6 Ways to Prevent Joint Deformities in Arthritis

Arthritis, especially Rheumatoid arthritis and Osteoarthritis are often complicated by joint deformities. This is because the inflammation of joints in the above mentioned two diseases involves the destruction of synovial layer on joint contact surfaces, being uneven in combination with mechanical force, the jagged joint surfaces later result in erosion and displacement of the joint. As the arthritis progress, the space between 2 joint surfaces narrows, ultimately the joint become non-functional and unable to move. The condition is known as sublimation, a permanent irreversible condition. So, can this dreadful consequence be avoided? The answer is yes, by the following methods

1. Early confirmation of erosive arthritis, followed by immediate use of strong anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the intensity of inflammation, aiming to protect the synovial layer. Drugs namely Indomethacin, Diclofenac and Glucocortocoids are frequently used.

2. Decrease protein intake, red meat especially.

3. Stop drinking coffee, but replace them with tea, for its desired anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effect.

4. Exercises, by promoting the use of unaffected joints, and use the affected joint at normal range of motion (not over-extend or over-flex).

5. Brace, splints and guards to keep the movements of affected joint in normal range, hence prevent damages due to inappropriate application mechanical forces on the fragile joint surfaces.

6. Vitamin C, reduces vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels), protect joint blood vessels from auto-immune or infective inflammation, especially in the case of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

There are obviously more ways and means to prevent joint deformities, currently there is an undergoing effort by online medical writers to compile information from experienced arthritis patients and research papers from different medical organizations. I will keep this topic updated from time to time to bring the latest recommendations and findings concerning joint deformities prophylaxis to the public.

The Painful Joint in Your Foot - Osteoarthritis

Joints and T-shirts don't, on the surface, appear to be all that related. Joints are places where bones meet (and usually move around). T-shirts are knitted from wonderfully breathable cotton. Joints have fluid in them. T-shirts are often printed with hilarious sayings, political messages, or pictures of kittens. Not at all similar, right?

As odd as it may seem, joints and T-shirts do have one characteristic in common: they both wear out. When T-shirts wear out, you have a holey T-shirt, or perhaps a pile of cleaning rags all ready to be cut out. When joints wear out, you probably have what doctors like to call osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is only one of many different kinds of arthritis, (the term 'arthritis' does, after all, merely refer to problems with the joint), but it is among the most common. Sometimes called the "wear and tear" arthritis, osteoarthritis obviously includes a gradual deterioration over time of the cartilage in the joint, but it also may refer to joint problems that spring from injuries, such as sprains and fractures.

It's really all about cartilage. You see, cartilage is the stuff at the ends of bones that cushions them during movement and helps shield bones from harm. Unfortunately, as we get older, our bodies begin to lose their ability to repair themselves, and so as the cartilage continues to experience wear and tear, our bodies are less able to heal that damage. Eventually, the cartilage may wear away, leaving the bones themselves to rub against each other. As you might imagine, bone-on-bone rubbing is not comfortable, and usually causes pain and inflammation in the joint.

Arthritis from injuries may take months or even years to develop. Or, arthritis may develop because of abnormal mechanics in the foot, such as unusually high or low arches. You may also experience more wear and tear on your joint if you are overweight. Being overweight tends to put more stress on the joint than usual, resulting in more damage which can later lead to arthritis.

Whatever the root cause of your arthritis, you're likely to experience certain symptoms once your joints have worn out. One of the first warning signs is, of course, pain in the joint, which is often accompanied by stiffness. Your joint (or the area around your joint) may begin to swell, become reddened, and may be warm to the touch. Because of these symptoms, you may also find it difficult to walk.

Your podiatrist has seen osteoarthritis many times before. In order to determine what exactly is causing your joint pain, your foot doctor will likely ask for a history of your symptoms, such as how long you've been experiencing problems with your joint, when pain usually occurs (such as morning or evening), and whether you've had any injuries in the affected area. X-rays, CT or other imaging may also be useful in finding the extent of the damage.

Unfortunately, arthritis isn't really a curable disease. And, unlike worn out T-shirts, worn out joints don't usually make good cleaning rags. Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to reduce pain and prevent further damage to your joint.

Your podiatrist will likely start with more conservative treatments, which may include medication to reduce your pain (oral anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen are often used, and aspirin is often helpful, or your doctor may decide that a cortisone injection will be most effective). Immobilizing your joint through casts or cast boots may also help reduce the inflammation and pain from your arthritis, or your podiatrist may merely reduce mobility and add support by using a brace.

Orthotics (prescription shoe inserts designed specifically for your foot) may help resolve some of the abnormal mechanical issues in your foot that may have contributed to your developing arthritis in the first place. They can also provide cushioning and support for your foot and thus improve your foot's function and reduce inflammation and pain. Your podiatrist may also recommend physical therapy in order to strengthen your muscles and improve the stability of your foot. If your joint fails to respond to the above treatments, your doctor may recommend surgery as the best way to reduce your pain.

Dealing with a worn-out joint is just a bit more difficult than dealing with a worn-out T-shirt. And treating osteoarthritis may be a long-term prospect. But following the advice of your podiatrist will likely lead you to a life of decreased pain and increased mobility. And you can put that on a T-shirt, if you want.

Signs and Symptoms of Inflammation

What are the signs and symptoms of inflammation? This article will discuss the most important things you need to know.

What is inflammation?

What is inflammation anyway? Inflammation is a natural response by our body to any injury. It is the process wherein the white blood cells and the protective chemicals in the body are at play to fight off foreign substances such as viruses and bacteria, and infection.

How inflammation happens

When injury happens to any part of the body, the minute blood vessels that surround the affected tissue widen and dilate to increase blood flow in the area. The pore size or permeability of the tissues also increases allowing blood cells, blood protein, chemical mediators and fluids to rush towards the area.

This accumulation of fluids cause swelling and usually results to nerve compression that brings about pain.

As the blood cells and chemical mediators rush to the area, they bring about various components that function to protect the tissue. This is where white blood cells consume invading bacteria, or where the protein called fibrin starts the clotting process if there is bleeding.

The entire process of inflammation, specifically the increase in blood supply in the injured area causes the production of heat.

In some diseases called autoimmune diseases, the immune system inappropriate triggers an inflammatory response even if there are no foreign substances to ward off. When this happens, your immune system causes damage to your own cells and tissues.

Diseases associated with inflammation

There are many conditions that can be linked to inflammation. For instance, many types of arthritis are caused by inflammation that is misdirected.

Arthritis is a term that is generally used to describe joint inflammation.

Rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, gouty arthritis and polymyglia rheumatica are some type of arthritis associated with inflammation.

Symptoms of inflammation

Inflammation is characterized by four cardinal signs:

1. Pain
2. Redness
3. Warmth or heat in the affected area
4. Swelling

Some inflammations are accompanied by loss of function and joint stiffness. Oftentimes, only a few of the these symptoms are present when an injury occurs.

Inflammation may also be associated with chills, fever, headaches, fatigue, loss of appetite and other "flu-like" symptoms.

Treatment for inflammation

There are many known medications today for treating inflammation and relieving pain. They include:

- NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen
- Corticosteroids such as prednisone (steroid-based drugs)
- Anti-malarial drugs such as hydroxychloroquine
- Antihistamines

Although they work in relieving pain and discomfort caused by inflammation, most anti-inflammatory drugs are so strong that they might potentially cause unwanted side effects in certain individuals. These side effects may include nausea, headaches, diarrhea, as well as cardiovascular problems especially with long term use.

Fish oil supplement for inflammation

If you want relief you might want to ask your doctor about trying to get it the natural way through fish oil supplements. Omega 3 in fish oil has been found to have potent potential anti-inflammatory properties. Taking fish oil supplement daily might provide long-term relief from inflammation without the unwanted side effects for some individuals.

These statements are not medical advice and have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate or prevent any disease.

Arthritis Leg Pain and Arthritis Finger Symptoms Are Similar

Arthritis leg pain is a result of metabolic or degenerative arthropathy that occurs in or in the vicinity of ankles, knees, feet and hips joints. Those who suffer from degenerative joint pains experience pain in their joints when actively using them. On the other hand those suffering from psoriatic joint pain, gout and rheumatoid joint pain undergo bout of pain even when the joints are at rest.

Arthritis in general affects the body joints and musculoskeletal system. Arthritis leg pain can be because of leg problem arising due to rheumatoid joint pain condition. Another form of joint pain condition that is concentrated in leg to produce same type of joint pain is osteoarthritis. The general symptoms of arthritis leg pain are

Swelling - The possible joints pain condition produce a swelling around the joint. With a simple glance inflammation may either be seen or not seen but can be felt. Anti-inflammatory medications are used to ease the swelling from joint pain conditions.

Pain - Pain is a most common symptom of deteriorated joint condition in leg. The pain may be dull or severe depending on the type of joint pain condition. The pain arises from bone or muscles within the leg. In that case stretching gives relief from pain.

Walking difficulty - With time cartilages and joints in the leg deteriorate that makes walking difficult. Pain in the knee joints is the cause of person not able to walk.

Stiffness - Joint deterioration with swelling and pain add up to cause stiffness in the leg. Stiffness in the leg may be felt in the morning after sleep or when sitting or standing for too long.

When you have painful joint condition two major things happen. First the joint tissue or cartilage is deteriorating that produces change in the complete structure of the joint. This further affects rest of the skeletal system as everything is connected. Second in order to accommodate the pain in the body you may start sleeping or walking in different way.

Another painful joint condition in your body can be arthritis finger. Since each hand has 27 bones, there are number of joints in fingers. Also the normal daily work is dependent on fingers. There are two types of painful joint conditions found in fingers same as found in leg. Also the symptoms of arthritis finger are more or less the same as stated above.

