Approved Osteoarthritis Medicine - What You Don't Know About Prescription Drugs Will Shock You!

Although approved osteoarthritis medicines might provide relief from pain and other symptoms, but they also pose significant health hazards by way of adverse side effects. In many cases, they also can cause a lot of life threatening diseases. Find out the expert facts and natural treatments for osteoarthritis in this article.

To cite an example, Vioxx is a Cox-2 inhibitor drug and an approved osteoarthritis medicine manufactured by Merck. It had to be recalled from the market because it caused a lot of adverse side effects such as strokes, heart attacks and blood clots in the patient's suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, till today there are thousands of pending cases and law suits against it.

Similarly, Bextra is a drug similar to Vioxx. It was also taken off the market due to similar reasons. It had been found to cause Stevens Johnson syndrome, which is a type of skin disorder.

Similarly, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) which are approved osteoarthritis medicines also carry warning label stating that "users may face an increased risk of cardiovascular side effects and gastrointestinal bleeding".

Corticosteroids also come under "approved osteoarthritis medicines". They provide effective short-term relief from inflammation and pain. But they are known to cause various serious side effects such as fatigue, depression, drug dependence, abdominal pain, blurred vision, increased blood sugar levels in diabetics, etc.

Narcotic pain relievers such as oxycodone, vicodin, etc. are also approved osteoarthritis medicine. You would be shocked to know that the manufacturers of oxycodone had to pay millions of dollars as damages. It was because their sales representatives had allegedly advised the doctors that the drug was less addictive in comparison to other narcotics, whereas in reality it was one of the most addictive drugs.

Narcotic pain relievers only provide temporary pain relief as they block the pain receptors of nerve cells. In fact, they don't reduce inflammation at all. They can cause a lot of side effects such as constipation, dry mouth, drowsiness and difficulty in urinating. They also pose the risk of causing liver damage if their use is accompanied with alcohol.

Due to the risk of such side effects, more and more people are shifting towards the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Although they are not approved osteoarthritis medicine, they are frequently recommended by medical experts. They include nutritional supplements, increased physical activity and dietary changes.

Omega-3 fatty acids play a very important role in alleviating osteoarthritis symptoms. They reduce inflammation and tenderness in joints, enhance joint mobility and decrease morning stiffness in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

Fish oil supplements are one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Although they cannot be classified as osteoarthritis medication due to FTC regulations, they are widely used as long term treatment of osteoarthritis as well as due to their amazing benefits on overall health including the heart, brain, skin, digestive system, and joints.

Omega-3 fatty acids are natural blood thinners. Therefore, in case you are taking blood thinner medications such as aspirin, you should consult your doctor before you use fish oil supplements or omega-3 supplements as a treatment for osteoarthritis. This is so that you can avoid taking too many blood thinners as that could lead to serious side effects.

Green lipped mussel found in New Zealand is also an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. It contains outstanding anti-inflammatory properties and helps to reduce pain and joint stiffness, increase grip strength and improves joint mobility in patients suffering from osteoarthritis.

The research on the best natural alternatives for treating osteoarthritis is going on. Newly approved osteoarthritis medicine might come up in the future. In the meantime, fish oil supplementation with a combination of green lipped mussel is one of the best natural alternatives for omega-3 supplementation and long-term treatment of osteoarthritis.

Know More About Arthritis, and How it Can Affect You

If you've heard about arthritis, you would most likely have associated it with older patients, and with a lot of body pain. There are many things about arthritis, however, that make it a unique, and yes, painful disease. Sadly, arthritis is not only confined to the old, and it can actually come in a variety of forms.

The term arthritis itself is derived from the Greek words for joint and inflammation, and covers a group of health conditions that affect the body's joints. Arthritis has been known and recorded for centuries. The first case was reported to date as far back as 4500 BC. Very simply, arthritis involves swelling of the joints, such that mere movement can cause body pains.

Such joints are sensitive to changes in the weather, and elder patients suffering from arthritis claim that their pains are greatest in the morning, when they first rise. Younger patients can also suffer from arthritis - the arthritic joint pain is not usually the general feature of juvenile arthritis, but the tendency to move, or the refusal to move at all, as in the case of especially young children.

To diagnose arthritis and distinguish it from routine or simple joint pain, physicians conduct a battery of blood tests and x-rays. Some blood tests can check for the presence of certain antibodies, since some forms of arthritis arise out of the body's immune system launching an attack on itself, making these forms of arthritis autoimmune disorders. X-rays, on the other hands, can show eroding bone or cartilage.

Once arthritis is diagnosed, treatment can proceed. Treatment can come in the form of surgery or drug treatment. Those dealing with arthritis must also undergo occupational and physical therapy sessions, so that they can recover the use of their limbs and keep their blood flow constant. In all types of therapy, doctors ensure that stress on the affected joints is reduced, and pain is successfully managed.

The types of therapy to be used depend on the type of arthritis with which the patient is afflicted. A few common types include the following.

o Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease, where the body's immune system launches an attack on the joints, then moves on to affect other bodily organs such as the skin, heart, and lungs.

o Psoriatic arthritis is also an autoimmune disorder with symptoms similar to rheumatoid arthritis. It is common in patients affected by psoriasis, a skin disease.

o Septic arthritis is the wearing away of cartilage due to bacterial accumulation in and attack on the joints. This is usually caused by cuts or gashes that penetrate to the level of the bone, and are left untreated or unwashed.

o Osteoarthritis is caused by the wearing away of cartilage that protects the bone. Because of the great pain they experience, patients with osteoarthritis may refuse to move, causing their muscles to atrophy.

o Gout is a form of arthritis caused by the accumulation of crystals of uric acid in joints. Those affected with gout have to take a low purine diet, or to stay away from high-protein foods such as sardines and certain types of fish, some mussels, sweatbreads such as kidneys and brains of animals, and alcohol.

If you think you have arthritis, consult a doctor about your condition and have the necessary tests performed. If all signs point to a positive diagnosis, be sure to follow all instructions to the hilt: take all the medications prescribed, avoid all the foods that have to be avoided, and attend all therapy sessions if you are required to do so.

If you know someone with arthritis, or are living with someone afflicted with the disease, take a role in monitoring the patient's progress by making sure that the patient follows the therapy regimen, or by watching the patient well following surgery. Arthritis is a disease that requires patience, both on the part of the afflicted and the caregiver, so obey all instructions and ask questions if necessary.

Recognising The Symptoms Of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most widespread diseases in the world and it affects male and female, young and old. It is estimated that three in every hundred people develop rheumatoid arthritis.

Although it affects both sexes, more women than men are likely to develop this debilitating condition. The disease generally occurs between the ages of 30 and 60, but it can strike at any age.

Currently no direct cause for rheumatoid arthritis has been determined. There are a number of factors that may trigger the condition which include, predisposing genetic factors, bacterial or viral infections, chemicals in foods, sporting injuries and even stress. It's also possible that it may take a one or more of these to trigger the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

What we do know is that rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. This basically means our immune system is faulty and doesn't behave in the way it should behave.

The key role of the body's immune system is to protect it from outside invaders and repair the damage when things go wrong. When the immune system is working normally it knows which particles, cells and bacteria that is good or bad. In order to protect our body the immune system will attack the foreign invaders that don' belong in our bodies.

Inflammation and swelling is the natural process of the body healing itself. For example if you break a bone in your body it will soon be followed by swelling and inflammation. This is a result of our immune system repairing the broken bone.

Unfortunately, when the immune system is faulty it cannot tell the difference between which particles are foreign to the body and which are not. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) the malfunctioning immune system attacks the joints.

To understand how RA affects the joints and its common symptoms causes it is better to have an understanding of how the joints work. Your joints are a lot more than just than two bones moving together. They also include a complex network of tendons, ligaments, joint capsules, cartilage and synovial fluid.

The edges of the two opposing bones are lined with a soft substance called cartilage. In between the joint is a capsule which contains synovial fluid. The cartilage and the fluid act as shock absorbers between the joints which also helps to protect them.

When a flare-up occurs the joints synovial fluid becomes inflamed. The inflammation results in too much fluid being produced which leads to swelling. The swelling also makes the joint lining thicker and this begins to destroy the protective layer of cartilage.

As pointed out earlier the cartilage acts as a shock absorber, but if the condition is left untreated the exposed cause severe pain when they rub together. In severe cases of RA the bones can actually fuse together and the person can lose all movement and mobility in the joint.

It's important to spot the symptoms of RA as soon as possible before the condition progresses and gets worse. The early symptoms are discomfort and pain in the fingers and the feet.

Another early warning sign is morning stiffness when moving your joints can feel heavy and sluggish especially after getting out of bed or up after a long period of rest. In the early stages the stiffness can easily be reduced with gentle movement and stretching of the joints.

With RA the joints will swell up and feel warm due to the inflammation. As well as joint pain the inflammation may spread to other organs of the body. With RA people can also suffer from chronic fatigue both physically and mentally.

The symptoms of RA will come and go. This means that between flare-ups there will be periods of remission where the pain and inflammation will reduce or even disappear. However, RA is unpredictable as it can re-occur even after long periods of no symptoms at all.

Arthritis Treatment: Why Do Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Stop Treatment?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis, affecting more than 2 million Americans. It is a systemic autoimmune disease that has the potential for significant damage to internal organs. One of the biggest issues when it comes to treating rheumatoid arthritis is the high rate of discontinuation of therapy.

The primary reason for medication discontinuation is not side effects. Rather, it is lack of efficacy.

