Osteoarthritis of the Knee - Why Does Hydrotherapy Help?

The main difficulty facing arthritis sufferers is that they are told exercise will help but exercise very often increases their pain. Our natural instinct to avoid pain makes us more likely to do less activity, resulting in weaker muscles that don't support our joints.

To break out of this cycle you need to exercise these supporting muscles to make them stronger. The pay-off is less pain but the road is not easily travelled. The most difficult part is getting started. There needs to be a bit of 'trial and error' - gently testing various exercises until you stumble across one that lets you fatigue the muscles without aggravating your knee pain. The best way to do this is to seek the advice of a physical therapist. If the co-pay remains too expensive, there is no reason why you can't have a go yourself. You will need to do your research and find as much information as you can on the subject. There are also some inexpensive books covering this subject.

Why the pool?

Osteoarthritis is primarily a disease of weight-bearing joints. Being in water helps you eliminate or greatly reduce the load on your joints. This allows some exercises to be pain-free in water that would otherwise aggravate you knees.

Purpose built hydrotherapy pools are heated. Heat helps combat stiffness in joints (but remember it can aggravate some inflammatory conditions). The combination of gentle exercise and heat can help lower pain levels. Remember though - just because you don't have access to a heated pool doesn't mean you can't benefit from this type of exercise. Any body of water takes weight off your joints.

The pool also allows you to start very gently. A common reason for people giving up on exercise is that they start too fast, too soon. This causes a flare up and the natural response is "I'm not doing that again......I could not walk for days"

Start in chest high water and walk some laps. If this doesn't bother your knees before or after, add some shallow squats. No two knees are the same so its up to you to learn about your knees and take control of  your arthritis.

Shoulder Resurfacing & Replacement - Avail Low Cost Surgery & 5 Star Service

Do you need to get your shoulder replaced or resurfaced. You can get this done for a low cost but at a five star service in India.

Shoulder arthritis is the second most common form of arthritis of the peripheral joints. Rheumatoid arthritis, post traumatic arthritis can all cause arthritic damage. Till now the treatment has been a total shoulder replacement. Shoulder resurfacing is now emerging as a superior alternative to replacement in India.

It is being provided for affordable costs in state of the art hospital facilities in India. International medical travel is bringing many western patients to India for shoulder resurfacing. Many international patients come to 5 star hospitals in India seeking value medical treatment like shoulder resurfacing.

Shoulder arthritis is less common than hip & knee arthritis in India. It mainly affects older individuals.

Causes of shoulder arthritis are:
• osteo-arthritis
• rheumatoid arthritis
• avascular necrosis
• rotator cuff tear arthropathy
• post traumatic arthritispost septic arthritis
• post tubercular arthritis

In shoulder arthritis like any other arthritis, only the top surface of the upper end of the arm bone (humerus) is affected. The socket is usually not damaged. There is no bone loss. The traditional operation for a shoulder arthritic problem is a shoulder replacement. However this involves sacrifice of bone. A shoulder resurfacing on the other hand preserves bone and can be performed in 95% of cases for the above mentioned conditions.

Shoulder replacement vs shoulder resurfacing

In a conventional shoulder replacement, the damaged parts of the joint comprising the shoulder joint are completely removed and replaced with a metal and plastic prosthesis. The metal portion is buried into the shaft of the arm bone (humerus). It has a stem and ball shaped end. The socket is made of polyethylene with a metal back and stem buried into the outer end of the shoulder blade.

In a shoulder resurfacing on the other hand, the top end of the arm bone is shaped to a hemispherical shape with cheese grating reamers. A central hole is drilled in the centre of the head of the humerus. The prosthesis made of Cobalt chrome, molybdenum and coated on the inside with hydroxyapatite is impacted in. Hydroxyapatite allows natural bony in growth over time and fixation.

The operation is done through a minimally invasive approach under either general or regional anesthesia.

The implant helps in preservation of natural bone and tissues of the patient.

It is seen as an ideal option for the younger, active patient who wants to lead a normal life. This cement less implant utilizes a patient's natural t issue growth. It can also be used in the older arthritic patient with good bone stock.

Shoulder resurfacing prosthesis

The Copeland shoulder prosthesis from Biomet is an example. This is the only surface replacement with the longest follow up. It was recently introduced in India.

At Indian hospitals, cost of surgery is low and is affordable by most international patients. Hospitals have state of the art infra structure and could be called as five star hospitals. The OR's have clean air which ensure a safe outcome after joint replacement. Rooms cater to all budgets ranging from suites general wards.

Shoulder resurfacing in Indian hospitals therefore has a chance of becoming a much sought after operation for international patients seeking treatment in India. You will get a high quality service at a very affordable cost.

Taking Back Control With a Natural Protocol for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Last year, both my father and my mother's brother were diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, a debilitating autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the tissues of the body, creating extensive inflammation, pain, fatigue, and a significant decrease in one's quality of life.

Their symptoms had doctors thinking everything from gout to Lyme's Disease, but eventually the increasing pain and systemic effect of the disease led doctors to diagnose and prescribe the standard pharmaceutical protocol for RA, which is a cocktail of chemotherapy drugs such as Methotrexate or Humira and is designed to inhibit the overactive immune system. The side effects of either drug are astounding - severe toxicity of the liver, lungs, and kidneys, headaches, mouth sores, internal bleeding, hair loss, low white blood cell count, and extreme fatigue are all associated with Methotrexate. Side effects for Humira include severe upper respiratory infection, lupus-like symptoms post-treatment, thus indicating lasting immune system inhibition, and most frightening of all, central nervous system disorders such as multiple sclerosis. This is on top of the steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed to manage the inflammation and pain, which we know come with their own side effects.

I don't know about you, but one look at these side effects would send me running to find natural methods to combat RA...and that is exactly what I did to help my dad and uncle.

After a few months on the drugs, they both experienced a decrease in the progression of the disease, but only slight changes in joint pain, and a new debilitating symptom - intense, overbearing fatigue. My uncle had been biking 20 miles at a clip several times a week at age 60 before he took the drugs designed to fight the disease, and, after taking them, he barely had the energy to get up in the morning. My father, at 58, was experiencing the same fatigue, and constant, unrelenting pain in the saddle joint of his left thumb which stopped him from riding his Harley, his passion, because he could not squeeze the clutch handle without excruciating pain.

Being a Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified health Counselor, and an Internationally Certified Aromatherapist, I had an idea of where to start looking for natural methods to manage the disease. I learned that there are several factors that play a role in creating an environment where this disease can manifest. One is free radical damage. Free radicals are molecular combinations of oxygen and other atoms that "kidnap" electrons from healthy cells in our bodies. The removal of this electron causes oxidative damage where the robbed cells essentially rust. This causes degeneration of the body's tissues, inflammation, and a state of acidosis. This is why anti-oxidants are so important in our diet. As we age, our body stops producing as many free-radical fighters and thus the oxidative damage will grow continually worse and lead to numerous "age-related" conditions. Acidosis was another factor I found to play a crucial role in RA. Acidosis is a condition where the body's pH has become too acidic and leads to a very unhealthy internal state. Acidosis creates an environment for many diseases as well as autoimmune disorders. Diet plays a major role in this - the consumption of natural, whole, fresh foods helps to stabilize pH.

So, after much research, I came up with a protocol of my own for my uncle and father:

First, 4-6 ounces of NingXia Red daily. NingXia Red is an essential-oil enhanced, whole-fruit puree supplemental drink comprised mostly of Lycium Barbarum (a specific wolfberry fruit) which has amazing, clinically tested antioxidant powers. According to testing developed by Tufts University, the wolfberry has the highest levels of naturally occurring S-ORAC (Super-Oxide Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) - thus it has an unsurpassed ability to fight free-radical damage in the body. This unique fruit boasts an nutritional profile usually unheard of in fruit which includes 15% protein by weight, 17 trace elements, 4 major minerals including calcium and potassium, 6 essential fatty acids, 18 amino acids, the highest vitamin C content of any fruit or vegetable, as well as zeazanthin, polyphenols and beta carotein - all of which balance Ph in the body. The wolfberry even contains a natural anti-inflammatory called beta-sitosterol!

Second, therapeutic-grade essential oils. My uncle chose to use essential oils consistently in his daily life to replace other toxic household products, while my father used one oil specifically blended to decrease pain and heal tissue. It is called PanAway and is a blend of clove, helichrysum, wintergreen and peppermint essential oils. (Note that not all essential oils are medicinal quality -the oils I recommended to them are currently used in Beth Israel Medical Center in NYC and the Cleveland Clinic.)

Third, daily supplementation of MSM. MSM is a truly a miracle substance! It is a naturally occurring mineral derivative of sulfur and has an amazing ability to eliminate pain and inflammation - naturally. The form of MSM they took is called Sulfurzyme and it is a blend of MSM and dried wolfberry powder.

As a result, my father is back on his motorcycle and my Uncle Bob, after exactly 8 weeks of a committed regimen of my recommendations, was able to wean completely off his medications! Both of their stories are amazing and I am on a personal mission to spread the word to other arthritis suffers. There is an answer and it is free of debilitating side effects!

Help In Dealing With Arthritis Pain

No one likes to deal with pain, no matter what causes it. Dealing with fleeting or chronic arthritis pain can be frustrating, annoying, and endless. Inflamed joints cause arthritis, and there are over one hundred different kinds of arthritis. Some people suffer from arthritis pain more in cold weather than warm, but such is not always the case. Tissues involved in arthritis, from bone to tendon to ligaments and muscles, all feel the pain.

More than 40 million Americans alone suffer from the pain of various types of arthritis, and not all of them are older adults. Children and teenagers are also afflicted with arthritis pain, and it hits both genders equally. Pain can be mild, or throbbing in its intensity.

