Alternative Cures for Arthritis

Arthritis causes health problems and disabilities in nearly 70 million Americans, or about one in every three adults, and the numbers are only on the rise. Arthritis symptoms can vary from mild to severe, sometimes even leading to disability. Approximately 17% of disability cases are caused by arthritis, resulting in enormous costs for the individual, their families, and the state.

Arthritis is not a disease but a group of diseases whose common denominator is inflammation, stiffness, limited movement, pain, and destruction of the joints. Three out of 5 arthritis sufferers are under the age of 65, so arthritis is not just a disease of the elderly.

The most common form is Osteoarthritis, which is also known as wear and tear arthritis". It is commonly thought of as by product of the aging process like gray hair, and wrinkles. Osteoarthritis starts usually in the middle age, long before the first symptoms are noticed. The cartilage that covers the bone starts to deteriorate, allowing bones to rub together. Bone spurs and cysts are common developments. During this degeneration process the muscles, tendons and ligaments may become strained, causing inflammation and pain. The main problem with Osteoarthritis is pain; inflammation is a problem in the later stages of arthritis. Sometimes there is no pain, but the affected joints loose range of motion and become stiff.

Osteoarthritis appears in two general forms, primary and secondary. Primary osteoarthritis is the more common form, is a slow and progressive condition that usually strikes after the age of 45, affecting mostly the weight bearing joints of the knees and hips, as well as the lower back, neck, large toe and finger joints. It develops through placing excessive loads on a joint or when a reasonable load is placed on an inferior joint. The exact cause is yet to be determined, although heredity and obesity are risk factors.

Secondary osteoarthritis appears usually as a result of trauma or injury to the joint (like a football injury or car accident), metabolic imbalances (gout or calcium deposits, iron overload, thyroid disease, or long term use of certain medications), joint infection, or even surgery. It strikes people younger than 45. Trauma appears to be the main reason for developing osteoarthritis. The trauma could be acute (accident) or chronic (recurring over time). Chronic trauma causes cumulative damage to the joint. The onset is usually felt as a little discomfort that becomes severe and debilitating over time. An unstable or loose joint because of a torn ligament would be an example of this. Repetitive impact loading is another form of chronic trauma. This involves a repetitive motion that traumatizes the joint tissue (baseball pitcher, drill operator, ballerina). Repetitive impact loading is one of the main causes of secondary osteoarthritis, especially in joints that are already suffering from abnormal alignment or that are used in ways that they shouldn't be. Not all-high stress activity damages joint tissues, most of them can. Osteoarthritis might also be the cause because of poor bone alignment, improperly formed joints, or they way you walk.

Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis are often confused because of the similarity in their names. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes the body's immune system to attack its own tissues. It causes weakness, fatigue, fever, anemia, and other problems, including inflamed joints. Rheumatoid arthritis tends to strikes symmetrically, meaning it strikes both joints (left and right side of the body). It initially strikes between the ages of 25 and 50, versus Osteoarthritis usually after 45. RA often comes and goes without warning; OA develops gradually over several years. OA begins in one joint. RA symptoms are redness, warmth, and swelling, in OA these symptoms are unusual in the early stages. RA affects many or most joints like knees, knuckles, wrists, elbows, and shoulders. OA primarily affects joints of the hands, hips, feet and spine, only occasionally attacks other joints. RA causes an overall feeling of sickness and fatigue, as well as weight loss and fever; OA doesn't cause an overall feeling of sickness.

It is the common consensus that arthritis is incurable, and can only be managed with pain and anti-inflammatory medication. This treatment plan will only mask the symptoms and will not address the underlying causes, so the disease can progress further. Also these drugs have serious side effects. Thousands of people die every year from adverse side effects of anti-inflammatory, acetaminophen, and steroids.

Healthy cartilage needs 3 things; water for lubrication and nourishment, proteoglycans to attract and hold the water, and collagen to keep the proteoglycans in place.

There are alternative treatment plans available to can be of great help to the arthritis sufferer.

Food Link to arthritis, food allergies and intolerances could aggravate and cause arthritis. Keeping your body at an ideal weight, and supplying your body with all the nutrients it needs to rebuild muscle and bone tissue is important. Eating an alkalizing diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein and complex carbohydrates, and cutting back on sugar and bad fats. Arthritis is a disease of an over acidic system. Practicing portion control and developing good eating habits will help you loose weight and maintain it, while feeling better and more energetic. Limit your purine intake, purines are found in organ meats, anchovies, and sardines. Excess purine levels in the blood lead to uric acid, which has been linked to Gout and arthritis. Alcohol increases also increases uric acid production. Intake of refined sugar has a negative impact on blood sugar balance, the immune system, and promotes inflammation. The family of nightshade of vegetables, like tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes, and peppers are the most common culprits to cause an arthritic condition.

Increasing your water intake can be of great help. Many chronic health conditions are caused by chronic dehydration. You can eliminate many problems by just drinking more water.

Supplementations can be of great benefit, if the right dosages and the right product are used. This will determine if the supplementation will be effective. The three most promising supplements for arthritis suffers are Glucosamine, chondroitin, and ASU.

Glucosamine consists of glucose and the amino acid glutamine. It is an important part of the mucopolysaccharides, which provide structure to the bone, cartilage, skin, nails, hair, and other body tissue. Glucosamine is a major building block of the proteogylycans.

The recommended dosage for Glucosamine HCL it is 1500 mg, or 1884 mg for Glucosamine sulfate once daily or twice divided into two equal doses. Glucosamine sulfate is the form used in most research. Glucosamine HCL is somewhat preferred, because Glucosamine sulfate needs to be stabilized with salt or potassium. This could lead to an unwanted rise in blood pressure, depending how much salt or potassium was added.

Chondroitin works similar to the natural occurring chondroitin in the body's cartilage, it protects the old cartilage from premature breakdown and stimulates the synthesis of new cartilage.

The recommended dosage for Chondroitin is 800 to 1200 mg once daily or twice divided into 2 equal doses.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin taking together is preferred, because the work synergistically. They stimulate synthesis of new cartilage, while simultaneously controlling the cartilage destroying enzymes, and keeping the chondrocytes healthy. These supplements treating the disease on a cellular level, helping the body heal itself. While pain medications only mask the symptoms of the disease.

ASU is a natural vegetable extract made from Avocado and Soybean oils. Avocado Soybean Unsaponifables has been a prescription treatment for osteoarthritis in France since the early 1990s. ASU differs from Glucosamine and Chondroitin, because it is a mixture of many different plant substances. ASU comes from the natural avocado and soybean oils; the supplements ratio is one part avocado to 2 parts soybean. The processing of ASU is very complex and expensive. ASU is even more complicated than making Glucosamine and Chondroitin. There are multiple active ingredients in ASU that need very careful handling to be purified and stabilized. Some companies are selling avocado and soy oils, and not the active ASU ingredients. Avocado and Soy oils do not contain the same active components, in the same quantities, as the highly processed, purified, and concentrated ingredients as in the valid products.

Recommended dosage for ASU is 300 mg once daily.

When buying any supplement, you have to make sure that it is of good quality. One way to ensure this is to buy products that adhere to Good Manufacturing Protocols. The box should have GMP stamped on it. The product could be inferior even if the label states that it is "laboratory tested". This could only refer to the raw material, which is really inconclusive, and many things can happen in the process of making a supplement. Only testing of the end product is an acceptable form of assuring accurate readings. Taking inferior products, ones that don't use quality ingredients, or products that are not manufactured with the proper controls, is simply a waste of time and money. Unfortunately this is the case with most products on the market today.

Chondroitin is more expensive to manufacture than Glucosamine. As a result companies are more interest in profit than quality may try to skimp on chondroitin by providing less than is listed on the label; using dosages lower than those supported by research; substituting cheaper, less active, or inactive substances; obtaining chondroitin from companies that don't follow the strictest quality standards in processing.

All three products are general safe. Glucosamine is safe for diabetics; it delivers the same of sugar as a grape. The majority of Glucosamine is manufactured from the shells of lobsters, shrimp and crab. The meat protein that causes the allergic reaction is not found in the shell. People with shellfish allergy should be careful and ask their doctor, or take Regenasure, the vegetarian form. There are no reports on adverse reactions. There is no evidence to support the danger contracting mad cows disease from Chondroitin. The bacteria would be killed during processing.

Be aware of products that claim to be long lasting, time-released or control delivery. Glucosamine, Chondroitin and ASU are long lasting themselves. Also for best results, you want them to be released as quickly as possible.

Double and triple strength products indicate that you need to take fewer tablets to achieve the same results. This basically means larger tablets, which is not a good idea for somebody that has a problem swallowing.

Liquid supplements are usually not as stable as powders or capsules. There is no evidence that liquid absorbs better than capsules, in this particular case. It is possible that absorption is lower in liquid products. Stomach acid is important for proper absorption of glucosamine. The liquid products could dilute the acid, interfering with absorption. There is also a problem with poor taste, and drinking more water to mask it, again diluting the product.

Be cautious of the word complex in Glucosamine/Chondroitin products. It generally means that other substances have been added, like manganese or

Vitamin C. It could also mean that the product was diluted with N-acetylglucosamine. This could lead to a reduced effectiveness of the potency. Chondroitin complex usually means that inferior products are used, like MSM, hydrolyzed collagen, chicken cartilage, and related substances that are not Chondroitin. This reduces cost and brings more profit for the manufacturer, but hurts the consumer by providing them with an ineffective product.

Avoid topical forms. Glucosamine and Chondroitin are completely useless if applied topically.

Use caution if there is a money back guarantee. Most manufacturers make their money with shipping alone.

