How Does Aromatherapy Help Treat Arthritis Pain?

Aromatherapy is helpful with the treatment of arthritis because it can reduce pain and inflammation. Many people with arthritis are looking to natural alternative to expensive prescription drugs that can have serious side effects. Using aromatherapy can naturally relieve the swollen and aching joints that come with arthritis. In addition, it is a great way to improve your mood and relieve the anxiety that many people with arthritis suffer.

Aromatherapy uses the essential oils in plants contain healthful enzymes, vitamins, minerals and hormones. These can easily be absorbed by the body. Diffusers are used to spread the essential oil particles into the air. The part of the brain that controls blood pressure, heart rate, memory, breathing and other functions is affected by inhaling these oils.

You can add to their therapeutic value by putting the oils in your shower, bath, or sauna. Get maximum benefit by applying them to a warm compress wrapped around a sore joint. The skin easily absorbs the healing oils. True essential oils should be diluted with a carrier oil, such as almond or sesame oil. They are strong and may irritate your skin otherwise.

Let's look at which oils are particularly helpful for arthritis:

o Angelica root : Acts as an anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxant and pain reliever.
o Rosemary : Is an anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant.
o Wintergreen, camphor, and menthol: Cooling and anti-inflammatory benefits. You can apply topically

to sore joints.
o Clove, thyme, and cinnamon: Warming and anti-inflammatory. Beneficial if your arthritis is worse

when it's cold and damp out.
o Cedarwood: Helps elimination through mucous membranes. Also as a sedative and an antiseptic.
o Rose: An anti-depressant. Stimulates function of the stomach and liver.
o Tea Tree: Enhances skin function and also used as an antibiotic and antifungal treatment.
o Ginger: Use as a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory.
o Lemon: Acts as an antiseptic and increases flow of urine.

Aromatherapy helps with relaxation and decreasing muscle tension. It is important to note that you need to purchase oil that is 100% pure. Some oils marked as essences or perfumes have synthetic chemicals added.

You will need to keep essential oils in dark containers and out of warm, damp and moist conditions. They are adversely compromised by heat and the sun. Oxidation can occur if they are exposed to air, so you need to keep the bottles tightly sealed. You should be able to keep them fresh for about a year, if you store them properly.

Aromatherapy is a wonderful and calming way to treat your arthritis naturally. Be aware that it can be addictive!

This article is written for information purposes only and not meant to diagnose or treat medical problems. The advice and care of a physician is recommended for your health concerns.

Light Therapy For Psoriasis - Safe and Economical Treatment at Home

The National PSORIASIS Foundation offers this definition: Psoriasis is a non contagious, genetic disease of the immune system, which affects the skin and/or joints. According to the National Institutes of Health, as many as 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis. The most common form, plaque psoriasis, results in raised, red lesions covered by silvery white scales. Psoriasis can be limited to a few lesions or can involve moderate to large areas of skin. Having 3 to 10 percent of the body affected by psoriasis is generally considered to be a moderate case. More than 10 percent is considered severe. For most individuals, the palm of the hand is about the same as 1 percent of the skin surface. However, the severity of psoriasis can also be measured by how psoriasis affects a person's quality of life. Psoriasis can have a serious impact even if it involves a small area, such as the palms of the hands or soles of the feet. From 10 to 30 percent of individuals with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes pain, stiffness and swelling in and around the joints.

There are several forms of light therapy or phototherapy used successfully for Psoriasis, alone or in conjunction with topical or ingested medications. Light therapy involves exposing the skin to wavelengths of ultraviolet light. Treatments may take place in a doctor's office, psoriasis clinic or at home with sunlight or a phototherapy unit prescribed by your doctor. The key to success with light therapy is consistency.

PUVA - This treatment regimen includes exposure to artificial light in conjunction with ingested or topical use of psoralen. It is a medication that causes the skin to be more sensitive to the light used during the therapy with increased benefit to controlling and preventing the spread of Psoriasis. Because of the ultraviolet contained in the light, the same precautions need to be taken with this treatment as with extended exposure to the sun.

UVB - This is an artificial light treatment using a special wavelength of light. Success of UVB treatment has been validated over and over in clinical trials and controlled studies. There are two types of UVB treatment, broadband and narrow band. The difference between them is that narrow-band UVB light bulbs release a smaller range of ultraviolet light. Narrow-band UVB is similar to broadband UVB in many ways and is becoming more widely used. Several studies indicate that narrow-band UVB clears Psoriasis faster and produces longer remissions than broadband UVB. It also may be effective with fewer treatments per week than broad-band UVB.

Most home care units will require a prescription and may be covered by your health insurance. A dermatologist should provide instructions on the schedule you follow for home light therapy. The length of exposure to ultraviolet light depends on skin type, the type of UVB device and the intensity of light emitted from the home lamps.

Once the skin clears, light therapy may be stopped. It may be resumed to maintain skin clarity as the lesions begin to reappear. However, studies show that continued UVB treatments after the skin clears can increase remission time. Most people need about eight maintenance treatments per month to prolong periods of skin clarity. However, your dermatologist is the right person to provide your maintenance exposures.

There are three primary manufacturers of home light therapy equipment, each offering several different units depending on the severity and location of the Psoriasis. There are other manufacturers and suppliers coming into this market place on a regular basis. The three below and the newcomers may be found quickly by your search engine.

• Daavlin - Offering full-body, hand/foot/scalp, narrow-band and broad-band units


• National Biological - Offering full-body, hand-held and localized broad-band and narrow-band units


• 
  UVBioTek - Offering full-body wrap around and single panel systems, plus hand/foot units

Trigger Finger - Is it Really All That Common?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is the most widely recognized form of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), but Trigger Finger is catching up fast, becoming all too common among society and affecting the youth and elderly in ever-increasing numbers. If the rising numbers keep on track, Trigger Finger may be recognized along with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome as having achieved epidemic proportions.

Trigger Finger On The Rise

Prior to the 1990's, Trigger Finger seemed to affect a small number of the elderly that had experienced some form of direct trauma or excessive strain to one or possibly several fingers. Trigger Finger was more prevalent in those that were already suffering with Osteoarthritis in the affected hand, making many healthcare professionals to believe that Trigger Finger was a byproduct of Osteoarthritis. But within the past 5-years, the age of those suffering from Trigger Finger became much "younger" while the overall number of individuals with the disorder increased. The belief of a direct correlation between those suffering with Osteoarthritis and Trigger Finger seems to be reducing in popularity as many of those suffering with Trigger Finger do not have Osteoarthritis, but instead, are involved in high-risk tasks that are already associated as the causative factor in many types of Repetitive Strain Injuries.

Injuries resulting from repeated motion (repetitive / cumulative trauma disorders -- CTD's) are growing. According to recent annual statistics from the U.S. Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, over 302,000 CTD's account for nearly two-thirds all of workplace-related illnesses.

Ergonomic disorders are the fastest growing category of work-related illness. According to the most recent statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, they account for 56 percent of illnesses reported to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Trigger Finger - Recognized as a Repetitive Strain Injury

Now that Trigger Finger is rearing its head in the workplace with increased intensity, it has been added to the growing list of debilitating Repetitive strain Injuries. Trigger Finger now joins the ranks of Tendonitis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Epicondylitis, Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, DeQuervain's and the many other debilitating workplace disorders affecting the upper extremity. So, what is Trigger Finger, how is it recognized and what are its symptoms?

Trigger Finger Explained

Trigger Finger is a form of overuse injury affecting any of the fingers (1-5) with symptoms ranging from a painless annoyance with occasional snapping/jerking of the finger(s), to severe dysfunction and pain with continuous locking of the finger(s) in a flexed downward / forward position into the palm of the hand.

The occurrence of this injury usually results from overuse of the flexor muscles/tendons and the formation of an adhesion or fibrotic nodule on the tendon. If left untreated, the adhesion/nodule becomes larger, therefore creating a conflicting ratio between the size of the tendon and the size of the entrance of the tendon sheath. In most cases, if the adhesion/nodule is not treated, it can continue to increase in size (Depending on activity/use of the affected finger) to the point where it still has the ability to pass into and through the tendon sheath when flexing the finger, but becomes stuck and cannot move back through the tendon sheath when trying to extend/straighten the finger, thus causing the finger to lock in the flexed forward / downward position.

The Trigger Finger Solution

Because Trigger Finger consists of an adhesion, nodule, and scar tissue buildup on the tendon due to excess strain, overuse, or direct trauma to that specific location on the tendon, it should be treated with stretching and strengthening exercises in order to break down the adhesion on the affected tendon. By breaking down the adhesion on the affected tendon, it reduces in size and slides through the pulley system in a normal manner, no longer "catching" and locking into the downward flexed position. (There is also a "thinning" of the tendon, which helps reduce the overall size of the tendon and nodule, therefore allowing it to pass through the tendon sheath with greater ease.) Creating strength in the opposing finger extensor tendons is very important as it allows the finger to return to an extended position in a more appropriate manner. This is where muscle balancing comes into play. By creating equality of tendon length and strength on both sides of the finger joint, individuals can help prevent the onset of Trigger Finger and/or keep it from re-occurring in the future.

Conservative therapy utilizing stretches and exercises has been highly effective, providing long-term and permanent relief. For those wanting to avoid surgery and for those where surgery was not effective in eliminating the condition, stretch and exercise therapy is the solution to both preventing and rehabilitating the devastating symptoms associated with Trigger finger.

Arthritis Treatment: Is Platelet-Rich Plasma PRP Therapy Effective?

To help heal damaged tissue, both athletes and non-athletes alike - particularly those in the Baby Boomer generation- have been attracted to the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. PRP is made by obtaining a specimen of a patient's blood (usually 60 cc's) and centrifuging it to isolate the platelets, (cells responsible for clotting), in a small volume of plasma.

