Soothe Those Arthritis Pains With These Helpful Tips

Each year, millions of old women and men struggle with the discomfort and pain caused by arthritis. The debilitating disease can make mobility extremely difficult and create pain and suffering. Luckily, the suggestions and advice in this article provide insight into the many different ways to cope with arthritis.

If you are a chronic arthritis sufferer, you should be aware that you are legally able to park in handicapped spaces. Many of those who have arthritis don't know they are eligible for these spots, and so they just ride out the pain.

If you struggle with rheumatoid arthritis, consider enlisting the help of a friend and reorganizing your home to make it easier to accomplish daily tasks. Most items are difficult to grip or can not be easily reached when you have a flare-up, so be able to access the most needed items.

It may seem that exercise for arthritis relief may cause too much pain, but the exact opposite is true. If you don't exercise your joints regularly, they may become fatigued and atrophy, which will worsen symptoms. Look into flexibility exercises to have a better range of motion.

Even a modest amount of weight loss can improve the symptoms of arthritis. Being overweight can aggravate your arthritis. You can lessen the pain you experience just be dropping some pounds. You might be surprised by the relief you feel when you drop just a little weight.

Black cohosh, a medicinal herb, can help to reduce arthritis symptoms. This natural substance eases inflammation, improves circulation and aids the nervous system. If you are suffering from arthritis, Black Cohosh is worth trying.

Your doctor may prescribe any of a number of many popular arthritis medications. By following your doctor's orders regarding the medications, you will be able to help alleviate the pain you are feeling. Always call your doctor if your medication is not effective so that he can give you something that will work.

Diet is a key factor when it comes to dealing with arthritis. Tests have proven that many people will show higher energy levels and increased functionality when their diets consist of olive oils, legumes, fruits and vegetables. Eating a diet loaded with fruit and vegetables is very healthy for the body.

Do not be afraid to rest! Arthritis may get in the way of you being fully active. Take occasional breaks so that your body can enjoy peaceful moments while it regains energy.

Take the proper precautions when it comes to ultra violet rays, using sun block and other products when necessary. People with arthritis are much more likely to develop skin disease. Just remember if you have arthritis to cover up your skin when outdoors in order to prevent further damage and diseases.

You can significantly reduce your risk of bone loss and osteoarthritis by following a calcium-rich diet. Calcium can be found in many foods, such as cheese, milk, and yogurt. If you don't necessarily like the taste of dairy products, add some powdered milk into various dishes, or take calcium supplements.

Stress has a lot to do with arthritis pain. Being stressed will make the pain worse and cause the condition to progress further. You should look for a way to relieve your stress, possibly with an enjoyable hobby or by relaxing with exercises like Pilates or meditation. Try to avoid high-stress situations as much as you can to lower your overall stress level.

Arthritis affects every demographic equally, changing the lives of millions every year. If you know how arthritis works and know about cutting-edge treatments, you can work around your arthritis more easily. By implementing some of the tips and hints you've been given, you'll soon be able to alleviate much of the pain that arthritis has been causing you.

Finding Arthritis Pain Relief

Knowing what exactly arthritis is first...

In the search of expert's advice on arthritis pain relief, I was surprised to find out that there are more than a hundred forms of arthritis and rheumatic diseases. Now let's first take a look at what arthritis exactly is learn about the four most common types -- osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and fibromyalgia.

Arthritis, or "joint inflammation" is one of the most common ailments today that can cause excruciating pain in the body. It affects the muscles and specifically the place where two or more bones meet, ie the joint, such as the hip or knee. Arthritis signs and symptoms include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, weakness, deformities, inflammation, and limited movement of joints, which can interfere with the most basic daily tasks such as walking, climbing steps, opening bottles, or brushing your teeth.

Fibromyalgia, or "soft tissue rheumatism" refers to pain in the soft fibrous tissues in the body - muscles, ligaments, and tendons. (Ligaments and tendons connect muscles to bones.) People with fibromyalgia may have other symptoms, such as trouble sleeping, morning stiffness, and headaches, poor memory and concentration. Women are at least four times more likely than men to develop fibromyalgia. And fibromyalgia usually occurs in people over age 50.

Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, is the most common form of arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage wears away, causing the bones begin to rub against each other and making movements painful. Cartilage, a slippery and spongy substance, covers and cushions the bones such that it allows a smooth movement of the joints. Osteoarthritis often affects the hands and weight-bearing joints such as the knee, hip and facet joints (in the spine) and occurs as the cartilage degenerates with age. Hence, it is the most common form of arthritis pain amongst the aged.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a debilitating disease that affects commonly the hands, wrists, and knees. The immune system mistakenly attacks itself and causes the joint lining to swell. The inflammation then spreads to the surrounding tissues, and can eventually damage cartilage and bone. Rheumatoid arthritis does not just affect the joints. Tendons are like ropes which run inside lubricated tubes. The lubricating system is very similar to that in the joints themselves, so it is not surprising that tendons can also be affected by rheumatoid arthritis. In a few people, other parts of the body such as the lungs and the blood vessels may become inflamed Many people with rheumatoid arthritis have difficulty carrying out normal activities of daily living, such as standing, walking, dressing, washing, and using the toilet.

Gout is a painful condition that occurs when the body cannot eliminate a natural substance called uric acid. The excess uric acid forms needle-like crystals in the joints that cause swelling and severe pain. Gout most often affects the big toe, knee and wrist joints. To reduce the risk of urate crystallizing in the joints it is important to drink plenty of water - if possible as much as 3.5 litres a day. According to recent scientific evidence, drinking a glass of skimmed milk every day may be helpful in getting gout arthritis pain relief. But beer or other alcoholic drinks should be avoided as they could make gout worse.

Arthritis Treatment

Some of the factors that are linked to the development of arthritis pain are injury (e.g from sports) and complications from other conditions (such as diabetes), heredity and lack of physical activity. Many studies have also identified a link between obesity and arthritis. Excessive body weight puts an extra stress on the weight-bearing joints (back, hips, knees, ankles and feet). Because of the way joints work, the pressure in your knee joints is many times your body weight when you walk. Even a small weight loss can make a big difference to your joints. Too much body fat may also increase inflammation in the body, making your joints more painful. Joints also naturally degenerate overtime with age; hence arthritis is often associated with older people.

However, it is also known that children, though relatively rare, can also develop a condition called juvenile idiopathic arthritis. This involves an inflammatory disorder of the connective tissues, characterized by joint swelling and pain or tenderness. It can also affect organs as the skin, heart, lungs, liver, spleen, and eyes. Generally, arthritis pain relief can be found in a combination of medication, exercise, rest, weight-management, diet and nutrition. From blood tests and X-rays, you doctor would be able to diagnose which type of arthritis you have and recommend the most appropriate course of treatment. Manuka honey which has been known to have higher antibacterial activity than other types honey is also gaining popularity in treating arthritis pain due to its natural anti-inflammatory properties and healing power. It reduces joint inflammation and provides a natural form of pain relief. To prepare, mix 2 tablespoons Manuka Honey and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder into 1 cup of warm green tea, consume this honey cinnamon drink daily in the morning and evening.

The combination of honey and cider vinegar is also an extremely well known home remedy for arthritis. All over the world, people have so passionately testified about how this cleansing drink has helped them find relief in joint pains. Many nutritionists believe that in this cleansing drink you can find minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, natural silicon, pectin, and tartaric acids that are effective in fighting body toxins, inhibiting bacteria and helping the body to maintain its vital acid-alkaline balance. To prepare this health tonic, mix two teaspoons of vinegar and two teaspoons of raw honey into a glass of warm water, and drink this three times a day. It may take several weeks to see the effects. Dr. D.C. Jarvis in his book

Arthritis and Folk Medicine (Galahad Books,1997) also offered the same folk medicine prescription for arthritis pain. He believes that treatment of arthritis, and many other health problems, must begin in the stomach. Jarvis found that when an apple cider vinegar cocktail is taken daily, calcium deposits are released back into solution in the bloodstream to be re-circulated to the bones, thus obtaining arthritis pain relief and preventing osteoporosis.

