Arthritis Treatment: How Does Osteoarthritis Develop?

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis affecting almost 30 million Americans. It is a disease that affects articular cartilage, the tough cushiony material that caps the ends of long bones within a joint.

In addition to gradual loss of articular cartilage, there is thickening of the bone underlying the cartilage and growth of spurs, called osteophytes. Also, chronic inflammation of the synovium the lining of the joint also occurs.

Cartilage consists of a matrix that is made up of proteoglycans and collagen. Within this matrix is a second component, chondrocytes, which are cartilage cells.

While osteoarthritis is not absolutely due to aging, it is definitely associated with it. Over time, cartilage begins to develop small cracks, called "fissure." These are basically stress fractures of the cartilage. The development of fissures is accompanied by an alteration in matrix chemistry so that the strength and load bearing properties of cartilage start to wane. Essentially, the cartilage loses its water content, the physical properties of cartilage change, and fewer chondrocytes are present, and therefore less matrix is created.

The development of osteoarthritis is frequently broken up into three major phases. The first phase consists of edema or swelling of the matrix. Small cracks appear, and there is disorganization of the chondrocyte population. This happens because the chondrocytes no longer manufacture good quality matrix. The strength and elasticity of cartilage begins to fail. There is a pronounced imbalance between cartilage synthesis and cartilage degradation. This is caused by the chondrocyte behaving abnormally and manufacturing destructive enzymes called proteinases. These proteinases degrade matrix.

The second phase is characterized by extension of these fissures. They become deep cracks and the underlying bone also starts to crack.

The third phase is when cartilage pieces begin to flake and break off. Underlying bone is exposed and the bone develops cysts, and becomes harder- the term used is "sclerosis." Osteophytes- bony spurs- form.

In addition, the lining of the joint capsule, the synovium, becomes inflamed. The inflammation of the lining is due to small pieces of cartilage being gobbled up and recruiting inflammatory cells to help break down these pieces. The inflammatory cells cause the production of cytokines. These are protein messengers that promote inflammation.

Another feature that complicates the picture more is that with cartilage loss, there are biomechanical factors involved. Forces involved in cartilage compression, shearing, and other stresses cause further cartilage abnormalities.

So... there is a complex interaction involving multiple "players" that causes osteoarthritis.

Supplements for Arthritis You Must Know

The goal of a well balance diet and proper nutrition is to provide every nutritional requirement of the body. Every time you eat, your main goal should be not only to satisfy your hunger or craving but to give your body what it needs. But for people who are suffering arthritis and other similar or related disorders, some nutrients are more essentially needed. These nutrients are Omega-3 fatty acid, calcium and vitamins C, D, E and B complex. By no means do these six supplements for arthritis provide definite cure. However, they significantly improved the heath status of arthritis sufferers.

Before including these supplements for arthritis in your diet or medication regimen, it's important that you understand how each contribute to halting the progression and development of arthritis and other related disorders. The succeeding sections discuss this more deeply as it is based on grounded research.

1. Omega-3 Fatty Acid

Fatty Acids are essential substances that are not naturally produced by the body. You can only get them from dietary sources like salmon, tuna, mackerel, and trout. They are also found in nuts, beans, green leafy vegetables and soy products. Omega-3 is significant for arthritis since they form substances like leukotrienes which are the ones that stop inflammation in the body common among arthritis sufferers.

2. Calcium and Vitamin D

Calcium works hand in hand with Vitamin D in forming and maintaining skeletal structures and bones in the body. Since brittle bones increases the risk for rheumatoid arthritis, ensuring stronger bones by consuming appropriate amounts of calcium from the diet and exposing yourself to the sun to activate Vitamin D is essential.

3. Vitamin C and E

Vitamins C and E are essential antioxidants in the body. They function to remove free radicals which are destructive to different tissues in the body especially bones and joints. Moreover, vitamin C is significant in the formation of collagen, a major component of joints and bones. On the other hand, vitamin E has protective effects on joints. However, its effects are less potent than Vitamin C. Vitamin C and E are considered as major supplements for arthritis.

4. Vitamin B Complex

People with arthritis are known to have Vitamin B complex deficiencies. This is because the body uses more of it during inflammation. Therefore, you must replace the lost vitamin B complex through diet or supplementation. Also, Vitamin B complex is important in protein synthesis in cartilages.

Most of the above mentioned supplements for arthritis can be derived from your diet. It is fairly easy and convenient. However, it requires patience and willingness in order to become effective. For more satisfying outcomes and result, you must engage yourself in steps that will help you become more self reliant and responsible in consuming these nutrients whether in your diet or through oral supplementation.