This concentration of platelets is then injected, using ultrasound guidance, into the site of the patient's injury. The theory surrounding PRP is that growth and healing factors, stored in small packets located inside platelets, accelerate tissue recovery.

Tendonitis, or more accurately, tendinopathy, is a universal soft tissue injury problem and is a common affliction of both athletes as well as Baby Boomers.

These tendon injuries tend to become chronic, and are due to microscopic tearing of the tendon with formation of scar tissue. These tendinopathies heal poorly because they are usually located in "watershed" areas, regions where there is as relatively poor blood supply. An example would be the Achilles tendon.

Since poor blood supply restricts the ability of nutrients as well as healing or growth factors to get to the area, the application of PRP fixes that problem.

So theory aside, what has the data shown?

A number of studies conducted on the effectiveness of PRP have come up with mixed results. Some studies have shown benefit while others have not.

So why the discrepancy and does PRP really work?

Some investigators have argued that the placebo effect accounts for the success of PRP since it is a dramatic procedure involving a needle.

Another explanation is that the process of needling a tendon cause irritation and bleeding and this is known to help healing by attracting growth factors in the blood.

Another factor that might suggest a discrepancy in the results of studies is the difference in the rehabilitation program. For optimal results following a PRP procedure, a patient requires rest, modification of activity level and a specifically designed rehabilitation program with stretching and strengthening. The rest is important for the first few days since a significant amount of pain is experienced by many patients following PRP.

A patient is considered a candidate for PRP if they have either failed at least two to three months of other therapies or have a significant tendon or ligament issue that needs immediate attention.

Usually patients respond to one treatment but may require at least one more. Patients rarely require three.

Arthritis - Ways To Overcome It

There are so many factors involved in determining the health of an individual- genes, lifestyle, area where they live, diet etc. However a person can lead the healthiest life, with the least genetic disposition to contracting a disease, yet they can still end up with the disease. This often baffles modern day medicine, as there are simply not always clear indications of why a person has a condition such as arthritis. The number one factor in arthritis treatment is an early diagnosis- this in itself will provide the possibility to treat the condition with the most effective method from the onset of the condition.

In the case of arthritis there are many forms which can take hold of an individual at all stages of life- even children. Some types of arthritis may occur, but not show symptoms for some times- so again early diagnosis and examination by one's physician is crucial. Sometimes there is simply no explanation why an individual suffers from arthritis. Some forms of arthritis have no known causes, which makes it very difficult for a doctor to recommend preventative steps. However, no matter what form of arthritis a plan of dealing with the arthritis and treating it is needed.

As there are so many different types of arthritis, it is vital for the patient to understand which exact type of arthritis they are suffering from, and how it is effecting them. As in treating any medical condition, the doctor would normally start with ways to prevent the condition through to ways to treat and manage the condition. However, in the case of arthritis, there is not necessarily preventative measures which can be recommended - in some cases there certainly are- take the example of a body builder who develops arthritis in the joints This would be an example of an arthritis which has resulted from a distinct lifestyle issue- however this is not the norm. In the case that the cause of the arthritis is unknown, the first step is to understand the form of arthritis and its symptoms. Next it is crucial to narrow down the most effective treatments and physical therapy to help manage the arthritis pain effectively. Finally it is important to accept the condition, and re-design your lifestyle to benefit the condition.

Currently there is no distinct cure for arthritis- largely due to the fact it shows in so many different forms, however there are many different forms of treating arthritis --- there are pain killers, medicines, physical therapies and exercises, and even surgery. Overcoming arthritis is not necessarily simply applying the most effective treatment, rather it is adapting one's lifestyle and mentally accepting the condition as an inconvenience rather than a life changing event. There are certainly many ways to overcome arthritis- there is a wealth of information in the form of books and articles. The most important aspect is most certainly the way the patient mentally copes with the condition. A positive mental outlook will no doubt serve to help overcome the condition more effectively.

Currently there is no distinct cure for arthritis- largely due to the fact it shows in so many different forms, however there are many different forms of treating arthritis --- there are pain killers, medicines, physical therapies and exercises, and even surgery. Overcoming arthritis is not necessarily simply applying the most effective treatment, rather it is adapting one's lifestyle and mentally accepting the condition as an inconvenience rather than a life changing event. There are certainly many ways to overcome arthritis- there is a wealth of information in the form of books and articles. The most important aspect is most certainly the way the patient mentally copes with the condition. A positive mental outlook will no doubt serve to help overcome the condition more effectively.

Home Remedies For Arthritis Pain - How to Handle Arthritis Pain

There may be no cure for arthritis but you can manage the joint pains that come with it. Of course, it does not have to be popping a painkiller all the time as pain medications may also have side effects. Instead, you can find some home remedies for arthritis pain, which are safer ways of dealing with the discomfort of arthritis.

Know everything about your condition. One of the first steps that can help you deal with your arthritis and the pain that comes with it is to know about this disorder. Know what type of arthritis you have and know its causes and symptoms. With these, you will learn how to deal with it. You may not be able to totally wipe it all by yourself but by being knowledgeable about arthritis, you will know how to lessen its impact in your life.

Try some relaxation techniques to help you manage the pain of arthritis. One of this is visualization. This is usually done with audio tapes that will guide you to exercise your mind to think about something else rather than the pain you are feeling. This technique uses the power of your brain to have physiological responses to the pain you are feeling. The more you train and expose your mind to a mental image or visualization that there is no pain, the more your body will react to it, even if it is not real.

Heat and cold treatments are also great home remedies for arthritis pain, but it is important to know how to do it correctly, as it may also cause side effects if not done properly. Heat treatments are usually in the form of dry heat or moist heat, and they can mean warm bath, use of heating pads or heat lamps. Cold treatments may include ice packs. Knowing when to use cold or heat treatments is very important in managing arthritis pain and you have to find good guides that will give you a detailed instruction on when to use cold or heat treatments and how long you will apply them. Of course, home remedies for arthritis pain can be most effective only if done correctly.

Massage is also another good remedy for arthritis pain. You don't actually need someone to do it for you but you can do the massage yourself to relieve from pain. Of course, it is common sense not to massage a very swollen joint or if it causes too much pain. It helps also to get a professional massage therapist if you are not confident in doing it yourself.

Doing gentle exercises can also help manage the pain of arthritis. Gentle exercises help decrease pain and help strengthen your muscles as well. Before doing any exercises however, it is important to consult with your doctor as to what exercises will fit your condition. Of course, it is important to choose activities that will not damage your joints. Walking, stretching and some water exercises are among the exercises that will help you manage pain of arthritis.

Start with these home remedies for arthritis pain and you can indeed help yourself in dealing with joint pains and the discomfort of arthritis and lessen the impact of this disease in your daily living.

A Review of a New TNF Inhibitor for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Up until the 1980's, the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis was less than satisfactory. We used drugs such as gold salts, d-penicillamine, hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), sulfa drugs, and even tetracycline-derived antibiotics. For some patients who responded to these measures, the results were gratifying. But all too often patients either didn't respond or they developed horrendous side effects.

Approximately, fifteen years ago, biologic drugs such as the TNF inhibitors, entered the arena and revolutionized out treatment approach to rheumatoid arthritis.

While there are many biologic therapies with different mechanisms of action, this article will focus on one drug, a TNF inhibitor called Cimzia. The TNF inhibitors work by either attaching to tumor necrosis factor or blocking its ability to bind to its receptor on a cell. This action essentially renders tumor necrosis factor incapable of producing inflammation.

We currently have five TNF inhibitors available. I have adapted some of this information from a recent article by Dr. Phil Mease that appeared in Medscape.

Cimzia (CMZ) is a pegylated anti-TNF drug. What this means is that a polyethylene glycol chain has been attached to the TNF antibody. This attachment is supposed to keep the drug in circulation longer and also to keep it at the site on inflammation longer. This lengthier stay is supposed to enhance the effectiveness of the drug. CMZ is given as a subcutaneous injection every 2 or 4 weeks. One benefit is that it doesn't sting as much as some of the earlier TNF inhibitors such as Enbrel or Humira.

The safety and effectiveness of Cimzia in adult patients with active RA were established in three large phase III clinical trials, in which CMZ was given along with methotrexate or by itself. These studies showed that CMZ reduced the signs and symptoms of active rheumatoid arthritis and prevented the progression of joint damage.

The studies also evaluated factors such as patient reported outcomes and quality of life measures. After all, what good is the science if the patient doesn't feel that the medicine has helped them be able to get their life back?

All the clinical trials were in agreement in regards to the following: CMZ, in combination with or without methotrexate, improved the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis as early as the first week of treatment. CMZ also prevented joint damage as early as 16 weeks. Patients reported significant improvements in quality of life measures. They also had significant relief of arthritis pain and fatigue, following treatment with CMZ.

The potential side effects of CMZ are exactly the same as with all other TNF inhibitors and these potential problems need to be discussed with the patient prior to prescribing the drug.

In our office we also go over a teaching schedule and have a patient sign an informed consent form.

Finding Osteoarthritis Pain Relief

Finding osteoarthritis pain relief is not just a matter of looking for medication. There are many ways that you can get pain relief for this chronic condition without rushing to the medicine cabinet. Most doctors today agree that osteoarthritis pain relief should be as natural as possible, to avoid side effects.

Traditional Remedies: The problem with the traditional pain relief remedies for osteoarthritis is that they have negative side effects. Anti-inflammatory drugs, the most commonly prescribed medications for osteoarthritis, can have negative side effects in the digestive system. They have been linked with gastronomical problems as well as ulcers in the stomach. They have also been linked to liver disease. While they show promise in relieve the pain from osteoarthritis, they are not without their problems.