Since cause and the symptoms of the painful joint conditions in leg and arthritis finger are almost the same, their treatment is in general the same. The treatment includes anti-inflammatory medications, ice and heat treatment, diet adjustments that are joint supporting foods, supplements, weight control and exercise.

To deal with arthritis leg pain and painful finger joint condition you have to work with combination of therapies and diet with an aim to reduce inflammation. Reduction in inflammation will reduce the pain.

Know About Your Arthritis and PEMF Treatment

Diabetes and hypertension are not the only lifestyle diseases, arthritis is also one of them. The former are very high-profile. Arthritis is mistakenly assumed by many people to be a part of the aging process and so put up with it and lead a painful life, not knowing the real facts. Once diagnosed, and through proper treatment a good improvement in the quality of life, especially for the elder people, can be guaranteed.

Arthritis is the inflammation of a joint or joints. It is a condition of wear and tear.A lot of people are developing these conditions much earlier,these days. It has become common now. Sometimes the symptoms might be well-defined or very vague. So proper and accurate diagnosis of the type of arthritis has to be made by a qualified doctor through physical examination and tests.

The symptoms of arthritis, which are painful, are stiffness, creaking joints, swelling and restricted mobility which lasts for a lifetime. If these symptoms, in their initial occurrence is ignored, then people have to live a painful and restrictive life. If they do not visit the doctor at the right time, arthritis can be disabling for them.

While degenerative arthritis is essentially wear and tear of the joints, weight is a certain factor for this. The heavier you are, the greater the wear and tear. Avoid becoming overweight and obese. We can avoid arthritic conditions by increasing muscular strength, especially that of the lower body. There is a big misconception that knee will wear out with exercise. Exercise will strengthen the muscles. Here the secret is to choose the right surface for your exercises.

Any treatment will be effective only to the extent the patient dutifully adheres to the instructions of their doctors. The treatments are, such as medications, arthritis-friendly exercises, natural remedies, pain relievers, and weight control.Reduce the aggravating factor, stress and make sure you have a healthy diet. Anti-inflammatory medicines are not a wise option, due to its severe side effects, after a prolonged use.

A treatment technique know as PEMF (Pulsating Electro- Magnetic Field) therapy is now widely adopted all over the globe. This treatment is by a patented technology. This mimics natural signals in order to activate and stimulate normal healing process that lead to the growth and repair of tissues. Here body's ability to heal itself is enhanced. This reduces medication with no side effects at all.

This treatment is effective on the spine, hand, foot, hip and knees. Though proper diet and exercise can keep the body function, when PEMF therapy is added, this, may provide effective solution to pain

Patients can get back their complete mobility and carry on with daily routine with no restriction and a great guaranteed improvement in the quality of living.

Green Lipped Mussel and Arthritis

It was back in the 1960s that American researchers found that the green lipped mussel from New Zealand had natural healing properties. They were actually looking for new cancer treatments that could be developed from sea-life.

These mussels were among the sea-life that was tested. And as a result, it was learned that due to the unique nutrients contained in the Perna canaliculus which is only found in New Zealand, there were anti-inflammatory and joint pain relief properties.

These might not be useful for cancer treatments, but they could be very beneficial in treating joint problems and arthritis.

There are two common types of arthritis: (1) osteoarthritis, where the cartilage around the joints have become roughened and thickened due to wear and tear, and that makes movement painful (2) rheumatoid arthritis, which is the inflammation of a joint.

Clinical trials using the extract from the green lipped mussel showed good potential from the results for patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis - and this is for humans and animals. As a result, research on the anti-inflammatory properties of green lipped mussel for arthritis is continually being done.

Green Lipped Mussel And Arthritis Research

Research revealed that the extracts contain omega-3 fatty acids, carbohydrates, minerals and amino acids that all reduce inflammation.

The mussels also contain chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine, significant building blocks for cartilages around the joints, which may help in repairing the structure of the joints and restore smooth movement.

While there are supplements that contain both chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine, normally taken to maintain healthy joints and prevent swelling with varying results, the green lipped mussel extract has a broader range of benefits for the management and prevention of joint pain and swelling due to arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Lyprinol, a natural extract from green lipped mussels from New Zealand, contains a unique combination of omega-3 fatty acids and lipid groups. Lyprinol has anti-inflammatory action to provide relief from joint swellings associated with arthritis. What is very beneficial about the extract is that it does not cause blood thinning, and has no effect on the gastro-intestinal system the way something like aspirin does.

Green Lipped Mussel Extract And Arthritis Management

While there is no real cure for arthritis, the potential for improving mobility and relieving pain by reducing inflammation in the joints would be very beneficial. Most the medicines that are being prescribed are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and pain relievers.

Since these are medicines that can cause bleeding and stomach problems, there are many people who have additional conditions that would not allow for them to be taken. A natural supplement, that essentially has no side effects for those who are not allergic to shellfish, would be a very good thing.

Results from the regular use has shown potential to be included in arthritis management, by showing the following benefits:

繚 Provides relief from arthritis pain

繚 Reduction of the inflammation in the joints due to arthritis

繚 May help in the repair of connective tissues

Further note that It is not only humans that can benefit from the anti-inflammatory properties of the green lipped mussels - your dog can also get arthritis, and they are also susceptible to the same side effects from prolonged use of pain medicines.

Clinical studies done in New Zealand to test the efficacy have given promising results. Dogs with arthritis that were given regular dog food mixed with the mussel powder, showed a reduction in pain with a return in mobility after 6 weeks of this feeding combination.

With the potential being shown from studies using green lipped mussel supplements in the management of arthritis and joint problems in humans and animals, they can be expected to continue, and hopefully will lead to a natural treatment with minimal side effects for very painful conditions.

Arthritis and Joint Pain - Food Can Be Your Best Medicine or Worst Enemy!

Arthritis often brings along many other illness not just joint pain, swelling and discomfort. The body slows down as arthritis takes hold, joints become swollen and painful at the same time, and movements are becoming more difficult. There for less exercise means weight gain, and the decline in health spiral has begun.

Cholesterol and blood pressure can become dangerously high, also cardiovascular fitness can decline. Blood sugar bordering on danger levels, as well through weight gain up goes diabetes. The human body is far too complex - and arthritis is much too stubborn for a simple solution. Healing any degenerative disease requires a multiple discipline, and to have success you've got to attack the disease at every level it exists on. It is also important to realise that there is no such thing as a "magic bullet" cure. Research has confirmed time after time that diet and lifestyle changes are the most important steps to improve any ones health.

Foods to stay away from at all costs!

Don't be lured into choosing farmed fish instead of wild-caught fish. In fact avoid farmed fish of any kind. They could make actually joint pain worse. Farm-raised fish contain a lower amount of inflammation fighting Omega-3. They also have unhealthy levels of pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids. This is because farmed fish being fed unhealthy amounts of soy pellets, which increase the ratio of omega-6 that promotes chronic inflammation in the human body. On top of that farmed fish being fed large amounts of antibiotics to control diseases caused by crowded conditions in which they raised.

The best fish you can eat, which is toxin free and has a high content of Omega-3 is wild Alaskan Salmon. Overfishing has created a shortage of these healthful wild-caught fish.

Be aware of medication for arthritis!

Some medication and certain arthritis drugs have been found to lower the amount of selenium in your body. These are the often prescribed anti-inflammatory Glucocorticoid medication, as well as Dexamethasone, and Prednisone.

Only studies over long time tell the truth. A study taken over 22 years have found a clear association between aspartame (artificial sweetener) consumption and leukaemia. Diet soda and high sugar intake is also a trigger of developing leukaemia. Also this study found that aspartame and saccharin causes great weight gain. This also applies to any arthritis sufferers where there is sugar involved in drinks and daily meals. Stay clear from refined food, including most frozen meals, boxed cereals, snacks, sweet yogurt, banana-chips, also "natural" potato chips, and packaged products. Even pretzels act just as sugar when they hit your blood stream because they're made with refined white flower.

Those are full with sugars and trans-fats. All of them would say: "Hello inflammation and pain, here I come."

The ten worst foods for arthritis!

1. Sugar carbohydrates, including cookies, candies, sodas, fruit and sport drinks


2. All fast foods especially deep-fried


3. Refined wheat products, white bread, cakes, pasta etc.


4. Refined polyunsaturated vegetable oils, corn, soy, safflower, sunflower and canola


5. Margarines and mayonnaise


6. Commercial salad dressings and dips


7. Granola bars and energy bars


8. Processed snacks, chips and crackers


9. Microwave popcorn with butter flavouring


10. Veggie - burgers and any other fake soy-based foods

Those pain provoking foods contain excessive amounts of omega-6 fatty acids and lots of sugar. It is all about balance to bring your total Omega's into balance by consuming more Omega-3 foods than Omega-6 fatty foods.

When it comes to arthritis pain and taking supplements you should know what to take and only take a quality product. Not all Glucosamine is good Glucosamine; independent testing laboratories have discovered that up to 90% of all Glucosamine products on the market today are ineffective and practically worthless.

Glucosamine-Chondroitin creams and gels are bunk. Don't waste your money.

Only by eating the right food you will get the full benefit from a good natural supplement to make sure that your body will become and stay healthy, and pain- free.

You will gain pleasure and peace of mind by taking preventive action with no side effects.

For more information about health and how to choose the best supplement ("in a liquid form") to add to your daily diet, just follow the link below, info is free.

Omega 3 Fish Oil For Arthritis Pain Relief - The Untold Story

Omega 3 fish oil may be one of the best relievers of arthritis pain in the world according to recent studies. Omega 3 has proven highly effective against the most common forms of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and degenerative osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is primarily caused by an autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system attacks its own joint tissues. Over time the joints become tender, swollen and even deformed.

The inflammation commonly attacks the joints in the hands while degenerative osteoarthritis, which is caused by the degeneration of cartilage tissue in the body's weight bearing joints, is particularly severe on knees and hips.