Modern Treatment for Psoriasis

The treatment of psoriasis is changing quickly as new treatments emerge in the management of this disease. The latest treatment to hit the world of psoriasis is that of biologics.

Biologic drugs, also called "biologics," are a fairly new class of treatment options for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. They are given by injection or intravenous (IV) infusion. Biologics are protein-derived drugs created in a laboratory from extraction out of living cells such as bacteria which have been engineered to make the protein.

The difference between biologics and regular immune system drugs is that the biologics attack only specific aspects of the immune system and traditional systemic agents have an impact on the entire immune system. Biologics can block the action of proteins in the immune system or can block the action of T cells in the immune system. Some of the proteins blocked by the biologics include tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) or some of the interleukins in the immune system. These are cells and proteins which play a large role in how people get psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis.

One T-cell blocker is called Amevive (Alefacept) which blocks the activation of T cells, which are white cells, found in great numbers in the skin of psoriasis. T cells mistake the skin for a foreign invader and there is a series of events that happen to inflame the skin and cause psoriasis. Amevive is delivered by injection and works within several weeks.

Enbrel, Humira, Remicade and Simponi are all medications that block TNF-alpha. TNF-alpha acts as an immune system mediator (a cytokine) that controls and promotes inflammation. In psoriasis, it has been found that TNF-alpha is produced in excess in the skin and joints of psoriasis sufferers and causes the rapid proliferation of skin tissue as well as damage to the tissue around the joints. If you block the TNF-alpha signal, it blocks the inflammatory cycle involved in psoriasis and related diseases.

Medications that block interleukin 12 and interleukin 23 include Stelara (ustekinumab). This drug is selective against the cytokines known as interleukin 12 and interleukin 23. They are found in large numbers in the skin of psoriasis sufferers. They are believed to be what activates the T cells in the body.

Biologics are all given by intramuscular injection or by intravenous use. Amevive is given by means of an intramuscular injection and Enbrel, Simponi and Humira are injected into the legs, abdomen or arms. You can get them at home and can be given by the individual or a family member. Stelara is a subcutaneous injection given at the doctor's office. Remicade is given by IV at a hospital or doctor's office. They are used in patients with an intact immune system who have moderate to severe cases of psoriatic arthritis or plaque psoriasis. They take several weeks to work and not everyone can find relief from them. In addition, you cannot take the injections if you have an active, ongoing infection.

Doctors generally screen for the basic infections before giving these drugs, including screening for tuberculosis. The risks of taking these biologic agents include giving the individual an infection. It is unknown whether or not the biologics affect a fetus so they cannot be given to pregnant mothers.

Side effects of taking biologics include frequent respiratory infections, having flu-like systems or having localized reactions at the site of the injection. Rarely disorders such as multiple sclerosis, eye inflammation called optic neuritis, seizures, blood disorders or certain types of cancer can occur.

How to Avoid Surgery for Arthritis in Your Neck

On a daily basis in America, neck pain affects millions of Americans. Most commonly this is coming from arthritis in a person's neck either at one particular level or it may be coming from multiple. This causes pain in the neck itself that may radiate out into the shoulders and may also cause significant headaches. Also, patients who have been in a car accident with whiplash often end up with arthritis problems in the neck.

This pain may bother an individual daily, with the analogy being the same as if you have a pebble in your shoe that bothers you every day. Surgery for neck arthritis is usually a terrible idea, and here are 5 ways to avoid it.

1. Physical therapy and chiropractic treatment- the patient has arthritis in the neck, the joints there have cartilage just like any other joint. So the theory with physical therapy is that strengthening and stretching the muscles around the neck can help unload those arthritic joints. It is been shown in research studies to work really well and so has chiropractic treatment. Arthritis can cause misalignment in the joints of the neck, and chiropractic treatment can help put those back into proper position.

2. Medications- anti-inflammatory medications along with Tylenol can be extremely helpful at alleviating neck pain. Make sure to take them according to the manufacturers recommended dosing or otherwise a person will risk injury to their liver, kidney, or get an ulcer. These medications can allow patients to concentrate better, work more, play with their kids, and avoid depression that comes with the chronic neck pain of arthritis.

3. Cervical traction- cervical traction for arthritis has an excellent track record. Unlike lumbar traction, traction in the neck has been shown to have great benefits and it can be done a couple of times a day. There is an apparatus that provides traction for the neck with a rope and pulley system going over a door, and there's also one where the patient can wear a neck brace that pumps up and separates the area of arthritis. These give temporary relief as gravity will bring the joints back down but they may provide pain relief in the meantime (that's why it should be repeated daily). There is also an intermittent traction technique called spinal decompression therapy which has also been shown in the neck to help a lot.

