Psoriasis Treatment and Phases of Relief

Psoriasis is a chronic medical skin condition that affects 3-5% of all people. Psoriasis is very similar to other chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol in that it cannot be eliminated. Unlike some other skin conditions - there is no cure for Psoriasis.

Although the level of severity can vary from very mild which includes one or two small rough patches that are hardly noticeable to extremely severe red, scaling plaques that cover nearly the entire body. Psoriasis can become so severe that it can lead to psoriatic arthritis. Because psoriatic arthritis is degenerative, it is important to intervene early with appropriate treatments and medications. Approximately 33 % of all people with psoriasis eventually progress with psoriatic arthritis.

There are three primary treatment levels for managing psoriasis, which are based on the severity of psoriasis.

The first phase of treatment involves topical moisturizers and anti-inflammatory agents such as non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory creams and ointments, and topical steroid creams and ointments. Additionally, creams containing vitamin D and vitamin A. There are both over-the-counter medications including such ingredients as salicylic acid and those that contain steroids that must be prescribed by your dermatologists.

Photo-Light Therapy using ultraviolet B light is often used to treat mild to moderate psoriasis.

The second treatment phases are systemic medications. These include medicines such has methotrexate, cyclosporine, and oral retinoids, which work very well, but have a higher incident of side-effects. The risks and benefits to using this treatment phase should be carefully weighed before prescribing them. When properly managed the results are satisfactory.

The third phase of treatments is a newer class of medications called biologic agents. These medications derived from antibodies - proteins that attach to other proteins. Once attached the biologics mimic tiny sponges, and absorb the proteins that cause skin cells to grow rapidly. This process slows cell turn production and psoriasis. Some biologics have been designed to help with inflammation, which helps to treat psoriatic arthritis in the joints.

Most people suffering from psoriasis undergo treatments containing a combination of therapies. These combination treatments work synergistically to manage varying aspects and symptoms of the disease. While the search continues to discover a cure for psoriasis, early detection and treatment used today have certainly advanced at helping to manage and relieve psoriasis flare ups, joint pain and mobility.

Arthritis Treatment Facility

The condition arthritis can be defined as the inflammation of the joints. The major symptoms of arthritis are pain in joints and inflexibility, which usually become intense with age. These are the two most common types of arthritis osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is generally caused by normal old age and rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Other types of arthritis can occur due to uric acid crystals, infections and underlying disease like psoriasis. The pain due to arthritis caused by joint damage. Joints consist of the following parts:

Cartilage

Cartilage is a hard, but smooth coating on the ends of bones, cartilage permits bones of the joint to move smoothly over each other.

Joint capsule

This is a membrane which encloses all the joint parts.

Synovium

This is a thin membrane which lines the joint capsule and produces synovial fluid, which makes the joint slippery and nourishes the cartilage.

The most usual signs and symptoms of arthritis include the joints. Rely upon the type of arthritis, signs and symptoms also include:

• Pain


• Stiffness


• Swelling


• Redness


• Decreased range of motion

Treatment options:

Medications

The medications used in the treatment of arthritis alter, rely upon the type of arthritis. Normally used arthritis medications contain:

Analgesics

These types of medications help in reducing pain, but these medications do not have any effect on inflammation. Examples are acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), narcotics containing oxycodone (Percocet, Oxycontin, others) and tramadol (Ultram, Ryzolt).

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs treat both pain and inflammation. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs include naproxen (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others). Few types of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are accessible only by prescription. Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can cause stomach problems like irritation, and few may enhance the risk of heart attack and stroke. Some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are also accessible as creams and gels, which can massage on joints.

Counterirritants

Few types of creams and ointments which contain menthol or capsaicin, these ingredients make hot peppers spicy. Massaging these preparations on the skin over the aching joint may obstruct the transmission of pain signals from the joint itself.

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs are often used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs decrease or stop the immune system from attacking the joints. Examples are hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) and methotrexate (Trexall).

Biologics

These are commonly used in combination with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, biologic response modifiers are genetically made drugs that aim many protein molecules that are included in the immune response. Examples are infliximab (Remicade) and etanercept (Enbrel).

Corticosteroids

This type of drug, includes cortisone and prednisone, and decreases inflammation. Corticosteroids can be used orally or also used in the form of injections directly into the painful joint.

• Therapy

Physical therapy can be effective for some types of arthritis. Exercises can improve the motion and strengthen the muscles surrounding joints.

• Surgery

If other treatment options do not work so surgery is the only cure.

Joint replacement

In this procedure doctors remove the damaged joint and replaces it with an artificial joint. Joints of hips and knees are most commonly replaced.

