Arthritis Treatment: The 3 Stages of Gout and How to Treat Them

Gout is a disease due to an overabundance of uric acid (UA) in the body. Under normal circumstances, purines, which are natural constituents of many foods, are converted into UA, and then excreted.

With gout, UA is either produced in overabundance or the body has difficulty getting rid of it fast enough.

There are three stages of gout. The first is called asymptomatic hyperuricemia. What that means is that the body has too much UA on board. The UA level in the blood is high. But the patient has no symptoms. During this period, UA builds up in body tissues. The patient may or may not ever get gout symptoms. People who have this condition may have other medical problems such as elevated cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

If this condition lasts long enough, the patient will enter the phase of acute gout. This is when severe, painful attacks of gouty arthritis can develop. The attacks usually present in the ankles and feet. The pain is so severe the patient won't even be able to bear the weight of a bed sheet on top of the affected area. Once this acute attack goes away, the patient will remain symptom free until the next attack. The second attack and subsequent attacks may not occur for many months or even years.

The last stage of gout is advanced gout where acute flares occur with regularity. The time periods between acute attacks are no longer pain free. Accumulations of UA build up near the joints and under the skin. These are called tophi.

While these deposits may be evident because of their location, other deposits of UA in internal organs may not be so visible. But these invisible deposits are even more serious because they can lead to complications such as kidney failure.

The treatment of gout at each stage is not always straightforward. Asymptomatic hyperuricemia is not always treated unless the blood UA level is exceedingly high.

Once an acute attack occurs, though, things change.

The goals of treatment are to relieve the symptoms of the acute attack but also to lower the UA burden in the body.

The acute attack is treated with either non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) or colchicine. In patients with kidney problems, sometimes steroids given orally or directly into the inflamed joint may be used in order to avoid the potential side effects of the anti-inflammatory drugs or colchicine.

In general, UA lowering drugs are not started during an acute attack because they make the attack worse.

Once the acute attack is successfully treated, the patient will then start UA lowering treatment with medication. They will also receive low doses of colchicine or anti-inflammatory medicines to act as prophylaxis against acute attacks that can develop during the first six months of UA lowering treatment. The aim is to keep the blood UA below 6.0 mg/dl.

Arthritis Products Makes Life Easy For People With Arthritis

Millions of people who suffer from arthritis find daily living quite difficult since their mobility is impaired. Some people find it a hard time to do routine tasks such as writing, grasping, reaching for objects, typing, cutting with scissors or walking a short distance very frustrating due to the swelling or inflammation in the joints brought about by arthritis. Sadly, arthritis afflicts the elderly who are left alone to attend to themselves while doing household chores or pursuing interests such as gardening. Good thing there are available products that make the life of arthritis sufferers easier and more tolerable. Many types of arthritis products suit different purposes and needs.

Popular arthritis products are assistive devices. These devices are created in mind for people with disability such as individuals who are moderately to severely debilitated by arthritis. For example, people with arthritis have difficulty in grasping objects which is a risk when it comes to using the toilet. Products such as bath handrails, hand held mirror, bath transfer bench, raised toilet seat riser, shower seat and commode with safety rails and bathtub rails were created to make bathing safer for people with arthritis.

Arthritis products also include mobility aids that are extremely beneficial for people with arthritis. Mobility is an issue for most people with arthritis, products such as cane holder, gel hand pads, wheel chair hand grips and wheel chair backpacks add ease and convenience to those who use the wheelchair or crutches.

While normal people find getting out of bed an easy task, those with arthritis find this very challenging especially if they are on their own. Mobility aids such as bed handles, transfer handles, bed rails provide superb support for those who need to get out from bed as well as try to lay down in bed. Some arthritis products also include personal alarms so the elderly does not have to shout all the time whenever he needs some help or assistance.

Even silverware are now designed for those with arthritis. Adaptive silverware are also a type of arthritis products that helps the person eat conveniently using flatware suited for those who have hand arthritis. Even can openers and jar openers were crafted to suit the needs of people with arthritis.

Indeed, arthritis products makes life more easy, efficient and practical for people with arthritis.

Osteo Arthritis Is The Most Common Form Of Arthritis

Arthritis is an illness where millions of people are suffering from, there are many types of this disease and osteo arthritis is the most common form. Osteo Arthritis is found more common with older persons but it should be in no way be called as an old person disease. People who suffer from this type of arthritis often have tried many different pain relief drugs and treatments to reduce the long term effects of this degenerative disease. Some even had to have surgery to be relieved of severe pain.

What are the symptoms of Osteo Arthritis

This disease is not easy to diagnose the main symptoms are severe pain in the joints of knees, ankles and shoulders and also difficulty in moving these affected joints. Normally our joints are protected by cartilage with this disease the cartilage degrades slowly and because of this the bones from the joints will rub together causing severe pain. The joints are also lubricated by synovial fluids this makes the movement more free, when the body stops making these egg like fluids, it can quickening the degenerative process.

Usually when the diagnosis is finally made the process has already started to degenerate the joints. And once the process has begun there is no cure to reverse this process. There is no cure and there are no preventive measurements. There are many medications that where made to slow down the process but none of them can replace cartilage in the joints so the medications are definitely no cure.

Most of the different kinds of medication have severe side effects, this is a reason for many people who suffer from osteo arthritis to try alternative medicine and treatments to avoid this. Ginger root and gelatin are some of the most common alternative treatments it claims to help reduce pain and stiffness associated with this disease.

Until there is a real cure...

Osteo arthritis patients are waiting for more than two kinds of different medication and/or treatment:

- the first is acute pain relief without side effects like cause heartburn and gastrointestinal problems pain relief is most of the time the patients first concern

- second is a drug against the stiffness and the locking up from joints

- third is a treatment that can replace cartilage in the joints

- and also antiflammatory drugs without the severe side effects

When the cartilage is disappearing, the most simple functions like walking can be painful and doctors will often recommend the use of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. But as osteo arthritis patients you may also look for natural alternative pain relief treatments if this helps you to deal with the pain and stiffness associated with this disease.

In some cases of severe osteo arthritis surgery can help to reduce pain, sometimes replacing cartilage can be necessary and even joint replacement can be a solution if the joint is severely damaged. Joints who are fixed together with surgery is also become more common the last few years. Sometimes bone spurs not only cause debilitating pain but also speed up the process of damaging the cartilage in the joints.

Orthokine - Treatment of Arthritis and Spinal Disorders

Orthokine is an antilogous concept that is used for the treatment of arthritis and spinal disorders. Osteoarthritis, the loss of cartilage in the joint has many causes. The factors like being overweight, predisposition, heavy load by work, etc are the main causes for osteoarthritis. In western countries there is about ten percent of the populations suffering from osteoarthritis. A protein named interleukin-1 (IL-1) plays a crucial role in the development of osteoarthritis and destruction of cartilage. Osteoarthritis patients will have too much IL-1 present in their joints. IL-1 is a most prominent active agent which damages the cartilage and so the natural shock absorber in the joint loses its function.

The therapy of osteoarthritis is done using IL-1 blocker which is known as interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra). IL-1Ra is anti-inflammatory, reduces pain and also protects the cartilage. The orthokine procedure is done by taking blood from the patient using a special syringe called orthokine syringe. The orthokine syringe is approved in the EU and Australia. The blood taken from the patient is an antilogous injection solution and it is called as orthokine serum. The Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist is naturally present in the blood. However, with the production of orthokine, it is produced and extracted in higher concentrations. So, to increase the concentration of IL-1Ra, blood samples are taken from the arm vein using special EOT syringe. The glass beads in the syringe induces the blood cells to synthesize increased amounts of protective proteins. The temperature of 37'c in the incubator is the optimum environment for protein synthesis.

During incubation, the white blood cells present in the bloods are stimulated immediately to produce IL-1Ra and other anti-inflammatory and regenerative proteins. They are increased in concentration and the "Antilogous Conditioned Serum"(ACS) is injected into the joint. A centrifuge separates the blood clot from the amber serum, containing the protective proteins in high concentration. The protective protein IL-1Ra displaces the damaged protein IL-1 and the inflammation process is blocked. Subsequent therapy includes about six injections that will be given once or twice weekly.

The orthokine procedure is used throughout the world by orthopaedic surgeons and rheumatologists. This procedure cannot be compared to treatments using the patient's own blood that is often used in alternative medicine. In Germany alone there are over 20,000 patients have been treated by this orthokine treatment. The advantages of this treatment is, pain in the joints will be reduced, improves the joint function and mobility and the continuing process of cartilage destruction will be blocked. This treatment is very efficient and safe.

Natural Remedies For Osteoarthritis: Resistant Band Training

As a practicing rehab doctor, I often I have patient's between 40-65 years of age in for an examination complaining of tenderness in their joints, crackling and grinding noises, they have inflammation and swelling, and show a limited motion.

If I take x-rays to evaluate the abc's of their skeleton, many patients are surprised to learn when I tell them that they have sign and symptoms of Osteoarthritis Pain. I have to admit, I do have an inside chuckle to see them have such doubt and dismay. Not that I am laughing AT my patients and their pain, but just their bewilderment of being told they have "OSTEOARTHRITIS". Truth be told, I am actually very concerned for them, and make it my mission to teach them what they can do about it.

Younger to middle-aged patients are commonly unaware to the fact that they do indeed have Osteoarthritis. That is, many times they are shocked to discovery that they have arthritis, and to be quite honest, it is not their fault (I'll explain that a little later).

(Back to my office) One of the most common replies I hear is: "really, you think that I may have arthritis?" Some even try to deny and doubt the diagnosis, saying that they've never been told by anyone else that they have osteoarthritis. Another common question I hear is "aren't I too young to have arthritis?"

Guess What?

