What Is The Best Natural Arthritis Joint Pain Relief Remedy?

Arthritis is a joint inflammation disorder accompanied by crippling and bothering pain. The inflammation occurs when joint tissues react to some kind of damage to the bones, cartilages and also muscles, tendons and ligaments surrounding the joint. Arthritis may affect one or more joints. The pain associated with arthritis occurs due to deterioration of bones and over-straining of muscles against stiffness. Of the several types of arthritis, the following are the most common.

1. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative form of arthritis that occurs due to the wearing out of cartilages paving the way for bone friction and formation of spurs called osteophytes. Knee joint and joints of the spine are more prone to osteoarthritis. Aged people suffer from osteoarthritis.

2. Rheumatoid arthritis is a more disastrous form in which the misdirected immune system invades the healthy joint tissues, resulting in considerable damage. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, the synovial membrane lining the joint gets thickened and inflamed, resulting in joint deformity. Joints of fingers, wrist, hip, knees and feet are generally affected by rheumatoid arthritis.

3. Gout occurs when uric acid builds up in system and gets caught in the form of crystals in the midst of a joint. Thumb, knee, elbow and big toe are commonly affected by gout.

Apart from joint pain, an arthritis patient also experiences joint stiffness, swelling, warmth, tenderness, crepitus, and redness of skin around affected joint, formation of nodules around the affected joint, fatigue, weight loss and anemia.

Arthritis Causes

1. Natural aging of joint
2. Heredity
3. Joint injury or fracture due to bad fall, severe jolt or traumatic accident, heavy physical activity.
4. Joint infection
5. Obesity
6. Lack of exercise
7. Stress induced hormonal imbalance
8. Nutrient deficiency
9. Damp environment
10. Diet consisting of animal products, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers and wheat.
11. Faulty metabolism
12. Faulty joint alignment
13. Autoimmunity.

Best Natural Arthritis Joint Pain Relief Remedy

Jaguar cream is perhaps the best natural arthritis joint pain relief remedy. It is an effective fast acting topical pain relief remedy that treats joint pain, swelling, stiffness, muscle strains and sprains. The potent natural vitamins, herbs and nutrients in the cream soothe pain and inflammation in minutes. The cream uses a counter-irritation technology that stimulates receptors of the skin generating sensations of heat or coolness, barring pain and dilating blood vessels, thereby increasing blood supply to the zone of pain.

The product also applies a technology that sufficiently hydrates the outer layer of skin enabling quick and easy absorption in to the skin. The product is non-allergenic, non-irritating and non greasy on the skin. Jaguar is the best pain relief remedy formulated by a medical practitioner. It exclusively includes ingredients like methyl Salicylate, menthol, camphor, Diclofenac, Australian EMU oil, arnica, MSM, Glucosamine, DMDM Hydantoin, carbomer, sodium hydroxide, tetrasodium EDTA, hypromellose, mineral oil, thyme, eucalyptus, Montana flower extract and water. The potent natural ingredients take away pain from your life and make you more active.

What is a Sausage Toe?

A patient came in the other day with a swollen tip of her second toe. She also had a funny looking, thick toenail and really thought that was the cause of her pain and swelling. She related that she had been experiencing throbbing pain, redness and swelling for several months in just the tip of the toe. It had never spread or gotten much worse. She had never experienced drainage or infection symptoms around the toenail. She was unable to wear a closed in shoe and was to the point that she wanted her toe amputated. She had been treated with topical anti-fungals and antibiotics without much result. She was sent to me for another opinion after taking two months of oral anti-fungals and having no change in the nail or toe appearance. What a strange presentation....or is it?

Sausage toe is a whimsical term used to describe a red, hot swollen toe often seen in psoriatic arthritis. It can also be seen in Reiter's syndrome and other seronegative arthropathies. In English, a non-rheumatoid type arthritis. Sausage toe is inflammation of the distal interphalangeal joints (tip of your toe and adjacent knuckle) that looks like a sausage or lollipop. In psoriatic arthritis, it is often accompanied by nail changes that mimic onychomycosis or a fungus in the nails. The nails can be pitted, yellow, thickened, fragmented, and lifting from the tip of the toe. Psoriatic arthritic can occur without the typical skin changes seen in psoriasis, but most patients have some skin lesions.

Sausage toes should be treated aggressively to decrease the inflammation and joint destruction. Long term inflammation can lead to erosive changes and permanent joint pain and stiffness. Joint ankylosis (complete fusion of the joint) can occur in severe cases. Basic treatment starts with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, exercise, physical therapy and education. Patient should be taught the "move it or lose it" principal of arthritis management. Exercise and mobilization of the joints, but not overuse and abuse, should be reinforced. Some patients need more aggressive treatment, and this should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan by a rheumatologist.

Sausage toes should not be ignored. They can be caused by many factors such as trauma, infection, osteomyelitis (infection of the bone), and many different rheumatologic disorders as discussed. If you experience a painful, red, swollen toe that just seems to persist; seek the opinion of your podiatrist. Treated early, sausage toe can just be part of a whimsical story instead of a long term disability.

5 Rheumatoid Arthritis Early Symptoms You Should Know

This article explains a few things about Rheumatoid Arthritis Early Symptoms, and if you're interested, then this is worth reading, because you can never tell what you don't know.

There are a lot of people out there feeling early arthritis symptoms and don't realize it. It is a disease that gradually builds up and before you know it, you start to feel pain and discomfort and are seeing your doctor for medication. Any medication you take does not address the cause of arthritis and will not improve your condition. Now it is time to take a look at the rheumatoid arthritis early symptoms. This disease shows up in various ways. Some of the first symptoms include:

1) knees cracking when you stand up
2) general pain or swelling around joints that lasts for more than two weeks
3) that pain in your joints increases as you move
4) you may notice increased stiffness in your joints when you wake up in the morning
5) your joints may appear red and feel warm to the touch.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by intense inflammation in the joints, caused by various substances. The inflammation gradually destroys the cartilage and bone around the joints, causing pain, deformities and limited movement, and other symptoms like tiredness, due to the anemia that causes the disease. Rheumatoid arthritis is not hereditary or contagious, but recent studies show that the presence of some genes that regulate the immune system may be related to greater susceptibility to the development of the problem. It said, you have to keep alert about the early symptoms.

For doctors, the biggest challenge is the delay in diagnosing the disease, but the search for optimal therapy, because the disease requiring continuous treatment. It is extremely important that you look for a rheumatologist to painful joints of the hands accompanied by morning stiffness lasts more than 4 weeks. You have to pay attention to the first signs of the existence of AR stated above, because sometimes this picture is often confused with the common rheumatism, which delays the correct diagnosis and early initiation of therapy. The specialist also warns that the number of people affected by the disease should increase significantly in coming years with the aging population.

Although rheumatoid arthritis has no cure, the effectiveness of new treatments have worked to better control the disease.

So, watch the symptoms.

The first signs are unexplained fatigue, prolonged stiffness of the joints of the hands in the morning, and swelling and redness of joints affected.

In general, the patient feels as if he were "rusty" in the morning, and stiffness can last more than an hour. Other joints may be affected as well, such as feet, ankles, knees, hips, neck, shoulders and elbows. Other organs can be affected as the blood vessels, skin, lungs and heart.

Early diagnosis is the key to proper treatment and the rheumatologist is the specialist best suited to assess the problem. The delay in diagnosing correctly, is often associated with lack of knowledge of the disease by physicians of other specialties that are not used to treat RA. When in doubt, it is important to consult a rheumatologist.

Collagen For Arthritis Treatment, Osteoarthritis and Back Pain

Collagen is the most effective arthritis treatment for osteoarthritis, back pain relief and joint pain relief whether from old age or injury. The reason lies in the structural make up of all your connective tissue, which is mostly collagen. Technology has finally found a way to stabilize collagen, in capsular form, so we can ingest it as an arthritis treatment for osteoarthritis and back pain relief instead of having it injected into our bodies. Good news for the 60 million people who suffer with arthritis pain, backache or joint pain.

If you have a vitamin deficiency, the solution is simple, take vitamins. If you are dehydrated and thirsty, drink water. But if you have joint pain, arthritis pain, osteoarthritis, back pain or are looking for an effective and inexpensive arthritis treatment for back pain relief or joint pain relief, the solution again is simple, take collagen to rebuild, heal, stabilize and strengthen your bones, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, muscles, hair, skin and nails, because all of your connective tissue is 85% collagen.

We make collagen everyday to replace and repair our bodies from the natural aging process, breakdown from injury or repetitive stress and invasive surgeries.

The more we make the stronger we are and the slower we age. But the older we get the less collagen we make, the slower we heal, and we start feeling the aches and joint pain associated with arthritis or osteoarthritis and the faster we age.

Wouldn't it be nice to have a supplement that would supply us with all the collagen we would need to repair and heal our aching backs, arthritis, osteoarthritis and joint pain as if we were 30 years old again?

To delay, stop, or even reverse arthritis, osteoarthritis, back pain or joint pain and to gain more mobility, strength, and experience the aging process more gracefully, add collagen daily to feel and see the difference. Most people report this arthritis treatment has given them noticeable arthritis pain relief and back pain relief within three weeks. For most, the results are life changing with far less arthritis pain or joint pain and more youthful vigor and looks.

75% of protein in the body is collagen. According to the FDA, Collagen is all natural and safe for everyone, including dogs and cats, and has awarded it the highest possible safety status. Without collagen, 40% of our organs, 70% of our joints, 80% of our skin, or a total of 30% of our bodies would simply fall apart. Collagen is the structure and glue that holds us together to makes us feel strong and looking young.

Collagen is a protein comprising only of amino acids, water and minerals and contains no fat, carbohydrates or preservatives. Collagen has no undesired side effects nor does it react with drugs or other food/food ingredients.

