How to Manage Your Arthritis Flares

Even when your arthritis is well-controlled, it's still possible to have a flare-up. Arthritis symptoms will get temporarily worse after a time of being less severe. When you experience a flare-up, a joint or joints may swell or become more swollen; you may even feel more pain and stiffness, especially in the morning; then your body may feel more fatigued. When you have all these things happening at the same time, the flare-up is considered more serious. There are ways to deal with your flare-ups, here are three steps you may want to take to help yourself when you have an arthritis flare-up.

Step 1: Recognizing what is happening, when it's happening.

The first step to managing a flare is to first recognize when you are having one. If you can identify that you are having a flare-up then it becomes easier to start managing it. Being aware of your body and how it feels and learning to pay attention to how arthritis affects your body makes it easier to see if there are any changes, then you will be able to recognize it. When you realize there has been a change, admit it, don't go into denial and hope that everything will just get better on its own. It doesn't.

Step 2: Find the reason for the flare-up

Once you've recognized that you are having a flare-up, the next thing and the important thing is to find out why it happened. In most cases flare-ups have no cause and are just part of the natural cycle of arthritis, but sometimes they do have triggers. Managing the symptoms of the flare-up may be controlled by what you think the cause is. By recognizing what stresses there are in your life, you may be able to change them and then you'll be able to lessen the severity of the flare-ups or at best prevent future ones from happening. This information can be very helpful for you and your doctor.

There are other possible triggers for your flare-ups, those being, not taking you medications the way your doctor prescribed, overdoing activities and not getting enough rest, over using certain joints, or experiencing a general worsening of your conditions. Some people think that the weather can trigger their flare-ups. Here are some of those triggers.

Medicine: A flare-up can occur when you are not taking your medicine the way your doctor has prescribed. Some people are afraid of the side effects and try to reduce the amount they are taking or they will even stop taking the medicine all together, even when they are still experiencing symptoms. There are others who will start to feel better and will either stop taking their medicine or forget to take it. Either way not taking your medicines will have serious affects, such as increasing the risk of permanent damage to the joints.

Overdoing it: Overdoing some of your activities and becoming too fatigue, can also bring on a flare-up. On the days that I was feeling really good, I would try to cram everything I could into those few hours I knew I had before I would start to hurt and be totally exhausted. I would always end up paying for it for the next few days. That's why it's important to have a clear idea of what is too much for your body to handle. While exercise and activity are very important, it is also important to balance them with rest and avoiding tiredness as much as possible is a key part of your arthritis treatment. It took me nearly five years before I was able to figure out how to pace myself whenever I did an activity. I also have to pick and choose what I will do based on how long I am going to be down after I do it.

Over using your joints: When you overuse one of your joints, you can cause your arthritis to flare-up. And believe it or not there are many ways to overuse a joint or joints. If you have arthritis of the hands, doing an activity that is too hard on your hands, such as hammering, opening up a jar, or even washing all your homes windows in one day, can trigger a flare-up in the hands. If you have arthritis in your knees, you might have flare-ups if you are on your knees for any length of time. In both of these cases, the swelling may occur any time from soon after the activity to a few days later. When there is swelling in a joint, you will want to look back to see what it was you were doing before the swelling started.

Other triggers: As mentioned earlier in this article, stress can contribute to flare-ups; in addition, some people find that certain weather conditions, such as humidity, can cause increased joint pain. The weather itself isn't what causes the joint pain to be worse but it can make the joint discomfort more obvious. Finally, a flare-up could be a sign that your condition is getting worse. If you have a flare-up that just won't go away, contact your doctor and see if there is a more effective treatment he can put you on.

Step 3: Fighting the flare-up.