Over The Counter Pain Relief: Other osteoarthritis pain relief is found in over the counter medication such as Tylenol and aspirin. These over the counter medications also have a negative impact on the digestive tract. Studies indicate that stomach ulcers and liver problems can be caused by abuse of over the counter pain medications. Stomach cancer has also been linked to this type of abuse. While over the counter medications are ideal for relieving pain that occurs once in a while, they can be harmful if taken in great quantities for chronic pain.

Pain Killers: In some cases, doctors may recommend pain killers for osteoarthritis. Some people suffer from this condition to the point where it is debilitating. In such cases, the doctor may recommend this type of treatment for those who are in dire pain. The problem with pain killers is that they cause the patient to build up a tolerance for the drug that means an increase in dosage to achieve the same results. The pain killers are also very addictive. They can cause the person to experience pain magnified when they attempt to kick the habit.

Muscle Relaxants: Muscle relaxants are also used to combat osteoarthritis, but they can have the same results as pain medication. It is clear that alternate means of osteoarthritis pain relief must be explored in order to keep people from the negative side effects of prescription and over the counter drugs.

Heat Treatments: Heating treatments can also work well when it comes to osteoarthritis pain relief. Many patients find that heating pads as well as whirlpool and sauna treatments do wonders to ease the pain. Paraffin wax treatments for the hands and feet can also be a viable treatment for this condition.

Healthy Diet: Eating the right foods and taking supplements can also help with osteoarthritis. If you want to treat this condition, you should look to the cause. Many people who suffer from osteoarthritis are overweight. If this is the case, then you are doing your whole body a favor when you lose weight.

Exercise: Knee braces, lumbar support devices and even massage can help with osteoarthritis. Exercise does not harm this condition, in fact, it can help. Many doctors will recommend some type of exercise, such as swimming, to help with osteoarthritis pain.

When you suffer from osteoarthritis, you will feel pain. But instead of reaching into the medicine cabinet for osteoarthritis pain relief, look first to more natural pain relief for this condition to avoid harmful side effects.

Detox Programs For Rheumatoid Arthritis

Many who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis are now considering going through detox programs for treatment. Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease whereby your immune system mistakes your own body tissues as invaders. Actually, your immune system turns against itself primarily due to toxins that get accumulated over a period in time. Detox programs have been reported to be more effective in pain relief for rheumatoid arthritis than osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis has been found to not respond to detox programs as well as rheumatoid arthritis.

Detox programs for rheumatoid arthritis facilitates the cleansing of your bowels, kidneys, lungs, liver and the blood. It is necessary to detox as waste accumulates in your body through polluted air, smoking, or if you consume processed foods that contain preservatives. These toxic wastes cause damage and create problems such as hormonal imbalance, inefficent metabolism and impaired immune function. When these waste collect in your body, your rheumatoid arthritis worsens with increasing pain and stiffness at your joints. Detox programs for rheumatoid arthritis target these toxic waste elements in your body and help to eliminate them.

An excellent way to detox is via juice fasting. Natural health experts recommend that you should take vegetable juices instead of fruit juices, if you have arthritis. The high sugar content in fruit juices would have otherwise raise your blood suger levels and causing a corresponding increase in the insulin level.

Initially, when you consume vegetable juices, you may find it hard to drink up because the taste is not sweet. However, you should slowly build from drinking one ounze to ten ounzes at a time.

The detox programs for rheumatoid arthritis work by providing anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients to your body. They enable your digestive system and excretory system to eliminate toxins released by the body during metabolism. Detox programs also tend to speed up the growth of new cells, which promotes healing. You will feel a surge in energy levels as well as have enhanced mental clarity.

Before you embark on any detox programs, it is best that you first consult with your health care provider. You want to make sure that you are ready to understake this program. Also let him know what medications you are on currently. You will also need to be under the guidance of a natural health expert if you have a specific aim in mind for your detox - in this case, it will be to reduce the pain arising from the severity of your rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthritis Medication For Dogs - And Is There Such A Thing As Arthritis Medication For Dog?

I hear it all the time from my fellow friends, as their hearts sink and they reveal to me that their dog or cat has started to develop arthritis. I always smile in return, not because I'm an evil man...but because I know that their pets arthritis can be treated in a very effective manner, and I know first hand what the results of such treatment options can do for your pet.

When my 12 year old German Shepherd started to develop arthritis almost a year ago, I was the devastated to say the least, but I soon found out that I did have options for treatment. For the first three months I did nothing but test different formulas and methods to see what she responded best to. It's been about 8 months since she first started to develop arthritis, and she now walks and runs almost as good as new. Here are some arthritis medication do's and dont's:

Dont's

While this would be the exact opposite for humans, when it comes to cat's and dog's, visiting you're veterinarian is simply a waste of time and money. This is because there are no special or prescription treatments that a veterinarian can provide for you're pet. Remember that animal research does not have nearly the same financial support that human research does. Don't worry though, there is plenty of information out there...like here! :)

Don't try and using any sort of hypnosis, or herbal treatments on your pet. These simply don't work, and even you're dog or cat will look at you and think "you must be joking".

If you've been looking for treatment for pet arthritis, then you've probably heard about glucosamine. In my extensive experience and those of others, glucosamine is usually the only thing that works...and yes it works very well. However, be very careful of glucosamine products in powdered and/or pill form. These are very quickly broken down by the stomach acids and liver of you're pet and end up in their stool...not their bones where it should be.

Do's

The only effective treatment options that I have found that have actually worked are regular exercise and liquid glucosamine. I stress liquid over pill form for many reasons...but that's a different subject.

The truth is that regular exercise and liquid glucosamine does work to help heal damaged bones and joints better then anything else around. So is there such thing as arthritis medication for dogs? You better believe, and once you start these treatment methods, you're pets will do nothing by thank you....if they could talk of course ;)

What Causes Arthritis in Older Dogs?

Arthritis is becoming more and more common in older dogs, particularly in larger, heavier breeds. It is a condition that affects the joints which makes it more difficult and painful for him to move around. There is more than one type of arthritis and knowing which condition your dog has will make it easier for you to treat him and ease his pain.

Rheumatoid arthritis is one type. This type of arthritis occurs when the dog's immune system becomes overactive and cannot distinguish between natural proteins produced by the body and foreign proteins. The immune system will start to produce antibodies to fight the proteins and attacks the surface of the cartilage around the joints.

The joints then become severely inflamed and your dog will start to struggle with mobility. This is also an erosive disease; not only does inflammation occur but the cartilage and bone in the joint will start to wear away. This does not just affect one joint unfortunately; several will be attacked at once giving your dog severe pain.

Rheumatoid arthritis is not a common disease in dogs and little is known about what actually causes it. It could be due to sudden infection, disease of the digestive system or even cancer. Sometimes though, it can happen with no other problems being present. IT normally affects small, toy breeds of dogs around the age of 4.

Osteoarthritis is the more common type of the condition that dogs suffer from. This is normally caused by damage to the cartilage and joint by an injury, although age does play its part in this disease as well. The joints and cartilage will start to wear out, causing inflammation in some cases. This is incredibly painful and makes it very difficult for your dog to move around in comfort.

Whilst it is important for your dog to receive a good healthy exercise regime, too much and too often can lead to problems later on in life. Your dog can sustain injuries running around, chasing a ball or jumping in and out of the car. You won't always know about these injuries as some are minor enough not to be a problem at the time.

However, the damage may already have been done and the joints are starting to take a pounding. A good diet is also essential as overweight dogs are more likely to suffer from arthritis as well. The dog's joints can only take so much pressure and increased weight and lack of exercise will lead to the cartilage starting to break down and wear away.

Some breeds are more susceptible than others but all dogs are at risk, especially as they get older. A lifetime of exercise will start to tell on the joints and they will start to wear away, causing an immense amount of discomfort and stiffness to your dog. Treatment is possible, but normally only to ease the pain and allow for a better quality of life. Unfortunately, particularly in older dogs, the damage cannot be repaired; we can only try to stop further damage from occurring.

Alternative Surgery to Prevent Knee Arthritis

Osteoarthritis, the commonest form of arthritis affects the knee joint most often in India. Elderly afflicted by this chronic painful disease need joint replacements as a permanent solution to improve their quality of life and put an end to disabling pain. However it is increasingly common to see many young people also suffer from the earlier manifestations of the disease. In this group alternate solutions have to be recommended considering the age, increased demands like participation in sports and work. Joint replacements cannot obviously be a solution to young men and women.

Osteoarthritis is a age related wear of Articular cartilage which covers the end of the long bones in a joint. It is smooth, elastic, shining tissue. It is responsible for lubrication, shock absorption, and pain-free movements. Unlike other tissues of the body, it has limited capability of regeneration and repair as it has no blood supply and nerve supply. This limited repair capacity decreases with aging and leads to depletion in the arthritis knee. Pain and stiffness ensue, necessitating medication or surgery.

Osteoarthritis does not involve the whole of the joint to begin with. A localized area of cartilage damage called a lesion is the precursor and harbinger of the disease. If left untreated, lesions greater than 1. 5 cm will lead to arthritis after 15 years.

Some generalized and local conditions predispose to early cartilage damage. These are mechanical, chemical, and biological. Occupations, Obesity, mal-alignment or structural damage can predispose to cartilage damage.

Ligaments and menisci stabilize the knee. Menisci dissipate stresses, help in lubrication, increase joint conformity and confer additional stability. The ligaments inside the joint are called the cruciate ligaments. These are torn in many sports, or two wheeler accidents. An ACL injury is the commonest ligamentous injury. Unrepaired ACL's lead to further tearing of the menisci and both in association can lead to osteo-arthritis.

