How to Treat Arthritis in Cats

Just like us, the majority of animals experience arthritis as they become older. Arthritis, which is the breaking down of cartilage that surrounds the bones of the joints, occurs frequently in domesticate cats and dogs.

For a cat, arthritis can begin at the age of just eight years. Because the disease is progressive in nature, it is likely to start in a mild form, which may not be immediately discernable to an owner. However, if left untreated, arthritis can become so severe that it demobilizes your cat. So, as an owner, it is helpful for you to know how best to help a cat with arthritis. One option is to introduce supplements to your cat's diet.

Omega 3
Omega 3 is a wonderful supplement for cats with arthritis, as it helps to lubricate the joints and, therefore, increase ease of mobility. Similarly, cod liver oil can be added to a cat's food. However, you should take care to not to give your cat too much cod liver oil - he, or she, should have no more then 翹 of a teaspoon per day.

Glucosamine
Glucosamine is recognized as one of the very best supplements in treating arthritis. It is an amino derivative found in plants and animals. Regular glucosamine supplements can strengthen and protect the cartilage that still surrounds the joints. Administering glucosamine can be done in two ways: intravenously (by injection) and orally (in liquid or pill form).

Of course, an injection of glucosamine offers the most concentrated dose, so is perhaps the best method in severe cases of arthritis. In pill form the effects of the glucosamine are lessened, due to the method of production. Liquid, on the other hand, is the next best thing to an injection and can be added to a cat's food.

Chondroitin
Typically, chondroitin is given in conjunction with glucosamine. Like glucosamine, chondroitin protects the remaining cartilage and promotes healing in the damaged areas. Chondroitin is often given with glucosamine, because it aids the latter's absorption into the cartilage. In addition, these supplements tend to come with added vitamins and minerals that will boost the general health of your cat.

How to Ease Arthritis with Diet and Exercise
Naturally, supplements are not the only option available to you. In fact, in many cases, you may be able to ease your cat's arthritic pain with a few lifestyle changes. For example, if your cat is overweight the pain of arthritis will be exacerbated by the obesity. In addition, gentle, but regular, exercise can help to increase mobility and improve the lubrication around the joints. Therefore, diet and exercise are among the most important factors when trying to treat arthritis in cats.

When it comes to a cat's diet, there are two potential problems: your cat may be overweight or underweight. Of course, if your cat is obese this can cause a multitude of other health concerns, so it is advisable to seek the advice of a vet, who will be able to offer tips on the method of reducing a cat's weight healthily. If, on the other hand, your cat is underweight, this could be the symptom of an underlying health condition. Therefore, again, it is important to seek the advice of a vet.

As mentioned above, exercise is a wonderful way to keep your cat's joints limber and, of course, help dramatically in weight loss. Try playing with your cat at least once a day, but ensure that your cat's movement is gentle. It is recommended that you do not encourage any movement that is painful for the cat and that you keep these play sessions reasonable short.

Obviously, these are just some of the many treatment methods available for feline arthritis. However, before beginning any diet or supplement regime, it is recommended that you consult your vet.

All About Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is termed as a chronic disease. It is common among most people across the globe. The disease is usually characterized via inflammation of the skin and joints. The inflammation of the skin is medically termed as psoriasis and inflammation of the joints is known as arthritis.

This disease is very common among people between the ages of 40 and 60. Both males and females are affected equally by this disease. It is believed that the skin disease or psoriasis occur separately from the joint pain or the arthritis.

Psoriatic arthritis can be referred to as a systemic rheumatic disease that has the potential to result in the body tissue inflammation. It may also affect other parts of the body such as the heart, eyes, kidneys and lungs.

This type of arthritis usually share several features with the arthritis of other types including reactive arthritis, arthritis related to Crohn's disease, ankylosing spondylitis and arthritis related to ulcerative colitis.

Almost all these conditions may result in inflammation in the spine as well as other joints. The inflammation can also occur in the eyes, mouth, skin and several other organs.

A) Causes of this type of arthritis

There are several causes associated to this type of arthritis. However, the exact cause of this disease is unknown. It is believed that a blend of several genetic and immune factors in conjunction with several environmental factors is responsible for the occurrence of this disease. Patients suffering from this disease may suffer from inflammation of the skin. Certain genes such as HLA-B27 are responsible for the occurrence of this disease.

Several other genes have also been found responsible for this disease. Medical experts feel that some changes occurring in the immune system may play a significant role in developing psoriatic arthritis. Exposure to infection and changes in the environment are also responsible for this disease to occur.

B) Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis

If you want to treat a disease, it is extremely important to know about it at an early stage. This is the best way to rush for medical help and get the best of treatment available.

When it comes to psoriatic arthritis, a patient tends to experience inflammation of the skin as the primary symptoms. Of course, there are other symptoms such as inflammation of the joints, pain in the joints, swelling, and the skin getting hot and red. In some cases, inflammation of the joint in the fingers or toes can result in the swelling of the entire digit.

This results in the appearance of a sausage. Stiffness in the joints is the most common symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. This condition may also result in inflammation of the spine and even the sacrum. This finally results in stiffness and pain in the lower back, neck, buttocks and upper back.

C) Treatments

The condition can be treated with a combination of anti-inflammatory medicines or NSAIDs and exercises. In progressive cases, more powerful medication such as corticosteroids, methotrexate and antimalarial medicines are prescribed. Early diagnosis is the best treatment.

High Tibial Osteotomy to Treat Osteoarthritis of the Knee

A High Tibial Osteotomy is a descriptive term used to describe an operation used to treat osteoarthritis of the knee. An osteotomy is the act of cutting a bone. 'High Tibial' details the location of this cut, the upper portion of the tibia or shin bone that forms the bottom half of the knee joint.

A high tibial osteotomy is used to treat unicompartmental osteoarthritis of the knee. This means that the arthritic wear is confined to one half of the knee - either the inside, or outside of the joint. When arthritis wears down one side of the articular cartilage covering the ends of the bones, angulation occurs. This results in a disproportionate amount of body weight being taken through the worn side. This in turn leads to an increased rate of wear and an acceleration of symptoms such as pain, stiffness and swelling.

A high tibial osteotomy looks to realign the knee to evenly share weight between both the inside and outside of the knee. This is achieved by cutting the bone then either taking a wedge of bone out, or adding a wedge of bone in.

This type of surgery has a long recovery period as the cut essentially fractures the main weight bearing bone of the lower leg. Even after surgically fixing the bone in its new position, it is unable to take any weight for a significant period of time. This has a major implication for work, lifestyle and everyday activities.

This operation is not suitable for everyone but can be a valuable tool for those too young for a total knee replacement.

New Class of Rheumatoid Arthritis Drugs Can Bring Much-Needed Relief

Several of my patients have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, a frustrating condition in which the immune system begins to fight its own body as if it were a disease. In doing so, the body develops a severe, chronic inflammatory response in trying to heal it. This inflammation can flare in all the major joints of the body.

Traditional treatment options for RA have been DMARDs (disease modifying antirheumatic drugs), or SAARD (slow acting antirheumatic drugs), and have been fairly successful in treating early diagnosed RA. However, not everyone with RA responds to them and they do have side effects similar to those of NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

In the last 10 years, however, a new class of RA drugs has come on the scene, the "biologics", or BRM's (biologic response modifiers) and have shown greater success in people who have not done well on the traditional drugs. If you have RA, I'd like to share with you what I tell my own patients about the BRM class of RA drugs to help you manage your RA better.

Treating RA with Biologic-Type Drugs

Like my patients, if you watch television, you may have seen commercials for a few of the new biologic-type RA drugs, Enbrel, Humira, Orencia, and Simponi. You may have wanted to ask your doctor about the possibility of perhaps trying one of these RA treatments.

These RA drugs are actually created from human genes, proteins, and are designed to inhibit the inflammatory response that the immune system causes. These drugs were specifically created for those patients whose RA does not respond well to more traditional treatments and have been proven to slow progression of the disease. They differ from the older type drugs in that the biologics zero in on specific parts of the immune system instead of broadly treating the entire immune system, thereby lessening side effects.

Advantages to Taking BRM Type RA Drugs

Even though BRM's will not cure RA, and those who take them still have symptoms of stiffness and pain, they have far less symptoms than those who do not take them, according to recent research conducted by one of the biologics manufacturer, Centocor Ortho Biotech, Inc. The drugs help improve quality of life, functioning, and ability to productively work, preventing much of the disability that accompanies RA.

Are There Side Effects/Disadvantages of Biologics?

As I tell my patients, whenever you take a chemically based drug, there are likely some side effects, and this is true of the biologic-type RA drugs as well. However, there are not as many, or severe, as with the more traditional type RA drugs. The most common side effect is rash at the injection site but with any drug that suppresses the immune system, there is always the risk of other side effects. These include:

• Susceptibility to infections and other diseases developing


• Cannot receive vaccinations (flu, etc) while taking biologics


• Pre-existing health conditions like multiple sclerosis or congestive heart failure excludes their use. They could also aggravate an underlying case of tuberculosis. Everyone who wants to take a biologic-type RA should be tested for TB before taking them.