The third and final step to managing your flare-ups is the action you take to relieve the pain and inflammation. The following are known to be effective. Do a medicine check. If you haven't been taking your medicine as prescribed, it might be a good idea to get back on track. If you stopped taking your medicine because you think it is causing unwanted side effects, contact your doctor and he should be able to make changes in your medicine. If you are having trouble paying for your medication, your doctor should be able to help you find another way to pay for them or prescribe a less expensive medication. With the growing numbers of people unable to pay for their medications, many of the drug companies have programs that will greatly reduce the cost and if you qualify, you may be able to get them for free. Whatever your reasons were for stopping, it's best to not let it continue for too much longer. Getting back on a regular schedule with your medications will cause the arthritis to respond once again and calm down. Check in with your doctor. You should have already worked out with your doctor, what is the best way to stay in touch in case you should have a flare-up. Some doctors, especially if you are newly diagnosed, prefer that you come in to see them, while others prefer you use emails or the phone. To treat your flare-ups the doctor may change the dose of your medicine, give you a new medicine or advise you on different techniques to reduce your symptoms. You and your doctor can also work out a plan for changing or adding medicines or making other changes to your program that you can do at home before checking in with your doctor. I talk to my doctors all the time and I was given the go ahead to take more than two Tramadol if I need to when my pain is over the top.

Using cold or warmth: If you have one or two joints flare-up, putting ice packs or running cool water over them a few times a day can help reduce the pain and swelling. There are some people who can't tolerate the cold and prefer warm moisture instead. Hot packs, heating pads, paraffin wax baths, warm tub baths, showers, or warm-water pools can all help the joints to feel better. I have used the hot wax baths and I feel that this has helped in keeping my finger joints from becoming twisted and enlarged. My pain and swelling seem to get worse no matter whether I use hot or cold treatments.

Resting your body: During a flare-up, getting plenty of rest will help the medicines you are taking do their job. Doctors usually recommend a good night's sleep, at least eight hours, and additional rest in the afternoon, if possible. During the past 12 years of having arthritis, I hardly ever got eight hours of sleep and on those nights when I didn't sleep or my sleep was intermittent my pain levels are out of this world. My doctor prescribed medication to help keep me asleep and now I hardly ever have pain. Alternating rest and work is another good plan, as long as you stop working before you get too tired. You might want to think of a flare-up as a good time to just be good to yourself and do nothing until you are sure your flare-up has passed.

Resting your joints: Always be careful to not overuse a swollen joint, avoiding aggressive or repetitive activities. This would include some exercises. It would be best to suspend any strenuous exercise routines during an arthritis flare-up. When the swelling has subsided you could continue your exercise program and normal activities.

Doing range-of-motion exercises: Although, you should sustain from strenuous exercise during a flare-up, you should do light range-of-motion exercises. When you do range-of-motion exercises you are putting your joints through its normal range of motion, without stretching or forcing it. You should not force swollen joints to bend too much and you should stop when you experience a lot of pain. You need to make sure the joint stays as flexible as possible during a flare-up because this will help to preserve the joints range of motion and prevent long-term stiffness.

Pacing yourself: Be sure to take your time when you do activities during a flare-up, conserve your energy. Do a little bit each day instead of trying to do everything in one day and then not be able to anything the next. The temptation to do everything in one day, when you are feeling good, is very hard to not do, but the rewards are less pain and stiffness. That's why taking your time doing activities is so important. I still haven't mastered this. It seems that when I am having a flare-up everything I need to get done piles up and then I try to play catch-up when I do feel good. But I can't stress this enough, take your time. You might want to consider getting a joint injection. During a flare-up, if you have one or more joints are very painful and swollen, you may be able to get an injection from your doctor. You may be a candidate for a cortisone injection in the joint, which can reduce the swelling and relieve the pain you are experiencing. Your doctor will determine if you would benefit from a joint injection and will give it to you in his/her office. After your injection, the doctor may want to reevaluate your medications and make changes as needed. I have had these injections across my shoulders and it's been a year since my last shot. I no longer have the pain and stiffness in my back and neck area.

Ask for help when you need it. It may be time to ask for help when you are having a flare-up and you are unable to do a project or just need help with your everyday chores. These tasks can be overwhelming and very possibly harmful to your swollen joints. I know that asking for help can be a very hard but you should consider the damage to your swollen joints if you attempt to do these things when you are having a flare-up. I am the worst when it comes to asking for help. I always thought that it was an admission that I was giving up. It wasn't, it was a smart thing to do because it allowed me to preserve my joints and my energy. Avoid doing a "worst case scenario." Try to stay calm and not worry when you are having a flare-up. Just because your joints are swollen again, doesn't mean your flare-up is going to be a permanent change. More than likely it probably will be short-lived, please avoid the "worse-case" scenario, because negative thinking will cause more stress which then will cause your flare-ups to be more painful. All you can do at this point is to remind yourself that you are doing all you can do to improve the effects of your life with arthritis.

