What is Arthritis?

Whenever you see "itis" at the end of a condition, you know there is going to be inflammation involved. In this case, it is an inflammation of the joints.

The word Arthritis comes from a Greek root, arthro. It is used to describe a group of conditions that are characterized by pain and swelling in the joints of the human body. Joints are connections between bones and consist of soft tissues. In the various forms of Arthritis, this soft tissue is the source of the pain. Some types of Arthritis are said to be autoimmune in origin. This means that the body is actually attacking itself causing the damage. The most common form of Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis is an example of this. Septic Arthritis is caused by an external infection.

Gouty Arthritis is caused by the deposit of uric acid crystals in the joints. The most common form of Arthritis is Osteopathic Arthritis. It can be the result of infection or the aftermath of trauma. It is sometimes just the result of the normal aging process. The normal method of diagnosis is the presence of pain. Depending on the type of Arthritis and the severity of the condition, the pain might only be present at certain times, or only associated with movement.

The condition is very common and is the leading cause of disability in persons over 55 years of age. There is some evidence of ankle joint arthritis in the bones of dinosaurs. The evidence of this condition in human beings goes back at least 5000 years. It was found in the famous ice age mummy found in the Alps as well as in Egyptian mummies.

In the very early days of medical history, it was discovered that chewing willow bark gave some relief to the pain of Arthritis. This treatment was first recorded in 500 B.C. Over 2000 years later, European scientists began to study the chemical compounds in willow bark to isolate the one that was helping with the pain. They isolated a compound known as salicin that was responsible, but it was too harsh to be easily tolerated by the stomach. In 1897, a man named Fredrick Hoffman who was employed by the Bayer Company, a dye making firm, isolated salicin and found a way to make it more tolerable to the stomach. This led to the discovery of Aspirin, which is to this day, considered one of the best treatments for Arthritis.

Arthritis can be extremely severe or it can be just a mild annoyance. It is one of those conditions that are so general that it is hard to pin down a specific cause or suggest a sure fire cure. Some success has been had with the use of certain alternative medicines such as acupuncture and herbal treatments. It is still, too often, one of the disadvantages of growing old and about the most that can be hoped for is some relief from the pain.

Arthritis Treatment: Complications of Stem Cell Arthritis Treatment

There has been an explosion of interest in the possible remedial effects of mesenchymal stem cells (SCs) on osteoarthritis. In fact, in the November 2011 issue of the journal, Arthroscopy, there were two articles on mesenchymal SCs and three articles on the use of enhanced platelet rich plasma.

In addition, descriptions of mesenchymal SCs being used with various matrices for osteoarthritis are coming out of the rheumatology literature as well.

In fact, the use of materials such as mesenchymal SCs and platelet rich plasma has spawned an entire specialty, regenerative medicine.

With each new article, there is more and more evidence that SCs and associated growth factors can help the body to heal connective tissue disorders.

In previous articles I've discussed the science, the rationale, the various types of stem cells, and the variety of techniques used to perform a stem cell procedure.

With this article, I will highlight some of the dangers.

As with any new area of medicine, there are specific concerns that need to be addressed.

SC treatment is no different. The obvious first concern is infection. Since administration of stem cells involves an invasive set of procedures, it is important to realize that infection is a potential problem.

Special care to ensure the technique is performed in a sterile environment, preferably a surgical center, is advisable. Strict adherence to sterile preparation, as with any other operative procedure, is imperative.

The administration of perioperative antibiotics should be considered.

Another possible problem- less so with autologous (a patient's own) SCs, but definitely with donor or induced pluripotential SCs, is rejection. The SCs are viewed as a foreign protein by the host when considering a donor or an induced pluripotential source. The use of anti-rejection therapy is a consideration but should be administered with the utmost caution. Anti-rejection drugs carry their own set of issues.

Dove-tailing with rejection is the possibility of graft versus host reaction. This can be a complication of any organ transplant and SCs coming from any source other than the recipient can be the cause of this.

Another potential problem with SCs is the development of malignancy. The danger is probably less with autologous SCs than it is with other types. Malignancy has been reported with the use of embryonic SCs on at least two occasions in the literature.

Transmission of genetic disorders is also a danger, particularly with donor SCs. Despite careful screening, this remains a very real problem.

In summary, SC science and clinical application is an exciting new area for both research scientists as well as clinicians. Special precautions need to be taken in order to ensure, this new technology is administered in both a safe as well as effective manner.

Do Stinging Nettles Relieve Arthritis Pain?

The simple answer for many is yes, and certainly acceptable for quick relief. Stinging Nettles have been used for thousands of years for there medicinal properties. Nature provides us with many plants and roots that will aid in the relieving of joint pain and inflammation, with the most radical being the common Stinging Nettle.

The science behind the myth is somewhat confusing, having said that recent studies carried out at the University of Plymouth UK, offer some scientific proof that this ancient folklore therapy can actually work.

During research at the University of Plymouth stinging nettle leaves were applied to the hands of 27 arthritis sufferers daily for a week, The results were then compared to the effect of a placebo, namely, the white deadnettle leaf, which does not sting, the white deadnettle leaf was also applied for a week.

The researchers found that stinging nettles not only significantly reduced pain, but also that the level of remaining pain stayed lower through most of the treatment.

How Does It Work

The theory is, the nettle leaf contains thousands of microscopic stinging spines which are thought to pierce the skin similar to acupuncture which triggers histamine (the body's own anti-inflammatory) as well as a sting, to concentrate on the treated area, the by product being arthritis pain and inflammation relief. Pain relief was most likely to occur if a sting with weal's (nettle rash) was produced.

This is an ancient folklore, that seems to work for many people all over the world.

The stinging nettle is a freely available plant which grows in may countries around the world and its sting seems a safe treatment.

How to Administer

Quite simple really, the best and the traditional way to treat your arthritis with stinging nettles is to grasp the plants stem with a gloved hand and then thrash the affected joint with the leaves until nettle rash appears, repeat for all affected joints, in most cases this will help reduce the pain and swelling quickly for a short period of time.

Does this all sound a little barbaric?, well nature has provided many long and short term answers for arthritis, with nettles being at the extreme.

There are easier and far less abrasive ways of reducing your pain and inflammation believe me.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

The cause is unknown for the auto-immune disease characterized by the chronic inflammation of the
joints and other parts of the body. Rheumatoid arthritis can strike anyone at any age, delivering
waves of disease flare-ups, followed by periods of remission. Rheumatoid arthritis can strike
numerous joints at once that over time can cause permanent deterioration and deformity. There is
no cure for these symptoms, which can increase in severity, but with proper self-care and
medication, the disease can be somewhat managed.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are characterized by lack of energy, loss of appetite, low-grade
fever and stiffness, as well as aching throughout the muscles and joints. Stiffness often comes
when a patient first wakes up in the morning, as well as after the disease has been inactive.
During flare-ups of the disease, arthritis may run rampant. This can be seen when the joints
become swollen, painful and tender to the touch, as well as red. This is often caused by a
buildup and thickening of joint fluid during inflammation.

Common body parts affected by rheumatoid arthritis include the small joints of the hands, wrists
and feet. If the left side of your hand joints are inflamed, the right side will follow suit.
This is because the disease often follows a symmetrical pattern, which means both sides of the
body will be affected. These flare-ups can be so debilitating that the simplest thing like
opening a door will cause extreme pain. Joint deformity is a symptom of the disease that is
caused by repeated bouts of inflammation. These bouts cause the loss in cartilage, weak bones and
muscles that leads to further destruction.

Rheumatoid arthritis is also responsible for causing the drying out of eye and mouth glands,
chest pains, a reduction in red blood cells and enlarging of the spleen, as well as increased
risk of infection.

Treatments

Since there is no known cure for rheumatoid arthritis, early detection is important when it comes
to taking advantage of all available treatments. Although medical professionals provide various
medications and possible surgery, there is a wide range of responsibilities that fall on the
shoulders of patients. This includes increasing their knowledge about rheumatoid arthritis, as
well as practicing good joint protection. Rest and proper exercise will also ease the symptoms of
the disease.

Early treatment for rheumatoid arthritis is important for the prevention of a worse state of
affairs. Years ago, a large number of rheumatoid arthritis patients were disabled within the
first two to three years of the disease. It is a known fact that some people are more susceptible
than others to the joint damage and disability associated with the disease. For this reason, not
all patients require an aggressive treatment.

Medical Professionals: Common Treatments

For the most part, there are two main focuses pertaining to the treatment of rheumatoid
arthritis. Reducing the inflammation and relieving the symptoms (namely the pain) top the list
for doctors and patients. Doctors will most likely prescribe a medication, as well as suggest a
variety of things a patient can concentrate on while at home. For more severe cases, surgery is
elected, such as total joint replacement.

When patients exhibit a low potential for joint damage, drugs such as Polaquenil, Azulfidine and
Minocin may be prescribed. These selections present the lowest number of side effects. When the
rheumatoid arthritis is moderate to severe, drugs like Trexakk, Arava, Enbrel, Humira, Remicade
and Rheumatrex may be prescribed. Stronger, newer drugs, such as Orencia and Rituxan are given to
patients who do not respond well to the above drugs.

Self Care: What Patients Can Do

The first line of defense against any disease is equipping yourself with the weapon of knowledge.
Learning all there is to know about your condition will better assist you in the treatment and
understanding of the changes your body will experience. Reliable resources to draw from include
health professionals, the Internet, books, as well as conversations with those already battling
the disease. Make sure to look into all possible treatments, including their side effects.
Knowing the ups and downs of a disease will help you to prepare for the unknown. Familiarize
yourself with the symptoms as they correspond to your own body. If your joints ache for more than
one hour after activity, you probably should limit this option to avoid future pain.