Be cautious if something claims to be better than Glucosamine and Chondroitin, with the exception of ASU, there is nothing to support this claim scientifically.

Avoid store brands. The FDA does not strictly regulate dietary supplements. There is no such thing as a "generic" supplement - there are only good or poor supplements. You are probably not getting the active ingredients you need in a store brand.

Product quality remains as the most important barrier in using glucosamine/chondroitin and ASU supplements. When buying these products make sure to buy from a company that follows good manufacturing practices; buy products that have also been tested and recommended by independent laboratories.

Other supplements that are beneficial include Vitamin C, Vitamin B 6, Vitamin E, Magnesium, Omega 3s, Selenium, Calcium and Boron.

Exercise and Rest: You have to move to stay healthy. Exercise helps with circulation, venous and lymph return, waste elimination, tones your muscles and internal organs, and your joints. The cartilage in your joints has no blood supply, and depends on moving them to nourish them and remove waste products. Weight bearing exercise helps to keep your bones strong, and to prevent Osteoporosis. Yoga and stretching improves flexibility and lengthen muscles. Cardio exercises improve circulation and waste elimination. Exercise in itself releases feel good hormones in the body, and is beneficial for depression and mental well-being.

It is important to get proper rest at night, so the body has a chance to recharge itself. Not giving your body a chance to rejuvenate will leave you feeling empty and depleted.

Meditation and Relaxation: There is a link between stress and chronic health conditions. The more you focus on something, the bigger it will become. If you are in constant pain, you will focus on it and it will become your state of mind. This is understandable, but it will only bring you more pain. Learning relaxation methods like meditation, biofeedback, visualization among others, will help you release negative stress, and feel better.

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine: see health not only as an absence of disease, but as a harmonious state of body, mind and spirit. In Chinese medicine your health is determined by your ability to balance your yin and yang, the two opposing forces that make up everything in the universe. The vital energy of the body or qi is interrupted when yin and yang are out of balance, resulting in pain and disease. Establishing balance and harmony in the body will result in health.

Ayurvedic: Ayurveda means "knowledge of life." It represents a complete philosophy of life and living. The client is guided on how to develop self-knowledge and learn how to correct imbalances to obtain health. The client will work on strengthening their prana (life force) by harmonizing their dosha or constitutional type. The treatments involve diet and nutrition, herbs, yoga exercises, meditation, massage, and breathing exercises.

Chiropractic and Osteopathy: both modalities aim to bring the body back into alignment by adjusting the bones of the body. The nervous system is brought back into proper working order by restoring proper balance to the spinal column and joints, allowing nerve impulses to travel freely from the brain via the spinal column to all body parts. Impeded blood and nerve flow results in pain and disease, if not corrected.

Herbs: Herb medicine and aromatherapy use plants, herbs and other natural substances to stimulate the body to return to the state of health. Though herbs are medicines, they tend to be much safer than chemical drugs for many reasons; they are less potent, more recognizable to the body, and usually used in combinations and potencies that minimize harmful side effects.

Homeopathy: is based on the concept that "Likes cure likes." This means that medication should not be used to counteract symptoms, but to stimulate the body's own healing forces.

Massage and Bodywork: are extremely beneficial for arthritis sufferers. Massage will improve circulation, lymph flow, waste elimination, provide relaxation for sore muscles and joints, and reduce stress and anxiety levels in the body.

There are many different approaches to all things in life; learning to listen to your own intuition will help you find a treatment plan that is right for you. Practicing self-awareness and developing your intuition will guide you on your road back to well being. It usually takes years of wrong living to become ill, it will take some time to become healthy. A Turkish proverb says," No matter how long you have traveled down the wrong road, it is never too late to turn back."

Living With Osteoarthritis

There is no definitive cure for osteoarthritis. However, it doesn't need to get worse, there are many treatments and exercises that can help ease the pain and discomfort so you can continue to enjoy life. This article will look at various osteoarthritis treatments and explore how simple life style changes can dramatically reduce pain and discomfort.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting 1 million people in the UK every year. Osteoarthritis most commonly affects the knees, hips and the small joints of the hands and toes, but any joint can be affected. The main symptoms of osteoarthritis are pain of the joints, stiffness and difficulty moving. Despite there being no cure, there are ways of preventing arthritis conditions and a wide variety of osteoarthritis treatments that reduce pain and discomfort, helping those affected live a normal life.

The most important decision one can make is to adopt a healthy life style. This can be one of the easiest and most effective treatments for osteoarthritis and arthritic conditions. If implemented early enough in life, a healthy life style can prevent these types of conditions later in life. However, even if diagnosed, a well balanced diet and regular exercise can make a huge difference to the amount of pain and discomfort experienced with these conditions. In many cases weight is identified as a cause for osteoarthritis, in these cases simply losing weight can reduce and cease the symptoms experienced. Swimming has been identified as an extremely good form of exercise for helping with arthritis. Running can also help by strengthening your muscles as well as helping you to lose weight that may be directly causing your condition.

Another vital step to take in order to live with osteoarthritis is to take your medication. Some people stop taking medication if they feel symptoms have got better or ceased. With long term conditions such as osteoarthritis it is important to take your medication as prescribed. You should also speak to your local GP if you are thinking of taking over the counter osteoarthritis treatment such as pain killers and nutritional symptoms, as these can sometimes interfere with your prescribed medication.

As with any long term condition it is important to visit you local GP regularly for checkups and review. This will also help you develop a trustworthy and personal relationship with your GP, this can be extremely helpful and comforting when dealing with a condition such as arthritis and osteoarthritis. Regular reviews will also allow your GP to assess your condition and suggest other osteoarthritis treatment such as exercise, weights lose or in more serious cases injections and surgery.

Finally it is important to look after yourself. Those suffering with osteoarthritis are often encouraged to get a yearly flu vaccination as well as an anti-pneumococcal vaccination, which helps fight against a serious chest infection called pneumococcal pneumonia.

To conclude, osteoarthritis is a condition that is most common as you get older. It can be a painful and uncomfortable condition but it need not ruin your life. There are many osteoarthritis treatments out there, by finding the treatment that works for you, you can dramatically reduce the pain and disc

Arthritis & Fish Oil - How to Alleviate Arthritis Symptoms With Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Does fish oil really alleviate arthritis symptoms? The short answer is yes, arthritis & fish oil studies have proven this to be true. Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties which can reduce joint pain and even allow arthritis sufferers to reduce their medication.

Many medications for arthritis can be dangerous and even lethal in the long run, which is why millions of people all around the world are looking for natural remedies to help them out.

You might already know that omega-3 fatty acids are extremely essential for brain, cardiovascular and overall physical health. But did you know that there have been many arthritis fish oil studies that have proven without a doubt that omega-3 fats can help arthritis?

Researchers have found that certain types of arthritis can be alleviated by using high-quality omega-3 supplements. The reason is because, as I said above, omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory, which helps the body reduce arthritis symptoms and pains.

The most important thing in getting the health benefits of omega-3 fats for arthritis is to find a high quality product that has been proven both safe and effective. Most people are unaware of the fact that there are companies out there who produce low-quality products that can even be dangerous to your health in the long run.

Luckily though, these companies are easy to avoid we know what to look for in a high-quality product. I always start by looking for a product that has been molecularly distilled to ensure pharmaceutical grade quality and purity.

You then might want to look for clinical trials and scientific reviews that confirm the effectiveness of the products that you are about to buy. Lastly, you want to look for and compare different products and how much they cost. Many companies overprice their products, because consumers today do not educate themselves about how much high-quality fish oils should cost.

I have personally been using fish oil supplements for many years. During this time I've learned a few tricks in finding the best supplements. If you follow the above advice, you should have no trouble at all in reaping the health benefits of omega-3 fats.

My Mom's Swollen Fingers

Starting when I was young, my mother would complain of pain in her knees, fingers and hands. I never thought much of this,I was young and I often thought she was either faking it or even after watching her run scalding hot water over her hands to get them to open and close, thought the she was greatly exaggerating the amount of pain she was feeling. She would sometimes ask for help that we kids would grudgingly give. I never knew. I couldn't imagine. I had no comparison for the pain she was going through. I didn't know what arthritis was, even when I knew that was what was causing the pain.

But now I know, arthritis is hereditary. I have it, in a stunningly ironic twist, in my hands, my knees and my fingers. I was lucky, my onset didn't happen until I was in my early 40's. My mother's onset happened in her early teens. Knowing the pain now, I marvel that she was able to take care of four children, much less carry those children for nine months until born. I have wondered how those savaged knees supported her and the baby.

Arthritis is a horribly disabling disease, twisting the joints and attacking muscles with pain so terribly hard to describe. The best I could come up with was:a fingernails down the blackboard, gears grinding over and over in a truck or car, or maybe the sound of silent tears.

Arthritis is a hidden disease. It is hereditary. If either of your parents have it, the odds are you will too. Often the onset of arthritis is caused by a great shock to the body. My mother was hit by a car as a young preteen. It can be brought on by a bad fall, a car accident, the death of a parent, sibling, or spouse. The shock does not have to be physical, it can be caused by great stress also.

There are over 100 types of arthritis. The two we hear the most about are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid. Osteo attacks the bones and rheumatoid attacks the joints. Psoriatic arthritis attacks the skin. Other types attack your muscles, your glands and your organs. This disease can take over your life if you let it, but with some simple adjustments to your lifestyle, you can take your life back.