Manage your stress: Stress can be a major reason for your arthritis flare-ups and managing the things that cause you stress can only help with your pain levels. I know that it isn't easy to eliminate your stress but even if you can reduce just a small portion of them, it will have an impact. There is one way to start and that is to try changing how you think about the stress in your life. You may become stressed at the signs of an arthritis flare-up, which can actually make it worse. But if you remember that arthritis does have ups and downs, you can have an impact on the flare-up. Your confidence in yourself and your doctor's ability to manage your flare-ups will increase and as it does, your flare-ups will decrease.

Yoga, deep breathing exercises, and meditation can also help to combat stress and are more effective if you practice them on a regular basis.

Using assistant devices: You might want to consider using assistant devices to avoid causing a swollen joint more pain and discomfort. This can make it easier to do any painful chores or other activities. There is a very wide range of assistant devices that can make it easier to hold a pencil, or even do the reaching for you to get something off of a high shelf, to simple canes and crutches. You might need these devices all the time but it is nice to have them around just in case you need then during a flare-up.

If you work, a flare-up can affect your ability to do your job. When you have a flare-up that is making it difficult for you to do your job and it doesn't seem to be settling down in a few days, get to your doctor early and discuss your work issues. You may find it helpful to take a few days of vacation until your flare-up has subsided and this will allow you to get the rest you need to heal. If you haven't told your employer about your arthritis, now may be a good time to do so. Simply explain that you have your arthritis under control but that on occasion you will have a flare-up that may require you to take a few days off to get through it. Doing this will put you into the position to request some small accommodations. But also remember that your employer, no matter how understanding they are, expect you to do the job you were hired for and to be at work.

Be sure to communicate to your doctor and his staff exactly what is going on and how worried you are so that you get an appointment as soon as possible. When you receive good treatment, the flare-up may be short-lived, and your arthritis will remain under control. When this happens you will then be able to return to your job and to your regular activities and hobbies.

The Benefits Of Acupuncture For Diagnosis And Treatment Of Arthritis

Acupuncture for diagnosis and treatment of arthritis is now becoming more prevalent but having your skin savagely poked with a series of long needles doesn't exactly sound like ideal comfort, especially when you are already living with arthritis, a rheumatoid disease characterized by it's trademark stiffness and pain. The ancient Chinese would beg to differ, along with the estimated fifteen million Americans who have tried the ancient Chinese needle therapy known as acupuncture. Around the Asian continent, acupuncture has been used for generations to alleviate the symptoms of chronic pain sufferers, like arthritis patients, for instance. Prospective "acupokees" should be aware that acupuncture therapy is used for treating arthritis, not diagnosing it. Although patients should garner a arthritis diagnosis before signing up for acupuncture therapy.

Studies in Arthritis and Acupuncture

More than twenty million Americans live with osteoarthritis (there are various forms of the condition, however). In fact, osteoarthritis is amongst the most frequent causes for physical disability in adults. Despite a history spanning more than two thousand years, it was 2001 before acupuncture was found to aid arthritis in the knee via a study by the University of Maryland School of Medicine. The study included 570 osteoarthritis patients over the age of fifty who had never before received acupuncture, surgery, or steroid injections. A control group was selected and these individuals received regular sessions of acupuncture. By the end of the first week, the acupuncture group experienced a surge in mobility and by the end of the study the group reported a forty percent decrease in pain and a forty percent increase in knee function.

Using Acupuncture For Treating Arthritis

Bigwigs of Western medicine aren't exactly sure just how acupuncture works to fight arthritis and similar diseases, but the skilled acupuncture who administer the therapy have an idea or two. According to therapeutic philosophy, pain is the result of a blockage of one of life's essential energies, qui. Stimulating certain points will put the flow of qui back in balance again, thus alleviating chronic pain in the process - Volia! A 1999 study even found evidence that acupuncture improves sleep.