Rheumatoid arthritis also demands a certain level of physical activity. This will help to
decrease the amount of pain you experience from the disease. Water aerobics, as well as other
strengthening or cardio exercises are suggested. Protection of the joints is highly recommended.
This can be accomplished through avoiding activities and positions that cause stress to the
joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis patients often pace themselves throughout the day, meaning they alternate
how much rest and movement their body receives. Try to keep joints moving and avoid staying in
the same position for a long time as stiffness may develop. Taking a healthier approach towards
your lifestyle will also ease the effects of rheumatoid arthritis. This includes losing weight
and not smoking, as well as eating a balanced diet filled with fruits, vegetables, protein,
low-fat dairy, vitamin C and calcium.

All of these self-care measures can ease the symptoms and make living with rheumatoid arthritis a
much easier task.

Arthritis Treatment: What Is Needed For Successful Osteoarthritis Treatment?

Arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the United States. It is also one of the most common causes of physician visits.

One major misconception is that there is just one type of arthritis. Not so.

There are more than 100 different kinds of arthritis. The most common remains osteoarthritis which affects between 28 million and forty million people in the U.S., depending on the source.

Osteoarthritis is a disease of articular cartilage, the gristle that caps the ends of long bones. There are two major types of cartilage. The "gristle" is also known as hyaline cartilage. It is responsible for cushioning, gliding, and shock absorption.

The other kind of cartilage, called fibrocartilage, also helps protect from compressive forces but is somewhat weaker. An example of fibrocartilage is the meniscus material found in the knee.

Osteoarthritis occurs as a result of cartilage degeneration. The development of osteoarthritis is a complex interplay of various factors including genetic predisposition, injury, and local inflammation.

Since cartilage does not have nerves or blood vessels, healing of cartilage injury is problematic.
To date, most of the therapies aimed at treating osteoarthritis have been essentially palliative, pain relief only.

The Holy Grail of cartilage treatment would be to find treatments that aid in symptom relief and which also slow down or reverse cartilage damage.

A variety of treatments have been used with dismal results.

Only recently have there been attempts to heal cartilage injury using a variety of techniques such as mosaicplasty, chondrocyte (cartilage cell) transplantation, and microfracture.

These procedures may be useful for small discrete lesions but apparently are not effective for the treatment of osteoarthritis.

Promising reports describing the use of autologous stem cells (a patient's own stem cells) have been published.

Upon closer scrutiny though, these various attempts at inducing cartilage healing with SCs have met with mixed results. The results appear to be highly dependent upon the following factors: age of the patient, body mass index (BMI), extent of cartilage loss, degree of anatomic deformity, and the technical expertise of the center performing the procedure.

Age appears to be a factor due to the decline in qualitative response of stem cells. They don't appear to multiply or divide as quickly as younger cells.

Weight is a key factor for obvious reasons. The more load on the joint, the less likely osteoarthritis will respond to most treatments. Encouraging reports from a Swedish study has demonstrated that load reduction of the weight-bearing compartment of the knee can lead to cartilage healing. Following a stem cell procedure, it is critical to unload the joint.

Significant anatomic deformity can probably not be overcome. Also, complete cartilage loss is another reason to pass on stem cell treatment.

The last factor is probably the most important in that an effective procedure involves more than just injecting stem cells. Each patient has a different set of issues with a difference in terms of anatomic problem, procedural approach, and so on.

Ultrasound guidance is critical to assessing the correct approach. In addition, it may be that more direction using arthroscopy can also be helpful.

Arthritis Treatment: The Workhorse Medicine for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis affecting almost two million Americans. It is a chronic autoimmune systemic disease for which there is no cure yet. It is also associated with a higher morbidity and mortality compared with the general population as a result of increased cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes.

However, advance over the last 30 years have permitted rheumatologists to get RA into remission in a great number of instances.

Probably one of the medicines that has made the most difference is methotrexate (MTX). This is a disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug that was first used in the early 1980's and is considered the "base drug" upon which other therapies are added.

MTX was first used in the oncology field. Its effect is to inhibit cellular metabolism and the proliferation (multiplication) of cells. Besides this anti-proliferative effect, MTX also has an a modest immunosuppressive effect.

Typically, a new patient with rheumatoid arthritis is immediately started on MTX in combination with either low dose prednisone or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Doses start at 7.5 mgs or 10 mgs per week given as a single dose once a week. The maximum dose we use is about 20 mgs. Some rheumatologists prefer to add on other DMARDS such as sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) or hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) or both.

Many other rheumatologists, however, prefer to add a biologic drug to MTX. I fall into this latter group.

MTX has been demonstrated to have two beneficial effects above and beyond the relief of symptoms. It has been shown to slow down the rate of x-ray progression which is a key determinant of eventual disability and also to potentially reduce the mortality associated with cardiovascular events.

It is generally safe. There are potential side effects including mouth ulcers, nausea, hair loss and more serious side effects such as potential liver damage and suppression of white blood cell count. Another issue is lung toxicity which can come on suddenly and is referred to as "methotrexate lung" or more insidiously leading to eventual fibrosis of the lungs. Patients with underlying liver disease such as hepatitis B and C should probably not receive the drug if possible.

Supplementation with folic acid can prevent or reduce the severity of many of the minor side effects. Close laboratory monitoring is mandatory. Patients with kidney disease should be monitored particularly closely and lower doses of MTX should be used since MTX toxicity increases with declining kidney function.

When patients develop infections of any sort, we recommend holding the MTX until they have recovered. For patients scheduled to have surgery we recommend they hold the MTX one week before and one week after the operation before resuming the drug.

Effective Treatment For Osteoarthritis Pain

The most effective method of obtaining effective treatment for osteoarthritis pain is to work with your physician. Once your condition has been diagnosed, he or she will suggest appropriate options to ensure that the treatment program deals with your individual needs and also provides proper relief from a medical standpoint. It's a simple truth that multiple factors will determine which treatment is best for you, including your history of cardiac disease, hypertension, peptic ulcers, and renal disease.

Using pain killers and undergoing physiotherapy are the most common forms of treatment for osteoarthritis pain. Exercise and diet control can also help. A doctor's opinion should be given before you undergo physiotherapy in order to maximize the chances for a cure. Consult a physiotherapist to learn about certain devices and appliances to manage your problem so that you can treat yourself at home as well as at work. Using a cane or crutches while walking or using rails in your bathroom can also help.

Weight control is another way to help control the pain. The pressure on the knees and hips of an obese person is often too much for the joints to handle, and it is known that the risk of developing this disease can be increased by obesity. Actually, women who are overweight have a greater chance of developing arthritis of the hip, so decreasing weight is an efficient treatment method.

Certain kinds of physical activity should be undertaken, which can be recommended by your physician. Possible exercises to do are swimming, walking, and aerobics, which will assist in decreasing the progress of this disease.

Using natural remedies is something you can do as well, and is actually a good treatment for osteoarthritis pain that offers a lot of relief from the swelling and pain. The application of a hot water bottle may be helpful, and electric heating pads and certain ointments can also provide a lot of relief. There are also certain age-old traditional approaches like a mud bath and wearing copper bracelets that are still used to treat osteoarthritis. Herbal remedies have also been known to help reduce arthritis pain.

As previously stated, many arthritis conditions are the result of obesity, and following a special osteoarthritis diet is an effective treatment for osteoarthritis pain. It is common knowledge that to keep your body in shape, you must adopt a healthy diet. Furthermore, it aids your body in fighting off infections.

Arthritis Cures - Be Ready to Save Yourself From Arthritis

It is disheartening to think that during the younger years you were healthy and could do almost anything under the sun, but when arthritis has taken over your life, you become fragile... and bedridden.

Arthritis is not only a distressing disease, but it can also be a debilitating one. In fact, a lot of people suffering from such a condition have become frail, weedy, bedridden, and depressed. Many of these sufferers are searching for arthritis cures, but a lot of them do not know what would be the best to use.

Simple Truth

It can affect anyone, especially those who failed to stay fit and healthy during their younger years. As a consequence, a lot of unwanted symptoms may be suffered, such as extreme joint pain and swelling and joint stiffness. It is not easy to go on with life if you have arthritis. It is very true that prevention is a must, and one way to do so is to shun away from a sedentary lifestyle. Doing exercise regularly is on top of the list, and avoidance of smoking, alcoholic drinks, and fatty foods are also among the prevention tips. But how about when a person already has the condition? Is there anything he or she can do about it?

Hope For The Victims

Although it can be difficult to eradicate and there is a lesser chance for those who already suffered it to totally treat it, there are still arthritis cures available that can help ease out the symptoms of this condition. For many years, different health experts from around the globe have researched some helpful ways and means on how to put a stop on arthritis pain and swelling. The results of their studies have pave way for the development of some products that victims of arthritis can use today to manage their condition. Some of these include:

ARTHRITIS DRUGS. These formulated drugs are powerful enough to combat arthritis from getting worst. These drugs are capable of providing the body with defense against the condition.

For instance, most of these contain ingredients that have shown to modify the hormonal influence on arthritis, especially on women, who are prone to develop rheumatoid arthritis. These can also help in regulating chemical interactions of food chemicals and joint fluids among men who are at higher risk of developing gout.

FOOD SUPPLEMENTS. These are different from drugs, because these are not made to combat the development of arthritis. But these food supplements help in boosting some responses of the body that could strengthen the joints' health. Food supplements are usually made from natural ingredients, such as medicinal herbs, and should be taken daily.

These two products have been noted by experts, as well as by the users, as helpful arthritis cures (or more so as symptom relievers). Although they do not provide total relief, their healing power is already enough to aid individuals in attaining their normal joint strength needed to perform their activities of daily living.