The sensation of pain may be felt differently from the fingers than it is felt in the knee, or another place in your body where body tissues connect to provide movable parts. Some people suffer from arthritis pain in the extremities, though many others also suffer arthritic pain in the spine as well as the hips.

The two most familiar types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and in both cases, your body will most certainly let you know if something is different or wrong when it comes to your joints. The pain is caused by various sources, though swelling in any given joint area causes most arthritis pain, as well as the extent of damage to bones and joints caused by osteoarthritis. Everyone reacts to pain differently, just as different people have different pain thresholds.

Determining whether a pain is mild or severe is often left to the person feeling it. Such, cannot be measured due to the fact that many people feel and experience pain in different ways and severities. Pain may be described as mild, aching, radiating, throbbing or piercing.

Many times, people dealing with chronic arthritis pain grow tearful and frustrated with the constant and aching throb of pain in various joints, and medications to help relieve such pain are often prescribed. Many people rely on over the counter products such as an anti-inflammatory, though others need more pain relief than is offered through such remedies.

Many people use heat or cold compresses to ease arthritis pain, while others try massage or acupuncture. No matter which method you use to help provide relief from pain, always make sure that you notify your doctor of any herbs or supplements that may have an adverse reaction to anything he or she has prescribed for your pain.

Learning to live with pain is often a necessary aspect to the lives of many who have been diagnosed with any form of arthritis. Understanding what causes pain and ways to prevent or reduce it is one of the first steps to living with arthritis. What works for someone else might not work for you, so be willing to experiment and try options that will help you with your type of arthritis. Arthritis pain is a pain, but it can be dealt with, through proper teaching, exercise, medication and determination.

Degenerative Osteoarthritis - The Best Pain Relief Measures

Degenerative osteoarthritis is an agonizing condition that is suffered by millions of people all over the world. However, though potentially debilitating, the disease can actually be treated the natural way. Read on to understand more about this form of arthritis and the remedies that can alleviate the symptoms of this disease.

Degenerative osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis. At the moment there is no permanent cure to treat this condition, which is also known as degenerative joint disease. However, with early diagnosis, proper treatment and a program of regular exercise and weight strengthening, the pain associated with it can be significantly reduced.

Degenerative joint disease is most commonly suffered by the elderly, as it is considered to be an inevitable process of aging. Eventually it is something that can affect by all of us. Although the cause of the disease can not be pinpointed to one factor, it is often thought that obesity and excess weight are some of the main culprits. This is backed up by recent research that demonstrated that even a modest decline in weight could improve the mobility of the joints and reduce pain in the knees and hips.

As for its prevention and treatment, increasing the intake amount of Omega 3 fatty acids in the form of fish oil supplements is highly recommended. After all, Omega 3 is an excellent anti-inflammatory substance that can help reduce pain caused by the disease. Fish oil supplements can also prevent more damage from occurring in the cartilage. Consuming Omega-3 fatty acids can also help the cartilage from thinning. This is especially useful to prevent age-related osteoarthritis, such as the degenerative type.

Taking fish oil supplements, which are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, is one alternative remedy that you should definitely look into if you want to improve your condition. Not only will they help to reduce the symptoms of degenerative joint disease, but they will also improve your general health. Omega 3 fish oil supplements are good for the heart, brain, skin, digestive system and of course, your joints.

In addition to taking supplements, you should also eat fresh fish and mussels. One specific mussel that is highly rich is Omega-3 is the green lipped mussel. The anti-inflammatory properties in these mussels have been shown to reduce pain and joint stiffness in your body. A combination of eating fresh fish, green lipped mussels and taking fish oil supplements is the best remedy to combat the disease.

Make sure to include these Omega 3 rich foods as a part of your daily diet. For more great tips and ideas about the benefits of fish oil supplements, visit my website.

Arthritis Natural Cures - The Most Effective Arthritis Natural Treatment is Your Diet

There are numerous arthritis natural cures that are extremely effective. But all of them have 2 things in common. An effective arthritis natural cure will aim to cure the cause of the arthritis and will also aim to prevent future arthritis attacks. If you do both of these, you will cure arthritis completely. And thousands of people have done just this... and so can you!

Fact! Researchers have recently discovered an indigenous tribe who has no contact with the outside world. But what researchers are dumbfounded at is that there are absolutely no cases of arthritis in any of the tribe members. It is reported that all members work till the day they die with no symptoms of arthritis.

How can this be? Could it be their diets?

What Causes Arthritis in You?

Did you know that your arthritis is caused by your lifestyle and not old age? Many people believe the lie that all people will eventually have to deal with this painful disease. But here is what researchers think arthritis is caused by: a poor diet, an unbalanced diet, a sedentary lifestyle, stress, insufficient vitamins, improper breathing, and lack of sleep. NOT old age!

And here are ways you can overcome arthritis naturally.

Arthritis Natural Cures You Can Start Today

1. One thing you must remember with arthritis is that you need to stop eating preservatives and additives that are in almost all packaged and process foods. Did you know that 30 year old landfills have hotdogs that are still not decomposed? These preservatives in our foods are killing our bodies and are probably the number one cause of arthritis. Tip#1 would be to eat foods that spoil quickly.

2. Soft drinks and diet soft drinks could be the number one thing that you should avoid. They are loaded with preservatives and additives. Tip #2 would be to drink only water and green herbal teas.

3. Coffee is usually loaded with caffeine which has shown negative effects for arthritis sufferers. You can get your morning wake-up with herbal teas or an apple. Tip #3 would be to wake up with tea or an apple.

4. Avoid all foods that contain enriched flour. This is possibly one of the most harmful substances to arthritis sufferers. You may need to do some research to discover what foods you need to avoid but a good place would be to stop eating white bread. Tip # 4 is to avoid enriched flour.

5. Eat as many raw and fresh vegetables as possible. Make sure to thoroughly wash all produce. Produce is great because it is natural and it spoils. Tip #5 is to eat plenty of fresh and raw fruits and vegetables which flush the body.

6. Get your protein from lean meats, nuts, eggs, beans and grains. You should be the cook of all of these fresh foods. Tip #6 would be to eat fresh proteins that are fresh.

7. Avoid all fast foods. Fast foods are all processed. Even subway has processed meats. Make sure you are not abandoning your friends or family, but make sure you are eating only salads at these fast food places.

Are You Ready to Cure Arthritis?

What vitamins should you be taking? What minerals are essential to curing arthritis? What foods should you be eating weekly? What herbs will reduce inflammation? What exercises should you be doing daily?

Arthritis Treatment: Why Is Treating to Target So Important in Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common inflammatory form of arthritis, affecting almost two million Americans. It is a chronic, complex, autoimmune, systemic disease for which there is no known cure as of yet. It is characterized by joint inflammation and joint damage that eventually leads to functional disability causing significant limitations with activities of daily living.

From many pieces of data, it is known that RA is also associated with a reduced life span as a result of its systemic effects. The most significant source for this shortened life span is the cardiovascular complications that can arise, such as heart attack and stroke. Other organ systems such as the lungs, eyes, bone marrow, peripheral nervous system, and others also can be affected and be responsible for excessive morbidity.

In addition to the above-mentioned health complications, RA also results in lost work productivity. In fact, one study showed that more than one-third of patients with RA were work-disabled after having had their disease for more than 10 years.

In recent years, the concept of treat-to-target has become the treatment approach of choice for patients with RA.

The use of the treat-to-target approach has been bolstered by the new 2010 criteria established by the American College of Rheumatology and the European League Against Rheumatism were developed in order to make the diagnosis of earlier disease a priority. The older criteria from 1987 used irreversible x-ray changes as a criterion. By the time x-ray changes occur, it is evident now, the "horse is out of the barn."

In this treat-to-target model, newly diagnosed patients are started on therapy with an intensive regimen of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs such as methotrexate along with biologic drugs. The patient is then monitored closely at monthly intervals with adjustments in medications made until the patient is in remission.

There are a number of validated methods for objectively measuring patient progress. These include the Disease Activity Score or DAS 28 and the Clinical Disease Activity Index.

It has been demonstrated that this aggressive approach leads to less in the way of imaging changes seen on both x-ray as well as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It is no surprise that patients treated in this fashion reach lower levels of disease activity and have an improved quality of life.

So while the search for a cure remains, the potential for putting a patient with new onset RA into remission is not only a goal, it is a real probability.

The Values of Physical Fitness While Living With Early Symptoms of Arthritis and Poor Circulation

How does a person who suffers day in and day out with arthritic pain and poor circulation better themselves through physical fitness? It is no surprise that the very act of exercise itself can help to regenerate and revitalize the body. It is more surprising that more people are realizing the importance of physical exercise and are making good efforts to change themselves for the best.

In this article I will list some components of physical fitness exercises for the shoulders. I will cover other parts of the body like elbows, neck, legs, hips, and feet in other articles.

In this article I will help you explore some shoulder routines combined with some great nutrition ideas that will give you a good start in the right direction to better yourself. In addition I will cover some thoughts on all natural supplements that combined with a good diet and exercise regimen may help any person who wants to go to the "Old Home Gym" or "Public Gym" to take control of their lives.

Component #1

Its all in the mind.

The first component of physical fitness starts in the mind. You have to decide to change. I realized early on that no matter what I read or how much I envied another persons achievements I had a need to make that determination for myself. I was determined to make the difference.

Motivation

Be your own self motivator. Nobody is going to make you do anything. We are left to the basics of our human nature that is our ability to choose. Read books or search the Internet. There is a lot out there to learn. So choose wisely!

Component #2

The Shoulder?

Here is a quick anatomy lesson on the shoulder for those like me (till I researched it) didn't know or understand how this body part works.

