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!

Arthritis Treatment: Tibiofemoral Osteoarthritis, Diagnosis and Treatment

The most common presentation of osteoarthritis of the knee (OAK) is involvement of the tibiofemoral joint, the space between the femur (upper leg bone) and the tibia (the larger of the two lower leg bones.)

These are the two surface areas that contain the largest amount of hyaline cartilage inside the knee.

As mentioned earlier, hyaline cartilage is the "harder" of the two type of cartilage within the knee. Hyaline cartilage caps the ends of the long bones inside the joint while fibrocartilage, a softer more pliable cartilage is represented by the medial and lateral menisci of the knee. These are semicircular piece of cartilage that give added protection to the hyaline cartilage when it comes to shock absorption, gliding, and rotation.

Symptoms of OAK typically consist of stiffness, swelling, buildup of joint fluid, and tenderness along the joint line. Over time the ability to bend and straighten the knee will be compromised as well. While one compartment, either the medial (inside) or lateral (outside) compartment of the knee may be affected more than the other, often both compartments are affected. This causes diffuse pain.

The diagnosis can be suspected clinically by history and physical examination. It can be confirmed by positive changes seen on standing knee x-rays. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is much more sensitive to changes of OAK which will consist of cartilage defects, bone edema (swelling), and fluid.

The typical treatment regimen is aimed at pain relief and maintenance of function.

If the patient is overweight, weight loss is a must. Regular exercise consisting of low impact aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, and stretching are components of a common-sense program for a patient with OAK.

Addition of non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs taken either orally or given as a topical agent may also be used.

Removal of excessive joint fluid followed by Injections of glucocorticoids ("cortisone") are helpful for symptomatic relief. Glucocorticoids have a deleterious effect on articular cartilage and should be used sparingly, no more often than three times per year in a given joint.

The patient may also benefit from viscosupplement injections. These are substances consisting of hyaluronic acid which mimics the characteristics of normal joint fluid. These injections can also help provide symptomatic relief.

All injections need to be administered using ultrasound guidance to ensure accuracy.

Surgery is defined as being cartilage sparing or cartilage sacrificing. Cartilage sparing procedures involve osteotomy- removing a wedge of bone in order to line the knee joint straighter. This is used in young active adults to buy time. Cartilage sacrificing procedures refer top joint replacement. The trend recently has been for patients to get these operations done at a younger age. The downside is that these surgeries are associated with a small but real risk of severe complications including infection, blood clots, and death.

An option that is being proven to be an alternative is the use of autologous stem cells, a patient's own stem cells to help sustain and possibly regrow cartilage in an osteoarthritis knee.

(Wei N, et al. Guided Mesenchymal Stem Cell Layering Technique for Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee. J Applied Res. 2011; 11: 44-48)

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Occupational Therapy Assessment

Usually by the time the patient with rheumatoid arthritis requires or opts for surgery, there would have been quite a bit of joint damage and some degrees of subluxation or deformity of the joints. Comprehensive occupational therapy assessment would include physical, physiological, psychological, social and environmental perspectives of the patient with rheumatoid arthritis. It is often at this stage also that many of the patients would probably have stopped any form of paid employment, except for housewives who would still be doing household chores.

The things that the hand occupational therapist will be looking out for includes power, presence of deformity, any signs of subluxation, skin temperature, pain and range of motions will be assessed. Given the fact that rheumatoid arthritis has its cycles of exarcebations and remissions, it'd be good to keep an assessment mindset over at least 3 sessions to ascertain the hand and its function. It'd be good also to breakdown the assessment over 2-4 sessions depending on patient's ability to tolerate each session, as not all patients would like to keep travelling to the clinic.

The hand occupational therapist would then perform a series of checks, one of them is the informal interview. The results of the informal interview may be rather inaccurate as the patient might refer to a time prior to the onset of the disease, and since the disease is progressive they might not be very accurate as well. It'd be best to combine a variety of assessment tools eq quantitative and qualitative approach to have a more holistic idea to their hand function.

Essentially, it is best for the hand occupational therapist to perform a practical assessment task on the patient, covering the activities of daily living (ADL).

The ADL activity assessment should include but is not limited to:

1. dressing: able to wear and take off own clothing, including undergarments and prostheses, if any
2. personal hygiene: brushing teeth, wiping/washing face, handwashing
3. toileting: ability to perform voiding activities
4. feeding: feeding and drinking during meal times
5. mobility: walking, stairs management, transfers
6. housework: cleaning, laundry, marketing, money management
7. communications: using a phone to SMS or make calls, writing, typing etc.

How Fish Oil Helps Arthritis Sufferers

Let's face it: arthritis is such a difficult condition. It is painful and uncomfortable, it is permanent, and can set it anytime. There are actually over a hundred types of arthritis, but it is generally safe to assume that arthritis is an inflammation or swelling of the joints, and causes an insurmountable amount of pain and immobility to the joints.