A Blood Test For Rheumatoid Arthritis is Important

There is many information about rheumatoid arthritis available in medical books and online spread over many websites. You can find all the facts, regular medical treatments and alternative treatment online and you can even try to diagnose yourself by doing research online. It is alway good to do your own thinking but to confirm your thoughts you need to see a physician who can do some blood test for rheumatoid arthritis and treat you properly.

There are a number of different blood test for rheumatoid arthritis, and they all give answers to different specifications and questions. They are all important for the diagnostic evaluation and eventually the treatment of this debilitating disease. The blood tests are designed to locate the disease and confirm if what you where thinking was right. Without these blood tests a good diagnoses is not possible because they are the most important indicators to determine the condition.

There are four categories of blood test for rheumatoid arthritis:

- erythrocyte sedimentation rate
- C-reactive protein
- rheumatoid factor
- plasma viscosity

The first test called Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) tells the degree of inflammation in your body. This is done by a specific test where the blood is let to fall down a tube and measuring the time it takes to fall, if the blood falls very fast trough the tube it indicates an inflammation somewhere in the body. When you are healthy the sedimentation rate is normally low. The results of this test points to a major inflammation somewhere in the body, the test is not specific to a disease like arthritis but it gives one of the clues for the diagnosis.

The blood test for C-reactive protein works almost the same as the ESR. It also isn't that specific but it still shows if irritation is existing or not in your body.

The Rheumatoid factor test is positive with 70-90 percent of all people with rheumatoid arthritis. But this test has a big disadvantage, it will only be positive if your condition is severe.

The plasma viscosity test is a recent type of diagnostic procedure which replaces ESR tests rapidly. The advantage of this test over ESR is that there are fewer variables which can affect the result, so it can give a more direct impression of the plasma protein content of a sample.

Blood tests for rheumatoid arthritis are essential

Your doctor will probably use more than one type of blood test to come to the right diagnosis. The tests have proved as an effective and essential tool to do this. The tests have been used in many hospitals and laboratory to help the physician to find the cause of symptoms.

It is of the utmost importance that before you subject yourself to any procedure you know if there are any preparations prior to the test. If there are instructions you should follow, you need to follow them precisely because laboratory workers are knowledgeable with these instructions. You should also keep your physician well informed about the results of test and the way you are reaction on any treatment.

Home Remedies For Arthritis Relief

Arthritis is a painful condition that affects about 46 million Americans. The most common type is osteoarthritis, which is often age related, although it can be the result of wear and tear on the joints from fitness or sports. In Australia, a type of arthritis, gout, took center stage in the media when the socceroo Harry Kewell was thought to be suffering from it in the 2006 World Cup.

Injury and age are not the only causes of arthritis however. Crohns sufferers often develop arthritis in one or more of their joints. This is a result of permeability in the gut wall due to damage from chronic inflammation. Bacteria and infections can also cause arthritis in other conditions. And rheumatoid arthritis, another common form, is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks its' own cells.

What Can You Do About It?

There is no cure for most types of arthritis, and the focus is on pain management and slowing down the progression of it. Some types of arthritis, like septic arthritis, have a greater chance of clearing up when the main problem is addressed. This was my experience when I was suffering from crohns related arthritis.

The different types of arthritis will have different treatment strategies, and this is also true of arthritis natural remedies.

For those suffering from the types of arthritis that cause wear and tear on the joints, dietary changes may be suggested if a person is overweight. But more than the weight issue, this is a holistic approach that seeks to minimize cartilage degeneration by keeping the immune system at it's peak. It seeks to do this by providing optimum amounts of vitamins, minerals, and other dietary elements. Additionally, some foods can increase inflammation in the body, and others can help reduce it. Fruit and vegetables, with their antioxidant activity, usually exert an anti-inflammatory effect.

Other natural arthritis remedies include the herb white willow, for pain management, and the supplement MSM. Both have an anti-inflammatory effect. MSM needs to be taken in large quantities to be effective in pain relief, but it does work very well. White willow can be taken as an oral supplement, and it can be mixed into a tincture prepared by a herbalist. It can also be used externally, mixed with aloe vera and rubbed onto the affected joints.

Burdock is a good remedy for arthritic conditions. It can reduce the swelling in joints, and may assist in breaking down any calcification in the joints.

Benefits of Massage for Arthritis

Massage for arthritis is nothing new. More than two thousand years ago, the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates wrote that "physicians must be experienced in many things, but assuredly also in rubbing that can bind a joint that is loose and loosen a joint that is too hard."

While the cartilage degeneration of arthritis cannot be reversed, massage is helpful to reduce muscle spasm and decrease compressive forces associated with the joint disorder. Beyond the damage to joint tissues, there are several factors involved in the pain of arthritis, most of which massage addresses directly. These include tense muscles caused by the body's natural response to protect a painful joint by tensing the muscles around it, fatigue, which can make your pain seem worse and harder to handle, and depression or stress resulting from limited movement or no longer being able do activities you enjoy.

Tense Muscles
Massage addresses your tense muscles by gently coaxing your tissues to relax and lengthen. When the muscles relax, pain and stiffness decrease, and joint mobility increases. Gentle passive joint movements, a technique which is part of traditional Swedish massage, will remind the body of the full potential range of motion in a joint. The long strokes (effleurage) and kneading strokes (petrissage) of Swedish massage increase circulation of blood and lymph in and around the joint. This cleanses tissues of irritating by-products from arthritic inflammation and improves nutrition to tissues. Better oxygenation and less stagnation combats fatigue, and swelling often lessens as excess fluid enters the circulatory system where it can be eliminated. With regular massage, natural joint lubrication is also likely to improve.

Fatigue and Stress
Massage relaxes the mind as rhythmic motions sedate the autonomic nervous system and engage the parasympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic nervous system is the "rest and digest" system, which is blocked when we are in the "fight or flight" stress mode of the sympathetic nervous system. Stress hormones, such as cortisol, are lowered after a massage session, while the body's production of natural pain-killing endorphins, such as dopamine and serotonin, is increased. The quality of restful sleep usually improves in the days following a massage. This gives the body a chance to further repair and restore energy levels.

Should I Get My Doctor's Permission?
"Massage is free of any known side effects and according to our results, clearly shows therapeutic promise," says David L. Katz M.D., associate adjunct professor in the Department of Epidemiology & Public Health at Yale School of Medicine and director of Yale's Prevention Research Center. "So-called 'alternative' treatments like massage are most important when conventional treatments are far from ideal. Currently available non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often not well-tolerated by older adults with osteoarthritis. Cox-II inhibitors like Vioxx were developed as substitutes for traditional anti-inflammatory drugs, but pose highly-publicized toxicity problems of their own."

Generally, if you are healthy enough to exercise, you are healthy enough to receive massage. If degeneration of joints is present, you have rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis or osteoporosis, it is a good idea to get your doctor's permission, and get specific cautions to pass along to the massage therapist. Because of the profound effects massage can have on the flow of blood and lymph, some health conditions involving the heart, kidneys or liver can make massage inappropriate. Don't have bodywork or massage on "hot" inflamed or infected joints or if you are having a flare, have a fever, an infection or are coming down with an acute illness. It may make them worse. Tell your therapist if you are taking painkillers, and if you feel any pain during the session.

How Often To Get Massage
The therapeutic value of massage lies in its regularity. According to Dietrich Miesler, founder of the Day-Break Geriatric Massage Project, "a regular, weekly massage is the best prevention to most of the problems of aging."

Try it for a month. "I like to compare it to the melting of a big pile of snow," states Miesler. "How long does it take to show obvious and lasting results? If you do localized massage for 10-15 minutes once or twice a week for a few months, you will notice obvious improvement and the process is self-accelerating."

Osteoarthritis of The Back

Back pain is a very common condition. 4 out of 5 people experience back pain at some stage of their lives. Arthritis of the spine is one of the causes of back pain. It is important to know the symptoms of back arthritis because the earlier it is diagnosed, the better it can be treated to prevent disability in future.

The signs & symptoms of spinal arthritis include:
Back pain that comes and goes
Morning stiffness of the spine that decreases with activity
Pain or stiffness in the neck
Weakness or numbness of limbs
Difficulty in walking or bending

The arthritis affecting the spine is usually of the degenerative type known as osteoarthritis. In this type of arthritis the cartilage covering the joints wears away until the joint surfaces are exposed, leaving them susceptible to erosion if untreated. Pain occurs due to friction produced when the exposed joint surfaces rub together on movement.

If you have activity related back pain relieved by rest it is likely that you have arthritis. More concerning symptoms are those of night pain, numbness or burning pain.

The tests done to diagnose and assess severity are:
X-rays
MRI
CAT scan
Bone scan

WHAT TO DO
If you are diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the back there are a number of treatment options both with and without involving medication.

MEDICATION
NSAIDs like ibuprofen can be taken for temporarily pain relief. Aspirin and acetaminophen can also give relief from pain. As these medications provide only temporary relief from pain and are not without side effects they should only be used when the pain becomes severe and impairs your mobility. Always consult your doctor before starting any medication.

LIFESTYLE MODIFICATONS
The following life style modifications can help people with back arthritis tremendously:

General exercises and stretches to help increase the flexibility and stability of your back.

Wearing proper shoes to minimize strain on the back. High heeled shoes should be avoided. Shoes that provide proper arch support are recommended for people with spinal osteoarthritis.

If you are over weight you are putting additional stress on the spine and back.
Find a good mattress for yourself that will support the muscles and joints of your back while you rest and sleep.

When in a sitting position whether in a car or at your desk choose a seat that will provide proper lumbar pressure to your back. You can achieve this my either changing your seat or inserting a lumbar cushion.