Do not get overtired, sleep 8 to 10 hours a night. Take a nap if you feel your energy collapsing. Accept the new limitations that have been placed on your body and work with them. You can often expand those limitations if you work gently with your body. Find a gentle form of exercise, swimming, water exercises, yoga or tai chi are good examples. Do not sit or stand in one place for long periods, move around. Eat healthy. Try to eat foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Eat or drink more soy products. Green, leafy vegetables are very good for you. Try eating more fresh vegetables and fruit. Eat less red meat. Try to limit your meat to cold water fish like salmon, tuna, herring or mackerel and some chicken. Drink plenty of water, vegetable soups and juices.

These are the things I have done to improve my quality of life. You will have to find your own combination of methods to help you. Arthritis is, after all, a very personal disease.

Managing Arthritis In Beagles

As Beagles grow older, it is undeniably true that the health deteriorates too. Whether they are well-taken cared of or not, there is always a risk of developing diseases as dogs age. But sometimes, disease that usually affects older dogs can also be seen in young ones. One of these diseases is the canine arthritis.

Just like any other organs and systems in the body, the skeletal system plays an important role in promoting normal health condition among dogs. It is composed of bones, cartilage and ligaments. These organs are responsible in providing the body with framework, protecting the internal organs and in providing a full range of motion. When one of these bones or joints is damaged, the dog's normal activity will surely be affected.

Canine arthritis occurs when there is an inflammation in the joints of a dog. Dogs of all sizes, breeds and ages can develop arthritis though older dogs are more prone to this disease. Canine arthritis is categorized into two; degenerative joint disease and inflammatory joint disease.

Degenerative joint disease, also called osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that protects the bones that make up the joint is damaged. Cartilage is damaged when there is a normal stress on abnormal joints or abnormal stress on normal joints. Degenerative joint disease is further subdivided into two; primary and secondary. Primary degenerative disease has no known cause. On the other hand, secondary disease can be the result of hip dysplasia, patella luxation (loose kneecap), osteochondritis dissecans, trauma and ruptured cruciate (knee) ligaments.

Another type of canine arthritis is inflammatory joint disease. Inflammatory joint disease can be caused either by infection or immune-mediated diseases. This type of arthritis usually affects multiple joints and is accompanied by fever, anorexia and all-over stiffness. Inflammatory joint disease is further subdivided into two; infectious and immune-mediated diseases. Infectious disease can be caused by bacteria while immune-mediated disease is caused by weakness in the immune system. This type of arthritis can also be hereditary.

Signs of arthritis in Beagles include reluctance to walk, climb stairs, jump or play. Gradual limping and swelling around a joint can also be seen. Your dog will also exhibit tenderness when flexing a joint and may hold its breath or stop panting when an affected joint is used. Decrease in appetite is also present in canine arthritis.

Severe arthritis can be treated usually through surgery. But there are some cases when surgery is not needed anymore. Non-surgical treatment of arthritis includes painkillers, exercise, rest and diet. Dog owners should carefully read the product label of dog foods to check its content. But the amount of food and frequency of feeding should be regulated as well to prevent obesity. Exercise is another step to prevent obesity in dogs. But Beagles with arthritis should only have limited and gentle exercise. They should also be restricted from doing strenuous activities.

Severe Knee Arthritis - The Beast That Ravages Your Knee! - Improve Your Knee Stability

Severe knee arthritis can be debilitating. As the condition deteriorates you will find that most activities, sometimes even walking, may become progressively more difficult and painful.

Should you curtail your activities if you have severe knee arthritis?

If you are suffering from severe knee arthritis your first instinct will be to cut back on the activities that seem to aggravate the pain in the knee. In fact your doctor will advise you to take the elevator instead of the stairs and to avoid going on long, brisk walks or carrying heavy loads.

On the flip side, however, you cannot really afford to become totally inactive as this could cause other problems. Treating this condition effectively requires you to remaining as active as possible, so that you do not gain weight or worsen your overall health condition.

A recent study that was reported in the Annals of Internal Medicine, indicated that people with hip arthritis who force themselves to remain active do better in the long run than those who chose to become inactive. Being inactive also leads to other complications including obesity as well as loss of muscle and bone strength.

How Severe Knee Arthritis can be Treated

The treatment regimen should will first involve the most basic steps and then progress to the more involved procedures should the need arise. In severe cases, surgery may be considered. Treatment regimen is on a person-to-person basis as not all treatments are appropriate for every patient. You should have a discussion with your doctor to determine which treatments are appropriate to your problem.

Your treatment options include:

1.) Weight Loss: This aspect of the treatment regimen can be considered as one of the most important as excess weight puts additional strain on the knees, which will just worsen the condition.

2.) Modification of Daily Activity: While you may want to set some limits on some of your activities, you should explore new exercise methods with the clearance of the doctor. Patients may also try aquatic exercises as it is an excellent option for patients who have difficulty exercising.

3.) Use of Walking Aids: Using a cane or a single crutch can help decrease the load pressure placed on the arthritic joint.

4.) Physical Therapy: Physical activity to strengthen the muscles around the knee joint can prevent atrophy of the muscles and will maintain functional use of the knee while reducing the burden being put on it.

5. ) Use of Anti-Inflammatory Medications: NSAIDs and other ant-inflammatory drugs are prescribed by the doctor to manage the pain and inflammation components of the severe knee arthritis. Use of Cortisone Injections: Your doctor may opt for cortisone injections to reduce inflammation and relieve the intense pain within the joint.

6.) Use of Knee Braces: Using supportive devices such as knee braces have been found to be a very effective element of the treatment. There are two types of knee braces for patients with severe knee arthritis. The unloader knee brace shifts load away from the affected region of the knee. On the other hand, the support knee brace helps "support" the entire knee load. A well designed knee support is referred to by many people as a "pain pill" due to the pain reduction that it can help provide. With improved alignment and the meaningful support that these braces provide, you should not look past their benefits. Many times these "unloader" knee braces are also referred to as OA (osteoarthritis) knee braces.

If you believe that you can benefit from pain reduction and improved knee stability then you should consider a knee support today.

Is Aromatherapy Effective for Arthritis?

Ever since Marcel Proust wrote about the ability to transport one's emotions via smells in Remembrances of Things Past, the use of olfaction (smelling) stimulators has fascinated many people, including physicians.

One type of alternative medical treatment is aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is the use of essential plant oils either massaged into the skin, added to bath water, inhaled directly or diffused into the surrounding environment.

More conventional physicians are also beginning to look into the medical properties of aromatherapy in the treatment of diseases. There are more than 200 oils, which are often used in combination to treat different problems, including headaches and insomnia.

The essential plant oils are obtained from the flowers, leaves, stems, buds, branches, or roots. The oils are extracted through a variety of methods such as steam distillation or cold-pressing.

When an essential oil is inhaled, the molecules enter the nose and stimulate the limbic system of the brain. The limbic system influences emotions and memories and is complexly linked to other areas such as the adrenal glands, pituitary gland, and hypothalamus. Through these connections, it is possible to regulate heart rate, blood pressure, stress, memory, hormone balance, and breathing. The essential oils used in aroma therapy are then theoretically able to have physiologic effects that may alter emotions or pain perception.

Essential oils can be toxic when taken internally so they should only be administered under the guidance of a qualified professional.

Aromatherapy blends for the treatment of arthritis are usually made from pure essential oils, but also from hydrosols and -- more recently -- phytols. For application to the skin during massage they need to be mixed with vegetable oil, a cream base or a carrier lotion. Essential oils must always be used diluted when applied to the skin. A dilution of 3% essential oils in 97% base is generally regarded as very effective and safe.

Examples of some oils which have been used to treat arthritis include:
Benzoin, Chamomile, Camphor, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Ginger, Juniper, Lavender, Hyssop, and Rosemary.

Few well-controlled studies have been done to formally test aromatherapy in arthritis. One recent uncontrolled observation was made by an orthopedic surgeon in Japan.

Dr. Nobumasa Shiba, director of orthopedic surgery at the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Hospital, became interested in aromatherapy as an alternative treatment for osteoarthritis in knee joints, which occurs when the cartilage in the joint wears away. About 1 million people in Japan have the degenerative condition.

To test the effectiveness and safety of aromatherapy for patients, Shiba carried out an experiment on a group of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Thirty-six patients, aged 40 or older who had had physical symptoms for more than three months, were entered into the uncontrolled trial.

The thirty-six patients massaged lavender oil, effective for pain, and rosemary camphor oil, to improve circulation, into their knees in the morning and evening for two weeks.

More than 75 per cent of the patients said their symptoms, including pain, had lessened.

The uncontrolled nature of this study obviously makes interpretation suspect.

A form of aromatherapy used by thousands of people in the United States on a daily basis are menthol-based topical arthritis rubs.

Aromatherapy needs to be studied more intensely before it can be formally recommended as a standard treatment for arthritis. It does seem to help with symptoms in some people. There is no evidence it has any effect on slowing the progression of arthritis.

Types of Psoriasis - Is There a Way to Cure Psoriasis?

We unfortunately live in a world were we are judged based on our appearance first and skin is a big part of that. Due to this, we all strive to look our best starting with our skin. Since psoriasis affects the skin, covering it with persistent red, dry and inflamed patches of skin which may be covered with silvery scales in most cases, it can be damaging for the self esteem of a psoriasis sufferer and lead them on a possibly lifelong quest to try to cure psoriasis. This article discusses the types of psoriasis and also attempts to answer the question "Is there a way to cure psoriasis?"

Approximately 2% of the U.S. population suffers from this chronic skin disease which works out to about 6 million people. Psoriasis affects both men and women as well as children and adults of all races. This chronic skin condition is not contagious and can be inherited when all the right conditions are present. An individual cannot simply get this disease simply because a parent has it.