It has been found that omega 3 fatty acids in fish oil can provide tremendous relief from arthritis, especially if you are suffering from rheumatoid or osteoarthritis. Before we move onto finding out how these omega 3 acids help, let us familiarize ourselves with these dietary fats and the connection between omega 3 fatty acids in fish oil and arthritis.

There are actually two kinds of polyunsaturated fats that play significant roles for inflammation: omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. It has been found that most people, especially those who suffer from arthritis, get too much of omega-6's in their diet than omega-3's. The abundance of omega-6 has been found to be detrimental to arthritis sufferers.

You see, omega-6 fatty acids help produce inflammatory agents called eicosanoids or prostaglandins. These compounds have significant roles to play in the body and are linked to important functions, including the relaxation and contraction of smooth muscles. Getting just enough of omega-6 in the diet (sourced from vegetable oils, sweets, crackers and even junk food) can be helpful, but higher doses are not and can lead to many health problems, including the production of pro-inflammatory agents - those that enhance inflammation rather than prevent them.

Omega-3 fatty acids, on the other hand, richly found in fish oil, are also converted into eicosanoids. The interconversion happens at a much slower rate, and anti-inflammatory eicosanoids (not the "pro" ones) are involved. The chemicals released by omega-3 alleviate inflammation and stops it right at the very core.

Fish oil for arthritis: better than NSAIDs

For the longest time, NSAIDS have been the only relief available for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. Sure, they work, but compromise health because it brings about higher risk for heart attack, stomach bleeding, among many others. Intake of NSAIDs for a prolonged period of time actually lead to more harm than good. As an alternative, fish oil supplementation does not only reduce your pain naturally, but also brings you a multitude of health benefits as well: including promotion of heart and brain health, better focus and memory, and overall better health.

Fish oil naturally stops inflammation

Omega-3 fish oil can effectively heal the pain of arthritis sufferers. Since these essential fatty acids also encourage better cardiovascular function, which means that systemic inflammation is not just reduced, you can have a shot at permanently waving your pain goodbye. For arthritis sufferers, fish oil does not only offer alleviation from the pain and the swelling, it does so naturally that there are no unwanted side effects to expect.

How To Get Rid Of A Rash - What Doctors Don't Want You to Know

Despite famous lines to the contrary, weird remedies don't always work to cure some natural conditions! William Shakespeare once claimed some benefit in the famous formula doled out as; "eye of newt, tongue of frog, wool of bat and hair of dog!" These aren't really feasible remedies to cure a rash?

There are some better homemade remedies than those and ones that do not attempt to fix the problem usually underlying a rash. After all, Shakespeare was only a poet! But what can we take away from natural home cures for common rashes? Do they really do more than just make the affected skin feel better?

For generations, humans have relied on natural remedies and old wives' tales from everything on how to prolong life to how to cure skin break-outs. While these potions are simple and cheap, these old-fashioned remedies are made from ingredients from your herb garden or pantry. Most of these ancient "cures" are more soothing than curative of these itchy maladies and none have been seen to work in the rash-sufferer's system to actually prevent further rash discomfort.

A long respected balm for irritated skin is an oatmeal poultice, which soothes as it reputedly draws out impurities and inflammation from the skin. A modern way to fashion this old-time remedy is to moisten oatmeal straight from the package and apply a thick warm glob to the affected skin for a soothing relief. The oatmeal should not be allowed to stay on the skin too long; leaving it in place could become abrasive and undo the soothing effect of the warm wet oats!

While this tried and true home remedy, warm soothing oats smeared all over your rash has a chance of making the rash feel better, in fact, it will not cure the rash nor the reason for its appearance in the first place, but many people try it when they become desperate.

Don't become desperate! I will actually tell you how to get rid of a rash!

Since a rash is most likely the skin's honest response to something the body does not like, merely rubbing a potion on it, no matter how natural and well-respected that something is, will not cure the rash, as it originates from the body's response to something that makes its immune system fight to heal itself.

Occasionally, the effect of too little sleep will cause a rash-like apparition under the sleep-deprived eyes. This can be made more comfortable by the application of moist tea bags over the eyelids and skin beneath the eyes. This also works on some individuals as a way to remedy bags under the eyes, also a manifestation of too little sleep.

Rashes are a usual reaction to something the body is unhappy with; some medically trained personnel believe this extends to accumulated wastes building up in the body and advocate root-based body cleansers known to make the body sweat.

Examples of this are burdock root, yarrow root, sarsaparilla root, red clover root, and Polk root. While these natural compounds are readily available at natural foods stores and seem to have no toxic effects on the body, they also have no demonstrated preventative effects on various rashes. The reality is that most 'wives tales' are exactly that, and very ineffective.

The best way to simply remedy or prevent an itchy rash is to avoid substances that you have an allergy to. This is not always possible as new allergies can pop up in the body without any warning.