Joint fusion

This procedure is common for smaller joints like joints in the wrist, joints in the ankle and fingers. It usually removes the ends of the two bones in the joint and then fix those ends together until they heal into one stiff unit.

• Home remedies

Home remedies include the following:

Weight loss

Losing weight will decrease the stress on the weight-bearing joints. This may enhance the mobility and prevent future joint injury.

Exercise

Exercising can help in keeping joints flexible. Swimming is usually a good choice because the buoyancy of the water decreases stress on weight-bearing joints.

Heat and cold

Heating pads or ice packs may help in reducing arthritis pain.

Assistive devices

Using walkers, raised toilet seats and other assistive devices can help in protecting the joints and enhance the ability to perform daily tasks.

Types of Arthritis and Treatments

Arthritis is one of the most common diseases that occur globally. The term arthritis is a general term that is used for almost a group of 100 diseases. These diseases bear some similar characteristics like inflammation and pain in joints. Arthritis word is a Greek word that literally means inflammation in joints. Though some people suffering from arthritis might not complain inflammation in the joint but the common complain is discomfort in joint.

Out of these 100, major three occurring arthritic conditions are

(a) Osteoarthritis - it is a condition in which the cartilaginous tissue that is present in the joint gets converted to bony structures. Due to this body tissue formation the movement of the joints gets restricted and there is severe pain in the joint on movement. In ayurvedic terminology it is known as sandhi gata vata and is caused due to vata vitiation in the body.

(b) Gout - gout is a disease that is commonly seen in rich people due to their luxurious life style. This disease occurs due to life style disorders and commonly seen in people who lacks physical activities in their life style. In these diseases the serum uric acid gets increased and due to this its crystal formation occurs that ultimately settles in the joints. As the joint space gets occupied with these crystals of uric acid. On movement, these crystals hinder the free movement of the joint. In ayurveda this situation is called as vata Rakta.

(c) Rheumatoid arthritis - it is a condition in which our immune system attacks our own body. It is an autoimmune disease that can lead to the joint inflammation. Some times the surrounding tissues also get inflamed. In ayurveda it is known as aamvata. It happens due to vata vitiation in the body. It causes severe pain in joints and very often swelling is present.

Symptoms

· Pain in joints

· Inflammation

· Restricted movements

· Arthritis initiates in small joints first

· Joint is warm

· Generally red color is seen on the affected joint

Home remedies for arthritis

Below are some of the home remedies that are very effective in treating arthritis.

· Rub the castor oil on the affected joint to get instant relief from pain. Castor is known as errand in ayurveda. It is helpful in suppressing pain as castor is vata suppressant.

· Ashwagandha is an herb that is very effective in suppressing pain and reducing inflammation in the joint.

· Garlic is also very effective in suppressing pain and reduces the inflammation of the joint.

· Shallaki an ayurvedic herb also is one of the best pain reliever in the arthritic condition. It is also helpful in reducing the swellings on the joint.

· 2 table spoon of lemon mixed with the honey and is then taken with a cup of warm water gives immense relief in arthritic pain.

· Mix a spoon of cod liver oil in a glass full of freshly derived orange juice is also an effective remedy for treating joint pains and arthritis

· Half tea spoon of turmeric powder is taken in warm milk is very effective remedy in treating arthritis

· You can immerse the joint in the hot water and can move the joint in it.

· Hot vinegar can be applied on the affected joint to get the instant relief.

· The joint can be rubbed with a mixture of two parts of olive oil and kerosene oil. It is an effective treatment for getting instant relief from arthritis.

Symptoms and Natural Treatments For Arthritis in Hands

Our hands and wrists have a lot of small joints that work together when we move them. When a joint in these is affected by arthritis, is makes it hard for us to move the whole hand or wrist. That being mentioned, it also means that hand arthritis may occur in different and multiple areas.

While hand arthritis is commonly disregarded by many, it is America's leading condition that leads to disability. Arthritis is mostly common to people who are over the age of 40, however, it can also occur to those in their early twenties. Even the healthy ones have the possibility of suffering from hand arthritis.

Below are the symptoms of hand arthritis.

* The first symptom is a mild pain in the joint, experienced as a "dull" or "burning" feeling. The pain increases as one continues to move the affected joint. The pain becomes more and more distinguishable after a few days. The pain is mostly noticed in the mornings. The affected area shows stiffness in the mornings, too.

* The area affected may swell when the joint is moved as it used to be. These joints can no longer handle the same pressure and stress. Swellings indicate that they are being overexerted.

* The joint affected will feel warm. This is because of the inflammation inside.

* Joints near the arthritic joint may be affected, they may become move movable than normal, or they may also affected if the hand is not well taken care of.

