deficiency can cause problems with your immune system. Natural sources are meat, liver, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds and milk. Vegetarians need to take care that their zinc intake is sufficient. A compromised immune system is definitely something you want to avoid if you suffer from arthritis, especially rheumatoid arthritis.

There are 156 enzymes that require Zinc to function. Growth and healthy sexual development depend on sufficient Zinc levels through dietary intake. Men need sufficient intake for sperm production. It helps the pancreas to make insulin to keep blood sugar levels under control. It is also involved with wound healing, the maintenance of your taste and smell, DNA synthesis, and sustaining a healthy immune system. Teenagers can benefit from Zinc supplementation in combating acne. It helps to activate white blood cells to fight infections. The recommended daily allowance of Zinc is 15 mg. Apparently about 20% of the world's population is deficient in Zinc.

Apart from all the above benefits, Zinc should definitely form part of your natural strategy when treating your joint pain, particularly when it comes to osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Evidence shows that Zinc levels are high in the synovial fluid of people with arthritis, and low in the rest of the body. The suggestion is therefore that your body is using more Zinc to combat inflammation. Many studies indicate that people with rheumatoid arthritis have low levels of Zinc, which is typically related to higher levels of enzymes causing the inflammation in arthritis. Zinc forms a major part of an inflammation fighting enzyme called superoxide dismutase. This enzyme operates in the inflamed joints. So, if you have low levels of Zinc in your body, your body's inflammation preventing ability is compromised. Another direct benefit for arthritis is that Zinc is needed for the proper digestion of proteins. If proteins aren't properly digested, it can lead to allergic reaction in the gut, as well as leaky gut syndrome. When unwanted protein molecules slip into the blood as it does when you have a 'leaky gut', it has an immediate inflammatory response by the body. The higher your inflammation levels, the more severe your arthritis pain will become.

In one study from the University of Washington in Seattle, people with rheumatoid arthritis supplemented with Zinc three times a day. After three months, significant improvements in morning stiffness, inflammation and swelling were reported. If you do not eat ample amounts of nuts, seeds and oats, you are probably not getting enough Zinc. Under stressful conditions or if you have an inflammatory disease, you need more in any case, probably around 20-25 mg per day.