Both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis cause inflammation around the joints of the hands, hips, knees and feet. This can have a profound effect on the day-to-day living of anyone affected. Joint pain is a constant and daily symptom of the diseases.

Omega 3 fish oil for arthritis has proven to be highly effective at not only reducing pain levels but also actually helping people with stiff joints become more mobile. If you're one of the millions of people who suffer from joint pain, relief can be as simple and effective as taking Omega 3 supplements. These natural fish oil supplements are packed full of powerful anti-inflammatory agents that relive these debilitating symptoms that include pain, swelling, joint stiffness and a constant ache around the joints.

There are other major health benefits too. At the moment, the most commonly prescribed pain relievers for arthritides are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Unfortunately, these can have severe side effects. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NAIDs) have been responsible for severe gastrointestinal complications and even heart attacks among the millions of people taking them.

In fact, arthritides patients who are prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs are more than twice as likely to suffer heart failure and sudden cardiac arrest. On the other hand, fish oil not only helps to relieve arthritic pain but actually protects the heart walls too. It is highly effective in reducing the build-up of plaque that causes narrowing of the heart's arteries, which can lead to heart disease.

Omega 3 fish oil also raised the good HDL cholesterol ratios and significantly reduced the bad triglyceride levels of arthritis sufferers who switched to the supplements.

Fish oil is not a total cure for arthritis. But if used in conjunction with a diet that includes a high amount of leafy green vegetables, eggs, meat from grass-fed animals, seeds and nuts, it has been scientifically proven to help relieve arthritic pain, ease your joints and make a considerable difference to the quality of your life.

One of the best sources of high quality Omega 3 fish oil for arthritis has been extracted from the Hoki fish that swims in the fresh, clean water of the Southern Ocean near New Zealand. These are the same supplements that I use on a daily basis and my recommendation to help you control the pain and discomfort of debilitating arthritides.

How to Effectively Treat Knee Arthritis Without Surgery

There are millions of Americans walking around right now with arthritis in either one or both knees. Just because a person has arthritis does not mean pain will be present, but if it is bothersome what are the best ways to treat it?

Surgery for arthritis of the knee consisting of a joint replacement with an orthopedic surgeon is definitely a last resort. Artificial knee implants are not meant to last forever, and having one may last for 10 to 20 years before it needs a revision. In addition, a recent study performed at multiple VA hospitals throughout the country showed that knee arthroscopy for osteoarthritis were not as great as we once thought for pain management.

Here are 5 methods of treating the arthritis nonoperatively which can help tremendously.

1. Activity avoidance. When arthritis develops, significant stresses through the knee can be very painful either during the activity or for days afterwards. For instance, if you have been an avid jogger for many years, there may come a time where it causes too much pain in your knee which will affect your ability to exercise any walk. If this is the case, the best course of action is to avoid jogging and to switch exercises to something less stressful on the knees such as swimming for biking. That way you still continue to get the muscular and cardiovascular benefits of the activity but without the significant pounding stresses through the area of arthritis.

2. Over-the-counter pain medications- these may become simply a fact of life for individuals with arthritis. When taken properly according to the manufacturer recommendations, anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen along with Tylenol can deliver exceptional pain relief for arthritis. It is well-known that there is an inflammatory component to arthritis, so that may explain the beneficial effects of the anti-inflammatories. Narcotic medications for knee arthritis on a chronic basis is a bad idea. However, if taken for an acute flareup they may not be an issue.

3. Physical therapy- one of the well-known methods that has been proven to work well in research studies is physical therapy. This can strengthen the muscles around the arthritic knee and take some pressure off of the arthritic regions. This may allow patients the ability to walk more often, and participate in more recreational activities.

4. Injections- injections of steroids medication do not fix arthritis, and there is some animal research which shows that it may make the arthritis worse by deteriorating cartilage. But if a patient is heading towards a knee replacement anyway, then the injection may prolong the need for surgery and give months of pain relief. They can be repeated every few months. There also some injections of hyaluronic acid which is a large component of synovial fluid anyway. These injections have actually shown significant benefits in a patient's arthritic knee. One of the major studies for the treatment showed 65% good to excellent results at the one-year point.

5. Off loader bracing- knee bracing can work really well to alleviate pain. In the knee, arthritis is commonly affecting one compartment out of the 3 compartments of the knee. Because of this, the knee brace acts to offload that arthritic compartment and may be able to non-operatively relieve a patient's pain. These braces can be a little bit cumbersome but if it can avoid the need for surgery than often times these slight cumbersome nature of the brace is well tolerated compared with the pain relief that is achieved by them.

As mentioned, a knee replacement with an orthopedic surgeon for arthritis is a last resort. Most of these surgeries have excellent outcomes, but they do not last forever so the surgery should be put off as much as possible with these types of treatments.

The Use of Therapeutic Home Ultrasound to Treat Arthritis

As we age, our once lubricated joints can become less efficient at absorbing shocks and protecting our bones. This condition, known as arthritis, can be both mentally and physically crippling and affects approximately 50% of adults 65 years and older. Arthritis can significantly reduce a person's ability to enjoy life because it effects major joints of the body, such as knees, elbows and hands, which are vital for daily functioning.

Types of Arthritis: Arthritis is an inflammation of a joint, usually accompanied by pain, swelling, and stiffness. It comprises more than 100 different rheumatic diseases and conditions. It results from severe infection, traumas, degenerative changes (osteoarthritis, hypertrophic arthritis, senescent arthritis), metabolic disruptions, autoimmune disorders (lupus erythematous) or other causes. It occurs in various forms, such as bacterial arthritis, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder, is considered a chronic disease and patients with rheumatoid arthritis develop chronic arthritis pain. Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is the most common form of arthritis, especially among older populations, affecting over 20 million Americans. Two types of arthritis are Rheumatoid arthritis &osteoarthritis, both of which cause arthritic joint pain that can significantly impair a person's quality of life.

Causes: Daily activities such as getting out of bed and even walking can be affected by a painful joint. This arthritic joint pain is occurs when the lubricant, known as synovial fluid, present in the joints and cartilage becomes damaged. Because this fluid acts as a shock absorber and ensures that the ends of our bones are protected, when it is comprised, our bones can grind against each other, causing significant pain in our joints.

Painful joints and joint inflammation and stiffness typically characterize the disease. Some causes of arthritics include overuse, basic wear and tear, pseudogout, infections, autoimmune disorders, bone diseases or fractures, and bone tumors or cancer. In addition, medications, such as penicillin, and the common cold or flu often cause sore aching joints or stiff joints.

Treatments: While there is no known cure for a chronic condition like arthritis, there are treatments for inflamed, arthritic joints that really work and help sufferers manage their pain to lead normal healthy lives. Most often, a doctor, chiropractor or physical therapist will prescribe a medication program of prescription medicines and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to treat an injured joint. These medications aim to reduce the pain and inflammation of sore arthritic joints. However, they are associated with a number of bad side effects, such as drowsiness, constipation, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, headache and rash. Anti-inflammatory drugs are not your best treatment option because they do not heal your joints, they only mask the arthritis pain. A stiff injured joint is also sometimes managed with splints or braces of various types which allow the joint to rest.

Many Arthritis sufferers have found relief with natural supplementation of Chondroitin Sulfate and Glucosamine. Chondroitin is a building block of the human connective tissue in bones and cartilage and glucosamine is the major constituent of joint cartilage. Other herbs to try might be curcumin, MSM, and boswellia.

Alternative treatments such as acupuncture, homeopathic medicines and yoga, a weight-bearing exercise that strengthens bones, have helped some arthritis sufferers find relief.

The intense flare-ups of arthritis pain can be best managed through conservative, regular treatments. Patient education on how to treat arthritis and self-care are critical components in healing painful joints. Patience is also key, as an inflamed joint can we slow to heal. Often the combination of therapeutic modalities, such as an herbal supplementation regime and, can offer the most arthritis pain relief.

Ultrasound Therapy: RICE (rest, ice, compress, elevate) can we a very useful procedure for managing arthritis pain, however, using therapeutic ultrasound prior to RICE treatment is best because the ultrasonic waves efficiently decrease inflammation and relive pain.

Joints have limited blood flow and as a result, they recover from arthritis flare-ups very slowly. In addition, inflammation and waste matter build-up due to the decreased blood flow causing extreme pain to arthritis sufferers. A personal, therapeutic ultrasound device acts as a blood flow stimulation therapy to increase circulation in the inflamed joint and decrease arthritic pain. People suffering from osteoarthritis pain or chronic Rheumatoid arthritis can perform rehabilitation at home now with the advent of portable ultrasound machines. The ultrasound therapy utilized by these devices can be used as an advanced treatment of arthritis and the chronic pain that accompanies the condition. Therapeutic ultrasound can be used to reduce pain, stimulate blood flow and injuries twice as fast.

Ultrasound physical therapy not only helps alleviate pain, but speeds up healing process as well. Ultra sound waves generate deep tissue vibrations that provide gentle heating to decrease pain and inflammation. The most rehabilitation benefits can be gained by utilizing therapeutic ultrasound at home.

Case Study: In a study by Casimiro et al, 2002 investigating the use of therapeutic ultrasound for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), it was found that continuous ultrasound benefits grip strength when applied to the hands of RA sufferers. Ultrasound has both analgesic & anti-inflammatory effects, which is why its so widely prescribed for arthritis by qualified health care professionals. In two randomized trials, it was proven that continuous ultrasound applied to the hand increased grip strength and wrist dorsal flexion, as well as decreased morning stiffness and the number of swollen painful joints as compared with placebo.