Staying away from items known to cause an allergic reaction or that make you feel strange and out of sorts is one easy way to begin to identify items that you may be sensitive to, without waiting for them to give you a rash!

What Are Different Types of Arthritis?

While there are over a 100 distinct types of arthritis, there are common ones from which majority of people suffer.

The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative joint disorder that usually results from the natural decline of the body from old age. Other common causes of osteoarthritis are events that cause trauma to the joints, or the infection of a joint. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases estimates that one out of eight Americans aged 25 years and older suffer from osteoarthritis. The spread of the age group of people who suffer from osteoarthritis is attributed to the fact that it is caused both by injury and old age.

With osteoarthritis, pain results from the inflammation of the joints because of the wearing out of the cartilage, which cushions and protects joints. In the absence or lessening of this protective cartilage, pain results from simple and usual movements like walking, standing, or any activity that causes the joints to bear weight. As a result of the pain, many people who suffer from osteoarthritis lessen their physical activity, causing further degeneration of their muscles and ligaments.

While people who suffer from osteoarthritis feel general joint stiffness and joint pain, only a third of them complain from excessive pain and inflammation around the joints. The progression of osteoarthritis also vary greatly among people, with some acquiring osteoarthritis suddenly and some developing it gradually. The joints most usually affected with osteoarthritis are fingers, the neck, the lower back, the knees, and the hips.

Rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis occurs when the body attacks itself. These two types of arthritis are generally classified as auto-immune diseases precisely because it is caused by this bodily mechanism. Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful inflammatory systemic disease that can eventually lead to a loss of mobility because of excessive pain and joint destruction. It also can affect adjacent organs like the skin, blood vessels, lungs, heart, and even muscles. A good 60% of patients who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis lose their mobility and capacity to work some ten years after their initial diagnosis.

Another common form of arthritis is gout or metabolic arthritis. In this congenital disease, the uric acid metabolism breaks down, causing the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints. The deposit of uric acid crystals in the joints causes an inflammatory reaction as uric acid concentration in the bloodstream rises. Because the uric acid crystal deposits continue to accrue in the joints, these eventually erupt out into the skin that discharge white, chalk-like material. Gout usually attacks the big foot first, but may attack a number of other joints like the heel, the ankle, the wrist, the instep, knee, elbows, and even the spine.

Is Pernol the Product That Will Eliminate Pain and Ease the Suffering From Arthritis?

Is living in pain destroying your normal lifestyle? Arthritis and Joint Pain are a debilitative disease which cause misery and frustration to your every day life. Pernol is described as "The arthritis miracle from the sea", that will eliminate joint pain, aid joint lubrication and ease your suffering, to enable you to regain your mobility and quality of life once more.

So what is it? The main active ingredient is a patented, highly purified 99% stabilised pharmaceutical grade oil, extracted from the Green Lipped Mussels (Perna canaliculus) which are exclusive to the New Zealand coastline along the South Island. It is a unique chronic joint pain and inflammation product new which completely alleviates inflammation, eliminating swelling, pain, joint stiffness, lack of mobility, irritation and the wearing down of cartilage.

For generations the native coastal Maori population of New Zealand has consumed raw Greenlipped Mussels as a primary part of their diet. Coastal dwelling Maoris, who regularly consumed the Green Lipped Mussel as part of their diet, suffered from practically no arthritis when compared to their inland dwelling relatives or other New Zealanders of European origin.

The Green Lipped Mussel possesses rich Omega-3 essential fatty acids which are unique to its species. The presence of this source of essential fatty acids provides the mussel with potent anti-inflammatory activity. This can be passed on to consumers when the mussel or its concentrated pure oil is as the mussel acts as a unique filtration system extracting crucial and essential nutrients that have shown to provide phenomenal pain relief, aid joint lubrication and act as powerful anti-inflammation agents.

The main active ingredient of Pernol is a patented, highly purified 99% stabilised pharmaceutical grade oil, extracted from the Green Lipped Mussels ( Perna canaliculus ) which are exclusive to the New Zealand coastline along Marlborough Sounds area of the South Island. This unique chronic joint pain and inflammation formulation can alleviate inflammation, eliminate swelling, pain, joint stiffness, lack of mobility, irritation and the wearing down of cartilage.

A key component in combating and relieving arthritis pain and inflammation is the Concentrated Natural Oil Blend of Salmon Oil, Fish Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Lemon Oil and Celery Seed Oil. This blend, combines with and aids the 99% Green Lipped Mussel Oil Extract, to provide the crucial natural oil blend to ensure optimum joint lubrication and overall joint health.

So is there any medical proof? Clinical test studies carried out in The Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the University of Adelaide in Australia using concentrated extracts of Green Lipped Mussel Oil have shown positive results in relieving arthritic conditions by inhibition of the principal human inflammatory pathway known as "the lipoxygenase pathway". Both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis patients showed a significant improvement with 79% of rheumatoid patients and 80% of osteoarthritic patients benefitting significantly from taking concentrated Green Lipped Mussel Oil Extract.