A malfunction in the immune system that causes the skin to regenerate more frequently than normal may be responsible for psoriasis. Many factors can lead to a psoriasis flare up such as stress, smoking, exposure to the sun, infections, hormonal changes, etc. Common affected areas for psoriasis include elbows, knees and the scalp. Other body parts may be affected as well.

Types of Psoriasis

Plaque - this is the most common type as usually about 90% of psoriasis sufferers have plaque psoriasis. This is evidenced by patches of red skin covered with silvery flakes that are circular or oval shaped. These may sometimes itch or burn.

Guttate - Guttate psoriasis is evidenced by tiny drops on the skin that are either pink or red. Guttate psoriasis usually occurs after an infection such as strep throat of being a strep carrier. Guttate psoriasis is a bacterial infection triggered form of psoriasis.

Pustular - This is a less common type of psoriasis that is evidenced by raised pus filled bumps on the skin.

Inverse - This type of psoriasis is evidenced by patches of skin that are smooth and red. The patches are not covered by scales. These patches are usually found in folds of skin around the buttocks, breasts, etc.

Erythrodermic - Although this is the least common type of psoriasis, it can be quite serious. This occurs when an area of the body suffers from skin inflammation and becomes very red with a peeling rash that can burn and itch. It is considered serious because of the increase in the blood flow which may strain the heart.

Psoriatic arthritis - When a person suffers from both arthritis and psoriasis.

Psoriasis of the scalp - This type of psoriasis is evidenced by badly crusted plaque areas or skin that is dry and scaly.

Is there a Way to Cure Psoriasis?

Although many conventional treatment regimens are available for psoriasis, there is no current known way to cure psoriasis. The various treatment options available are usually for a long term basis and attempt to prevent psoriasis flare ups and not to cure psoriasis.

The conventional treatment options can vary from one person to another and depend on many factors such as age, type of psoriasis, occupation, health conditions, etc. There are many procedures that can be performed at home that although they do not cure psoriasis, they may try to prevent flare ups or heal current flare ups. There are also various topical or oral medications and light therapy may be used in some psoriasis cases.

5 Top Pain-Relieving Exercises for Arthritis

Now I must say before starting any exercise plan you should always consult with your physician. Your physician will know what is best for you and your specific arthritis symptoms. With that being said let's get started...

When you suffer from arthritis pain it sometimes can be difficult just to get up out of your chair or use your hands, so it's no surprise that you would be more likely to just not do anything. However, moving your body is exactly what you really need. Exercise is actually the best medicine for your arthritis pain relief. I know it's hard to believe but exercise can decrease your pain, especially those that are suffering from osteoarthritis which is the most common type of arthritis stated in many medical journals & publications. It's a fact that exercise such as walking is as effective in reducing knee pain as drugs used to relieve this type of pain such as naproxen (Aleve) or ibuprofen (Advil). For me, Yoga, Tai Chi and walking gave me more relief than any drugs prescribed to relieve me of my pain.

I can confirm that exercise works because I suffer from osteoarthritis and severe knee pain. When you workout regularly it also may prevent the arthritis you have from getting worse over time. When you're physically active you will have a higher quality of life and find you're less likely to become disabled or have days with a lot of pain! Now that I have your attention and you may be more motivated to get up and exercise, do you need another reason to get up and get moving? Well, obesity can increase your risk of arthritis and make your symptoms worse.

Your workout should be challenging, but not painful enough to cause you injury. If you have a joint or muscle pain that lasts longer than a couple of hours after you've exercised or if the pain gets worse over a course of several days, you've probably over exercised! At this point, you want to shorten your workout or do the exercise at less of an impact. Most workout programs have a "low impact" version of all the exercises in the program.

So, you're probably asking what exercises should you do? It's important that you move your joints but you don't want to aggravate your symptoms. Here are the 5 exercises that I found to help me the most in relieving my arthritis pain and improved my quality of life physically.

1. Walking- This type of exercise strengthens your muscles, which helps when pressure shifted from your joints, and reduces pain. It also compresses and releases cartilage in your knees, bringing nourishing oxygen to your joints. It's my recommendation to try walking 10-12 minutes at least 3-5 days per week. You can always increase your walks and add short bursts of speed into a moderate pace to build up your workout. Keep in mind, people with severe hip or knee problems should check with their doctor before starting a walking program.

2. Water Exercise- It has been found that warm water (83-90 degrees) will help relax your muscles and decrease pain. Exercises involving swimming, aerobics, walking and jogging in water is a great way to relieve stiff, sore joints and is of lower impact as well. Working out in water has other benefits such as relieving stress on your hips, knees and spine plus it offers you a workout with resistance but without the use of weights. This form of exercise is ideal for those of you that have severe arthritis pain in your hips and knees. This is the exercise program I started with first due to my severe knee pain. Water is stated to provide 12 times the resistance of air, so you will really be strengthening and building muscle with this type of workout!

3. Yoga- Uses simple, gentle movements that gradually build strength, balance and flexibility. Yoga is especially beneficial for people with arthritis. It can also reduce inflammation, increase your energy, promote a positive mental outlook which will help you cope with arthritis. Be sure to let the Yoga instructor know that you have arthritis so the poses can be modified to accommodate you. If your more comfortable exercising at home there are many companies and instructors that have Yoga videos or books. Remember that if you feel pain in a pose, you're probably overdoing it!

4. Tai Chi- Is a traditional style of Chinese martial arts that goes back to ancient times. It incorporates slow, rhythmic movements to induce mental relaxation and improves balance, strength and flexibility. Tai Chi is extremely valuable to arthritis patients because its movements are slow, controlled and low impact. Tai Chi like Yoga improves mental well-being, life satisfaction and your perception of health, which can help you with the negative effects of chronic pain. There are particular benefits for those that suffer from knee pain. It has been found in major studies that Chinese workouts can improve physical function and reduce pain in patients over 65 years old with knee osteoarthritis. There are many books and courses in this ancient Chinese workout however, the Arthritis Foundation offers a 12-Step Tai Chi course. Keep in mind that it's always best to workout when you have the least pain and stiffness so, often Tai Chi is done in the morning.

5. Indoor Cycling- Is an excellent way to get a cardio workout without stressing weight-bearing joints. Investing in a good stationary bike is also a good option for people that have balance problems which is common among inactive people with arthritis. Try not to pedal faster than 40-50 revolutions per minute and add resistance only after you've warmed up for about 5 minutes. You should never add too much resistance which causes you to have trouble pedaling. A good place to start with cycling is to start a 5 minute session at a comfortable pace 3 times per day. When you get to the point where you're cycling pain-free, increase your workout to 7 minutes and continue to ramp up until you hit the 20 minute mark. Those of you that have severe pain in your knees should avoid indoor cycling because it can aggravate the condition. Remember to "listen" to your body and what it's telling you.

I hope this article has helped you and please remember to always consult with your physician before starting any exercise plan. Your physician can also prescribe medications to relieve arthritis pain and swelling so you can workout.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

Arthritis is known as the painful inflammation and stiffness of joints in the body. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, painful, autoimmune disease of the joint that destroys, deforms, and disables movement of joints altogether. It is caused by the infection in the immune system. That is, the anti-bodies attack their own tissues, mistaking them for foreign bodies. It may gradually affect other organs of the body, too. Hence, it is known as autoimmune disease.

Rheumatoid arthritis can make a healthy individual a life-long patient at any age. It may be a genetic or non-genetic disease. It appears in several stages. That is, initially a patient may feel only pain caused by the inflamed joints. Gradually, the affected lining of the joints, called synovial lining, starts thickening. When the condition becomes severe, the inflamed joint and surrounding area release a fluid or enzyme that destroys the flexible soft tissues, the cartilages, and bones. This changes the original shape of the joints. The patient finds this stage very painful. He or she is left with stiff and deformed joints and is literally unable to move. The small things that a person once did with ease are no longer possible for them. For instance, lifting a pen is virtually a painful act.

Rheumatoid arthritis can affect any joint. But studies report that it begins from smaller joints such as the joints in the fingers. It has also been found that it affects the joints simultaneously. For instance, an individual complaining of pain in the wrist experiences it in both left and right wrists.

The pain is a very common feature. But if the pain is a prolonged one and is followed by stiffness, it is a matter of concern. Some of the symptoms identified with rheumatoid arthritis include pain and stiffness upon waking and pain after prolonged rest. Additionally, individuals may also face difficulty in standing up after being seated or lying down in bed for a long time. They might have symptoms of flu and weakness or fatigue. The individuals may lose weight because of low appetite, turn anemic, and often may be depressed and stressed. They are found to have sweaty palms and feet, and lesser flexibility in moving. In some persons, skin ulcers and visible lumps or rheumatoid nodules are also reported. As such, the health of the individual declines and it is necessary to take support from others for daily activities.

Since rheumatoid arthritis also affects organs in acute stages, the patients can become anemic (low in red blood cells), develop dry mouth and eyes, and have inflamed spleen and lining in the lungs. In some persons, the disease flares up after a prolonged time.

Remicade: Doctor, I Have Rheumatoid Arthritis and I Want to Know More About Remicade

TNF alpha is a protein that is produced during the inflammatory response. It both starts as well as perpetuates inflammation. Increased levels of TNF are found in several inflammatory conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Drugs that block tumor necrosis factor (TNF) have been found to be particularly effective for the treatment of these serious types of inflammatory arthritis.

Infliximab (Remicade) is a monoclonal chimeric antibody (part human, part mouse) directed against TNF alpha.

Infliximab is approved for use alone or combined with methotrexate for treating moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. It also is approved for the treatment of active psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.