During acupuncture therapy, very thin needles are inserted into precise point in the skin, these points are known as acupoints. It is these acupoints that may have the biggest influence on the connection between treating arthritis with the use of the acupuncture therapy. In addition to being poked and prodded, acupoints also react to magnets, currents of electricity, acupressure (hand pressure), lasers and even bee stings. Acupuncture practitioners have also been known to administer herbs along with wielding out some advice on making lifestyle changes at the conclusion of a session.

Studies demonstrate that some of designated acupoints are actually connected to sensitive bio-trigger points rich in nerve endings. And further studies show that tinkering around with those triggers can cause a mirage of biological responses, one of the many responses being the chemical release of endorphins. The release of endorphins is pivotal to acupuncture's influence on arthritis because the chemical serves as the body's own answer to Advil, Tylenol and Motrin, as a natural painkiller.

Acupuncture Checks and Balances

Acupuncture costs vary across the United States. But as a rule of thumb, first visits usually fall between $75 and $150, with cheaper follow-up treatments costing between $35 and $75. Health insurance accommodations of acupuncture vary, but advocates of using the therapy for the treatment of diagnosed arthritis cite the long-term benefits of it's hefty price tag, which include fewer doctor visits over time and saving a few bucks on prescriptions.

Arthritis Remedies For Dogs With Osteo-Arthritis

One of the very common questions vets get is what are the arthritis remedies for dogs that are both safe and work well in dealing with arthritis in aging dogs. Pet owners who believe the onset of this disease should seek their vet's suggestions right away.

It's extremely common for older canines to develop joint arthritis as they become older. This is also true in the very large breed canines who support more weight and thus have additional stress on their joints. The arthritis remedies for dogs involve either prescribed meds or natural supplement products to help deal with this disease.

Although the prescribed drugs are very effective in immediately handling stiffness and joint pain and canines they also can have very significant and extremely dangerous ill effects. A vet should describe the issues when using drugs to treat osteo-arthritis. Pet owners should be very aware and on the lookout for these negative effects as many of these can lead to life-threatening circumstances when not handled correctly.

Other arthritis remedies for dogs involve using 100% natural supplements such as glucosamine. Not only are the supplement products extremely safe and with no dangerous side effects to the pet they are also quite low cost compared to the other drugs available. Additionally, glucosamine in the liquid form is very easy to give to canines. The only thing that's required is pouring the natural supplement over their dog's food during meal time.

Although there is no way to get rid of osteoarthritis it can be managed to some extent and offer the dog relief from this joint disease. The prescribe medications can oftentimes get rid of the pain immediately while a natural supplement acts to create stronger and healthier joints for the long-term. The positive effects of using glucosamine are often not seen for several weeks and up to two or three months. The benefit however is that the pain is not just masked over and that true healing is allowed to take place within the joint which results in pain relief.

Of all the arthritis pain remedies available to treat canine arthritis the natural products should be tried first since they are less expensive and far safer. Only after several months without positive effects should the more expensive and possibly dangerous alternatives be tried with your pet.

A few of the remedies used to treat your dog's joint osteo-arthritis will cause your canine's older years much more happy and far more healthy when suffering from the joint disease.

Arthritis Pain Medication - Instead of Drugs, Fight Arthritis the All-Natural Way

Are you taking arthritis pain medicine? Well there is a better way to get well without drugs. Did you know aspirin and other over-the-counter drugs can put you in the hospital or under the ground? Every doctor who was awake during medical classes in college knows the dangers of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

They know for example, that aspirin causes the lining of the stomach to bleed and that it burns tiny holes into your gastrointestinal tract. You may lose up to one teaspoon of blood each time you take a standard dose of aspirin (more if you are at risk for bleeding or consume more than the standard dose). Sadly, the reality is that NSAIDs do more than just cause gastrointestinal problems. They kill over 10,000 people a year and are the cause of over 76,000 hospitalizations annually.

And of course you remember the pain killers Vioxx and Celebrex. We learned what many doctors already knew, that Vioxx and Celebrex could lead to heart attacks and strokes. Yet millions of arthritis and pain sufferers were prescribed these dangerous drugs so that they could have a normal life.