Home Ultrasound Machines: A home ultrasound unit works the same way as bigger machines, found in physical therapist and chiropractor practices, but is more compact and priced reasonably so home users can afford to purchase. Portable ultrasound machines are also safe for use by the general public because they utilize pulsed, instead of continuous, ultrasound waves, which are just as effective when used on a daily basis. Physical therapy involving ultrasound for plantar fasciitis will provide users with immediate relief and continual healing over a 3-4 week period.

Because arthritis involves joint and bone inflammation, a specific kind of home ultrasound machine is required for treatment. A home ultrasound physical therapy machine should emit 1Mhz ultrasound waves. It is also important to purchase an FDA approved ultrasound unit that is quality manufactured. The portable therapeutic ultrasound device should also be covered with at least a 1 year warranty. And best of all, with a portable therapeutic ultrasound machine, on a daily basis you can treat your arthritis only when it's most convenient for you.

Conclusion: Studies have shown that people who receive early treatment for arthritis feel better sooner and more often, are more likely to lead an active life, and are less likely to experience chronic arthritis pain, and the type of joint damage that leads to joint replacement.

Arthritis sufferers can lead a more normal active life by reducing pain & swelling in their joints fast with a home ultrasound machine. If you would like to reduce or eliminate you intake of harmful pain-killers and improve your arthritic symptoms and chronic joint pain, a portable ultrasound unit would be a great, affordable option for managing your arthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Psychological Implications For The Occupational Therapist Part 2

Patients newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis needs to be treated with respect, and we as health care professionals need to recognize and be able to identify and recognize that they (the patients) have emotions, ideas, values, feelings, hopes - by doing this we affirm him or her, their identities, their beings, creating a positive effect on their self image and self esteem.

For this to happen smoothly, we may have to setup the environment in such a way that it facilitates such an encounter, or we facilitate the patient using guided questions, or getting them to participate in "open" activities that will help them to express. Many times, a simple listening ear is more than enough. From here, we can identify and check if they have any wrong understandings, or had apostrophized their rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis, and correct them.

This does not mean that we belittle, ignore or minimize what they feel, think or believe, in fact even if the diagnosis and prognosis is not as good as we would like it to be, many patients with rheumatoid arthritis do not progress into severe disability and/or impairment. With compliance to joint protection program, energy conservation program as well as consistent exercise, many end up with fairly good control and results post diagnosis.

We must not overlook the patient's spouse, family and relatives - they may need help to, to understand the disease, it's potential progress, their prognosis, living and adapting to the disease. Of course, they may have different attitudes and personalities to managing loss and pain, some may be protective, some may be resentful, some angry, some appears to have given up hope etc. Some may give up, as the fear of long term care for a person with rheumatoid arthritis may seem daunting, and future plans totally altered.

Some partners, spouses and families responds with utmost love, appreciation, dedication and being positive, some are unable to cope, some withdraw, some even may choose to separate or divorce. There are many instances of role reversal, most often when the previous sole worker is diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis - this sometimes becomes difficult for both partners or spouses to accept, causing loss of perceived roles and self esteem, even resentment and anger for each other.

This plus financial costs of injuries as well as loss of potential incomes in the future, and this becomes a little more complex and painful. Social workers will be invaluable here, for family counseling, and to point in the direction of funding availability and help. Caregivers must be adequately prepared and trained, and educated on the possibility of social isolation, burnout and stress. There needs to be a scheduled time for rest, relaxation and recreation.

Promotion of independence and mobility will be continued with by the occupational therapist.

Arthritis Pain - Tips for Pain Relief From Arthritis

At the University of Miami School of Medicine researchers have found that extract of ginger can help pain relief from arthritis and ease the stiffness.

Studies was carried out involving 250 patients who had painful arthritis in the knee. For the next 6 weeks some of the patients were given a placebo, while others were given ginger extract pills.

At the end of this experiment the levels of stiffness, pain and movement were improved in two-thirds of those taking the ginger extract pills.

Research from the US revealed that women drinking more then 4 cups of decaffeinated coffee a day have twice the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. The Iowa's Women's Health Study concluded that women drinking regular coffee actually showed no increased risk. In fact those who drank 3 cups or more of tea actually reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis by 6%.

There are some forms of spa treatment that are excellent for treating such conditions as arthritis and rheumatism. In France, spa treatments are part of everyday medicine, that every citizen are eligible for a weeks treatment at a spa each year if medically required.

The French coast has health resorts that offer thalassotherapy (thalassotherapy is treatment using seawater and seaweed in baths or pools).

The treatment soothes your body using jets of water or body wraps. The Previthal center near Mount St. Michel offer thalassotherapy and you can enjoy a weekend there including access to the baths.

Turmeric (curry powder contains turmeric) works like aspirin which reduces inflammation in your body. The substance found in turmeric is now recognised as a powerful treatment for all forms of arthritis including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, painful joints and even gout. So you can now enjoy all the benefits of turmeric by simply eating a good Indian curry.

What Is The Best Way To Treat Knee Arthritis?

Arthritis can cause joint pain due to wear and tear at the joints and the person may suffer from extreme pain due to forced movement. The person suffering from the condition may have muscle weakness, loss of flexibility at the joints and decreased fitness. The condition has severe impact on everyday working capabilities of the person and the problem may hinder the output of the person. There is no cure provided in the popular system of medicine for controlling the condition.

Herbal Cure provides Rumatone Gold capsule which is the best way to treat knee arthritis because it cures most of the symptoms of arthritis and it has no side effect. It can be taken independently and it is made up of herbs and nutrients. Rumatone Gold capsule is said to be the best way to treat knee arthritis due to the following reasons -

Provides gold through the herbal formulation to the body to improve the strength of bones -

It is believed gold injection is one of the best ways to treat knee arthritis. In Ayurveda it is believed the combination of certain metals can provide relief from the pain caused by the wear and tear at the joint and therefore, the Rumatone Gold capsule has been formulated by experts, which contains gold in consumable form. There are many other metals elements found in Rumatone Gold capsule which are added in very minute quantities to make it beneficial for the body.

Provides herbs to reduce infections and inflammation -

There are a number of herbs added to the capsules which helps to reduce inflammation and pain at the joints. It contains rare herbs which offer the best way to treat knee arthritis by reducing infections at the joints to reduce pain.

Improves blood flow -

Rumatone Gold capsule is the best way to treat knee arthritis because it contains herbs which have the properties to improve blood flow in arteries and veins. It contains herbs which reduce blood cholesterol and control obesity. It is the best way to treat knee arthritis as it improves digestion of food and enables absorption of nutrition to the body.

Reduces the symptoms of ageing

Rumatone Gold capsule contains the features to reverse the process of ageing to control degradation of muscles and tissues. It prevents breakage of ligaments at the joints and helps to rebuild the fluid around the joints to enhance movement and flexibility of the bones at the joints.

Oil to massage the joints

The oils provided with the capsules contain the properties to enhance flexibility of the joints and it should be regularly massaged on the joints to reduce pain and to enable the herbs in the oil to reach the joints through the skin to offer easy way to treat knee arthritis.

The components in the Rumatone Gold capsule contains all the properties which is required to reduce the signs and symptoms of arthritis at joints and these remedies are mixed in appropriate quantities in the capsule to offer the best way to treat knee arthritis.

Are You Suffering From Menopause And Arthritis?

Climb up to a life free from menopause arthritis

Recent studies have shown that women in their late forties and early fifties are displaying signs of menopause arthritis - a form of osteoarthritis triggered by menopause. Was it not enough that menopause brought on the hot flashes, night sweats and a variety of aches and pains which kept a woman up at night, that menopause arthritis has now been added to the list? The thought of a flight of stairs makes you want to balk and makes you want to move to a more comfortable but expensive apartment on the ground floor.

But before you start looking at adapting your lifestyle to accommodate this new phenomenon, understand what is happening with your body first.

Understanding what is arthritis

Osteoarthritis or arthritis is a common complaint of women in the age group between thirty to fifty years. Arthritis is caused by the wear and tear of the cartilage around the joints. As this wear and tear is gradual arthritis usually is a complaint of people belonging to an older age group.

Menopause arthritis - What is the connection between the two?

Arthritis has always been more of a complaint with women than with men. The logical hormone connecting menopause with arthritis then seems to be the hormone estrogen. When a woman's ovaries stop producing eggs during menopause her body experiences hormonal imbalances. Especially the levels of the hormone in a woman's body start reducing. Researchers have laid the blame for arthritis on estrogen because of the following reasons:

· The occurrence of arthritis in twice the number of women as the number of men suggests that the trigger to arthritis has to be some hormone exclusive to the female body

· Pregnant women have experienced the symptoms of arthritis more extremely than the average woman. A pregnant woman is also known to have higher levels of estrogen

There are multiple causes which trigger arthritis. While estrogen leads the race in this matter, there are other changes in the woman's body which affect arthritis. During menopause, owing to the hormonal imbalances, a woman is prone to gaining more weight. The weight gained adds more pressure on the knees, causing further wear and tear of the cartilage.

Besides estrogen, there are other hormones in a woman's body which experience the imbalance brought on by menopause. The secretion of these hormones causes the tissues and cartilages around the joints to deteriorate more rapidly.

Menopause arthritis can it be avoided?

There is no fool-proof plan which will keep you free from the clutches of menopause arthritis. However, the onset of arthritis can be prevented by taking small but simple steps:

· Applying hormone topical creams on aches and pains which begin early, can delay the onset of the arthritis. These creams are designed to balance out the estrogen levels in the body and hence help relieve the pain caused by inflammation

· Regulating your diet and switching to a gluten-free diet will make sure that you do not gain more weight and add more pressure on your knees, aiding the wear and tear of tissues around the knee joints. Weight gain also affects other joints besides the knee, like the back, ankles and wrists

· Using a mild anti-inflammatory cream during peri-menopause delays the onset of menopause arthritis

· Using supplements to strengthen the bones from an early age, prevents the early onset of arthritis

Menopause arthritis Herbs that can help

There are also home remedies you can resort to when you begin to first experience the aches in your joints. Indian researchers have placed great faith in the practice of Ayurveda and the use of medicinal herbs to ease aches and pains which lead to the arthritis caused by menopause.