There are no known side effects or interactions with any other form of medication. Due to its unique anti-inflammatory action on the respiratory airways, it is also fantastic for Asthma sufferers.

Discover The Most Common Causes of Joint Aches

As we get older, many of us start to wake up with joint aches and pains we never had before.

Although you may still consider yourself young, such as late 30's or early 40's, the truth is that most causes of joint aches and pains is arthritis.

This isn't to say that you have arthritis...but you could be in the early stages of developing it.

You may be overweight or you may not be. The onset of arthritis can be from an old injury....especially if you played sports in your younger years.

If you are a few pounds too heavy, this can make the situation worse.

Of course, there are several types of arthritis. There is rheumatoid arthritis and there is osteoarthritis as two examples. The causes of joint aches will depend on which type of arthritis you may have or may be developing, if indeed arthritis is at the cause of your aches.

If you notice your joint aches happen frequently in the morning, upon first rising, then osteoarthritis could be your problem.

The Root Causes of Joint Aches

Regardless if it's rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, both types are characterized by inflammation of the joints. This inflammation causes joint aches because of the swelling and stiffness created.

As such, regardless of what the causes of your joint aches happen to be, there is a really good chance that you should look into anti-inflammatory substances to counter the inflammatory cascade transpiring within your body.

One of the best anti-inflammatories is fish oil. Fish oils are a natural substance that can not only help alleviate inflammation, but they have a myriad of other health benefits, such as improving cardiovascular and brain functioning.

Other good sources of anti-inflammatory foods include rich, leafy green vegetables. Think spinach.

If you live in the United States, you've probably never heard of a substance known as the New Zealand green lipped mussel. In New Zealand it is rather famous for its anti-inflammatory properties and is used to counter joint stiffness, aches, and pains. Like fish oil, the green lipped mussel is rich in omega 3's.

In summary, the root causes of joint aches are usually inflammation that can mean the onset of some type of arthritic condition. Increasing your dietary intake of natural anti-inflammatory substances may help counter these aches and also may improve your overall health.

Drug Free Arthritis Treatment Using a Tens Machine

Arthritis is a painful condition that can affect the joints. This is a common chronic disorder that can not only cause pain and discomfort but can also be limit mobility. You can treat arthritis with many different methods including a drug-free tens machine.

Who Suffers From Arthritis?

Arthritis is a degenerative disease of the joints that occurs commonly as we get older. There are a number of different types of arthritis that can also affect younger people. For example rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that has been found to affect women from as early as their mid-twenties.

Why Use a Tens Machine?

A tens machine can offer a pain relief treatment for arthritis that does not involve drugs. Taking arthritis medication can be an effective way to treat the condition. However the long-term impact of these drugs can result in a number of side-effects. This is why doctors are keen to encourage other pain relief methods such as a tens machine as an alternative, particularly in younger patients.

How Tens Machines Work

A tens machine works by using soothing pulses of electricity. These are transmitted to areas affect by arthritis by small pads placed on the skin. The electrical pulses are used to suppress the pain messages that are travelling to the brain. This can relieve symptoms of pain without the need for strong medication.

A tens machine can also help to encourage the body to produce more natural pain killing chemicals (encephalins and endorphins). This can be an effective way to manage pain resulting from chronic conditions like arthritis without having to resort to powerful and expensive prescription medication.

Physiotherapy

A tens machine is often used alongside physiotherapy. These are both pain relieving treatments that do not require the use of drugs. Physiotherapy helps you to improve overall fitness and mobility with stretching and toning exercises.

Physiotherapists are able to assist you with managing your condition and can also provide that treatments. You can also find out more about where to get that therapies from your doctor or health care centre.

Pain Management Tips

To help you make the best out of your tens machine sessions here are a few essential tips:

- Pace Yourself - don't push yourself too hard if you have arthritis. This can exacerbate the pain and make it more difficult to manage. Make sure you keep your activity at a comfortable level. Try to find the right balance between resting and working or moving around.

- Exercise Regularly - exercising can help you to improve your overall health and stamina. This can also help you to manage pain as exercise release natural pain relieving chemicals such as endorphins. When you have arthritis you do need to take more care when exercising. Speak to your physiotherapist or doctor about suitable exercises for your condition.

Rheumatism and Arthritis - What's the Difference?

Rheumatism and arthritis are two bone and muscle diseases that people refer to almost interchangeably. Generally speaking, most people do not really see the difference. After all, both diseases manifest the same symptoms of recurring pain in joints and muscles. While both conditions can sometimes be unbearably painful and afflict older men and women, they are in fact different.