In conclusion, Collagen is the most effective arthritis treatment for osteoarthritis, back pain relief and joint pain relief whether from old age or injury. Collagen can now be taken in a capsule for arthritis treatment, osteoarthritis and for back pain relief instead of having it injected into our bodies. Collagen is safe, effective and inexpensive with no side affects or drug and food interactions. To heal faster from surgeries, old age or injuries, collagen will supply the building blocks to delay, stop or even reverse arthritis, osteoarthritis, back pain or joint pain within three weeks for most people. Staying strong, looking younger and living pain free has never been easier.

Arthritis Treatment: What Is Gout and How Is It Diagnosed?

Gout is a disease that has its roots in antiquity. While it once was considered a disease of the affluent, it is now a much more democratic condition affecting people of all socioeconomic groups.

It is a painful and debilitating form of arthritis that affects more than three million Americans, with the incidence increasing.

Gout is part of the "metabolic syndrome" which includes other co-morbid conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, elevated blood lipids, and diabetes.

As mentioned earlier, the incidence of the disease appears to be increasing possibly due to the growing epidemic of obesity as well as other factors described below. Symptoms include excruciatingly painful attacks of arthritis affecting single joints, most often in the feet and most commonly affecting the big toe joint- the first metatarsophalangeal joint.

Gout is due to an excess of uric acid (UA). UA is a waste product- a byproduct of the metabolism of foods that contain high levels of purines. When UA accumulates, it deposits in joints and other organ systems.

The reason UA builds up is because either the production increases or because the body can't get rid of it through the kidneys fast enough.

As blood levels of UA increase, there is deposition of monosodium urate crystals in joints. These needle-shaped crystals attract white blood cells which release enzymes that cause a severe inflammatory reaction leading to the pain, swelling, redness, and heat that are hallmarks of a severe acute gout attack.

It's not just the joints that suffer the ill effects of monosodium urate crystal deposition. When these deposits form in organs like the kidneys, severe damage can ensue with the formation of kidney stones, kidney tissue inflammation, and kidney failure.

Triggers that increase UA levels include purine-rich foods like red meat, shellfish, and alcohol as well as certain medicines like diuretics, immunosuppressive drugs. Also, fructose containing beverages are contributing to the increasing incidence of gout.

The diagnosis of gout is suspected by the pattern of acute painful attacks of swelling, heat, redness, and pain affecting one or two joints, generally in the foot followed by a period of no symptoms until the next attack.

For some odd reason, gout attacks generally begin at night. One theory is that the feet tend to cool down at night, facilitating the deposit of monosodium urate crystals.

The serum UA is usually elevated at the time of an attack but it can be normal in rare cases.

15 Natural Remedies for Arthritis and Joint Pain That Work

This article has compiled some important natural remedies and pain relieving oils that can be used to get relief from the arthritis symptoms -

1. Essential oils such as ginger, lavender and eucalyptus oil are very good for arthritis massage. A few drops of essential oil may be added to carrier oils like apricot or almond, and used for massaging twice a day. Apart from relieving pain, the soft, sweet aroma emanated by the pure essential oils, soothes and relaxes the mind.

2. Castor oil is also beneficial for treating arthritis. Warm castor oil may be directly applied on inflamed joints to get immediate relief, two tablespoon of castor oil may be added to fresh orange juice and taken every morning to combat arthritis symptoms, two teaspoon of castor oil may be added to a cup of ginger tea and taken every night before going to bed. It will give relief from the ailing symptoms of arthritis. The arthritis patient may also cover the affected joint with flannel cloth dipped in hot castor oil, and apply an electric heating pad at least for 30 minutes. This will reduce joint swelling.

3. Coconut oil acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. It can penetrate easily and repair damaged tissues.

4. Dandelion root extracts improve bowel movements and treat arthritis.

5. Few pieces of garlic are to be boiled in mustard oil. It is very good for rubbing on aching joints.

6. Birch oil is good for rheumatism and gout.

7. Black pepper oil is also quite effective for muscle and joint aches.

8. Chamomile oil has anti-inflammatory properties, and can improve arthritic conditions.

9. Omega3 fish oil is very good for treating rheumatoid arthritis. It takes some time to show results, and does not act like instant pain killers.

10. Heated mustard oil with powdered camphor added to it can treat effectively the affected joints.

11. Australian Emu oil functions as an effective pain relief rub.

12. Massaging joints with hot vinegar yields good results.

13. An effective massage ointment may be prepared by mixing two parts of olive oil and one part of kerosene. It functions as a beneficial rub.

14. Narayana oil is actually sesame oil treated with herbs. It is very useful for massaging painful joints and reduces muscle tightness.

15. Rumatone gold oil available in market has anti-inflammatory properties. It is helpful for arthritis. This massage oil not only treats inflamed joints but also relaxes muscle around joints. This herbal preparation is good for aching joints.

Joint Relief Supplements For Knee Pain

The entire weight of your body is felt by your knees. Each step you take puts pressure on the joints in your knees. Having any type of inflammation, pain, or stiffness in your knee can seriously affect your mobility. Diseases like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two of the leading causes of joint pain in knees. Everyone at some point experiences joint pain-especially in their knees. The sourest tasting realization about OA (osteoarthritis) and RA (rheumatoid arthritis) is that they are both diseases that frequently come with age. With age being the main cause of joint pain, there are many ways you can prepare your knees for the future. Taking relief supplements are not only there to relieve pains, heat, and stiffness, but they are there to help avoid the discomforts before they start.

The joint in your knee is made up of three different compartments: patellofemoral, lateral, and medial. There are many different causes for knee pains. Causes could be arthritis, intermittent infection, and injury. Rarely will you see bone tumors as the cause of knee pains, but they are a potential factor.

Supplements work best if taken on a daily basis. Look for products that include ingredients like glucosamine sulfate, vitamin D3, or chondroitin sulfate. Glucosamine sulfate, for example, is an amino acid that is necessary for joint function and protection. If your body is not making enough glucosamine then consuming it in a supplement can help make up for the loss.

Generally people that seek joint relief suffer from OA or RA (osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis). OA and RA can be caused by a few different accumulative factors. Age is the most common "cause" of joint diseases, although the cause of OA and RA is actually considered unknown. Osteoarthritis is different from rheumatoid arthritis in a few ways. Osteoarthritis is the wear and tear and aging of joints while rheumatoid arthritis is where the immune system is literally attacking the healthy tissue. Supplements can help relieve joint discomforts in your knee whether the pains are derived from OA or RA.

Something that one should know about osteoarthritis in the knee is that is in degenerative. Once the cartilage is gone, it cannot come back. That doesn't mean the cartilage you still have cannot be restored. Supplements are created with high grade ingredients that work to restore cartilage and reverse the breakdown process.

Joint supplements can provide comfort to knee discomforts caused by diseases like osteoarthritis. They can help relieve stiffness, heat, inflammation, and pain.

Acupuncture Can Help Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is one of the most debilitating conditions which can affect the mobility and quality of life of its victims. Through time, there have been lots of anti-inflammatory drugs created to treat this condition however most of them bring adverse side effects to the patient. This leads people to turn to alternative medicines such as acupressure and acupuncture in treating osteoarthritis.

Undeniably, more and more people are shifting to traditional bodyworks in treating osteoarthritis primarily due to the absence of side effects. In fact, there have been a significant number of people who have turned to acupuncture in managing the chronic pain brought by this debilitating condition. So what is osteoarthritis and what role does acupuncture play in managing this condition? Let's find out.

Osteoarthritis and Its Nature
Also termed as degenerative arthritis, osteoarthritis is a condition primarily characterized by the functional or structural failure of the joints. It often involves one entire joint and affects the nearby ligaments, muscles, joint lining, joint cover and underlying joint. At times, it may involve the progressive cartilage loss in the body.

Osteoarthritis normally occurs as a result of cartilage degeneration but it can also be caused by heredity, aging, injury and disease. Cartilage is actually a protein substance which serves as the 'cushion' between the joints' bones.

Osteoarthritis is categorized into two, the primary and secondary osteoarthritis. Primary osteoarthritis normally occurs as a result of the aging of the joints. Through time, the loss of cartilage causes friction between the joints which may cause pain and mobility difficulty. Most cases of primary osteoarthritis are hereditary.

On the other hand, secondary osteoarthritis is normally triggered by other conditions or diseases including diabetes, gout, obesity and hormone disorder. Obesity can actually heighten the mechanical stresses between the joints which can negatively affect the cartilage. According to research, obesity is the second most significant risk factor for degenerative arthritis. Aging still emerges to be the most significant risk factor for such condition.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis actually vary from one person to another but the most common symptoms are pain, joint stiffness and difficulty in moving the joints. Most treatments for osteoarthritis are geared towards the reduction of joint pain and inflammation. Also, treatments are designed to maintain and improve joint functions.

Acupuncture- How It's Done and What Are Its Benefits
For more than 3000 years, acupuncture has been used to treat a wide range of illness because of its multiple relieving effects. However, extensive scientific studies were only conducted during the last 5 decades. Because of the growing popularity of traditional medicines such as acupressure and acupuncture, many western medical practitioners have developed the interest and curiosity about the mechanisms of how this method works and how it is able to provide pain relief to patients who suffer from osteoarthritis.

According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), illnesses are mainly a result of blockages or imbalance in the flow of life energy in the body. Through acupuncture, these imbalances and blockages can be corrected with the use of special and very thin needles.

Acupuncture holds into the premise that the body contains 12 major meridians, 8 secondary meridians and thousands of acupuncture points which when stimulated can bring satisfactory benefits to different organs of the body. This ancient bodywork involves the process of penetrating very thin needles into the skin and manipulating them to create electrical impulses.