· Boswellia - An Indian herb with no side effects interrupts the inflammation in the joints and the release of biochemicals which cause pain. Many women who have used this herb during perimenopause have had a menopause free of joint and back aches

· Turmeric - Turmeric is the wonder herb of India. The uses of turmeric are vast and varied, primarily used as an antiseptic to heal wounds, turmeric is known to have curcumin which reduces inflammation and eases pain. Application of turmeric paste over aching joints reduces the pain

· Cayenne - More popularly famous as a spice, Cayenne contains capsaicin which works as a soothing painkiller on joint aches. Capsaicin actually encourages the body to release its own hormones responsible for relieving pain

While menopause arthritis is a painful truth most women have to deal with, it does not have to become a way of life. There are natural and medical ways to prolong the onset of arthritis and to deal with its early onset. Switching to a healthier diet and taking care of your body from an earlier age will help you have a more comfortable and pain-free menopause.

In conclusion the best practices for handling arthritis or any of the other 34 menopause symptom is to take a proactive approach to staying healthy, eating a clean, adding more daily fibers to each meal, lower fat and sugar intake, and exercise at least 30 minutes everyday.

Homeopathic Remedies For Gout Attacks

There are many types of arthritis with gout being the most painful type. Gout attacks happen when uric acid deposits accumulate in and around a body joint like the big toe. There are genetic factors that play a role in gout attacks but a person's diet and medications can have a great impact in the causing of gout attacks in both men and women. The homeopathic remedies can be helpful in relieving the painful joint and swelling during an attack of gout.

Homeopathy is a medicine society that believes in administering non-toxic treatments for many illnesses and diseases. This type of treatment can be used to relieve pain for many conditions. There are licensed doctors in the field of homeopathy that prescribe homeopathic remedies for gout attacks. So lets look at some homeopathic remedies for gout attacks and their use.

The herb Belladonna can be used for the sudden attack. It is also a good remedy for relieving the swelling, warm, and throbbing pain. The joint with gout may appear red and shiny. Touching the joint will result in a sharp intense pain.

Colchicum is known as a very effective homeopathic remedy for the attack of gout. It is a very good remedy for when the gout is in the big toe and when the affected area is red, swollen, and hot. Excruciating pain will occur when the area is touched or when you try to move it. The pain in the big toe even increases at night or when the weather changes.

Rhododendron and Ledum Palustre are also good homeopathic remedies when the big toe is affected with gout. Ledum Plaustre is good for pain throughout the leg which includes both the ankle and knee. When joints on the right side of the body are swollen and painful Rhododendron will provide relief. Rhododendron is also a good remedy when the pain is worse in the morning or after you have rested for a long period of time.

Other homeopathic remedies for treating gout attacks consist of Calcarea Fluorica, Arnica, Sulphur, Berberis Vulgaris, and Bryonia. Consult your homoeopathist about these remedies and their benefits. You could try treating yourself with some of these homeopathic remedies when you suffer from an attack of gout. But you may want to consult with your doctor for advice.

You want to carefully evaluate the remedy and match it to the symptoms to ensure you choose the right herb or plant remedy for your symptoms. For treating gout attacks yourself remember that a low potency of homeopathic remedies will be just fine. Make sure you carefully read the instructions for usage and before selecting and applying.

Arthritis Treatment Through the Holistic Approach

Arthritis is characterized by joint pain and inflammation and it affects quite a large percentage of people. There are varied and different forms of this disease and when left neglected can create much havoc. Among them are physical and mobility limitations, deformity and even debilitation. When one is living with arthritis, it can cause significant inconvenience. Arthritis treatment options are available, either through conventional methods or through the holistic approach to mention the basics. Many well know of conventional means for arthritis treatment. They can be through pharmaceutical drugs or certain procedures or even surgery. These are regarded as mainstream arthritis treatment measures.

But often, they come with side effects which entail other discomforts. Such is why there are those who turn to holistic medicine. The holistic approach for arthritis treatment is becoming quite popular. Holistic medicine offers a lasting relief from arthritic pain and inflammation. This approach to arthritis states that the disease is caused by several factors. Contributing to its different forms are not only physical imbalances but mental and environmental irregularities as well. To treat the disease properly requires an assessment of the factors which caused it. A battery of diagnostic tools are used to create an individual picture of the patient's case.

Among these diagnostic tools are physical exams, emotional evaluations, dietary assessments and tests for the immune and digestive functions. The holistic medicine practitioner takes time in finding the root cause and the patient has an active participation in their treatment. There is a wide range of therapies in the holistic approach for arthritis treatment and even prevention. Chinese herbal medicine, stress reduction, detoxification, proper diet and nutrition are within these means of therapy. Massage and exercises, acupuncture and chiropractic are also resorted to for repair of nerves and muscles. The goal of holistic medicine is to achieve balance and health.

This approach believes that the contrary-ill health and disease- are caused by obstructions which impede the flow of energy in the organs. To restore energy and function to the system, holistic medicine makes use of Chinese herbs. When it comes to arthritic pain and inflammation, diet and nutrition are crucial. All in all, this alternative arthritis treatment aims on catering to the overall health of the patient. It is not only inclined towards providing superficial symptomatic relief. Through thorough tests and evaluations, imbalances are detected until the causes of arthritis are detected. It is then that treatment options are applied, and they are generally natural healing therapies.

Such therapies are geared towards restoring balance and harmony all throughout the system. This is not only in the physical sense, but in all aspects of the person. Natural arthritis treatment also makes use of natural supplements. One such product for natural joint protection is Joint Advance. With Joint Advance, joint health is supported the natural way. Joint Advance has herbal and organic ingredients thus side effects are less likely to occur. Joint Advance has been proven effective and it is guaranteed to offer joint pain relief. One can do away with the limitations of joint pain and healthy living can be enjoyed to the fullest.

Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment With Omega Daily Green Lipped Mussel

Natural treatment of psoriatic arthritis is a topic of debate because there are some who believe that natural healing solutions can replace traditional medicine. Some believe that this is a huge mistake. Psoriatic arthritis is a serious disease and if left untreated will worsen to the point where an individual is unable to perform daily activities.

Once diagnosed a patient needs to be put on a medication regimen which is strictly adhered to. Natural remedies may be administered in addition to traditional medication, but should not be expected to replace the traditional healing.

Psoriatic arthritis is an arthritic joint disease with chronic skin scaling and fingernail abnormalities. Physicians treat several different forms of psoriatic arthritis, in some patients it affects the small joints: fingers and toes. In other patients the disease will affect joints on only one side of the body. Some patients are affected in the large joints on both sides of the body. In some rare cases, the disease destroys the joints and bones leaving patients with painfully contorted, club-like hands and feet.

A precursor to joint disease is occasionally pitting and other changes in the fingernails.

Most people develop psoriatic arthritis at ages 35-45. It has occasionally been seen earlier in adults and children. Both the skin conditions and the joint symptoms will come and go. It isn't clear how the severity of the psoriasis symptoms affect the arthritis pain and vice versa. Recent surveys demonstrate a correlation between persons with arthritis and psoriasis symptoms.

Because of the severity of the symptoms many doctors prescribe NSAIDS which are anti-inflammatory drugs. These are short-term solutions and do relieve pain and inflammation, though long-term treatment plans need to be evaluated.

Arthritis Pain Medication - Dosage Help for The Elderly

Some older people with osteoarthritis discount their pain and are reluctant to take pain relievers. A study of the use of pain medications and seniors indicates that they often have a negative attitude toward the drugs. They frequently don't follow the instructions for use, choosing instead to downplay their pain. As a result, many suffer needlessly. I know I observed my elderly mother behaving this way, and I became curious about other elderly people.

Researchers conducted in-depth interviews with men and women ages 67 to 92, who had severe hip or knee osteoarthritis. They asked the study participants to gather all their prescription and nonprescription medications and then discussed the doses and timing of each. The researchers posed such open-ended questions and as:

What does your osteoarthritis feel like at this time? What are you doing for your osteoarthritis? What other medications are you taking? Do you take your medication in the way your health care professionals suggested? Why or why not? Do you take your medications regularly? Why or why not?

Most participants took medications for other conditions too, but they viewed painkillers as different. They were reluctant to take pain pills and often didn't follow label directions. Although the participants generally follow the instructions on their other medications, most purposely took pain relievers less often than recommended or at lower doses.

The interviewees also followed different medication behaviors when it came to pain relievers. The elderly men and women did not place painkillers in their pill organizer along with their other medicines. One woman filled her prescription for an opioid pain reliever, and then threw away the bottle. Another recorded how many acetaminophen tablets she took each day and put lower dose acetaminophen in the bottle for the extra strength product. Some took less pain medication when it was about to run out, although they did not do this with other medication.

What reasons did people give for not wanting to take pain medications or for cutting back on dosages? Most said that they didn't like to take pills, although several of them took many pills each day, plus dietary supplements. Several feared addiction. One participant referred to a common opioid pain reliever as a hard drug and said it reminded her of drug use on the street. Others had similar concerns, noting that taking pain relievers had become a habit more than a necessity.

Yet some of the participants hold friends and family to a different standard, scolding them for not taking their pain medications as described.

Many of these older people with osteoarthritis dismissed their pain or made light of it, even though pain restricted their activities. They claimed that at their age paint was to be expected. That's how you know you're alive, one man remarked. Several others justify taking less pain medication than prescribed by claiming to have a high tolerance for pain. Or they expressed the need to fight the pain and not give into it. Many participants said they would take pain relievers only if the pain became very bad.

The researchers noted that noncompliance with pain medication may indicate a person's refusal to accept that arthritis - associated pain warrants treatment. As a result, doctors may want to omit or clarify the instruction "as needed" on pain medication.