When patients discontinue medication due to lack of efficacy, they run the risk for developing many of the systemic complications of the disease. These include cardiovascular disease, lung issues, leg ulcers, and inflammation of arteries leading to organ damage.

One temptation has been to push the dose of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDS) such as methotrexate to higher and higher doses when a patient doesn't respond. This can lead to liver toxicity.

One option has been to use lower doses of the DMARD and combine it with a biologic medication. Biologic medications are antibody-based medications that act on the immunologic abnormalities that cause RA.

They act with laser-like precision. The biologic medicines that are used first-line are the tumor necrosis factor inhibitors. Tumor necrosis factor is considered to be an important cause of the chronic inflammation and destruction in rheumatoid arthritis.

Multiple studies have shown that the addition of a biologic drug to a DMARD is particularly effective in inducing remission in RA.

Because of the results of these trials, it is important to understand the essential need for early introduction of a biologic medicine in patients who are not doing well on their DMARD alone.

One conundrum that can occur is the development of non-response to a biologic. This non-response can be due to either lack of effectiveness or to drug intolerance.

Once a patient has failed one tumor necrosis factor inhibitor, the likelihood of their failing another TNF inhibitor is high. And patients who fail two TNF inhibitors are at even higher risk for not responding to another TNF inhibitor. This means that once a patient has failed one TNF inhibitor, many feel that perhaps a medication with a different mode of action should be considered.

On the other hand, there is evidence that some patients will respond to another TNF inhibitor despite failing the first. The upshot is that most patients will receive a trial of at least two of these kinds of medicines before being switched to a drug with a different mode of action.

Easy Ways to Prevent Arthritis

Arthritis is a painful, crippling disease that afflicts millions of Americans. There are many treatments and medications available for arthritis. However, there are several easy changes you can make to your lifestyle which can help prevent arthritis from affecting your life.

• Lose weight. You can cut your risk of getting arthritis by losing weight. In fact, there is some new research that shows by losing just one pound, a woman can cut her risk of osteoarthritis by as much as 10%.


• Exercise. By exercising just 20 minutes each day, you can cut the risk of joint pain in half because you are increasing the blood flow, and therefore oxygen, to your tissues.


• Vitamin C. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. If you can consume 60 g. of vitamin C, whether in the form of 5 ounces of orange juice, half a grapefruit, or 1 cup of melon or berries, you can cut your risk of ever developing osteoarthritis by 55%.


• ASU. ASU stands for avocado-soybean unsaponifiable, and is an extract of plant oils that stops--and even reverses--the breakdown of cartilage. According to some recent studies, it also reduces inflammation, stiffness and pain. The recommended dosage is 300 mg. daily.


• Canola Oil. Canola oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids help your body produce immune cells that fight inflammation in your joints. So, cooking with canola oil will help you beat the inflammation.


• SAM-E. SAM-E is an amino acid that can help improve your mobility as well as the prescription drug Celebrex. The good thing about SAM-E is that is does not produce side effects as does Celebrex. You should take 1,200 mg. of SAM-E each day on an empty stomach.

Identify Foods to Avoid With Gout

Gout is one of the types of arthritis which is most often caused by the increase in the urea content of the human body. Whenever the urea content increases in the human body there is a chance of crystal formation in the joints present in our body. This results in pain and swelling in the joints. Foods which have high amount of purines and proteins are the main reason for the problem of gout. Uric acid gets generated when the break down process of purines are done during metabolism. The foods that you take are directly responsible for the rheumatic disease like gout. So a balanced diet will help us free from gout. But if you already have a problem then you must be very careful about your food intake. There are many foods which cause gout and those kinds of foods should be avoided to lead a non-problematic life.

Almost all types of foods whether it is vegetarian or non-vegetarian will provide chances for gout disease. While considering the non-vegetarian food items inclusion of the following items might cause gout - red meats and its extract, some fishes like salmon, animal organ meats like liver and kidney, shell fishes, shrimp, prawns, meat products like pork, lamb and beef etc. The above mentioned food items are very rich in purines. The fact is that they are not only rich in purines but also sodium and nitrates. All the above components contained in it are very notorious in causing the attack of gout. Certain sea foods are also main reasons for gout attack. Some alcoholic beverages like beer, wine etc would give more chances of the attack. Beer must be avoided more than other alcoholic drinks because beer has around eight times the purines as of other alcoholic drinks. Even tea or some other flavored juices are also responsible for gout. These kinds of drinks must be totally avoided because living a healthy life is more important than one day's happiness of consuming alcohol.

In case of vegetarian food items there are also more items to be avoided or should be taken with a dieted limit. Mushrooms, spinach, cauliflower, beans and peas are some of the food items which should be taken in limited quantity. The above mentioned vegetables have more purines content than other vegetables. Believe it or not black eye peas have more amounts of purines when compared to chicken and turkey. The above mentioned vegetables must be carefully added into your diet following a recommended quantity. There are also some other variety of products which are also responsible for gout attack. The other varieties may include some junk foods, yeasts, smelt, sweet breads, coffees, chocolates, roasted nuts, pasta and jellies. The above mentioned junk foods should be totally avoided since those have more amounts of purines and proteins which will increase the possibility of gout. If you were to follow a diet program based on the above mentioned food items then you would on your way to obtain some relieve from gout.

Guide to Scalp Psoriasis

What is Scalp psoriasis?

As the term suggests, scalp psoriasis is psoriasis involving the scalp. It is common and approximately half of all people with psoriasis have it on their scalp. The reason it deserves special mention is that it can be particularly difficult to treat and usually requires specifically formulated medicines.

Psoriasis in the scalp forms in the same way as in other parts of the body but the affect of the hair is to trap the scale and stop it being rubbed away as it is, for instance, with psoriasis on the elbow. The result is that the scale can quickly build up causing a thicker plaque which becomes more difficult to treat. This difficulty is compounded by the hair which also acts as a physical barrier obstructing the application of creams and ointments to the affected skin.

The net result can be stubborn thick scaly plaques which require specifically formulated scalp treatments.

What are the symptoms?

Scalp psoriasis causes redness and scaliness which may also involve the hairline, the forehead, behind the ears and the back of the neck. It can range from very mild with slight fine scaling to very severe crusted thick scaling covering the entire scalp which can in some cases cause hair loss during the flare, but will normally grow back.

A correct diagnosis of scalp psoriasis is essential in treating the condition as there are other skin disorders which may look similar such as seborrhoeic dermatitis. The difference being that scalp psoriasis scales appear fine with a silvery colour, whilst seborrhoeic dermatitis scales often are yellowish and greasy. One of the most frustrating symptoms is the constant shower of scale on to your collar and shoulders.

What is the treatment?

It should be mentioned that children can get scalp psoriasis too. Treatments will be much the same as used for adults.

There are many treatment options that can help scalp psoriasis and they all need to be used regularly. Treatments can be time consuming and it is important to select one that fits in with your lifestyle. On rare occasions scalp psoriasis has been known to have spontaneous remissions but can also remain on the scalp for lengthy periods of time

Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance

A principal source of information on psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Here is a list of topical treatments that you may find useful for scalp psoriasis:

Tar Products

Tar shampoos, gels, ointments and creams are commonly used to treat scalp psoriasis. They may be combined with other medications such as salicylic acid, to help remove scale, or coconut oil, to moisturise the skin. Tar is effective but it can stain clothing and jewellery and has a strong smell. As a result, some people dislike using it. The precise instructions for use will depend on the formulation of the product but tar products are usually massaged into the scalp, left in contact for a period of time, and then rinsed off. Clothes and bedding can be protected from staining by wearing a shower cap during the contact period.

Topical Steroids

These scalp products are usually formulated as liquids, gels, oils, foams, sprays or shampoo. They range from mild to very strong potency. They should not be used for long periods of time. Ideally, they should be used regularly for a few weeks to bring the psoriasis under control, and then gradually phased out, giving way to maintenance with a coal tar shampoo. Abrupt stopping of steroids can result in a rebound or worsening of psoriasis. It is not advisable to use steroid preparations on your face, other areas of sensitive skin such as under the breast and genitals and around the eyes, unless directed by your doctor. Most topical steroid medications are designed specifically for treating scalp psoriasis. These formulations are usually water and alcohol based which make them easier to wash out after treatment.

You can become resistant to some topical steroids used in the treatment of scalp psoriasis. If this happens consult your doctor for alternative medications. It should also be noted that it can take several months before such topical steroid medications will work again for skin that has become resistant.

Vitamin D Analogues

Vitamin D analogues are available in water and oil - based scalp formulations. They are usually applied once or twice a day and left in contact with the scalp. They do not smell or stain clothing, and are relatively easy to use. They can be used to bring the scalp psoriasis under control and maintain that control. Such medications should be confined to the scalp region only as it can irritate unaffected skin particularly the face. It may be advisable if you think you are prone to sensitivities to test a small patch before applying it to the entire scalp. Avoid contact with the eyes.

Vitamin A Derivative (topical retinoids)

These can be applied as creams or gels for the treatment of psoriasis and can be used in the treatment of scalp psoriasis too. These medications may be less irritating for the people with dry or sensitive skin. To avoid the drying out of skin too much and to reduce irritation, applying a moisturiser 30 minutes before these are used may help. These medications can be used on the face but should never be applied around the eye region and treated skin should not be covered.

Antimicrobial Treatment

If bacterial or yeast infections are present scalp psoriasis can become worse. A crusting scalp together with scaling and/or lymph nodes in the neck are swollen, this may indicate to your doctor that antimicrobial treatment will be necessary as there is infection present.