Infliximab is administered intravenously. The recommended dose for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is 3 mg/kg as a single dose. The initial dose should be followed by additional 3 mg/kg doses two and six weeks after the first dose. The maintenance dose depends on the patient's response. It can be increased to a maximum of 10 mg/kg every 4 weeks.

The most common side effects of infliximab are upper respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, cough, rash, back pain, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, weakness and fever. Infusion reactions, which are sometimes severe, may occur.

Side effects such as blood pressure changes, chest pain, shortness of breath, rash, itching, fever and chills may occur during or shortly after administration. These reactions could possibly be due to an allergy to the drug. They are more common among patients who develop antibodies to infliximab and are less likely to occur in patients who are taking drugs that suppress the immune system, such as methotrexate. Infliximab should be discontinued if serious reactions occur.

Serious infections have been reported with other drugs that block TNF- alpha, and infections have been reported during treatment with infliximab. Therefore, infliximab should not be used in patients with serious infections. Infliximab should be discontinued if a serious infection develops during treatment.

Before starting infliximab, persons should have tuberculosis skin testing, because of reports of reactivation of tuberculosis in patients taking infliximab.

There have been rare cases of serious liver injury in people taking infliximab. Screening for hepatitis B may be a good idea.

Infliximab should not be used in patients with congestive heart failure or other significant heart disease.

Approximately half of infliximab-treated patients in clinical trials developed a positive ANA during the trial compared with approximately one-fifth of placebo-treated patients. Anti-dsDNA antibodies were newly detected in approximately one-fifth of infliximab-treated patients compared with 0% of placebo-treated patients. Reports of lupus and lupus-like syndromes, however, remain uncommon.

Decreased white and red blood cell and decreased platelet counts have been reported with infliximab. Vasculitis (inflammation of arteries) also has been reported.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, particularly patients with very active disease and/or chronic exposure to immunosuppressive therapies, may be at a higher risk (up to several fold) than the general population for the development of lymphoma. It is not known whether anti-TNF therapy raises this level of risk.

Infliximab should not be used in combination with anakinra (Kineret).

Natural Remedy For Arthritis - Treat The Cause Of Rheumatoid Arthritis!

The crippling pain of arthritis is a major epidemic in the western world especially amongst older people. The lack of mobility and the constant pain caused by arthritis can damage a person's life not just physically but socially and mentally as their quality of life diminishes. To help with this condition many people take drugs that treat the symptoms but not the cause of rheumatoid arthritis, many people dissatisfied with this type of treatment have looked elsewhere for a natural remedy for arthritis and have been pleasantly surprised!

Arthritis along with many other first worlds, western diseases that have seen a massive explosion in the modern era are almost reaching a crisis point and science and medicine seem helpless to stop this. Instead the medical profession focuses on pain reduction not cures and some of then more cynical amongst us put this down to the fact the drug companies want us to keep buying their medicine not stop a disease. So what can a natural remedy do that modern science cannot?

The first thing to understand about arthritis is that no one agrees on its exact cause also complicated by the fact it is such a broad term for a number of conditions that are grouped under the arthritis umbrella. However it is known that similar conditions can be reversed by the most natural remedy of all, diet and exercise! The biggest problem with people's health today is that we eat too much unnatural food that pollutes our body and puts way to much acid in our system. This chemical imbalance is the cause of a great number of diseases including rheumatoid arthritis; the good news it you can change this naturally!

To counteract the pollutions in your body the best treatment is to change your lifestyle and diet. The main offenders are such processed items such as cola and other soda products as well as overly sugary and salty foods like chips and chocolate bars. Add to this alcohol, cigarettes, pesticides, preservatives, chemicals and drugs and you can see how the body may not be able to handle all this even if you do not feel too unhealthy. Changing your diet to reflect what humans ate for so many years before our modern diets is a step in the direction of curing arthritis and being a healthier person in general. More vegetables, roots, fruits, nuts, seeds and others will help balance your body's chemicals and bring you much pain relief; add to this more exercise and you have a lifestyle that promotes wellbeing and health and can halt and reverse the effects of arthritis.

While many people may need to continue treating the symptoms of arthritis to reduce the pain until they can purge their body of its toxins this natural remedy for arthritis is one you can do simply by living well without exotic herbs or acupuncture. Treat the cause of rheumatoid arthritis or any other arthritis for that matter and you can be pain free for life!

Is Chondroitin Really Necessary for Joint Health?

There are hundreds of glucosamine-containing products available on the market today. These products are sold for joint health, joint pain, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, most of the glucosamine products also contain chondroitin as a second ingredient. In this article, we address two questions about these products:

1. Is the chondroitin really necessary?

2. Are there alternatives to chondroitin we should consider?

Background

Ask anyone who has osteoarthritis, and they will tell you how painful this condition can be. But what is it? Simply put, osteoarthritis is caused when the cartilage between joints begins to erode and fade, resulting in painful bone-to-bone rubbing at the joint. The knees and hips are most commonly affected, but elbows, fingers, and shoulders can also be effected. Osteoarthritis is commonly experienced by retired professional athletes, or anyone who has repetitive motion over many years. Excessive weight over many years can also cause osteoarthritis.

Glucosamine has emerged as a dietary supplement to help deal with the pain associated with osteoarthritis. The logic behind its use is quite sound. Why? Because glucosamine is a building block of glycosaminoglycans, the major component of joint cartilage. Thus, by adding glucosamine in our diets via supplements, out bodies can take these building blocks and make more of the glycosaminoglycans our joints are losing from the disease. As a result, glucosamine can help relieve joint pain, and in some cases slow the progression of the disease.

What about chondroitin?

On the surface, the same logic holds for taking chondroitin. Chondroitin is also a component of cartilage. So taking chondroitin orally, especially along with glucosamine, should also help with joint health. However, there is a problem with this argument Namely, the amount of chondroitin that actually gets into our systems through oral ingestion is fairly low. Further, there is some, but not a lot of evidence supporting the notion combination of glucosamine and chondroitin is more effective than glucosamine alone. Our general advice is if you are already taking this combination, and if it is helping, then there is little point stopping or changing your joint health dietary supplement regimen. But this begs, two questions:

Do I really need the chondroitin?

Our general advice is if you are already taking this combination, and if it is helping, then there is little point stopping or changing your joint health dietary supplement regimen.

Are there alternatives to chondroitin?

Absolutely. There are two supplements that we think can provide your joint health supplement with the boost you may be looking for:

MSM, or methylsufonylmethane, gained in popularity around 2002-2003 for a number of ailments. More recently, several clinical trials have shown that MSM may help with both function and pain in osteoarthritis and other joint ailments.

Antioxidants such as Vitamin C are useful for a number of conditions. However, many common antioxidants, such as Vitamin C, are eliminated very quickly from our systems. As a result, they may not be as helpful as we would think. Ideally, we would like an antioxidant to "stick" to the joints to deliver antioxidant power directly where it is needed. Fortunately, there is a family of antioxidants known as proanthocyanidins. Extracted from red grape skins, proanthocyanidins are much more powerful than resveratrol. And, they can "stick" to collagen, delivering antioxidant power directly to inflamed and arthritis joints.

Enzymes, such as bromelain, are also a promising family of supplements for joint health, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. These are believed to work by naturally stimulating our immune systems to respond positively to inflammation...like calling the firemen to douse a flame!

Summary

For decades, glucosamine and chondroitin have been used for joint health and osteoarthritis. Today, science has discovered other supplements which may be better than this traditional approach. Thus, anyone concerned about joint health should research these other supplements, and seek guidance for choosing the right one for their particular condition and needs.

Can Essential Oils Help With Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder which affects the skin and joints. What is usually observed are red scaly patches on the skin which are areas of inflammation. Skin rapidly accumulates at these sites and takes on a silvery-white appearance that flakes off. These plaques frequently occur on the skin of the elbows, chest and knees, but can affect any area including the scalp and genitals. Many scholars believe that psoriasis was one of the many forms of leprosy in the Bible.

The disorder is a chronic recurring condition which varies in severity from minor localized patches to complete body coverage. Fingernails and toenails are frequently affected as well. Psoriasis can also cause inflammation of the joints, which is known as psoriatic arthritis. Ten to fifteen percent of people with psoriasis have psoriatic arthritis.

The cause of psoriasis is not known, but it is believed to have a genetic component. Several factors are thought to aggravate psoriasis. These include stress, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking. Individuals with psoriasis may suffer from depression and loss of self-esteem. As such, quality of life is an important factor in evaluating the severity of the disease. The rashes can actually subside after exposure to sunlight. Psoriasis is seen worldwide, in all races, and both sexes. Although psoriasis can be seen in people of any age, from babies to seniors, people are commonly first diagnosed in their early adult years.

How Can Essential Oils Help those who Suffer from Psoriasis?

Many oils have soothing and healing qualities for the skin. Roman Chamomile, tea tree, patchouli, helichrysum, rose, German chamomile and lavender are great single oils that may bring comfort and healing to the scaly patches of psoriasis.

The essential oil can be applied neat, that is, undiluted. Use 2-4 drops to the affected area twice daily. 6-10 drops can be added to one teaspoon of regular skin lotion and applied daily or as needed.

One more thought-those who suffer from psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, dry skin, allergies, and similar problems indicate an excessive acidic pH in the body. The more acid in the blood and skin, the less therapeutic effect the oils will have. Therefore I recommend doing a cleanse and going on an alkaline diet.

Home Remedies for Osteoarthritis that Work

Some home remedies for osteoarthritis can work wonders.

A good one will strengthen the immune system, prevent the spread and severity of the disease and provide safe relief from painful inflammation.