* Crepitation, or the "grinding" kind of sensation in the joint affected may be experienced. Damaged cartilages, due to a trauma or disease, will rub against each other.

* There are also instances when the joint feels "loose". When this is experienced, it means that the arthritis is caused by damage in the ligaments.

* There are also advanced cases where the joints affected appear larger than their normal size. This condition is called hypertrophic, and is an advanced case of hand arthritis.

* Small cysts may start to develop when arthritis begins to affect the fingers' end joints.

When the above mentioned symptoms are noticed, visit a professional and seek help. The first treatments for hand arthritis may vary, according to age, or according to the stage of the condition. The following are some of the treatments that can be done as soon as any of the symptoms discussed above is noticed.

* Exercise your hands and wrists. You can ask a professional about this. Get two boxes of bolts or nuts. Fill one of the boxes and leave the other one empty. Grab a handful of bolts or nuts, whichever you prefer, carefully hold them, and transfer them to the other hand, making sure that you are neither gripping too tightly or too loose. Try this exercise until the other box is full. This helps in exercising the joints in the hands and wrists.

* Stop smoking. Smoking has been proven to increase one's risk in arthritis. A healthy diet will also help in decreasing the risks.

* Strengthen your body with exercise, without overexerting yourself.

* Herbal supplements that can make the cartilages healthy can be taken.

How It Works: Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis

There are many diseases that fall into the arthritis category and they can have effects on the body that differ greatly, while also affecting those of all ages. Arthritis is thought of often as senior related diseases, as it is far more common for a senior to develop arthritis than it is for a child.

When considering the various different types of arthritis, the effects of the disease can vary greatly and, even though it is first and foremost a joint disorder, the effects of arthritis can spread to joints or result in skin related problems, so it is by no means strictly a rheumatological disorder.

One of the most common kinds of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, which also represents a sort of mystery in many regards. This is because the exact causes of rheumatoid arthritis are not understood completely. It is classified as an autoimmune disorder, where the defense network of the body attacks healthy cells, in the case the area around a joint, which in turn damages the body. Scientists do not know exactly what causes this reaction though, although there are many theories, such as disease and infection, as well as observations about certain factors that are similar among those with this disease.

Unlike some other types of arthritis, the effects of rheumatoid arthritis can sometimes carry over to organs in the body, and result in very serious health complications.

Another kind of arthritis that is more common among those in their sixties is osteoarthritis, which is sometimes called wear and tear arthritis. This type of arthritis is much more likely to result in a deformation, as it causes cartilage to be lost in a joint and when this occurs, bones rub each other as the body moves. In this kind of rhematoligical disorder, inflammation can occur, but it is a by-product of the disease itself. Several risk factors for osteoarthritis have been identified, which include high risk sports, like football or soccer, as well as things like being overweight, which put added strain on the joints. Often, the effects of the disease result in increased bone growth around the joint, which results in even more damage to the joint.

While those of all ages can develop both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, senior citizens are by far more likely to develop these disorders. Promptly treating the disease is important, as it is not possible to cure arthritis, nor reverse the effects of the disease. So, a focus on preventing further complications is an essential part of all treatments. Staying active is also important, more so in the early stages, as it helps keep the joint healthy.

There are many diseases that can affect seniors, but few can have as significant an effect on daily life than a rheumatological disorder.

Improve Your Diet and Be Less Susceptible to Your Arthritis Symptoms

There are around 200 kinds of arthritis, the two most common being osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. If you are overweight you have an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis because of the increased stress on joints such as your hips and knees. Consequently reducing your weight with slimming or a low fat diet can help to reduce your chance of developing osteoarthritis or lessen your symptoms if you already have it. Therefore, maintaining a healthy balanced diet that is low in highly refined and processed foods, saturated animal fats, sugar and salt, but high in wholegrain cereals, fruits and vegetables will aid in minimising the discomfort of osteoarthritis. Unfortunately for slimming, diet alone is never enough and should be combined with sensible, regular, gentle exercise. Exercise will strengthen muscles that protect joints and help to prevent stiffness. Low weight bearing exercise such as swimming and using a cross trainer will help minimise the stress on joints whilst exercising. Be sensible though and respect your body's limits - overdoing it is never a good idea. Remember also that you should consult your doctor or health care practitioner before embarking on a new exercise regime.

Food allergies or intolerance are thought to play a part in causing some people to develop rheumatoid arthritis. As with diagnosis of all food allergies it can be difficult to identify which food is the culprit or indeed if there are more than one causing the problem. Following an elimination diet with subsequent re-introduction of new foods is one way to find out or you could get skin and blood tests done. You may already suspect you have a problem with certain foods and the main offenders are usually dairy products, eggs and cereals.