Mild scalp psoriasis can respond well to treatment with anti fungal shampoos that will help to reduce the yeast infection. Anti fungal shampoos may have to be used once or twice a week thereafter to maintain results.

Other things affecting the scalp

These can include scalp acne, infestations, fungal infections and alopecia. Make sure you get a correct diagnosis before starting any treatments. your doctor or healthcare provider will provide appropriate advice.

Ultra violet light

Successful outcome for using UV light treatments can be variable on the scalp because the hair blocks UV light from penetrating the scalp. It works best on shaved heads. Natural sunlight may also help again if your head is shaved or very thin. It is therefore not surprising that this is not a first line treatment.

Dithranol

Dithranol creams are effective in scalp psoriasis but like coal tar can be difficult to use. Dithranol is usually applied to the scaly plaques and left in contact for up to 30 minutes before being rinsed out. It needs to be applied with great care as it can irritate and cause purple staining of blonde or red hair. Dithranol can burn non affected skin. Lipid stabilised Dithranol (Micanol), if used correctly, can reduce staining. It should also be noted that dithranol will stain clothing and baths, showers and wash basins. Extra attention is needed.

Medicated Shampoos

There are many coal tar and non coal tar medicated shampoos for treating scalp psoriasis at your local chemist. For further advice ask your pharmacist who may be able to give you further guidance. You should also bear in mind that medicated shampoos are designed for the scalp not the hair so the use of a regular shampoo and conditioner after your scalp treatments will reduce the smell of any unpleasant medicated shampoo and leave your hair shiny and manageable.

Scalp psoriasis can get worse if it becomes infected with bacteria or yeasts and sometimes medicated shampoos with antifungal medicines can be useful in reducing the plaques.

The choice of which of these treatments is best for you is a personal one. It is a good idea to shop around and try different treatment options. In this way you can discover which one suits you best.

Some Useful Tips

Scalp psoriasis may progress down onto the forehead, neck and around the ears. These areas can be treated with the same products you use for your scalp only if indicated to use on such areas. Be careful about your face. Strong steroids should not be used on the face and dithranol can stain and burn facial skin. Avoid getting medication in the eyes.

A lot of product treatments will contain salicylic acid, known as a keratolytic. This ingredient aims to loosen psoriasis scales so they can be washed away more easily. This ingredient will be contained in both OTC and prescription products mostly found in shampoos and soaps. It should be noted that treatment with high concentrations of this ingredient can cause irritation and used over large areas of skin the body may absorb it leading to the weakening of hair shafts, causing them to break and leading to temporary hair loss. Hair should return to normal after stopping the treatment. Such products may be easier to apply at night and the head covered with a shower cap to avoid messiness and more convenient as they can be time consuming at the beginning of the day before going to work.

Softening and loosening thick scale makes it easier for topical medications to penetrate plaques and clear them. Soaking the scalp in warm water can help loosen scales which can then be removed using a comb. But be gentle - do not break the skin.

Round or fine tooth combs or brushes are generally used to remove psoriasis scales. Comb the scalp gently with a light circular motion holding the comb flat against the scalp. Loosen the scale gently then you can shampoo to flush the scale from the scalp and out of the hair. A hairdryer can be used to blow additional scales away from the scalp and the hair. Do not remove scales too fiercely as this can break the skin leading to infection. The Koebner response can occur to damaged psoriasis skin, this can also occur if you scratch or scrape your scalp roughly. If any treatments you use aggravate your psoriasis and scalp always consult your doctor. Care should be taken when removing the scales and applying topical medications so as to avoid the Koebner response.

Never use a shower cap or other occlusion method when using prescription scalp medications unless specified by your doctor.

Scalp Itch - As mentioned refraining from scratching and picking of psoriatic scales will reduce infection and the Koebner response. Over the counter medicated shampoos can help in alleviating itching. Please speak to your pharmacist about this.

Combination Medications - The treatment of psoriasis should be tailor made to each person. A doctor may try various combinations of medications before finding what works for you. Good communication between you and your doctor and good compliance will ensure optimum results for you. Always be aware that when medications are combined they may activate adverse reactions. By being aware of this and consulting your doctor if you are unsure will reduce the likelihood of further discomforts.

Another alternative is to soften and loosen the scales is to use oils, lotions, creams or ointments applied to a damp scalp providing they do not cause you irritation. To add to their effectiveness a hot towel placed around the head to act as an occlusion will also help loosen and soften the scales. The heating of olive oil and application to the scalp and wrapping your head in a towel for a long period of time may also help or to speed the process up applying the olive oil and then sitting under a hairdryer. Be careful not to burn the scalp with too much intensive heat.

If you are prone or suffer from dry hair conditioners and cream rinses may help to minimise and moisturise the hair and scalp. There is no evidence to suggest the use of hair dyes, hair sprays or perms will affect your scalp, however please advise your hairdresser before embarking on any treatments so that they can apply patch tests to see if any of their products will irritate your scalp or psoriasis lesions. They may be able to use gentler products. If you have the need to use head lice shampoo preparations it is unlikely you will have a reaction but they can be irritating and great care should be taken not to get the solution into open cuts or lesions or extensively scratched skin.

Hair Matters

It can be highly embarrassing for you finding or going to a new hairdresser or barber. If they are reputable and understanding they should have a knowledge of conditions such as scalp psoriasis and therefore will be able to best advise you on styles, colourings and hair products. It is always worth making general enquiries of friends and relatives about local hairdressers or contacting the Hairdressers' Council for further advice that may be useful. Some hairdressers are also happy to visit your home if you would prefer not to go to a salon.

When applying scalp products part the hair and hold it in place while you drip the oil or lotion directly onto your scalp. Repeat this process until the whole of the affected area has been treated. Conditioners and cream rinses to help combat dry hair can be used after you have completed using your medication. Hair dyes and sprays do not usually irritate the scalp in scalp psoriasis. However, it may be sensible to test a cosmetic product on a small area of your scalp before committing to it.

This information has been prepared by the Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance and should not be used as a replacement for advice from your healthcare professionals. Always consult a doctor too. Bear in mind however, that the treatments used should never be worse than the psoriasis itself. If this is the case consult your doctor for further advice or alternative treatment options.

It is also important to realise that good patient compliance and experimentation to find an effective treatment plan which may include treatments such as topical medications and ultra violet UV light can often be combined and rotated depending on psoriasis resistance to repeated medicinal use.

With all treatments it can take at least eight weeks until you get adequate control of the plaques. Once you have achieved this it is important to maintain any improvement, and this can usually be done with regular use of a tar shampoo.

You are strongly advised to speak to your doctor or health care provider if you think you are affected by any conditions or items mentioned in this article.

How Boron Can Help You Relieve Arthritis Pain

Boron is a mineral; it is the naturally occurring fifth metalloid element. It is considered to be a poison even though it is essential for plant growth and more recently it has been suggested that it is also essential for humans as well. We get our daily boron intake from consuming plants, fruits and vegetables.

Boron has never been viewed as an essential mineral required by our body. Although traces of it can always be found in our body, it was viewed simply as a mineral that existed in plants that we consume and tolerate and is permitted to pass naturally through the body with no significant effect.

However in the early 1980s Dr Rex an Australian arthritis sufferer began to investigate the importance of boron in our diets and whether there was a link between boron and arthritis. His researched spanned over a decade. He traveled the world and studied how different levels of boron in the soil could affect arthritis. He observed various populations around the world.

He hypothesized that areas where the soil was rich in boron arthritis would be minimal and vice versa.

While visiting Africa he noticed that Africans who ate maize grown from boron rich soil only had 3% arthritis in their population. However when they moved to the big cities and began to eat processed commercially grown maize, arthritis levels rose to 20%. The question was why this was happening. Their diet had not dramatically changed, so what was causing the higher levels of arthritis. With further investigation he came to realize that the foods that they had been consuming in the cities was commercially grown. Fertilizers had been used to grow the crops. The soil had not been given the chance to replenish the natural minerals. The fertilizers forced the plants to grow big and lush but did not provide it with the natural minerals that were found naturally in the soil. For example a native maize plant would only produce approximately 1kg of grain compared to 10kg of grain produced by the a well fertilized hybrid maze plant. However the 1kg of native maize had the same amount of natural minerals including boron as the 10kg of commercially grown hybrid maize. It was like scrapping a tiny bit of butter over a lot of bread. There was more quantity but lacked the quality.

Also, in the far north-west of Australia and parts of New Zealand in areas such as the Carnarvon, that is well known for being a place for elderly people to visit to relieve their arthritis. Dr Rex employed a number of school leavers to carry out a survey. The survey found that arthritis was almost unheard of within the local population. They had an amazing 1% population suffering arthritis compared to 20% around most other towns. Dr Rex investigated further and found that it was not the climate that was having the arthritis relieving affect but the geo-thermal waters. The Geo-thermal water was naturally bringing an abundance of minerals including boron to the surface where plants and crops were grown. As a result the foods contained higher levels of boron and so protected the local population that consumed the plants from arthritis.

Further to Dr Rex's findings the Royal Melbourne Hospital carried out a study as well. They conducted a double-blind trial. One of the groups was treated with boron supplements and the other was given a placebo. The results showed that 70% of those who completed the trial felt much better from taking boron supplements compared to only 12% feeling better from taking a placebo.

The U.S. Human Nutrition Research Centre in North Dakota' investigated how exactly boron could be helping to relieve and cure arthritis. They found that boron worked by helping a gland called the parathyroid that controls the mineralization of bones.