Meniscal tears can occur in isolation in sports or domestic accidents. After the importance of the menisci was realized and arthroscopic surgery came into vogue, attempts are made to resect and remove only the damaged portion of the menisci and preserve the rest. However, it is not always possible to do so as the damage is beyond repair and a total or subtotal Menisectomy is necessary. Such knees are also predisposed to develop secondary osteoarthritis (occurring in younger persons at an earlier age) cf Primary osteoarthritis which occurs in the elderly.

Some people have deformities around the knee. These may be situated in the thigh bone or leg bone. Normally in the standing position, there should be no gap between the inner side of the knee and ankle joint. If a gap exists between the knees, then the person has bow legs (Genu varum) and if a gap exists between the ankles, then the legs diverge at the ankle, causing knock knees (Genu valgum). Both these deformities can lead to one sided wear of the knee joint and arthritis in one half of the knee.

Surgical solutions are available to prevent or treat early arthritis. These alternatives avoid knee pain from arthritis.

These knee reconstructive procedures attempt to restore the anatomy of the joint and are mainly of a biological nature. They do not involve joint replacement. Examples are

1) Knee ligament reconstruction- ACL reconstruction is possible through tiny key-hole incisions (arthroscopic surgery). Graft is taken from the patient's own body (autograft) or from a brain dead person, (allograft). This tendon graft is threaded through bony tunnels in the leg and thigh bones and is fixed with screws, buttons or other devices.

2) Meniscal suture- This is a procedure in which attempt is made to suture a torn meniscus if situated in a suitable position. Concomitant ACL reconstruction is required if there is an injury to this ligament also. This is done through arthroscopic surgery.

3) Meniscal transplant- This procedure is to be introduced shortly. In this menisci are harvested from the knee joints of brain dead living donors or non heart beating donors. These are preserved and then grafted into the damaged knee.

4) Reparative cartilage procedure are available to salvage localised cartilage defects and prevent their progression to extensive involvement. These are microfracture wherein small holes are made in the raw area to generate a super clot and in growth of fibro cartilage. In mosaicplasty, cartilage plugs are harvested from non weight bearing portion of the knee and re-implanted into the lesions.

5) Corrective osteotomy- Mal-aligned joints can be corrected by an osteotomy (division of bone). After this surgery, stresses across a joint are distributed more evenly excess wear from one half of the joint is minmized. This again prevent rapid progression of osteoarthritis and can postpone the need for a replacement.

These surgical alternatives are available in Chennai to treat painful knees in young people and prevent progression to arthritis. By availing these alternate surgical procedures where one is indicated, one can preserve and continue with natural cartilage and postpone or avoid joint replacement by a decade or more.

New Implant Helps Cartilage Grow

Engineers at MIT and researchers at the University of Cambridge designed a new resorbable, porous implant for joint surfaces. Chondromimetic is an implant with a two layer scaffolding that encourages the body's natural healing process. The implant stimulates the repair of damaged joint surfaces caused by degenerative processes, such as osteoarthritis. Chondromimetic contains collagen, glycosaminoglycans and calcium phosphate which are biocompatible materials normally found in cartilage and bone. The implant has a two layer scaffold which provides a framework to allow cells to migrate in and around and start the regeneration process. One layer of the scaffold mimics bone and the other layer mimic cartilage and they can stimulate stem cells in the bone marrow to produce new bone and cartilage. The dual layer scaffold resembles the cartilage and bone layers in a normal joint and this makes it unique and perfect for joint surfaces.

Arthritis is the inflammation and swelling of the joint tissues and associated deterioration of the cartilage and osteoarthritis is the breakdown of the cartilage within the joint. Healthy joint cartilage helps with shock absorption and allows the bones to glide smoothly over each other. When the cartilage deteriorates, the underlying bone is exposed which causes painful and limited joint movement.

There is no current treatment for osteoarthritis that will replace the cartilage. There are conservative therapies for managing the pain and accommodating the joint. There are medications, such as ibuprofen, which can manage the pain and discomfort. Surgical procedures are limited. Some current procedures involve drilling the deteriorated joint surface to encourage new cartilage growth. There are some cartilage implants which can be placed within the joint and have some success. When the arthritis becomes severe and the pain is limiting, many joints are replaced. In the foot, the great toe joint is the most commonly affected by osteoarthritis. Joint fusion, placing two bones together with screws and removing the remaining cartilage, is a common procedure for severe osteoarthritis.

The Chondromimetic implant is an novel approach and current research is encouraging, but further evidence is needed to establish the safety and effectiveness.

Psoriasis - Food For Thought

Food is our body's fuel and when it comes to your diet and Psoriasis there is some element of research that tends to show that not only "you are what you eat," but also that the Psoriasis is what you eat. What I mean by that is that your food intake can have a direct correlation to your flare ups or indeed lack thereof.

Education is really the key here and most probably you will need to educate yourself. Whilst this article will give you some information and generalisms, Psoriasis has so many variables and variants and the world of food is so big that it would simply be impossible naive and indeed ignorant for me to give you an entire diet plan and make some wild claim about curing your skin problem.

That being said there are a few things we can advise that may well be worth trying.

Standard healthy eating is always going to be a good place to start. By eating as many vegetables as possible whilst cutting down on fatty junk style food you are treating your body properly and giving it every chance and assistance to be strong in its fight both against the Psoriasis and other infections. Remember the skin is the largest organ of the body with the most exposure to outside factors and therefore is also the most likely to catch infections or react to different factors. People who have Psoriasis already have skin that is damaged or even more open to the elements.

Cod liver and or other fish oil tablets have been claimed to have a beneficial effect for sufferers. The reason why it is believed that Cod Liver oil is beneficial is due to the high Omega 3 Fat Content which is known to help reduce abnormal inflammation in our bodies. Inflammation is one of the main ways that Psoriasis works so anything that can assist in fighting this has to be a good thing. A further benefit of Cod Liver Oil is that it is also recognised as being good for joint pain and therefore potential psoriatic arthritis sufferers.

Psoriasis sufferers have an overactive immune system which tends to make the T- Cells which are the bodies defence mechanism become overactive when attacking invaders in our bodies. This then causes them to trigger abnormal inflammation and auto immune aggression. Basically they then begin to attack the healthy skin or joints causing Psoriatic Flakes or exacerbating arthritis. As Cod liver Oil can help reduce this inflammation it is a key soldier in the fight against Psoriasis. One capsule of Cod liver oil daily would be right at the top of my diet sheet.

Food Diary.

Keep a food diary for your own benefit and knowledge. This will help you to learn more about and understand your body and which foods effect it either positively or negatively. Once you are educated about your own requirements you can then avoid the foods that are your own personal triggers.

How To Cure Psoriasis Fast Within Days

Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes cells of the skin to grow at a fast rate, thus causing red, irritated blotches to appear on the skin. When this happens, the skin will scale, dry out and most likely be extremely itchy.

In this article, I will recommend some effective remedies and treatments on how to cure Psoriasis fast. These are all natural and safe, and have been proven to work on thousands of Psoriasis sufferers.

1) Spend Time Outside Each Day

It's a good idea to get outside each day, as the natural sunlight contains ultraviolet rays which can help reduce any inflammation and help the skin cells heal faster. It's recommended to get at least 5-10 minutes of exposure to sunlight each day. Even if the sun isn't bright, this will still benefit the skin. You also want to make sure you do not spend too much time in the sun, as this will have an opposite effect and can make your Psoriasis worse.

2) Use Coal Tar Each Day

An often overlooked remedy on how to cure Psoriasis is Coal Tar. Coal Tar is an effective aid in curing Psoriasis, and it comes in cream, oil or lotion form which makes it easy to apply to the skin. It's been proven that Coal Tar helps reduce inflammation, gets rid of itchiness, and stops scaling. There are also shampoo's that have Coal Tar in it that you can use on the scalp.

3) Try Light Therapy

There are special light therapies, one called Psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA), which is another effective treatment on how to cure Psoriasis fast. During this light therapy, ultraviolet A is shot down on the infected area of the skin and has been proven to help dry up the scales and heal Psoriasis quickly.

4) Boost Your Immune System

Your body naturally wants to heal itself from any ailments or conditions that are foreign to your natural state of health. When you provide the body with the proper nutrients, hydration, rest and supplements, it can cure Psoriasis on its own.

Whenever someone asks me, "How to cure Psoriasis?", I always ask them what their diet is. Diet is the most overlooked factor, and it's probably the most important in getting rid of Psoriasis. If you're consuming foods that aren't nourishing your body and providing the cells with what they need, then you're making it very difficult to get better.

You want to be consuming as many vegetables as possible, and avoiding sugars, dairy and meats. Not only that, but I recommend taking some good supplements - such as vitamins and minerals. There are some good oils that contain essential fatty acids that your body also needs as well, such as coconut oil, flaxseed oil, or sunflower oil. These oils, when ingested, will do wonders for the skin.

Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a very serious disease, which is actually a great deal different than other types of arthritis. However, it shares a number of the same symptoms, including joint discomfort and joint stiffness.

One of the major differences about this type of joint disorder is that it is caused by an autoimmune response in the body. An autoimmune response is when the persons own body begins to attack healthy cells and organs. Not only can rheumatoid arthritis effect joints, but it can also cause damage to other organs in the body.

Another big difference between this kind of arthritis and other common types of arthritis, like osteoarthritis, is that rheumatoid arthritis usually attacks joints in a symmetrical manner. This means that if rheumatoid arthritis is present in one knee, it will usually also be present in the other knee. The autoimmune response is brought about by bone and tissue eating enzymes that are released around affected joints, in an effort to control the swelling. However, the enzymes not only attack damaged tissue, but they also attack the cartilage and tissue that is still healthy.