Rheumatism does not refer to a single disease or condition, but to over a 100 conditions based on the location and characteristics of the symptoms. For many years, rheumatism was the generic term used to describe various painful medical conditions related to bones, muscles, joints and tendons, until doctors began to use the term arthritis to describe joint-related ailments.

By definition, arthritis is a disease of the bone joints, where two or more bones come together and connect. When joints begin to show signs of redness, tenderness, and sensitivity to pain, then you are likely to be experiencing arthritis. Rheumatism, on the other hand, affects not just joints, but also bones, ligaments and other vital organs of the body, including heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver. In this context, all arthritis types are forms of rheumatism, while rheumatism is not always arthritis.

The cure and treatment for different types of arthritis or rheumatism depends on certain conditions. Doctors underscore the need for specific treatment for specific cases of arthritis and rheumatism. After all, the different types of arthritis and rheumatism are triggered by many factors, including food, allergens, genetics, and obesity. Among the most common types of rheumatic diseases are ankylosing spondylitis, fibromyalgia, lupus, scleroderma, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, polymyalgia rheumatica, bursitis, tendinitis, vasculitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and complex regional pain syndrome.

On the other hand, the most common cases of arthritis, an ailment characterized by joint related pain, stiffness, inflammation and damage, are rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, juvenile arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, infectious arthritis, gout and pseudogout. Just like rheumatism, each type of arthritis requires a separate and distinct treatment. Despite these distinctions, people continue to use the terms interchangeably. Such a lack of knowledge has potentially painful, if not dangerous, consequences for arthritic and rheumatic sufferers, whose best chances to stop the progression of both diseases are when they are just starting to manifest the painful symptoms.

Arthritis and rheumatism inflict the most pain on people who fail to recognize the cause of their affliction and, therefore, are unable to immediately follow the doctor's advice to control both diseases through a balanced, low-uric acid and high-fiber diet, regular exercise, and medication.

How To Deal With Cat Arthritis

If you live with a cat, no doubt your cat is a favorite pet and you love and adore him or her. Cats will do that to humans! It is therefore very distressing if your cat develops cat arthritis.

Mostly cat arthritis affects older cats but sometimes younger ones can also get this disease. If your cat is young, then make sure it gets enough exercise and doesn't become overweight. Like us humans, if we carry too much weight around, our joints will end up hurting us.

Signs to look for are generally slowing down. Walking becomes more difficult and often jumping is a problem. If your cat is older or even very old, it's so hard to tell whether it is just age or if it is arthritis. If the cat is unusually irritable or even depressed, it could well be that it is suffering from chronic arthritis pain. Also you may find your cat sleeping even more. Cat owners know that cats are smart that way.

Cats can have various forms of arthritis, just like we can. However, arthritis can develop in a cat due to a traumatic even involving movement - for example, if your cat is in an accident as gets a shock and is hurt, or if he falls badly and hurts himself. It could then be that the injured joints develop arthritis.

Thank goodness we have veterinarians who can help us. First of all take your cat to your veterinarian for a check up. There are certain tests that can be made to help with the diagnosis if the vet thinks it could be arthritis. There is medication available, just like for us humans who have the disease and your vet can monitor progress. Corticosteriods and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, known as NSAIDs may be prescribed.

Of course there are also alternative natural remedies you can try but always let your veterinarian know in case they conflict with any other medication. Glucosamine is good for arthritis sufferers and it comes in liquid form for your beloved pet. Vitamin C is also helpful for pain relief, but again make sure this is OK with your vet.

If you cat likes a massage, then go ahead and gently massage him or her. Also making sure your cat is warm is always good in this situation so make sure he or she has a nice warm blanket or cat bed and this is not situated in a cool or drafty area.

As with humans, arthritis in cats is not easy. However, with loving care, understanding and medication and/or natural remedies, it is possible for pets suffering with cat arthritis to live their lives more comfortably.

Neck Arthritis - Its Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Medicine has many names for neck arthritis. Doctors refer to this condition as cervical spondylosis or degenerative disk disease. But whichever name they have for it, it is very important that the nature of this disease is made known so that the proper way of treating it may be carried out.

Neck arthritis has a lot of causes. Although it is very hard for doctors to tell a patient exactly what made them acquire the disease, they can certainly instruct them what to do whenever the diseases strikes.

The Symptoms of Neck Arthritis

You probably have neck arthritis if you are suffering from severe neck and shoulder pains, as these are the body parts that neck arthritis commonly targets. Although such pains are concentrated in and around these areas, it is not impossible that you are going to suffer from episodes of headaches as well.

Aside from such unbearable pains, it is also common that neck arthritis patients experience a certain level of stiffness around their necks as well. This stiffness is characterized by the person's inability to bend or turn their necks and heads from one side to another.

Since neck arthritis affects the shoulders, the pain may possibly shoot down from the tips of the shoulder down in to a certain part of the arm. Along with that pain, there would also be weakness and numbness in the arm area. These two sensations are caused by neck arthritis. It is not a different type of problem altogether, although the arms are far from the neck. There are also instances that the symptoms are felt on both arms and cause the hands to be clumsy.