Dr Rex's research concluded that a lack of the boron mineral can have significant effects on the maintenance of healthy bones. His research suggested that there was an important relationship between Boron and vitamin D. Boron was found to be essential in the activation of Vitamin D, which controls the absorption and utilization of calcium in the body.

He also noticed that arthritis sufferers consuming higher levels of Boron showed significantly reduced levels of calcium and magnesium passing through their urine. It was becoming clear that Boron was helping the body to conserve the magnesium and calcium. Providing the body with a much better chance of utilizing these minerals in maintaining bone and cartilage amongst other things, so preventing bone demineralization and arthritis.

Now I can't say that I have ever used boron myself to help cure arthritis, for this reason it's not something I would personally recommend. However for those of you who have already tried other remedies but to no avail. Increasing boron intake may be an option. Although Dr Rex has carried some research, compared to other remedies and ailments there has been very little and so arguably not all the possible side effects are known.

Although Dr Rex didn't report any adverse side effects in his studies and surveys. I would still contact a doctor or nutritionist before beginning any treatment. They will be able to provide you with up to date information concerning medical research on boron and also monitor your progress and any side effects that the treatment may have.

Whether Boron really does work or not, I just don't know, but, the reasoning behind his research is sound. Give the body the nutrients that it requires and it will heal itself.

Avoiding NSAIDs in Dog Arthritis Treatment

Dog arthritis is a crippling disease that attacks the cartilage in the joints. As the joint loses more cartilage, bone spurs and scar tissue start to develop. These make the joint stiffer and cause chronic pain and inflammation in the joints. As a result, the arthritic dog experiences lameness. When the cartilage loss becomes too extensive, "bone to bone" contact occurs. This is when the bones on either side of the joint are exposed to higher levels of friction, without the cartilage's cushioning effect and smooth surface, so that using the joint becomes very difficult, resulting in severe pain.

Though veterinary science has yet to discover a cure for this debilitating disease, there are many ways to prevent it from progressing to a stage where the arthritis will greatly reduce a dog's quality of life. Treatments for dog arthritis must aim at stopping cartilage loss, as well as protecting and supporting chondrocytes (the cells in the cartilage matrix), reducing inflammation and relieving pain.

The basis for any dog arthritis treatment plan is the management of pain and inflammation. Anti-inflammatory drugs have been a common arthritis treatment for the second half of the twentieth century. There is no doubt that these drugs are effective and have contributed to the improvement and comfort of many arthritic dogs.

Nevertheless, there is now a growing concern over the safety of anti-inflammatory drugs, especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This growing concern from veterinarians and informed dog owners is based on the mechanism of action of NSAIDs. These drugs reduce inflammation by inhibiting the pro-inflammatory properties of COX-enzymes. Unfortunately, COX-enzymes have several important functions in a dog's body such as the production of platelets, the maintenance of the protective lining of the stomach and upper intestines and maintaining sufficient blood flow in the kidneys. So there is a concern that some NSAIDs may cause the development of stomach ulcers and intestinal bleeding, excessive blood thinning or even renal failure. All of which have the potential to be fatal.

These side effects were far more common with the older NSAIDs, which had an effect on all of the COX-enzymes (for example, aspirin). With the development of newer non-steroidals and the requirement of thorough clinical trials prior to these newer NSAIDs being registered in the market, there has been a marked reduction in side effects. These newer NSAIDs are known as COX-2 selective drugs, which means they have less of an effect on the "good" functions of COX-enzymes and mainly focus on reducing inflammation, ie "bad" and debilitating functions. Despite these advances in research and development, there are still some dogs that do not tolerate NSAIDs regardless of whether they are COX-2 selective or not, so it is important to monitor all dogs closely for side effects while they are on the drugs and carry out a blood screening test to check the kidney function before and during treatment.

It is a good idea to formulate treatment plans that are less dependent solely on NSAIDs. The following are dog arthritis treatment options that can reduce dependency on NSAIDs or in some cases, may function as a complete substitute:

NMDA antagonists help reduce pain by "calming down" overactive neural pain pathways. Common NMDA antagonists include Gabapentin, Amantadine, Ketamine and Amitriptyline.

Opioids provide stronger pain relief than other prescription painkillers and have very few side effects. They contain substances that bind to the pain receptors found in the brain, spinal cord, and gastrointestinal tract to decrease the brain's awareness of pain. Examples of opioids are Tramadol, Morphine, Fentanyl, Buprenorphine, and Codeine. Unfortunately, these drugs are not available in all states and countries as some local laws identify opioids as controlled substances.

Stem cell therapy is considered by some as a controversial treatment option but has been showing good potential. Conversely, stem cell therapy for dogs does deserve the notoriety it has been given. With this method, stem cells are harvested from the dog's body fat, which are then injected to the arthritic joint. Stem cells are able to stop the cartilage damage, promote cartilage regrowth, and suppress inflammation.

Cortisone is a more potent anti-inflammatory than NSAIDs. It can help to settle "acute on chronic" pain. However, it should never be considered as first option and it should not be used for more than two to three times a year. Furthermore, Cortisone should not be used together with NSAIDs.

Joint health supplements are health products made from natural ingredients. They are believed to reverse some of the effects of the disease and provide the necessary building blocks for cartilage repair. When choosing the right supplement, make sure the product contains the following:

-D-Phenylalanine. An essential amino acid found in the breast milk of mammals. It is reputed to be a natural analgesic.

-SAM-e. Also known as S-Adenosyl methionine, SAM-e is a substance produced and consumed by the liver. Studies have shown that it has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.

-Low molecular weight Chondroitin. An important component of cartilage, it can suppress inflammation, inhibit cartilage-destroying agents, promote the growth of new cartilage and the production of synovial fluid.

-Glucosamine HCL. A structural component of cartilage responsible for the tissue's spongy texture.

-Fish Oil Omega-3 Fatty Acids. EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) is an omega-3 fatty acid that can reduce inflammation. Studies have also revealed that omega-3 helps to protect the existing cartilage from further damage.

-Niacinamide. Also called Vitamin B3, this nutrient can improve cartilage production, prevent further cartilage damage, and improve joint mobility.

-Avocado and Soybean Unsaponifiables (ASU). This substance has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and can help improve chondrocyte metabolism.

New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel - Mother Nature's Way of Treating Chronic Inflammation

The New Zealand green lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) is common throughout New Zealand, and in fact, it is classed as an introduced pest in Australia. In New Zealand however, these mussels, which are in a family known as "true" mussels, play a significant role in the economy. For the most part, the mussels are nowadays cultivated commercially, although many natives still prefer to gather their own mussels from the intertidal zone along New Zealand's many beaches. Of all known mussel species, these are one of the biggest, frequently reaching a size of 24cm in length.

Okay, now that we know a bit about these mussels, let's take a look at why they have attracted the attention of millions of health conscious people all around the world.

To begin with, they contain a combination of fatty acids unique to this particular species, and of course most of us are already aware of the importance of essential fatty acids. Fatty acids are vital to one's health, but unfortunately the average person's diet does not contain nearly enough. Admittedly, if your only concern is to increase the amount of Omega-3 fatty acids in your diet, you would more than likely be better off choosing a good quality fish oil supplement since oily fish remains the best source of Omega-3 fatty acids. However, these New Zealand mussels also have other qualities which one won't find in fish oil.

One such quality is the presence of glycosaminoglycan; a polysaccharide widely believed to be capable of repairing damaged joint tissues. Other compounds present in these mussels have also been shown to combat inflammation, To date however, there is still much debate as to whether or not these compounds can be used for treating inflammation caused by arthritis. To be fair, more studies need to be carried out in order to determine how effective these compounds are as far as arthritis treatments are concerned.

If one is willing to look beyond a possible cure for arthritis, it seems evident that New Zealand mussels have without a doubt secured their place in the "natural remedies" market. After all, New Zealand now produces more than 150,000 tons annually, with an estimated value of around 300 million New Zealand dollars.

Quality control and safety standards in New Zealand's mussel industry are reported to be the highest in the world. Both the green lipped mussels and the waters surrounding mussel farms are constantly monitored and tested for the presence of heavy metals, bacteria, and a range of other biotoxins. Standards have to meet the requirements of the New Zealand Food Safety Authority, the European Union, and also the US Food and Drug Administration.

While New Zealand green mussels are being farmed elsewhere as well, one should, in my opinion, only use dietary supplements made from mussels farmed in New Zealand.

Psoriasis Affects More Than Just the Upper Layer of Your Skin

Psoriasis is a disease that affects both skin and joints. It is mainly called a skin disease because it causes swelling and scaling of skin. This disease is known to be chronic recurring. Psoriasis causes thick, red spots or plaques with silvery - white scales. These can be often found on lower back, knees, elbows, soles of feet and on palms and are frequent in fingernails and toenails. Psoriasis is one of the longest known disease or illness of humans. The cause of the disease is not yet well known, but it affects both males and females at same rate. There are different types of psoriasis:

Plaque psoriasis: It appears as raised areas of skin which is inflamed.

Flexural psoriasis: It appears as smooth inflamed plaques on skin.

Guttate psoriasis: Numerous red spots over a large area.

Pustular psoriasis: Appears as raised bumps on pustules which are non-infectious

Nail psoriasis: Appears as discoloring nail plates or thickening of skin under nails.

Psoriatic arthritis: Is a connective tissue inflammation which affects joints.

These are some of the type of psoriasis found commonly. This disease is hard to be diagnosed. Treatment is done based on severity of the disease, size of psoriatic plaques and reaction of the patient on the disease.