Researches On Acupuncture And Pain Management
Through time, there have been lots of researches conducted to determine the effects of acupuncture in the treatment of osteoarthritis. According to research, acupuncture helps in stimulating the production of endorphins in the body. Endorphins serve as the body's natural pain killers thereby helping the victims of osteoarthritis to cope with pain.

According to research, most acupuncture points are located near the nerves. When these nerves are stimulated, it creates a feeling of fullness or dull aches in the muscles. The stimulation of the muscles, triggers the transmission of signals to the central nervous system, which is composed of the spinal cord and the brain, to produce endorphins. These are hormones which the body produces in times of stress or pain. Together with other neurotransmitters, endorphins help in blocking the transmission of pain signals to the brain. In effect, patients are able to experience less pain.

The Different Types of Arthritis That Can Affect Children

Contrary to popular belief arthritis does not only develop in elderly people. It can affect anyone of any age, including children. In a recent study, The American College of Rheumatology estimated that 1 in every 1000 children will develop a condition called juvenile arthritis. Even then, the different types of arthritis that children will develop are vast making it impossible to prevent. Some of the most common types of juvenile arthritis are:

Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

One of the most common types of arthritis affecting children is juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). It is also known as juvenile idiopathic arthritis and the symptoms are joint pains and stiffness - very similar to adult arthritis. The symptoms in JRA however are apparent before the child reaches 16 years old. Treatment varies from child to child due to the varying severity of symptoms between children.

Systemic Onset JRA

This is another common form of juvenile arthritis and is one of the types of arthritis that can usually start off as a mild fever reaching temperatures of over 103 degrees. The fever will come and go in the early stages. It is commonly found that the fever will appear alongside a rash that also comes and goes. The resulting systemic JRA often does not happen when the fevers and rashes start but actually many years later. There are always exceptions however, and there are examples of cases where the arthritis pain was present at the same time as the fevers. Sytemic JRA not only affects joints by inflaming them, but it also can inflame the child's internal organs too. In many cases of systemic JRA, the child is anemic with a high white blood cell count. Treatment of this type of arthritis involves painkillers, other topical drugs, dietary monitoring and regular exercise.

Pauciarticular JRA

This is a relatively uncommon type of arthritis in children and less than half of all children who suffer from arthritis experience it. It tends to appear in more girls than boys but the reason for this is unknown. Pauciarticular JRA usually affects less than five joints in the entire body of the child. One side affect appears to be irreparable visual damage or recurring eye problems. Children who develop this form of arthritis under the age of 7 actually have the highest chance of full recovery.

Polyarticular JRA

This type of JRA is very similar to the Pauciarticular JRA above with the main difference being that it affects more than five joints in the body. This can affect children of any age. It mimics adult rheumatoid arthritis and is regularly treated in the same way; through the improvement of the child's diet, regular exercise, drugs, check ups and keeping as close to the child's ideal body weight as possible.

Arthritis In Hands: Symptoms And Treatment Options

Arthritis in hands is quite common, however the affected areas are usually at the palm end of the thumb, the knuckles and joints in your fingers. This form of arthritis is usually known as osteoarthritis, and can affect the hips and knees as well as the hands.

Swelling or stiffness in the fingers is most commonly associated with this and this may reduce as time passes. The symptoms of arthritis in hands often flare up when you have had to constantly use your hands, this may be through a typing job, or maybe even sending text messages.

Many people think that cracking your fingers can cause arthritis but this is not the case. It usually starts because of repetitive actions.

Some of the symptoms of arthritis in hands are:

Slight pain in the fingers,
Short periods of stiffness, this may improve during the day.
Difficulty in moving your fingers.

Some people with arthritis in the hands may not have noticeable symptoms. This can be as a result of arthritis developing at a slower rate than usual.

If you suffer from osteoarthritis, there are some natural treatments readily available. These can include:

Red pepper, this food has many medicinal properties. It is thought to aid the circulatory system when applied to the skin, also it may help to ease the pains that you may be experiencing.

Cayenne pepper, this acts as red pepper does, you can apply this externally as I mentioned above or you can consume this pepper with foods. If you consume this it can acts as a stimulant thus aiding the heart, it may strengthen the arteries and act as natural pain relief.

Ginger, this is present in many foods. Many old wives tales include the use of ginger for common ailments such as sickness. Ginger has anti-inflammatory like properties. Research has concluded that ginger may significantly reduce the pains and swelling of arthritis.

Garlic, aids blood flow in the body, it has been proven to be very effective in reducing inflammation caused by arthritis.

Some people have found that 10 minutes of slowly massaging the hands can help keep the symptoms at bay.

By incorporating these into your daily diet you may reduce some if not all of your symptoms. If these changes are not easily done then you may find tea infused with ginger, whilst this is only one of the herbs that may help it could ease your particular symptoms.

If you suffer with arthritis and you are having trouble coping with the pains, seek advice from your doctor or other health professional they will be able to advise you on the best course of action.

Arthritis in hands is very common, the symptoms can be dealt with effectively although there is no cure as of yet. If your symptoms are getting worse or the pain is becoming unbearable then your doctor may suggest regular consumption of an anti inflammatory or pain relief. If you require more information on the symptoms of arthritis your doctor or other health professional will be happy to help.

Some Natural Arthritis Pain Relief Remedies Divulged

Regrettably, there is no cure for this crisis. The drug companies may want us to think there is a cure. Taking their medicine will not cure any type of arthritis. Speaking to your physician for the latest research about your specific type of arthritis pain relief would be beneficial. But there are natural pain arthritis pain relief remedies. Now there is a bright side to easing the pain.

The fingers, knees, hips, and spine are the areas of the body that Osteoarthritis commonly disturbs. The wrists, elbows, shoulders, and ankles are additional locations in the body also affected. Joints with a record of injury or unusual stress are much more prone to developing osteoarthritis than other joints. That is why so many athletes have arthritis in their knees because of the constant pressure applied to that leg joint.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is another form of arthritis. Exceptionally painful and inflammatory, it attacks the inside layer of the joints and actually hits two million Americans in their twenties. Having an arthritis pain relief for this type of the ailment would be helpful.

Psoriatic Arthritis is not as familiar as the previous two. This type eats away at the joints and can also manifest as psoriasis on the skin. An arthritis pain relief for this type would help.

The three above mentioned types of arthritis are the most common. There are other forms as well.

Alternative arthritis pain relief remedies are being sought out by patients. For a variety of reasons such as:

Their current medication is not doing the job any more. While it may have worked in the past this arthritis pain relief solution is just not affective now.

Moving away from chemical healing to some natural arthritis pain relief is much more appealing

Many times money is the motivating force. Patients will continue to look for lesser expensive arthritis pain relief solutions.

Patients are more and more concerned with side effects caused by some medications and are looking for an arthritis pain relief that is natural.

The mental aspect. You are bigger than the pain.

Part of developing an arthritis pain relief mentality is keeping your mind targeted to what will help you rather than what will hinder you. Keep yourself strong by maintaining a positive lifestyle. You are bigger than this disease. It may sound crazy especially when you are suffering. But in the long run you mindset will help to carry you through, when times are toughest.

Some useful solutions
By using fatty acids which provide lubrication for the joints, the joints will not wear down as much as a result less inflammation and less pain. Some recommend oils are: - Borage Oil - Primrose Oil and - NKO Oil

Vitamin C, E and beta-carotenes are powerful antioxidants that help to neutralize free radicals. These oxygen-reactive free radical molecules are thought to contribute significantly to disease and tissue damage. It has been found that cells from damaged knee cartilage can release great amounts of free radicals. In fact, studies have shown that those who have a high Vitamin C intake have a two-thirds reduction in the risk of further damage to their knees. Well-known scientist Dr. Linus Pauling recommends 18 grams of V-C per day as an arthritis preventative measure.

Selenium deficiency can cause a particular type of arthritis called Kashin-Bek disease, but it is more common where the soil is deficient in selenium, though sufferers of RA have less in their blood than others. Fish, organ meats, whole grains, nuts and beans will provide selenium.

Zinc may help reduce pain, stiffness and swelling. Some trials showed this was true, though others gave conflicting results. Oysters, cheese and tofu are all good sources of zinc.

More arthritis pain relief treatments.

Acupuncture

Animal foods: avoid them. Arachidonic acid found in meat provokes joint inflammation.

Bee/snake venom: Little scientific backing, real chance for allergic reaction.

Chondroitin: helps draw fluid into cartilage, improving shock-absorbing ability.

Fish oils: controls inflammation in the body. Examples of other oils also used for the same purpose: flax, borage, sesame, sunflower and pumpkin.

Food allergies: linked to many causes for arthritis. Common foods to look out for: wheat, corn, dairy, citrus, salt, caffeine, tomatoes, white potatoes, eggplant and peppers. (Does not include black peppers).

Resources
NutraSanus
Essortmant
Arthritis Foundation

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Discover How Beneficial Deer Antler Velvet Extract Can Be for Osteoarthritis

Relieve pain from osteoarthritis with deer antler velvet extract. One of the most powerful therapeutic supplements nowadays is the antler velvet, which is harvested from elk antlers and contains several vitamins and minerals that improve overall health and vitality. One of the most prevalent illnesses in the United States is arthritis, and it affects 60 million people. This high number has prompted the development of several supplements for osteoarthritis. Continue reading this article to learn more about how this supplement can help aid this ailment.

What Is Osteoarthritis?

Before discussing the effects of antler velvet, let us first look in detail at the causes of this painful joint ailment. Osteoarthritis is also called a degenerative joint disease because it causes mechanical abnormalities, which affect subchondral bone and articular cartilage. Some of the symptoms include tenderness, pain, stiffness, along with effusion in the affected joint. There are many causes of osteoarthritis, such as metabolic, hereditary, developmental, and mechanical. Certain processes initiate the loss of cartilage. Without the cartilage to surround the bone, the latter is exposed and becomes damaged.