Home remedies for osteoarthritis are particularly important since there are serious proven dangerous side effects when taking commercial painkillers like Celebrex, Vioxx, Bextra and Aleve.

When you consider the fact that most prescribed arthritis medications are not proven to be safe and don't strengthen the immune system or offer long-term pain relief, it only makes good sense to take a more holistic approach.

Plus, more and more evidence shows that lifestyle changes, diet and home remedies can both help prevent arthritis and provide relief from the painful symptoms. As a result, more and more people with osteoarthritis are living happier, healthier lives.

Although the cause is still unknown, most experts agree that arthritis is connected to a breakdown of the immune system.

This happens when the immune system is either too weak to prevent viruses from attacking the joints or it has lost the discretionary power to recognize the difference between healthy cells and viruses. Therefore, a faulty immune system destroys both.

If not managed, arthritis can grow progressively worse and cause very limited range of motion and permanent damage. For example, rheumatoid arthritis that starts in one joint can spread throughout the entire body, if it's not prevented.

Therefore, at the first sign of joint stiffness, pain or swelling, it's important to take action towards prevention. It's an even better idea to start before symptoms begin.

You want both safe relief from the pain and inflammation, plus a stronger immune system for controlling the spread of the disease.

The natural home remedy solution for osteoarthritis is basically the same as it is for any arthritis or degenerative disease.

The American Medical Association recommends supplements for everyone, especially people dealing with degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis. So begin improving your immune system with a healthy diet that includes whole food supplements - particularly fish oil.

Moderate exercise combined with a healthy diet can help you reach and maintain your optimum weight. Every extra pound puts additional stress on joints increasing the odds of painful arthritis.

Low impact exercise, such as walking, swimming or yoga, are also good low stress ways to strengthen bones, joints and muscles, improve flexibility and reduce depression, fatigue and stress.

You'll also need to cut back or eliminate red meat, since those who eat more red meat have twice the risk of arthritic pain compared to those who eat red meat no more than once a week.

For further building up of your immune system, replace non-nutritious foods in your diet with more whole grains, colorful fruits and vegetables and cold water omega 3 fish, such as salmon.

The most important of all home remedies for osteoarthritis is pure fish oil supplements. Fish oil is a natural anti-inflammatory pain reliever and has been proven to help protect people from arthritis.

Arthritis and Clothing

Getting dressed is not a problem for everyone with arthritis, but even those little aches and pains can interfere with certain daily tasks on a regular basis. Regardless of how severe your arthritis is, you may find yourself needing to make some changes in the way you dress to accommodate your arthritis. Here are a few tips to follow to make those changes smooth and easy.

First, analyze which joints are causing you the most difficulty with dressing, especially in the morning. Remember that arthritis stiffness can take over an hour to go away after you get out of bed, and you might not want to wait that long to get dressed. Adapting how you get dressed to work around those particular stiff joints will make sure you don't get thrown off schedule.

Next, decide if an easy adaptation will fix the problem. It could be that your hips and knees are stiff in the morning and you can't bend to put on your socks and shoes. If this is the case, try sitting on the bed or in a chair with a footstool in front of you. Use your hands to help lift each leg on to the footstool, and then bend the shorter distance to put on the sock and shoe. Another common problem (for women) is that your shoulders are too stiff to reach around behind your back to hook your bra. In this case, place your bra behind your back, hook it in front, then slide it around and place your arms in the straps. These are just two examples of simple adaptations you can do at home with the clothing you have and items you already have around the house.

If your stiffness is a little more severe in the morning, you may need to purchase different types of clothing. This does not mean you have to buy adaptive clothing. You just need to think a little bit about the clothes you buy. If you have a hard time lifting your arms due to shoulder stiffness, buy front closing shirts or blouses. Avoid pull-overs or, if you must have them, make sure they are large and loose. If your fingers don't want to move in the morning, avoid clothing with small buttons or hooks. Make sure zippers have large tabs. Buy pants with elastic waistbands. If you have a hard time bending due to back or hip pain, wear slip on shoes or shoes with Velcro closures. Make sure your socks stretch easily. Avoid heels.

Adaptive devices can also make dressing easier without having to buy special clothing. These devices have been around for many years. Before the internet, you used to have to purchase these items with the assistance of occupational therapists that had access to the medical suppliers that distributed this type of equipment. Now anyone can purchase these devices directly. If you have trouble bending, elastic shoe laces and a long shoe horn will help you slip your shoes on and off. If your fingers are too stiff to pinch those tiny zipper tabs, use a zipper pull to hook the tab and pull the zipper closed. There are dozens of devices available to accommodate just about any problem. A good source for adaptive devices for arthritis is The Wright Stuff Inc. Arthritis Supplies at http://www.arthritissupplies.com

Many of the devices listed above were actually invented by occupational therapists. If you don't understand how to use them, or if you need some help solving your problems with dressing at home, you might want to consult with an occupational therapist in your area. Check with your health insurance plan for a list of occupational therapists that provide outpatient services. If you would like to know more about occupational therapy, please visit The American Occupational Therapy Association at http://www.aota.org/Consumers.aspx

Control Arthritis through Diet

It is a universally accepted fact that arthritis does not have a medical cure. However, it can be controlled with alternative medicine methods such as yoga, herbal treatment and a close watch on the diet. Yes, your diet can make a great impact on the way arthritis is manifested in your body.

The diet control is aimed at checking the build-up of toxins and acid waste that usually accumulates in the body when a person has a high-calorie diet. Ideally, the diet of an arthritis patient should not exceed 2000 calories. The best would be to consume a fair amount of fruits, vegetables and proteins minimizing the intake of carbohydrates to the maximum extent possible.

Foods You Should Include In The Diet

Reports show that people suffering from arthritis benefit greatly from drinking the juice extracted from green leafy vegetables. For an extra edge, a little beetroot and/or carrot juice might also be added here. Several studies show that an alkaline reaction is triggered in the body owing to the intake of such raw juices, which eliminates the negative deposits around the joints.

Fruit juice is yet another highly recommended food input for arthritis patients, with special emphasis on pineapple. This is because pineapple consists of a unique ingredient by the name of bromelain, which directly impacts the inflammation caused by arthritis. Other fruits that control arthritis are melons, bananas, citrus fruits, apples and apricots.

Garlic, which is also a very effective anti-inflammatory agent, may be incorporated into the day-to-day diet either in raw form or as capsules of the arthritis patients to control both infection and inflammation. A little known fact is that garlic has some great analgesic properties as well and hence, it is as an added benefit against this crippling disease.

Finding Alternatives

Indigenous medicine advises arthritis patients to consume regular doses of juice extracted from potatoes diluted with water in a fifty-fifty ratio. In order for this remedy to be effective, it is important that the potatoes be organically grown and unpeeled when used for this purpose. The juice should be drunk in small measures (say one cup) every morning on an empty stomach.

Since alkaline foods are highly beneficial in the effort to combat the worst symptoms and manifestations of this disease, the arthritis patient would also profit from consuming alfalfa seeds tea. The recommended dosage would be approximately six to seven cups spread over 24 hours, for best results. In a very short while, this diet would show visible results, much to the delight of the afflicted person and their dear ones.

It is important to lean here that Vitamins A & D are vital for the body to cleanse it from infection. In this context, the arthritis patients would do well if they concentrate on the fact that their body might be starved of these two vitamins. Vitamin D can be obtained through exposure to the sun, since a chemical reaction would release Vitamin D when the skin is exposed to direct sun.

Several studies have pointed to the fact that certain foods aggravate the condition of the arthritis patient. Hence, it is important to avoid consuming all preserved meats, all kinds of cheese, meat stock, coffee, salad dressing, chocolate and candy among many others.

With a little care and the right diet, the arthritis patient would be able to keep a tight check on this disease and in the process live a normal life like any other non-afflicted person.

Try Holistic Treatment For Arthritis Pain

If you dislike taking over the counter or prescription medications to control your stiff, swollen joints, consider trying a holistic treatment for arthritis pain.

These treatments allow patients to avoid medications that can potentially interact with current medications or conditions while still ensuring they are free from pain and keep their range of mobility.

Although a holistic treatment for arthritis pain may seem unusual or unique, many of these treatments have garnered a great deal of success in patients of all advancements of the disease.

Furthermore, these treatments will allow arthritis sufferers to experience a better overall sense of health and well-being, since the treatments tend to focus on the entire body instead of just the afflicted area.

When it comes to finding a holistic treatment for arthritis pain, consult your physician regarding alternative options to traditional prescription medications.

More and more arthritis sufferers are choosing these homeopathic treatments, especially with the recent controversy surrounding Vioxx, the prescription medication proposed as a cure-all for arthritis pain, but proved to cause more serious problems, including heart problems and even strokes.

Consider ancient Eastern exercises like Tai Chi. This slow moving and stretching form of exercise is popular with individuals of all ages.

In addition to slowly using all the muscles and joints in the body, Tai Chi is an excellent way to achieve an introspective look.

Another great alternative method for treating arthritis pain is to consult an acupuncturist.

Using age old techniques for identifying the parts of the body thought to be connected, your pain, swelling, and stiffness associated with arthritis can be diminished.

Another homeopathic method of treating arthritis without using prescription medication is to use all natural herbs, vitamins, and minerals instead.

This is an excellent way to ensure you do not experience any problems with arthritis while not being at risk for drug interactions.

What Is Voice Box Arthritis?

Most people think rheumatoid arthritis affects only the small joints of the hands of feet. However, any joints in the body that contain cartilage and synovial fluid are targets for the disease.