4. Facet injections and medial branch blocks- these interventional pain management treatments are shown to work really well for neck arthritis. One involves placing steroid medication directly into the arthritic joint. This can be repeated every few months if they're working well. Medial branch blocks are injections that do not go inside the joint but go around it in the area of the tiny little nerve endings that cause joint pain. These also can provide pain relief for months and can then be repeated.

5. Radiofrequency ablation- also called radiofrequency neurotomy, this procedure represents a revolutionary technology in pain management and one of the best procedures that exist for neck arthritis. This involves burning the tiny little nerve endings that supply pain to these joints may provide pain relief for upwards of 2 years in affected individuals. It's really impressive what this procedure can do for patients who have had no other relief or only temporary relief but the other treatments mentioned.

Surgery for neck pain from arthritis that does not radiate out into the arms from radiculopathy has never been shown to be a great idea unless there's instability of the neck from trauma or extenuating circumstances for the procedure.

Searching for Osteoarthritis Pain Relief?

Osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease is a wear and tear disease of the joints typically seen in the older adult (usually over 60 years of age). Cartilage within the joints breaks down causing pain as the bones rub against each other. Osteoarthritis is commonly found in the knees, hips, hands, spine, and feet.

Obesity is a risk factor for developing osteoarthritis in the knees and hips. These weight bearing joints carry much of the weight causing increased wear and tear. Weight loss can significantly reduce the chance of developing osteoarthritis and can alleviate pain in people who currently have osteoarthritis.

Currently osteoarthritis treatment is limited because no medications are capable of preventing or retarding the disease process. Osteoarthritis treatment involves focusing on pain relief, the maintenance of quality of life, and functional independence. Let us take a look at some of the treatments that currently exist for osteoarthritis.

Many doctors recommend acetaminophen (Tylenol) as the initial analgesic (pain medication) of choice for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Acetaminophen has very few side effects. When using acetaminophen as a pain reliever, remember to follow the directions correctly. Acetaminophen is commonly overused by patients. You are recommended to not exceed 4,000 mg of acetaminophen in a twenty-four hour period. Acetaminophen is metabolized or processed by the liver. Excess acetaminophen can cause damage to the liver. Acetaminophen is also found in other pain medications such as Darvocet, Percocet, and Tylenol Cold. In fact, acetaminophen is found in quite a few prescription pain medications.

Traditionally NSAID's (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) have been useful in the treatment of osteoarthritis associated pain. One major concern with the use of NSAID's is irritation to the stomach lining. In more severe cases, gastrointestinal bleeds or ulcers may form. NSAID's can affect the body's blood clotting ability and interfere with kidney function. NSAID's should always be taken with food to decrease stomach irritation or upset. Do not drink alcohol while taking NSAID's. However, these drugs should not be taken for extended periods of time unless directed otherwise by a qualified medical provider. Some common types of NSAID's are ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), and aspirin.

Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors (COX-2 inhibitors) are a class of NSAID's. COX-2 inhibitors suppress arthritis pain much the same way but with less stomach irritation. Many of us know of COX-2 inhibitors but not by this name. Vioxx (refecoxib), Celebrex (celecoxib), and Bextra (valdecoxib) are COX-2 inhibitors. Vioxx and Bextra have been removed from the market. These drugs can significantly increase the risk for stroke and heart attack. Celebrex remains on the market but does have a black box warning stipulating this drug also can increase the risk for cardiovascular events and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Capsaicin (Capsagel, Zostrix) which is derived from chili peppers can be applied topically for the treatment of osteoarthritis pain. Capsaicin will cause vasodilation, itching, and burning to the skin but after repeated applications desensitization will occur, decreasing one's pain. Methyl salicylate creams such as Ben-gay can also be used for osteoarthritis pain. Studies have shown that oral glucosamine and chondroitin supplements have a mild to moderate analgesic effect with arthritis.

For osteoarthritis patients who cannot tolerate their pain, glucocorticoid injections may be done. Glucocorticoids are similar to the hormone cortisol in the body. Glucocorticoids help alleviate pain by decreasing inflammation and swelling within the joint. Side effects are typically seen if you receive these injections too frequently.

Hyaluronan (viscosupplementation) injections can be injected directly into the joint for treatment of osteoarthritis. This medication helps supplement the synovial fluid. The synovial fluid is a lubricating fluid allowing the bones to move smoothly within the joint. This injection should relieve pain and improve your mobility of the joint. This treatment involves 3-5 shots within 5 weeks. You may experience pain and swelling after the injections but this should dissipate. Reduced osteoarthritis pain may last up to 6 months.

For patients that have decreased function and mobility of the joint, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgical involvement should also be considered in patients whose pain has progressed to unacceptable levels. However, good surgical candidates are usually considered ideal for surgery. Certain health conditions can affect post-operative rehabilitation and healing. Surgery can hold just as much of a health risk as medications have side effects.