You don't have to be old to have osteoarthritis. Although mostly seen in older individuals, it can affect anybody at any age. So before I can talk about remedies for Osteoarthritis, I think its important to discuss the ins and outs of osteoarthritis. Sometimes called degenerative joint disease (DJD) or osteoarthrosis, it's the most common form of arthritis. With osteoarthritis the cartilage in your joints break down over time. More specifically from the daily stressors that we place on our body.

It is true the older you are the more stressors likely you've put on your body, but many younger people have accelerated stressors based on their youth, and employment history.

Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in your body, but it most commonly affects joints in your: Hands, Knees, Hips, Lower Back, and Neck. These are the joints in the body that are used repetitively or the joints that function in "weight-bearing" day in day out. Research and documentation shows that Osteoarthritis gradually worsens over time. It is said that "no cure exists."

However, like anything, PREVENTION is the key, and unfortunately, in our western society, dominated by billion dollar pharmaceutical companies, we become conditioned to look for the next pill to take to "cure" our afflictions.

On a side note, what the heck is up with "Pre" this condition or "Pre" that condition??? My patients mention they are "pre-diabetic" meaning they are at the high range of NORMAL ranges but these are normal ranges people. Or "pre-hypertensive" or "pre-osteoporosis". If you ask me, these are legitimate B.S terms.

What I mean by that is, YES, you do have an increased risk for said condition. You may even be on the outside of the normal limits. But...in case you didn't know, we are allowed to adopt a healthier lifestyle changes before we get prescribed a life sentence of medication involvement.

For all you high normal sugar levels individuals, how about you change the foods you eat, eat more regularly, start exercising, and stop smoking. Same goes for you pre-hypertensives and pre-osteoporosis people. But I digress.

Sorry, but I care enough about your health to keep you off medications and ultimately have you live longer.

Back to Remedies for Osteoarthritis.

I see a powerful tug-of-war developing. On one side, you have the medical community telling you that there's "no cure", and on the other side, you have the sleek snake-oils salesman and pharmaceutical companies, having commercials of running through the fields and having any knowable "cure" for any disease or condition.

So what's the real solution. As a natural health care provider, and rehab guy, I going to say, somewhere in the middle. That is if anything is a cure, then I would say PREVENTION is. I am also a realist, we all have experience injuries, wear and tear, postural stressors that we do day in day out at work, and any congenital conditions that we inherit.

So what is the next best solution to a cure of not getting in the first place? Well, minimizing the effects of Arthritis. Reduce the wear and tear in the joints, increase the lubrication to the joints, minimize the pressure built up in the joints, increase the flexibility of the muscles, and stretching capacity of the ligaments and tendons. In short, have a lifestyle that focuses on all of the above.

Enter stage left.....Resistant Band Training. It's inexpensive and cheap, it doesn't take up a lot of room, you can do it in your own home, and it not only stretches your muscles and joints, but it firms and strengthens de-conditioned muscles that accompany osteoarthritis.

In part 2, I am going to go over the indications (meaning who should be doing it and why) and the contra-indications (who shouldn't be doing it and why).

Until the next time.

Arthritis Symptoms in Children

It is a common misconception that arthritis is only a disease of the elderly. The truth is children can also be affected by this health condition that causes chronic joint pain and inflammation. It could be helpful to know that over 285,000 American children suffer from arthritis.

Arthritis in children is commonly called "Juvenile Arthritis". People with this disease under the age of sixteen years are usually classified differently because it is more often different with adults. They experience different symptoms and generally have different diagnosis.Childhood arthritis has three main types, each affecting distinct joints of the body with individual signals of arthritis symptoms.

Polyarticular Disease

The Polyarticular type of juvenile arthritis presents infection of more than five joints of the body thus it is often called "disease of many joints." This is mostly similar to adult rheumatoid arthritis. Usually girls are more affected by this disease than boys. The joints are generally affected symmetrically or both sides, often the small ones in the hands.Symptoms of this disease are low grade fever, weight loss, anemia, and cases of growth problems. At times, children diagnosed with this type are prone to unceasing progressive destruction and damage of the joints.

Pauciarticular Disease

Unlike the first one above, Pauciarticular type of juvenile arthritis affects lesser number joints, thus it is commonly called "a disease of few joints." The most commonly affected body parts are the knees, elbows, wrists and ankles wherein the joints are stressed asymmetrically or one joint on one side. This is the most widespread type of juvenile arthritis with over 50% of children suffering with the disease. Girls are usually affected than boys.

Symptoms of this include low grade fever, poor appetite and anemia. Children with this type are also prone to an inflammatory eye condition, iridocyclitis. Good thing is they generally do well and can cope easily.

Systematic Disease

The systematic type of juvenile arthritis is the least common among the three and affects only 10% of children diagnosed with the disease. This type can affect internal organs and other parts of the body along with the joints.

Symptoms usually start with fevers that come and go, lasting for weeks or months. Skin rashes may also appear on the thighs and chest. Children can also show signs of anemia, fatigue, weight loss, enlargement of spleen and lymph nodes, heart burns and high count of white blood cell.

Juvenile arthritis, like the many other forms of the disease, should be met with proper diagnosis and adequate arthritis treatment. Above anyone else, children are supposed to be enjoying life to the fullest in active mobility.

For more information and tips about joint pain, arthritis symptoms, arthritis treatment, please visit http://www.ultimatejointmobility.com.

Diet For Arthritis - Natural Arthritis Remedies For Pain Relief

Is there a diet for arthritis? There are more than 100 forms of arthritis. Arthritis attacks the joints and can inhibit your mobility. The affected area is often painful, swollen and inflamed. Arthritis can rob you of sleep, decrease your ability to move and prevent you from doing some of the activities that you enjoyed before you were stricken with the disease. In short, arthritis is an insidious disease and if you have it, taking steps to remedying it should be a top priority.

One of the best ways to control arthritis is through your diet. Some foods are natural antioxidants, and contain vitamins, minerals and nutrients that your body needs to repair the damage that arthritis causes, and to stop the disease from spreading.

Here is a list of foods you should add to your diet to halt arthritis:

Salmon

Salmon is an amazing food that is rich in good fat. Salmon contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which is ideal for fighting arthritis. Salmon also contains Vitamin C, Vitamin D and folate. Salmon not only reduces the pain of arthritis, but it also protects your cardiovascular system. What more could you ask for in a food?

Green Tea

Green tea is a wonder drink! It contains hundreds of antioxidants, as well as polyphenols, which are believed to be able to ease the pain of arthritis, much like an anti-inflammatory would. Green tea also prevents cancer and heart disease. If you've never tried green tea before, it's about time that you did, especially if you suffer from arthritis.

The Banana

Bananas may look like nothing special, but beneath their yellow skin is a treasure trove of Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, potassium and folate. Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C are two of the best Vitamins for fighting arthritis.

Mangosteen

Mangosteen is a fruit that contains an antioxidant called xanthone. Most people haven't even heard of this fruit, but meanwhile, it is one of the best natural remedies for arthritis. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory, but the problem is, it can't be bought just anywhere. However, you can order it, or find it in juice form.

A diet rich in the foods mentioned above will not only reduce arthritis pain and inflammation, but help you to lose weight as well. A healthy diet can go a long way in fighting arthritis. Since arthritis attacks the joints, the less weight or pressure those joints have to handle on a daily basis, the better your symptoms are going to be.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. If you really want to beat arthritis you need a plan. Research has shown that exercise, consuming superfoods and raising the body's pH level alone can begin working to reverse arthritis in as little as 7 days. You can stop the scourge of arthritis and live a normal pain-free life.

Causes of Cold Weather Back Pain

Whether you have chronic back pain or pain that comes and goes, you may notice that the pain is worse in cold weather. While an exact causal link between increased pain and cold weather has not been found by the scientific community, the fact of this connection is certain. Cold weather back pain is common among people with arthritis, but it can also occur due to increased muscle tension.

Muscle Tension

When we open our doors to a frigid winter day, we tend to distort our posture and tense up our muscles to cope with the cold. This is usually done unconsciously for a couple of reasons. First, when your muscles contract, they burn energy which is released as heat. Tensing up, then, is a natural bodily response to cold. Shivering occurs when muscles rapidly contract and relax to release energy (heat) fast.

You may also notice that, in the cold, you tend to drop your head and raise your shoulders, which causes your hips to tuck under and your lower back to flatten out. You're trying to share your shoulders' body heat with your neck and ears. This is a natural reaction, but a reaction that distorts posture throughout your back and pelvis.

Sore necks, shoulders and lower backs in the winter indicate muscular tension. If you have widespread muscle soreness when it's cold out, this is likely a sign that your apparel is not suited to your climate. It is important to have a winter hat that covers your ears and a scarf to cover your neck. These, combined with self-awareness, will help to prevent postural distortion. Your muscles will still automatically tense up to stay warm if the rest of your outfit isn't warm enough. If you can't find a heavy-duty coat within your budget, rely on layering. A good pair of long underwear will help keep both your lower and upper body protected from the cold. Being conscious of your posture and muscle tenseness can help you relieve cold weather back pain.

Osteoarthritis

If you tend to have joint pain and stiffness that worsens with inactivity and cold weather, you may have osteoarthritis. This form of arthritis affects various parts of the body, including the spine. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions spinal joints wears down, causing friction, inflammation and sometimes the formation of bone spurs that can impinge nerves.

Cold weather doesn't cause osteoarthritis; it can, however, exacerbate it. Along with cartilage breakdown, osteoarthritis entails inflammation of the synovium, which lines the joint and excretes a lubricant called synovial fluid. As cartilage hardens and wears, the synovium can become inflamed. The prevailing theory on the link between cold weather and increased osteoarthritic pain is that the synovium is sensitive to barometric pressure. When barometric pressure drops, as when foul weather is coming in, the synovium becomes inflamed. This worsens the stiffness and pain surrounding arthritic joints. This theory has its issues; it has led to inconsistent results in research and barometric pressure is not necessarily low when it is cold, but does indicate precipitation and storms. More research into this is needed before an exact link between joint pain and cold weather is understood.