Like other more common types of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis can be found in people of any age. However, those between the ages of thirty and sixty are more likely to be diagnosed with this disorder. The disease is also significantly more common among females, with smoking also being a factor that increase the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Across the world, about 1% of the total world population has rheumatoid arthritis.

There are a number of common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, including a reduction in mobility and joint swelling. However, unlike osteoarthritis, which is characterized by morning joint discomfort that lasts for less than 30 minutes, joint discomfort usually lasts for at least an hour for those with this type of arthritis. It is also common for a sensation of general unease, referred to as Malaise, to develop. In addition, dry mouth, dry eyes, tiredness, reduced hunger, fever, and fatigue may also be present.

It can be incredibly hard for doctors to diagnose this disease, because there is no actual test for the disease. Instead a combination of reviewing the patients history, considering their symptoms, preforming blood tests, and taking x-rays is usually used to help determine if the individual has rheumatoid arthritis.

Even though there is no cure for this disease, it can be treated, but it is incredibly important to diagnose the disease as soon as is possible, to reduce the damage it can cause. Often, many of the normal arthritis treatments are used, which include eating healthily, trying to reduce excess weight, and preforming light exercise. However, a number of other medications exists that can help counteract its effects.

No one knows for sure what causes the disease, but a commonly held belief among scientists and researchers is that in an individual who is genetically predisposed to developing the disease, a triggering event will occur that causes it to develop.

7 Vitamins Every Arthritis Sufferer Should Know About

A deficiency of vitamins can lead to a variety of health problems, including some forms of arthritis.

These organic nutrients are normal sourced through our intake of fresh fruit and vegetables. Due to the following factors, it is not always possible to get our recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamins:

1) Poor soil quality

2) Modern processing methods

3) Popularity of 'Junk' foods

As an alternative to getting your RDA through diet, many people now take vitamin supplements.

The following list of vitamins are known to be especially beneficial to arthritis sufferers:

Vitamin B5 - When grouped and tanked together, B vitamins work at their peak. They, and B5 specifically, are good for reducing swelling.

Vitamin B3 - This vitamin reduces tissue swelling and dilates small arteries, increasing blood flow. Note that Vitamin B3 is NOT advised for persons with high blood pressure, gout or sliver disorders.

Vitamin B6 - Another B that reduces tissue swelling.

Vitamin B12 - This vitamin aids in multiple functions. It helps with cell formation, digestion, myelin production, nerve protection.

Vitamin C - This vitamin acts as an anti-inflammatory, relieving pain, and rids the body of free radicals.

Vitamin E - This is a strong antioxidant that protects joints from free radicals while increases joint flexibility.

Vitamin K - This vitamin assists with mineral deposit into the bone matrix.

Vitamins combine with enzymes involved with tissue repair, cell production and our metabolism.

There are two types of vitamins:

Water Soluable - These vitamins ( B and C complex ) are not not stored in our body organs and usually pass through our bodies very quickly, in the form of urine. It is therefore important to have regular daily intakes of these vitamins.

Fat Soluable - Vitamins A, D, E and K stay in the body as they are stored in the liver.

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.

Eye Arthritis - Can It Be Prevented?

The condition termed as arthritis of the eyes is known as Uvetis. Uvetis can be caused by a lot of factors, although the most definite one that triggers a particular attack is hard to pinpoint. It is believed that the eyes have a lot in common with joints and the knees, as these body parts are self-contained. By being self-contained, it means that these body parts have definite boundaries that create cavities that are filled with fluids, spaces, and connective tissues.

Most cases of eye arthritis have a lot to do with poor diet. Studies also show that smoking may trigger this disease as well. But links with other health conditions such as headaches, infections, and injuries are associated with it too. If a person has a weak immune system, it is also possible that it could have been the point of origin of their eye arthritis.

To prevent eye arthritis, the following steps can be performed:

Undergo eye exams. Every time you feel that there's something wrong with your eyes, such as if you feel that your eyes are painful, you should go to the doctor and have them checked. Headaches are also a sign of eye arthritis. Therefore whenever your episodes of headache are becoming frequent, don't waste time and consult with a health expert right away.

Take medications at the onset of symptoms. One of the common symptoms of eye arthritis would be dry eyes. For such cases, apply topical eye drops to relieve the pain. But before doing so, make sure that the medicine you are using is prescribed by your doctor. The most effective eye drops in the market today are the ones that contain betamethosone, prednisolone, and dexamethasone. Never self-medicate. It is mandatory that you determine what type of eye medication is best for your health problem. That's the only effective way to treat the disease.

Avoid using contact lenses. Those who are suffering from eye arthritis should make sure that they never use contact lenses at all. Contact lenses are known to make the eyes dry out to some degree. If contact lenses are used all the time, then the possibility of triggering eye arthritis will increase.

Use sunglasses to protect the eyes. The use of the right type of sunglasses is going to be beneficial to eye arthritis patients. When the correct type of sunglasses are worn, the eyes won't be subjected to conditions that could set off eye arthritis. There are sunglasses that can protect the eyes. But there are also sunglasses that can be harmful because they do not use the right type of materials. If you have eye arthritis, be sure to invest on a good pair of sunglasses.

Take oral medications. There are times that oral medications are required to address the pain caused by eye arthritis. Sometimes, the pain becomes too unbearable that oral anti-inflammatory drugs need to be prescribed. For these cases, tell your doctor that mere eye drops are not sufficient to make the pain go away. Ask him to give you oral medications to supplement the effects of the eye drops.

Surgery. Should your case of eye arthritis be on the advanced level, try to consider surgery, especially if your doctor had already suggested it. Surgery has its pros and cons. Make sure that you weigh them first and take them into consideration when you make your decision. Also, ask your doctor to explain to you the entire process and all the possible effects when you choose to undergo it. This way, you will know what to expect after the procedure.

These are the different ways to prevent, and possibly cure, eye arthritis. Eye arthritis is a medical condition that should not be ignored. The moment you know that you have it, take immediate action so that you can avoid the pains associated with it.

Alternative Treatments for Arthritis - An Evolving Science

Arthritis has gained quite a reputation over the years as a deadly disease affecting millions of people worldwide. Its spread has been so vast that the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared 2000 - 2010 as the decade of joint health as joints are pre dominantly affected in arthritis.

Millions of dollars are been spent on the research to find a cure for this disease. Conventional forms of treatment and alternative forms are been researched and debated world over. Clinical research is been done on a number of new drugs promising the magic cure.

New evidence from patients using both the conventional form of medicine and alternative forms has thrown new light on the treatment methodologies and side effects after prolonged use of the medicines.

Research has also helped in several medicines taken off the shelf as their use has been found to increase the side effects sometimes even leading to death. Vioxx was one of the most common and popular medicine prescribed for arthritis. Its prolonged use has been found to lead to heart attacks and internal bleeding.

As more knowledge is been gained about the causes, treatments and side effects involved in the treatment alternative or natural cure for arthritis has slowly but surely started gaining the upper hand over conventional medicine.

Causes of arthritis

• Heredity has also been found to be a major reason for arthritis.


• Hormonal imbalance, stress and anxiety and a sedentary lifestyle have all been cited as reasons for increase of arthritis incidence the world over.


• Accumulation of toxins in the body is the main cause of rheumatoid arthritis. The toxins accumulate on the joints and cause swelling and pain.

Ayurveda, homeopathy and traditional Chinese medicines provide a natural cure for arthritis.

What are the various treatment options for arthritis?

• Treatment of arthritis is a life long process and alternative medicines are a safe bet. Diet and overall lifestyle changes form part of the alternative treatments prescribed for arthritis.


• Japanese fishermen seem to be less prone to arthritis and studies conducted on them found that high intake of fish were the primary reason for keep arthritis at bay.


• Green lipped mussel found in New Zealand has also tremendous benefits and it has been found to be more effective than fish oil.

The traditional forms of treatment are not over the counter kind of treatment. They require expert guidance and a complete analysis of the patient's health, lifestyle and diet patterns.

Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis and Joint Pain Problem

Arthritis signs and symptoms vary with individuals. Here we will emphasize on some of the major signs and symptoms of arthritis and joint pain problem.

1. Pain is the first and foremost sign and symptom of arthritis. All arthritis patients suffer from excruciating joint pain. Pain due to arthritis is also termed as arthralgia. The word comes from Greek 'artho' meaning joint and 'algos' meaning pain. The root cause of the pain lies in the destructive and degenerative process involved in arthritis. In other words the cartilage degeneration and bone friction causes acute pain, as in case of osteoarthritis. Also inflammation of tissues around joints leads to pain as in the case of rheumatoid arthritis. Accumulation of fluids and uric acid crystals in between the joints also lead to pain.

2. Swelling is another sign and symptom of arthritis. At times it is also the primary symptom of arthritis. Little amount of fluid is always present in our joints under normal conditions. In a joint attacked by arthritis, the amount of fluid increases to abnormal proportions making the joint look swollen. This excess fluid is discharged by the soft tissues lining the joint. The tissues come under the effect of arthritis and produce large amount of fluids.

3. Stiffness or inflexibility at the joint is a symptom associated with swelling. Muscle tightness, inflammation of joint lining and calcification at the joints are triggering factors causing stiffness. In case of patients with much stiffness, the joints may become non-functional with time. Therefore stiffness if not checked may even lead to disability. The stiffness usually increases if the ailing joint is kept idle for a long time. Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by severe stiffness early in the morning just after waking up. The stiffness comes down gradually as one gets in to activities.

4. Crepitus or a crunching or grating sound while moving an ailing joint is a common symptom of arthritis, noticeable in many. The word is derived from a Latin word meaning 'a rattle or crackling sound'. Crepitus is an indication of wearing out of cartilages in a joint. When crepitus occurs, along with the crunching sound, one feels some sensation in the affected joint. Crepitus is usually painless.