There is increasing scientific evidence to suggest that fish oils, in particular polyunsaturated fats such as omega-3 fatty acids, can have an anti-inflammatory effect on the joints of rheumatoid and osteoarthritis sufferers. Inflammation is the bodies natural reaction to arthritic diseases and causes the very uncomfortable symptoms of pain, swelling, redness and heat. If you find it difficult to eat fresh oily fish (e.g. salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines or trout) 2 to 3 times a week then fish oils are readily available in capsules or liquid form. Evening primrose oil has been shown to also have a beneficial anti-inflammatory effect - useful if you don't like fish...in fact a vegetarian diet has been shown in studies to reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Several studies have shown that glucosamine sulphate a compound needed to build and maintain cartilage alleviates osteoarthritis.

Helpful foods to include in your diet to alleviate the symptoms of your arthritis:
Salmon and other oily fish supply omega-3 oils - eat 3+ times a week
Greens source of beta-carotene, calcium, folate, iron and vitamin C - eat raw or lightly cooked every few days
Bananas provide a good source of potassium, fibre and vitamin C - eat 3+ times a week
Broccoli source of beta-carotene, vitamin C, folate, iron and potassium - eat raw or lightly cooked every few days
Carrots excellent source of beta-carotene - eat raw or lightly cooked as often as you like
Ginger anti-inflammatory agent - eat 5g incorporated into cooking, twice a week
Celery anti-inflammatory agent and source of potassium - eat raw 3 times weekly

A diet that contains plenty of wholegrain cereals, fresh fruit (especially fruits high in anti-oxidants such as beta-carotene and vitamins C and E e.g. blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, prunes, raspberries, strawberries, apples, sweet cherries, plums and bioflavenoids e.g. lemons, limes, oranges, cherries, and grapes) vegetables and oily fish and is supplemented with anti-inflammatories such as evening primrose oil, ginger or glucosamine phosphate will be beneficial for reducing the chance of developing arthritic conditions or for minimising the painful symptoms once the disease is established. Also, consider reducing your intake of refined and processed foods and those high in sugar, salt and saturated animal fats, as well as investigating the possibility of a food allergy or intolerance.

Does Weather Really Affect Arthritis?

• Arthritis, and its numerous forms, is just one of the conditions that some believe is directly affected by the weather and changes in barometric pressure. Weather and Arthritis Pain Research

• In the 1960s, a famed arthritis specialist named Dr. J. Hollander orchestrated a study to demonstrate how high levels of humidity along with low barometric pressure increased stiffness and joint pain in patients who suffered from arthritis. The fibromyalgia sufferers in this study indicated more pain only during days of high pressure. At the end of this study, no significant links between changing weather patterns and an increase in arthritis pain were ever found. Why Weather is Believed to Affect Arthritis Pain

• Cold and rainy weather is often accompanied by a distinct drop in air pressure. The Types of Weather Changes That May Affect Arthritis Pain

• Barometric or air pressure: Although rising barometric pressure, which is the amount of force or weight exerted by the air around us, may also affect some types of arthritis pain, more often than not it is a rapid decline in air pressure, such as the drop that's associated with stormy weather, that causes an increase in aches and pains.

• Humidity: The amount of water vapors in the air is referred to as either humidity, absolute humidity, or relative humidity. - Temperature: Cold weather has long been associated with arthritis pain and stiffness in the joints, as well as triggering a host of other conditions such as migraine headaches or circulatory problems. For example, in one arthritis pain study, people living on the western coast of the United States in a milder climate reported just as much pain as those living in the eastern, colder portion of the country.

Does the Weather Really Affect Arthritis?

For as long as man has been aware of the changing weather, there has been speculation that it may also affect one's health and certain ailments besides simply altering the temperature.

Hippocrates, the ancient Greek "Father of Medicine" suspected as long ago as 400 B.C. that different weather conditions have a great influence on how our bodies feel. A few thousand years later, the modern world of science and medicine is still divided on whether or not fluctuations in the weather actually affect some health conditions.

Arthritis, and its numerous forms, is just one of the conditions that some believe is directly affected by the weather and changes in barometric pressure. A great majority of people diagnosed with arthritis say they can easily predict the weather based on how they're feeling, or how sore or tender their joints may be, making perfect sense of the saying "I'm feeling under the weather."

Although there are many people with arthritis who swear by this meteorological method of gaging the severity of their pain, there still is no actual scientific evidence to back up the claims.