Ice & hot packs can be used to reduced pain and numbness associated with degenerative arthritis and are contraindicated in inflammatory arthritis.

Electric stimulation devices, either professional or for home use relieve pain by the passage of microcurrents through the muscles.

Mechanical massage devices or manual massage disperses lactic acid, increases circulation, can be very effective for 'knotted up' muscles.

Vitamin, mineral & diet supplementation with Vitamin D, vitamin C, ascorbic acid, glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin sulphate may help reduce pain.

People with arthritis continue to live active and productive lives. Educating yourself about your condition and managing your symptoms are the keys to not letting arthritis slow you down.

Feline Osteoarthritis - What Every Cat Owner Ought To Know

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease resulting from the wear and tear of the cartilage in the joints. While it can strike people of any age group, including children, the degenerative nature of osteoarthritis makes it more common among the elderly.

But it is not just humans who can be affected by osteoarthritis. Cats can also be afflicted by this disease. Cats also experience the same wear and tear of their joints, especially as they advance in age. The condition can be compounded further if the cat is excessively overweight.

A cat can not tell its owner, however, if it is experiencing any joint pain. Thus, it is up to its owner to determine if his or her cat may be suffering from osteoarthritis. The obvious signs of osteoarthritis in cats, aside from old age and too much excess weight, are:

1. A noticeable limp or a difference in the way the cat walks;

2. Unwillingness to jump up or down any height; and

3. Listlessness or nervousness, sometimes outright aggression.

Once the condition of osteoarthritis has been specifically diagnosed by the veterinarian, the cats owner can turn to many forms of treatment to relieve the cat of joint pain. Home therapies include special diets and exercise that will make the cat slim down in case it is overweight. Massage applied to the affected area is also good in relieving joint pain resulting from osteoarthritis.

Common forms of drug treatments given to cats suffering from osteoarthritis are corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They are good for relieving joint pain. However, these drugs work only by blocking pain signals to the brain. They do not really do much in terms of treating osteoarthritis itself. Also, there are now existing research materials that state that corticosteroids and NSAIDs have other dangerous side effects like liver and kidney failure in cats.

What are now seen to be truly effective alternatives for treating cats with osteoarthritis are supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin. Glucosamine is widely held to be an effective therapy against osteoarthritis because it assists in rebuilding cartilage tissues that have been damaged by the disease. Chondroitin goes hand-in-hand with glucosamine because it prevents enzymes that are destructive to cartilage tissues. Also, chondroitin works to lubricate the joints and lessen the pain. Recent studies show glucosamine and chondroitin in combination effectively work in fighting osteoarthritis at the source of the ailment itself.

Good Fish Oil For Arthritis - A Miracle Cure?

With all the known risks of traditional treatment for arthritis with COX-2 inhibitors, analgesics and corticosteroids, interest in a healthy, safe and natural alternative remedy has generated a lot of buzz around the use of fish oil for arthritis.

Omega 3 fats have been shown to reverse heart disease, boost immune function, fight degenerative disease, help increase fertility, improve mental health and promote healthy skin.

A list of benefits of fish supplements, essentially related to their anti-inflammatory effects, includes rheumatoid arthritis.

Does Fish Oil Help Arthritis?

No one quite knows for sure what causes rheumatoid arthritis, but in almost all cases the 'final common pathway' is linked to inflammation of the synovial lining of joints all over the body. It is an auto-immune condition where the body reacts against its own tissues, causing this inflammation.

Not only does sea oil lower inflammatory reaction and relieve joint pain and swelling in those with arthritis, it also lets them lower the amount of non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids that they needed to take earlier.

There is some speculation about whether or not it actually slows down the progression of rheumatoid arthritis, but there is no actual proof of this effect, and further research is necessary.

On a related note, omega 3 has many protective effects against the development of heart disease and can lower triglyceride levels. This is important because of the known increase in cardiovascular risk that patients with rheumatoid arthritis have.

What Kind of Fish Oil Works Best for Arthritis?

Fish like tuna, trout, mackerel, halibut, and salmon have a lot of Omega 3. Other sea foods like oysters, sardines and herring are rich in omega 3. Consuming these fatty fish can reduce inflammatory reaction, providing significant relief from arthritis.

A way to enjoy the benefits of fish without having to eat a lot of it is to take capsules. 3 grams a day provides 1 gram of the important omega 3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, which is all you need.

Several brands use oil from fish caught in the cleanest and coldest waters, preferably those far from industrialized countries where the highest risk of water contamination exists.

Making capsules even safer is the practice of molecular distillation, a process that removes any mercury or other heavy metals, dioxins, PCBs and other contaminants.

If you'd like to learn more about the fish oil supplements I personally take daily, please drop by my website today.

CMC Arthritis - How I Restored Mobility in My Hands

Carpo-Metacarpal (CMC) Arthritis is a form of osteoarthritis that affects the thumbs in particular. The pain can be debilitating and something as simple as holding a pen can be just about impossible. I had to suspend almost all the activities of daily living. But, I had to do something. So I did. It took roughly four months.

I did not resort to taking any NSAIDs, nor any Acetaminophen, nor having cortisone injections, and I definitely did not have any surgery. The big picture for me was that my body was seriously out of balance. I had depleted stores of certain nutrients and an excess of others.

But before I could restore that balance, I had to eliminate processed foods from my diet. The reason for that has to do with two ingredients that are common in all processed foods.

HFCS and Partially Hydrogenated Oils

In all the literature on combating arthritis the advice is to eliminate sugar and to limit fat consumption. Well, HFCS (high fructose corn syrup), and Partially Hydrogenated Oils are sugar and fat on steroids.

Our bodies have not adapted to these additives; and therefore cannot process them. So, these additives get slapped into storage, which happens to be our fat cells, and thus accumulate. This extra weight is an added stress on our joints.

When other carbohydrates are ingested, the pancreas produces insulin which then signals the brain that we have consumed enough. Not so with HFCS which goes straight to the liver where it is turned into fat. And since our hunger is never satisfied, we just keep on eating.

Likewise, our bodies are not adapted to deal with partially hydrogenated oil and it too, gets stored as fat. Since the melt-point for this oil is 113 degrees Fahrenheit, which far exceeds human temperatures, it just accumulates in the body as more fat.

I think by eliminating HFCS and partially hydrogenated oils from my diet, it made my body more receptive to beneficial foods.

Common Deficiencies in Those With Osteoarthritis

Sulfur: Those who suffer from osteoarthritis have low levels of sulfur in their bodies. Sulfur is essential for the building, repair and maintenance of cartilage, bone and connective tissues. It also aids in the absorption of calcium. Supplementing with Glucosamine Sulfate, Chondroitin Sulfate and MSM is standard procedure for those who suffer from arthritis. I also eat onions, garlic, eggs and asparagus regularly as they contain high levels of sulfur.

Synovial Fluid: Supplementing with Hyaluronic Acid helps to restore synovial fluid, which provides lubrication and shock absorption for the joints. This supplement works quickly. I noticed improvement within two weeks.

Vitamin E: This is a powerful antioxidant which is needed to protect your joints.

Vitamin B-Complex: This is an absolute must to lessen swelling and inflammation.

Vitamin K: This vitamin is necessary for the deposition of minerals in the bone matrix.

I found a really comprehensive multi-vitamin and multi-mineral complex supplement that worked for me. I focused on quality, not on cost.

Precautions for Those With Osteoarthritis

Arthritis sufferers, in general, have too much acid in their blood, which causes cartilage in the joints to dissolve. So, I eliminated citrus fruits from my diet.

Arthritis sufferers have an excess of copper and iron in their blood. Consuming rice, wheat and rye, which contain histidine, an amino acid, removes excess metals from the body.

While the literature encourages increasing fresh fruits and vegetables in our diets, they do advise against vegetables in the nightshade family. Tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, and peppers contain a substance called solanine. For some people, solanine interferes with enzyme activity in the muscles and can trigger pain.

Prior to my new diet, I was overweight by 45 pounds, had high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and was severely depressed. As such, I was a candidate for diabetes, heart attack and stroke. But it was the fear of being crippled by my arthritis that galvanized me into some sort of action.

I did restore the mobility in my hands, and along the way, I lost 45 pounds. I do not have the strength I once possessed, it is true; but I am oh so grateful for what I have restored.

Can Osteoarthritis Be Prevented With Omega-3 Fish Oil?

If you have a family history of osteoarthritis then you have a higher chance of developing the disease yourself. Besides genetic predisposition, osteoarthritis can be present in those who are overweight or those who routinely put stress on the particular joint. Injury is also a culprit.

Osteoarthritis affects the joints in the body, most commonly the spine, hips, knees, feet and hands. It is caused by the wearing down of cartilage between these joints, causing bones to rub together. This causes discomfort and a decrease in mobility to the area.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting 21 million people in the United States. It can be caused by a number of factors. While it is more frequently found in those over 45, it can occur in younger people. Under 45, men are more likely to develop the disease than women, while over 45 women are more likely to develop it than men.

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent the onset of the disease, and it's easier than you think. It's about taking care of your body, which hopefully you're doing already as good health is the key to combating any form of disease, as well as education.

If you are overweight you are far more likely to develop osteoarthritis than someone who isn't. This is because the extra weight puts unnecessary stress on the joints. Keeping in shape also helps to prevent many other diseases, such as heart disease.

Keep fit, not only to keep your weight in healthy range but also to work your joints. Aerobic exercises that work as much of your body are especially important; they revitalize your circulatory system and keep your heart rate up, as well as keep your joints limber. Make sure not to over exert yourself, especially if you feel pain in a joint, as this may only cause to exacerbate the condition you are trying to prevent. Discuss with your doctor what kinds of exercises are best for you. Osteoarthritis in the hands is the most genetically predispositioned form of the disease, so if you are at risk ask your doctor if there is anything you can do.