That said, there are still ways to alleviate the extra burden the cold places on your joints. One of the aggressors of arthritic pain, as said above, is inactivity, and one of the best ways to exercise with osteoarthritis is in the water. A warm pool can do wonders for your joints year-round, and especially when it's cold outside. It is also important to be aware of the above muscular cause of winter back pain, as tight muscles in conjunction with stiff, sore joints will exacerbate your pain.

Take care of your muscles and joints during the cold season. Appropriate apparel, self-awareness and indoor exercise could be enough to ease your back pain this winter.

The Importance of Hip Exercises for Arthritis

The role of arthritis exercise for those suffering from arthritis is not one which has been known for a very long time. Hip exercises for arthritis in particular has not really been heard of until these relatively recent years. In fact the common notion in the past is that once you suffer from arthritis, you should minimize movement in the affected area as much as you possibly can.

While the health benefits of exercise and other physical activity has already been tried and tested for a long time, its impact in terms of improving the conditions of people suffering from arthritis is just presently gaining recognition. For those suffering from arthritis, exercise serves primarily to: maintain and bring back lost or diminished movement in the affected area; strengthen and improve endurance of the muscle; and keep the patient emotionally healthy and active. Exercise is also vital in terms of pain management of the affected joints.

Hip exercises for arthritis, specifically for those suffering from hip osteoarthritis, are not too common compared to those exercises geared toward those with knee osteoarthritis. This is probably because exercises for the hips are less likely to be developed due to the nature of the movement of the hip itself as compared to the knee or other jointed parts of the body. If any at all, some hip exercise varieties may require the use of special equipment for that purpose. This is significant since in the United States alone, one out of four Americans can suffer hip osteoarthritis in their lifetime.

In 2005, a research conducted in the Netherlands showed that a supervised exercise program alleviated symptoms of hip osteoarthritis in some adults. 109 men and women ages 55 and up suffering from hip osteoarthritis were divided into exercising and non-exercising groups. Those in the exercising group were given one hour a week of supervised strength exercise sessions and lower body exercises that could be done at home.

After eight weeks, the results showed that those in the exercising group experienced relief from pain caused by arthritis which lasted for 3 months. On the other hand, those in the non-exercising group suffered more pain than they previously had. Hip function for the exercise group also improved although no long term effects of this nature were recorded. This led to the conclusion that exercise can indeed aid in the management of conditions caused by hip arthritis but further research is still needed in this area.

At any rate, with or without research to back it up, arthritis exercise, and more specifically hip exercises for arthritis, can do more good than just relieving the pain caused by the disease. As with any other person, exercise can help maintain an overall good health of someone suffering from arthritis. Since hip osteoarthritis is incurable at present, activities that can help lessen the symptoms such as exercise is always encouraged. Physicians treating people with this condition would do well to take the time to explain the importance of exercise in managing arthritis.

Natural Home Remedies For Gout Arthritis Pain

Gout Arthritis can be very painful and some people have described it as walking on glass.  This said, treating gout is two fold.  You want to eliminate the source or reason why you get gout and reduce the pain by taking things that will naturally reduce inflammation in the joints and areas that are affected.  In this article, I am going to go over some natural home remedies to treat gout pain.

1. 
   Fish Oil - Personally, I recommend eating your cold water fish (cod, mackerel, herring, sardines, salmon, etc.) to get your omega 3's but since most prefer fried fish or don't like fish at all, you can always opt for fish oil, either in liquid form or in capsules.  Frankly, I have not found a better food than cold water fish that will help with inflammation in joints.  Fish oil is good for all types of arthritis...even metabolic arthritis aka gout.


2. 
   Quercitin is another natural anti-inflammatory that can be used to reduce the pain that gout causes.  Once again, I suggest eating the foods that are high in quercetin such as capers (which are great on salmon by the way), apples, organic tomatoes, green leafy vegetables and berries (all types).  That said, you can find quercetin in health food stores like whole foods grocery in capsule form.


3. 
   Cayenne Pepper - Cayenne pepper has a huge amount of other health benefits but it works very well for reducing inflammation.  Use it as a topical aid.  Mix a little pepper with some vinegar, bring to a boil and let it cool.  Then dab it on the affected areas.  If this seems too much for you, you can also buy Capsicum cream from your grocery.


4. 
   Turmeric powder - Chinese and Ayurvedic cultures have been using the things that they cook with as herbal remedies for common ailments for thousands of years.  Turmeric is reportedly a powerful anti-flammatory spice that will help reduce overall inflammation in the body.

These are just a few of the natural home remedies for gout arthritis.  The reality is that there are tons of options that you have to help prevent gout pain that don't require doctor administered medication, which I don't recommend.  Try some of these suggestions out to see if it helps...

Thumb Arthritis - Symptoms, Diagnosis and Cure For Arthritis in Thumb

Arthritis means inflammation of joints. It irritates and destroys the joints. The major two types of arthritis are-

Osteoarthritis - It is degenerative disease of the joints in which the cartilage which provides padding becomes weak and gradually disappears causing pain and less mobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis - It affects not only the joints but also muscles, tendons and other tissues of the body. It is due to an inflammation of the lining of the hands.

Thumb Arthritis - In this there is a structured change of cartilage in the joint, at the base of the thumb and the wrist, commonly known as the basal carp metacarpal joint. It is more common in women than men. It restricts the thumb to move in or out from the palm area. The persistent pain and stiffness may affect the whole body and the body may be trapped by osteoarthritis gradually.

Symptoms:

1- Pain and stiffness
2- Swelling at the base of the thumb.
3- Difficulty in movements involving pinching or gripping.
4- Deformed or distorted shape
5- Tenderness at the base

Diagnosis - A doctor can diagnose this by a physical examination or an X-Ray. Further he may recommend:

1- Bone scans
2- CT Scans ( Computerized tomography)
3- MRI ( Magnetic resonance imaging)
4- Orthography

Cure- There is no permanent cure but measures can be taken to reduce the intensity of pain, swelling and stiffness. The treatment can be surgical as well as non surgical. These are:

1- Medication- Doctors may suggest acetaminophen, ibuprofen or aspirin in order to reduce pain and inflammation.
2- Splints- Use of a splint gives support and proper positioning. It restricts movement which helps in reducing pain. These can be worn overnight or for the whole day.
3- Injections- In severe conditions, doctors recommend injecting cortisone.
4- Surgery- Surgery is the last option and it has been found that 80 - 90% proves to be successful and patients get relief from pain and inflammation. The different options available in surgery are:

1- Replacement of the affected part with a metal or plastic component.
2- Fusion of bone and joint together.
3- Bone arching in case of deformity of bone.

Common Osteoarthritis Symptoms

Osteoarthritis symptoms are often painful and physically debilitating for sufferers who have the condition. The disease also affects a patient mentally and emotionally because Osteoarthritis often limits normal, daily activities. The onset of the disease often makes its appearance when a person cannot simply stand up from a prone position without serious difficulty. The disease then progresses to include the lower legs, which begin to feel stiff and unmanageable. Osteoarthritis slows its progress into the skeletal system by first affecting the fine bones found in the hands sufferers.

Most people begin to look for help when they realize that they can't get out of bed as easily as they once did. Thanks to drugs like over-the-counter arthritis relief pain tablets and Osteoporosis supplements, many sufferers of Osteoarthritis see some relief from their symptoms. The truth of the matter is that most regular medical doctors can do little to stop the growing degenerative attacks of Osteoarthritis in their patients. What is usually prescribed are pain medications to ease the pressure on the spinal column of bones that are beginning to get brittle and irritate nerve endings.

While Osteoarthritic symptoms of the back and legs restrict the flexibility of a person, Osteoarthritic symptoms in the hands are perhaps the most painful. The cracking of the fingers while doing simple tasks like typing are not only annoying but painful. Another symptom of Osteoarthritis is the limiting of the functions of the small bones in a person's hands. Some Osteoarthritic patients find it impossible to even button their blouses or shirts and pulling up a zipper becomes an impossible task.

Arthritis and Candida Die Off Symptoms - Connection and How to Treat It

This is another case for candidiasis, it is about arthritis and candida die off. Many people ask me whether arthritis could be one of die off symptoms. There is a case where this friend of mine, her arthritis gets worse than normal since she started anti-fungals a month ago. She wonders if it is the die off. So for you who the same or similar case, this article can be taken as a rough idea.

For arthritis, specifically, it is necessary to eliminate all sugars of any kind, and artificial sweeteners, such as Sweet N Low (saccharin) and Equal or Nutrasweet (aspartame). Alternatively stevia can be used. Be sure to read the food ingredients of any packaged foods you use, to make sure that there is no kind of sugar by any name in there.

Eliminate any and all wheat products. Read ingredients labels of packaged foods. And yes, this includes bread, pasta, cakes, cookies, crackers, Wing-Dings, Ho-Hos, Devil Dogs, as well as any packaged seasoning products or food mixes. Also eliminate totally the nightshade vegetables, such as tomato, green pepper, eggplant, white potato. I would also recommend eliminating any and all dairy products of any kind.

Take 3 tablespoonsful of flax oil daily. If you choose the 1,000 mg capsules, that is 14 caps = 1 tablespoon (not very cost-effective or easy to do) This can also be achieved by taking 3 tablespoonsful of ground-up flax seed per meal (3 meals) which will fetch you not only the oil, but also a daily total of 27 g of fiber, which is also important to the arthritic person.