Osteoarthritis is not curable but there is hope for the future with advancements in medicine. Along with the above treatments for pain management, it is also important to remain active and healthy. Exercising regularly can help maintain mobility of the joint. Exercise also creates natural pain relievers such as endorphins. Pain may be a part of osteoarthritis, but pain doesn't have to be a part of your life!

Copyright 2006 Kristy Haugen

Why Use Rheumatoid Arthritis Natural Remedies?

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most feared forms of arthritis. It is an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the tissues around the joints, though it may also affect other organs in the body. It may be triggered by a number of causes, like infection, tissue injury or even emotional trauma, and can affect even those who are not of advanced age.

Rheumatoid arthritis or RA is treated by conventional medicine by means of several medications: analgesics to treat the pain, anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling, and immunosuppresive medications to combat the effects of the immune system gone wild. However, these drugs often have toxic side-effects when used long-term, which means those who must live with the disease find themselves in a very bad place indeed.

One of the options that those with RA have is to use rheumatoid arthritis natural remedies to treat the symptoms of pain, and regulate the immune system. These treatments are without the side-effects that conventional treatments have, and so are considered a safer option for those with the disease.

However, there are some definite concerns about rheumatoid arthritis natural remedies that have other people decide not to take them. One of these concerns is that these natural remedies commonly lack sufficient evidence in the form of research and scientific studies to confirm the efficacy of the treatments.

Most times, the best evidence available for rheumatoid arthritis natural remedies is anecdotal in nature. And the times where there has been research done, the studies are often inconclusive or otherwise deficient in some manner to be effectively used as proof.

There are tests and research being performed to verify the claims of these natural remedies, but as of yet, they have either not been reported, or have been unconfirmed, or not completed. Because of this, conventional medicine has also been hesitant to promote the use of these natural remedies.

Why then do people continue to put their trust in these natural remedies at all? There are a number of reasons for this. One of the major reasons is that people desire an option for their treatment, and sometimes even an option that is unconventional and unverified is more desirable than a treatment that may cause them more pain and discomfort, as is sometimes the case with conventional drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Another reason is that many people trust the anecdotal evidence and testimonies that others provide, not needing further scientific proof.

Yet others have come to a near-desperate need to try anything that claims to be a solution for their RA, clinging to them as placebos if they prove ineffective in order to avoid conventional treatments. Others have themselves found that rheumatoid arthritis natural remedies are effective for them, and so continue on using these remedies to treat their rheumatoid arthritis.

What Are the Foods to Avoid With Arthritis and is There a Cure?

What are the foods to avoid with arthritis? If you avoid them, could this be a cure? Or is there another cure for arthritis? If these important questions are answered helpfully, it could mean the end of arthritis for you or your loved one. So let's look at what you can do yourself and then look at other areas of self help, which can be far more rewarding, more beneficial and less harmful than mainstream arthritic drugs.

Firstly, dairy is a generally considered to be one of the main foods to avoid with arthritis. A study done in China, where little or no dairy is consumed, found little or no arthritis present. And it isn't just arthritis that dairy aggravates. Everyone who comes off dairy experiences massive health rewards.

This is hardly surprising when you realise two important points

1. Dairy is made for baby cows. You were probably weaned a long time ago. And you are not a bovine. So why should dairy be beneficial for you? And the truth is, it isn't. It isn't the great source of calcium or protein it's made out to be, as your digestion changed at the time of weaning, making dairy much less digestible for you. Even though both calcium and protein abound in dairy, they are locked up - your body can't access them.

2. Pasteurisation damages and destroys nutrients in the milk, making it even more difficult to digest than raw milk is.

Focussing on the damage heating food does, you will find that a diet rich in raw, untreated foods will go a long way to restoring your good health. Raw food is rich in enzymes, something essential to good digestion and gut health. Raw food digests much more completely and more quickly than does cooked food, so the nutrients get into your system much more quickly.

Many nutrients are either damaged (such as protein) or lost (such as enzymes) in cooking. Health cannot be good if you're not getting the essential nutrients, even though they are in the food you buy.

Whilst diet goes a long way to restoring your good, arthritis-free health, and may be the complete answer for many, inevitably it will not be able to give 100% relief to 100% of people.

And this is where the natural modality of health care homeopathy comes in. Homeopathy is a powerful and complete system of natural health care which can resolve any health problem, including arthritis.

The way homeopathy works is to rebalance you. And it is this rebalancing that is the key to good health. A lack of balance leads to ill health. This can come from bad living conditions, such as diet. Or it can be from a family trait. Homeopathy has the potential to unravel these familial tendencies.