Injury to the joints can also cause the onset of osteoarthritis. Be sure to wear protective gear, like wrist guards for instance, when deemed necessary.

There have been some foods and supplements that have been reported to decrease your chances of getting the disease. While some initial results have proved encouraging, studies are still continuing for conclusive results. None of the supplements have been reported to carry side effects though, and are part of a healthy lifestyle.

An anti-inflammatory is just what you're looking for. Anti-inflammatory properties can be found in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fatty fish like salmon or albacore tuna. Since our North American diet is severely lacking in fish on a regular basis, try an Omega-3 fatty acid supplement.

Early detection is important. If you feel a recurring pain in your joints, or a stiffness that won't go away, talk to your doctor. He or she can help you find the best way to deal with the pain.

Psoriatic Arthritis Symptoms and Treatment

Psoriatic arthritis is a strange form of arthritis and people who develop it have often suffered from psoriasis of the skin during their life.

It is also a somewhat hereditary disease where 1 in 20 people who suffer from psoriasis have a stronger chance of catching this disease, but in only a few cases will it flare up to the extent that it poses a serious health risk.

So there is no definitive cause but genes are argued to play a role.

Early Signs

Ascertaining whether you have psoriatic arthritis is difficult in the early stages as the symptoms can represent a number of ailments, but the most common are inflammation of one or two joints, feeling slightly fragile and psoriasis of the skin, but more like in patches rather than a rash along with the pitting of the nails.

Advanced Symptoms

About a year after your diagnosis, depending on which non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - or NSAID's - you've been prescribed, these may help reduce the pain or not, as each individual will undergo various cocktail measures so as to find the right balance to combat the pain.

The problem with NSAID's is that while they can reduce the pain and the swelling, they effectively cover up the true extent of the disease and play no part in the remission process.

The joints, toes and the end of the fingers are most commonly effected with psoriatic arthritis, but occasionally the spine is affected and the symptoms here include a burning sensation, stiffness and sometimes jolts of pain in the sacrum and lower back.

Treatment for Swelling and Joint Pain

As mentioned, in the West NSAID's are most commonly prescribed to null the pain and reduce the swelling, and when these don't work, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs or DMARD's may be prescribed.

Again, both NSAID's and DMARD's can effect your liver, kidneys, heart and cause additional rashes so for the short term they will provide some relief.

For the long term though you should focus on getting the disease into remission.

Do you want to suffer from psoriatic arthritis all your life?

Treatment for Remission

Acupuncture is still frowned upon by most medical practitioners in the West, but don't be scared to explore this alternative, it may not help so much with remission but is argued by many to be the most natural, safest, and fastest way to reduce swelling and pain around the joint.

Diet and exercise also play a huge role in combating certain types of arthritis and this is one such type where you should focus on both these forms of treatment.

Exercise

Depending on the seriousness of it, exercise may include just walking in lukewarm water for up to an hour if it's the feet that are the problem, or daily stretching for the spine and swimming which is wonderful for you all-round, plus yoga and other low impact sports.

Diet

Diet should be a high alkaline diet, not high acid as this diet will depend on the calcium in the bones (if calcium levels are low in the body) to buffer the high acid content through digestion, therefore depleting them of much needed calcium and minerals.

However magnesium is more effective for rebuilding bone structure so try and eat as much food that contains this element along with additional supplements.

Also, and it can't go overlooked but omega 3, 6 and 9 proteins should be consumed regularly along with supplements rich in anti-inflammatory compounds such as spores extracted from reishi, the mushroom used for centuries in the East to help with swelling, joint pain and remission.

Additional natural substances which should be part of your everyday diet are Vitamin D - at least 800mg a day, Vitamin C, Ginger, White Willow Bark, Chondroitin Sulfate and MSM.

Arthritis - Natural Treatments

Arthritis has over 100 different types, but most people suffer one of the three most common types. Each type of arthritis should be treated differently for the best results. Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent. Osteoarthritis afflicts over 16 million Americans and is most commonly found in joints that bear weight such as knees, hips, and ankles. Osteoarthritis can be found in almost any joint, however. It concentrates on the cartilage that cushions joints and breaks it down. Osteoarthritis sufferers have an average age of 45 years.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is the second most common type of arthritis, with over two million Americans afflicted. Yet, it can be the most painful. It inflames the lining of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers have an average age of 25 years.

The third most common type of arthritis is the least well known. It is Psoriatic Arthritis. This type of arthritis erodes the joints. A common manifestation of this is psoriasis of the skin.

All of these forms of arthritis have a common denominator; joint inflammation. This inflammation can cause various levels of pain and discomfort and can impede daily activities. Most arthritis sufferers will try various medicines and treatments to reduce the symptoms. There are also many natural remedies available that have been shown to reduce the pain and swelling.

Urtication, or Stinging Nettle, has been around for thousands of years, and has proven effective in treating arthritis. With a gloved hand, take the nettles and gently swat your afflicted joints with the nettles. Odd, it may be. But many arthritis sufferers swear by it.

Vitamins are another natural remedy that have proven effective in treating arthritis and are a little more main stream. In fact, medical professionals have found evidence that arthritis sufferers are usually lacking vitamin B. Whether this is a cause or an effect of arthritis is still unknown.

Other vitamins such as C, E, and beta-carotene are rich in antioxidants. These antioxidants neutralize free radicals which are often blamed for tissue damage. Free radicals increase where there is damaged cartilage, such as from arthritis. There have been studies that show individuals who suffer from knee cartilage damage and then take high levels of vitamin C have reduced further damage to the joint. Dr. Linus Pauling recommends taking 18 grams of vitamin C daily to help prevent arthritis. Vitamin E has similar effects and studies in Germany have shown that it can reduce pain symptoms. You can naturally ingest vitamin E from sunflower seeds, wheat germ, corn oil, legumes, and other whole grains.

Osteoarthritis also reduces bones mass. A treatment called prednisone can further reduce the bone mass. This reduction in bone mass can cause bone fractures, particularly in older people. Combined with a lack of sunlight and an unhealthy diet and the effects can be devastating. A good way to combat these effects is to take extra vitamin D and calcium. These will help increase bone mass. It is recommended to take 400 IU of vitamin D daily, increased to 600 IU daily if you are 60 years of age or older. Do not exceed 1200 IU of vitamin D per day as this can be toxic.

You may have heard from other arthritis sufferers that wearing a copper bracelet can reduce their pain symptoms. This has not been proven scientifically and in fact can actually make your symptoms worse. Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers usually have too high a level of copper in their blood, so wearing a bracelet can exacerbate this.

Kashin-Beck disease is another form of arthritis that has been linked to a deficiency of selenium. To get the proper dosage of selenium balance your diet with fish, organ meats, whole grains, legumes, beans and nuts.

Zinc has also been shown to decrease swelling and stiffness in some patients. To get zinc naturally, try adding oysters, cheese and tofu to your diet.

If you are looking for non-dietary changes, you can apply hot packs to the afflicted joints. Also, stress relievers such as mediation, music, walking and moderate weight loss have all been known to reduce symptoms of arthritis.

Understanding Osteoarthritis

Aches and pains are seen as a part of the aging process, but when they result from osteoarthritis, people who suffer this should know there are ways to make it more bearable. Understanding the causes and treatments for osteoarthritis can reduce pain.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and affects almost everyone as they age. It is a degenerative joint disease, also known as "wear and tear" arthritis. It occurs most frequently in weight bearing joints, including the knees, hips and ankles. The disease slowly breaks down the cartilage that covers the ends of each bone in a joint. Healthy cartilage acts as a shock absorber, but osteoarthritis causes the smooth cartilage surface to be rough and pitted. Without normal gliding surfaces, the bones in a joint will grind against each other, causing inflammation, pain and restricted movement. This condition can even lead to bone spurs.

Pain is the first and most obvious symptom of osteoarthritis. It begins as mild soreness and aching with movement, then progress to severe pain that can even be experienced while resting. This is due to irritation of and pressure on the nerve endings. Loss of easy movement is another common symptom of osteoarthritis. The patient will no longer be able to bend or rise normally. This lack of mobility will cause muscles serving the affected joints to weaken, and overall body condition will suffer from tension and fatigue.

Osteoarthritis is relatively simple to diagnose. Orthopedic doctors will take an x-ray of weight bearing joints and complete a simple examination. There are no time intensive, costly or invasive exams necessary in the diagnostic process.

There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but there are new ways to manage the associated pain, lack of mobility and fatigue. Hyaluronate is one of the best pain management options. It is an artificial substance that mimics the knee's own lubricating fluid and can reduce pain for nine to twelve months. The patient will receive five injections of Hyalgen-the trade name for hyaluronate-into the knees given one week apart.

Medications can be used to relieve pain as well. Coated aspirin will afford some relief to patients, and causes few side effects. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are another option for pain relief, but should not be taken in conjunction with an aspirin regimen.

Cortisone shots can reduce inflammation. Many patients say the shots make them symptom free for months at a time, or even years. The shots are given four to six times a year.

Changing one's diet can have a beneficial effect on osteoarthritis. While there is no evidence specific foods prevent or relieve symptoms, eating well and staying slim is important. Since the disease impacts weight bearing joints, the more a patient weighs the more pain they will experience. By maintaining a healthy weight, patients will be able to reduce joint pain while improving their quality of life.

Exercise and rest must both be done in moderation. Too much bed rest will cause excessive stiffness in the affected joints, while too much exercise can result in more joint damage. Finding a balanced routine which includes both moderate exercise and rest is the key.