Benefits of Deer Antler Velvet Extract for Osteoarthritis

In the past, the only available remedies for osteoarthritis were steroids and limiting activity. Most of these remedies resulted in devastating effects because what these drugs have been doing is to mask the symptoms and not treat the causes. Unlike prescription drugs, the antler velvet contains many minerals and vitamins that help reduce inflammation. Two of the potent anti-inflammatory agents in the velvet antler are chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine. Both of these agents help reduce inflammation and enhance joint support. The highest levels of chondroitin sulfate found in the velvet antler function like a liquid magnet and attract fluid into the proteoglycan molecules in order to support the cartilage. This is very critical because without the fluid in the cartilage, it would become dry and malnourished. Apart from these two potent substances, collagen is also helpful in addressing osteoarthritis. It is also found in velvet antler, and it contains fibrous protein that works well with connective tissues.

Other Therapeutic Benefits of Deer Antler Velvet Extract

Besides its powerful effect on osteoarthritis, the extract is also beneficial for other health ailments as well. The antler velvet is also used for the following:

繚 Enhances endurance and strength

繚 Improves the immune system

繚 Promotes rapid recovery from ailments

繚 Addresses high blood pressure, asthma, indigestion, kidney disorders, skin ulcers

繚 Increases level of sexual drive or libido

There are many ways that the velvet antler can be a potent substance for aiding various ailments. It is important that you choose a natural alternative like deep antler velvet extract to be safe and experience fewer side effects.

Reflexology for Osteoarthritis

Reflexology was performed in the ancient times by the Egyptians, Chinese and Indians. An American ENT specialist, Dr. William Fitzgerald took this theory to the west. This therapy is based on the fact that the reflex points on the hands and feet are directly connected to all the other organs of the body. Therefore, to provide healing effect to the head, the big toe is treated. Similarly, if one wants to feel the healing effect on the entire body, the entire foot needs to be treated.

The most common treatments of osteoarthritis are medication, surgery, pain relievers, educating the patient and physical exercise. However, in recent times, reflexology is also being increasingly used for treating this disease.

A reflexologist uses only his hands to administer this treatment. He gently massages the strategic points of the foot, applying pressure to these areas. The process is highly individualized. Every patient requires a unique approach. The imbalances in the body are rectified through this method. An expert reflexologist usually finds tiny spots on the feet that can heal the patient.

Through this method, the body is allowed to heal at its own pace. Unlike the other methods of treatment, reflexology is suitable for all age groups of patients. A regular treatment is required to maintain proper balance of the body. The best part about this unconventional mode of treatment is that it is extremely safe and entirely natural.

A good practitioner of reflexology usually begins with a preliminary talk with his or her patient and then tries to find out the problematic areas by pressing parts of the hands or feet. The experience might be a little painful at times but the pain is temporary and aids in identifying the imbalances. The experience on the whole is quite relaxing and soothing.

Swollen Joints - Most Outstanding Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis

Causing substantial amounts of pain to psoriatic arthritis sufferers, swelling in the joints is one of the most obvious symptoms related to this condition. Besides being painful, this swelling also leads to patchy skin. Since psoriatic arthritis is related to psoriasis and therefore can be responsible for other health problems throughout the body, including issues in the scalp, knees, and elbows and the appearance of lesions on the fingers and toenails. Swollen fingers and swollen toes are also commonly seen in psoriatic arthritis sufferers.

Causes Not Fully Understood

Although researchers have come to believe that contracting psoriatic arthritis seems to be linked to a person's living environment and their genes, the specific causes of psoriatic arthritis are still not fully understood by doctors. It is important for an individual who begins to notice symptoms commonly associated with psoriatic arthritis to visit their doctor and find out whether or not their symptoms are indeed related to this disease.

Diagnosing psoriatic arthritis can be done by a doctor after they have conducted a physical examination that could involve taking x-rays and doing blood tests. Doing these tests will allow the doctor conducting them to determine with more certainty whether or not they are being caused by psoriatic arthritis or some other disorder. It is always better to visit your doctor as soon as possible so that you can begin to treat your symptoms properly.

The nails, joints, and skin are usually affected in a negative way by psoriatic arthritis. Even though this type of arthritis will not cause swelling in every joint of the body, you can expect that a large number of joints will become red, get hot, and ache. This can also occur in the feet, knees, and ankles.

Psoriatic arthritis can cause a finger or toe to swell up so much that is begins to look like a little sausage. This, though, is a less obvious symptom than stiffening in the joints. This stiffening is most commonly experienced with more severity in the mornings. Other outstanding symptoms include a stiff neck, stiff buttocks, stiff lower neck, and inflamed spine.

If a doctor does diagnose you with psoriatic arthritis, you will have several different treatment options available to you. Some are simple self-help treatments while others involve taking medication that has been specially designed to treat psoriatic arthritis.

Remember that there are other negative symptoms that psoriatic arthritis can cause apart from swelling of the joint; acne can form, nails can change, tendonitis can occur, and the lungs, eyes, and aorta can swell.

Chiropractors and Arthritis Pain Relief

Every day, millions of people in America live with some form of arthritis. For some it is a minor inconvenience, while others struggle with crippling pain. The most common form of arthritis is a wearing down of the cartilage that buffers the joints, and though it commonly happens as a result of aging, it can actually impact any age group; it is often exacerbated by previous injuries. Though the disease can manifest itself in several different ways, it is always an inflammation of the joints, and because chiropractors deal directly with problems of the spine and joints, they can often provide long lasting relief for people who suffer from this condition by using a variety of methods, ranging from manipulation, to heat and ice, to electrical stimulation.

The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, and it is the form that chiropractors have the most success in treating. This degenerative condition involves inflammation, and a reduction of the material lubricating fluids that is normally found between the joints. The most common symptoms of arthritis are pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility, and those can come in just about every and any joint in the body from fingers and toes to neck and spine; it is in the cases involving the neck and spine in particular that chiropractors can offer the most relief. Two thirds of arthritis sufferers who have sought medical help from traditional medical practitioners have also looked for alternative solutions such as herbal treatments or acupuncture, but the most popular alternative practitioners that people turn to are chiropractors. Three out of four patients who have visited chiropractors for their arthritis pain have found it helpful.

When a chiropractor treats an arthritis patient, the manipulation of the spine releases the joints that have been locked up by inflammation, providing not only pain relief but also increased mobility and flexibility. Many chiropractors go far beyond traditional manipulation techniques, offering advice and guidance on special exercises, nutrition, massage for the soft tissues, and pain management through electrical stimulation. The reduction of pain and the increase of flexibility that chiropractic treatment offers not only enables the patient to move more freely, it also reduces the need for pain medications. And because one of the key tenets of chiropractic medicine is that when properly aligned, the body can heal itself, regular chiropractic manipulation may actually prevent the occurrence or recurrence of arthritis symptoms.

Facts and Treatments for Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative joint disease, and it is the most common type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when there is a breakdown of cartilage in the joints. It can affect any joint in the body, but it usually occurs in weight bearing joints such as the hips, knees, and spine. In addition, it also routinely affects fingers, thumbs, toes, and the neck.

Who is affected?

Osteoarthritis affects about 21 million Americans. Most people are at an increased risk for developing osteoarthritis as they get older, but it is important to realize that even people in their 20s and 30s sometimes develop this condition.

The symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

• Pain after overuse (or after lengthy periods of inactivity)


• Joint swelling


• Joint fluid accumulation


• Sore, aching joints (particularly with movement)


• Bony enlargements in middle and end joints of the fingers (these are sometimes, but not always, painful)

Causes of Osteoarthritis

One of the primary causes of osteoarthritis is the aging process. Over time, the water content of cartilage increases, but the protein composition of cartilage gradually begins to degenerate during this time. It is a natural condition of aging that nothing can be done to reverse.

In addition to aging, however, there are other factors that contribute to the development of osteoarthritis in some people.

• Genetics


• Being overweight


• Injury to the joints


• Too much stress on the joints


• Repetitive use of joints

Interestingly, women are much more likely to develop osteoarthritis than men, particularly after the age of 50. Men who are under the age of 50, however, are more likely than women in the same age group to develop this condition. Researchers have still not uncovered any significant clues that might shed some light on why this seems to be the case, however.

There are also some diseases that can put people at a higher risk for developing osteoarthritis. Acromegaly and hemachromatosis are two of these. Acromegaly is a metabolic disorder in which there is too much growth hormone, which causes the tissues to gradually enlarge. Hemachromatosis is a disorder that interferes with the body's ability to break down iron, resulting in too much iron absorption from the intestines.

Treatment Options

While osteoarthritis is not curable, there are some effective treatments that are routinely prescribed to patients with this condition.

• Prescription medications - such as anti-inflammatories, acetaminophen, Celebrex, and corticosteroid injections.


• Weight control


• Exercise


• Physical therapy


• Natural (alternative) therapies - such as massage therapy, acupuncture, aromatherapy, meditation, yoga, natural supplements.

Of the treatment options available, exercise and weight control are believed to be the most effective because of the long-term good health effects that are achieved through regular exercise and maintaining a healthy body weight.

Exercise, in particular, helps to improve joint movement and strengthens the muscles surrounding the joints. Swimming and walking are two of the most commonly recommended exercises for those who suffer from osteoarthritis because these activities are the least stressful on the joints.

Effectiveness of Arthritis Pain Relief Cream

Arthritis pain relief creams are a type of topical pain medicine that is penetrated in the skin. It works directly on the pain. The good thing about these creams is that they do not need to pass through the digestive system. Others include gels, spray, and patches. It is best used in joints such as in hands and knees. Joints are very close to the skin thus; making the creams very effective medication.