In the human anatomy the shoulder joint comprises the part of the body where the humerus (a long bone in the arm or forelimb that runs from the shoulder to the elbow) attaches to the scapula (connects the arm bone to the collar bone). The shoulder is the group of structures in the region of the joint. It is made up of three bones, the collarbone, shoulder blade, and the upper arm bone as well as associated muscles, ligaments and tendons.

There are two kinds of cartilage in the joint. The first type is the white cartilage on the ends of the bones called (Articular Cartilage) which allows the bone to glide and move on each other. When this type of cartilage starts to wear out (a process called arthritis) the joints become painful and stiff.

The second type of cartilage in the shoulder is the Labrum. This type is distinctly different from the Articular Cartilage in which it is more fibrous or rigid on the ends of the ball and socket. Also, this cartilage is only found around the socket where it is attached.

The shoulder must be flexible for the wide range of motion required in the arms and hands and also strong enough to allow for actions such as lifting, pushing and pulling. All these are part of a good physical fitness routine.

So what causes the cartilage to deteriorate? (aka Osteoarthritis)

Usually age is a big factor. However age is not the only contributor. Other culprits are excessive weight which puts stress on joints.There is also joint overuse, joint injury or stress, and family history. Other possible causes are genetic or developmental abnormalities in the structure of the joint which can cause excess wear and tear.

If you have any genetic or family history of inherited abnormalities in your cartilage structure, seek a physical fitness test from your doctor to determine early symptoms of arthritis. He will give the right advice on the right methods of physical fitness that will work for you.

Component #3

What shoulder fitness routine do I start with?

It has been my experience in weight training that simplest way is usually always the best way. You need to develop a physical fitness program that works for you if you are to properly train your shoulders. The basics of shoulder training is one that requires a person to be conscious of every movement as well as develop a regimen that will consistently challenge oneself to push onward. In all honesty if you get bored you're going to quite!

Keep it fresh and exciting! Change up the routines I list here to keep your body in a state where it will not adapt to just one technique.

Start with 1, then 2, then 3.....

I recommend starting with three (3) separate shoulder exercises for obtaining maximum results.

Start with 3-4 sets of either "machine shoulder press" or "dumbbell presses". I recommend doing between 8-10 repetitions on each set. If you are a beginner use a light weight that gives you some resistance. If you use to light of a resistance you are simply cheating yourself.

Remember Component #1? "It's all in the mind." If you don't get motivated to see results our nature is to just get by with the easiest possible route.

Be careful not to start out with more weight than you can handle as you might injure yourself. Slowly advance in weight as your strength increases. Each set will look as follows:

• Start by raising the weight above your head and palms out. DO NOT lock the elbows! By locking your elbows you risk hyper extending them causing injury.


• Next lower the weight till your closed fist is parallel with your chest.


• Repeat exercise 2-3 more times till completed. Rest 1-2 minutes.

Another type of shoulder exercise is the "side lateral raise". In this exercise I recommend using dumbbells for this exercise. Each set will look as follows:

• Do 3-4 sets of 8 repetitions with moderately light weight. This isolates the shoulder caps or sides. Don't feel bad if you look over at the guy or gal next you and they are lifting a lot more then you. You will get there soon if you keep up the exercise.Start by holding the dumbbells with palms facing your legs.


• Raise the dumbbell laterally so your arms are stretched outwardly (palms facing downward at this point) Hold for approximately 2 seconds. Squeeze at the top of the motion, then lower to the starting point.


• Repeat exercise till 2-3 more times till completed. Rest 1-2 minutes.

The last type of shoulder exercise strengthens the rear deltoid muscle. This normally does not get a lot of attention. Most people forget to even include this part of the shoulder in their fitness routine. So if you get to this point and you are completely wiped out you can stop. However, if you're like me I want to make sure I get all my areas covered. So keep going. Each set will look as follows with 3-4 sets with 8-10 repetitions.

• Start in a bent over position about a 45 degree angle. Bend the knees slightly to help support and balance yourself. Use light weight dumbbells for this exercise. Be careful not to lock your knees, keep them bent through the entire exercise to avoid stressing the lower back muscles.


• Your palms should be facing each other and your arms hanging towards the floor. Look up, and with a slow motion raise your elbows just above the ridge of your back (90 degree angle at the elbow).


• Lower back to starting position.


• Repeat exercise till 2-3 more times till completed. Rest 1-2 minutes.

That's It! Congratulations! You just finished your first step towards bettering yourself in the physical fitness arena. If you continue to exercise you will strengthen bones, and muscles as well as help circulation in your limbs.

So what does poor circulation and the value of physical fitness have in common?

When we exercise our heart begins to pump blood through our body. The muscles that surround our skeletal structure require great amounts of blood and oxygen. I have experience poor circulation first hand. Many years ago I had an allergic reaction to a medication that was given to me. The doctors after many different tests concluded that I had an allergic reaction to penicillin.

I was in the hospital for four days. At that time a nurse had me get out of bed and walk around. I did not understand the implications but I immediately understood why. My legs would not could not move! I was dumbfounded! I struggled to walk even the shortest distance. During my four day stay at the hospital my muscles developed atrophy. It took several walks before I gained my strength back.

What I am getting at is that when we exercise our bodies we cause this awesome machine to do what it was intended to do. To get good circulation you must make your heart work harder. When you exercise with weights or cardiovascular exercise like running or jogging you force blood and oxygen into the muscles and therefor helping with circulation.

Now I do not suffer from any disease like type 2 diabetes. Nor do I suffer from any arthritis. But I understand now the the full benefits of making the most out of most types of physical fitness programs. Mine is just one of personal preference. So if you suffer from poor circulation due to type 2 diabetes or perhaps you have pain from arthritis in your joints don't fret.

Arthritis Remedies

Arthritis of the joints can be very painful and difficult to live with. There are no cures, but you can help ease the pain with some easy remedies. A few lifestyle changes can help tremendously with the arthritic pain.

One in six Americans has some type of arthritis. Women have a greater chance of developing arthritis than men. Once a person reaches the age of forty they are much more likely to develop the condition. Consuming essential fatty acids can greatly help the joints in their recovery from strenuous activity and reduce inflammation.

Many foods can be eaten to help with arthritic pain and joint inflammation. Fish should be eaten two to three times a week. This will supplement your diet with enough omega three fatty acids while avoiding dangerous mercury levels. If you do not like fish or cannot eat it, cod liver oil may be what you need. This supplement is packed with vitamin A, and vitamin D as well as a hefty portion of omega three fatty acids. Green and yellow vegetables can be eaten to provide antioxidants that work with vitamin C to produce an anti-inflammatory response in the joints. These green and yellow plants are a great source of beta carotene. At least two servings of these types of vegetables should be eaten every day. Grapefruits are an excellent source of antioxidants. Zinc can be found in peas, legumes, milk, and whole grain products. It is recommended that arthritic patients control their weight as the extra pounds will increase the pressure applied to the joints. A diet filled with these foods will be healthy for you anyway, and will definitely help keep any extra weight off.

Try avoiding high levels of omega six fatty acids in your diet as these lead to worsened arthritis symptoms. Some foods that contain these and should be avoided are vegetable oils, any fried food, salad dressings, black or green olives, and canola oil.

Exercise can be a great way to loosen up stiff joints. Water work outs are particularly beneficial for those with arthritis. Exercising in the water provides for muscle strength and complete joint freedom without undue stress. It will increase heart rate considerably and increase range of mobility. Walking is another great form of exercise as it is also very gentle on joints and will also increase heart rate. An hour in the water is almost equivalent to walking for hours on dry land. In a study done on 106 people, everyone that spent an hour in the water for at least two days a week found their arthritis symptoms decreased over the course of a year. The body responds the same way to walking and other gentle exercises. Yoga is another excellent activity. This is splendid for increasing range of motion and flexibility. It improves circulation throughout all the joints and can even improve the way the body uses pain medication.

Message therapy is a very enjoyable experience for most people. Those with arthritis have an excellent excuse for going to get a full body massage because it also increases blood flow and decreases inflammation. The addition of aromatherapy lotion and a few select herbs can be an added perk to the message. Juniper has been found to abate swelling and sandalwood augments blood flow.

Arthritis Treatment: Knee Osteoarthritis And The Epidemic Of Knee Replacements - Part 1

The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA), affects more than 20 million Americans. One of the primary targets for this disease is the knee.

OA affects articular cartilage, the gristle that caps the ends of long bones. Articular cartilage is a "pudding" that is made up of a matrix of proteoglycans (arrangements of proteins and glycogen molecules.) In addition, there is a framework of tough collagen fibers. Within this proteoglycan/collagen structure are cells called chondrocytes.

The maintenance of normal cartilage integrity is highly dependent on the metabolic function of these chondrocytes.

Osteoarthritis is a wear and tear disease of articular cartilage. It arises as a result of the lack of ability of cartilage to keep up with excessive breakdown.

The first step that occurs in the process of OA is an alteration in the matrix. This causes loss of cartilage resiliency. In addition, proteins that promote inflammation (called inflammatory cytokines) are produced by the joint lining. These cytokines activate destructive enzymes, called proteases which degrade the matrix and cause the chondrocytes to malfunction.

So far, the treatment of osteoarthritis is mostly symptomatic. Various medicines, called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), analgesics (pain-killers), exercises, physical therapy, and injections are used to provide palliative relief. Ultimately, though, patients will go on to have knee replacement surgery.

While this operation has generally been reserved for elderly patients, joint replacement surgery is increasing at an alarming rate among Baby Boomers who want to maintain a certain level of activity.

According to a recent report (Associated Press, Lindsay Tanner), "nearly one in twenty Americans older than 50 has an artificial knee- that's four million people!"

The federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has issued a recent report showing that knee replacements tripled in people ages 45 to 64 between 1997 and 2009. While it's admirable and speaks to the increased activity level in a group of patients that formerly would be sitting in rocking chairs, in another sense, it raises other issues.

This is particularly disturbing because revision surgery (replacement of the replacement) will be needed in the future and this is a much more difficult and costly endeavor. Revision surgery takes longer, requires more expertise, is more complicated, and has a greater likelihood of complications.

Obviously, there is a public health problem if people with knee OA are going on to get an operation that will add tremendous costs to an already overburdened healthcare system. More in a future article.

Osteoarthritis of the Knee - The Joint That Suffers the Most Injury

Our knees and hips are our largest joints, supporting the body's weight and providing the mobility that most people take for granted. The three basic types of arthritis that may affect the knee joint are Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Post-traumatic Arthritis, with Osteoarthritis being the most common form of knee arthritis and knee pain. Although osteoarthritis is rare in young adults, results show that one in three people over the age of 62 has some amount of osteoarthritis on one or both knees.

Knees Suffer More Injury than Any Other Joint

It is possible to develop osteoarthritis in any joint but the knee is especially vulnerable as it is a weight-bearing joint, which is susceptible to daily wear and tear and sudden injury. In addition to genetic predisposition, poor bone alignment and minor or major injuries, high stress activities over time often lead to osteoarthritis. In some cases, normal age-related changes, such as reduced muscle mass and bone density, may make you more prone to knee injury as you age.

Knee Pain and Excess Weight

Studies consistently show a link between excess weight and knee pain, with many knee problems being avoidable by maintaining a healthy weight. Carrying only 10 pounds excess weight increases the pressure on the knees by 30-60 pounds, and it was found that about 56% of severely obese people suffered from significant knee pain in comparison to 15% of people who were not overweight. In addition, it was indicated that obese women stand nearly 4 times the chance of developing knee osteoarthritis in comparison to non-obese women, and obese men standing nearly 5 times the chance.

Symptoms of Knee Arthritis

Although some people suffer from tenderness and swelling in the morning, many people find that knee pain increases during the day, sometimes arising in the afternoon and getting steadily worse. Some of the common signs of osteoarthritis of the knee are:
• Pain with activities
• Intermittent or steady pain
• Limited range of motion
• Swelling or tenderness
• Stiffness when getting up from sitting or lying down
• Grinding or crunching sounds
• Pain with passive motion

Medical Treatment for Osteoarthritis of the Knee

There is no medical cure for osteoarthritis and although it is possible to regrow cartilage in a laboratory, getting implanted cartilage to grow in an osteoarthritic knee has not yet been successful, as the implanted cartilage eventually dies. In most cases over-the-counter pain relievers are used but many of them have a variety of side effects such as stomach pain, digestive problems, headaches and dizziness. In addition, NSAIDs actually sabotage the body's own efforts to heal itself by preventing the formation of new cartilage and accelerating the degeneration of the joints. Some surgical procedures are used for knee osteoarthritis, including arthroscopic surgery and knee replacement surgery.

Alternative Treatments for Osteoarthritis of the Knee

• Exercising is a crucial part of treatment, helping to improve balance and sometimes relieving pain. Specific exercises can be designed to help spread the forces of everyday activity to other joints thus helping to protect the knee. Regular exercise also strengthens the muscles and other structures around the knee, with range-of-motion exercises helping to maintain joint function and relieve stiffness.
• Using a cane in the hand on the side opposite to the affected knee will help to decrease demand on the arthritic joint.
• Wearing soft-soled shoes or special shock-absorbing shoes, and replacing them frequently, will help to reduce the impact on your knees.
• Weight loss is one of the most important treatments, alleviating pressure placed on the joint.
• Following an anti-osteoarthritis diet can help to control the destruction of joints and reduce inflammation

Some Types of Arthritis Hurt More Than Others

Arthritis is a very painful condition, but some types of arthritis will hurt more than others. Most types of arthritis are related to a specific source of pain. Some come from swelling of the joints in the knees and hands. These are, in fact, the most common areas affected by arthritis. Other arthritis pain can be caused by tiredness, or inflammation of the membranes surrounding the joints, tendons, and ligaments. The people who suffer the worst are those that have multiple forms of arthritis. Two of the most common forms of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, and it affects millions of Americans as well as others around the world. Osteoarthritis is very painful and can be debilitating for all of these people. Rheumatoid arthritis is slightly less common, but is even more painful than osteoarthritis. If you have both of these forms of arthritis, you are most likely living in constant pain. The pain from these two forms of arthritis can be very intense and difficult to alleviate. Doctors who treat patients suffering from arthritis pain will try to determine which particular types of arthritis the patient has. This allows them to better prescribe treatment or medications to deal with the pain.

It is obvious that because there are different types of arthritis, there must also be different remedies. Doctors will work with patients to try and diagnose the specific form of arthritis they have because different painkillers or treatment regimens will target different areas or different forms of arthritis. There are many treatment options available, and some will work better on inflammation, for example, while some will better treat fatigue related symptoms.

Doctors must also consider the pain level of the arthritis patient. Those who have slight pain from aching joints may be able to get by with an over-the-counter painkiller like Tylenol or Excedrin. They may not even need to be on medication all the time, but can take it only when the pain becomes less bearable.

When the arthritis is more severe, and the pain is more intense, the doctor may prescribe cortisone injections directly into the affected joints. This can be a great way to alleviate pain in those joints. Other remedies may include prescription of a strong narcotic drug to help the person deal with the pain.

Pain management clinics are springing up for people who have had trouble finding the right remedy for their arthritis pain. The staff in these clinics specialize in managing pain. Notice that I said "managing" pain, not alleviating it. The pain clinic personnel will explain to their patients that there is no permanent cure for arthritis, and that they need to manage the pain. Pain clinics are able to test and examine their patients to find the perfect relief for their arthritis pain. They do not generally drug the patients so severely that they cannot function.

Arthritis can be a painful and debilitating condition, but the methods of dealing with the pain, and the remedies to alleviate it are constantly improving. If you suffer with arthritis pain, you'll be pleased with the advances of modern science in this area.

Overcoming Joint Pains and Aches

The most important thing you should know about joint pains is that you do not have to live with the discomforts. Matter of fact, there are multiple different ways to overcome the aches, stiffness, and inflammation. With there being over 20 million adults suffering from joint pains, it is pertinent that we are all prepared for the battle against arthritis. Nearly everyone will experience some sort of musculoskeletal pain by the age of 70. This is greatly due to the fact that age is the main cause of joint pains. If you want to safely "overcome" joint pains and aches, it is best to start taking supplements. You can take them as a preventative step or you can take them to help treat the symptoms you are already experiencing.

At least when it comes to joint pains you aren't totally trapped. You do not have to go through surgery or anything extreme to overcome the situation. Although diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are a chronic pain that does not mean that you have to feel the weight of them every day. Rheumatoid arthritis effects both sides of the body equally. It is a long term disease where the body attacks its healthy tissue...in this case, healthy tissue surrounding your bones. If that tissue is worn down or eaten away then your joints cannot work properly, may be painful, inflamed, or stiff. There are more than 100 different kinds of arthritis, and millions of people that suffer from the condition.

So how do you overcome your pains and aches?

Natural supplements: taking daily supplements can improve your joint health quickly and provide long term relief. You can take them whether you are experiencing severe side effects of arthritis or other degenerative diseases. As you get older it is smart to start adding supplements to your diet so that you can keep the healthy cartilage you have and protect your bones from bone spurs. They can slow down the break down process of cartilage and help reinforce proteoglycans. Proteoglycans need to be strong if they want to provide the cushion and shock absorption needed for free moving and pain free joints.

Exercise: adding exercise to your week can help improve the strength and flexibility of your joints. It also helps improve muscle mass.

Diet: there are many foods that can help improve your joint health. Salmon, nuts, strawberries, and ginger are a few foods that can help.

Dog Arthritis - The Three Warning Signs

How do you know if Your Dog Has Arthritis?

Strictly speaking, dogs don't have 'symptoms'. A symptom is subjective - it is only appreciated by the patient and in people, symptoms are what the person experiences about the illness, disease or injury.

Symptoms include pain or discomfort, fever, chills, cold, heat, vertigo, nausea, and more. They are usually the reason for the patient seeking medical advice or attention. So, although it is reasonable to assume our dogs will experience these things as well, they do not communicate them. What we see in dogs with arthritis are signs such as stiffness, less energy on walks, lameness, spending more time in their basket and so on.

Veterinary clinicians tend to talk about clinical signs - the things we pick up on a clinical examination such as lameness, joint swelling, heat, and fluid around or in a joint. We all know what we mean by symptoms and so I am going to use the terms 'signs and symptoms' in this article.

The Three Warning Signs in Dog Arthritis

1. Lameness and stiffness
These signs are variable and clinical arthritis in dogs usually starts as a mild stiffness after rest. The stiffness getting up is usually more severe if your dog's rest period was preceded by vigorous activity. The first time you notice some subtle stiffness in your pet when they get up from the floor or out of their bed may be after a particularly vigorous or long walk the day before.

As the condition progresses, the periods of stiffness and lameness will become more severe or more prolonged. So instead of being a little bit stiff for a few seconds when they get out of their basket or bed, your dog may be walking stiffly for a few minutes. In time the signs can progress to a more or less permanent lameness that is most intense after rest.

Arthritis in the dog usually starts in a joint subsequent to another problem in that joint such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia or ligament damage. Therefore in a large proportion of patients there will have been a previous lameness that could have subsided months or years ago.