You can put the flax seed oil in a protein shake, on a salad, drizzle it on vegetables, etc. Do not cook it - cooking destroys the Omega 3 fats, which is what you want from the oil.

Some of my friends have mixed it into herbal tea. If your flax seed oil tastes nasty, it is rancid. Get it in a health food store with a high turnover. You should find it in the refrigerator section. Keep it in your refrigerator. If you choose to use flax seed, grind it in a coffee mill, or in your blender (dry), then mix it in a protein shake, or sprinkle it on food, vegetables, salads, anything that occurs to you.

It has a nutty flavor. If you grind it in advance, keep it in the freezer - it goes rancid quickly. You need to grind the flax seed because chewing it will not grind it up enough for you to get the benefit of the oil.

Problems Relating To Crepitus

Crepitus can be defined as an unexpected creaky noise coming from beneath the skin or due to joint movement or somewhere around the lungs. Also, referred to as snapping joints, popping joints or creaky joints, Crepitus is a growing problem among people of all ages nowadays.

Derived from a word that means frictional sounds, Crepitus can be categorized into several types depending on the region and cause.

Patellofemoral Crepitus happens when the structure of two very important bones of our body, femur and patella which is the knee cap, is not normal. A disorder called Patellofemoral Syndrome or Chondromalacia Patella takes where the friction between the trochlear groove of the femur and patella is more than 20% of that between two ice cubes,

Crepitus can happen in the knee joint too when there is excessive extension or augmentation of the joint which certainly means injury. The main reason can be degeneration of the patella-femoral joint or damages in other joints or joint capsule. Straightaway affecting the kneecap, knee crepitus can be quite alarming.

Crepitus happens in the neck when it has undergone serious soft tissue injuries or large surgeries. Usually no bone is involved in the neck crepitus, hence using anti-inflammatory medication can easily cure the problem.

Shoulder Crepitus generally happens in people who suffer from various osteo problems such as various types of arthritis, crepitus in shoulder gives a painful experience when there is any movement in the shoulder.

Usually a popping or cracking sound in the knee retropatellar crepitus is an indication of severe damage. The reason for such crepitus is the grinding of the two joint bones of the knee. It directly affects the posterior position of the kneecap.

Causes of Crepitus

Crepitus is mainly caused because of the recent disturbances that the joint has suffered which can be sensitive tissue surgery or some major damages to the ligaments or bones. Also, serious joint problems such as Arthritis can cause crepitus at various regions of the body. Crepitus is basically a symptom of a problem than being a problem as it might indicate damages or unceasing injuries. It can also happen in the tissue of the human body when there is a significant amount of air present in them.

Treating Crepitus

In some cases, elastic supports help in preventing further damage to the knee and eases tension on it. Some individuals also find it effective to apply ice packs for 15-20 minutes after exercising. Sometimes, using medicines like Advil, Aspirin or Aleve can also help get relief from pain and other discomforting symptoms.

A number of ways can be adopted to get rid of the annoying noise. Mostly comprising of exercises, methods adopted will not only improve the physical activity of the sufferer as well as increase the movement of the joint. The things that should be avoided while treating Crepitus of the knee are climbing the stairs, aerobics, bending knees, playing some outdoor sport like football, wearing high heeled shoes etc.

What is the Difference Between Gout and Arthritis?

Arthritis is a more general term used to describe a disease where inflammation occurs in one or more joints, which results in pain, swelling, and limited movement. There are many factors that lead to the inflammation which resulted in over 100 different types of arthritis.

One may have joint inflammation for variety of reasons. For older patients, arthritis (also known as rheumatoid arthritis) happened because of general "wear and tear" throughout the years resulted from various physical activities that apply pressure to the joints.

Infectious arthritis or septic arthritis is a fluid and tissue joint infection caused by bacteria, virus or fungus. These infecting agents spread into the joints via bloodstream of adjacent infected tissue. It can also be a direct result of contamination during surgery, injection or injury.

And the most 'popular' type or arthritis in the recent years is gout. Gout is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks itself because the immune system detected a foreign part in the body. This is same as the self-defense mechanism that is triggered when one get stung by a bee or bitten by an ant: inflammation, burning sensation, and pain. In the case of gout, the pain is so intense that some claim that it is the most painful type of arthritis!

What is the foreign part that triggers gout? It is some fine tiny crystal which is known as sodium urate that formed or crystallized inside the synovial fluid of joints. Naturally, these crystals are not supposed to float around in the joint fluid, so our 'immune police' will classify them as foreign invaders and call for a series of immune reaction which resulted in the symptoms that is known as gout.

Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis - Discover How They Are Different in the Next 10 Minutes!

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two different diseases that are most often confused with each other due to the similar symptoms. What are their differences and is there a common treatment for both of them? Find out the expert answers in this article.

The research paper that has been released by Terrebonne Gen. Medical centre (TGMC) entitled "osteoarthritis vs. Rheumatoid arthritis" states that the pain should be evaluated by a doctor.

Even though the symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis might be similar, but their long-term effects are quite different. If rheumatoid arthritis is left without treatment, it can lead to substantial damage to the joints and deformities in the other parts of the body.

Another difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is that while osteoarthritis is the result of "wear and tear" of the joints through many years and is usually found in people around the age of 50; rheumatoid arthritis is not caused due to "wear and tear", but it causes "wear and tear" and is also found in children, adults and elderly people.

Rheumatoid arthritis is considered to be an "inflammation autoimmune disorder". It implies that the body becomes incapable to identify itself to the bottom of its cellular level. As the natural response of the body immune system is to attack the foreign bodies that are not part of the body, so the body naturally launches an attack when it doesn't recognize any part of the body as a part of itself.

In case of rheumatoid arthritis, the body misinterprets cartilage, bone or fluid as an invader and sends signal to the immune system to launch an attack. Therefore, white blood cells are sent to the area as a means of fighting infection and inflammatory compounds are produced, even though the fact is that there is no infection in reality. This leads to redness, swelling and pain in the joints.

The immune system is quite complex and this is just a very simplistic explanation to explain the major differences between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis; so that people can opt for professional diagnosis and take necessary action for early treatment.

In the report "osteoarthritis vs. Rheumatoid arthritis" released by TGMC, the author warns that if left without adequate treatment, rheumatoid arthritis can lead to a serious damage to the joints in just a matter of 2 years. In fact, early diagnosis and effective treatment is required right from the early stages in order to prevent further development of the disease. In many cases, people go into remission period, where the symptoms recede for a temporary period.

Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the most effective, natural and side effect free alternative for treatment of arthritis conditions. There is substantial evidence that they help to reduce arthritis pain, prevent deformities, improve the joint mobility and reduce tenderness in joints and morning stiffness. Fish oil and its purified supplements are one of the best sources of Omega 3 fatty acids.

Similarly, the green lipped mussel found in New Zealand is another wonderful source of omega-3 fatty acids. It also helps effectively in reducing pain and joint stiffness, improve joint mobility and grip strength in patients suffering from osteoarthritis.

To sum up, in case you are suffering from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, an inclusion of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet in the form of fish oil supplements can help significantly to reduce inflammation and provide effective pain relief. You should consult your doctor and take the most appropriate action.

Psoriatic Arthritis Overview

Swelling of the joints is one of the most evident symptoms related to psoriatic arthritis, causing considerable pain to victims. As well as being excruciating, the puffiness also leads to patchy skin. Because this type of arthritis is linked to psoriasis and consequently can be to blame for additional health problems all through the body, together with effects in the knees, scalp, and elbows and the development of sores on the toenails and fingers. Puffy fingers and toes are additionally usually observed in sufferers of this type of arthritis.

While scientists have come to consider that getting this type of arthritis appears to be connected to someone's living conditions and surroundings, as well as their genes, the precise reasons of this disorder are not yet completely realized by doctors. It's critical for a person who starts to become aware of indications normally linked with psoriatic arthritis to go see their physician and discover if their symptoms are associated to this illness.

Identifying this condition can be completed by a physician following a physical assessment that might entail x-rays and blood tests. These tests will permit the physician to ascertain if the cause is psoriatic arthritis or another disorder. It's better to see your physician as quickly as feasible so that you can start to remedy your symptoms appropriately.

If your physician diagnoses you with psoriatic arthritis, you'll receive a number of various treatment choices open to you. A few are easy self-help treatments, whereas others entail taking prescriptions that have been specifically intended to treat this form of arthritis.

What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis is inflammation of joints, which results in pain, stiffness and swelling of the affected joint. The word "arthritis" is derived from the Greek word "arthron" which means joint and Latin word "it is" meaning inflammation. Arthritis includes a group of diseases that affects the joints and tissues surrounding the joints. It is one of the leading causes of immobility in people above the age of 50.

CAUSES: Normally a joint is covered with smooth cartilage that protects the joint and allows the smooth movement. When there is breakdown of cartilage, the smooth surface becomes irregular and the bones rub together causing pain and inflammation. Joint inflammation can be due to number of reasons such as:

• General wear and tear of the joint causing osteoarthritis
• Autoimmune disease (rheumatoid arthritis)
• Infection (septic arthritis caused by bacterial infection)
• Trauma or repeated injury (post traumatic arthritis)

In some cases, inflammation is temporary and goes away after some time; whereas, in arthritic joints the inflammation is chronic and may cause long lasting disability. Arthritis affects men, women and children. Person who is overweight is at higher risk of developing osteoarthritis.

TYPES:

• Osteoarthritis is the most common type which results due to trauma, overuse of the joint and degeneration of joint cartilage due to natural process of aging.
• Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, long lasting disease that affects approximately 1% of the population all over the world. It is due to body's immune system attacking own cells and destroying the joint surfaces.
• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children
• Psoriatic arthritis- Psoriasis is a psycho-somatic disorder that affects mainly the skin; but as the disease progresses, joints are also involved.
• Other less common types of arthritis are reactive arthritis, gonococcal arthritis, tuberculous arthritis, viral arthritis, systemic lupus arthritis, adult Still's disease and scleroderma.