There are different types of ingredients present in topical creams. First is capsaicin. It is a felt-like burning cream. It diminishes the nerve cell so it can send a message to the brain the joint is painful.

Second is the salicylate. It is anti-inflammatory, a pain relieving substance. Lastly is menthol. It produces a numb sensation to ease the joint pain. According to research, when it comes to arthritis, the above mention pain relief creams give only a mild benefit. These arthritis pain relief creams are proven to be safe if a person is not allergic and recuperating from other ailments that might have an unpleasant reaction. Non-steroidal creams are available over-the-counter. But these medicines have side-effects; they are known drug that can irritate the stomach. Those steroidal like creams and gel needed the doctor's prescription.

There are things that need to know when using arthritis pain relief cream: First is to make sure those hands are always clean. Secondly hands should be away from the eyes. Third, do not apply creams on broken skin. Lastly discontinue usage if rashes develop.

Arthritis pain relief cream is temporary only. It won't even restore your cartilage back to normal. They just provide a relief for a day; in order for you to accomplish a work. There are plenty of creams available in the market; just choose the product that will suit you. The effectiveness of the product mainly depends on the person using it. It is also helpful if you will research for the side-effect of each product. Most of the creams have a reaction to the skin; or needless to say, consult a doctor if in doubt. Always prioritize your safety and health.

Who Does Arthritis Affect?

The following paragraphs summarize the work of Arthritis experts who are completely familiar with all the aspects of Arthritis. Heed their advice to avoid any Arthritis surprises.

The answer to the question who does Arthritis affect? is very simple. It can affect anyone. Arthritis is not only found in the elderly, it can strike at any age.

Arthritis is not really one disease, it is a word that is used to cover over 100 medical conditions, relating to the joints of your body, ankles, knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, wrists , fingers, in fact anywhere that you have joints.

About 60% of Arthritis sufferers are actually of working age and of course, even the very young can suffer this debilitating disease.
The result of Arthritis can be stiffness in the joints, together with pain and it can bring on a feeling of everything being too difficult to do, or cope with on a daily basis.

The disease has no cure, and at this point in time there is no prediction of any cures in the near future. However, there are many things that can be done to manage the problems and even help to prevent further degeneration within your joints.

As with most medical conditions, early intervention is important, it is absolutely no use leaving the condition until it is too bad to do anything.
The important thing for sufferers to do, is to keep the joints supple and the muscles strong, it is no use resting the joint, the vital element is to keep it moving. Exercise is very important, Walking, swimming, gentle weight lifting, tai chi and yoga, are all very good for keeping the joints mobile and supple.

I realise that when you are in pain, you will feel that resting the joint is the best way to go. Wrong, research has proved that it is the worse thing you can do, as I said before, you must keep it moving.
Exercise is very beneficial, but you must not do high impact exercise, as this can do more harm than good to your joints.

I have previously written an article about Glucosamine and Chondroitin, this can be very useful in helping with pain and sometimes even helping to restore some of the tissue in the joints. Some Medical Practitioners are even recommending this to their patients, the main problem is, that Glucosmine is made from shellfish shells, and if you are allergic to shellfish, stay clear of it, though there is another type recently on the market, that is not made from shellfish, so people with shellfish allergies, please be aware of what type you are thinking of using.

You may not consider everything you just read to be crucial information about Arthritis. But don't be surprised if you find yourself recalling and using this very information in the next few days.

There is another problem with Glucosamine capsules and that is from all reports, if you stop taking them, the pain and stiffness will return.

Glucosamine is excellent, but exercise is even better, usually when you exercise, you also lose some weight, this can improve the symptoms of Arthritis because your back and joints is being subjected to less strain.

Good quality food can help, plenty of fruit and fresh vegetables, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and beans, stay away from what is called junk food, the immune system is what controls all of your health, it is the system that you were given when you were born and medicine has not developed anything to compare with the way it performs. The important factor in the immune system, is that it must have a healthy natural nutrition to function efficiently, that means it must be fed correctly. If your immune system is functioning 100% efficiently, well you just would not have any health problems.

If you have any of these problems, Joints swelling, Stiffness in the morning that lasts for a while, Tenderness or pain in a joint, not able to move the joint properly, then you should consult with your normal physician, also you should consult with your physician before embarking on any exercise program, let the physician tell you what you can do, to improve your condition.

There is no doubt in my mind that all is not lost, you really can help yourself, but get professional advice first.

There are many Arthritis Information Center's throughout the western world, just look in your telephone book, I am sure that there will be a number of listings under Arthritis.

To all sufferers of Arthritis (Worldwide many millions) I hope that you will get some benefit from reading this article, Please pass it on to anyone else that you know that also suffers this problem and you are welcome to visit my website at http://www.sugarsr4u.com

As your knowledge about Arthritis continues to grow, you will begin to see how Arthritis fits into the overall scheme of things. Knowing how something relates to the rest of the world is important too.

What Are You Doing to Reduce Arthritis Pain?

Arthritis Pain? Stiff and Sore?
Learn what to do to stay more flexible!

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that primarily affects the large, weight bearing joints and the joints in the hands. It is a slow, progressive cartilage deterioration followed by "hardening of the joints" due to calcification and bone spur formation. The "joint cushion" deteriorates, which leads to pain and limited movement of the joint.

Signs and symptoms include:

-Early morning joint stiffness
-Pain that is worse after use
-Stiffness after periods of rest
-Creaking/cracking of joints after movement
-Tenderness and swelling in certain areas
-Restricted mobility
-Pain in the joint before or during changes in the weather

Possible causes include age. In the U.S., over 80% of the population over about 50 show signs of osteoporosis due to decreased ability of the collagen matrix to repair itself, and also from general wear and tear. Other causes include: obesity, poor diet, genetic predisposition, skeletal defects, hormonal imbalances, injury and food allergies and sensitivities. It develops in joints that are injured by repeated overuse from performing a particular task or playing a favorite sport.

SOME COMMON THERAPIES TO CONSIDER

Everyday Routines

Do some gentle exercises/stretches before you go to bed. While watching tv or sitting at your desk: Adjust your position frequently, periodically turn your neck from one side to the other, shake out your hands and bend and stretch your legs. Take frequent breaks throughout the day, every few hours, to stretch stiff joints and sore muscles.

Use an analgesic cream to massage the painful joint(s).

When ready for bed, use a moist heat pad on the painful joint. Another option, is to soak in a warm bath with 翻 cup Epsom Salt and 翻 cup Baking Soda. When you awake in the morning, you'll feel less stiffness in your joints.

Make Tasks at Home and Work Easier To Protect Your Joints

Avoid excess stress on your joints by finding products that are comfortable, easy-to-use or have friendly packaging. For example, in the kitchen use rubber jar openers and reachers, in the bedroom use zipper pulls, buttoning aids and bedrails and in the bathroom use tub bars and handrails.

Keep Moving

Movement helps to decrease pain, increase range of motion and endurance, strengthen your muscles, decrease fatigue and improve overall muscle fitness. Choose the activities that build the muscles around your joints but don't damage them that are good for arthritis. Include low-impact aerobic exercise such as Walking, Cycling, Aquatic Exercises, Tai Chi, Yoga, Pilates, Country Line or Ballroom Dancing, or a gentle exercise/stretch class.

The key is to have a regular exercise program. The goal is to do a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity about 5 days/week.

Gardening can be very therapeutic and digging in the dirt can be helpful for sore hands.

Avoid: Running, Jumping, Tennis, High-impact aerobics, repetitive motions and inactivity.

Medications

No medications are completely free of side effects. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are the primary drug used for treatment with aspirin as the most common. Although NSAIDS provide temporary relief, they accelerate joint destruction in the long run. They prevent prostaglandin formation in order to decrease inflammation; they also inhibit cartilage synthesis and increase cartilage destruction, which accelerates osteoarthritis progression. Also, it may cause damage to the gastro-intestinal tract and increases ones' ulcer risk. Therefore, discuss with your doctor a medication plan for your specific pain symptoms.

Dietary and Lifestyle Modifications

Consider eating fish as salmon, mackerel, tuna, and herring as a source of omega 3's. Eat organic, unprocessed, unrefined foods with emphasis on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, legumes, lean meats, nuts, seeds and essential fatty acids from cod liver oil, flax seed oil, walnut oil, etc. Increase boron-rich foods including lettuce, cabbage, apples, dates, prunes, raisins, almonds and hazelnuts. Sulfur and methionine-containing foods as cabbage, brussel sprouts, garlic and onions are also beneficial. A half lb of fresh cherries or blueberries may be beneficial per day. They contain proanthocyanidins that aid in collagen metabolism and decrease joint inflammation. Consider juicing especially using pineapple due to its bromelain content and ginger due to its anti-inflammatory agent. Eat one cup of white or red grapes daily as the skin contains resveratrol, a natural compound known to act as a Cox-2 inhibitor and an antioxidant.

Drink six-eight 8-ounce glasses of filtered water per day to flush toxins and avoid dehydration.

Drink 1-2 cups of Green or Black Tea daily which is rich in polyphenols - compounds that suppress the expression of a key gene involved in arthritis inflammation.

Decrease or avoid eating dairy products, refined foods, meat, nightshade foods (tomatoes, white potatoes, eggplant, peppers (not black pepper) and margarine)

Nightshade foods are alkaloids that increase inflammation and inhibit collagen repair.

Avoid caffeine, alcohol, tobacco and allergenic foods. An elimination/rotation diet is recommended. Avoid environmental toxins as much as possible. Avoid smoking, as the toxins in smoke cause stress on connective tissue.

Nutrient Applications

Although there may not be a magic bullet to "cure" arthritis, some supplements and/or extracts may help it to keep it better controlled. When buying a supplement, check its quality control, read labels carefully and try one product at a time to keep track of its effect.