Unfortunately, the pain doesn't always end in the arms alone. More often than not, it also goes down into the legs as well. The same type of pain is felt. A decreased level of sensation and vibration will also be experienced around the leg and foot area, whenever neck arthritis attacks.

Another noticeable symptom of neck arthritis would be problems with urination. There are instances that the patients of this disease urinate a little too often than they used to. Some, on the other hand, have the need to urinate immediately. This is the reason why urinary incontinence in patients with neck arthritis is a little too common.

The Causes of Neck Arthritis

Neck arthritis is commonly caused by the changes in a person's cervical spine. A person's body changes as he ages. And this is the main reason why the instances of neck arthritis are rather common to elderly people. Following the same principle, calcium build ups and bony growths can also be the cause of this disease.

When a person's body changes, more particularly in these areas, certain nerves are affected. Some of them are inflamed, compressed, or pinched. These are the main reasons why the symptoms of neck arthritis show. Blood flow may also be affected due to this disease.

Treating Neck Arthritis

The primary treatment for neck arthritis is to restrict the movement of the neck. To do this, a cervical collar may be used. In certain cases that a collar is not sufficient to do the job, a brace has to be fitted around the neck. These devices become necessary to treat the disease.

But if mere treatment is not enough, there might be a need to perform a surgery. Usually, surgery becomes an option to the patients that complain of severe and unbearable pains. And if there are notable neurological deficits, surgery is very likely to be suggested by the doctor as well. Neurological deficits are characterized by difficulty in walking, total weakness of the hands, and problems in the bladder area. Any determined compression in the spinal cord is also enough reason to go for surgery.

These are the basic facts associated with arthritis in the neck. Knowing all of these would cause people to understand the disease better and act accordingly. Neck arthritis really is a very serious disease. Therefore, it has to be addressed the moment it is diagnosed.

Arthritis of the Knee - Types and Treatment

Arthritis is a form of joint disorder that involves symptoms like pain, inflammation, and swelling in is the area where two bones meet.

The knee joint, for example, is where the ends of lower leg bones (the tibia and the fibula) and the thighbone (the femur) meet. Likewise, the hip joint is formed between the thighbone (femoral head) and a concave portion of the pelvis (the acetabulum).

Medically known as the tibiofemoral joint, knee joint is the largest joint in the body and is most frequently affected by arthritis.

This joint disease affects more than 46 million American adults and this number is expected to increase to 67 million by the year 2030. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), about 580,000 knee replacement surgeries are performed every year in the U.S. and the number is growing.

Types
There are three major types of arthritis that may affect the knee joint- Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Post-Traumatic Arthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA): Also referred to as the "wear and tear" arthritis, Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, affecting 33 million people in the United States.

It is a condition that is caused by the combination of several factors, including overuse of joints, obesity, or aging. Also called 'degenerative arthritis', osteoarthritis is usually a slowly progressive degenerative disease in which the cartilage covering the bone ends gradually wears away.

It usually causes pain and limited motion, and often occurs in joints that bear weight, such as the knees, hips, feet, and spine. It is most prevalent among middle-aged and older people with active lifestyles.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): It is an inflammatory type of arthritis that can destroy the joint cartilage. It is a systemic, autoimmune condition that causes the body's immune system to produce substances that attack the body's soft-tissues and joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age and generally affects both large and small joints in the body as well as the spine. Swelling, pain, and stiffness are often quite pronounced in rheumatoid arthritis, even when the joint is not used. The condition affects approximately 1.3 million Americans, and about 75% of them are women, according to the American College of Rheumatology.

Post-traumatic Arthritis: This form of joint arthritis can develop after any kind of physical injury to the knee in which the bone and cartilage were deteriorated. After the injury, the cartilage separates from the joint and bone and shatter into several fragments which float around freely and cause severe pain and joint stiffness.

A military injury, injury from sports, an accident, a fall, or any other source of physical trauma can damage the joint surface cartilage (osteoarthritis), destructing the mechanism of the joint and making it wear out. This disease may not surface until several years after a fracture, ligament injury, or meniscus tear.

The post-traumatic arthritis symptoms include severe joint pain, swelling, fluid accumulation in the joint, tenderness, and decreased tolerance for walking, sports, climbing stairs and other physical activities which stress the joint. It affects about 5.6 million people in the United States. The risk may be minimized by preventing injuries.

Treatment Options
The treatment for arthritis of the knee starts with nonsurgical measures, including lifestyle modifications; exercise; supportive devices; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines; heat or ice treatments and elastic bandages.

But when arthritis reaches to a point where nonsurgical treatments have failed to relieve pain and other symptoms, surgical treatment will be considered.

There are a number of surgical treatments that can offer lasting relief. Cleaning out or repairing torn cartilage and reconstructing or replacing the worn out joint surfaces are the common surgical treatments for arthritis in the joint.