SYMPTOMS: The symptoms of arthritis depend upon the type of arthritis, but the common symptoms that are seen in all the types of arthritis are:

• Joint pain
• Joint swelling
• Redness and inflammation of the joint
• Stiffness which is worse in the morning
• Limited range of movement of the affected joint.

DIAGNOSIS: Diagnosis is made by medical history, careful evaluation of the symptoms, physical examination and investigations. Investigations include blood tests, joint x-rays and examination of joint fluid in case of infective arthritis. Blood tests vary according to the type of suspected arthritis case.

TREATMENT: The treatment of arthritis depends upon the cause and type of arthritis, severity of the disease, age and occupation. Treatment focuses on reducing the pain and discomfort and to prevent further progress of the disease. Different treatment options are:

• Medications: Pain relieving medicines which include over-the-counter medicines and prescription drugs are given to relieve the pain. Some of the painkillers are acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin, biologics and corticosteroids. Other group of medications include anti-malarials, immune-suppressants, azathioprine and methotrexate.
• Exercise and Physical therapy: This improves muscle and bone strength, reduces pain and stiffness and helps in maintaining healthy joints. The exercise program for each patient is decided by the physical therapist depending upon type and severity of arthritis. Heating pads and cold packs give temporary relief to the inflamed joints.
• Surgery: Surgery of joints is considered in cases where the above treatments fail. It is done to maintain a normal lifestyle.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Relief - Natural Cures For Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain

Rheumatoid arthritis is related with the chronic disorder of which there is no exact known care. But the debilitating effects of the chronic rheumatoid arthritis can be reduced by exercise as well as with the proper nutrition. It will not be cured completely but to a great degree. In comparison to the general population the risk of the people dying with the problem of rheumatoid arthritis is twice. The risk of dying increased due to reduced mass muscle. Approximately 30% of the muscle mass is reduced of the people belonging to the group of 70 years and if you loose about 40% then you will die.

People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis must eat more protein in comparison to the normal and healthy people. According to some expert's people suffering from rheumatoid must eat about 2.7 ounces of protein daily which is roughly equal to 4 ounce of the breast of the chicken or two servings of beans. But simple eating protein will not help you in building the muscles and in return will reduce the problem of arthritis. Exercises which includes leg lifts and arm exercises using weights is helpful in building muscle and as a result protein can be stored.

People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis are usually deficient of vitamin B. if we are suffering from the problem of arthritis then we must worry about the intake of B6, B12 and folate. Supplements are also very important for the people suffering from the problem of rheumatoid especially the older people who lose the ability to absorb B12 from the food. In such a case and people of that category must take these vitamins with the help of the pills.

'Free radicals' are also one of the probable cause for the damage caused by the rheumatoid arthritis. Free radicals are the destructive and fast moving atoms which are produced by smoking, inhaling pollutants or being exposed to ultraviolet radiation of the sun. Free radicals circulate through out the body and damage the cells. It is believed to be the root cause of many chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, rheumatoid, Alzheimer's disease and also Parkinson's disease.

According to the European studies, to reduce the affect of free radicals large doses of vitamin E have a good effect. Vitamin E in particular has been very helpful and effective in reducing the pain due to rheumatoid arthritis. People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis have increased free radicals and reduced vitamin E, C, and beta carotene.

Learn The Secret of Overcoming Winter Arthritis Joint Pain and Restoring Joint Health Naturally

Arthritis based joint pain is particularly harsh during the winter months, but can be effectively controlled using the powerful pain fighting properties found in the natural supplement grape seed extract. Little is heard from traditional medicine or the advertisement media about the joint pain healing properties found in grape seed extract, but there is overwhelming evidence to prove otherwise. The Federal Drug Administration doesn't even consider natural supplements like Grape Seed Extract important enough to regulate. However, there have been reports and studies lately to show that grape seed extract is in fact a viable agent in fighting joint pain caused by Arthritis, and similar afflictions, but without the serious side effects that result from prescription drugs.

Prescription drug companies are missing the point, by creating drugs synthetically in the labs that only treat the pain symptom alone, and do nothing about the root cause of Arthritis pain. The pain experienced from Arthritis actually comes from a misdirected immune system, also referred to as an autoimmune disease. In this situation, the body attacks its own cells, including the organs and joints and promotes the development of inflammation, which results in joint pain. Drugs do a good job of eradicating the inflammation and pain but at a great cost; instead of directly attacking the inflammation, drugs simply shut down the immune system completely, leaving it severely compromised in its ability to fight off infections and major viruses, including Tuberculosis. That is why advertisements are always accompanied with disclaimers cautioning users of the risks involved in using their drug. Approximately 50 million people in the United States suffer from the symptoms of some kind of autoimmune disease, which in addition to rheumatoid arthritis; include Fibromyalgia, Systemic Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis and more.

Grape Seed extract with Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins (OPC) has been evaluated in connection with joint health in scientific publications and was proven to not only alleviate pain, but also promote superior joint health. In a study published in 2009 based on collagen-induced arthritis (or CIA) in mice, showed that grape seed extract treatment significantly lessoned the severity of CIA, and reduced the histology scores for synovial inflammation, cartilage erosion, bone erosion and the number of osteoclasts. Osteoclasts are the cells that destruct bones and osteoblasts are cells to build bones. In a later study published in 2010, researchers reported in an immunology letter that grape seed extract regulates inflammatory T cell differentiation and concluded that grape seed extract may serve as a possible therapeutic agent for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune disorders. Additional research concluded that grape seed extract is both safe and effective in reduction of inflammation in all areas of the body. In addition to helping arthritis, OPC by boosting the immune system's ability to fight inflammation, is capable of, and effective in reducing the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, migraine headaches, asthma, allergies and even cancer.

Osteoarthritis - How Can I Relieve Myself of This Pain?

Osteoarthritis is a common disorder that many women and men suffer daily, interfering with the daily routine. What if there was a natural way to find relief from this agonizing pain?

With just a few simple steps, you can be one of the many sufferers enjoying life again.

There's nothing worse than feeling joint pain day after day. Knowing that there is pain relief medication is the only thing that may bring relief to you. Then there are the days that nothing seems to help.

Being diagnosed with Osteoarthritis is not an easy thing to live with. It's important not to give up with the hope that one day you will not feel any pain. It's an agonizing feeling to go through, such tremendous amount of discomfort each day.

Many joints can be affected, but the hand joints are the one's affected more. This can interfere with your daily routine, stopping you to perform many tasks.
It's important to recognize early symptoms of Osteoarthritis, such as joint pain.

Consult a doctor if it continues more than a few weeks. The doctor will first evaluate your symptoms and diagnose you accordingly. If the doctor suggests that you take medication, listen to him. He will recommend you the best pain management treatment, in order to make you feel better.

Follow your doctor's advice. He has the expertise and the knowledge to give you the best advise possible. When your dealing with chronic pain, managing your osteoarthritis pain is important to do in order to feel better. Your family doctor will refer you to a Rheumatologist who specializes in arthritis and related diseases.

He will look for physical evidence by observing for swelling and redness, tenderness, rashes, nodules and other deformities. You can choose to relief your chronic pain by trying out some of these options.

Natural remedies are used to provide pain relief. Look into some of these options, and begin to feel better.

- Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate

Studies have shown people on glucosamine have found a reduction in the swelling and pain of arthritis. The dose in most individuals used is 1500mg of glucosamine sulfate and 800 to 1200mg chondroitin sulfate.

The only side effect that may occur is a mild stomach discomfort, which can be solved by taking the pill with food. It must be taken for a period of three months in order to see results.

- Acupuncture

Acupuncture is another option you may want to consider, by inserting hair thin needles into specific points in the body. It's known to release internal pain relieve substances such as endorphins and serotonin.

- Yoga

Many people think that yoga is a painful way to get effective relief because it involves moving the body in different ways. You'll be surprised in the amount of relief it can offer. Exercise is also another great way to lose the fat.

-Nutrition

A balanced diet is important to have in order to see a difference. Adding fiber to your diet such as whole grains, and increasing your vegetables can benefit you.

Losing weight can help remove pressure from the joints, which will reduce inflammation.

Other nutrients to consider are vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin E. These help reduce pain that is caused by inflammation.

Fish oils can help reduce inflammation that your body is trying to fight. By eating fatty fish such as salmon and sardines three times a week, can help reduce the inflammation process in your body.

Conclusion

You shouldn't have to go on suffering with this disease. With a good diet and exercise program, you can make a big difference in decreasing osteoarthritis pain.

Arthritis specialists have seen good results just by following these few steps. You deserve to feel better again. Make your life a pain free one.

Arthritis Treatment: Nerve Growth Factors For Treatment Of Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and affects more than 20 million Americans.

OA is a disease of hyaline cartilage, the tough "gristle" that caps the ends of long bones. Hyaline cartilage consists of a matrix of proteoglycans which are complex arrangements of proteins and sugar molecules. In addition, there is a framework of tough collagen fibers.

Inside this proteoglycan/collagen matrix are cells called chondrocytes. The maintenance of cartilage is dependent on normal metabolic function of these chondrocytes.

Cartilage, when loaded or exposed to shearing forces, acts as a shock absorber. It will partially deform but springs back to its normal shape. It also provides a gliding surface which is facilitated by a small amount of synovial fluid, produced by the joint lining, that acts as a lubricant.

OA is a wear and tear disease of articular cartilage and results from the lack of ability of cartilage to keep up with excessive breakdown.

A disturbance in the matrix causes loss of cartilage resiliency. Inflammatory proteins, called cytokines, and destructive enzymes, called proteases degrade cartilage.