Does arthritis in dogs always cause joint pain?
Osteoarthritis may or may not progress to a point where we become aware of it. If it does start to cause a problem for the patient, this is when it progresses to a point where the signs or symptoms of osteoarthritis are detected. It is at this point that veterinary help is usually sought and further tests are performed to diagnose the problem and assess how severe it is.

We are likely to take steps at this stage to reduce signs and symptoms and take some preventative action, perhaps involving lifestyle modifications. The aim of these interventions is to make your dog more comfortable and to gain the best possible quality of life for your pet.

2. Joint Swelling
In dogs with arthritis, over time the supporting soft tissues around the joint will become thicker. This increase in what is essentially scar tissue will make the joint stiffer, with a reduced range of motion. If the joint is visible then you may notice that it is bigger than the joint on the other side of the body. In many cases, osteoarthritis can affect both knees or both elbows in dogs, and so a discrepancy between the two sides may not be present.

3. Crepitus or grating in the joint
Crepitus is a noise or a vibration produced by rubbing irregular surfaces of bone or cartilage together. It is similar to the sensation you will get by rubbing your hair between your fingers. As osteoarthritis progresses, crepitus becomes a fairly consistent feature. However, it is important to realise that this is not a specific sign for osteoarthritis and mild crepitus may have no clinical significance. It is also not possible to judge how painful your dog's arthritis is by the degree of crepitus in the joint, although joints with severe, audible crepitus will usually be causing discomfort for your pet.

In summary, dog arthritis will typically cause a gradual onset stiffness and lameness. This is often most severe immediately after rest. If the affected joint can be seen, it may appear thickened. The joint may feel stiff with a reduced range of motion and crepitus may be heard or felt in the affected joint.

Although these signs are typical of arthritis in dogs, they are not specific and can be present in other conditions that may require very different treatment. Diagnosis requires a thorough examination by a veterinary professional and a skilled clinical investigation.

Is Meat Bad for Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Meat and Rheumatoid Arthritis

I am a previous sufferer of Rheumatoid Arthritis so I know how horrible the disease can be and how difficult life becomes during those terrible years. I explain in my natural cure for rheumatoid arthritis book how to go about eliminating the underlying cause of the disease by taking out of your diet the foods that are most offensive to the digestive system and overall inflammation in the body. One of the worst offenders is meat.

Most people love meat and consider it the main part of every meal. They also believe it is essential to the diet to be healthy and strong, providing beneficial protein, iron, energy and nutrients. The truth is, meat is not essential to human wellbeing whatsoever and any positive benefits it offers can be easily obtained from plant sources, without all the negative side effects that meat holds.

There are many downsides to meat from the point of view of an RA sufferer:

• Meat, including fish, is very high in fat as a percentage of calories.

• Animal meat contains no dietary fiber. Our healthy bacteria need to eat plant fiber, whilst unwanted pathogens thrive on animal waste. In addition, fiber is key for steady, regular stools that are easy to pass. I've found that it makes no sense to have a substantial part of my meal that contains no dietary fiber when I've found fiber such a key component to getting well.

• Carbohydrates are easier to digest than meat, thus relieving workload off a stomach that is currently under stress.

• Proteins are acid-forming since they are composed entirely of amino acids. (More on amino acids below). The most acidifying for the body are the sulfur-containing amino acids which break down to sulfuric acid. These sulfur-containing amino acids are most abundant in animal products like meat, chicken, fish and eggs. In fact, meat contains 4 times the amount of the highly acidifying sulfur-containing amino acids than any vegetable-based protein. You might remember from chemistry in school that to neutralize an acid you need a base. The body neutralizes the acids from these animal products using the most effective base that it has - calcium. The calcium gets withdrawn from the bones and is used to offset these acids. Through this process the bones are weakened, resulting in osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.

There are also several valid arguments put forward by others, which are non-specific to RA, but worth knowing also for your overall health and wellbeing:

• Animal proteins (including all animal products like milk, cheese and all dairy products) are linked to other chronic diseases, including the top 3 killers of Heart Disease, Cancer and Diabetes. (By the way, the fourth biggest killer in the US behind these is prescription medicine, and that is taking the medicine as prescribed!) By eliminating all animal-based foods from his diet for 4 days my Dad was able to reduce his blood pressure from 160/110 to 127/78. This kind of express improvement is unheard of in Western medicine, yet entirely predictable and repeatable when you understand the effects of foods on the body. Why eat something that contributes to other diseases when you're already dealing with a damn tough condition already? • Animal proteins develop fat cells on the body, by creating store houses for the over acidity that the body is trying to cope with. The fat you eat is fat you keep.

• Animal foods are high in cholesterol. Nobody wants that in their bloodstream. There is zero cholesterol in plant-based foods.

• Animal products contain uric acid, the excess of which is behind arthritic conditions like gout. There is an incredible testimonial in my book Natural Cure for Rheumatoid Arthritis book about a man with gout who followed the program and eliminated all pain in 1 week.

• Not eating animal foods is the single biggest thing that can be done to help the environment (a whole book called 'Diet for the New America' is all about this. It's got to do with the amount of land and resources required to produce animal food vs. the tiny fraction required to produce the equivalent calories via plant-based foods). If everyone only ate plant-based foods our world would be an extraordinarily different place.

• A plant-based diet is non-violent, upholding the Commandment of 'thou shall not kill'.

• Meat tastes bad. Seriously! Try eating it without ketchup, without mustard, without salt or any seasoning whatsoever. Just a plain bit of animal muscle without seasoning. Good luck.

It's worth noting that I have no pre-existing prejudice towards eating meat. I grew up on a farm where steak was on my plate at least once a day. In fact, I was very reluctant to stop eating meat and I only did so once I reviewed the truth about meat and observed the benefits that a meat-free diet had on my body.

Everyone is concerned about getting another source of protein. Westerners seem to have a love affair with protein that borders on obsession. The truth is, protein is just a combination of building blocks called 'Amino Acids' which combine together in various permutations to create various forms of proteins. Think of this in exactly the same way that all words in the English language are put together from various combinations of letters of the alphabet. There are 20 different amino acids that are the building blocks for protein. Plants (and some bacteria) can manufacture all of these amino acids and therefore make 'complete' proteins. However, humans can only manufacture 12 of the amino acids without food, so we require the other 8 in our diet. These 8 amino acids are called 'essential' amino acids, referring to 'essential to our diet'. Plants contain these 8 essential amino acids in abundance.

Obviously, feel free to keep eating meat if you want, I'm not your Mother. I can't tell you what to do, but the evidence is strong towards omitting it and I'd be omitting it soon. Does now sound like a good time? I don't expect you will cure yourself of Rheumatoid Arthritis if you keep meat in your diet. Nor, for that matter, dairy products...but that's another story (or Ezine Article!).

Hip Arthritis In India - Resurfacing And Proxima Hip Replacements as Treatment Options For Young

Hip arthritis in India affects young and middle aged persons unlike the west where Primary hip osteoarthritis predominantly affects the elderly. Surgery in this group of relatively younger patients requires newer techniques and implants. This article will shed light on the disease and the current modalities of treatment available.

Types of Hip arthritis

Hip arthritis is classified as Primary and secondary Osteoarthritis. Primary osteoarthritis is age related wear and tear arthritis. It is rare in India. Secondary osteoarthritis occurs at a younger age and is more common. Rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis, traumatic arthritis and other connective tissue disorders like SLE, Psoriasis etc. all lead to secondary osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto immune disorder, affects all joints particularly the small joints but also does not spare the hip and knees.

Avascular necrosis is a condition that reduces the blood supply to the end of the bone. It affects patients with excess alcohol intake, consuming steroids, connective tissue disorders like SLE. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a connective tissue disorder affecting mainly young women A photo sensitive rash on the cheeks, renal involvement and arthritis are some notable features. Avascular necrosis affects a proportion of the patients with SLE.

Gaucher's disease is a genetic storage disorder. Post traumatic arthritis occurs after a severe injury to the hip. Fractures of the ball (top of the femur) or socket (acetabulum) can lead to arthritis after inadequate treatment.

Hip arthritis is very disabling as it is a small ball and socket joint unlike the Knee joint which is a large one. In advanced disease a total hip replacement was recommended by Orthopaedic surgeons until recently. Advances in orthopaedic surgery now cater to the specific requirements of these younger patients.

Surgical solutions

These are the mainstay of treatment as conservative measures fail to relieve pain. Total Hip replacement (THR) is a time tested operation and has a success rate of 93 % survivorship at 10 years.

The hip joint may need to be replaced with an artificial joint when it is irreversibly damaged and cannot be salvaged by alternate surgery. The patient complains of pain and restriction of movement. The pain may often be referred to the knee or felt in the knee and no hip symptoms. Occasionally the pain may be felt more in the buttock area rather than in front of the groin.

Who needs a hip replacement?

In India, many young patients with ankylosing spondylitis, avascular necrosis, post septic arthritis, post injury suffer from hip arthritis and are advised a hip replacement for disabling pain. Thus many hip replacement operations are performed in younger patients. The surgery should cater to the enhanced demands on an artificial joint by younger and more active patients. Naturally an operation designed for Western elderly patients is not suitable for younger patients.

What is a total hip replacement?

In this operation the ball shaped upper end of the thigh bone (femur) and the socket (acetabulum) are replaced. The ball is replaced with a long metal stem that is fixed into the upper end if the thigh bone. Its upper spherical end articulates with a cup shaped polyethylene socket that is cemented into the pelvis.