Alternatively, some people also recommend soaking arthritic joints in hot apple cider vinegar. To administer, use a quarter cup of vinegar mixed with one and a half cups of water. One can also soak a cloth in this mixture, put it on the affected area, and wrap a towel over the soaked cloth to keep in the heat. Keep the hot mixture on for only ten minutes at a time, and repeat it after the joint cools for another ten minutes.

Source: http://www.benefits-of-honey.com/arthritis-pain.html

The Golfer's Best Friend - How Glucosamine Helps With Hip, Shoulder, and Knee Arthritis

Golf... a contact sport? There may be no bone crushing tackles or sprints toward home, but golf - like any sport - comes with unique physical demands and risks. As more and more people discover the joys of golfing, they are also coming face to face with the reality of any active lifestyle - a reality that includes injury.

Playing through eighteen holes of golf requires great stamina. Walking, standing, swinging and bending... retrieving balls... all of this movement puts added stress on the joints, particularly the joints of the elbows, shoulders, knees and hips. Repeated use of these joints wears away the cartilage cushion in the joints - the cushion that keeps bones from rubbing against each other. This wearing away of cartilage, known as osteoarthritis, is especially common in the weight bearing joints of the hip.

Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis that is non-genetic and very common among athletes. There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but there are treatments that can help alleviate the pain. These treatments range from rest and relaxation to surgical hip replacement. Thankfully, most cases never get to that most extreme stage, but the pain can be debilitating. 

The most commonly prescribed treatments for osteoarthritis pain in golfers include a reduction in activity, weight loss to reduce stress on the already-damaged hip joints and physical therapy. Tens of millions of osteoarthritis sufferers also turn to what is the most common treatment for pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

NSAIDs, especially prescription-strength NSAIDs, come with a range of dangers side effects and dangers, ranging from headaches to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Making the matter worse, NSAIDs only mask the problem temporarily - reducing inflammation in the affected joints for a few hours. When the medications wear off, more medication is needed. Thus, the osteoarthritis sufferer is caught in a nasty cycle of pain and minor relief.

There is another option for golfers suffering from osteoarthritis pain - an option that offers temporary and long-term relief.

Research shows that that regular supplementation with high quality glucosamine and chondroitin - the building blocks of cartilage - is effective for reducing pain in arthritic joints and assists in rebuilding cartilage in damaged joints. It is important, however, to choose a supplement with a proven track record - a product that delivers on its promises.

Arthritis and the Role of Natural Products

Over three million Canadians suffer with the debilitating symptoms of arthritis - pain and inflammation. Arthritis encompasses over 100 forms of inflammatory disorders with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis the most common. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition caused by wear and tear of the connective tissue and cartilage that cushions the joint. It typically occurs later in life and affects the weight bearing joints - hips, knees and spine - leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that can appear suddenly at any age, and may fluctuate in severity. The immune system produces antibodies that cause damage to the joints leading to redness, pain, inflammation and deformation.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly prescribed to dampen the pain and inflammation of arthritis, yet their popularity is waning as many serious and life threatening side effects have emerged, such as stomach ulcers and bleeding, increased gut permeability, water retention and kidney damage. Recently, one class of these drugs (COX-2 inhibitors) has been linked to increased risk of heart attacks. Ironically, long term use of these drugs can actually worsen joint health by accelerating the breakdown of cartilage and destroying healthy cartilage tissue. With all these drawbacks, it is not surprising that many are turning to natural approaches to managing arthritis. Below are my top supplement recommendations for arthritis relief:

Celadrin

Celadrin is a blend of fatty acids that works to reduce inflammation, lubricate joints and promote healing, thus offering benefits for both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis sufferers. In a study of sixty-four individuals with knee osteoarthritis the use of Celadrin was found to reduce pain and swelling, and improve flexibility and range of motion compared to placebo. (Hesslink, 2002) Celadrin is sold by various companies in tablets, capsules and creams and has no side effects. The recommended dosage is 1500 mg daily. Cream is applied twice daily.