While there are no therapies that can halt the gradual destruction and wearing away of cartilage, there are some treatments that provide palliative relief.

These include analgesic medicines (pain relievers), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), physical therapy, exercise, and injections of glucocorticoids and viscosupplements.

A new treatment, called nerve growth blocking factor, was initially tested in clinical trials a few years ago. These drugs block nerve growth factor, a protein causing certain nerve cells to grow. This drug proved to be profoundly effective for relieving the pain of OA of the knee.

Unfortunately, a significant number of volunteers in the studies experienced complications, termed "joint failure."

"These included 83 cases of rapidly progressing osteoarthritis where bone and cartilage deteriorated and 30 cases of osteonecrosis, which is bone death caused by poor blood supply," according to Nona Colburn, a clinical reviewer with the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health.

The makers of these drugs feel these complications were due to patients using anti-nerve growth factor drugs along with NSAIDS and have recommended that if the drugs are marketed patients not use them alongside NSAIDS.

The manufacturers also have said that if studies are resumed, they will use lower doses of the anti-nerve growth factor drugs, limit the amount of NSAID a patient can take during the trials, and also screen volunteers for conditions that might predispose them to joint failure complications.

Arthritis Facts and Overview

Arthritis is the #1 cause of disability in the world with more than 350 million people affected. 1/7 of the total people affected with arthritis live in the U.S. They suffer from severe limitations, absenteeism, obesity, high cholesterol, heart disease, depression and fears their symptoms could get worse. It's estimated that the total cost of arthritis cases is close to $100 billion of which nearly 50% accounts from lost earnings. Each year, arthritis results in nearly 1 million hospitalizations and close to 45 million visits to health care centers. More than 70% of people who are affected by arthritis in North America are over the age of 65. It's more common in women than men at all ages and affects all races, ethnic groups and cultures.

There's over 100 type of arthritis, some more severe then others. The primary forms of arthritis range from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, septic arthritis, gout and pseudo-gout, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, still's disease to ankylosing spondylitis. The secondary forms of arthritis are link to other diseases and complications. They ranges from Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, reactive arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, lyme disease, hepatitis, haemochromatosis, sarcoidosis, Inflammatory bowel disease, Henoch-Sch繹nlein purpura to Wegener's granulomatosis.

The one that affects the most people is osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease. It comes as a result of natural aging, trauma or infection of the joint. Other well known types are rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and autoimmune diseases. These types causes the body to attack is own tissues while others like septic arthritis is caused by joint infection. The most common symptoms for all arthritis disorders include varied levels of pain, swelling, joint stiffness, ache around one or many joints, fever, weight loss, poor sleep, malaise and feeling of tiredness. These symptoms should be taken seriously and treated early to prevent any complications.

Available treatments include drugs such as corticosteroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), immunosuppressants (cyclosporine and cyclophosphamide), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), etanercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade) and adalimumab (Humira). Physical therapy, exercise, orthopedic bracing, medications, dietary supplements, arthroplasty (joint replacement surgery) and natural remedies may be the solution depending of the arthritis. Clinical examination, radiology and blood tests made from an appropriate health professional are key for a good diagnosis.

Osteoarthritis Prevention and Management

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis affecting millions of people worldwide. The hallmark for diagnosis is degenerative changes within an affected joint. It occurs when the rate of cartilage damage exceeds the rate of repair. Osteoarthritis can result in significant pain, joint stiffness and other manifestations and can have a significant impact on one's quality of life and independence. An exact cause has not been established however, there are a number of risk factors contributing to its development including age, obesity, physical trauma, relative activity level (too much or too little), family history of OA, underlying metabolic issues and faulty posture and joint mechanics. Due to the impact OA can have, an effective preventative and treatment approach becomes important. Whereas many medications have unwanted side effects and only provide symptomatic relief, there are natural methods to prevent, manage and slow the progression of osteoarthritis.

How do I prevent or slow the progression of OA?

While we can't necessarily prevent OA 100%, healthy lifestyle choices and reducing risk factors help considerably. If you already have osteoarthritis, do not rely fully on passive treatments. Combing complementary and alternative therapies with appropriate lifestyle modification will lead to improved function, reduced pain and better overall sense of well-being.

1) Weight loss:
Excessive weight can place an undue amount of force and stress on joints. Thus, weight loss is recommended for those who are overweight or obese not only for the beneficial effects on joints but also for overall health.

2) Prevent injuries:
While not all injuries can be avoided, many spinal injuries can be prevented by using appropriate lifting mechanics (maintaining a neutral spine and a strong core). Injuries to the lower extremities can sometimes be avoided by ensuring one wears appropriate footwear.

3) Be physically active:
A healthy cardiovascular system means better health and healing in general. Aim for 翻 hour of moderate intensity activity for most days of the week. Exercise is also one of the best non-drug treatments for OA. Some excellent low impact ideas include swimming, tai chi, yoga and walking.

4) Maintain a healthy diet:
A healthy, balanced diet rich in antioxidants and nutrients is important for overall health. Indeed, dietary modifications can also affect pain level. Consider an anti-inflammatory diet. Different foods are metabolized differently in the body, some reducing inflammation and others exacerbating it. Foods to include are antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, nuts, fish, chicken, omega-3 fats and whole grains. Foods to avoid include high fat meats, cheese, starchy/sugary foods, trans fats, butter, cream and highly processed foods.

5) Take glucosamine:
Glucosamine is a natural substance that the body makes which lubricates joints. With age, however, production is diminished thus making supplementation important. 1500 mg per day is typically recommended for people over 40.

6) Work on posture:
Having good posture will reduce load on joints as it allows body weight to be distributed more evenly. Chiropractors can give specific exercises to correct postural problems including strengthening exercises for relatively weaker muscles and stretches for relatively tense muscles.

7) Chiropractic care:
Regular chiropractic care can detect and correct small problems before they become bigger problems. Adjustments are used to restore mobility in restricted joints and correct alignment. Joint restrictions can accelerate joint degeneration in two ways. First, if one joint is not moving well, other joints must work harder to compensate. Second, the restricted joint itself will begin to degenerate because movement is required for flushing nutrient-rich joint fluid which supports cartilage health. Thus, regular chiropractic care normalizes joint mechanics. In addition, restoring spinal alignment improves communication in the nervous system such that overall healing is optimized.

What else can I do to relieve pain?

1) Try an epsom salt bath:
Warm epsom salt baths help to relieve muscle tension which reduces stress on joints.

2) Sleep well:
Good rest ensures good restoration. Sometimes a new mattress and quality pillow can make all the difference in having a comfortable night.

3) Try pain relieving ointments:
There are many natural anti-inflammatory and pain relieving ointments available in health food stores.

4) Consider orthotic footwear:
Good footwear and orthotics can correct alignment at the base of support and add comfort and shock absorption for joints higher up in the kinetic chain.

5) Other complementary and alternative therapies:
Acupuncture and massage therapy are great alternative therapies for management of painful conditions. Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years and has been shown to be effective for improving symptoms of OA. Massage therapy relaxes muscles which decreases the compressive forces on joints. Consulting with a naturopath can provide more specific recommendations regarding herbal and dietary measures.

1.Hart, J (2008). Osteoarthritis And Complementary Therapies. Alternative and Complementary Therapies; 14(3):116-120.

Dog and Cat Osteoarthritis - What You Need To Know

Just like people, arthritis also affects our pets, sometimes because of a genetic predisposition, but there are other factors that increase the susceptibility to osteoarthritis.

25-30% of our canine and feline family members will show the effects of osteoarthritis, and up to 70% of dogs in specific breeds such as German Shepard, Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever. Dog arthritis comes with age and it mostly affects large size dogs.

If your dog or cat is overweight, it will accelerate the arthritic disease process and symptoms by placing additional pressure on joints. On average, obese dogs are likely to develop osteoarthritis three years earlier than lean dogs. If you can't feel the animal's ribs anymore, your dog is becoming overweight. Gentle exercise is helpful for any pet; swimming, if possible, is ideal.

Osteoarthritis in dogs and cats is caused by the deterioration of the cartilage surrounding the joint and progresses slowly over a long period of time. This condition can be brought on by an earlier injury or genetic disease such as hip dysphasia, more common in the large dog breeds. Very active and working dogs are involved with physically demanding activities which put repeated stress on their joints, making them more susceptible to osteoarthritis.

Restricting jumping activities is very important in preventing immediate and future cartilage and spinal disc damage. This is especially true with the smaller breeds and dogs with very long backs, such as Dachshunds and Basset Hounds. When a dog jumps down instead of using portable steps or a dog ramp, the impact pressure is absorbed into the front legs. The line of force is directed down the length of the spinal column, causing compression of the individual discs, inviting osteoarthritis risks as well as spinal cord damage.

Viral, fungal, and bacterial infections can contribute to the development of arthritis. Conditions include Ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, carried and spread by ticks.

If you are interested in natural/holistic prevention and treatment there are good natural remedies and solutions available, designed to support healthy strong joints, muscles, tendons, cartilage and bones.

Orthopedic memory foam dog beds improve the quality of life for dogs and cats with hip or elbow dysplasia, arthritis and joint problems associated with large breeds and older pets, by reducing pressure on joints and other jutting body parts. These beds are firm enough to satisfy your dog's instinctual need to sleep on solid ground, while assisting healthy circulation. Traditional material is susceptible to sag. If possible, lifting the sleep area several inches to a foot off the ground will help in the dog's comfort.

A high quality glucosamine/chrondroitin sulfate supplement is a good defense and treatment for arthritis in dogs and cats. Glucosamine/chrondroitin sulfate stimulates the production of important proteins found in cartilage and proteoglycans, which are the water-holding molecules that cartilage is comprised of; helps reduce pain and, over time, rehabilitates damaged cartilage.