There are two surgical options for people facing osteoarthritis. Arthroscopy is not generally indicated for people with arthritis, but can help if a patient has a "flap" of torn knee cartilage which is aggravating their condition. The flap can be removed through arthroscopy and thereby reduce some of the osteoarthritic pain.

Knee replacement and hip replacement are further surgical options. Joint replacement surgery is often seen as a positive solution to extreme pain and any disability caused by advanced osteoarthritis. The rough and worn cartilage in a patient's knee is replaced with smooth surfaces of plastic or metal components.

Even though most people will suffer from osteoarthritis at some point in life, it's good to remember there are a lot of options for reducing and eliminating the pain from this widespread condition.

Arthritis - Alternative Therapies

Arthritis is general term for the inflammation of one or more joints. It is characterized by pain, swelling, stiffness, deformity, and/or a diminished range of motion. More than 30 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and related conditions.

These arthritic conditions affect the body's movable joints, such as the knees, elbows,wrists, fingers, hips, shoulders, toes, as well as the joints in the neck and back at each spinal vertebra. There are six different types of joints and although their types of motion vary, their underlying physiological structure is the same. A fluid-filled capsule made up of tough ligaments surrounds two or more adjoining movable bones, whose touching surfaces are covered with a layer of cartilage. The fluid is secreted by the synovial membrane that lines the inside of the joint capsule. The combination of this thick fluid and the smooth, rubbery cartilage allows the bones within the joint to glide smoothly past each other.

In healthy joints, the synovial membrane is thin, the cartilage that covers the bones is smooth, and a thin film of synovial fluid covers the bone surfaces. If anything disrupts any of these factors, arthritis can result. Arthritis may occur suddenly or it may come on gradually. Some people feel it as a sharp, burning or grinding pain. Others compare the pain to a toothache. Moving the joint is usually painful although sometimes there is only stiffness. Of the many different types of arthritis, we will discuss its most common form -- osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis involves deterioration of the cartilage that covers the end of the bones; it is a degenerative joint disease. An injury or a defect in the protein that makes up cartilage may cause it. But more commonly, it is related to the wear and tear of aging. The once-smooth surface of the cartilage becomes rough, resulting in friction. As the cartilage begins to break down, the normally smooth sliding surfaces become pitted and irregular. The tendons, ligaments, and muscles holding the joint together become weaker. The joint itself becomes deformed, painful, and stiff. There is usually some pain but little or no swelling. However, fractures become an increasing risk because osteoarthritis makes the bones brittle. Furthermore, as osteoarthritis advances, bony outgrowths tend to develop. These spurs, which can be detected by x-ray, develop near degenerated cartilage in the neck or lower back.

Osteoarthritis rarely develops before the age of 40 but it affects nearly everyone past the age of 60. However, it may be so mild than a person is unaware of it until it shows up on an x-ray. It typically runs in families and affects almost three times as many women as men.

Arthritis can also be caused by bacterial, viral or fungal infection of a joint. Usually the infecting organism travels to the joint through the bloodstream from infection elsewhere in the body. Injury and even surgery can result in joint infection as well. Symptoms of infectious arthritis include redness, swelling, pain, and tenderness in the affected joint. This is often accompanied by systemic symptoms of infection such as fever, chills, and body aches.

A current theory links both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis to poor immune system function in which the body improperly identifies the cartilage and membranes as foreign objects. In the case of osteoarthritis, this dysfunction results in more rapid destruction of the joint by the aging process. Rheumatoid arthritis has been found to be a disruption in the processing of a single essential carbohydrate - galactose. Cell-surface carbohydrates such as galactose are called glyconutrients and they play an important role in the cells communicating properly with one another. Any disturbance in the process of supplying the proper types and amounts of carbohydrates to each cell can lead to a miscommunication between the cells. Proper cell-to-cell communication can avoid the mistake of incorrectly targeting good tissues as foreign bodies.

I'm sure that you have heard of glucosamine. In arthritic patients, glucosamine is a carbohydrate that is often found helpful. It is derived from N-acetylglucosamine, another one of the eight essential carbohydrates described in Harper's Biochemistry.

The following is a list of nutritional supplements, herbs, and recommendations for dietary changes that have been found helpful for people with arthritis. Remember to consult with your physician before adding any herbal supplements to your diet because some herbs may cause serious drug interactions.

Essential

Essential carbohydrates (glyconutrients)

Boron

Bromelain

Vitamin B-5

Primrose or salmon oil

Sea cucumber

Silica

Vitamin E

Very Important

Calcium

Magnesium

Copper

Zinc

Coenzyme Q10

Essential amino acids

Kelp

Manganese

Selenium

Multienzyme complex

Folic acid

Vitamin B-12

Vitamin K

Vitamin C

Vitamin B Complex

Vitamin B-3 and B-6

Herbs

Alfalfa

Cat's claw

Horsetail

Meadowsweet

Sarsparilla

White Poplar

Cayenne

Nettle

Burdock root

Wild Yam

Yucca

Brigham tea

Black Willow

Celery seed

Parsley tea

Cornsilk

Oregon Grape Root

Dietary and lifestyle recommendations:

Include the following foods in your diet: asparagus, eggs, garlic and onions, green leafy vegetables, whole grains, oatmeal, brown rice, fish, fresh vegetables and non-acidic fruits.

Consume foods like rice, wheat and rye that contain histadine. It is excellent for the removal of excess metals from the body. Arthritis sufferers have high levels of copper and iron.

Eat fresh pineapple frequently. It contains bromelain that reduces inflammation.

Eat some form of fiber daily. Reduce the amount of dietary fat.

Avoid red meat, milk, dairy products, citrus fruits, salt, paprika, tobacco, caffeine, and white sugar.

Avoid peppers, eggplant, white potatoes, and tomatoes. They contain solaine, which may cause an increase in pain and discomfort

Take hot showers and baths to relieve stiffness.

Maintain a regular exercise program.

Spend time in the sunlight for Vitamin D.

For additional information on any information in this article, you may contact the author at DoctorRyan@JerryRyanPhD.com.

Can You Cure Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the leading debilitating diseases in the world caused by the inflammation of the joints in the specific parts of the body. The inflammation is caused by the body's auto immune system attacking the body itself.

The disease usually occurs earlier than that of osteoarthritis which is a degenerative disease that is caused by the normal wear and tear of the body. It is a chronic, inflammatory and autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the joints. The extremely painful condition is the leading cause of the substantial loss of mobility.

Certain treatments have developed to prevent the progression of the disease that could worsen the joints. Drug medication is a traditional rheumatoid arthritis relief as well as the replacement strategy of surgeries. However, as people are becoming more aware of the general side effects of drug medication and the financial consideration of expensive surgical operations, natural ways to help ease the pain and cure the disease are often sought.

A pain management plan is one of the many ways modern man has discovered as rheumatoid arthritis relief. There are physicians who have invested much time and effort are now beginning to say that there are ways to have a pain-free life. Natural pain relief treatments of rheumatoid arthritis include massage, acupuncture, food supplements, including fish oil in the diet, simple exercises and heat applications and certain relaxation techniques.

In other cases where the chronic pain has greatly affected the emotional health and psychological condition of the person that cognitive behavioral therapy is used.

Natural supplements that have chondroitin and glucosamine sulfate which are natural ingredients that help draw fluid to the cartilage that helps joints move are effective and safe ways as rheumatoid arthritis relief. These chemicals are effectively absorbed at high levels which allow the joints to get more of the necessary nutrients to repair the cartilage and maintain its health. As dietary supplements they do not have side effects that drugs such as analgesics and cortisone-type drugs have.

The best thing that a person could do to determine the rheumatoid arthritis relief that should better suit him or her is by learning about rheumatoid arthritis, its cause and symptoms as well as the best available treatments. Some techniques may be a combination of the different strategies to relieve pain such as diet, exercise, therapy and massage.

Common TMJ Causes

TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) is a disorder that can affect people of all ages. It is a condition that develops when the Temporomandibular joint (the joint that connects the person's jawbone to their skull) does not function properly. Some people are affected on both sides of their head, while others experience problems only on one side.

People who have TMJ can experience a variety of different symptoms. Some of the most common include having a stiff jaw, constant ear pain, or pain that will not easily go away without some type of treatment. Many have problems when they are eating since the pain is often generated when they are chewing their food. Others may have consistent and nagging headaches and they are usually hard to treat and identify. Although these are some of the more common symptoms, there are other symptoms that have been reported by patients that have this condition.

Unfortunately, there are many identifiable causes of TMJ and they include an improper bite, the clenching or grinding of teeth, various kinds of arthritis, injuries, mistakes made during a dental or medical procedure, the overuse of the jaw, and stress. These TMJ causes can make TMJ disorder much more likely than what would normally be expected.

As stated above, an improper bite is one of the main causes of TMJ, since the improper bite makes the person place excess stress on their chewing muscles. The chewing muscles are adversely affected because the individual's teeth are lined up incorrectly when they are eating. When this condition is not treated, the individual can experience a certain amount of pain along with muscle spasms around their jaw area. These alignment problems can also lead to the person's jaw sliding out of its socket.

The clenching and grinding of teeth can also cause this condition, especially because the clinching and grinding can wear away the individual's cartilage. This means, when the cartilage is worn down, the bone is rubbed on bone and it creates the symptoms of TMJ. Unfortunately, grinding of teeth normally occurs when the individual is asleep and they may not be aware that they are doing it. Some of the symptoms of grinding can be identified, however, by jaw pain and ear pain that cannot be easily explained. Dentists can also identify problems with grinding and clenching by examining the teeth for wear and tear signs.