Topical treatment of this disease is done with different ointments and creams. Bath solutions, moisturizers and lotions also give better results for the treatment of this disease. One treatment which is more effective on this disease is PUVA. It is combination of Psoralen and UltraVioletA light. Sometimes, combination therapy is used for the treatment of this disease. In combination therapy, two or more drugs are combined to form a new drug which reduces the red spots on the skin.

Some triggers such as stress, injury to skin, infection or scratches that can cause psoriasis. People who suffer from psoriasis develop lesions or red colored plaques on raised skin of dead skin cells. There are some natural remedies for the treatment of this disease such as usage of Aloe vera, primrose oil in cream or lotion form, fish oil and turmeric can also be used to relieve psoriasis.

Many times diagnosis of this disease is done through biopsy of the skin or by scraping. This disease is known to increase the chance of myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure or hyper tension.

Psoriasis sometimes is treated by taking it as excessive growth and reproduction of cells of skin and sometimes as immune - mediated disorder. Psoriasis is a type of idiosyncratic disease which includes bacterial or viral infection, any allergy due to weather or material, some medicines used or lack of Vitamin D, excess drinking of alcohol, and other liquids or the body is infected with cancer, AIDS or any other incurable disease.

An antibiotic, cream, lotion, or a moisturizer is prescribed to you by the dermatologists to prevent further spreading. Other measures such as taking more bath, usage of anti dandruff shampoo or moisturizers are also employed by dermatologists for the treatment of this disease.

Psoriasis Treatment - May Hot Peppers Help?

Hot peppers (Chili peppers) include a special ingredient called Capsaicin in their composition. Capsaicin is the particular ingredient which makes Chili peppers taste hot. Pure Capsaicin is a colorless and odorless crystalline compound.

Some plants naturally have Capsaicin in them for the protection of their leaf from animals eating them, and possibly also for the protection from certain fungi. The highest concentrations of Capsaicin are usually found in the fleshy parts of the seeds and the fruits of the genus Capsicum plants (i.e. chili peppers, red or green peppers).

Capsaicin causes a sensation of heat anywhere it comes in the contact with the skin (especially in the sensitive skin areas) or the mucous membranes of a human or an animal.

Capsaicin is used in the sprays for the riot control, as it will cause a severe burning if it gets onto the face or into the eyes of a human.

In medicine Capsaicin is most commonly used as a component of the Over the Counter (OTC) pain relievers for arthritis, and sometimes also as a circulatory stimulant. Over the Counter pain relieving creams usually contain Capsaicin in concentrations between 0.025 % and 0.075 %. Some studies show that Capsaicin can also help to reduce the pains, associated with Psoriatic Arthritis.

Topical creams with Capsaicin help to relieve the pain in the nerve endings near the skin surface. Capsaicin interrupts the action of molecules at the nerve endings, which affect how the brain recognizes pain, itch, and heat. When Capsaicin is removed, the nerve endings recover back to their normal state.

May Capsaicin also help in psoriasis treatment? And if yes, then how will it - topically or internally?

Several double-blind placebo controlled studies have shown that a topical application of a 0.025% cream with Capsaicin has helped to sufficiently relieve the skin symptoms in the people with psoriasis when compared to the placebo controlled group of people with psoriasis.

Due to the burning sensation caused by Capsaicin when it comes in contact with mucous membranes (mucous membranes include mouth, gums, stomach, intestines, nose, bronchial tubes, and urinary tract), it is often used in food products to make them taste spicy or "hot".

According to some studies, Capsaicin may also cause the release of endorphins in the body - the compounds produced by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus during exercise, a sexual intercourse, an excitement etc. Endorphins cause a feeling of pleasure when released into the human body.

Some people with psoriasis say that they also benefit from the dietary intake of foods containing Capsaicin. Other people can not use Capsaicin as an internal psoriasis treatment, due to that, hot peppers (Chili peppers or Cayenne peppers) and other products with Capsaicin cause heartburn in them.

I suspect that Capsaicin may work in psoriasis treatment due to acting as an irritant for the psoriatic plaques. Just as with Cryotherapy (treatment with the use of ultra low temperatures), Capsaicin may irritate the skin due to causing the sensation of a strong heat on the skin, and thus to cause the skin to "pay attention" to what is going on with the site and to adjust accordingly.

Capsaicin may also serve a natural anti-inflammatory agent for the psoriatic plaques.

Rheumatoid Arthritis - Signs and Symptoms

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic and systematic disorder that principally affects the joints leading to an inflammatory synovistis. This condition can lead to the destruction of the articular cartilage and ankylosis of the joints. Apart from the joints, this disorder can also affect body tissues and organs.

This condition can also produce diffuse inflammation in the lungs, the pericardium, the pleura and the sclera. Although the exact causes of this disease are yet to be identified, autoimmunity is said to be a major contributor to the progression of the disease. No age is immune to this disease although the onset is often between the ages of 40 and 50.

Signs of rheumatoid arthritis include inflammation and swelling of the affected joints. The joints will also feel warm, painful and stiff especially in the morning or after a prolonged period of inactivity. Increased stiffness particularly early in the morning is a prominent feature of the inflammatory disease and may last for more than an hour. Gentle movements normally help to relieve the symptoms in the early stages of the disease. This disorder normally affects the joints in a fairly symmetrical fashion.

Diagnosis of this condition is chiefly on signs and symptoms but also blood tests and x-rays can be used. Other medical imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound can also be used during diagnosis. Diagnosis and management of this disease is done by a rheumatologist; an expert in the diseases of joints and connective tissues. Rheumatoid arthritis is treated using anti-rheumatic medication. Cortisone therapy can also help to relieve the symptoms but may not effective for long term use.

Does Running Cause Arthritis?

Is it a foregone conclusion, that if you run for years, you will have arthritis? Many of my patients are concerned that the aches and pains that are inevitable from distance running are actually harbingers for the future aches and pains of arthritis. This fear is even strong enough to get older runners to quit and start a lower impact exercise regimen like swimming and cycling. Is this a reasonable fear? Yes and No! Running by itself does not cause arthritis; improper biomechanics coupled with the rigors of running can cause arthritis.

Consider the stress of running on the joints for a minute. The foot hits the ground and the bones and joints experience force up to six times the runner's body weight at impact. The joints are being asked to move and glide efficiently and smoothly while enduring this stress. In the event of a misstep or stumble, the joints need to continue to be stable to maintain their perfect alignment.

Osteoarthritis, a.k.a. "wear and tear arthritis", is what runner's dread. This is degeneration of the articular cartilage which absorbs shock, distributes stress and allows the joints to glide smoothly. The ability to run pain free depends on the health and integrity of this cartilage as we age. In osteoarthritis, the surface of the cartilage becomes roughened, fissured and even starts to shred into small fragments. These fragments "float" around the joint and cause more damage. The bone tries to protect itself by producing small bony prominences called osteophytes which actually in the end make the joint damage and pain worse.

Any kind of sports participation can increase the incidence of osteoarthritis due to increased twisting forces, high impact, muscle weakness or over-development and joint instability which causes abnormal peak pressures and greater stress in certain areas of cartilage which can lead to osteoarthritis. Nevertheless, for normal joints , there is no scientific evidence that simply the action of running, even over a long period of time, causes permanent joint damage or even a predisposition for osteoarthritis.

What is the risk of osteoarthritis in runners? Many studies of long-term runners show no increased incidence of osteoarthritis in these competitive runners. Some studies did show more evidence of osteophytes, but no correlation with joint pain or instability. Confusing the issue for many runners are the numerous incidents of misdiagnosis of repetitive stress injuries like patella-femoral syndrome as arthritis. This is reversible and caused by abnormal tracking of the kneecap, which is treated with physical therapy and orthotics.

Joints are in fact strengthened by activity and damaged by inactivity. Studies have shown that the articular cartilage actually thins and becomes more fragile with inactivity, therefore increasing the risk of arthritis. Joints adapt to the stress of exercise and become stronger and more able to endure the long term stress of running. Remember the doctor saying to increase slowly? This is why. Ligaments and muscles, which support the joints, are strengthened and reinforced by the stresses of the running activity, improving joint mechanics, if the joints are properly aligned.

Here is the truth about foot biomechanics. Proper biomechanics during the strengthening process is essential for joint health. Improper biomechanics can increase the stress on the joints in an abnormal fashion and actually increase the incidence of osteoarthritis and hasten joint damage.

Bottom line? Running does not increase the incidence of osteoarthritis unless the lower extremity biomechanics are faulty. In fact, almost 75% of Americans over the age of 65 experience some symptoms of osteoarthritis. This is not increased in runners. In fact, running may actually help with the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

The benefits associated with long distance running profoundly overshadow the risk of osteoarthritis. In runners, orthotic devices to correct their biomechanics early in their training may actually decrease the stress associated with increased osteoarthritis. If you have joint symptoms, see a sports medicine podiatrist today and have your gait realigned. Your joints will thank you. Remember, your feet are meant to carry you for a lifetime. Don't let the fear of osteoarthritis rob you of the joy of a lifetime of distance running!

Arthritis Joint Pain

Arthritis joint pain can be a chronic condition which sees sufferers go through hell with immense pain. There are other implications that will see your condition become much worse due to the condition. One of the condition that is likely to develop is endocrine failure. You will also develop a thyroid problem.

People who suffer from this condition have been seen to have some inactive glands. These glands are androgen and estrogen. This problem will prompt an immediate medical investigation. Other conditions might be discovered. Therefore, arthritis joint pain presents a real challenge when it affects you. The condition has always been associated with old age or the aging process.