Small joints in the voice box can be affected by arthritis. The larynx, or voice box, actually contains joints, called cricoarytenoid joints, that move the vocal cords to produce sound. If these joints become inflamed, which causes pain, then the vocal cords are not in the correct position to produce clear sound. As with other joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis, joint erosions and rheumatoid nodules also can be found, which may cause further damage. If these joints are affected to the point that they become fixed in place unable to move, there can be difficulty breathing. This constitutes a medical emergency.

About 25% of rheumatoid arthritis patients experience the symptoms above, plus a sense of fullness in the throat when swallowing or speaking, as well as occasional pain in the ears. There are small bones in the ear that are responsible for sound conduction. These bones, called ossicles, also have joints. When rheumatoid arthritis inflames or erodes those joints, they become less mobile.

Rheumatoid arthritis patients who have larynx or ear involvement as described above should have an ear, nose and throat specialist involved in their care, along with a rheumatologist. Ear, nose and throat specialists have special scopes to examine the throat and ears to make a correct diagnosis. If you have any of these symptoms and are bewildered by them, get to your doctor quickly.

What Are the Options for Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment If Anti-TNF Drugs Don't Work?

The combination of methotrexate and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors have been the gold standard for inducing remission in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. But this combination doesn't always work. This article provides information on alternatives.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common inflammatory form of arthritis and affects more than 2 million Americans.

It is a chronic, progressive, autoimmune disease that causes both joint damage as well as harm to internal organs.

While biologic drugs, first introduced about 17 years ago have been a boon for RA sufferers, not everyone responds. Some people have no amelioration of their symptoms (primary non response) and others lose their response over time (secondary non response.) And others develop side effects or frequent infections that limit the usefulness of biologic therapy.

Fortunately, there are alternatives.

The first is tocilizumab (Actmera). This is a medicine that blocks the effects of interleukin 6, a protein that plays a pivotal role in the progression of RA. This drug is a good option for those patients who fail TNF therapy. Unlike the many TNF inhibitors, Actemra can only be given intravenously as of this writing... but a subcutaneous form is in the works.

Another option is abatacept (Orencia.) This blocks the activation of T cells which are cells that also play an important role in chronic inflammation. Orencia is also given intravenously... but like Actemra, a subcutaneous form is available.

Another second line biologic is rituximab (Rituxan). This is a drug that depletes B cells, another pivotal player in the RA process.

As one might imagine, tinkering with the immune system has its downsides and the number of potential side effects associated with biologics is prodigious. However, in experienced hands, in other words, in the hands of an arthritis expert, the likelihood of a significant problem can usually either be avoided or at least recognized. Nonetheless, these drugs do carry potential risks that should be explained to the patient and risk versus benefit needs to be discussed.

Some people have advocated combining biologics with different modes of action to see if better control can be achieved. Unfortunately, it appears this strategy doesn't work. One study used a combination of a TNF inhibitor along with Orencia. No improvement in symptoms and signs of disease were seen. What was noticed was an increased incidence of side effects.

Newer drugs that target different proteins and cells are constantly being evaluated. Inhibitors of a chemical messenger called tyrosine kinase have been evaluated. One such drug, a JAK kinase inhibitor, appears promising. The drug, tofacitinib, has looked promising in clinical trials. The advantage of this group of medicines is that they are oral.

Other companies are also exploring this pathway and developing competing products.

The ultimate goal, of course, is remission!

How You Can Get Arthritis In The Fingers

Did you know that arthritis can also attack your fingers? Arthritis in fingers is also a common symptom of arthritis. Our hands are one of the most important parts of our body. We almost can't do anything without using our hands.

Each of our fingers has a different function. What if one of our fingers is disabled? Can we still do what we want? Possibly, yes, but it will be more difficult the more advanced the arthritis is. And by difficult, I mean painful; even worse, as arthritis advances, you may cause even more damage to your finger joints, making even more difficult to move your fingers.

The types of arthritis that typically attacks our fingers are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis commonly affects those of more advanced years, but rheumatoid arthritis can affect anyone of any age.

Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis that is a result of years of wear and tear on the joints. Eventually the body is unable to keep up with the damage, and the connective tissue is unable to regenerate to its former elasticity. When this happens, it can harden and crack, allowing the bones of the joints to come in contact, resulting in pain. Do you crack your knuckles? This is one way to induce wear and tear of the finger joints, which can result in arthritis in fingers down the line.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder; basically, your immune system, for some reason, starts to attack the tissues around your joints, resulting in damage similar to that in osteoarthritis. This damage happens on a quicker timetable when compared with osteoarthritis, however, and those with rheumatoid arthritis will often eventually experience arthritis in fingers.

In both cases the symptoms are the same: joint pain, swelling, cracking sounds, stiffness and immobility. While the arthritis is not yet advanced, you may only experience some swelling and joint pain, which may go away in time. But you may also hear some cracking sounds when you move your finger joints, which is a sign of damaged connective tissues. Eventually, if the arthritis in fingers gets worse, your fingers may become immobile and deformed, as the flexibility and mobility of your fingers is lost.

The pain of arthritis in fingers can be relieved through a variety of treatments. Just as with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, there are medications that can relieve the pain and reduce the inflammation. Some less advanced cases may also be treated with physical therapy, while more advanced cases may require special surgery to restore mobility. There are also a variety of natural remedies that can be used to treat arthritis when it attacks your fingers, though the most important of them involve a healthy diet and lifestyle, in order to help your body fight the effects of arthritis.

10 Effective Ways to Alleviate Arthritis Joint Pain

This article emphasizes on the 10 effective ways to alleviate arthritis joint pain and inflammation.

1. If one notices symptoms of arthritis in one's body, it is always advisable to see a doctor and take his suggestions. Medications prescribed by doctors can suppress arthritis joint pain. Pain killers or analgesics like aspirin, naproxen, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen are commonly used to relieve pain. Narcotic pain relievers like oxycodone, codeine, propoxyphene etc are also taken; but one should not depend much on narcotic pain relievers as they are habit forming. Diseases modifying anti-rheumatic drugs or DMARDs like etanercept, anakinra, abatacept, infliximab etc are also taken by patients. These drugs improve the body's response to any disease. Gold injection, methotrexate injection, kenalog injection and cortisone injection can also give relief.

2. Maintain proper posture, changing position frequently while lying or sitting, keeping the affected joint on an elevated position to drain out fluids, doing light physical exercises like walking, swimming, and avoiding high impact strenuous exercises can help to control joint pain. Avoid repetitive movements, running or jumping because these would cause further damage to worn out joints. Often arthritis patients are asked to go for sea swimming or sea bath as a remedy for pain. The iodine rich sea water acts as a pain relieving agent.

3. Controlling body weight through dieting and exercises is a necessity for pain control. Sedentary lifestyle is to be avoided. Patients should always keep themselves active but remember also to never over work a joint. This may worsen painful condition

4. Massaging is a way to relieve pain. But it should be done through gentle strokes and kneading. Aggressive massaging can cause further damage to worn out joints, by damaging the vulnerable tissues around the joint. Hot vinegar, paraffin, castor oil, a mixture of olive oil and kerosene, camphorated mustard oil, heated olive oil, rumatone gold herbal massage oil, and even essential oils like eucalyptus, lavender etc can be used for massaging aching joints.

5. Hot and cold compresses if applied alternately on aching joints can give some relief.

6. Giving a warm water bath to the affected joint by mixing Epsom salt with the bath water is a pain relieving technique.

7. Rubbing garlic cloves on aching joints and using turmeric paste or roasted sesame seed pack as poultice may also reduce the pain.

8. Rubbing ice cubes wrapped in fabric on the joint can help coping with pain.

9. One should also be careful about the diet one is taking. Alkaline diet is recommended for arthritis patient. One should cut down on the consumption of beef, pork, and meat. These items raise the level of gout causing uric acid in the body. Fresh fruits, vegetables, salads and oily fishes like salmon, herring, tuna, and sardines should be included in diet. Omega3 fatty acids contained in oily fishes is very beneficial for treating arthritis pain. Joint inflammation can be checked by avoiding intake of alcohol and caffeine.

10. If the joint pain becomes too debilitating, the patient may also take recourse to joint replacement surgery.

Common Types and Causes of Arthritis

There are over 80 types of arthritis and each one has different cause. Causes of arthritis may include joint inflammation, infection, aging, malfunctions in the immune and nervous systems, metabolic disorders, hypothermia, injuries and so on.

Infectious Arthritis
The most common cause for inflammation of joints and consequent lesion is infection. When body is attacked by various kinds of harmful bacteria, virus or fungus, a natural protective system takes care of our body and it is called immune system. The immune system starts producing immune complexes, but when immunity of person is disturbed, too many substances are produced for protection, and they start destroying not only the harmful bacteria but the beneficial bacteria, and similarly joints also come under attack. This leads to infectious arthritis.

Traumatic Arthritis
Traumatic arthritis occurs and develops mainly due to injury with damage to the joint. This may also occur because of constant or excessive strain on the joints, resulting in forced motion of joints. In case of inflammation of joints, trauma can lead to the development of arthritis or its aggravation. Constant and small traumas of joints can also result in the development of occupational arthritis. Mechanical factors also play an important role in causing degenerative damage to joints. People who work as tailors, barbers, and masseurs, for example, are more likely to suffer from arthritis of fingers. The laborers are very much prone to the arthritis of spine. Arthritis in obese people is very common because of the high stress on joints. Abnormalities arising as a result of congenital hip dislocation, intra-articular or periarticular fractures, and chronic inflammation, result in permanent traumas thereby leading to development of arthritis.

Endocrine Arthritis
Disturbance in the functioning of endocrine glands can also lead to so-called endocrine arthritis. The most common example is the appearance of rheumatoid or degenerative arthritis in women during menopause, when hormonal changes take place in the reproductive system of women.