Also, educating older people with osteoarthritis about the safety of opioid avoid pain relievers and the need to take all pain medications as directed may relieve their concerns about addiction and improve their quality of life.

Arthritis In Cats - What Is Causing It And What You Can Do Naturally?

Arthritis in cats is not a common problem, as it is in dogs. Its veterinary title is known as feline osteoarthritis, or feline degenerative joint disease. It affects the cartilage of the joint, rather than the joints themselves. But as the cartilage wears away, the joints can rub together.

Arthritis in anyone commonly occurs years after a joint injury. The joint may swell up causing pain. This leads to lameness or stiffness. Naturally, the cat will be less inclined to move about. Certain areas may be painful to touch.

Cats are less likely to suffer with a genetic inheritance of arthritis than dogs are, unless they have been inbred. But environmental factors do play an important role in whether or not they will develop it. Toxicity comes high on the list.

It is normally older cats or overweight cats who are the ones who are most prone to suffer. This is not inevitable. It isn't age that is the problem per se, so much as the accumulation of toxins, that cannot be eliminated.

The two most common culprits of toxicity in the life of the majority of domestic cats are the processed commercial cat food and the veterinary medication.

Let's examine each in turn.

Commercial cat food is made by corporations. Corporations have one aim and one aim only; to make money. This is true across the board, whatever area they are in. Honestly, quality, integrity and ethics do tend to get in the way of maximum profits, so are limited, discarded or skated over.

The ingredients that are used in commercial cat food are of poor quality, with cheap food that is unsuitable for cats, laced with a chemical cocktail to stimulate the appetite, to colour, to flavour, to preserve, to hide.

Veterinary medication, as with human medication, does not aim to cure arthritis in cats, or any other condition. Instead, it can only manage the problem by suppressing the symptoms.

In doing so, it adds to the already burgeoning toxic load and lowers the immune system. This compounds the problem.

Past medication, including vaccines, may have lead to this problem simply by overloading the cat with toxins.

So why do people unwittingly create a problem for their cat? It's not that most people are gullible; it's more that children are brought up to respect authority without question. As a result, the world is dominated by people who can't think for themselves, but obey what they are told, especially if that person is held in high social regard.

Start to question for yourself. Start to look for causes yourself. You have as much ability to work problems out as the next person. Don't allow the opinions, however common, of others to sway your better judgement.

Arthritis in cats can be prevented if the cat is fed a good quality, natural diet. And it can be cured by adding in to this good quality homeopathic treatment.

To find out more about natural and healthy choices, click on the link below.

How To Deal With Osteoarthritis

Do you have painful and stiff joints that are difficult to move? Does the pain increase during cold weather? If you have these symptoms, you could be a victim of osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is due to the natural wear and tear of the joints. It is also known as degenerative joint disease or hypertrophic arthritis and is common in adults over 45. The fingers, knees, hips, and spine are usually affected.

Signs of osteoarthritis are joint stiffness and pain that may increase during cold weather. There is swelling and limited movement of the affected joint that is sometimes accompanied by a cracking or grating sound.

Factors that contribute to the disease are injury to the joint lining or joint stress due to physical activities or aging.

At times, osteoarthritis is characterized by acute or sudden inflammatory episodes or flare-ups. These are common in joints of the hands and knees. Symptoms include intense pain, inflammation, and immobility. These flare-ups may be due to trauma or synovitis, the inflammation of the synovial membrane that surrounds a joint cavity.

Rest is important during acute cases but normal activity should be resumed as soon as symptoms disappear. Inactivity will only make the muscle around the joint smaller and weaker.

Acute pain and inflammation can be relieved with the use of analgesics or oral and topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). However, these have numerous side effects and should never be used without first consulting a doctor. A safer alternative is Flexcerin, a natural supplement that rebuilds worn joints, lubricates stiff joints, and soothes aching and inflamed joints. Check out http://www.flexcerin.com for details.

The following measures from Dr. H. Winter Griffith, a fellow of the American Academy of Family Practice, may help those suffering from osteoarthritis:

1) To relieve pain, apply heat to painful and stiff joints for 20 minutes two or three times a day. Use hot towels, hot tubs, infrared heat lamps, electric heating pads or deep-heating ointments or lotions. Swim often in a heated pool or move around in a whirlpool space.

2) If osteoarthritis of the neck causes pain in the arms, wear a soft, immobilizing collar (Thomas collar). If this isn't helpful, buy or rent a neck-traction device for home use.

3) Massage the muscles around painful joints. Massaging the joint itself is not helpful. If osteoarthritis affects the spine, sleep on your back on a very firm mattress or place 3/4-inch plywood between
your box springs and mattress. Waterbeds help some people.

4) Avoid chilling. Wear thermal underwear or avoid outdoor activity in cold weather.

5) Keep a positive outlook on life. Don't think of your self as an invalid. Remain active to prevent wasting of muscles.

How to Manage Osteoarthritis Pain

Millions of people suffer with osteoarthritis pain and many spend their later years in chronic pain because of osteoarthritis, believing painkillers to be the only solution. So can sufferers expect an improved quality of life and at least reduce their osteoarthritis pain or will they to just have to knuckle down and make the best of it.

Advice from the medical profession varies so much. One GP can be an angel sent from heaven and another can be a complete waste of time. I have personally spoken to hundreds of people who have been suffering with osteoarthritis pain and some say the doctors are marvelous and others just throw away lines like, it's just wear and tear, it's your age, there's nothing you can do but take pain killers.

Since I am not a doctor nor am I willing to stand in judgment I have to believe that most doctors are diligent hard working, caring people, who are doing their best to cope with a massive workload and they just don't know all the answers. None of us knows all the answers but I believe we are all free to look for alternative ways to improve our own situation, especially where our health is concerned.

I am happy to tell you that my own father is alive and well and looking like emulating his father who reached the grand age of 93. Unfortunately Dad is going to reach that age without all his original parts. When he was in his mid fifties he had a painful calcium spur on his shoulder. His doctor told him he had too much calcium in his blood. They would do keyhole surgery and take the spur off but he must cut down on calcium.

Even then with my limited knowledge of alternative therapies and remedies I knew this was the opposite of the truth. I said Dad, you have too little calcium in your blood, not too much and its leaching what it needs from your bones. But my Dad comes from a generation who believe the doctor is next to God in terms of wisdom and is one of the few people in society that cannot be questioned. Believe it or not his bank manager is another. Well he cut down his already low calcium intake despite my advising him to supplement his diet with Calcium, Magnesium and Vitamin D for maximum absorption. By 65 he was the recipient of two new knees and since they were done 6 months apart he hardly walked for best part of his retirement year. And do you know Dad is eternally grateful for the wonderful job the doctors have done even though he fully expects to have them done again when 10 years has passed. And he still thinks he's got too much calcium in his blood!

I guess what I am saying is, you are your own doctor first and foremost. Nobody knows how your body feels like you do. If you took a supplement for a month or six weeks and it made no difference you may have wasted a few pounds but you could just stop taking it, it certainly won't hurt you. But what if it did make a difference, then you'd feel the benefit and be glad to pay for it, wouldn't you? Only make sure you buy a decent one, you get what you pay for. I pay 40GBP a month for my supplement regime, I have done for years and it has been worth every penny.

So eat right and take supplements. A lot of older people just don't feel like cooking a meal, especially if they are on their own and so the quality of the building blocks they give the bodies to repair itself is often poor. Their circulation system is not what it used to be so the goodness they do get doesn't get to the parts that need it.

The lymphatic system is the wonderful mechanism that keeps our bodies clean right from a cellular level but as we get older and especially if movement becomes painful the whole system slows down. This can leave toxins in the body and as they build up a downward spiral begins. More pain, less desire to exercise, less lymphatic drainage, more toxins. Where toxins are left in the joints they can crystalize and exacerbate the problem.

It is important for osteoarthritis patients to get exercise although they don't always feel like it and often they really can't manage it. The goal is to keep the joints mobile and functioning properly. Regular exercise also wards off muscle loss and may be key to managing osteoarthritis pain. Patients should consult with a physical therapist or qualified personal trainer which they would find at a good fitness centre. They will always tell them to check first with the doctor before starting a fitness program and that is good advice.

One therapy I like to use myself and to recommend to our customers is a powerful electric massage that was invented 62 years ago and has been used all over the world in hospitals and clinics and in hundreds of thousands of private homes too. Because it aids the circulation and increases the throughput of blood in the muscle being massaged it acts as a kind of passive exercise. We have been in the health business for 14 years and mainly providing condition specific herbs and vitamin supplements but when we discovered this massage it revolutionized our business because of how quickly our customers felt the benefits. We regularly have measurable results on the first treatment with further improvements on subsequent treatments if these are done within a few days of each other.

I have personally applied it to hundreds of people some of whom could hardly walk without extreme pain. In a 20 minute massage many have experienced amazing relief. Some have even cried as they told me it is years since they felt that good. Cycloidal Vibration Therapy (CVT) definitely works for at least 80% of osteoarthritis sufferers. It improves the circulation, relaxes the muscles around the joints and enhances lymphatic drainage.

There are a couple of drawbacks though. First it can be a little difficult for a person alone to treat themselves with the hand unit that I use to demonstrate the therapy. Even when there is a couple they tend to do it every day at first but eventually the partner starts to find it tiresome. Of course it loses its benefit if it is not done regularly and the benefits are cumulative if it is. At least 20 minutes three times a day is recommended.