MSM (methysulfonylmethane): Another supplement to maintain healthy connective tissue that is a naturally occurring sulfur compound found in the cells of the body. It helps prevent arthritis in dogs and cats and can assist in reducing inflammation and swelling that accompany arthritis, disease and injuries.

Digestive enzymes and probiotics: Essential in aiding digestion and nutrient assimilation. They help avoid inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, allergies and degenerative conditions by maintaining a healthy gastrointestinal system in our dogs and cats.

Essential fatty acid supplements: Preferably with fish oil, will help reduce inflammation and aid in the treatment of joint problems and allergies.

High potency antioxidants: Inflammation of arthritic joints contributes to the oxidation activity of free radicals that are damaging to the cells of the body and can increase the risk of cancer.

Acupuncture: Dramatic improvement is possible for arthritic dogs and cats with regular treatments.

Treating Osteoarthritis with Glucosamine

Osteoarthritis is identified as the most common form of arthritis and has affected millions of people around the world, mostly in their forties or more. Also referred to as degenerative joint disease, it is characterized by damage to the cartilage, the substance found between joints and serves as cushion against constantly rubbing joint bones. Among the joints commonly affected by osteoarthritis are the hips, knees, and in the hands, all of which bear the body weight in some degree or another. Along with pain, swelling and inflammation also occurs in the affected joints. There has been a lot of products promising relief from these symptoms as well as addressing the destruction of the cartilage, one of which is the liquid glucosamine product offered by Synflex.

There are numerous reasons for the development of osteoarthritis. These include injury, infection, and the result of wear and tear over the years. Typically, glucosamine, the active ingredient in Synflex and Syn-flex 1500 Liquid Glucosamine products, can be naturally produced in the body. However, as one grows older, the body loses its capability of producing the amount of glucosamine needed in order for the body to produce collagen fibers and proteoglycans, building blocks of cartilages. Because of the damage done to cartilages, there is hardening of the joints, which makes movement painful. Bone spurs also develop in the affected joints, adding to the pain and discomfort of arthritis patients. Apart from pain, osteoarthritis is also manifested in bone deformation and vastly reduced mobility.

In several studies conducted, glucosamine has been found to be effective in alleviating pain and inflammation, as well restoring movements. It is also found that liquid forms of glucosamine sulfate are more readily absorbed by the body compared to glucosamine products in capsule forms. And because it is readily available and extracted from animal cartilages, a lot of glucosamine liquid products have found its way into the market. Syn-flex products, however, are touted to be one of the most effective liquid glucosamine products for osteoarthritis, not only in humans but also in pets.

What makes Synflex liquid glucosamine a cut above the rest is the assurance of its high quality raw materials and the combination of several other substances to ensure pain relief as well as cartilage repair among its users. Syn-flex not only addresses pain and inflammation, but goes right into the source of the problem. Syn-flex Liquid Glucosamine is effective in the long-term management of osteoarthritis. Though other medications, like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs promise immediate pain relief, they are only good in masking the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Syn-flex liquid glucosamine is not only effective in rehabilitating but also in restoring movements to affected joints. It also affords protection from further damage to the cartilage. Many users report favorable results in as little as ten days following the intake of Synflex products.

These natural glucosamine products are available in apple and orange flavors, and can be taken in original form or mixed with other beverages.

Most pet owners would be happy to know that Synflex liquid glucosamine products are also veterinarian recommended for dogs and cats with arthritis. Administered in dosages according to the weight of the pet, these supplements also promise the same pain relief and joint rehabilitation as experienced by humans. Owners will find that their pet who used to whine in pain and just lie in the corner to avoid movements will regain their alertness and zest for activities.

Oxinium Knee Replacement For Young Patients With Osteoarthritis

Total knee replacement is generally performed in older patients with osteoarthritis. For the first time in India, a new prosthesis for young patients with osteoarthritis will be introduced. This prosthesis made of a wonder material called Zirconium, a ceramic coated metal ensures longer survival of the prosthesis after implantation. The introduction of this prosthesis will hopefully encourage more number of young and middle aged Indians and Westerners to undergo knee replacement in India.

Advantages of Zirconium

1) The significant advantage of Zirconium knee implants is that it is considerably harder. On testing it lasts 85 times longer in tests that simulate the stresses inside the actual knee. Additional advantages are scratch resistance.

2) When it is wet, ceramic can glide smoothly along plastic, making for smoother motion than with metal-on-plastic. As a result, the Oxinium total knee replacement will not generate the quantity of plastic wear debris that cobalt chrome will, and the implants should last considerably longer. Zirconium is one of the six most biocompatible elements know to man. So, your immune system will more easily tolerate your new implant.

3) Lastly, patients who are allergic to nickel, the metal most often used in the current implants, cannot currently receive total knee replacements. The ceramic implant, however, can be implanted safely in patients with nickel allergies, since it uses a zirconium alloy with no nickel. Implants made of Oxinium have been implanted in larger number of patients in the UK Australia and the US with great success.

Who would benefit most from an Oxinium (zirconium) total knee replacement?

Three types of patient have been identified as the "best" candidates for an Oxinium total knee replacement.

"Younger" patients: Because Oxinium knee implants offer significantly less wear compared to cobalt chrome implants, they are expected to last considerably longer. In the past, orthopedic surgeons have advised patients less than 65 years of age to wait to have knee replacement surgery because the life span of the cobalt chrome knee implants is only 10-15 years. Now, surgeons have a viable option for a younger patient who previously would not be a candidate for a total knee replacement because the Oxinium knee implants should last much longer. Therefore, a patient under the age of 65 who has advanced arthritis of the knee no longer has to suffer for years until he reaches an appropriate age for total knee replacement surgery.

"Active" patients: Patients, who desire to return to an active lifestyle, including sports, dancing, gardening, or other strenuous activities, may also benefit from an Oxinium knee replacement. As a result of their high activity level, this patient population will put more "wear and tear" on their knee replacement, which can cause the implants to wear more quickly. An Oxinium knee is better able to tolerate this high activity level and last longer that the traditional cobalt chrome knee. Metal allergy patients: Because Oxinium is one of the most biocompatible materials known to man, it is the only choice for patients who exhibit metal allergies. Patients who have needed total knee replacement surgery, but could not tolerate the cobalt chrome implants due to their nickel content, can now have the surgery they need to return to an active lifestyle without the fear of an allergic reaction.

The first patient will be a middle aged Housewife with osteoarthritis. Whereas normal knee prostheses cost about 80,000 rupees, this new prosthesis may cost about 1. 25 lakhs, but it is comparable to the best in its category. The higher cost will be offset by the longer survivorship of the implant. A Total knee package is available for Indians and foreigners with normal and long life prostheses at affordable costs.

Stop Arthritis Pain - Make Wiser Food Choices!

The pain associated with arthritis can definitely be very intense. What's worse is that every time your arthritis flares up, your normal range of motion can be limited to a significant degree. As a result, you cannot do all the things you used to do before arthritis took over a great part of your life.

There are many different forms of arthritis, the most common of which includes rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and gout. Contrary to popular belief, arthritis can be managed quite successfully. All you need to do is enlist the aid of certain medications formulated specifically to deal with the symptoms of the disease and adopt some healthy lifestyle changes. Be free from the ties that bind you with arthritis and live life the way you used to! Here are some surefire strategies that can help you deal with arthritis:

o Keep excess weight off! Those extra pounds just add stress to your already inflamed joints so you better do something about it! Eat a well-balanced diet and make sure that you have enough of the nutrients needed to reduce the pain associated with arthritis. Getting enough vitamin C will help your body repair damaged tissue while substantial amounts of vitamin D will help your body absorb calcium, protect your bones and prevent bone loss. And don't forget to get enough calcium - it will help strengthen your bones.

o Give those joints some work out! To reduce arthritis flare ups, you need to adopt a moderate exercise routine. This may help you increase your flexibility and stability and may also aid in strengthening your joints. However, people with rheumatoid arthritis should refrain from exercising during flare-ups to prevent further damage. A word of caution - you should only exercise to the point where you feel mild discomfort. Do not over-exercise!

o Sleep it off! You should be getting enough sleep - it would be great if you can put in 8 to 10 hours of sleep every night.

What you put in your mouth has a great deal to do with your arthritis. Eat the wrong kinds of foods and you are sure to suffer from the consequences of your actions. Eat the right kinds of foods and you'll be spared from the pain. There's just no getting around it - your diet can determine your fate! To help you in dealing with your problem, here is a list of some of the foods that can be your ally in your fight against arthritis.

Bananas - These golden fruits enjoy the status of being one of nature's "perfect foods". Bananas are better known for being one of the richest sources of potassium but do you know that they are excellent arthritis fighters as well? Bananas contain high amounts of vitamin B6, folate and vitamin C - some of the nutrients needed to keep your joints and bones healthy. They are also a great source of soluble fiber so they can play an important part in your weight loss efforts as well!

Green Pepper - Vitamin C can be of great help in controlling the symptoms of arthritis but if you are not very fond of eating citrus fruits, you can reach out for a green pepper instead. A single green pepper can provide you with 176% of your daily needs for vitamin C while the red and yellow varieties can provide you with more than twice that amount! And not only that - sweet peppers are also known as excellent sources of vitamin B6 and folate.

Salmon - Salmon is one of the richest sources of omega-3 fatty acids, also known as the "healthy fats". It also contains calcium, vitamin D and folate - some of the nutrients that help in the fight against arthritis.

Shrimp - The mighty shrimp can be one of your best bets in conquering arthritis pains. You can get about 30% of your recommended daily amount for vitamin D in just three ounces of cooked shrimps. That's much more than what you can get in a cup of milk! Shrimps also contain essential omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, iron and vitamin B12.