5. Deformity at joint is another arthritis symptom. It is common in case of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Bony outgrowths, swan neck deformity or bending of finger base, boutonniere deformity or flexion of PIP joint in the finger are common types of deformities caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Basal joint deformity or thumb carpometacarpal hyperextension deformity causes the thumb to stretch out and bend backward. This type is seen in patients with osteoarthritis.

6. Redness of skin around the affected joint is one sign and symptom. When some damage occurs at any part of the body, the immune system runs to destroy or eliminate the cause of damage. The same is true in case of joint damage as well. When the battle goes on, the result is redness in the external skin.

7. Arthritis patients also suffer from constipation or colitis.

Osteoarthritis - Is There Any Modern Day Cure To This Disease?

One of the most feared and extremely debilitating diseases that are a major cause for partial and permanent disability in the world is osteoarthritis. The joints in the body, especially the limbs, are the most affected. There are extremely painful conditions leading to decreased movement, tenderness, inability to walk or make a fist formation and a host of other pseudo psychiatric effects.

Osteoarthritis has its origins in degenerative hereditary conditions and it goes down through the genes into the progenies. It is feasible that any joint in the body can be affected but the most common areas are the knees, hands, hips, spine and feet.

In extreme cases, there is permanent disfigurement too. Swelling in these areas is marked leading to a gradual limp in the gait and virtual inability to climb stairs. Pain gradually increases during the daytime and bedtime becomes unbearable or, at the very least, very uncomfortable. With the complete wearing off taking place in the cartilages, the bone joints rub against each other increasing the pain many fold. Even the slightest touching of one bonehead with the other in the missing cartilage area causes enormous pain.

Since the disease is degenerative in nature, osteoarthritis does not have a permanent cure. There may be medication for pain relief but that is purely temporary in nature. Steroids and anti-inflammatory drugs may be used to prevent worsening of the pain. Surgical treatments such as complete replacement and resurfacing procedures have been able to address the issue with some success but again, the costs involved in these procedures are astronomical. There are also continuous post-surgical medications that may become necessary depending upon the progress made.

New Guidelines For Rheumatoid Arthritis - Good Or Bad?

The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) is the national organization that represents much of the current thinking when it comes to arthritis care. One of their major commitments has been to develop guidelines for treatment of various types of arthritis. These guidelines are meant to instruct and perhaps give people an indication of what is considered "standard of care".

They are not set in concrete nor are they meant to restrict other therapies. Guidelines for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were last made by the ACR in 2002... before the general use of biologic therapy.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, systemic, autoimmune disorder for which there is no known cure. It affects roughly 2 million Americans.

Up until the turn of this past century, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDS) were the mainstay of treatment. Because of the advent of newer more effective biologic therapies, the ACR felt it was time for a major re-evaluation of the use of DMARD therapy in rheumatoid arthritis.

They issued a set of guidelines that were recently published. (Saag KG, et al. Arthritis Care and Research 2008; 59: 762-784).

These recommendations on the use of non-biologic and biologic DMARDs in RA have recently been published and focus on 5 key areas: indications for use, monitoring for side-effects, assessing the clinical response, screening for tuberculosis (a risk factor associated with biologic DMARDs), and under certain circumstances (i.e. high disease activity) the roles of cost and patient preference in choosing biologic agents. When formulating these recommendations, RA disease duration, disease severity, and prognostic features were also considered.

The authors of these guidelines stated that, "Applying these recommendations to clinical practice requires individualized patient assessment and clinical decision-making. The recommendations developed are not intended to be used in a 'cookbook' or prescriptive manner or to limit a physician's clinical judgment, but rather to provide guidance based on clinical evidence and expert panel input."

The ACR 2008 recommendations include:

o Initiation of methotrexate or leflunomide (Arava) therapy was recommended for most RA patients.

o Methotrexate plus hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) was also endorsed for patients with moderate to high disease activity.

o The triple DMARD combination of methotrexate plus hydroxychloroquine plus sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) for patients with poor prognostic features and moderate to high levels of disease activity was suggested.

o Recommended the prescription of anti-TNF agents such as etanercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade), or adalimumab (Humira) along with methotrexate in early RA (less than 3 months) only for patients with high disease activity who had never received DMARDs. In intermediate- and longer-duration RA, anti-TNF agents were recommended for patients who had failed to respond adequately to methotrexate therapy.

o Reserving the use of second line biologic therapies such as abatacept (Orencia) and rituximab (Rituxan) for patients with at least moderate disease activity and poor disease prognosis for whom methotrexate in combination with or sequential administration of other non-biologic DMARDs did not lead to an adequate response.

o Avoiding the initiation or resumption of treatment with methotrexate, leflunomide, or biologic agents for patients with active bacterial infection, active herpes-zoster viral infection, active or latent tuberculosis, or acute or chronic hepatitis B or C.

o Not prescribing anti-TNF agents to patients with a history of heart failure, with a history of lymphoma, or with multiple sclerosis or demyelinating disorders.

o Avoiding the initiation or resumption of methotrexate, leflunomide, or minocycline for RA patients planning for pregnancy and throughout the duration of pregnancy and breastfeeding.

The authors continued on, "These recommendations are extensive but not comprehensive... and it is intended that they will be regularly updated to reflect the rapidly growing scientific evidence in this area along with changing practice patterns in rheumatology."

Personally, I feel the guidelines are too little too late. While I agree with the main body of their recommendations for the most part, I do disagree with some of their thoughts. For instance, I have disagreement with the use of triple therapy since I don't think it works and is potentially more toxic than the use of biologic therapies. In addition, the use of second-line drugs like Orencia and Rituxan should be given to patients who fail the combination of a TNF-inhibitor and methotrexate.

Newer biologic agents such as Actemra and Cimzia which are currently awaiting FDA approval will also alter the way rheumatologists approach treatment.

Progress in the field of rheumatoid arthritis research has been astounding. With the advent of newer techniques designed to diagnose and customize therapies, the possibility of a cure is not too far down the road.

Common Causes of Knee Pain - Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Knees

There are all kinds of things that can cause knee pain, from simple sprains and strains that will heal up in a matter of a few weeks, to painful, chronic conditions. One chronic condition that is extremely painful is rheumatoid arthritis, which causes inflammation and pain in the knee joints. As a rule, arthritis affects both knees, so sufferers can't even say that they have a "good knee".

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is actually an autoimmune disease, and it causes the joints in the body to be pretty much constantly inflamed. In addition, the tissues around the joints, and even some organs, can be affected by this disease. Rheumatoid arthritis can be found in patients of any age, and can have varying degrees of severity. Over time, patients with arthritis will find that their joints may deteriorate, and they will have less and less range of movement. In many cases, patients with chronic arthritis can go many years before their symptoms begin to cause real suffering, but, in most cases, the disease will flare up at some point in time.

Currently there is much research being done to discover what actually causes rheumatoid arthritis. There are a number of possible suspects, but nothing has been proven thus far. It is possible that infections and illnesses that lower the immune system may play a part in the development of rheumatoid arthritis, but again, this is just one possibility.

How to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Knee

There are many non-surgical treatments that have been proven to be quite effective for a number of patients with rheumatoid arthritis in the knees. Often, it is recommended that patients take anti-inflammatory medications, which may be prescription-strength or over-the-counter. Lifestyle changes can also play a large role in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in the knees. Because the knees carry a lot of weight, being overweight can aggravate any condition of the knee, including rheumatoid arthritis, so it is a good idea to lose some of the extra weight. A healthy diet and exercise plan can go a long way in treating this type of condition. Often, physicians will recommend that patients with rheumatoid arthritis in the knees visit a physiotherapist, where they will be taught specific exercises that are meant to help keep the knees functioning properly. A lot of patients also use heat therapy, as well as compression with a knee brace, for stability and pain relief.

There may come a time when arthritis cannot be successfully treated non-surgically. At this point, the patient will often need to undergo knee replacement surgery. This is where the damaged part of the knee is removed, and replaced with a prosthesis. This is a very common procedure, but it does require a few months of rehabilitation time.

Although it is an extremely painful condition, arthritis in the knees doesn't have to mean that all of the patient's activities must be limited. It is better to remain active and to follow the orders of their physicians. As long as they are giving their knees the proper treatment, they will be able to deal with arthritis much more easily.

Arthritic Myth Busters

Arthritis is inflammation of the joints, which causes a combination of pain, swelling and limited mobility. It is very common - more than one is six adults suffers from some form of arthritis and with the increasing aging of the population, those figures are rising.

There are actually more than one hundred different types of arthritis and therefore it is very important that the type of arthritis you have is correctly diagnosed because successful treatment is dependent upon it. Several types have a known cause, although the majority of types do not. Those with no known cause include all cases of rheumatoid arthritis and the majority of osteoarthritis cases.

Even when the cause is known, it is not known why some people develop arthritis while others with the same risk factors don't. Some people think it's due to the fact they cracked their knuckles as a kid or that their joints are acting up because of damp weather, however, neither of these myths (or many others) have ever been proven in clinical research studies.

Cracking your knuckles

Although you may cause injury to a joint by over enthusiastic knuckle cracking, evidence suggests that doing this has little effect on the health of your joints.

Cold, damp weather

Arthritis sufferers seem to be affected more when the weather is cold and damp, however, this does not mean that weather causes the arthritis, although it does appear to aggravate the symptoms.

Overuse of the joints

Although certain occupations with repetitive manual work and athletes who have had repeated joint injuries may develop degenerative arthritis, there is no rhyme or reason to this theory. If it were due to overuse, then why do marathon runners not appear to be at increased risk?