Conventional hip replacements sacrifice a great deal of normal bone as the head, neck, and upper part of the thigh bone is removed for implantation of the prosthesis. Moreover wear debris from the poly-etheylene liner lead to osteolysis and bone loss. When this first hip is to be changed or revised after its lifespan more bone loss occurs. Conventional hips have a small ball to reduce friction and wear, but the ill effect of this is an increased risk of dislocation. An average dislocation rate of 3- 4 % has been reported. These implants do not last very longer than 20 years and revision rates of 50% at 20 years have been reported. Survival rates are less satisfactory for the relatively younger active patients. Thus a total hip replacement is not an ideal implant for younger patients less than fifty years old who need a new hip.

Problems with conventional total hip replacement:

o Excessive bone sacrifice and loss

o Increased risk of dislocation

o Patients cannot squat or sit cross legged on the floor with out the risk of dislocation

o Range of movement is less

o Patients cannot involve in sports

o Poor survival in young and active patients they require earlier revision

o Revision surgery is difficult

o The hip feels less like a normal hip

o The cup wears with time and plastic from it harms bone

o Change in length of the leg after surgery leading to leg length discrepancy

Why remove normal bone when only the surface of the ball is bad?

This is the logic behind hip resurfacings. This bone preserving hip resurfacing involves replacing only the diseased bony surfaces of the head of femur and acetabulum. This involves sculpting the head of the femur and covering it with a metal cap and fixing an uncemented socket into the acetabulum to receive the head.

Hip Resurfacing- A bone preserving hip replacement!

Preservation of bone and less stress shielding makes it easy to revise this hip if needed. The large head size provides a very stable joint and recreates the sensation of a normal hip joint. Patients have gone back to playing Judo and Squash after this operation. Advances metallurgy makes the metal on metal articulation likely to survive longer in the young and active patient. With less metal inside the bone and less invasion of the medullary cavity of the femur, the risk of infection is reduced. Rehabilitation is faster and better.

Advantages of hip resurfacing:

o Allows the patient to squat and sit cross legged on the floor safely

o Allows a normal range of movement

o Sacrifices only the surface diseased bone and preserves normal bone

o Imparts a more normal sensation

o The joint is likely to last longer even in younger and active patients

o Earlier and faster rehabilitation

o Less risk of dislocation

o Easier to revise if needed

o No leg length discrepancy

Proxima hip replacement - A perfect bone preserving hip replacement?

This is the latest addition to the armamentarium of the hip surgeon in India. It is a bone preserving hip replacement. In this operation, the entire diseased head of the femur is removed. The lining of the hip socket is resurfaced with a metal cup. A tiny uncemented hip with a short stem called the Proxima hip is impacted into the upper end of the femur or thigh bone.

The size of the implant matches the natural one and hence the risk of dislocation is almost eliminated. It is recommended when the bony destruction is advanced and hence unsuitable for resurfacing and a total hip replacement would be overkill.

The advantages of the Proxima are:

o suited for minimally invasive surgery

o No thigh pain

o Metal on metal - confers longevity

o Conformity to normal size eliminates risk of dislocation

o Ability to correct biomechanical abnormalities makes this superior to resurfacing

o Imparts a more normal sensation

o Allows a normal range of movement and normal activities

What is Psoriasis and What to Do About This Disease

Psoriasis is a non-contagious chronic skin condition characterized by thick discolored patches of skin. It most typically affects adults, but younger children and teenagers can have it, as well. Because of its unsightly nature, people with psoriasis often feel very ashamed and embarrassed about having it and go through great lengths to cover it up in public. Understanding how to treat psoriasis is crucial in learning how to properly manage its symptoms. Having a general understanding of what it is and what causes it helps in understanding the treatment methods available.

Pronounced "suh-ry-uh-sus", psoriasis is caused by an overreaction of the immune system, which then causes skin inflammation and skin flaking. Normally, in skin where psoriasis is not present, new skin cells grow and are shed within about 4 weeks. Skin cells affected by psoriasis, however, grow at a much faster rate and do not shed like healthy skin cells should. The result is a build up of excess skin, which is referred to as psoriasis plaques.

Many fear that psoriasis is contagious, but it is not and there is no chance at all of it being spread by coming in contact with a person who has it. Psoriasis may be hereditary, as it does seem to run in some families. However, researchers are not yet sure of exactly how it is passed through family members.

Once a person has psoriasis, there are certain conditions that trigger its flare-ups. These conditions include, but are not limited to:

· Stress
· Certain types of mental illness (and certain medications used in treatment)
· Cigarette smoking (particularly in women)
· Certain medications (especially high blood pressure medications or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
· Cold and/or very dry weather

Psoriasis symptoms can seem to come and go, even without treatment. Also, some people only have a very mild case while others experience far more severe symptoms. When symptoms do arise, the following are the most recognizable:

· Thick skin rash (generally located on the hands, feet, knees, elbows, scalp or lower back areas)
· Rash may be red, white or a silver looking color
· Itchiness
· Tender skin

In more severe cases of psoriasis, people can experience arthritic symptoms known as psoriatic arthritis. People with this type of psoriasis commonly complain of swollen, painful joints. Severe psoriasis even sometimes causes a loss of finger and toe nails as a result of dead skin building beneath both surfaces and pushing the nail out of the nail bed.

Psoriasis treatments largely consist of managing and controlling flare-ups by reducing the probability of them through lifestyle changes. Therefore, it is important that a person with psoriasis take the following daily precautions:

· Avoid stress as much as possible
· Maintain a healthy diet and a healthy weight
· Keep the immune system strong and avoid infections, such as strep throat, which can trigger a psoriasis outbreak
· Avoid excessive exposure to the sun (and especially avoid sunburns)
· Avoid all skin injuries (including even minor injuries to the skin surrounding the fingernails and toenails)
· Avoid medications that trigger or increase psoriasis symptoms
· Avoid cigarette smoking
· Avoid alcohol consumption

Proper skin care is always in order for those with psoriasis. This includes keeping the skin as moist as possible throughout the day. A person with psoriasis should make an effort to discover which bath and skincare products work best in this effort and use those products regularly. For some, products containing Aloe Vera gel may be particularly soothing to the skin.

If psoriasis appears in the scalp, there are over the counter shampoos that can help with this condition. Psoriasis shampoos are normally found alongside dandruff shampoos and are known to be very effective. Regular shampoos may contain alcohol and other ingredients, which deplete the skin's moisture and should, therefore, be avoided by those who suffer from psoriasis.

Although over exposure to sunlight can cause sunburn or otherwise trigger symptoms of psoriasis, short daily exposure to the sun or other ultraviolet lighting is recommended in controlling psoriasis. Regular sunlight exposure for approximately 15 - 20 minutes at a time may help. If this amount of time begins to irritate or dry skin too much, consider reducing it to a level that feels more comfortable.

Skin patches that appear during a psoriasis flare-up are often itchy and uncomfortable. It is never recommended that these be scratched, however, as this could cause further injure the skin, cause a worsening of symptoms or infection. Instead, a person can try to moisturize and soften the patches before attempting to pull them from the skin. However, never forcefully tear patches away, as this could further damage skin and cause conditions to worsen.

Psoriasis is considered a chronic condition and, though it can go into remission for long periods of time, it is generally one that people must live with forever. However, with adequate skin care and by avoiding conditions that trigger flare-ups, a person with psoriasis can manage the condition well and help minimize its occurrences. When psoriasis symptoms do surface, following the simple steps outlined above are beneficial and should be regularly practiced for best results. In severe cases, including those that are accompanied by psoriatic arthritis, medical treatment can provide relief.

Those with more severe cases of psoriasis are often noted to experience bouts of depression and feelings of low self-esteem. Research has even shown that people with severe symptoms often report problems engaging in daily activities in the same ways that are recognized among cancer patients or those with heart disease. Because stress largely contributes to psoriasis, these conditions can lead to seemingly never-ending cycles of psoriasis flare-ups. If you or someone you know is emotionally affected by psoriasis, it is important to note that support groups for people living with psoriasis or emotional counseling with a qualified therapist may help. Even in the most severe cases of psoriasis, there are empowering steps, such as those previously described, which a person can and must make in order to improve their overall quality of life and largely reduce the impact that psoriasis can have on daily living.

How To Deal With Elevated Cholesterol - A Side Effect of New Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments

Twenty years ago, rheumatoid arthritis was a condition that was generally progressive leading to increased disability and even early death.

With the advent of newer biologic therapies approximately seventeen years ago, most patients with rheumatoid arthritis will eventually achieve remission.

However, with that success comes a price. Because of the unique mechanism of action of biologic therapies- targeting specific points in the immune system- one of the logical problems has been side effects related to immune dysfunction.

Among these are an increased susceptibility to infection, increased chance of reactivation of tuberculosis, neurologic syndromes, increased insulin sensitivity in diabetics, elevation of blood lipids, and others.

One of the newer class of compounds that will be arriving on the biologic scene are the protein kinase inhibitor drugs. An example is the JAK - 3 group. These drugs block the signaling that occurs between the surface of immune cells and the nucleus of those cells. The end result is a "crippling" of the ability of the immune cell to over react.

What has been encouraging about these drugs are the following:

• They are oral
• They have an entirely different mode of action compared with the other biologics
• They also appear to work in patients that have failed tumor necrosis factor inhibitors

Probably, the JAK-3 drug that appears to be furthest along towards the FDA approval process is Pfizer's tofacitinib.

There are drawbacks, as expected. Tofacitinib has been associated with changes in liver and kidney function, elevated blood pressure, reduction in white blood cell counts, and elevation of blood lipids. The latter is not surprising since inflammation and lipid metabolism are intimately associated with each other.

The issue has been... "What do you do about it?"

The answer comes from a study done at the University of Glasgow. Professor Iain McInnes, professor of experimental medicine and rheumatology presented a study in which 111 patients with rheumatoid arthritis enrolled in a tofacitinib study were followed. During the open label part of the trial, patients taking tofacitinib received a cholesterol lowering statin drug. The group who received the stain drug had a 35 per cent lowering of blood lipids versus a 5.8 per cent increase in the placebo group.