Some supplements to consider:

Bromelain, Feverfew, Ginger and Turmeric-(have significant anti-inflammatory activity). Valerian, Passion Flower, Skullcap and Kava Kava are known muscle relaxants. White Willow Bark is the forerunner to aspirin. Boswellia Serrata has a strong analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity. Taking these 2 herbs can be just as effective as taking Motrin. (take 240mg of willow bark and 1,000mg of boswellia per day.

Proteolytic Enzymes, taken without food, reduces pain and inflammation. Antioxidants may include: Grape Seed Extract, Vitamins C and E, Zinc, Glutathione, Selenium and N-acetyl cysteine. Vitamin C and bioflavenoids help in reducing the progression of osteoarthritis

Fish oil, Cod Liver oil and Black Currant Seed oil help to decrease inflammation.

Glucosamine Sulfate, Chondroitin Sulfate plus Sulfur and N-Acetyl-Glucosamine are building blocks for cartilage repair. Green Lipped Mussel Extract may be beneficial for severe osteoarthritis per a New England study.

Boron decreases urinary excretion of Calcium and magnesium. Adrenal support is needed which may include Pantothenic Acid. Calcium and Magnesium are essential for bone/ligament and muscle health.

Vitamin D supplement or a high Vitamin D diet may help to reduce ones risk for worsening their arthritis by 75%, per a recent high-profile study.

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A Detoxification Program may be beneficial.

Stress reduction is essential. Some effective therapies include Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Hypnotherapy, Prayer and Spirituality. The emotional release of journaling about your feelings may assist in the decreased sensation of pain. Laughing, can relax muscles, reduce stress, relieve pain and boost your immune system. Decrease dwelling on the negative thoughts especially when coping with your pain as it can increase your risk of disability. Instead, focus on calming statements, etc.

Other Lifestyle Modifications May Include:

Regular chiropractic care is beneficial to address structural/postural problems.

Therapeutic Taping including Kinesiotape, wrapped around a joint to realign, support, and take pressure off it can have great benefits for arthritis sufferers.

Set a goal to maintain normal weight to avoid added weight bearing stress on the joints.

Massage Therapy may aid in increasing circulation, energy, flexibility and the body's production of natural pain-killing endorphins as well as improve sleep and immune function.

Acupuncture and Acupressure are ancient Chinese pain relief treatments. In acupuncture, needles are used to stimulate specific points in the body, and in acupressure, fingers are used instead of needles.

The interactions of the mind, body and spirit can have powerful effects on our health. Our office staff and expert Doctors and Practitioners are available to answer your questions specifically to your condition and make recommendations as needed. Additionally, we have available more specifics on the above topics discussed.

What Is the Significant Difference Between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are two widely different forms of arthritis, which is a general term that features over 100 rheumatoid disorders.

Although the two forms can produce a lot of pain like upper knee pain, the biggest difference between them is the fact that rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease whereas osteoarthritis is an organic results of aging. Osteoarthritis (OA) is often known as degenerative arthritis while rheumatoid arthritis is also degenerative.

An additional way to characterize the visible difference connecting RA and OA is that, rheumatoid arthritis is about inflammation of the tissue around the joints while osteoarthritis concerns degeneration of the cartilage involving the joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis is thrice prevalent in women than in men and exists in about 1% of the total population in the United States. Generally impacts the smaller joints of the hands, wrists, feet and generally takes place concurrently on both sides of the body. It is an inflammatory ailment that affects the synovial membrane surrounding joints, therefore thickening the membrane and consequently causing the joints to lose their normal capability to function.

This ailment can happen in children as well as older people, even though during periods of remission, there is no pain present like Knee Pain.

There is swollen knee pain indicating joint inflammation and may even be warm to touch, systemic symptoms which includes fever, general fatigue or body stiffness enduring more than one hour. Joints are affected on both sides. A positive blood test for RA auto-antibodies. The lungs, heart and kidney may also be affected.

Osteoarthritis is way more common and less incapacitating when compared with rheumatoid arthritis. It is regarded as a disease of aging and while it is common in people over 60 years of age, younger individuals are affected from it since bodies aged at a different rate.

The chief force behind OA is wear on joint cartilage, which work as shock absorbers that prevent bones from rubbing together. When cartilage is impaired caused by excessive use or injury, it results in OA, leading to joint inflammation and swelling in the joints. Whenever bones begin rubbing against each other, Knee Pain develops.

Osteoarthritis: A Complicated Disease That's Hard to Treat

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It affects more than 20 million Americans and that figure is going to increase with the graying of the Baby Boomer population.

Osteoarthritis is a disease that affects the cartilage, the gristle that caps the ends of long bones in the joint.

It is difficult to detect early in humans and the processes that lead to cartilage destruction are poorly understood.

There are different schools of thought as to whether osteoarthritis is primarily a cartilage disorder or whether it is a bone disorder that eventually leads to cartilage damage. As a result of several studies using a variety of animal models, it appears that both theories may play a role.

Another area of scientific interest is the synovial macrophage, a scavenger white blood cell that originates in the lining of the joint. This cell appears to drive much of the destructive inflammatory change seen in osteoarthritis.

Another area of interest centers around the phenomenon of oxidative stress. Reactive oxygen species, a group of chemicals that accelerate destruction, are apparently in abundant supply in osteoarthritic cartilage. This is because the levels of scavengers of reactive oxygen species - these scavengers serve to protect against the ravages of oxidative stress- are low. Therefore, the more oxidative stress, the greater chance for cartilage cell damage and the subsequent onset of osteoarthritis.

Another area of interest in the study of osteoarthritis has focused on the role of destructive enzymes. These enzymes include cathepsin K, aggrecanases, and metalloproteinases.

Specially bred mice who have abnormal levels of the above enzymes show a significant propensity to develop abnormalities in bone, cartilage, and synovium.

Other factors that influence cartilage integrity include growth factors such as transforming growth factor beta, bone morphogenic protein, insulin growth factor, and fibroblast growth factor, to name a few.

It is clear that regardless of all the complexity, the development of osteoarthritis is due to an imbalance that occurs between cartilage cell growth and cartilage cell death. Most studies have demonstrated that age causes cartilage to become less responsive to growth factors.

Multiple attempts have been made at developing pharmaceutical agents that modify the biochemical abnormalities described above. Because animal models of osteoarthritis are so different across species, it has been difficult to establish standards for determining true efficacy.

As a result, these attempts have met with little success. Translation of benefit to humans also appears to be a daunting task.

So what can be done?

It's pretty evident that osteoarthritis is a complicated problem. To date, any type of pharmaceutical agent which has purported effects for slowing down cartilage damage does not really work.

The search for the Holy Grail continues. Most recently, there has been work down on using biologic strategies involving matrix elements supplemented with autologous stem cells (a patient's own stem cells). While still too early to determine the extent and duration of improvement, the early findings are promising.

Arthritis Treatment: Surgical Treatment Options for the Young Patient With Knee Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis affecting almost 30 million Americans. While traditionally viewed as a disease of older adults, it is quite clear that younger people can also develop significant disease. This is a probably due to a combination of factors including genetics, previous trauma, as well as earlier detection.

While the standard types of conservative treatments may help, some patients do not respond to topical or oral anti-inflammatory drugs, steroid injections, lubricant injections, bracing, and physical therapy.

Weight reduction, activity modification, low impact aerobic exercise, and quadriceps strengthening exercises are also conservative measures that need to be tried.

So what happens if they fail?

Knee arthoscopy has been used by enthusiastic orthopedists for decades. A study in 2008 cast doubt on the efficacy of this procedure for OA. Since that time other studies have also shown that knee arthroscopy is relatively unsuccessful for this condition. Conditions that appear to particularly point towards a poor prognosis with arthroscopy are OA present for more than 2 years, obesity, the presence of large bony spurs, significant joint space narrowing, smoking, and cartilage defects exposing underlying bone.

If alignment of the knee is abnormal, then a procedure called osteotomy is often suggested. With this procedure, the surgeon removes a wedge of bone from the either the femur (upper leg bone) or tibia (the lower leg bone) to help the joint line up better. This is a temporary solution but sometimes successful.

Biological procedures that have been used in younger patients include osteochondral grafting where a bone and cartilage plug is taken from a non-weight-bearing area and plugged into the weight-bearing lesion. Autologous chondrocyte (a patient's own cartilage cells) implantation, and meniscus transplantation, have also been tried. A newer technique where allograft cartilage (donor cartilage) is minced and mixed with a fibrin glue and pasted into the lesion has also been used. All patients have been young with discrete cartilage defects. None have been older with the typical larger defects seen with long-standing osteoarthritis.

Another popular procedure orthopedists use is unicompartmental arthroplasty. This is a procedure where only the narrowed part of the knee is replaced. There is more rapid recovery as well as less blood loss, and fewer complications. The success of this procedure is highly dependent on the experience of the surgeon.

The procedure that appears to be most promising though for younger patients with OA of the knee is guided autologous stem cell layering.

How Bad is Juvenile Psoriatic Arthritis?

Juvenile psoriatic arthritis is a child's disease that is not long term and relatively mild in its symptoms. Just like psoriatic arthritis juvenile psoriatic arthritis affects a person's joints. It is a bit like rheumatoid arthritis but not as severe.

What Causes It?

There are still a lot of question marks surrounding psoriatic arthritis. There is no real explantation as to its cause. There has been much speculation as to what causes this disease. But nothing definite has been determined and studies continue to be conducted to see if a sure cause can be uncovered.

There are some theories as to the causes. There is some evidence that points to certain genes that cause the disease. The study of the appearance of certain genes is not the only line of research being done on the disease. Other evidence points to the surroundings in which a person is raised. Since a person's environment is thought to be a factor parents who have a history of psoriatic arthritis in their family are more likely to have children with psoriatic arthritis.