Arthritis joint pain will result in so much more devastation. If you had an injury which was repeatedly injured in the past, there will be formation of a mineral like calcium. This will be the onset of bone degeneration and deterioration. This process is pretty hard to reverse. There are various signs you need to look out for when you have this condition.

You will experience swelling then, you might have skin irritation. Loss of movement and general impairment is generally the final outcome of arthritis joint pain. Crippling of the joints will cause a lot of devastation to many who are affected. Therefore, it is vital for you to seek medical attention early. You must realize that medications that are administered for occasional joint pain will not do the trick.

You need to go for specialized care which will be effective. For arthritis joint pain, you will need to stimulate the cartilage naturally so that it can regenerate. This is sometimes done by the administration of mineral supplements. The use of these supplements has elicited different reactions showing different levels of success.

Another treatment that is used to stimulate regeneration is amino sugar. However, it does not also have standard results for all people. Consultation with your health provider will enable you choose your treatment regiment. This has to be done after many factors are considered and several tests run. You must go for a treatment and ignoring the problem is not an option.

It does not really matter the length of time you have been suffering from the condition; you need to seek medical help. This is because treatments might work for you. You can go for programs that will help the pain subside. You can choose various things like a warm massage. Pressure puncture is also a good way to ensure that you alleviate the pain.

Consider reflex stimulation and see whether it will work for you. You will have to change your lifestyle to accommodate your problem. This means getting the right treatment and undertaking helpful exercises. Let a doctor guide you to the right direction when it comes to treatment.

You should consider every treatment available when other treatments prove not to work. Above all, keep a positive attitude so that you can facilitate your recovery. If the condition is pretty bad, learn to adapt and make the most out of what you have.

Arthritis Pain Between Your Shoulder Blades? - 8 Possible Reasons and Treatment

Arthritis is a strange disease in that one minute it's present in the lower part of your back, and then next your shoulder blades can ache uncontrollably and nothing you seem to take will fix the pain.

Back arthritis is particularly guilty of this random flare up and if you're suffering from some sort of arthritic condition from the top to the bottom of your spine, then this can be excruciating.

However, if you feel this disease is present in your shoulder blades then you may be mistaken as there are a few alternative theories:

1. Fibromyalgia:

This could be what's causing the discomfort as it occurs commonly in this region of the back.

Fibromyalgia is brought on by stress, sleep problems, headaches and fatigue and may last for awhile, but it's not permanent and the symptoms are very similar to various forms of arthritis.

2. Osteoporosis:

It could also just be simply that the curvature of the back has deformed, forcing the muscles to pull and stretch and this kind of behavior may be linked to osteoporosis, the depletion of minerals in the bone.

3. Problem with Lungs:

While the lungs sit at the front of the chest, the back of the lungs can have affect the upper back if there's some sort of ailment present.

4. Gallbladder problems:

Pain is felt from gallbladder inflammation not just in the upper right abdomen but also it can radiate to the back and up and under the shoulder blades.

5. Metastatic bone cancer:

More seriously it could be metastatic bone cancer which is when cancer forms in one of the organs and then quickly spreads to the bones.

This type of cancer is life threatening.

6. Hip Bursitis:

The bursa is a small sack of fluid sat between the tendon and the bone to prevent friction. When this becomes inflamed then this could also place pressure on the shoulder blades and the upper back.

7. DDD Arthritis:

Degenerative disc disease could also be causing the pain in this region. Doctors are unsure as to what causes DDD but essentially the symptoms can effect the upper back as a result of the discs between the cartilage in the vertebrae slowly deteriorating.

8. Bad posture:

It could just be down to years of bad body posture which can cause one to stoop in later life, and when the back tries to stretch flat out to it's original shape, such as when we lie flat on our backs, the shoulder blades can feel quite tense and compressed.

Rather than use dangerous NSAID's to provide pain relief, try some of the latest FDA registered homoeopathic supplements to reduce inflammation, relieve joint pain and build bone density:

Ingredients include:

• Omega 3, 6 and 9 proteins.


• Vitamin D in 800mg capsules.


• Real natural anti-inflammatory compounds like Reishi, Capsaicin, Tongkat ali, Vitamin C, Ginger, White Willow Bark.


• Glucosamine Complex, Chondroitin Sulfate and MSM.

Conquering Arthritis - Mentally and Physically

Common Types of Arthritis

There are many forms of arthritis. They range from severely debilitating rheumatoid arthritis to common osteo-arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. Over ninety percent of people over the age of fifty have some degree of oseto-arthritis. It is basically the wearing out of the joints over time, or plain and simple wear and tear. There are a lot of factors that determine when and how severe it will affect you, some factors you can control and some that you can't. Rheumatoid arthritis is less common, but much more destructive. It is a disease which the immune system attacks the joints for an unknown reason. The body treats the joints like invaders and slowly destroys them over time. It is unknown what causes rheumatoid arthritis and it can be severe. It can happen at any age and can stop and go into remission for no apparent reason. There are a lot of other forms of arthritis that are rare, but they all negatively affect the joints.

Osteo-Arthritis

Osteoarthritis affects every mammal on the planet and every person will eventually develop it if the live long enough. It is the joints wearing out with age. The first sign of osteoarthritis is stiffness in the joints. This is due to the fluid (synovia) that separates the bones of the joints becoming less viable and breaking down. Over time the joints will get closer together and lose the viscosity of the fluid. Calcium will start to form on the ends of the bones and slowly start to form a bridge between the two bones that make up the joint. This process is called spurring. Eventually the joint will lose all the fluid that lubricates the joint and spurs will take over the entire joint. The bones will fuse together to form one big connection. This process takes time and it can start as early as late teens or it can start much later in life.

Causes of Osteoarthritis

There are a lot of factors that determine the age and rate when osteoarthritis will start. Some factors can be controlled and others cannot. Did you ever see people in their eighties that look and move like they're in their forties? Then you see someone in their fifties that look and move like they are ninety. This didn't happen by chance. Many things determined this, but they all occur over time. It's never to late to change, unless your dead! The first factor is genetics. This is handed down by your parents and their parents. You can't pick your parents so this is 100% not controllable. If your parents developed osteoarthritis at an early age, chances are you will too unless you take precautions. Trauma is another factor that isn't exactly controllable. The amount of trauma your body, particularly the joints, has had will speed up the degeneration process of osteoarthritis. Most football players have a high rate of osteoarthritis in their hips and knees at young ages due to the amount of lower body trauma they endured while playing football. Livelihood is not really controlled either, and it is another factor that contributes to arthritis. I'll give a couple of examples. Mail carriers that carry heavy mail bags on their shoulders will develop osteoarthritis in their spines at a much faster rate than most people. Years ago they were taught to switch sides regularly to prevent on side from receiving most of the stress. This helps, but it still doesn't eliminate the increased stress on the spine day after day. Another example are dentists. My father was a dentist and my sister is a dentist. When my father started to age he had a finger that was crooked. It was just his first finger (pointer finger) on his right hand. This was due to the constant pressure he placed on the instruments while working. Rheumatoid arthritis hits all the fingers so it wasn't rheumatism. Dentists also bend to one side all day. This places a lot of stress on one side of the spine. I recommend switching sides, but it is impossible for them to do this because most dentists aren't ambidextrous. Over time this will degenerate the mid back of most dentists. I'm a chiropractor and I stand all day. I'm developing arthritis in my knee. I also had severe knee trauma (surgery) in high school form sports.

Slow Osteo-Arthritis Down

Regular moderate joint motion is one thing that slows the degenerative process down. A moving joint is typically a healthy joint. Regular daily motion stimulates the fluid (synovia) of the joint and will nourish the joint. It is similar to the difference between a pond (dirty) and a stream (clean). A pond develops scum due to the lack of moving fresh water, but a stream in constantly moving fresh water in and removing the dirty water. The joints of the body act similarly to this. They get their nourishment from the fluid in the joints so if the fluid isn't circulating the joint wont get proper nourishment and will degenerate at a much faster rate. Daily stretching and moving the whole body through a full range of motion is recommended. People that work hard often times don't get enough full ranges of motion in their entire body. They stimulate certain areas too much and other areas not enough and they become imbalanced. There are a lot of methods to stimulate and stretch, but I feel yoga and pilates along with swimming are the best ways to stimulate and stretch the entire body. Proper alignment of the joints, especially the spine is crucial in preventing osteoarthritis. If the bones are mis-aligned it is common sense they will wear out faster. Like making sure your tires are in alignment, the vertebra move and can become mis-aligned. When vertebra are mis-aligned they become fixated and don't allow proper motion in the joints. Muscle spasms are the biggest reason why this occurs. When a muscle goes into spasm, it gets tight and will move the bones or compressing the joint. A pulled muscle can create havoc on the spine, short and long term. Regular chiropractic treatments prevent mis-alignments and reduce muscle spasms. Proper nourishment and fluids are another big factor. Joints have been found to degenerate at a faster rate if they aren't hydrated properly and they also have been found to improve if proper nutrients are given to them. Glucosamine Sulfate, Chondroitin Sulfate, MSM, and Hyaluronic acid along with Omega 3 fatty acids have been found to aid in joint function. I also recommend natural ant-infammatories such as ginger and turmeric for preventing harmful inflammation of the joints and soft tissue.