That's why I use Cycloidal Massage built into a specially constructed chair. Many of my clients find it hard to get out of an ordinary chair so there are extra benefits to using a rise and recline chair. The chair has multiple massage motors built into the electrically adjustable footstool, the seat and the back so the whole body can be treated while the client watches TV. The second drawback is the cost of course, they certainly don't suit every budget. Unfortunately cheaper alternatives do not contain the deeply penetrating therapy that Cycloidal Massage provides. It's probably best to take advantage of trial massage at home and then measure the benefits against the cost. Some customers who could not afford the cash price have found it is worth the 25 pounds a week or so that it costs to buy on a finance deal.

Cycloidal Massage Therapy is available in most countries and I am sure there will be someone willing to demonstrate the benefits without obligation wherever the need arises. Certainly I have traveled the length and breadth of Northern England and Southern Scotland doing just that. Our reputation is very important to us, so we do a massage in the customers home and only if they feel a marked difference in the affected parts to we recommend a purchase.

A marked difference means greatly reduced pain or even no pain at all, together with increased functionality and movement in the affected joints.

There are lots of things a sufferer can do to help themselves at least to manage the pain of osteoarthritis. To remain dependent on the medical profession is a matter of choice but our philosophy is to encourage people to help themselves as far as they can, they should seek expert medical advice as soon as symptoms are noticed in order to maintain good health and if the problem does reach crisis level we would hope they don't just go straight for the surgery. They should carefully think through what alternatives are available, look at what others have tried successfully and try it for themselves.

Doctor... What's the Best Treatment for Arthritis?

Regardless of the type of arthritis, the goals of arthritis treatment are similar.

These include the following:

o Relieve pain/inflammation

o Minimize risks of therapy

o Retard disease progression

o Provide patient education

o Prevent work disability

o Enhance quality of life and functional independence

While the goals are similar they are achieved using different approaches depending on the diagnosis. The effective management includes a combination of conventional medicines, effective alternative treatments, changes in diet and food, rest, exercise, lifestyle changes (e.g., weight loss if needed), and joint protection.

Factors involved in decision making include the diagnosis, the severity of disease, and the patient's response to previous therapies.

The decision making doesn't end there either. As a patient is followed over time, things change. What initially was felt to be an effective arthritis treatment may no longer be effective...and side-effects may occur.

Additions and deletions of medications need to be considered. Drug interactions with other therapies are a concern.

Co-morbid conditions (other medical illnesses) enter into the equation. Newer therapies, when they arrive, may change the picture.

Patient preference, when it can be accommodated, should also be considered. And this dovetails with a patient's lifestyle... The right therapy for a working man of 35 may not be the right therapy for a retired woman of 80. The correct arthritis treatment for a hard-driving executive may not be ideal for a laid back person who wants to use as many natural remedies as possible.

Finally, the ever-changing landscape of insurance issues plays a role... in my opinion, way too big a role in decision making. In fact, I feel patients should not- not ever- make a decision to see a rheumatologist based on whether the physician "participates in their insurance plan" or not. The reason is that insurance plans do not pay a good physician what they are worth. If you value your health enough to get better, to feel less pain, to avoid crippling, then you owe it to yourself to see the best specialist, not the cheapest, and not just the one who "participates in your insurance plan."

Metabolic Arthritis and Gout Natural Cures - Why Holistic Treatments Are Effective?

After suffering with gout for years, Paul finally decided to try some metabolic arthritis and gout natural cures because of a friend's recommendation. The only bad part of his decision is that he waited over 3 years to listen to his friend. The goods news is that Paul is gout free and has permanently cured metabolic arthritis (also called gout) with simple natural cures.

And millions of other gout sufferers are also choosing to treat this painful form of arthritis with a holistic treatment that is the most effective remedy on the market. And if you don't know what holistic treatment is?

Holistic treatments are a fancy word for treating an ailment (gout) with a 'whole' body approach. In other words, you are allowing the body along with the right tools (vitamins, herbs, supplements, nutrition, or diet) to cure the problem.

The holistic treatments are new to the western world; however, these remedies have been around for centuries.

Curing Gout Holistically

Nicknamed the king of all diseases for the simple fact that many past century kings were often diagnosed with the arthritis of the big toe, also known as gout! Since, NSAIDs weren't around hundreds of years ago, King's had to remedy the arthritis with other means. Holistic medicine was born!

Though, natural cures have often received a bad rap. It is only in the past ten years that holistic treatments or natural treatments have been researched. Many remedies have been found to be worthless. Yet, many cures, including many gout cures, have been proven to be extremely effective.

In fact, many doctors prescribe pharmaceutical NSAIDs and also suggest various natural remedies that were once only found in the eastern world!

Gout Natural Cures Your Doctor Might Mention

We've helped thousands of sufferers cure gout and there is one thing that applies to all of them, "The only way to cure gout is to prevent it from ever occurring!"

You see, doctors often prescribe medications that keep you coming back! You get a painful gout attack and you get medications to take the pain away. And this cycle will continue until you learn how to naturally lower your uric acid levels. But our metabolic arthritis and gout natural cures aim to prevent gout by decreasing the cause of gout! You can heal yourself completely!

Here are 5 Gout Remedy Tips you can try today!

1. Acid and Alkaline! Uric acid is the cause of gout! And if you neutralize the acids you can actually lower the frequency of the gout flair ups. A good way to do this is through a simple basic or alkaline ingredients. Take a half teaspoon of baking soda, which is a base, and mix it with a glass of water. Drink 3 glasses of this mixture a day during flare-ups!

2. Food Therapy- Stop eating like a king. These foods should be avoided because they contain high levels of purines which cause gout: red meats, fish, scallops, shellfish, beans, peas, and even alcohol. Our Gout Remedy Report shares what foods you should be eating.

3. Flushing Uric Acid- There are two great ways to naturally flush the high levels of uric acid in your body! One way is to always drink 12 glasses of water per day. Water will dilute and flush your body of toxins, impurities and uric acid. The second way would be to consume high levels of fruits and vegetables which also flush the body.

4. Eastern Herbs- Alfalfa is an excellent choice to help neutralize high uric acid levels. In addition to its high source of minerals and nutrients, alfalfa has been shown to help dramatically reduce uric acid. There are also 7 other common herbs which reduce the risk.

5. Exercise- How could you ever exercise with the pain of gout? You can and it will actually help to break up the uric acid crystals. Begin by taking a 20 minute walk a day to become healthy again. By the way, maintaining a healthy weight will also help you be gout free.

A 2 Hour Treatment

Imagine never having to deal with the gout pain again? This dream can be a reality in less than 2 hours with a guaranteed, step by step, holistic Gout Natural Cure Remedy Report. Our company provides you with 22 years of natural health expertise to guarantee you the results you want!

Arthritis Pain Relief - Nurse's Simple Home Remedies To Relieve Arthritis Pain

These are just a few of the arthritis home remedies and treatments that arthritis sufferers have sworn worked for them. Most have an anti-inflammatory effect. There are many ways to achieve arthritis pain relief. Before you take any supplements, you may want to check with your doctor. I found that the best arthritis pain relief is a permanent radical change in the diet to all living foods. Eating a raw food diet will eliminate all osteoarthritis pain. This is the best and fastest short-term and long term approach to get rid of arthritis pain.

Remember that supplements contain isolated chemicals that are not working in conjunction with other chemicals and nutrients as they are in their natural state. So the degree of absorption, if any is questionable and different supplements from different manufacturers may have varying degrees of absorbability.

But here are the tips that others have reported working for them with my comments.

1. MSM (Methyl-sulfonyl-methane), take 1,000 mg. twice a day to reduce the inflammation which causes the pain some report.

2. Fish oil or cod liver oil which contains the omega 3's. Use a good brand that contains no mercury - 1,000 mg. one to three times per day is supposed to help lubricate the joints and thus relieve the pain.

3. Many people report that glucosamine sulfate is good for supporting the joints, 500 mg. twice a day. However there are many different brands with many different absorbability reports. And many people have reported it not working for them. There also may be an elevation of blood pressure some reports say.

4. Drink one quarter cup of black cherry juice a day or take one tablespoon of concentrate in water have had excellent report say many. The best juice would be raw not pasteurized but that is difficult to get. This may take awhile to work but good for the health. Some report that it irritates their stomachs so take with plenty of water and perhaps with food. Make sure the cherry juice is unsweetened. Some people eat dried unsweetened tart Montmorency cherries and achieve the same effect.

5. To reduce arthritis pain, make sure to get plenty of minerals in the diet naturally. Eat plenty of fruits and raw veggies, several servings of day. Make huge green salads, with good greens, not iceberg lettuce.

6. Eat coconut anything. Of course, opening a fresh raw coconut you can get from the Asian groceries is the best. Put the coconut meat in a smoothie and drink the coconut water. Second best is eating coconut anything. Coconut in any form when heated will not destroy the good nutrients. It is from a tropical climate and made to endure hot temperatures.

7. Some say to drink radish juice.

8. Helpful foods that have been reported include avocados, bananas, cherries, greens, and raw nuts soaked overnight to remove the enzyme inhibitors, such as walnuts and pecans, however all living foods, not cooked foods will help. All cooked foods are acidic and inflammatory and can aggravate the joints. Most all, living or raw foods are alkaline and anti-inflammatory.

9. Some swear by apple cider vinegar. The vinegar should only be a RAW apple cider vinegar like Bragg's. And be careful using apple cider vinegar as it is an irritant to some stomachs.

10. A fad arthritis home remedy is the gin-soaked raisins method. Soak the raisins in gin for a week. Eat six raisins at bed time. Maybe the alcohol is absorbed into the air by then. Alcohol is a neurotoxin and is inflammatory and should not be ingested.

11. Some say the old remedy of Edgar Cayce's works for them - rubbing the affected joint with castor oil each morning and at bedtime. Make take a few days to work.

12. Keep moving. Moderate exercise will reduce stiffness.

13. Some report they take burdock and yucca for inflammation and swelling.

14. Some report lobelia extract, halibut oil, or cayenne extract (cayenne cream) can help alleviate pain and speed healing when applied to the affected area. Be careful about any supplement or cream you don't fully understand.