Juvenile psoriatic arthritis is not an easy thing to diagnose. Sometimes it can take years for doctors to pinpoint the problem as being juvenile psoriatic arthritis. One reason is because often before there are any visual signs of redness or a rash there is pain from arthritis.

The symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include extreme swelling of the affected joints such as the fingers and toes or soreness in hip joints. There is also the symptom of discolored toenails and fingernails. These have somewhat of a yellow tint. Small patches of scaly flesh can appear on a persons stomach around the belly button area, on their scalp and other places.

Juvenile psoriatic arthritis can have some deforming affects. It can cause joints to become unnaturally large due to damage to the cartilage. A persons sight can be affected and they can loose some of their mobility in the affected joints. Arms and legs and be affected by becoming longer or shorter.

If a child shows signs of juvenile psoriatic arthritis then you will want to get him in to see a doctor as soon as possible so treatment can begin. Since a significant number of children who suffer from psoriatic arthritis also have some affect to their eyes it would be good to get him to an eye doctor as well, and make sure he sees his eye doctor every year for checkups. There is treatment available so it is important to get your child the right care as soon as you discover the disease.

How To Delay The Progress Of Degenerative Arthritis

Degenerative arthritis is a type of arthritis that commonly affects millions of people worldwide. In fact, next to rheumatoid?? arthritis, this is the next most common form of arthritis that never fails to make people suffer from pain on a daily basis. Usually, degenerative arthritis happens when the cartilage that is supposed to act as a shock absorber to the bones decrease. Because of this, parts of our body that beats weight such as hips ( for women) and knees often get affected by degenerative arthritis especially for those who are overweight. Daily activities such as walking and climbing? stairs gives our joints a beating that we often ignore until the time pain is felt.

Arthritis can affect people who are in their mid-40s, especially men. In the United States alone, 20 million people suffer from arthritis according to a report from the national health department. As the cartilage wear out, spurs or small new bones develop that is actually greatly responsible for the pain in this type of arthritis. The swelling causes pain and as a response the cartilage produces new bone growth. The rubbing bones definitely amplifies the pain felt by the person suffering from degenerative arthritis.

Although more often than not, doctors are often perplexed by the cause of OA to a person especially when there is no history of previous trauma which is why it is referred to as primary? osteoarthritis. Nevertheless, obesity is a main contributing factor to OA since excess body weight puts so much strain on the joints. When obesity becomes the main culprit, it is now referred to as secondary osteoarthritis.

Degenerative arthritis is also known as Osteoarthritis (OA)?? since the situation worsens as cartilage becomes worn out. In fact, there is no way yet to stop the progressing of this ailment although some supplements and medication may be able to reduce the pain and swelling as well. Usually, doctors advice people with OA to lose weight and continue moderate physical exercise. Also, physical therapy? as well?? as weight training exercises that strengthen affected body parts may help delay the progress of degenerative arthritis. In conclusion, degenerative arthritis cannot be stopped but its progress can be delayed by taking some precautions advised by the doctor.

Caring For Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Rheumatoid arthritis defies race, ethnic groups and age. This form of arthritis can affect people of all ages including children and young adults. However, the occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis is more frequently seen in older individuals despite the fact that this disease often begins in middle age people.

People affected with chronic illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis often experience anxiety, depression, worthlessness and the feeling of being helpless. People with rheumatoid arthritis may experience difficulty in doing their normal activities. Others may even find limited job opportunities because of physical deformity. Family life may be altered and some patients may find it difficult to attend to the responsibilities they hold in their family. Moreover, the cost of both medical and surgical treatment for this type of disease is often extensive. This can hurl the patient into further emotional and financial dilemma.

It is important that people with rheumatoid arthritis be given proper emotional and physical care to be able to function back normally if possible. Experts suggest some helpful tips to aid a rheumatoid arthritis patient ease some of the burden the illness has brought them.

1. Hot showers or baths, either in the morning or at bedtime, are beneficial for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Hot showers can considerably reduce the need for pain medications.

2. It is important that patients should adapt a well balanced diet. However, patients should be made well aware that even special diets will not cure rheumatoid arthritis. Weight should be well controlled, since any extra pounds will pose added burden to the affected joints.

3. Patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis should not cease to do their basic daily activities. They should be advised to perform simple activities like feeding themselves or dressing or combing their hair. Enough time should be given to them to perform and finish each task calmly. Provide them items that will make their task easier like providing them packed foods in easy to open packaging or easy to grip glasses or light cups and unpackaged silverware. When dressing up, dressing aids can be very helpful. These include a long-handled shoehorn, "reacher", zipper-pull, elastic shoelaces and buttonhook. Household items should also be made friendly to rheumatoid arthritis patients - including easy to open drawers, handrails and grab bars. All these will help patients perform daily activities easier.

4. It should be made known to the patient how and when to take his medications. His doctor or nurse should be able to inform the patient about possible complications or side effects, if there are any, accompanying his medications.

5. A competent medical practitioner or nurse should teach a rheumatoid arthritis patient how to stand, walk and sit correctly. It will be beneficial for patients with rheumatoid arthritis to use chairs with high seats and armrests. These will enable him to get up more easily with his knees higher than his hips. Elevated toilet seats will also be helpful.

6. Patients should learn how to rest every few minutes within an hour's activity. He should learn to alternate sitting and standing tasks. Adequate sleep is also important and should be done in the proper sleeping position. A nurse can teach the patient how to adopt a proper sleeping posture.

Finally, proper emotional support should be provided. It should be well kept in mind that patients with chronic disease like rheumatoid arthritis can be easily depressed, discouraged and irritable. Patients should be encouraged to freely talk about their fears or anxieties concerning their situation.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Psychological Implications For The Occupational Therapist Part 1

A person newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (or any medical conditions for that matter) usually gets shocked, before becoming anxious then settling into a saddened and depressed mood. There is a grief cycle that he or she will go through, as grief for losing a part of themselves, their health and fitness. By the time the person suffering from the disease's progression to reach a stage where operation is required, they would have gotten over the initial shock, but will still be vulnerable to bouts of moodiness, depression and helplessness.

These are common and usual response of people towards having to live with pain and deforming disease. Sometimes, antidepressants are required to manage sleep, loss of weight etc.

The person with the rheumatoid arthritis disease may feel overwhelmed with the disease, but may internalise it and keep it inside themselves. These people need to be encouraged to express their feels, fears, hopes, in order to accurately help them define and manage their fears, regardless if they were perceived or real. An example is if a person feels that they have lost the ability to handle or the physical ability to maintain the joints integrity, they might feel frustrated over the apparent loss of control, but they perceive that they aren't supposed or allowed to be angry as the people around them are already doing their best to make him or her as comfortable as they can.

They may develop body image disorders, or have body image issues as they would have to perceive or wait in fear "when or in case" their joints change in shape, functionally or esthetically. What will couple this is if pain comes into the picture, of if they are placed on steroids, which often cause fluid retention and the effect of weight gain and puffy faces.

The occupational therapist may then create a "safe room" or where the patient with rheumatoid arthritis will be allowed to express their feelings through verbal or written forms of communication, directed or undirected by the trained occupational therapist. They need to be assured and re-assured that the feelings that they have are normal, a part of the the grieving and loss process.

Patients needs to understand that, and to be respected and given the space, chance and ability to grieve over his or her loss (real or perceived) of function, mobility and independence. By this, we can help them to overcome their mobility and functional problems.

Human Growth Hormone - For Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an inflammatory autoimmune disorder that causes the body to attack the soft bone cartilages surrounding the joints. It is a disabling and very painful condition that often times lead to immobility caused by severe pain, or at the very worst, destruction of the joint itself. Furthermore, RA is a systematic disease. This means that from one afflicted joint, the disease tends to attack surrounding tissues and even far-off situated organs like blood vessels, heart, lungs, muscles tissues and skin. That is also the reason why RA is considered as a multi-system autoimmune disorder.

RA causes painful discomfort and soft tissue swelling which can inflame nearby or surrounding tissues as the disease progresses. Pain generally improves or lessens when the person starts using the affected joints, but there is usually stiffness in the joints especially in the morning. RA is therefore at its worst in the early hours of the morning, or at least, when the person wakes up. Incredibly, after a while, RA patients also tend to suffer from other medical conditions like anemia, cystic fibrosis of the lungs, gastrointestinal bleeding, hepatosplenomegaly (enlargement of the liver and spleen,) leukopenia (steady decrease of white blood cells in the system) and lymphocytic infiltration that may affect salivary glands and lacrimal glands or the tear ducts.

Unless detected and treated early in its development, RA is not only crippling, but can cause deformity as well. In the US, it is estimated that one in three Americans are now afflicted with RA. It is even predicted that this number will grow in an alarming rate as time goes by. Although this medical condition is usually associated with the onset of old age, these days children less than 18 years of age are also suffering from the ravaging effects of the disease. As of yet, there are no treatments available to cure or eradicate the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, but there are ways to alleviate the pain, and maybe help stop the disease from making satellite "infection" to other organs of the body.

Some of the more "historic," if not, controversial forms of treatment include acupuncture, being stung by bees or nettles, going on an apple diet (taken literally from the adage, "an apple a day..."), going on a rhubarb diet, fasting, ingestion of gold salts or honey or insulin or nutmeg or vitamins, wearing copper bracelets, undergoing magnet treatment, and even the extraction of teeth (possibly on the thought that one pain can overcome the other, but just how many teeth can be exchanged in favor of relief?) The very controversial mode of treatment before was called ECT or electric convulsion therapy or electric shock therapy; it has long since phased out for its obvious lack of success versus the battle with RA.