In addition to clenching and grinding, arthritis is also one of the causes of TMJ. Degenerative arthritis and osteoarthritis in the jaw area are two of the types of arthritis that can lead to TMJ, specifically because they can cause the jawbone to be displaced or dislocated. When the jawbone is dislocated, the individual can begin hearing popping, grating and clicking sounds and they can also experience a lot of pain when they open or close their mouth. Rheumatoid arthritis is also a major issue for many. Some of these individuals have a higher risk of not being able to move their jaw at all.

Some dental and other medical procedures can be responsible for causing TMJ. For instance, if a patient has to have a breathing tube inserted into their mouth, the jaw is often fixed in a certain position for an extended amount of time. When this occurs, the patient can suffer from the overuse of that jawbone and TMJ may be the result.

Stress is also listed as a common cause of TMJ. This is one of the contributing factors because it can make an individual involuntarily tighten their facial muscles and jaw muscles, while they are also clenching their teeth together.

Once the person has identified the cause of TMJ, they can search for a viable solution. This is a very important step because the treatment that the person receives is based on the actual cause of the problem. For example, if the cause of the problem is an improper bite, the dentist can evaluate the problem and they may recommend a mandibular position device. Normally, when the doctor prescribes this type of device, the patient is instructed to wear them for a short timeframe in order to relieve the symptoms and pain that they are experiencing. On the other hand, if TMJ is caused by stress, the physician will usually recommend relaxation as well as other stress relieving techniques.

Which Fruit and Vegetable Juices Relieve Arthritis Pain?

Arthritis is a growing disease in this country (over 41 million Americans are afflicted), and many rely on drugs and surgery as a cure. The disease, arthritis, covers actually over 100 rheumatic diseases (inflation of the joints). The two most common forms are osteoarthritis (cartilage deterioration of the hand and foot), and rheumatoid arthritis (the auto-immune system breaks down causing inflammation of the joints).

Arthritis differs from other diseases in that it is not always chronic; it could flare up some days and remain subdued on others. Flare-ups are generally related to weather conditions, such as barometric pressure and cold temperatures.

If you suffer from arthritis, it is generally recommended that you avoid the following: "nightshade" vegetables (vegetables that grow at night, not during the day), such as potatoes, eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes; tobacco; coffee; caffeinated tea; salt; artificial colors; and preservatives.

Conventional medical theory says there is no cure for arthritis; only treatments to reduce the pain and inflammation (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and a supplement called glucosamine). These provide short-term relief, but create long-term problems such as deterioration of the liver and stomach.

There are surgical procedures available including joint replacement. But these should represent the last resort. Any surgical procedure is a high risk approach, which could result is less than optimal outcomes.

Of growing interest amongst homeopathic doctors is the consumption of juices from certain fruits and vegetables. (See "Natural Physicians Healing Therapies" by Mark Stengler). Juices which contain phytonutrients help the body to regenerate cells, especially around joints. Vitamin C is also helpful, since it contains an antioxidant, which aids in the reduction of inflammation and swelling of the joints.

A List of Fruits and Vegetables

The following is a partial list of fruits and vegetables that could alleviate the symptoms of arthritis.

• Black Cherry Juice: 2 glasses daily.
• Vegetables containing anti-inflammatory nutrients: parsley; broccoli; carrots; apples; pineapple; ginger. Try mixing these together for maximum benefit.
• Fish Oil: at least 3 grams daily (consult a physician) for at least 12 weeks.

A daily diet of juices (fruit and vegetable) will help prevent arthritis. As the saying goes: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

An excellent juicer is the Sharper Image Super Juicer. It is easy to use, easy to clean, high quality (700 watt motor), and very efficient juice extraction. This juicer is priced under $100, and is an excellent choice towards living a healthy life through juicing.

What is a Good Osteoarthritis Diet?

A good osteoarthritis diet is one that centers on fruits, vegetables and whole grains. This is an anti-inflammatory diet that can help you eliminate the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition that affects the joints of the body and causes the cartilage to deteriorate. People who suffer from osteoarthritis usually suffer from intermittent pain as well as joint stiffness. 

Inflammation occurs around the joint with the breaking down of the cartilage. Many doctors will prescribe an anti-inflammatory drug to take care of the effects of osteoarthritis. However, these drugs are not without negative side effects. Many people today are seeking a more natural way to combat this condition that affects over 20 million Americans, many of them over the age of 50. 

Eating vegetables and fruits as well as whole grains is a good way to have keep inflammation at bay. You should also incorporate proteins into your osteoarthritis diet so that you can replenish the proteins you are losing when it comes to this condition. The cartilage is comprised of proteins that are depleted when you have osteoarthritis. 

A diet that is comprised of healthy foods that feature essential vitamins such as Vitamin D and A, both contributory helping with osteoarthritis inflammation can help you with this condition. In addition to helping you combat the effects of osteoarthritis, a good diet can also help you maintain an ideal body weight.

This is important because many people who suffer from osteoarthritis suffer from this joint condition because of the fact that they are overweight. This is especially true when it comes to people who suffer from knee osteoarthritis as well as those who suffer from back osteoarthritis. Losing weight is often one step towards eliminating the pain that is caused by this condition. 

In addition to eating a healthy osteoarthritis diet that will reduce inflammation, you may also want to take a natural supplement that will give you the vitamins and minerals that you may be lacking. One of the factors that is contributory to osteoarthritis is age. While we cannot do anything about aging, we can replenish vitamins and minerals that are essential to our health and which deplete in our bodies as we get older.

By taking a natural supplement for osteoarthritis, we can replenish our bodies with the nutrients needed to combat this potentially debilitating condition. By starting to eat right and take supplements early, you may be able to avoid getting this painful condition and lead a healthier and more fulfilling life. 

Before taking anti-inflammatory drugs or pain medication to combat the symptoms of osteoarthritis, you may want to consider a good osteoarthritis diet along with supplements to help combat the inflammation and pain that is caused by this condition. It is often best to seek out a natural remedy for a condition that to become reliant on medications, many of which have harmful side effects.

By dieting for osteoarthritis, you are not only helping yourself with regard to this condition, but you are also helping your body.  Maintaining an ideal body weight is important in all aspects of health, including the treatment of osteoarthritis. 

Dogs and Arthritis - Symptoms and Causes

Arthritis in dogs is a degenerative disease that causes stiffness in the joints and muscles, limiting the dog's mobility. Although it varies in severity, in some cases arthritis in dogs can be extremely painful, just like it can be in people. And arthritis in dogs is a very common condition, afflicting up to one in every three to four dogs. That's why information about dogs and arthritis is so important. Keep reading for some valuable information on the symptoms of arthritis in dogs, as well as what causes it.

Dogs and Arthritis: The Causes

This potentially very painful condition is common in older dogs because over time, wear and tear affects the joints. Younger dogs can also develop arthritis, although less frequently. Unlike the arthritis in older dogs that is often caused by ordinary wear and tear, accidents, injuries and certain infections, diseases and other health conditions like joint malformations (hip dysplasia, for example) are usually responsible for arthritis occurring in younger dogs. Arthritis can also be insidious in the sense that it might not become apparent for several years following an injury.

Although there are several forms of arthritis, the underlying cause of each type is inflammation in a joint. The different types of arthritis are categorized by what originally caused this inflammation.

Degenerative joint disease, frequently called osteoarthritis, is far and away the most common form of arthritis in dogs. Frequently associated with aging (as it is in people), osteoarthritis typically develops over the course of time. Ordinary wear and tear or injury to a joint can damage the joint's ligaments and/or cartilage and reduce the production of the synovial fluid that lubricates and protects the bones. The ultimate result is joint tissue degeneration, stiffness and pain. Cartilage damage and subsequent arthritis can also be caused by excessive weight, jumping too frequently over obstacles, tearing or stretching ligaments during vigorous exercise, and joint malformations such as hip dysplasia or "loose" kneecaps, among other things.

The mechanism underlying the second main type of arthritis, called inflammatory joint disease, is different than the mechanical stress or trauma that's responsible for degenerative joint disease. It is also much less common than osteoarthritis. This form of canine arthritis can be caused by a bacterial infection (staphylococcus or streptococcus, for example), a tick-borne disease such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever or a fungal infection in a joint, but it can also be caused by auto-immune disorders, some of which are hereditary. Rheumatoid arthritis is one example of arthritis caused by an auto-immune disorder, but fortunately it is rare in dogs. Arthritis resulting from an auto-immune disorder usually affects multiple joints.

Inflammatory joint disease is often characterized by systemic symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite and a generalized, overall stiffness. Unlike the form of arthritis that degenerative joint disease typically causes, which usually has a slow, gradual onset, the appearance of arthritis symptoms due to inflammatory joint disease is usually sudden and acute.

Symptoms of Arthritis in Dogs

The symptoms of arthritis in dogs are in general analogous to those of arthritis in humans, if you take into account the differences in anatomy. They can vary in severity from being barely detectable to being crippling and debilitating. Obviously, dogs cannot tell you they're hurting, and most do not show any visible signs of pain until it becomes significant. These factors can make it difficult to accurately diagnose arthritis unless X-rays, an orthopedic exam and other more specific tests are performed by a qualified vet. You should never assume that your dog has arthritis just because it comes up lame one day or gets up slowly or stiffly after sleeping all night. Although it's true that those symptoms could mean your dog has arthritis, they also might be signs of an entirely different health condition. Always take your dog to your veterinarian for assessment, diagnosis and treatment.

Notwithstanding the difficulty of making an accurate diagnosis, dogs suffering from arthritis typically exhibit one or more of the following symptoms of arthritis in dogs:

Slower gait: Dogs afflicted with arthritis often walk slowly in an attempt to balance out their limbs, especially when more than one joint is affected.