Osteoarthritis
Causes of the most common type of arthritis i.e. osteoarthritis can be many such as prolonged physical loads, which can be related to the work, sports, body overweight, injury of joints or genetic predisposition. Permanent loads can lead to the weakening of cartilages and ultimately they may collapse.

Gouty Arthritis
Gouty arthritis develops as a result of genetic predisposition, obesity, malnutrition, consumption of large amounts of proteins and alcohol.

Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which can be caused by the changes in the immune mechanisms of the patient due to viral infections, mental and physical stress.

Prevention of arthritis should be aimed at by addressing the causes of the disease.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment - Seven Steps for Initiating Healing

"For to those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away." Matthew 13:12

When it comes to health, the last part, "but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away", is painfully true. For instance, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 51 percent of adults with diabetes also have arthritis, 55 percent of adults with heart disease also have arthritis, 48 percent of adults with high blood pressure also have arthritis and 45 percent of adults with high cholesterol also have arthritis.

Once one thing as aspect of our health goes wrong, many other aspect often follow. So if this is you, what can you do? How can become one of the "those who have" and to whom "more will be given"?

The answer is to take small steps to improve your health. Each small step makes you one who has and one to whom more shall be given.

Seven Sensible Steps for Effective Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

1. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, take your joints through their full range of motion each day. That helps you retain the mobility you still have and over time expand your mobility.

2. Working within your daily and your moment by moment limits, do what you can to increase your muscle strength, which will also help protect your joints and make it more possible for you to exercise. If your mobility is limited you might begin by doing isotonic exercises you can do sitting or laying down.

3. Especially if you are already weak, you might need to then do simple weight lifting at home. The book Strong Women Stay Young by Miriam Nelson offers and excellent at home program for both men and women that works wonders for even the frail in nursing homes. An at home weight lifting program can often make a profound difference in your ability to walk and to later on to enjoy other exercise. And if you are still relatively strong, you will also get stronger and better able to function.

4. If you are overweight, lose weight. Even losing only 10 pounds can decrease joint pain significantly. Losing weight and eating a healthy diet can also dramatically cut your risk of diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which helps stop and even reverse a downward spiraling of your health.

5. If you are experiencing inflammation (everyone with active arthritis has inflammation), take the ALCAT blood test ( http://www.conqueringarthritis.com/alcat/index.htm ) to identify and eliminate dietary and environmental triggers. The specific foods and chemicals that trigger inflammation vary from person to person and can vary over time even for the same person. That is why it is important to be individually tested for what you are reacting against now, not some time in the past. That is also why you can't rely on anyone else's list of what triggers arthritis. You are unique. You must know and eliminate your unique triggers, the ones that are operative right now.

6. If you have a good relationship with your family treasure it and strengthen it. If you don't, do what you can to heal those relationships or create others that are supportive. Healthy relationships support physical health. For example, The American Pain Associated recently released a study showing (not surprisingly) that strong marriages enhance functioning for rheumatoid arthritis patients.

7. Find a spiritual practice that appeals to you and make time for it in your life. The greatest spiritual masters are the greatest healers. For example, the Buddha is called the Great Physician. Jesus is known for his healing. Every spiritual tradition comes with its own healing tradition.

Inflammatory Arthritis - Types, Causes and Symptoms

What is Inflammatory Arthritis?

There are many forms of arthritis. Inflammatory arthritis is any form of arthritis that involves the immune system and inflammation. The characteristic symptoms of inflammation are swelling, heat, redness of skin, pain, and loss of function. There are different types of inflammatory arthritis.

Autoimmune Disorders

• The body treats it own tissues as a foreign object and reacts to this foreign object with inflammation
  


• 
  Rheumatoid arthritis - antibodies produced by the body attack the synovial membrane that encloses each joint
  


• 
  Lupus - systematically affects connective tissues and organs
  


• 
  Ankylosing Spondylitis - a progressive form of arthritis that causes inflammation of the spine and large joints
  


• 
  Reiter's Syndrome - a chronic, progressive disease that can affect the joints, tendon attachments, skeleton, and the eye's conjunctiva and mucous membranes
  


• 
  Psoriatic arthritis - causes inflammation of the skin and joints
  


• 
  Inflammatory bowel disease - inflammatory arthritis can be associated with this disease

Other Causes of Inflammatory Arthritis

Inflammatory arthritis can be caused by other conditions, as well. Reactive arthritis is caused by certain types of bacteria and can develop from an infection in another part of your body. The deposit of crystalline structures in the joints causes gout and pseudogout. Elevated blood levels of uric acid, which is a waste product, can form in the joints when the kidney does not properly dispose of the waste.

Symptoms of Inflammatory Arthritis

The symptoms of inflammatory arthritis can include the following:

• Pain in one or more joints


• Swelling in one or more joints


• The affected joint is usually warmer than other joints


• Stiffness and decrease of ability to move affected joints


• Symptoms may appear after a minor illness or emotional stress


• Skin around joints may become red and tender

Treatment of Inflammatory Arthritis

The symptoms of inflammatory arthritis can be treated with medicines or natural remedies. However, it is very important to find the cause of the arthritis so that the root problem can be treated as well. Medications can be used to treat the pain and inflammation, but there are many natural remedies that have been more successful in treating the cause of the inflammatory arthritis. If you use medications to relieve the symptoms of inflammatory arthritis, be sure to learn of any side effects or reactions to other medications or food.

Some natural remedies for the treatment of inflammatory arthritis include:

• Exercise - a regular exercise regimen helps to avoid stiffness of the joints associated with inflammatory arthritis


• Water aerobics - endorphins produced in the brain during water aerobics can help ease the pain of inflammatory arthritis
  


• Valerian - this can be used to treat the pain of inflammatory arthritis. This natural medication is a known sedative and caution should be used - some people have experienced withdrawal symptoms when stopping abruptly.


• Comfrey - a comfrey salve can be used to reduce the inflammation of the affected joints


• Mangosteen - this fruit has been shown to relieve both the inflammation and pain associated with inflammatory arthritis
  


• Omega-3 fatty acids - can be found in foods such as cold-water fish, walnut, and flaxseeds.

Diet for Inflammatory Arthritis

Diet is also another way that you can prevent or lessen the symptoms associated with inflammatory arthritis. A healthy diet is important for overall health. There are some foods that can trigger the onset of inflammation in the joints and some foods that decrease the onset of inflammation. If you suffer from inflammatory arthritis, you should eliminate milk and milk products. You should avoid polyunsaturated fats and products that are made with partially hydrogenated oils. The best kind of diet for those who suffer from inflammatory arthritis is low in protein and high in carbohydrates. Some of the common foods that can trigger the symptoms of arthritis are milk and dairy products, beef, corn, and wheat. Avoiding these foods can help you to avoid triggering the symptoms. In general, a healthy diet and regular exercise can help you to avoid many of the symptoms of inflammatory arthritis.

Neck Pain: Treatment of Cervical Spondylosis/Neck Arthritis

Cervical spondylosis is a term that describes wear and tear in your neck, and is often referred to as neck arthritis.

Your neck functions to hold up your head and protect the spinal cord. Like the disks in the lower back, the disk in the neck is a natural shock absorber in your spine. It sits between the bones of your spine and provides cushioning while also connecting one bone to the other. Think of the disk as a tire with a rubbery outside layer outside called the annulus fibrosis, and filled with a gelatinous-like substance called the nucleus pulposus.

With wear and tear, the joints in the neck can wear out. Bone spurs occur as the body attempts to stop this rough motion. Sometimes, bone spurs can cause a tightening or pinching around the nerves as they leave the spinal cord. When this tightening occurs, it can affect the entire spinal cord, resulting in a loss of nerve function that can result in numbness, tingling, weakness, and loss of reflexes. In the worst cases, your bowel and bladder function can be affected as well as your ability to walk.

Nonsurgical treatments for cervical spondylosis include:

1. Exercise: Exercises can be done to strengthen your neck muscles. It is important to have a good understanding of the biomechanics of the neck so that you learn appropriate posture and how to move the neck appropriately when performing the activities of daily living. A physical therapist can be very helpful in teaching you about biomechanics of the spine and in showing you the correct way to perform exercises to strengthen your neck muscles. With good strength and proper biomechanics, you can decrease the amount of pressure on the nerves in your neck.

2. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Some of these medications, such as ibuprofen, can be purchased over the counter. They also can be given with a prescription from your doctor. The goal of an anti-inflammatory medication is to decrease pain and inflammation. When they are given with an appropriate exercise program, anti-inflammatory medications can significantly relieve neck pain. There are over 30 different anti-inflammatory medications, and people may react differently to each medication. Additionally, you have to be careful when you take anti-inflammatory medications because they can cause stomach problems, so, it is important to discuss these with your physician before you try them. Most of these medications cannot be taken when you are on blood thinners, and these medications can affect the blood pressure of some people with high blood pressure. People with kidney problems usually cannot take these medications.

Always discuss all of your medications with your physician. This includes medications you are taking over the counter and prescriptions from other doctors.

3. Steroids: Oral steroids or an injection of a steroid around the nerves when the nerves are being squeezed may provide relief. When combined with therapy, this improvement can often be nearly permanent.

4. Surgery: When all conservative efforts have failed, Surgery may be recommended if the nerves are showing evidence of increasing damage or if pain is intolerable. After surgery, additional exercises to strengthen the neck muscle are given as well as instruction on how to protect your neck.

Before engaging in any exercise program for your neck, discuss it with your physician.

穢2012 Winifred D. Bragg, MD. All Rights Reserved.