Weather and Arthritis Pain Research

In the 1960s, a famed arthritis specialist named Dr. J. Hollander orchestrated a study to demonstrate how high levels of humidity along with low barometric pressure increased stiffness and joint pain in patients who suffered from arthritis. He indicated that neither of these weather changes individually had an impact on pain, but only when they occurred simultaneously.

Dr. Hollander concluded that when barometric pressure drops, the swelling around inflamed joints increases, causing more irritation to the surrounding nerves, which then also increases the amount of pain felt. This particular study has been refuted by many scientists as inconclusive due to the small number of patients (12) who participated.

One similar, more recent study also examined the association between arthritis pain and the weather involving people diagnosed with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia, which is another rheumatic disorder causing sore, tender joints. All of the participants lived in the same, warm climate and kept a log for one year, recording any changes in their level of pain. These logs were then compared with daily changes in the weather such as the relative humidity and temperature.

In this study, some people with rheumatoid arthritis seemed to be most affected by high levels of humidity and air pressure, while others in the osteoarthritis group felt more pain when only the humidity was high. The fibromyalgia sufferers in this study indicated more pain only during days of high pressure. However, none of the findings were strong enough to rely on just the weather itself to predict impending changes in pain levels.

Yet another research study involved over 100 people living in Florida who were diagnosed with osteoarthritis. For two years participants were told to score the severity of their arthritis pain so that researchers could match the results with local temperatures, whether or not there was precipitation, and what the barometric pressure was for each day. At the end of this study, no significant links between changing weather patterns and an increase in arthritis pain were ever found. However, some women did report experiencing more pain in their hands when barometric pressure was its highest.

Why Weather is Believed to Affect Arthritis Pain

Cold and rainy weather is often accompanied by a distinct drop in air pressure. One theory exists that this drop in pressure causes the body's tissues to expand, causing the already inflamed areas to swell more and increase pain. And then there are those doctors who argue that just a gloomy, rainy day itself may cause some to feel as if their pain is worse than it actually is.

Another theory simply suggests that people's threshold for pain drops along with the air temperature. Therefore, colder weather affects one's mood, making people less likely to be outdoors, remaining active, and getting the exercise that helps keep some arthritis pain under control.

There are also those who believe that arthritis sufferers look to the climate as an explanation for their increase in pain simply because there is no other plausible reason, only noting when the weather is inclement, but not noticing weather conditions as much when their pain is under control and stable.

The Types of Weather Changes That May Affect Arthritis Pain

- Barometric or air pressure: Although rising barometric pressure, which is the amount of force or weight exerted by the air around us, may also affect some types of arthritis pain, more often than not it is a rapid decline in air pressure, such as the drop that's associated with stormy weather, that causes an increase in aches and pains.

- Precipitation: Precipitation, meaning any form of water reaching the ground, includes not only rain and snow, but hail and sleet as well, and is accompanied by changes in air pressure and humidity.

- Humidity: The amount of water vapors in the air is referred to as either humidity, absolute humidity, or relative humidity. Increases in absolute humidity, which measures the amount of water vapors in relationship to the amount of moisture the air can hold at that particular temperature, are said to cause an increase in arthritis pain especially during the summer months.

- Temperature: Cold weather has long been associated with arthritis pain and stiffness in the joints, as well as triggering a host of other conditions such as migraine headaches or circulatory problems. Temperatures that quickly rise or fall are again the result of changes in barometric pressure.

It's important to remember that although certain types of weather may adversely influence some of the symptoms of arthritis such as pain and swelling, there is no scientific evidence that those climate changes are what causes one to develop arthritis in the first place, or to suffer from joint damage.

While it's true there is some evidence that some people living in drier, more arid places have fewer episodes of arthritic pain, there is no type of environment that guarantees complete relief from arthritis pain. It is also known that temperature and climate changes do not affect the actual course or progress of the disease.

People considering relocating to a warmer climate may want to consider the fact that most scientists believe that the body acclimates itself to its new environment over a relatively brief period of time. Which means that moving to a dry climate may seem to provide relief at first, it isn't believed to be beneficial over the long-term. For example, in one arthritis pain study, people living on the western coast of the United States in a milder climate reported just as much pain as those living in the eastern, colder portion of the country.

If you aren't able to spend time outside for exercise, be sure to compensate by exercising and remaining active indoors during times of inclement weather.

In many Asian countries and parts of Europe, homeopathic treatments are rather common for dealing with the pain associated with arthritis. Various herbs and natural substances are often combined to create remedies for arthritis pain as opposed to using traditional medications. Of course, as is with any type of disease or condition not just arthritis, a proper diagnosis by a qualified medical professional is imperative for any successful pain relief treatment plan.