Dropped hip or nodding head: When only one hip is affected, the dog will often "drop" that hip so that it is carried physically lower than the other. A dog with an arthritic neck will often exhibit a nodding motion of the head.

Limping: A dog with an arthritic joint in a leg will naturally tend to favor that leg.

Reluctance to engage in normal activities: Dogs with arthritis tend to be reluctant to perform what were previously normal activities, such as climbing up or down stairs, running, jumping up on furniture, playing with balls or other toys, and going on walks. When they do go on walks, they often lag behind because they prefer to walk slowly.

Slowness or difficulty in rising from resting positions: Getting up slowly or stiffly after lying down is one of the fairly common symptoms of arthritis in dogs.

Personality changes: Some dogs with arthritis undergo changes in their personality. Becoming lethargic, depressed, nervous or overly aggressive are examples of the changes in temperament that can occur in dogs afflicted by arthritis. And, a previously very affectionate dog that loved physical attention from its owner may start resisting being touched.

Audible signals of distress: A dog that's in significant pain may yelp, whimper or cry when it's touched or it moves in a certain way.

Watching a dog that's suffering from arthritis pain can be heart-wrenching. Although arthritis is not a health condition that can ever be completely cured, there are a number of things you can do to help your dog suffer less from painful arthritis symptoms. We hope this information on dogs and arthritis will help both you and your dog.

Osteoarthritis - Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative arthritis, is a type of arthritis that is caused by the breakdown and eventual loss of the cartilage of one or more joints. Most cases of osteoarthritis are age related and have no known cause; and are referred to as having primary osteoarthritis. This is due to loss of protein in the cartilage as an ageing process, which eventually leads to degeneration of the cartilage and of the joint. Secondary osteoarthritis is caused by other diseases or conditions which usually include obesity, repeated trauma or surgery to the joints, congenital abnormalities, gout, diabetes and other hormonal disorders. Swelling, pain and stiffness of the joints are common symptoms of this condition, which usually affects the hands, feet, spine and large weight bearing joints such as the hips and the knees.

The Ayurvedic treatment of osteoarthritis is aimed at reducing the symptoms and slowing down the basic pathology of the disease. To reduce pain, swelling and stiffness, medicines used are: Triphala-Guggulu, Yograj-Guggulu, Punarnavdi-Guggulu, Maha- Rasnadi-Guggulu, Maha-Rasnadi-Qadha, Dashmoolarishta, Maha-Vat-Vidhwans-Ras, Vat-Gajankush-Ras, Agnitundi-Ras, Vishwa (Zinziber officinalis), Nirgundi (Vitex negundo), Kuchla (Strychnos nuxvomica) and Guggulu (Commiphora mukul). Medicated oils like Vishgarbha oil, Mahanarayan oil and Mahasaindhav oil are used for local application on the affected joints. This is followed by a medicated steam fomentation of the affected areas using decoctions like Nirgundi-Qadha and Dashmool-Qadha. This procedure is called 'Naadi-Sweda', and is very useful in reducing pain and swelling of the affected joints.

In order to halt or slow down the progress of the disease, efforts have to be made to repair the damaged cartilage of the weight bearing joints. Medicines like Trayodashang-Guggulu, Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu, Sinhanaad-Guggulu, Laxadi-Guggulu, Shankh-Bhasma, Praval-Panch-Amrut and Asthishrunkhala (Cissus quadrangularis) are used for this purpose. These medicines have to be given for prolonged periods, sometimes up to two years in order to have a good therapeutic effect. Patients who do not respond satisfactorily to these medicines are given, in addition, medicated enemas of a special medicine called 'Tikta Ksheer Basti', which consists of milk boiled with several medicines. Repeated courses of this enema have to be given for several months.

It is important to treat obesity and other conditions associated with osteoarthritis. The use of a walking stick helps to relieve pain in a vast majority of people having mild to moderate osteoarthritis. Regular activities like swimming, walking and yogic asanas can help to reduce pain and stiffness in the joints.

Rheumatoid Arthritis - Research And Results

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder which causes joint pain and swelling due to the inflammatory processes. It is an ongoing disease, as the immune system starts affecting the antibodies present in the blood of a patient. Various other internal organs of the body are also affected due to this disease. In severe cases, there appear deformities in hands, wrists, knees and feet. This is the worst type of arthritis, as in this type the immune system itself mistakenly prey on body tissues assuming them to be foreign bodies. Thus, the antibodies are created and destroyed by the body itself.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease due to the severe effects on various organs of the body, and also due to the fact that it's not completely curable. There are cases in which the symptoms do not appear right away, sometime even for years. It has been observed that with the passage of time, RA shows aggressive progression in deformity, leading to restricted movement and functional disability in sufferers.

Various researches have been done on finding out the root cause of this disease, but are inconclusive. There is some evidence which show that fungi, bacteria or other microorganism might be one of the causes of the disease, however, the obvious cause is still not known. Some researchers are of the view that there might be some environmental factors involved in the malfunctioning of the immune system. However, it is proved that rheumatoid arthritis is a hereditary disease.

Research has shown that smoking can increase the risk factors involved in the progression of the disease to a considerable extent. At times, the symptoms are evident, while at other times they just disappear. However, it is essential not to confuse rheumatoid arthritis with osteoarthritis. It is not an age or gender specific disease. However, its ratio is more in females as compared to males. Juvenile arthritis can also occur, but it is quite rare. Infections, emotional trauma, and tissue injuries are the most evident triggers of the disease. At present, there is no permanent cure of this disease. However, surgery can be done depending upon the severity of the disease.

Blood tests can show the presence of the rheumatoid factor in the patient's blood. The treatment of this disease can be ensured by regular low-pace workout and proper medication. Additionally, therapeutic and medicinal intervention is necessary to prevent the worsening effects of the disease.

A Review of Senior Arthritis and Its Effects on the Elderly

Seniors face a number of health related issues, often simply as the result of aging, but also because over time their body is at an increased risk of developing an illness. Of the many conditions common to those over sixty, arthritis is one of the most commonplace disorders, which can have a very large impact on a senior's daily life.

One of the most common misconceptions about arthritis is that it only affects the elderly, but this is not actually the case. Arthritis can affect even children who are very young, however it is far more common among the elderly. In fact, among seniors, arthritis is the single most common mobility related disorder. Another misconception about arthritis is that it is only a single disease, but arthritis is actually a very broad term used to describe over a hundred different disorders.

Even though there are many different types of arthritis and it can affect the body in many ways, it is commonly a joint disorder, which affects the cartilage and bones around an individuals joints.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of senior arthritis and is called wear-and-tear arthritis, as a result of it typically being the result of time and use in a joint. The risk of this type of degenerative arthritis is much more common among those who play certain high impact sports, such as soccer, or professions such as farming, where the individual might perform the same repetitive motion over and over again. The Knee is the most likely joint to be affected by osteoarthritis, however it can also affect a number of other joints, including those in the hand or feet. Generally, this will only affect a single side of the body and not both sides at once, unlike many other types of arthritis.

Another common type of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, however this is generally not the direct result of joint use, but is considered to be an autoimmune disorder. With an autoimmune disorder, the immune system, which is the part of the body responsible for fighting infection, begins attacking healthy tissue and body parts. In rheumatoid arthritis, this results in the cartilage and are around a joint being broken down, resulting in joint damage. Unlike many other kinds of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis can extend to organs as well as joints. In most seniors with rheumatoid arthritis, joints are attacked symmetrically, so that those on both of the side of the body are affected at once.

While rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are by far the most common kinds of elderly arthritis, with wear-and-tear arthritis being exceptionally common, there are over a hundred other kinds of arthritis and many affect the elderly. In addition, the elderly are at risk for a number of other diseases and conditions, like osteoporosis, which affects bone strength. In many seniors, it is a combination of these sorts of diseases working together that significantly decrease mobility, as well as increase the risk for injury.

Fight Cancer, Help Rheumatoid Arthritis and Prevent Heart Disease - How Olives Can Help

It seems the olive tree predates us all. One of the earliest known references to it dates back more than 4000 years. Olives have been found in Egyptian tombs from 2,000 years BC. Here are some very good reasons why fresh black olives should be included in our healthy diets.

Olives are a good all natural source of dietary fibre. They're also rich in vitamin E a noted antioxidant. Olives seem to protect against breast cancer because they contain substances called poly phenols that are believed to help us to ward off cancer. Poly phenols give the olive its taste and aroma. They are good for digestion and even have anti-ageing properties.

Olives contain mono-unsaturated fatty acids which act as heart protectors, they have a good amount of vitamins A, E, D and K, and provide relief for rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Olives are rich in good fats, especially oleic acid, an omega-9 mono unsaturated fatty acid. They are also excellent sources of minerals (potassium, calcium, phosphorous, zinc, iron), vitamins and beta-carotene, flavanoids, and fibre.

People who regularly consume Olives were found to have a lower rate of cancer, especially breast cancer. Studies show that women who eat Olives more than once a day have a 45 percent reduced risk of developing breast cancer. Women living in countries bordering the Mediterranean, particularly Greece, Spain and Italy, are only about half as likely to die of breast cancer as women in Northern Europe and the United States.

Those who include fresh olives daily in their diets tend to have a decreased incidence of coronary heart disease and certain cancers. The mono unsaturated fatty acid content of olives can help to lower LDL (the "bad" cholesterol) levels and it also prevents the build up of dangerous arterial plaque on artery walls.

Black olives contain iron and have very few calories. Olives are thought to have laxative qualities and to stimulate the appetite and aid the liver.

Ripe, black olives are the healthiest, particularly those cured in water or with sea salt. Green, unripe olives do not have the same level of mineral content and also might be treated with lye. Ripe black olives contain high amounts of heart-healthy, oleic acid which is also thought to have rejuvenating qualities.