• Effects on unborn fetus not clearly known - pregnant women should use with caution.


• Must be taken by injection, or intravenous infusion. However, an oral biologic-RA drug is on the drawing table so perhaps one will be available soon.


• Biologics have to clear from system prior to surgery as open wounds with a depressed immune system can increase the risk for serious infection.

What You Can Do For Your RA

In addition to perhaps taking biologic response modifier-type RA drugs, there are several things you can do for yourself that will further help your symptoms such as:

• Regular aerobic exercise: 30 minutes, 5 days a week. Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise as it takes impact of joints. An elliptical machine is also good as it too takes the stress off of joints. Tai chi and yoga are also helpful.


• Regular sleep: We all need at least 6 hours of sleep per night, but if you have RA, you likely need more sleep. This also combats developing fibromyalgia which can accompany RA.


• Stress control: Stress can cause stiffness and pain in people who don't have RA. In those who do, it can greatly aggravate or intensify existing symptoms. Find ways to decompress like meditation, exercise, or meeting with friends.


• Alternative treatments: I have often referred my RA patients for acupuncture, acupressure or reflexology (needle-free massage based acupuncture), tai chi exercise, hydrotherapy. These treatments can be done in addition to taking BRMs or DMARD/SAARD. In addition, herbal anti-inflammatories as white willow bark, bromelain, capsaicin, Boswellia, glucosamine, MSM, to name a few. Check with a pharmacist about possible drug interaction if you are taking prescription RA drugs.


• Diet: Many people with RA do better on gluten-free diets as wheat and oats can contribute to inflammation. Be sure to supplement with antioxidants.

RA is a condition that afflicts over 1.5 million Americans. Early diagnosis of it is crucial to getting the proper treatment for it before disabling joint damage begins. If you have symptoms of RA, severe pain and stiffness in the morning rising from bed, and/or after sitting, please contact your doctor and be evaluated for RA. Whatever drug treatment you and your doctor decide on, making the appropriate, natural lifestyle changes will also help you stay mobile.

Arthritis Treatment: Treat to Target For Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis affecting more than two million Americans.

It is a systemic, chronic, autoimmune disease for which there is no cure. RA is capable of causing severe damage not only to joints but to other organ systems as well including the lungs, heart, peripheral nervous system, bone marrow, and eyes.

The 2010 criteria formulated by the American College of Rheumatology as well as the European League Against Rheumatism developed new standards to improve the early diagnosis of the disease. This would, of course, lead to earlier implementation of treatment.

The criteria specifies that a classification of "definite RA" is based on clinical confirmation of inflammation of at least one joint; absence of an alternative explanation that better explains the inflamed joint, and achievement of a total score of 6 or more (out of 10) from individual scores in four areas: number and site of involved joints, positive blood tests for rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP, elevated blood tests for inflammation, and symptom duration.

As a result of these more clearly defined criteria, there has been the move towards "treating to target" meaning treatment should be aimed at a patient with goal of achieving either remission or low disease activity (LDA) as quickly as possible.

There are three steps to this approach:

• The first is to define the target as remission.
• The second is to assess the patient every three months (at a minimum) to see if remission has been achieved.
• The third is to change therapy if remission is not achieved by the three month mark.

Remission is defined as having no more than one swollen or tender joint, a C-reactive protein (CRP) less than or equal to 1 mg/dl, and a patient global assessment of less than or equal to one on a one to ten scale.
Some investigators choose to use a more elaborate Simplified Disease Activity Index which requires, in my estimation, more calculation.

Since disease activity has been shown to correlate strongly with disease presence at one year, after start of treatment, it is extremely important to monitor disease activity frequently. Because of this evidence it's critical to consider a change in treatment early if the patient is not responding and to monitor changes closely.

While not every patient will achieve remission, they should at least be in the LDA category. These changes, I believe are an improvement on the "gestalt" approach we've used for many years to evaluate patients.

Five Ways to Help Your Older Dog's Arthritis

For your older dog, arthritis can really put a halt to her activities. It also impacts his overall health as he isn't exercising as much. You can use these tips to give your dog relief from symptoms and pain of arthritis in dogs.