Medications

There are no medications generally recognized as a cause for arthritis, although there may be a few exceptions. Corticosteroids may cause interruption of the blood supply to the hip bones causing death to the bone, which may result in the development of arthritis. Also, water pills may cause gout but not arthritis. There are some other drugs which may cause bone or joint pain, but they won't cause arthritis. However, there is a rare condition called 'drug induced lupus' which may follow after using certain medications and it is thought that arthritis may develop afterwards.

Infection

As far as we know, most infections will not cause arthritis. There is a very small fraction of infectious causes and these include: bacteria such as Gonorrhea and Staphylococcus; Lyme's disease; some viruses (including occasional cases of Hep B, Hep C or parvovirus).

Vaccinations

Similarly, some vaccinations, including those for Lyme's disease and Rubella are thought to be linked (although very rarely) to the development of arthritis. This connection is unclear though. Fortunately, the majority of people receiving the most common vaccinations never develop arthritis.

Diet

For centuries, there have been theories about which foods are the best to eat to prevent/treat arthritis, however, the types of food we eat are not thought to have a role in the development (or not) of arthritis.

There are some exceptions though. Some people notice that eating certain foods or drinking alcohol, triggers gout attacks. There is also a link between obesity and osteoarthritis, so a diet that helps with weight reduction would obviously be helpful.

In some cases, osteoporosis may be caused by not having sufficient calcium or vitamin D intake. Lack of these vital nutrients will cause the bones to become weak and if a fracture occurs, then arthritis may follow.

Old age

This cannot be seen as a cause, since it doesn't come inevitably with old age.

Stress

Although there may have been cases where people have developed arthritis after going through prolonged periods of stress, there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that it causes any specific type of arthritis. Stress can make pain feel worse though.

Any prolonged mental or emotional stress will cause illness in your body.

Bad posture

Despite the myth, slouching will not cause arthritis, however any type of arthritis can affect your posture.

Osteoporosis may cause you to have a stooped posture if the vertebrae collapse and arthritis in your spine may follow, however, the stooped posture does not cause the arthritis. Another example of this is ankylosing spondylitis - a condition in which inflammation of joints in the lower spine leads to a rigid spine. Therefore, poor posture can be seen as a result of arthritis, but is not known to cause it.

In conclusion, with so many different types of arthritis and little understanding of their causes, it is understandable why there are so many myths circulating regarding arthritis. For now it's just a case of 'nobody knows' and there is no known cure. Once you have developed arthritis you may adopt a new diet, move to a warmer climate or opt for some risky treatment, however, you may be very disappointed in the results and find that things are just as bad, if not worse, than before.

The same goes as for every other disease of the body - try to keep your mind and body healthy and active by having a healthy lifestyle and healthy, balanced diet. Also make sure you are getting plenty of Calcium and Vitamin D to keep those bones strong and healthy.

Psoriasis - Can It Protect Against Schizophrenia?

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory dermatitis, which usually manifests on the skin of a person in a form of red lesions of various sizes covered with silvery scales.

2-3% of the world population has psoriasis, which may develop at any age - from infancy to elderly years.

For most psoriasis sufferer's psoriasis is a very cosmetically disturbing skin disorder. For a small amount of people psoriasis may also bring severe pain in the form of a psoriatic arthritis. Psoriasis may also implicate nails, and in the rarest cases - even the mucous membranes.

Unlikely as it may seem, psoriasis may be of a certain benefit to a human.

Certain deviations that are found in the blood serum of the people with psoriasis precede the actual psoriasis manifestations. These deviations distinguish the people with psoriasis from the people without psoriasis.

One of the most notable deviations is a very high level of the uric acid in the blood serum of the people with psoriasis, which is present even if there is no skin, joint or nail psoriasis manifestations.

Uric acid was first discovered in the urine, and thus it has received its name. However, uric acid is also found in the blood, sweat and the brain of any human being. About 5-8% of the Earth population has a higher level of uric acid in their body.

So what benefits does a person with the elevated levels of the uric acid possess compared to a person with the normal or lowered levels of uric acid?

Studies performed on the people with gout - a condition when the high levels of uric acid turn into crystals and bring on the pains in the joints - have revealed that the people with the high levels of uric acid are almost 100% protected from various degenerative disorders of the Central Nervous System (CNS), such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease and Schizophrenia.

Multiple Sclerosis is a degenerative autoimmune disorder when the CNS is attacked by the immune system of the body, leading to the disruption of the electrical signals originating from the brain and traveling to other parts of the body. This eventually leads to a loss of the ability to speak, write and walk.

Parkinson's disease is another degenerative autoimmune disorder characterized by impaired speech skills, rapid tremors and difficulties with walking, movement, and coordination. People with the Parkinson's disease may also have drooling and an infrequent blinking. In 15-20% of the cases there will also be dementia.

Alzheimer's disease is the disorder of the Central Nervous System predominantly characterized by a memory loss and a general loss of intellectual ability. Other symptoms include personality changes, speech impairment, disorientation and apathy.

Schizophrenia is yet another degenerative Central Nervous System disorder, characterized by the appearance of hearing and visual hallucinations, paranoia and other deviations in the perception of the external world. Schizophrenia affects the speaking and the thinking abilities as well as the emotional state of the sufferer.

Well, it turns out that the people with psoriasis, as well as the people with gout (based on various studies) are very lucky to be protected from these debilitating CNS disorders by the high levels of the uric acid in their blood.

Arthritis Treatment: New Investigations Into Stem Cells for Osteoarthritis Treatment

Osteoarthritis has been viewed as a condition that is due to imbalance between destructive and reparative processes involving articular cartilage. This is the "gristle" that caps the ends of long bones.

Because articular cartilage is devoid of both nerves and blood vessels, it has very little potential for repairing itself after injury.

This lack of repair ability of weight-bearing articular cartilage and the associated bone changes underlying the cartilage are considered critical to the progression of the disease.

Recent findings by a number of researchers have suggested that what occurs is either a depletion or functional alteration of mesenchymal stem cell (SC) populations in osteoarthritis.

This study of mesenchymal SC function is an ongoing process.

At the same time these investigations into SC alteration has been taking place, other studies looking at possible resolution of cartilage defects with SCs have also taken place.

In one study (Li -J, Tuli R, Okafor C, et al. A three-dimensional nanofibrous scaffold for cartilage tissue engineering using human mesenchymal stem cells. Biomaterials. 2005; 26: 599-609), the authors reiterated the concept that the "utilization of adult SCs in tissue engineering is a promising solution to the problem of tissue or organ shortage."

By way of review, adult bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are undifferentiated, multipotential cells which can become chondrocytes (cartilage cells) when grown in a three-dimensional culture and treated with growth factors.

What the authors did was to make a scaffold of a synthetic biodegradable polymer, and examined its ability to support cartilage growth with MSCs. The experiment lasted 21 days and they determined that MSCs cultured in the presence of growth factors differentiated into an early form of cartilage.

The level of cartilage growth was similar to that seen in other models such as ones using cell aggregates or pellets, a widely used culture protocol for studying MSCs. In fact the mechanical properties of the nanofibers were superior to that seen with the pellet model.

In a related article (Noth U, Tuli R, Osyczka AM. In Vitro engineered cartilage constructs produced by press-coating biodegradable polymer with human mesenchymal stem cells. Tissue Engineering. 2002, 8(1): 131-144), researchers used pellets of MSCs that were pressed into polymer blocks. These press-coated pellets formed cell layers composed of cartilage-like cells. The superficial layer resembled the architecture seen in hyaline cartilage, the ideal type of cartilage.

This model may allow the formation of hyaline cartilage implants without having to resort to harvesting cartilage cells from intact cartilage surfaces. The authors stated these "constructs may be applicable as prototypes for the reconstruction of articular cartilage defects in humans."

Achieve Freedom From Arthritis Pain

Millions of people are suffering from arthritis. Arthritis is a disease of the joints and the tissues that surrounds the joints. Arthritis is the inflammation of the joints that leads to painful swelling and stiffness in and around the joints. Living with this kind of disease can rob you of your active and productive life. In severe cases, sufferers will find it hard to perform even the simplest tasks like walking.

Arthritis is commonly associated with old age because the risk of developing arthritis increases with age. The natural wear and tear of muscles and joints comes with age but age is not the only factor that affects the occurrence of arthritis. Other causes of arthritis include autoimmune disease, bone injury, obesity or being overweight, bacterial or viral infections and genetics.

The pain and discomfort of arthritis can affect your everyday life. It is important to find the best treatment that will work for you to achieve freedom from arthritis pain and improve the quality of your life.

Seek professional help. It is important to consult your doctor at the first sign of joint inflammation. Depending on the cause of the arthritis, your doctor may recommend the necessary treatment plan for you to achieve freedom from arthritis pain. Treatments may include medications and therapy. It is important to take medications under the supervision of your doctor. Surgery is always the last resort.

Stress management. Stress plays an important role when it comes to our health. Dealing with painful arthritis and living with the frustrations and physical limitations brought by arthritis can be very stressful. Stress can worsen the pain brought by arthritis. There are many ways to reduce your stress level like deep breathing, relaxation techniques and counseling or joining a support group.

Diet modification. Diet plays an important role in the condition of our body. There are foods that can trigger arthritis. It is important to keep a journal and take note of the foods that can trigger your arthritis. Once you identified your problem foods, it is best to avoid them to achieve freedom from arthritis pain. It is important to eat a well balanced diet for your overall health but it may be necessary to avoid those foods that can trigger your arthritis if you want to achieve freedom from arthritis pain. If you are taking medications, alcohol drinking may have a negative reaction to your medicine, so talk to your doctor about it.