The findings of the study were underscored by Dr. McInnes assertion that the elevation of lipids seen with tofacitinib could be reversed by adding the statin.

This is similar to the situation where it is sometimes necessary to add a statin to patients taking another rheumatoid arthritis drug, tocilizumab (Actemra), which also elevates lipids.

Seniors Arthritis - How to Stop Arthritis Pain Without Taking Those Dangerous NSAID Drugs

As seniors, we can fall victim to painful and destructive arthritis. It is usually osteoarthritis, a wear and tear type of condition that simply means the protective shock absorber (cartilage) between the bones is wearing away. Cartilage protects from bone to bone contact in the joint. About 75% of all seniors suffer from it to one degree or another.

Osteoarthritis is usually found in the weight bearing joints, such as the knees and hips, but other joints can also be affected. It's a painful condition, and if left untreated, it only gets worse. If it gets to the point where there is no cartilage left, then it comes down to painful joint replacement surgery, or a life of limited mobility.

Many seniors will just allow the condition to deteriorate, until they are forced to see a doctor. Often, if a doctor has diagnosed osteoarthritis, he or she will prescribe an anti-inflammatory drug known as NSAID. While that type of drug can reduce the pain, it's not really treating the condition, only the symptoms. So, while your pain may decrease, you still keep losing cartilage. Doesn't sound like the best solution, does it?

You also have the very real and potentially deadly side effects of NSAID drugs to deal with. You have undoubtedly seen ads for these drugs on TV. The next time you see one, pay particular attention to the side effects listed. There are many and include potentially fatal heart attack or stroke and internal bleeding. This is pretty serious stuff, but fortunately you do have other options.

First of course, you want to stop the pain. You can do that with good, natural osteoarthritis remedies. The right one can also start to regenerate the joint cartilage you have lost. So, no more losing that crucial cartilage and no worrying about those horrible NSAID side effects.

Also, if you have some extra pounds that you're carrying, now is a good time to lose them. Each extra pound of weight, puts an additional three or more pounds of stress on your weight bearing joints. So, you can see, that just losing a few pounds can have a positive impact.

You may want to review your diet too. A few minor changes, if necessary, can help with weight control, as well as helping to improve your general health. After you have your pain under control, why not try some moderate exercise? Walking is a good one to start with and being a low impact exercise, it's great for arthritic conditions and can give you an extra energy boost.

Arthritis In Dogs - Medications And Food Additives That Can Ease The Pain

Arthritis isn't only associated with age. A dog that has sustained an injury at one point in time might develop arthritis in that particular part of his body well before he's considered to be an elderly dog. Improper nutrition has also been known to cause arthritis, due to bones that are misshapen from not having enough nutrients to form properly. The majority of the cases of arthritis in dogs are due to joints that have worn out over time, yet the information listed below could easily aid a dog who is suffering from any type of arthritis.

Anti-inflammatory Meds:Human anti-inflammatory medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen aren't the best suited kinds to give a dog. Both of these are known to cause stomach problems in both humans and animals. Three types of anti-inflammatory meds that are suitable for dogs are meloxicam, etodolac, and carprofen. Each of these can be purchased through your vet once he takes a look at your dog and determines that these would ease your pets pain.

Cortisone Shots:Dogs can build up a tolerance to anti-inflammatory medications just as humans can. When it seems that your pets arthritis is getting the best of him and the medications are no longer easing his pain, then your vet might suggest administering cortisone shots as well. Cortisone-type drugs are in the steroid family with the most common two used for dogs being prednisolone and prednisone. The shots tend to greatly ease arthritic pain by reducing inflammation, but they do have some side effects as well. The list of side effects includes; fluid retention, an increase in thirst and appetite, and liver enlargement.

Fatty Acids:Inflammation triggers the progression of arthritis, so being able to reduce it will greatly benefit your pup.

Special Special blends of dog food have been manufacture to include an abundance of omega-3 fatty acids. These usually include an addition of omega-3 fatty acids or the main component is a type of cold water fish. Instead of changing your dog's diet in this manner, another alternative is to apply this beneficial fatty acid directly to your pets current food. Capsules of omega-3 can be purchased at health food stores, super markets, and a number of other stores. They are relatively easy to come by. All you have to do is cut the ends off of a couple of capsules and pour the contents over your dog's food.

Besides administering daily medication and applying supplements to his food, make sure your dog doesn't have to struggle to maneuver around the house. Place his bed in a location that is easy to get to and that he's able to climb in and out of without difficulty. Eliminate the use of stairs if possible as well.

Check your dog for arthritis as soon as you notice signs of him having difficulty getting around. Struggling to stand up, going up stairs slowly, stumbling, or yelping when performing any of these movements should be an obvious reason to see your vet immediately.

Even of your dog isn't very old; arthritis can still be an issue. Arthritis in dogs generally doesn't occur overnight. Monitoring your dog's movements can help you be able to get an early diagnosis and have your dog on the road to leading a pain-free life for as long as possible.

Prevent Arthritis - Steps to Follow to Stay Away From Arthritis

Arthritis is an affliction that makes many people face terrible situations. A proper and early diagnosis can cure arthritis. Disabilities and joint deformation can be prevented if you detect it at an early stage. Problems related to arthritis like inflammation of joints and muscles will limit your daily activities like cooking, cleaning and washing. Even detecting the type of this disease is complicated, as there are more than hundred symptoms that confirm arthritis. Few things can help you fight issues related to the disease and even avoid it completely.

Losing weight and maintaining a healthy life style will definitely make an impact. Smokers should give up smoking, shunning stress is also very important. You should also consult rheumatologist or an orthopedic, if you detect any arthritis symptoms. There are common myths and misconceptions related to arthritis, try refraining from these misconceptions. Some people believe that it is caused due to old age, inadequate diet and climatic conditions and stay away from cure. There are easy steps to ensure proper cure and evading the disease. Saunas work very well in reliving the stress on joints. The second step is moderate exercising to give strength to the joints, but ensure that you do these exercises under the guidance of an expert. Water or aquatic exercises also help in reliving pain and strengthening muscles and joints, as water offers more resistance than air. The next step is to maintain a healthy diet by eating fresh and raw vegetables and whole grains. Coffee, sugar, tea and alcohol should be avoided and must be replaced by healthy drinks like juices or herbal tea.

Enhance the consumption of omega 3 fatty acids, whereas, 6 fatty acid consumption should be lowered. Consume 5 grams of fish oil daily, and stay away from red meat. Eating fresh sea food can assist considerably in skirting the disease. The fourth important aspect is to take correct medication. Ask your doctor to prescribe the best one which fits in your case, as it is very important to stay away from unnecessary drugs and medicines. Avoid food that triggers arthritis like eggs, milk and excess sugar. Resisting temptations and eating food which helps in recovering the situation will definitely show positive results. Resorting to natural and herbal medication will be a sensible decision. These cures are not only effective, but are also devoid of side effects.

The most important thing that you should understand is that arthritis is a common disease and there is no need to panic. Stressing and putting yourself in a miserable situation will only trigger this disease and will cause complications. Enjoy exercising and concentrate more on cure, rather than inviting trouble by thinking about the disease. Any temporary solution to arthritis should be avoided as it hampers the process of gradual cure. Pain killers will only give you temporary relief and will cause complications further. Doing a good research on arthritis will make you aware of different types of arthritis. Once you know the type of arthritis you have, it will benefit you to take steps related to cure and will avoid confusion to a great extent.

Causes of High White Blood Cell Count

There are several possible causes for a high white blood cell count. This count is high when there are more disease-fighting cells in your body. The technical term for this condition is leukocytosis.

Different medical practices may have different limits by which they define high white blood cell count. A count of 10,500 leukocytes in one microliter of blood is widely accepted as a high count. The threshold may vary between sex and age.

White blood cells are categorized by five subtypes, and each type has a different activity in fighting disease. When you get the results of your white blood cell count, they will usually specify what the levels are of all the different types. Usually, a high count is only caused by an increase in one type of white blood cells.

A high white blood cell count is indicative of an immune system problem that increases their production; a disease in your bone marrow that causes high blood cell production; a reaction to some drug that is used to enhance cell production; or the increase expected when your body is fighting off an infection.

There are some more specific reasons why your white blood cell count may be high:

Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is a cancer that lives in the bone marrow and blood. This disease is a rapidly progressive one. Children are more affected by this than any other type of cancer, although adults can develop the disease as well.

Drugs like epinephrine and corticosteroids can affect your white cell count.

Measles is an infection that affects mainly the respiratory tract. It is very contagious. The signs include skin rash, fever, sore throat, inflamed eyes, runny nose and cough. The measles vaccine is an excellent way to protect children against this disease, but outside of the civilized countries, many children are not vaccinated. This disease will spread rapidly among people who have not had the vaccination.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a serious type of arthritis from which you will experience joint damage and pain. It attacks your joints' lining and this causes swelling. In turn, that leads to throbbing, aching pain and possibly eventual deformity. Rheumatoid arthritis, also called RA, can make even the easiest of normal activities hard to accomplish.

Some of the other causes of high white blood cell count include:

Stress, be it emotional or physical
Smoking
Tuberculosis
Tissue damage, like one receives with burns
Acute or chronic myelogenous leukemia
Chronic or acute lymphocytic leukemia
Whooping cough
Severe allergic reactions
Myelofibrosis
Polycythemia vera
Other viral infections
Other bacterial infections

Arthritis Concepts and the Role of Chiropractic Care

In this article, I will be discussing biomechanical conditions that accelerate arthritis. There are many types of arthritis but for the purpose of this article, I am referring to "osteoarthritis" (also known as degenerative arthritis) which is the most common type of arthritis, affecting the majority of people in their mid-age to later years. I will also be discussing the mechanical basis for chiropractic care and how chiropractic care can not only help people regain mobility but can also slow down these degenerative changes from taking place. The implications are astounding! It can mean a greater quality of life, reaching a greater potential, greater independence and fulfillment into one's later years.