However, a normal life can be had without these dangerous medications. There are several natural ways to fight arthritis joint pain. The fact is you can see a reduction in the pain and inflammation you are suffering by simply making a few key changes to your overall lifestyle.

Eat Healthy

One of the best things to do now is to change your diet. The foods you eat are what the body has to derive nutrients from. If you do not eat a full, antioxidant rich diet, your body is not able to reduce the inflammation happening in your joints. This will lead to pain and worsening of the arthritis. You need to start eating alkaline-forming foods. Scientific research shows that by doing so you can bullet-proof your body against disease-including arthritis.

Lose Weight

Controlling your weight can have a tremendous effect on pain and inflammation. If you are overweight it increases the amount of pressure that is on your joints. By losing weight you give the body a better chance at improving its overall ability to fight off the inflammation. For many, this alone is the best way to reduce the pain.

Water

Staying hydrated is very important for any of the above items to work. Water keeps the cells hydrated and keeps the cells clean by flushing out toxins. It is necessary to drink water before you feel thirsty since thirst is actually the first sign of dehydration.

Natural Cure For Arthritis -- A 7 Day Miracle That Stops It Dead Its Tracks

This is just the tip of the iceberg. If you really want a step-by-step guide to cure arthritis including osteoarthritis, RA, and gout, download my special report. Learn why I kick milk to the curb and what the medical establishment doesn't want you to know about curing your arthritis with simple ingredients found in your kitchen cupboard. Fact is, you will learn why everything you thought you knew about this disease was wrong. And discover how to end your pain and suffering forever.

Rheumatoid Arthritis - Symptoms and Treatments

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that plagues the lives of millions of people all over the world. If you are in this unfortunate category and would like to find the most effective solution, you must first understand the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by inflamed and painful joints that may eventually become deformed if left untreated. People who suffer from this particular type of arthritis often find themselves unable to do simple everyday activities, such as carrying groceries, taking a walk, or even opening a can.

Though the cause of the disease is still unknown and unverified, it is believed that the main culprit is your own immune system attacking the lining of your joints.

The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are more prevalent in women than men. Often mistaken as an old person's disease, it can actually strike young adults as well. If you are feeling some pain in your wrists, shoulders, hand, fingers or feet it may be the first sign of the disease. Be aware that if you do not treat it right away the pain will gradually worsen. It may attack other body parts, such as the elbows, mouth, hips and neck.

To double check, make sure you understand the symptoms fully. If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, you will feel aching and stiffness of the joints and muscles. There will also be pain and swelling as well. You may experience a loss of motion in your joints and start having mild fever. There is a general sense of feeling unwell most of the time.

Many of these symptoms are short term as they come and go, but some simply will not go away and you will have them in more frequency throughout your entire life. If this sounds terrifying, you will be glad to know that there are natural treatments that you can seek to help deal with the disease.

The most effective solution is to take omega-3 fatty acids supplements. omega 3 has been scientifically proven to help strengthen the membrane of your cells and decrease inflammation. Research shown that a regular intake of omega 3 in fish oil supplements can significantly reduce tenderness in your joints and provide long-term pain relief.

It is very important to take the correct fish oil supplements as products can differ significantly in the way they are manufactured. You must look for pure fish oil with highly concentrated omega 3 nutrients. The best supplements that I have found actually come from a fish called the Hoki, which swims in the crystal clear waters of southern New Zealand. Fish oil supplements made primarily from Hoki are what I use myself and are what I recommend for you to use as well to fight arthritic pain. If you would like more information about these omega 3 rich supplements, take a look at my website.

Get Rid of Tendonitis Now! Advice From an Expert

Tendons are ropes of fibrous tissue that connect muscles to bones. It is this connection that permits joint motion. When muscles contract, they pull on the tendons which cause the bones to move. In order for tendons to glide they move inside a lubricated sheath of tissue that is lined with synovial tissue. This synovial tissue is the same type of tissue that lines the inside of joints. Tendonitis refers to a condition where the sheath through which a tendon glides becomes inflamed. This leads to severe pain. The pain usually gets worse with use of the affected joint. However, when tendonitis becomes severe, there may be pain at rest.