1. Lose weight: For older dogs, arthritis is only one of the issues that can be triggered by an excessive amount of body fat. If your dog is overweight, it will aggravate any arthritic symptoms he is feeling. Help your pet lose weight by switching to a "light" dog food, and making sure he gets some gentle exercise. You should also avoid giving your senior dog table scraps—"people food" can be very calorie rich and could contribute to your dog's weight problem.

2. Supplement for joint health: Find a homeopathic supplement that's easy to give to him as well as offer support for joint mobility. A natural supplement can help by alleviating stress on his joints, and help preserve cartilage. Joint supplements are safe and effective for older dogs, and should be added to your dog's health plan as soon as you consider him an "older" dog.

3. Provide a soft bed: Older dogs with arthritis must have a clean, warm and soft bed to help him sleep. If your dog has always slept on the couch, he may not be able to climb up as easily. Put his dog bed in a warm area and make sure the batting is thick and supports his structure. Large breeds may find it easier if the bed is raised a few inches off the ground.

4. Exercise: Encourage your older dog with arthritis to take part in slower gentler exercise routines. A short walk around the block will help keep your dog fit, and help him preserve the muscles in his legs and back.

5. Offer accessibility options: Older dogs with arthritis still need to be a part of the family. If your dog likes to travel in the car, invest in a small pet ramp so he can climb inside without injuring himself. Add accessibility devices like ramps to help your dog get in the truck or on the couch. You may need to offer some support with a strap or harness while your pet is climbing up or down stairs (down can be more difficult for some dogs, as they can't control the speed of their descent).

In older dogs, arthritis is a serious condition that can affect their quality of life if left untreated. Fortunately, arthritis and its effects can generally be dealt with using the techniques above. One of the best things you can do for your older dog with arthritis is to take him to the vet for an evaluation and examination. Your vet will be able to work with you to determine the best treatment plan for your dog.

Magnetic Bracelet Therapy - Therapy For Arthritis and Osteoporosis Diseases

Jewelry is a component of interest to all people, regardless of race, class and even ethnicity. This is a normal human life. The question is, do you know that jewelry can be a tool that is not only decorative but also could serve as a therapeutic tool to maintain health and reduce the level of pain that we experience? Did you know?

This article will discuss how the jewelry can help us to maintain our health. With the help of magnetic jewelry that we were wearing on our bodies 24 hours a day are able to enjoy a life free from pain.
Those whom to wear a ring magnet (not the normal ring) for many years been able to cure the disease called arthritis. Once again, do you know of this story?

If you start looking for remedies for your illness, surely you will find some type of treatment and medicines are to be supplied. It all depends on the type of disease you are facing now.
But you must remember, most medicines and treatments will have their side effects. I'm not saying you can not go to the doctor and receive medication that they recommend. But you also have to be careful with the medicines supplied.

Magnetic therapy is one of the medical heritages introduced thousands of years ago and is still used until today. It is proven treatment to help heal the pain in the wrist, the fingers and hands.
For this purpose, you can wear a magnetic bracelet on your wrist to increase the circulation the blood.

Jewelry with magnets used to work on the parts that have positive polarities. Once you get improved blood circulation better results from the use of magnetic bracelets, thus amount of your oxygen received in your body will grow and reduce inflammation in the affected areas such as hand and wrist.

Most people stop drinking the medicine used to cure arthritis after they start wearing a magnetic bracelet. However, my advice, do not let you stop further medications unless recommended by the specialist doctor. This is because the magnetic therapy will only be impact after by using for a long period.

There are some patients that I know used the magnetic therapy for over two years, informed that they are wearing the magnetic bracelets and the output is very good to against the disease osteoporosis. In addition to arthritis and osteoporosis, all magnetic therapy is very helpful in healing minor injuries, diabetes, especially in the legs and fibromyalgia.

There are many types of jewelry magnetic bracelets. You will see a ring made of copper, stainless steel and titanium. For the application of this ring, you can choose whatever suitable for you based on style, design and color.

Though magnetic therapy have many benefits to sustain your health, but the use of magnetic absolutely not recommended for pregnant women. In addition, if you use electric plants and wearing an electronic implant, you are not suggested to use any magnetic bracelet therapy to relieve pain and heal the wounds and diabetes.

To obtain supplies of this magnet, you can find in internet.You will find thousands of pages that elaborate the latest information about magnetic therapy and the advantages of using this treatment method in more detail.

More and more people have started wearing magnetic bracelets. This is because many clinical studies have been performed and the results could prove effective in treating diseases such as arthritis and osteoporosis.