Usually, doctors prescribe nothing more than pharmacological treatment for RA like anti-inflammatory agents and analgesics. These days, however, scientists are turning to more unconventional route - especially in the form of human growth hormone treatment. You see, human growth hormones contain the substance IGF-1 which in healthy dosages is responsible for healing damaged cells and helps in developing new ones. IGF-1 is also responsible for strengthening and promoting bones, including the soft connective tissues in the human joints called ligaments. There are recent studies that show that re-introduction of prescribed dosages of IGF-1 actually lessens the symptoms of arthritis and helps reinforcing the joints, making mobility easier and achievable with less pain.

Herbal Treatment for Arthritis

You don't have to look further to find relief for your arthritis, natural medicines can be found in none other than your kitchen or in your garden!

What are the natural remedies can be found from your kitchen? Take a look at these:

. Turmeric. The rhizome of Turmeric provides a tasty yellow herb that can also work magic on your joints. This herb is a first-rate anti-inflammatory ideal for the pain and swelling of arthritis. It also triggers better bile flow, improving digestive function which is often poor in arthritis sufferers.

. Cayenne pepper. Cayenne pepper is one of nature's finest hot spices, yet it ironically takes away the pain of inflammatory arthritis. It contains a substance called capsaicin, which when applied topically works partly as a counter irritant, but it also has the ability to block pain impulses with its salicylate content. Clinical trials have confirmed this plant's value in alleviating pain and discomfort from both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.

. Ginger. If you suffer from ailing joints, here's another kitchen herb to help lift your spirits. The plant is particularly good news for arthritis sufferers as it contains zingibain and other phytochemical compounds which quench inflammation. It seems to be particularly good at keeping at bay pain-causing and tissue swelling substances. Ginger is also an expert at improving digestion and its antioxidant properties are great for protecting the body cells from free-radical damage.

. Pineapple. Another natural arthritic remedy, the Pineapple can also ease the ache of inflamed tissues. Concentrated primarily in the stems is a phytochemical called Bromelain, which is used to help quash arthritic flare-ups. Studies suggest that Bromelain simultaneously inhibits one body chemical involved in inflammation, whilst triggering the release of another chemical, which dampens down inflammation. It's also a protein-dissolving digestive enzyme, which once again targets the poor digestion commonly experienced by arthritis sufferers.

. Celery. This vegetable also posses advantages for stiff joints. The celery stalks are useful medicine, but the seeds of this plant may be even more effective. Celery seed extracts provide the arthritis sufferer with some 25 anti-inflammatory substances, plus other plant chemicals that are natural diuretics. In the herbal world, celery seeds are known as joint cleansers, as they are thought to help remove waste products and excess fluid from arthritic joints. Celery seed can be taken as a refreshing tea, as a single tincture or mixed with other effective plant extracts.

And what does your garden have to offer as natural relief for arthritis? You may be surprised at these:

. Stinging nettle. As a common treatment for arthritis, the Romans used to flay their ailing joints with nettles to reduce the associated pain. Stinging nettle contains natural anti-histamines and anti-inflammatories. Healing blood flow is also increased to the joint area and there's no doubt the pain of nettle rash temporarily displaces arthritic discomfort! Fear not, as taking nettle internally is still very beneficial. The diuretic action of this common weed helps to cleanse arthritic joints of waste materials such as uric acid and other impurities. Meanwhile, the anti-inflammatory substances in nettle combine with the minerals boron and silicon, also found in the leaf, to help ease the pain of rheumatoid- and osteo-arthritis.

. White Willow. If you are lucky, you may have a White Willow tree gracing your garden. You can thank this tree every time you reach for an aspirin to ease the pain of an arthritic knee. It provides us with salicylic acid and has been used to relieve arthritic pain for over 2,500 years. Aspirin is a synthetic cousin derived in the 1800s by Bayer, but has the disadvantage of being harsh on the stomach lining. An extract or tincture made from the inner bark of the white willow tree is a kinder alternative and it is revered by herbalists and arthritis sufferers alike for its pain-relieving properties.

. Ginkgo. Another garden tree is also praised for its healing actions. Ginkgo not only improves circulation to damaged joints, but also contains a dozen different anti-inflammatory chemicals and seven natural anti-histamines.

. Comfrey. If you have comfrey in your garden, this is another prized crop not to be disregarded merely as a weed. One of the main therapeutic substances in comfrey (allantoin) is an anti-inflammatory that boosts the immune system, speeds wound healing and encourages new cell growth. This is ideal for sore, eroded joints. It is best not to take comfrey internally but an extract from the root and leaves makes a very effective cream. Combine it with some cayenne pepper to encourage healing blood flow to the area.

. Borage. If you spot a pretty blue star-shaped flower in your garden it may belong to the Borage plant. This is highly prized by natural healers for its medicinal seeds. These contain GLA, a fatty-acid that the body requires to make an inflammation fighting and immune boosting chemical. The aerial parts, meanwhile, can be infused to make a tea that supports the adrenal glands. These organs produce stress reducing hormones and there is nothing that puts more of a strain on the body than a degenerative disorder such as arthritis.

Nature provides for natural and effective healing of complaints such as arthritis, many of which are found as close by as your garden.

Arthritis in Horses - Causes, Symptoms and Prevention

Arthritis is a very inconvenient illness not only in humans but horses as well. The pain it brings can limit movements and affect the general behavior of the animal. If you think your horse is suffering from this disease, the cause of it can be attributed to a previous injury - recent or otherwise. Heredity can also play a factor in your horse having arthritis. Whatever the causes, there are some simple but effective ways to ease the pain it brings as well as prevent it altogether.

Before anything else, however, it is essential that you understand how arthritis works. The limbs in a horse's body - like in humans - are connected by joints, which are protected by cartilage. These joints allow movement, and this is done with ease as long as there is enough liquid and cartilage in the joints to provide lubrication and protection every time the limbs move. When there's not enough joint liquid and cartilage covering the joints, what happens is direct contact between the two bones when you move, which means a lot of friction which results in pain. The most common area arthritis sufferers complain about is the knee - the body part that bears the most weight and movement. This is true with horses as well.

To make sure you give your horse the best chance of getting early treatment for arthritis, you need to be observant and catch early signs of the disease. Your horse isn't really going to come up to you and inform you that its knees are really painful, so taking note of its behavior and movements is a key.
When your horse starts to show signs of discomfort when walking or trotting, there might be a chance it has arthritis. You also need to watch out for stiffness and swelling in its joints, as well as a change in its overall behavior. Pain in any part of its body can cause an animal's temperament to change and this includes horses.

Set an appointment with your equine veterinarian as soon as you notice some of these signs in your horse. There's no harm in getting a professional opinion, and you're also improving your horse's chance of getting treatment for arthritis before the illness gets more serious.

To help avoid all these issues, however, good diet and exercise can do wonders to prevent the disease. Arthritis in horses can be avoided if you make sure your animal works out regularly as movement can help strengthen the joints and bones of the body. Proper supplements are also essential to your horse's diet. The focus of the supplements should be to improve the health of the horse's joint fluid as well as the cartilage. There are several online stores that offer great deals on supplements to prevent arthritis in horses, but make sure you first meet with your veterinarian to ensure you're getting the right supplements and doing the correct preventive measures. You don't want to start out with the best intentions only to purchase supplements online that will worsen your horse's situation.

How Arthritis Can Be Helped With a Vibration Exercise Machine

So how can vibration exercise machines help in alleviating the suffering caused by arthritis?

The treatment of arthritis is quite difficult in that if not performed carefully, and in line with the patient's needs and wants, the illness can become chronic. It can hit anyone at any age, although presents itself most frequently in middle-aged women.

It is caused by the body reacting to numerous diseases or injury, and shows up as swelling and pain in a joint or joints. Indeed the very word itself, i.e. arthritis, actually means joint inflammation. Damage to tissue can be caused if the inflammation appears often or is not totally cured. Not only do the affected joints get swollen, but they are also warm, hot even, to the touch. The skin underneath the joints redden, and over time the joints can actually change shape.

Apart from the numerous reasons already touched on, the causes of arthritis can have many other roots, one of which being heredity, and another being a negative impact of one's environment.

People who have been active in sports of all types, and who have had several injuries, suffer arthritis quite frequently as they have subjected their joints to increased loads, and this can apply to both large and small joints. In addition, it has been shown that being overweight, and the overuse of both caffeine and smoking can also cause it.

Possible disability and the avoidance of continual pain can only be prevented if the disease is diagnosed and treated at an early stage. You can minimise the onset of it, even prevent against it, through the use of a healthy diet and consequential weight control, properly carried out physical exercises and using a vibration exercise machine.

These vibration exercise machines are incredibly simple to use and can replace standard physical exercises if a person is unable to carry them out for reasons such as muscle weakness, pain in the joints, and lack or loss of balance or muscle coordination.

In the event any classical exercise training regime utilising running, walking, cycling or weight training does not fit into your daily schedule for reasons of time, one of these vibration exercise machines can become invaluable to you in helping keep your body fit and your muscles toned. It has been shown that vibration exercise machines can help you achieve just the same benefits as standard exercising, but in a lot less time. In addition, vibration training stimulates blood circulation with all the benefits that can bring to an arthritis sufferer.

The vibration machines alleviate and even remove stress, fatigue, and pain in the back and the body core, and their use strengthens both bones and muscles. To put it into a somewhat technical explanation, low-frequency vibration waves spread over the muscle fibre and make the muscle contract with more dense amplitude, which is of course not the case with conventional exercising. These vibration waves also speed up metabolic processes in our body which cause the muscle fibres to become active, as opposed to classical exercise workouts during which they are inactive.

So, in the event you do think you may have arthritis, get it properly diagnosed for what it is. And so as to prevent the occurrence of this ailment, make sure you take note of what has been said in this article, but in general look after your health and make vibration exercise therapy a major part of your training regime.