Since muscles and tendons surround most joints, tendonitis is rather common. The diagnosis of tendonitis is relatively simple for the experienced clinician. Generally, the diagnosis is made by history and physical examination. In difficult diagnostic cases, magnetic resonance imaging is helpful in confirming the diagnosis.

Some of the more common types of tendonitis are:

Shoulder tendonitis. The tendons in the shoulder that are most often affected are the rotator cuff and the biceps tendon. The rotator cuff consists of four tendons that sit on top of the upper arm bone. The location of these tendons and the muscles they attach to are what give the shoulder such an expansive range of motion. Rotator cuff tendonitis may occur as a result of repetitive activity or tendon degeneration. Pain is felt with most movements and is located on the outside part of the shoulder. The biceps tendon allows the arm to be flexed at the elbow. Biceps tendonitis also occurs due to repetitive activity and pain is felt in the front of the shoulder. Shoulder tendonitis can be treated successfully with anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, and occasionally glucocorticoid injection.

Tendonitis in the elbow is usually located either on the outside and is called lateral epicondylitis or tennis elbow. It may also occur along the inside part of the elbow- medial epicondylitis. This is called golfer's elbow. Treatment consists of physical therapy, stretching and strengthening exercises, splints, and injections. Rarely, surgery is required.

Tendonitis in the wrist arises because of repetitive motion. A special type of tendonitis, called Dequervain's tendonitis, is felt on the out side of the thumb. Tendonitis in these areas is managed with glucorticoid injections and immobilization with a splint. Other physical therapy modalities may be helpful. Sometimes surgery is required. Tendonitis in the fingers can lead to catching of the fingers. This is termed "trigger finger." Trigger finger usually responds to injection but may require operative intervention.

Tendonitis in the knee may affect the patellar tendon. This is the tendon that connects the knee cap to the tibia (lower leg bone). Patellar tendonitis usually occurs because of excessive jumping and is actually called "jumpers knee." This is treated with rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy.

Tendonitis in the ankle can occur along the outside of the ankle (peroneal tendonitis), the inside of the ankle (posterior tibial tendonitis), or at the back of the ankle (Achilles tendonitis). The tendonitis that occurs along the outside or inside of the ankle can occur because of trauma or because of mechanical instability. Another potential cause is an underlying arthritis condition. Achilles tendonitis often occurs as a result of excessive stress and repetitive trauma. The Achilles tendon is the thick cord at the back of the ankle that connects the heel bone to the calf muscle. Treatment involves rest, elevation of the heel to take the tension off the Achilles tendon, and physical therapy. Glucocorticoid injection should be avoided because of the danger of Achilles tendon rupture. Anti-inflammatory medication may be helpful.

A new treatment approach has made the need for surgery less likely for patients with chronic tendonitis. The procedure is called "percutaneous needle tenotomy". In this procedure, a small gauge needle is introduced using ultrasound guidance. The needle is used to irritate the tendons stimulating the inflammatory response. platelet rich plasma, obtained from the patient's whole is then injected into the area where the tendons have been irritated. Platelets are cells in the blood that contain multiple growth and healing factors. The end result is the formation of new healthy tendon tissue.

Natural Arthritis Treatment For Arthritis Pain Relief You Can Put To Work Today

During my long nursing career I was never able to find relief from my own arthritis pain until I turned to natural or alternative medicine. Many people have found there was a way to relieve themselves from the crippling pain of arthritis, especially osteoarthritis, although many people with rheumatoid arthritis have reported that a major diet change has made their rheumatoid arthritis symptoms disappear and they continue on their own rheumatoid arthritis treatment relieved of pain.

The arthritic joints usually appear to be even larger, are stiff and painful, and usually feel worse the more they are used as the day goes on. Hurtful arthritis pain is usually experienced whenever a stiff or swollen joint is used even for the easiest tasks. Unlike other types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondilytis, osteoarthritis is not systemic in basis in other words it can't be detected by using blood tests for diagnosis because it appears to be localized.