Hand Arthritis - Different Treatments

Hand arthritis is the most common form of arthritis that mainly affects the fingers. As in most forms of arthritis the joints become inflamed resulting in pain. Essentially, a joint is made up of two bones that are covered by cartilage and are conjoined together moving smoothly across each other. If this smooth surface becomes damaged or wears out over time, arthritis will result

Hand arthritis is specifically painful and debilitating due to the fact that hands have nineteen bones and eight small bones that has several small joints. The more common forms of hand arthritis include osteoarthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Further causes of hand arthritis might include psoriasis, gout and infection.

Hand osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear on the hand joints over time resulting in inflammation and pain. Normally it is a result of this wear and tear, however it can also be the result of a specific hand injury. Hand osteoarthritis arthritis generally develops either along the bottom of the thumb, the wrist, the end joint that is closest to the tip of the finger and the middle joint of the finger.

The most common symptoms of hand arthritis are pain, swelling and reduced movement resulting in diminished grip and pinch strength. The doctor or physician will also examine all other joints to help aid the diagnosis of hand arthritis. The doctor can also determine the severity of the hand arthritis by observing the clinical appearance of the hand. Further to this X-rays will be utilized to further identify the severity of hand arthritis by seeking potential bony outgrowths.

There are various treatments and forms of reducing the pain of hand arthritis. Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory medications will normally be the first treatment utilized for hand arthritis. Resting the hand is also crucial in terms of re-habilitating the area- a hand or wrist support may be required to aid this re-habilitation.

Physical therapy for hand arthritis has also proven to be very effective as a treatment option. There are specific exercises, which can help in loosening the stiffened joints caused by the hand arthritis. Steroids can also be injected locally into the affected area, however this is only a form of pain relief, and certainly not a long-term treatment option for hand arthritis.

Surgery is most certainly the last resort as a treatment option for hand arthritis. The doctor or physician will seriously evaluate the patient's health, age, weight and risks of complications before recommending hand surgery as a viable treatment option for hand arthritis.

Hand arthritis can be an extremely debilitating condition, however with proper diagnosis by your doctor or physician the symptoms can be effectively managed and rehabilitation can take place. Like most forms of arthritis early diagnosis is the key to aiding recovery in hand arthritis.

Going On A Trip Soon - Here Are 17 Tips For Flying More Comfortably If You Suffer From Arthritis

Travel can be exciting particularly if it is to a vacation destination.

Here are some useful tips for airline travelers with arthritis.

Prepare ahead of time. Make sure your agenda is set and that the proper travel arrangements have been made. Double check the airport flight times and triple check them the day before you go. Often, flight times can change at the last minute. If you can, print your boarding passes ahead of time. Most domestic airlines allow you to do this 24 hours before a flight. These measures will help reduce the stress of getting to the airport and finding out that your travel arrangements have been completely changed. Sites like Travelocity or other similar sites can get you the best fares and will also notify you of flight changes. While you're at it, make sure your passport is up to date if you're traveling abroad.

Find out through your travel arranger or through a guidebook a way to find an English speaking doctor should you need one. Carry your insurance information with you.

If you have an executor, let them know who your attorney is prior to your trip. It's not the most pleasant thing to think about but you should make sure, in the event of a tragedy, that things are taken care of.

If you are traveling to foreign countries, use a neck pouch to carry your important papers and money. You may be considered an easy mark for thieves if you carry your valuables in a regular purse. Since ATMs are available almost everywhere except for very remote areas, it makes sense to limit the amount of cash you carry around at any one time.

Make a packing list. Make a list of the clothes items, then a list of other things like your wallet, cash, planner, sunglasses, camera, etc. Remember that federal regulations will limit what you can take on board. This is particularly a problem when you take a number of medications.

Make sure your medicines are in properly labeled prescription containers so the TSA people don't take them away from you. Do not put your medicines in your checked luggage! Ever!

If you think you need assistance, call the airlines and make sure they are aware you need a wheelchair. Most airlines are very accommodating. If you plan on doing a lot of walking and your arthritis affects your hips, knees, or feet, use a cane or walking stick. It will help a lot. While you're at it, make sure to invest in well-cushioned, supportive footwear. Don't economize here!

Make sure to get a note from your doctor if you have to travel with medicines like Enbrel or Humira that require a small cooler. This will speed your trip through security. If possible, check your baggage at the curb. It'll save a lot of time. Also, if you have metallic joint replacements, get a note from your doctor; otherwise, your journey through security could be a very interesting one.

Use wheelie luggage carriers instead of a shoulder bag. A travel vest that has lots of pockets also is very useful for carrying around stuff that ordinarily you might have to use a bag for.

Travel on board an airplane can be a painful experience if you're not prepared. Bring along a neck support pillow. The airline should also supply you with a small pillow you can use to support your low back. Get an aisle seat so you can get up and walk. Stretch. Do this as much as you can.