Rest the inflamed joints. When you are having arthritis attack, it is important to rest and relax the sore joints once in a while to reduce the pain. You should avoid movements that can put extra stress and pressure on your joints. Rest does not mean you have to be stagnant and motionless because prolonged rest and inactivity aggravates arthritis.

Exercise. It is important to take a rest while you are having arthritis attack but exercise is also important when your arthritis is not on its active state. Keep an active life to maintain healthy muscles and bones. Of course you also have to consider your limitations before engaging in any exercise activity. Low impact aerobics, swimming and walking can be very helpful but it is best to work with a physical therapist to know the best exercise program that will work for you.

Arthritis can be very disabling and it can hinder you from enjoying life. It is important to act now and find the best treatment plan that will work for you. If you have tried almost everything and still suffering from chronic arthritis, do not lose hope because alternative treatments are another option to help you achieve freedom from arthritis pain. Free yourself from arthritis naturally visit Cure Painful Arthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain Relief and Cure

Living with the pain is the most difficult thing to accept among patients with rheumatoid arthritis, but this is not necessarily true for those people who seek ways for pain relief.

There are traditional and natural treatments as rheumatoid arthritis pain relief. Short-term relievers are drugs such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and cortisone-type medications. The use of drugs in the long-term medication has shown negative results among patients as certain complications developed over time.

Examples of these complications are the development of osteoporosis and gastrointestinal problems in the long-term use of aspirin. Side effects such as headaches, vomiting, nausea and gas problems are also among its known negative effects. Cortisone, usually given through injections are harmful in the long run because it promotes dependency as one of its side-effects.

Taking control of the situation is the first step towards rheumatoid arthritis pain relief. It should start with knowing what type of arthritis it is, its causes, symptoms and how to treat it. Get to know the medical terms that are used to refer to the condition and the other terminologies associated with it.

There have been books which are available in the market written by those who have suffered from rheumatoid arthritis and who found ways on how to eliminate the pain. A detailed outline about the condition and its causes are well explained in the books. These people have found the effective treatments by studying and experimenting on the different methods that help cure arthritis.

Natural rheumatoid arthritis pain relief includes losing weight, proper diet, fish oil, exercise and the use of natural food supplements. Alternative pain relief treatments are hot and cold treatments, positive thinking, relaxation techniques, massage, electrical stimulation, topical lotions and lastly, a good sense of humor.

Heat applications are useful for chronic pain suffered by those with rheumatoid arthritis. There are a lot warming techniques you can experiment on. Sometimes, the use of cognitive behavioral therapy is called for in cases where the physical pain has greatly altered the lifestyle of the patient by affecting his or her emotional and psychological health.

Food supplements are known to be the most effective pain relievers because they actually work on the main cause of the pain to relieve the symptoms such as swelling, redness and pain. Chemicals known to draw fluid to the cartilage to enable the mobility of joints are present in these food supplements such as chondroitin and glucosamine sulfate. One food supplement is available in the market that combines these chemicals to better repair the affected joints.

Arthritis Treatment: Mesenchymal Stem Cells And Growth Factors For Osteoarthritis

As population demographics change with a gradually aging population, certain chronic diseases have become more common. There is a confluence of factors though that will make the management of chronic disease assume a greater level of importance. This is because not only are people living longer but they are maintaining a level of activity far greater than their parents and grandparents. This is most evident in the management of osteoarthritis where the incidence of joint replacement surgery is skyrocketing as Boomers demand a lifestyle which their forebears could only dream about.

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

Hyaline cartilage consists of two components: a matrix made up of a combination of proteoglycans (complexes of proteins and sugars), and chondrocytes. Chondrocytes are cartilage cells that manufacture matrix under normal healthy circumstances. They are responsible for nourishing the matrix as well.

With the development of OA, a distinct change in the joint environment occurs. Chondrocytes begin to elaborate destructive enzymes causing cracks and fissures in the cartilage. These are called "fibrillations." A complex interplay of events involving cartilage, bone, and synovium- the lining of the joint- then begins to snowball.

One of the most common joints affected by osteoarthritis is the knee. This is not a surprise since OA preferentially attacks weight-bearing joints.

Between symptomatic treatment and joint replacement surgery is a large gap in treatment measures. One area of recent interest is the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the management of OA. MSCs are the body's own stem cells which are found in many areas including bone marrow and fat. MSCs have the ability to differentiate into connective tissue of which cartilage is a prime example. Other types of connective tissue that MSCs have been shown to develop into are tendon, ligament, muscle, nerve, and intervertebral disc.

MSCs are active in the repair process when any type of connective tissue is injured. In degenerative disease like OA, the ability of stem cells may be depleted with less ability to differentiate and multiply. Animal studies have demonstrated that supplying additional MSCs may overcome this problem leading to healing and cartilage regeneration.

At least one human study in a small number of patients with OA of the knee has shown promising results using MSCs derived from bone marrow and fat. (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)

Combining MSCs with autologous growth factors found in platelet-rich plasma also has added a boost to the natural abilities of stem cells to multiply and divide.

Multiple centers now are applying these principles.

What most centers lack though is the knowledge of what initiates stem cell multiplication and division.

MSCs are stimulated to "go into action" when the critical initiating event, injury is initiated. Injury is what attracts stem cells and injury is what leads to the release of growth factors from platelets. That is why induction of injury by removal of osteophytes, scarification of bare bone, and fenestration of cartilage defects is absolutely crucial for cartilage regeneration to occur.

This is best done using a combination of arthroscopic and ultrasound guidance means.

In addition, providing the proper environment for the MSCs to thrive afterwards is also critical. The osteoarthritic joint is a hostile environment. Multiple measures need to be instituted so that proper survival of MSCs occurs. Institution of effective scaffolding is critical.

Arthritis Treatment: Gouty Arthritis - A Serious and Deadly Disease

Elevated blood uric acid and gout are common conditions in the United States. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2008 (NHANES) has indicated that gout affects almost 4 percent of the population.

That's 8.3 million people. But more disturbing is the fact that gout incidence has more than doubled in the last couple of decades. There are many reasons for this including the rising incidence of other medical conditions that are risk factors for gout. These diseases include elevated blood lipids, diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. The sum total of these conditions is often referred to as the "metabolic syndrome." The metabolic syndrome appears to be the end result of lifestyle choices that are commonplace in the United States.

The economic burden of gout is tremendous and is due to increased frequency of emergency room services, increased doctor visits, and the costs of medications. In addition, as has been described earlier, gout is associated with other common medical conditions that also carry a hefty price tag.

While most people perceive gout as being just a painful form of arthritis, it is more than that. Because of its association with the above medical conditions, it is now recognized as a substantial risk factor for death due to cardiovascular disease. What is more surprising is that this elevated risk is independent of these other factors including the presence of high blood pressure, diabetes, age, gender, and elevated blood lipid levels.

Another disturbing association is gout and kidney disease. Many people with gout have kidneys that don't function at 100 per cent efficiency. Since uric acid is excreted through the kidneys, the eventual result is that there is less uric acid excretion and therefore gradual accumulation leading to elevated blood levels of uric acid. This sets up a vicious cycle since elevated blood levels of uric acid can make the kidney disease worse. Uric acid has been shown to causes inflammation of blood vessels which could contribute to the kidney damage as well as possibly to the cardiac issues described earlier.

Roughly, 60 per cent of people with gout have some degree of kidney dysfunction. The problem is that medications used to treat acute gout attacks such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and colchicine may have an adverse effect on kidney function. Also, the traditional medicine employed for reducing serum uric acid, allopurinol, also must have dose adjustments made in the presence of kidney abnormalities.

It is clear that gouty arthritis is a public health issue that causes significant morbidity as well as mortality and must be addressed more aggressively.

Arthritis Treatment: Important Information About Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a common form of soft tissue rheumatism that affects anywhere from six to 12 million Americans. That's roughly 2-4 per cent of the population.

While FM affects members of both genders, ninety percent of FM suffers are female.

Symptoms of the affliction include chronic widespread pain, generalized tenderness, chronic fatigue, and non-restorative sleep (a patient will wake up feeling as if they haven't slept). In addition other symptoms such as headache, blurred or double vision, short term memory deficit, ringing in the ears, swallowing difficulty, chest pains, shortness of breath, numbness and tingling in the arms or legs, irritable bowel and irritable bladder can also occur.

Symptoms often wax and wane and the unpredictability of symptoms makes it extremely difficult to perform simple activities of daily living such as taking care of household chores or working.

While the exact cause of the condition is unknown, it is felt that central nervous system neurotransmitters- chemical reactions in the brain- may play a role. Changes in the ascending and descending nerve pathways that govern the ability to perceive pain are almost certainly involved.

The diagnosis of fibromyalgia is made by taking a careful history and doing an equally detailed physical examination. Generally speaking, the diagnosis of the malady is one of exclusion meaning it is important to make sure a patient doesn't have another condition that can mimic fibromyalgia. Examples include hypothyroidism, Lyme disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, polymyalgia rheumatic, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Unfortunately, there is no definitive objective marker for the disease. Diagnostic criteria formulated by the American College of Rheumatology include the presence of widespread pain lasting more than three months and the presence of pain in eleven of eighteen tender points in all four quadrants of the body.

Laboratory tests can help exclude other conditions that can look like FM. Patients with the condition are often seen by a number of different physicians in many specialties before the diagnosis is made. In fact, estimates have been made suggesting it takes an average of five years before a patient with fibromyalgia gets diagnosed.

More disturbing is that according to recent statistics, more than 70 per cent of people with FM have not been diagnosed.

The condition is treatable and involves the triad of medications that have neuro-modulating effects, low impact aerobic exercise, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Some people have suggested that diet may also play a role in that certain foods may trigger flares in susceptible people.