15. For severe pains in joints some have reported they have used garlic externally - warm up the affected area with a hot towel and then rub the juice of the garlic very slowly on the area. The juice of the garlic can be extracted in a clean coffee grinder or other kitchen appliance.

These are just a few of the many osteoarthritis and arthritis home remedies and arthritis treatments and arthritis diet suggestions floating around the Internet. Use your best judgment before trying any, that may be harmful, for arthritis pain relief, and get the advice of your doctor or naturopathic doctor.

Great Danes and Treatments for Arthritis

Great Danes may look tall, tough, and strong, and they are but they are not invincible. Like other dogs, Great Danes are not immune to diseases. Like other dogs, Great Danes could also suffer from arthritis.

A common misconception with arthritis is that it is just a human condition. Contrary to this myth, dogs are also vulnerable to joint pains, an indicator of arthritis. Not only dogs but cats as well and even horses. Arthritis in dogs is quite common due to the fact that they are such active animals. Arthritis can be brought about by many and varying factors in a dog's life. One is joint fatigue from everyday activities. Another may be an experience of a traumatic injury. And still another could be a deficiency in vitamins and nutrients, or even water. Some of the effects of being overweight in humans are also true for dogs. Arthritis in dogs could be a consequence of excess weight.

Excess weight can cause arthritis, especially in big breeds like the Great Dane because the weight-bearing joints of the dog's body such as the limbs and the hips are subjected to more pressure. If this is the case, the cartilage in the joints which pad the joints for easy and pain-free movement, will slowly wear out. When joint cartilage wears out and is unable to recover, the dog feels the same pain we do when bone meets bone.

One way to treat this condition is to feed your dog appropriately to make sure he or she is at the proper rate. Arthritis, however, as already mentioned, can be caused by other factors such as wear and tear of everyday activities and an experience of a traumatic injury. A viable treatment comes in the form of glucosamine supplements. Dietary glucosamine supplements aid in the rehabilitation of damaged cartilage in the joints. Synflex Liquid Glucosamine is an example of an effective and efficient glucosamine supplement that is safe for your dog. The product contains an excellent formulation of glucosamine and other ingredients such as yucca, manganese ascorbate, and bromelain that inhibit the inflammation of the joints and vitamins and minerals that help strengthen the dog's immune system. Synflex Liquid Glucosamine also contains chondroitin sulfate which works hand in hand with glucosamine to assist the rebuild of damaged cartilage.

The dosage depends on the dog's weight. One bottle of Synflex Liquid Glucosamine can last for 200+ days on small pets, but the Great Dane will most likely require an adult dosage of ¼ oz daily making an 8 oz. bottle good for 32 days. It is more effective than other glucosamine supplements which come in pill or capsule form because Synflex Liquid Glucosamine is easily absorbed into the body. Consequently, it works faster than other Glucosamine supplements in pill form. You'll notice a positive change in your dog's behavior in as little as 1 to 2 weeks. With pill brands, it would take months before you notice the change, and in an unregulated industry are you sure that what you are buying contains what it says it does. Another huge benefit to using
Syn-flex for Pets is its simplicity in dosing and administering. Most pets will take it readily without any extra effort, some may need it in their food or mixed with a little milk. The bottle Syn-flex uses has a built in measuring reservoir making proper dosing as easy as squeeze and pour.

However, as a supplement, Synflex Liquid Glucosamine should not stand alone. It is still advisable that you first consult your vet about your pet's condition in order to determine the type of arthritis your dog may be suffering from and its degree of severity. You can read all about this leader in liquid Glucosamine here at http://www.syn-flex-usa.com.

Gout - What Is It?

Gout is the most dreaded form of arthritis that comes with intense and anguishing pain. Gout has been known over the centuries as a disease that affects only the aristocrats. As such it was also known as "The disease of the kings". The root cause of gout is the excessive build-up of uric acid in the blood. This situation is observed in cases where the kidneys become impaired and are incapable of excreting uric acid from the body in the normal way. The excess uric acid present in blood in such situations precipitates in the tissues neighbouring the joints as minute needle-shaped monosodium urate crystals. Normally, gout affects the big toe in the initial stages. This is known as Podagra. However in subsequent stages, gout may affect other joints of the body such as joints of knees, elbows, ankles and so on.

In the middle of the night, if you suddenly experience intolerable pain in any of your joints accompanied by inflammation, redness and stiffness of the joint, then you are experiencing a gout attack. Sometimes high fever may also be observed along with a gout attack. The skin surrounding the gout affected joint tends to peel off. Small pressure on the joint may aggravate the excruciating pain. As such walking or even standing up becomes an arduous task.

Family history of gout is one of its prime causes. Unhealthy ways of living, excessive consumption of alcohol and sea food can also result in gout. In general, obese people are at a greater risk of encountering gout in near future. Persons with diabetes and high blood pressure have a high possibility of developing this disease.

Though medical treatment is available for gout, it may or may not be able to cure it permanently. However they are able to diminish the pain and reduce the probability of subsequent attacks to some extent. Commonly used medicines for the treatment of gout include NSAIDs which are anti-inflammatory drugs, colchicines and some steroids. But these drugs may lead to various side-effects. If one is not satisfied with medical treatment he can also go for natural treatment of gout.Natural home remedies of gout include changes in the diet to include low quantities of fats and carbohydrates, consumption of large amount of water to ensure normal functioning of kidneys and regular physical exercise. Cherries can decrease uric acid levels in the body; hence its consumption is a must. Red meat and purine rich vegetables should be avoided. Some herbs such as devil's claw,nettle root etc are also effective in the treatment of gout as they help in reducing uric acid levels in the body. However natural treatment may take some time to show any result, as such people should remain patient and continue the treatment. Results are bound to show to one day or the other!

Overweight With Arthritis

As we get older many of us including myself suffer from some joint pain from time to time. Many times it could be overworked joints but sometimes it's a more serious condition like rheumatoid arthritis. Being overweight or even obese can really put extra stress on those joints and affect your quality of life. Everyday normal routines can become very painful and unbearable.

Recent studies conducted in Oslo, Norway show that being overweight can affect Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in some other ways as well. Patients with RA and who are obese are more likely to suffer greater pain, increased fatigue, decreased physical function and an overall worsened quality of life score. The

researchers tested over one thousand patients who had RA. They grouped them according to their body mass index levels and came up with three groups, normal weight,overweight and obesity. Over one hundred people fell into the obesity category while three hundred sixteen were in the overweight and the remaining were either normal or underweight. All the obese patients reported having higher levels of pain and feeling more fatigued and worse physical function than all those in the normal group.

Being overweight reduces the chance of RA going into remission. Remission helps reduce the long term affects of Ra because symptoms like inflammation go away. The researchers found after a 12 month study and treatments that 58 percent of the normal weight patients who were on a placebo went into remission while only 35 percent of overweight and 25 percent of obese patients were in remission.

Because fat tissue produces pro-inflammatory molecules, it puts overweight patients at an increased risk of inflammatory complications. The head doctor in the study used Remicade plus a combination of therapy. It was found that being overweight didn't seem to affect those taking Remicade plus therapy. She believes Remicade may act on the inflammatory molecules allowing obese people to be able to go into remission.

There's obviously more to be done to reach conclusive results, but one thing is for sure, being overweight can have many negative affects on our health and quality of life! The one thing we all can do for ourselves which will have a positive effect is to eat right and exercise and maybe we can end the need for such studies and research.

Dealing with Arthritis Pain and Symptoms

Arthritis, or joint inflammation, affects millions of people. Arthritis pain typically is a result of the actual inflammation of the joint or joints and the synovial tissue layer. The synovial tissue is the soft tissue that lines the joints of the body. Arthritis can cause strain on the ligaments, sinews, organs and muscles as well as contributing to fatigue. One or more of these symptoms can worsen the arthritic pain that is already present.

Arthritis pain can inhibit normal daily activity and impair a person's life making even the simplest activities uncomfortable or painful. There are many types of arthritis and all of them vary in severity. Acute arthritis pain is usually temporary and sporadic. Chronic arthritis pain is the occurrence of pain for a regular and extended period of time ranging from days to months to even years. In fact, some chronic arthritis pain can made it very difficult for some people to maintain a regular job.

Every arthritis patient experiences the pain associated with the disease differently. Sometimes the pain is aggravated and evident with redness, or a feeling of heat, in the joint areas. Other times there is swelling in the joint area, or just a constant pain that results from arthritic damage. Every patient's pain threshold is different and thus may cause them to seek help with the pain at different stage of the disease.

The activities that an arthritis patient performs could contribute to the pain, or could help alleviate the occurrence of pain. Many patients complain that once they get out of bed, they experience arthritis pain. Others complain that they experience the pain only after a series of activities that wear the joints affected by the disease. Depending on how much the pain bothers a patient and when, the patient and his or her doctor will discuss and come up with a personalized pain treatment plan.

There are several main ways of treating arthritic pain. Many patients benefit from just one form of treatment while others must undergo a series of treatments or a combination of treatments. It is very common for a patient to try one treatment before going on to the next.

Most often, arthritis is treated with medications - usually non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. These drugs are typically used for short-term relief and can easily alleviate the discomfort associated with inflammation. NSAIDs are the most common medications used for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Aside from medications, exercise is a very effective form of arthritis treatment. Regular exercise can help reduce the amount of joint pain and stiffness. While a person exercises, he or she promotes stretching, which is ideal for arthritis symptoms. Before engaging in an exercise plan, it is best to discuss it with a doctor.

A more extreme form of arthritis treatment is surgery. Usually, surgery is reserved for those patients with the most severe and extreme cases of arthritis. During surgery for arthritis treatment, the synovial tissue is removed, the affected joints repaired or - in the more severe cases - the entire joint replaced with an artificial one.