While sleeping on a flight is sometimes difficult, some rest is better than none at all.

The buttons to provide air conditioning or lighting are sometimes hard to reach and grasp. Again, don't be shy about asking for assistance.

While we're on the topic of buttons, Velcro fasteners are convenient, lightweight, and are a good idea for use with travel clothes.

Sometimes it makes sense to keep your carryon with you. When placed on the floor, it makes a nice footrest. You will have to stow it under the seat in front of you on take off and landing.

Drink plenty of water. This will help you with fatigue which is a problem for anyone, let alone somebody with arthritis. While current regulations don't allow you to take bottled water from home on board, you can use a water bottle and fill it at a water fountain before getting on board.

If you need to store stuff in the overhead bins, ask for help. Don't be shy. People are more than glad to help. The same goes for taking it out of the overhead bin.

Make sure that when you schedule your trip, you also schedule time for "rentry." In other words, make sure that when you arrive home, you have created enough space so you don't have to dive right back into work or other responsibilities.

Feline Arthritis - Nothing to Purr About

Cats are usually very stoic creatures but when it comes to feline arthritis, even the toughest tabby of them all will eventually give in and complain. Feline arthritis is a progressive, non-infectious disease characterized by joint swelling and pain. It can appear at any age but it usually affects middle-aged or geriatric cats.

What causes feline arthritis?

Certain factors contribute to the development of feline arthritis. These may include trauma, such as those caused by accidents or injuries to the joints, congenital disorders and developmental disorders. A commonly overlooked factor that usually leads to feline arthritis is obesity, which usually causes excessive weight to bear down on joints and cause too much pressure.

There are several types of cat arthritis - these include:

Progressive polyarthritis. This is characterized by arthritis affecting multiple joints and often worsens with age. Progressive polyarthritis usually affects the hock, wrist and feet. It can be severely painful, especially once the cartilage has eroded and bones are exposed.

Traumatic arthritis. This type is caused by injury to the joint from accidents, fights or even a fall. When left unchecked, the trauma can degenerate the joint and cause swelling and bone damage.

Osteoarthritis. Also referred to as degenerative arthritis, this is a chronic disease that often comes with age, characterized by the slow wear and tear of a joint. This usually occurs at the shoulder and elbow.

What are the symptoms?

When your cat shows symptoms of feline arthritis, it's usually when the disease has already progressed. These are some of the most common symptoms associated with feline arthritis:

Difficulty in moving or obvious expression of pain when moving.

Reluctance to engage in the usual physical activities.

Altered gait or limping.

Stiffness, difficulty in rising from a resting position.

Irritability, nervousness, aggression or depression.

Getting your cat diagnosed

Feline arthritis isn't arthritis until it's confirmed. If your cat shows signs of limping or inflammation, don't assume it is arthritis immediately and try to comfort your cat by giving him painkillers. Feline arthritis is best left for a veterinarian to diagnose and whatever medications you might need to administer should have the vet's approval.

During your visit to the vet, your cat will undergo a series of check ups in order to rule out any other diseases that may contribute to similar symptoms. It is also important that the vet examines your cat's medical history to find out if the problem is related to past injuries and diseases.

To check for the progress of the disease, an x-ray may be used which will show any deformed or damaged joints. An x-ray will often tell the veterinarian whether your cat needs to undergo surgery or will perform well with certain medications. Other forms of diagnosis may also be used by your veterinarian, including ultrasound, radiographs and blood tests.

Treatment for feline arthritis

A proper diagnosis from the veterinarian is important in order to determine the type and progress of the disease. This will help the vet prescribe the proper medication and therapies for your cat based on his age, the severity of his condition and medical history. The approach of treatment for feline arthritis is two-fold: one to treat the pain and inflammation and the other is to improve your cat's mobility.

If pain and swelling are present, medications may be prescribed, which can offer temporary relief. Common medications used include painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. These drugs must be prescribed by your veterinarian and should not be administered without the doctor's advice. Some drugs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen and certain NSAIDs have adverse side effects that may not be well tolerated by cats.

Some supplements, such as chondroitin and glucosamine, are sometimes recommended to help in the healing of damaged joints. Glucosamine is one of the components that make up the cartilage while chondroitin inhibits damaging enzymes as it encourages cartilage formation. If the disease has progressed and joint malformation is already present, corrective and reconstructive surgery may be performed.

Supplementing medication

Your cat may have to deal with feline arthritis for the rest of his life, so it's important that he is provided a comfortable place to rest and sleep. A heating pad will greatly increase your cat's comfort although providing a warm place to sleep will usually suffice. Since it often requires extra effort for your cat to move, make sure he has easy access to his bed, food and water bowls. It may also be necessary to help your cat lose weight, as some forms of arthritis are caused and made worse by excess weight.