Before we get to that, let's talk a bit about aging because there is a misconception I'd like to clear up. The misconception is that arthritis is caused by aging. This is not entirely true. Indeed as people get older, there are more and more cases of arthritis, however, arthritis is not directly caused by aging. Unfortunately, this misconception leads some people to think that there is nothing that can be done to prevent or reverse it, which is simply NOT TRUE! It encourages passivity towards health in general, which is dangerous. There are many older people with little or no signs of arthritis.

We know that degeneration occurs whenever the rate of injury of the joint is greater than the rate of repair. Thus, factors creating injury and factors affecting healing rate both play a role in arthritis. Though there are many factors involved, there are two primary theories for the mechanical cause of degeneration. One is the "wear and tear" theory and the other is the "immobilization" theory. Research supports both of these contrasting theories thus suggesting that there exists a safe window of mechanical conditions in which the joints remain healthy. (1)

The "wear and tear" theory, like it sounds, refers to demanding environments causing localized trauma or repetitive "microtrauma" which progressively injures joints and discs causing degenerative arthritis. Also repetitive tasks, even with minimal load, if done in a poor posture can cause uneven wear and tear and even an injury to occur.

In the "immobilization" theory, reduced movement results in weakness and degeneration of the joints and discs. Joint cartilage (which plays a role in shock absorption and provides a smooth gliding surface for joints) has no blood supply of its own. However, cartilage is a living structure, composed of cells and needs nutrition in order to survive and heal. Thus nutrients are derived from another mechanism: diffusion. Movement is required for diffusion of nutrients into cartilage and removal of the metabolic waste products.

This brings to mind the "use it or lose it" concept. It's a well known fact that muscles will atrophy when they aren't used. Similarly, bones and joints become weaker if they are not mechanically challenged through exercise (they adapt to forces and loads placed on them). However, there is a balancing act and injuries do occur.

Videman's research also comes to mind as support of the immobilization theory. He studied the negative effects of immobilization on the rabbit knee by casting it for set amounts of time. The results were fibrosis of tissues surrounding the knee, atrophy in weight-bearing surfaces and x-ray evidence of degenerative change. Even at 10 days, there is cellular evidence of fixation. On the plus side, mobilization of previously immobilized rabbit knees can restore range of motion even when mild degenerative joint changes have taken place. With repeated immobilization, restoring range of motion becomes increasingly less effective. (2)

Other studies show that when joints are surgically fused in the spine, there are degenerative changes to the joints immediately above and below the fused area. This is called adjacent segment degeneration.(3) This suggests that the joints above and below the surgically restricted joint are compensating for lack of motion and are being overworked (thus, wear and tear), bearing the brunt of forces.

So what does all of this tell us? Why is this important to know? The key to all of this is that we need mechanical balance. When spinal joints are "restricted" or "stuck" due to the various traumas of daily living, they need to be mobilized (or "adjusted"). This will make the spine more balanced because the other joints won't need to compensate (and thus wear out faster). This affects other joints in the body as well. For example, an ankle injury in which ankle range of motion is compromised is going to change the whole way you walk and the forces that go through related joints like the knees and hips. The various joints in the body are functionally connected.

What happens when there is an injury? When there is a soft tissue injury (for example, sprains and strains), there is inflammation and scarring that occurs. These can compromise range of motion of the nearby joint. Similarly, and injury to the joint itself can cause muscle guarding and tightness that compromises range of motion. Recalling from Videman's research, this restriction can result in degenerative changes taking place in as little as 10 days.

Thus, when an injury takes place, rehabilitation and restoration of normal range of motion is essential. Joints need to be taken through all their normal ranges of motion regularly such that scar tissue will be laid down in a functional orientation and not compromise joint function and range of motion leading to compensation reactions and early arthritis. Thus, uncorrected traumas result in joint restriction and lead to arthritis.

Consider this: We've all had minor traumas here and there. They can be from minor injuries, poor posture, sitting at a desk all day or stress/anxiety creating areas of muscle tension. Maybe you don't have any pain currently or you have great overall range of motion in your spine - for example, you may be able to touch your toes. However, you may still have areas of segmental joint restriction where a few vertebrae are not moving well. Regardless of whether or not you have pain, everyone should have their spine at least checked.

This is where chiropractic comes in. Chiropractors are biomechanical experts with a career focused on musculoskeletal and neurological function and optimizing these. Chiropractors can specifically locate the restricted joints and then adjust them to help restore optimal joint function and alignment. Go see a chiropractor! Or, if you're looking for a chiropractor in North York, come see me!

1. Stokes, I & Ratridis, J. (2004). Mechanical conditions that accelerate intervertebral disc degeneration: overload versus immobilization. Spine 29(23); 2724-2732.
2. Videman, T. (1987). Connective tissue and immobilization. Key factors in musculoskeletal degeneration? Clin. Orthop (221): 26-32.
3. Levin, D, Hale, J & Bendo, J. (2007). Adjacent segment degeneration following surgical fusion for degenerative disc disease. Bulletin of the NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases, 65(1);29-36.

Frequently Asked Questions About Knee Arthritis

What are my chances of developing arthritis in my knees?

Your chances of developing arthritis overall are fairly high. Osteoarthritis affects approximately one in 6 adults at right around 50 million people. If you are a woman, your chances are slightly higher than men for developing arthritis. But overall the chances are approximately 15 to 20%.

What are the different types of arthritis?

The most common type of arthritis by far is osteoarthritis. This is a degenerative joint disease that comes on from wear and tear from normal activities. It is due to cartilage that normally covers the ends of our bones deteriorating. This causes pain and loss of range of motion as bone begins to rub against bone when the cartilage is gone.

Additional types of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis which is an autoimmune disease, gout, ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile arthritis, lupus, and some people include scleroderma and fibromyalgia as types of arthritis.

Who is most commonly affected with arthritis?

As mentioned arthritis afflicts more women than it does men. There are so many types of arthritis identified, it affects people in all age groups including children to the tune of 300,000. Most commonly at risk are those termed "baby boomers". Over half of those afflicted with arthritis are under the age of 65.

What treatments are available for arthritis?

The treatments for arthritis will depend first of all what kind of problem the patient has. If it's an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis then there are various medications such as methotrexate or low-dose steroids that may be effective. The same is true for lupus which is another autoimmune disorder with treatments by a rheumatologist often being extremely effective. When a person has gout there are medications to help counteract the situation and to help prevent it from coming back. The medications prescribed for gout will vary depending on which type the patient has.

The most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis, has multiple levels of treatments available. The first would include activity avoidance, which means that if a certain activity flares up arthritis pain it should be avoided. Secondly, there are medications that can help a lot such as anti-inflammatory medications and Tylenol. These should always be taken according to the manufacturers recommendations. Injections of steroid medication can help significantly in osteoarthritis along with the other types as well including rheumatoid arthritis.

There is an additional type of injection frost urethritis which consists of hyaluronic acid injections. These help replace the lubricating joint fluid and can promote the body to make more. There are also some nutritional supplements called glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate which can help protect cartilage and also promote the body to make a little bit more.

At what point do I need surgery for my arthritis condition?

Arthritis is not a fatal condition. Therefore, having surgery for arthritis is a quality of life decision and should be considered a last resort. Only the patient him or herself can know just how bothersome the arthritis is. Therefore, after substantial nonoperative treatment has been tried, it can only be up to the patient to decide just how much pain they are in, how much pain they can tolerate, and whether surgery is right at that point in time.

Natural Treatment for the Common Condition of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease, is the most common form of arthritis. When cartilage is damaged, bones will grind against each other causing severe pain and restrictions in movement. This can occur over the span of many years or immediately after an infection or injury in a joint.

There are numerous different types of arthritis; therefore, the treatment varies for each type and each individual. When the body's joints encounter repetitive trauma the end result is osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease, which is more common as we progress in age. Joint deformity and unusual anatomy can sometimes result from arthritis. Other factors that contribute to degenerative joint disease are poor blood supply, immobilization, and poor nutrition.

Movement is vital and highly beneficial to the maintenance of arthritic joints. Joints are self-lubricating through a lot of movement which coats and protects the cartilage. If the body stays idle and doesn't move then there's lacking protection for the cartilage.

All of the causes for osteoarthritis revolve around the expertise of chiropractors. Putting ice on the joints will definitely help the inflammation, but chiropractors assist in restoring full function back to the joint and relieving the patient of their pain. During a spinal manipulation, the ends of the joint are pulled apart allowing the lubricating fluids to flow and re-coat the cartilage.

Preventative measures can be assessed for arthritis starting with regular chiropractic adjustments. All of the joints in the body need to move, they must to remain healthy. There isn't a better way to do this in a quick way other than spinal manipulations. Move around and stretch every single day. When muscles tighten it leads to joints compressing. Stay on a healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight because excess weight tends to break down joints in the body.

Depending on the severity of the condition, chiropractic treatment is primarily the way to help patients with arthritis because they are trained to tackle the underlying cause of the problem. Rather than offering medications that temporarily mask the pain, chiropractic treatment gets to the core of the condition causing arthritis, or degenerative joint disease.

Although chiropractors cannot reverse the joints from degenerating, they can rid the spine of stiffness and allow the joints to move more freely. Osteoarthritis can cause a person tremendous pain, but with the right care and preventative measures it can be a way of life rather than a dreaded pain that hinders daily activities.