Conquering Arthritis, Mentally

I don't care what type of arthritis you may have, your mental attitude is the most important factor that will enable you to manage it and help you live a happy productive life. Even the worst cases of rheumatoid arthritis can go into remission. Without positive thinking and positive preparation it usually won't happen. Osteoarthritis effects everyone. Some people let it destroy who they are and others empower it. It doesn't have to become who you are. Everyone has an identity or a story. Don't let the first thing you think of when you imagine yourself be arthritis. If you let it control you it will eventually destroy you. Arthritis is manageable and it is not going to prevent you from enjoying your life. Take preparations and you will be fine. Associate yourself with active and supportive people that enjoy life and don't dwell on the negative things such as their ailing health. Positive thinking and positive living will change your life. Energy breeds more energy. The more energy you use the more your brain and body will produce. You just have to get it started. So get moving, nourish your joints and keep them in align.

Arthritis Treatment: New Trends in Gout Management

At a recent conference in Colorado, discussion of the optimal treatment for gout was a major area of discussion among rheumatologists.

It appears that the disease, while growing in incidence and prevalence is not being treated appropriately. Factors that seem to contribute to this phenomenon are: metabolic syndrome (the association of diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, elevated blood lipids), obesity, excessive alcohol ingestion, and the increased intake of high fructose containing beverages.

Roughly eight million Americans have the disease; yet, only three million are being treated. Another issue is noncompliance. Studies have shown that about half of patients with gout don't take their medicines.

Some important issues have been raised.

First, not all patients with an elevated serum uric acid (SUA) have gout and not everyone with an elevated SUA should be treated with uric acid lowering therapies because of potential side effects.

That being said, very elevated SUA levels should not be ignored because they are linked to high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular problems. Any level of 6.8 mgs/dl or higher is abnormal. Nowadays, laboratory "normal values" are higher than they were in the past because of the changing health status of Americans. More are obese and more have elevated SUA. They are the ones on whom the new "normal values" have been based. Does that make the "new normal" acceptable?

Absolutely not!

The Framingham study showed that people who had SUA levels higher than 9.8 mg/dl had a 22 per cent chance of getting gout within 5 years.

Clearly, instituting early treatment for a gout attack is wise. Among the drugs that work well include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, colchicine, and glucocorticoids. Sometimes, combinations of these drugs need to be used in order to break an attack.

SUA lowering treatments should not be started until the acute attack has been resolved.

One big mistake is that some physicians unfamiliar with gout will start uric acid lowering treatment at much too high a dose. This only increases the likelihood of drug toxicity without increasing the chances of successfully controlling the gout. The two most effective drugs available for lowering SUA currently are allopurinol and febuxostat (Uloric).

In patients where these drugs are ineffective, peguricase (Krystexxxa) is a viable option.

The way to treat gout is to start low and go slow with frequent monitoring of SUA level shooting for a target of less than 6.0 mgs/dl.

An Osteoarthritis Introduction

There are many types of arthritis, in fact more than 100 are known and documented, but the most common is a type of degenerative arthritis known as osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is also sometimes called wear and tear arthritis, as a result of the common factors that cause this disease.

Over time, daily activities, injuries, and certain high risk sports or activities cause the joints in the body to wear down, typically as the result of loss of cartilage. When this happens, the joints rub together and simple movements can become much more painful. The most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis, typically affects joints that are weight bearing the most, including the knees and hips. However, any joint can be affected by the disease and it is common for the disease to be found in the hands and feet.

One of the most significant differences of osteoarthritis and the other common form of senior arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, is that osteoarthritis will commonly only affect one joint in a pair, where rheumatoid arthritis will usually affect all similar joints. So, for instance, in someone with osteoarthritis, it is common for the degenerative arthritis to only be found in one of their hands and not the other. In part, this is due to the fact that wear and tear are the biggest risk factors of this type of mobility related disorder.

The symptoms of this type of degenerative disease most commonly result in limited mobility and joint pain. Morning and night pain, which can last for about half of an hour, is quite common and it is often the worse in the evening. Activities can aggravate this type of joint pain.

It is also common for bone spurs to develop around the joint, as well as for small pieces of bone to break off and cause further irritation. Part of this is due to cartilage being lost in the joint, so the added layer of protection from it is removed.

Diagnosing any type of arthritis can often be difficult, as there is no specific test that is always going to be accurate. However, often by learning about the patients symptoms and preforming x-rays of affected joints, later stage osteoarthritis can be diagnosed. Blood work and other tests may also be preformed.

Treating osteoarthritis, as well as other types of arthritis, usually is focused on making life easier for the patient, as the effects of the disease are not reversible. So, pain management, reduction of swelling, and reducing inflammation is often a big part of treatment. However, it is also sometimes possible to keep the disease from getting worse, so this is also an important factor during treatment.

The patients diet and activity level are very important and, with many of those who are obese developing this type of arthritis, weight reduction can also significantly reduce joint pain. Studies have shown that safe exercises, which do not put a lot of stress on the joints, can have a major impact on health and joint discomfort, so things like swimming or walking can be powerful tools too.

This type of arthritis is the most common among seniors and can have a major impact on their health, as well as all of their daily activities.

A Guide To the Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Management of rheumatoid arthritis may include dietary and lifestyle changes, prescription or over the counter anti-inflammatory medications, disease modifying anti-rheumatic medications, alternative medicines and therapies or all of the above. Doctors look at a patient's symptoms and other factors when diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis.

Tests including X-rays and blood tests may be used when diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis. A blood test may reveal the presence of the rheumatoid factor antibody, but it is not present in all people who have the disease, and it may also be present in people who have different diseases.

Therefore, diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis requires doctors to look at other factors. Treatment plans for the management of rheumatoid arthritis may begin before all tests are finalized, particularly those treatments that address pain and inflammation.

Diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis involves looking at a patient's symptoms. For instance, morning joint stiffness may be a symptom of rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis; X-rays may help doctors determine which form of arthritis is present.

Osteoarthritis is a wearing away of the protective cartilage and changes in the fluid between the joints. On an X-ray, it may look like the individual bones of the joints are touching or much closer than they normally would be.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammation of the fluid that normally lubricates and protects the joints, so on an X-ray the individual bones of the joint may look farther apart than normal. Except for the inclusion of disease modifying anti-rheumatic medications, management of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis is typically similar.

After diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis, the progression of the disease must be taken into consideration. If the management of rheumatoid arthritis is not successful in the early stages, joint deformities can occur, leading to disabilities and sometimes requiring surgery.

In the early stages, the symptoms are similar to osteoarthritis, except that osteoarthritis sometimes affects only one joint or only the joints on one side of the body, while rheumatoid arthritis typically begins with inflammation in the small joints (hands and/or feet) on both sides of the body. It is this symmetry of pain and inflammation that is one determining factor when diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis.

Even after diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis, doctors' opinions vary on how best to achieve management of rheumatoid arthritis, prevent the disease from progressing and put the disease into remission.

Some doctors recommend a strict diet that excludes grains, milk, nuts, beef and eggs. These foods are common allergens and food allergies have been reported to play a negative role in inflammatory diseases.

It is also believed that rheumatoid arthritis may be caused by a malfunction of the immune system and food allergies are believed to play a role in auto-immune diseases, as well. In several studies, patients who followed this diet reported an alleviation of symptoms for as long as five years. A diet like this may be an effective part of a treatment plan for the management of rheumatoid arthritis.

While some doctors turn only to prescription medications after diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis, some consider herbals, botanicals, vitamins and mineral supplements as a part of the long term management of rheumatoid arthritis. Vitamin and mineral supplements sometimes recommended for management of rheumatoid arthritis include zinc, copper, selenium, omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.

Herbals and botanicals sometimes advised for the management of rheumatoid arthritis include ginger root, bromelain, feverfew, turmeric and mangosteen rind or puree (an exotic fruit native to Southeast Asia).

Studies have shown that the last one, the mangosteen, harbors anti-inflammatory properties and the rind of the mangosteen fruit has been shown to contain Cox-2 inhibitors, which have powerful pain relieving and anti-inflammatory effects. Many people in the Western world are now turning to substances like the mangosteen because they naturally contain Cox-2 inhibitors, and many people report experience pain alleviation.

Indeed, Dr. J Frederic Templeman, M.D. states: "In most types of arthritis the majority of mangosteen's benefits will come from its anti-inflammatory effects because it blocks the COX enzymes that are pro-inflammatory."

After diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis, doctors now realize that anti-inflammatory medications can have harmful effects on the digestive systems and may recommend additional testing after treatment begins.

For example, Dr. Templeman briefly addresses this issue by pointing out "....mangosteen doesn't cause the dangerous gastrointestinal side effects of prescribed or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs."

The health supplements and botanicals like ginger root and mangosteen may actually protect the digestive tract from damage. Indeed, they are often recommended by herbalists and naturalists for the treatment of heartburn and acid reflux.

Other recommendations for long term management of rheumatoid arthritis may include a regular exercise program, with regular rest periods. Exercising in water is particularly easy on and beneficial for the joints. Changes around the house, like replacing small drawer handles with larger ones, replacing round door knobs with the lever type and placing commonly used items on lower shelves may make life a little easier.

After diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis, only your doctor and you can make decisions about what treatment plans to include in the management of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Acupuncture, bee therapy and many other non-conventional therapies do exist.

Investigate and explore the many options that are out there and after consulting with your doctor, you decide.

For me, the daily use of natural alternatives like mangosteen made more sense in improving my health, but other people may decide differently.

Athletes, Injuries, and Liquid Glucosamine for Joint Pain

The explosion of sports activities in the United States continues. Athletes at the high school, collegiate, professional, or weekend warrior level are put at risk for joint injury. Recovery in our youth is fast, and returning to our favorite sport usually requires a little rest and a few weeks to recover. The problem is these injuries can have lifelong effects, many of which lead to osteoarthritis to the damaged joint.