If you are serious in your desire to control your arthritis, be sure to include these wonder foods in your diet. They can sure help you a lot!

A Variety of Natural Arthritis Remedies

Are you suffering from arthritis? Did you know that there are natural ingredients that can cure arthritis that are right in your supermarket? It's true. A couple of proposed natural treatments for arthritis have been proven to be successful over the years. The most common and widely used natural remedy for arthritis is the use of heat and cold to treat the disease. Applying heat to a joint can provide significant relief and you can use electric blankets and even hot packs. Taking a bath can also play a significant role. Cold can also be used as a natural remedy for arthritis in that by wrapping an ice cube in a piece of cloth and pressing it on the joint will relieve pain.

Another most effective natural cure for arthritis is by mixing dilute garlic, lavender, sage, rosemary, thyme or juniper oils in the proportion of one part to ten of olive oil and applying the oil combination on the painful joints can lead to immediate relief and curing of arthritis. Another simple treatment for this illness is the use of hot vinegar, which can also be applied on the joint as it helps reduce the pain and swelling around the joint. Using 1 to 2 teaspoons of cod liver oil is likewise known as an effective way to lessen the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. Adding alfalfa seeds to your tea and drinking it up to 3 to 4 cups daily will also reduce inflammation on your joints.

The most attractive feature of these natural arthritis remedies is that they are safe and have not been shown to cause the same adverse reactions as the pharmaceutical anti-inflammatory drugs. Below are some of the more well-known natural remedies for arthritis:

• Glucosamine & Chondroitin
  These compounds are naturally found in the body and can aid in promoting joint health and repair.


• MSM
  A naturally occurring sulfur compound that reduces swelling much like other arthritis medications


• Manganese
  An important antioxidant nutrient that is useful in treating rheumatoid arthritis


• Niacinamide
  This is also known as Vitamin B3. It helps maintain the integrity of cells and tissues, slowing the progression of arthritis.


• Turmeric and ginger extract
  Both are anti-inflammatory herbal extracts that are effective in curing rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.

The Home Treatment Programme, which was developed by Charles de Coti-Marsh over 60 years ago, offers a natural method of managing your arthritis and relief from the associated pain. This program presents three essential components; namely: diet, supplementation and postural management.

Weight loss can be considered one of the natural cures for arthritis, as the joints affected get relief when there is less weight and stress placed upon them daily. There might be natural cures for arthritis that meet with the body's needs for healing. Again, be sure and check with a doctor before taking large doses of any supplement or when using a program with prescription arthritic drugs.

Is Your Back Of Knee Pain A Baker's Cyst?

A Baker's cyst is characterised by a swelling behind the knee which is caused by a build-up of fluid from the knee joint.

It is also known as a popliteal cyst and is the kind of bursitis where the synovial sac behind the knee becomes overfilled with fluid causing severe pain in the area.

The reason it is commonly known as a Baker's cyst is in memory of the physician who first described the condition, the surgeon William Baker (1839-1896).

There are numerous causes to this kind of swelling behind the knee, but the main ones are as follows:

• Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis


• Sports Injury or trauma to the joint


• Repetitive stress injury from standing or cycling


• Age related weakening


• Excess of uric acid (Gout)

The condition is more prevalent in women than men mainly due to the fact that more women suffer with osteo arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and typically when they are over the age of 40, although it can affect people of any age.

Diagnosis

The best way to diagnose a Baker's cyst is to either use ultrasound or have an MRI scan but if you have a fluid filled swelling behind the knee and a lot of pain then this is a good indication that you have developed a bursa or cyst.

Treating a Baker's cyst

You can treat a Baker's cyst yourself at home by taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory preferably an NSAID or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

You can also use a pack of ice (or frozen peas) to reduce any swelling and then use a compression bandage to support the knee joint. Resting the knee joint is also important.

If the swelling or pain behind your knee fails to resolve itself you may need to visit your doctor or podiatrist who can either recommend a corticosteroid medication or remove the fluid by draining it.

Ruptured Baker's cyst

In the rare case that you have a ruptured Baker's cyst, then the fluid will leak in to your calf and lower limb causing severe pain which usually resolves itself in one to 4 weeks. During this time you may need prescription painkillers available from your doctor.

Repairing the knee

If your knee is damaged from say osteoarthritis or a sports injury, then your joint may need to be repaired in a surgical procedure called arthroscopy, which is a form of keyhole surgery, used to clean out the joint.

These kinds of painful cysts can be quite debilitating particularly for those whose primary cause his arthritis. However, there are numerous treatments available to you to manage the condition successfully and so if you are suffering with this kind of swelling behind the knee do not despair; seek the help of your doctor or podiatrist and have it diagnosed early enough for the right treatment to be given.

Arthritis is a Nutritional Deficiency Disease & Can be Reversed Using Arthritis Herbal Treatments

What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a devastating, painful and degenerative disease of the joints that affects over 75% of all people over the age of 65. In the U.S. alone it is estimated that there are between 37 to 50 million people who suffer with some degree of arthritis.

The vast majority of arthritis sufferers have osteoarthritis which is a chronic, aggressive joint disease. This disease causes cartilage and other joint tissue to deteriorate. Cartilage begins to wear down, and slowly deteriorates to the point to which the surrounding bones begin to rub against each other making a cracking or grating noise. Severe pain and swelling often result, as well as limited movement of the joint.

When compared to arthritis herbal treatments and natural supplements, many doctors prescribe medication to ease the pain and this only serves to make the disease even worse. In fact cortisone (and other steroids) can actually speed up the rate of loss of cartilage. It gets worse - temporary pain relief without rebuilding the joint allows you to move the joint which in turn causes more pain and damage - a lose, lose situation!

There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, and each has its own characteristic symptoms and its own course. Depending on the specific condition and how severe it is, arthritis can interfere with even the most ordinary activities, such as walking, dressing or bathing.

Most medical doctors will tell you that the causes are multiple and unknown, however the truth is that it is caused by a complex of nutritional deficiencies - which can of course be reversed in many cases.

Note - in the case of Rheumatoid arthritis the cause is most likely to be an infection by a bacteria and in addition to the natural and herbal arthritis treatments listed here, a simple antibiotic treatment such as minocycline prescribed by your doctor will help.

At the same time, bone spurs begin to appear at the same joints - all signs of a calcium deficiency and also an early warning signal of osteoporosis.

Prevention - A Natural Remedy for Arthritis

In addition to arthritis herbal treatments and supplements, a healthy lifestyle is essential as a natural remedy and for the prevention of arthritis. Following a few basic steps is an important part of providing a natural remedy. Here's what you can do right NOW:

o Make sure you have a well balanced diet with plenty of green leafy vegetables, fresh fruit, eggs and dairy products - these contain minerals, vitamins and amino acids essential for health.

o Exercise - particularly 'weight-bearing exercises' - many studies all agree that a small amount of regular weight bearing exercise can assist.

o Reduce the amount of meat, processed foods and carbonated drinks in your diet - these are all high in phosphorous and this causes calcium to be lost.

o Stop smoking and reduce your intake of alcohol, caffeine and sugar - they limit your absorption of nutrients.

o Supplement - you need to supplement with a good source of calcium and other minerals along with vitamins and essential fatty acids.
You will make progress by supplementing with all 90 Essential Nutrients and an additional liquid calcium/magnesium supplement.

o Arthritis herbal treatments and cartilage supplements like glucosamine & chondroitin are required to assist with repair and rebuilding of the cartilage.

Arthritis Herbal Treatments & Supplements

To treat and reverse arthritis you need to follow the prevention guidelines and use arthritis herbal treatments and supplements.

You cannot expect natural cures for arthritis to take a few days. The disease is progressive and degenerative and has been present for quite some time - however the good news is that these treatments work. The process will take from between two weeks to three months (2 to 3 months if you are older and/or suffer any problems with absorption)or don't take these nutrients in adequate amounts.

Arthritis Health Supplements:

o Minerals - supplement with a good source of calcium and minerals. Liquid is always best and only in a form which is organic and highly absorbable (plant derived colloidal minerals); minerals required include copper, magnesium, selenium and zinc and many trace minerals such as manganese and boron - plant derived colloidal minerals are the best source

o Highly Absorbable Multi-Vitamins - Vitamins B6, D and E are required to build strong bones and vitamins C and E are required to build bone matrix and joints.

o Essential fatty acids from fish oil are also important for reducing the inflammation and rebuilding the fluid used to cushion the joints.

o Amino acids are involved in the construction of collagen and cartilage and you can find them in the multi-vitamin supplements we recommend.

o Liquid calcium/magnesium supplements are required for the support of healthy bones and joints - liquids are always more absorbable than tablets.

o For pain relief, Cetyl Myristoleate Cream - a natural cream produced from essential fatty acids has been clinically proven to relieve pain and improve mobility.

Natural Pain Relief and Repair of Damaged Cartilage

o Two other arthritis supplements involved in rebuilding cartilage are glucosamine and chondroitin.

Clinical studies around the world have shown that supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin provide a natural remedy for arthritis and help the body build and repair damaged or eroded cartilage as well as reduce pain and inflammation. Gelatin is a natural form of collagen and when combined with glucosamine will be much more effective than glucosamine on its own.

o MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) & CM (Cetyl Myristoleate) - these two arthritis herbal treatments have shown in clinical and scientific trials to promote the repair of cartilage, relief of joint pain and related discomfort and significantly improve the mobility people suffering arthritis.

Pain relief and freedom of movement is a fundamental part of the natural remedy and cure for arthritis. Ease of movement is essential to keep the joint healthy and in time, the vitamin, mineral and cartilage arthritis herbal treatments and supplements will actually rebuild and repair the damage. A Win-Win situation!