The cartilage is made up of chondrocytes, water, proteoglycans and collagen. The chondrocytes are basic cartilage cells and are essential for our balance and function. Collagen is the main protein found in all the connective tissues in the human body, including muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Proteoglycans are the very large molecules that help to make up cartilage. They bond to water, which ensures there will be high-fluid content in the cartilage.

In general, the possible causes and the factors leading to the deterioration of cartilage in arthritis and specifically osteoarthritis are still not known. And injuries can sometimes be the start of a long-term arthritic disease process. Arthritis, or rather osteoarthritis, can develop many years later after a single traumatic injury to a joint or even near a joint. And one possible cause of arthritis is the inflammatory response due to the over-reaction of the immune system to an injury or other assault in the body, such as an infection, even if minor.

Some people report that glucosamine, with or without chondroitin, helps and others say they tried them and they didn't help them at all. To see if it might be allergy related - or helps, you can try avoiding the eight most allergic foods, one at a time. They are wheat, which is the most allergenic of all, corn, eggs, milk, nuts, peanuts, fish and shellfish. Keep in mind that if you take a joint supplement it should help to do three things - build up your cartilage, provide pain relief for your joints and enhance your flexibility and movement.

One successful natural treatment method involves avoiding all inflammatory foods. Another is to try massaging your fingers or other affected joints with virgin coconut oil once or twice a day. The supplements that may help any disease or arthritic ailment include sublingual methylcobalamin, vitamin B12, not cyanocobalamin. It dissolve slowly under the tongue, not be chewed and vitamin D3 gel capsules, especially if you can't get a daily dose of 15 to 20 minutes or so of the sun on your arms and legs so you can make your own vitamin D3.

An acidic diet, which is made up of foods that are not alive, is considered to be inflammatory to the joints and other body processes. I started eating a diet of living foods (fruits, raw veggies, raw nuts and raw seeds), years ago, which caused my osteoarthritis to disappear and therefore relieve me of the crippling arthritis pain I had for years. If you attempt this diet it's best to try it for at least 30 days, thereby eliminating any foods that might be the culprits.

If you really do want to get rid of your arthritis pain permanently it may take a major change in your diet and an ongoing commitment to it. Exercise is usually good for any joint affected by osteoarthritis, but check with your arthritis doctor first. And did I mention how important it is to make sure to keep moving, moving, and moving? Now if you have pain and swelling in your fingers, you can try squeezing a wad of Thera-putty which is made for this purpose, or exercising them with two of the Chinese chime balls which you can get cheaply from several sources. There are many exercises that can be used as a therapy or treatment for arthritis regardless of how much restriction of movement there is.

For arthritic fingers, a good exercise for many people is to put the finger tips together and press hard and release then repeat several times. Make sure to fight arthritis through plenty of movement and exercise. Keep a basket of arthritis treatment aids for arthritic hands, such as the Thera-putty, hand grips, and the Taiji Chinese chime balls to be used at bedtime or while you're watching television.

Once you become completely knowledgeable about arthritis whether its osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gouty arthritis, juvenile arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis, you'll be able to plan your own arthritis treatment program, natural or conventional or a combination of both. Conventional arthritis doctors may suggest their standard protocol for your joint pain and may tell you to take over-the-counter NSAIDS or prescribe COX-2 inhibitors which all have some serious side effects. Make sure you do your research before you take any arthritis drugs, medicines or medications. Naturopathic doctors may have other suggestions not listed here. They may have herb recommendations but do research on the herbs also.

A useful tip: if you're going to take any arthritis drugs or prescription medications, make sure to ask your pharmacist for the drug inserts so you can read up on the drugs and understand any side effects or adverse reactions that they have, before you start taking them. Make sure to let your pharmacist know what other drugs, herbs and over the counter medications you're taking too.

Knowing more about symptoms and treatments for arthritis, osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis and how they work will ultimately help contribute to your arthritis pain relief. Once you understand the facts and warnings about arthritis, the symptoms, possible causes and the treatment approaches you can take, you'll be on your way to recovery and hopefully your pain will disappear. Perhaps following some these tips and suggestions, with the approval of your arthritis doctor may help you get back in the swing of things fast and allow you to spend your days enjoying life free of pain once more.