As cartilage ages or injured, its' ability to act as a cushion and lubricant to our joint is compromised. The cartilage can no longer protect the joint properly. Knees especially take a pounding and eventually, enough cartilage wears away causing bone on bone contact and the onset of osteoarthritis joint pain.

Today, more and more athletes are adding glucosamine with chondroitin to their daily intake of vitamins and other health supplements. Serious athletes at a more competitive level, put in long hours of joint pounding practice, and use a glucosamine chondroitin combination to give their joints the nutrition they need to help prevent deterioration of healthy cartilage. Healthy, pain free joints let them train longer.

All of us have seen retired football players (Mike Ditka) from the NFL limping around. The physical punishment their bodies have endured is beyond comprehension. But these same types of injuries can occur in anyone, and damaged joint cartilage is a recipe for arthritis. Cartilage breaking down is a natural occurrence, whether from aging or genetics. Injury to a knee, ankle, or shoulder joint can damage the soft tissue know as cartilage and speed up the process of osteoarthritis.

Recommendations are for athletes to take 1500 milligrams of glucosamine with chondroitin daily. Both substances are naturally occurring in our bodies, but sometimes our body can stop producing the necessary levels need to maintain healthy cartilage. Studies have shown that the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin act as an anti-inflammatory, while supplying nutrients necessary for cartilage regeneration. While there are drugs available that do the same thing, they are anything but natural. Common prescriptions for inflamed joints are NSAIDs. (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) NSAID's like Celebrex, come with a long list of potential side effects. One NSAID was recently pulled from the market due to the devastating effects it was having on some consumers.

Recent studies have shown that glucosamine has the same effects on reducing moderate to severe joint pain as Celecoxib (Celebrex). That's quite a statement. Glucosamine chondroitin products have virtually no side effects. They contain no pain medication or ant-inflammatory drugs, only naturally occurring substances. Synflex 1500 Liquid Glucosamine contains these essential ingredients, but continues the formula with several anti-inflammation supplements including White Willow Bark that has been used since the 5th century BC, when Hippocrates noted and recommended its use for pain and inflammation.

Many athletes have begun using Synflex 1500 to improve their joint health. In fact, Olympic Biathlete Tim Burke found that at the age of 20 he was suffering from the onset of arthritis and needed to find pain relief continue with his training. Trying many different brands of glucosamine, Tim found that Synflex controlled his arthritis pain enabling him to continue with his training and competitions.

Whether competitive in sports or enjoying retired life, if arthritis joint pain has you sidelined, Synflex 1500 Liquid Glucosamine can get you back in the game and control the joint pain you've been enduring.

Easy Exercise for Arthritis

Osteoarthritis affects 21 million Americans and is caused when cartilage is damaged by injury, overuse, obesity, or muscle weakness. We are all at risk; over half the population age 65 and older has some form of diagnosed arthritis. Whether you want to manage symptoms or are working on prevention, you can take steps to nourish your joints and help them last longer.

Smooth movement is the best thing for your joints. Let me explain why. Arthritis occurs when cartilage, the protective covering on the ends of bones, is damaged. Its major function is to absorb and release synovial fluid, which cushions the impact so bones don't bear the brunt of movement. Cartilage does not receive direct blood flow, so it depends on movement to circulate fluids. As a matter of fact, cartilage will atrophy and degenerate unless used regularly.

Typical exercise does not address the needs of joints and many times makes things worse. Excessive loading of the joints (for example, pounding on a treadmill) damages cartilage and that can lead to osteoarthritis. Also, most exercise focuses on arms and legs and does not include the spine or hands.

There are many joints in the body to nourish, over 100 in the spine and more than 20 in each hand. Look around you at the gym. Do you see smooth movement in the spine and hands? I suspect that most people are creating stiffness instead.

The Arthritis Foundation has created several exercise programs designed specifically to increase mobility without undue strain. The Aquatics Program includes gentle exercises in warm water that are designed to increase flexibility and strength. Tai Chi from the Arthritis Foundation(R) includes 12 movements, six basic and six advanced, which improve agility and relaxation. For more information, visit http://www.arthritis.org.

Another option is therapeutic yoga, which gently brings movement to the body in a low-pressure, high-awareness environment. You can search for a therapeutic yoga instructor near you at The International Association of Yoga Therapists, http://www.iayt.org. Most people think of ultra-flexible, touch your toes to the back of your head moves as yoga. However, yoga has expanded to encompass a broad range of abilities. Therapeutic yoga can be done in a class setting with extra attention from the instructor or in private sessions where the teacher creates a program specifically for your body.

Undulation can be used as a specific exercise, especially for those whose activity is limited by pain, or incorporated into every day activities, which is good for everyone. Undulations are small and mild and focus on one simple movement at a time. Believe it or not, you can lubricate your spine simply by swaying back in forth as you sit as long as you move within your pain-free range. Octopus is an undulation that soothes the joints in the hands. You can learn more about Undulations at http://www.undulationexercise.com.

A bit of proactive exercise now will make it easier for you to move in the future. Remember: smooth movement is better than jarring movement for your joints. Take care to include your spine and hands in your workouts. A new form of exercise may be just what you need to reduce your chances of developing arthritis.

5 Tips to Reduce Arthritis Swelling and Pain

Arthritis swelling is just one of the symptoms of this chronic disease. It's also one of the ways to find out if you really have arthritis or a related disease. Pain and swelling also result in less range of motion for the limbs affected.

There are several ways to combat this condition:

1. Exercise:
Although exercise can often mean more pain at the beginning, it's really important because only through exercise can you increase the range of motion of the limbs and joints affected. Otherwise, you will find that you are becoming less and less flexible. If you're concerned that regular exercise is too painful, then try yoga for starters. This gentle exercise routine is excellent in improving flexibility. Afterwards you can move onto include regular exercise.

2. Warmth (possibly cold too):
Arthritis is a disease that affects people differently. Usually applying a warm pack to the affected area brings relief. However, if this doesn't work, try an ice pack and see what effect that has. If you have any problems with your circulation, then an ice pack isn't for you. It's trial and error but either warm or cold, this could definitely help reduce swelling and pain.

3. Ultrasound:
This produces gentle waves that penetrate deeply into your sore tissues and gives them warmth. It has been known to reduce pain and swelling as it increases blood flow, thus giving your body more oxygen.

4. Diet:
If you are overweight, make an effort to reduce those extra pounds. The more you weigh, the more pressure is put on your joints, so it makes perfect sense to relieve that pressure by reducing your weight. Also have a good look at the foods you eat in relation to your arthritis swelling and pain. Often zucchini, tomatoes, eggplant and even coffee produce more symptoms and pain. Just be more aware of what you eat and drink and how it affects your body and then reduce or eliminate the intake of that particular food or drink item.

5. Get Another Treatment Option - Drugs Or Natural Remedies
Visiting your doctor is always a good idea. He may prescribe a different medication for you to try. You can also visit your health food store and ask them if they can advise any supplements you can take to help with your pain and inflammation.

As you can see, you don't just have to put up with arthritis swelling and pain, there are often simple ways you can help yourself.

Arthritis Treatment: Knee Osteoarthritis - What Are the Alternatives to Knee Replacement?

Arthritis is a term derived from the Greek: "arthron" meaning joint and "itis" meaning inflammation. It is used to refer to more than 100 different diseases.

The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis (OA) which affects more than 20 million Americans. Osteoarthritis is a condition that impacts hyaline articular cartilage, the tough gristle that caps the ends of long bones.

Hyaline cartilage is a complex material consisting of a combination of proteoglycans (complexes of proteins and sugars) and chondrocytes. Chondrocytes are located within the matrix... picture a gelatin mold with grapes. The gelatin is the matrix and the grapes are the chondrocytes. Chondrocytes are cartilage cells that manufacture matrix under normal healthy circumstances. They are responsible for nourishing the matrix as well.

However, when OA develops, a distinct change in the joint environment occurs. Chondrocytes begin to elaborate destructive enzymes causing cracks in the cartilage. These are called "fissures" and "fibrillations."

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

The treatment of OA of the knee is primarily symptomatic. Weight loss, exercise, physical therapy, assistive devices (such as canes, braces, and walkers), analgesics (pain-relieving medicines), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) which also reduce inflammation and pain, as well as thermal modalities such as heat and ice can all be employed.

However, once those resources are exhausted and the patient has undergone injections with glucocorticoids ("cortisone") and viscosupplements (hyaluronic acid..." rooster comb shots"), there is a large void that is present because until recently the only remaining option was knee replacement surgery.

Despite the improvement in technology, knee replacement surgery is still surgery with all the attendant risks of a major invasive procedure in a hospital setting. And the specter of having to have a revision procedure (a replacement of the replacement) done maybe three times in one's lifetime is an unhappy picture.

Recent work using autologous stem cells, sometimes referred to as mesenchymal stem cells looks very promising. (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)

While not effective for everyone, there is abundant evidence in animal models as well as anecdotal data in humans that certain procedures that incorporate mesenchymal stem cells using a framework of fat and stimulated by autologous growth factors may indeed slow down the rate of cartilage loss and may even improve cartilage thickness. This procedure is also undergoing an evolution of sorts just as all other medical procedures do. If the early work is validated, then this approach will certainly bridge the gap between current symptomatic options and surgery.

And just like recent data showing that orthopedic procedures are declining in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, maybe someday the same will be true for, patients with OA of the knee.