Essential Fatty Acids

Both the omega-3s (fish oil) and omega-6s (borage, primrose oil) have been found to help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. These "good" fats work in part by boost levels of prostaglandins - hormone-like substances that have anti-inflammatory activity. Omega-3s are also very beneficial for heart health. Usual dosage of these oils is between 2 and 4 grams daily.

Glucosamine

Glucosamine is nutrient used by the body in the production of cartilage. It stimulates the production of new cartilage, blocks enzymes that break down connective tissue, and reduces pain and inflammation. Glucosamine has been studied extensively for osteoarthritis and found to be comparable to NSAIDs, yet better tolerated. The recommended dosage is 1500 mg daily.

S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe)

SAMe is a nutrient produced in the body that is vital to the health and development of my tissues and organs. In the joint, SAMe is involved in cartilage formation and repair.

Supplementing with SAMe has been found to reduce the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis and to stimulate cartilage formation in numerous studies. Recently, the US government Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality conducted a review of 10 studies on SAMe for osteoarthritis and found it equally effective to NSAIDs. (Hardy et al, 2002) SAMe is very safe and well tolerated. The recommended dosage range is 400 to 1200 mg of natural (Isoactive) SAMe daily.

All of these nutritional supplements are backed by solid clinical research and can offer great help to those suffering with arthritis.

Calming Inflammation

Inflammation is a process by which the body's defense system or immune system (white blood cells and other chemicals) reacts to infection, contact with foreign substances, or injury. It happens when you stub your toe, contract a virus or are exposed to a harsh chemical. Your immune system mounts a defense by releasing various chemicals which increase blood flow to the area, causing some or all of the following symptoms: redness, swelling, warmth, and pain. Inflammation may also be associated with flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue and aching.

Although inflammation is a natural process designed to help the body fight infection and promote healing, in some cases the body's immune system over-reacts or reacts inappropriately. Such is the case with autoimmune diseases, where the body's normally protective immune system causes damage to its own tissues.

Lifestyle factors such as stress, poor diet and lack of sleep also contribute to inflammation. While there are often obvious signs of acute inflammation, such as redness and swelling, chronic inflammation, which occurs from lifestyle factors, can be more insidious. It can affect many body tissues including blood vessels, organs and nerves with few or no obvious signs until a serious health problem develops. Researchers have now identified inflammation as a factor in the development and progression of many chronic diseases including diabetes, heart disease, cancer and multiple sclerosis. Thus it is essential to be aware of the factors that trigger inflammation and approaches to keep this process in check.

Inflammation and Disease

There is no debate that many chronic diseases that we face today are associated with inflammation. Below are some of the most common and concerning health problems linked to inflammation.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a general term used to describe various inflammatory conditions in the body. There are over 100 forms of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis and Sj繹gren's syndrome. These diseases involve joint and musculoskeletal pain, and are often a result of inflammation of the joint lining. Some forms of arthritis are caused by autoimmune responses, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, and others are caused by wear and tear to the joint (such as osteoarthritis) which leads to inflammation.

Cancer

Chronic inflammation resulting from infection or chemical exposure has been identified as a risk factor for various forms cancer. For example, research has found strong associations for the Human papiloma virus (HPV) and cervical cancer, Helicobacter pylori bacterial infection and gastric adenocarcinoma, the hepatitis B virus and cirrhosis and hepato-cellular carcinoma, asbestos-induced inflammation and lung cancer, and cigarette smoke-induced inflammation and lung, bowel and pancreatic cancer. These studies demonstrate that inflammation promotes tumor development.

Cancer and inflammation share another connection. It has been found that that chronic inflammation occurs due to tumor environment stress and that this generates a protective shield from the immune system. In other words, inflammation protects the tumor from attack by the immune system. Researchers have found that the release of inflammatory compounds such as cytokines, leucocytes, lymphocytes and macrophages contribute to the progression and metastasis. Furthermore, this inflammatory response can compromise the response to chemotherapy.

Diabetes

Mounting research is linking uncontrolled high levels of blood glucose to inflammation, which can lead to diabetic complication such as neuropathy, retinopathy and nephropathy. Researchers have found that high levels of blood glucose lead to glycation and oxidation of proteins, lipids and nucleotides, resulting in the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). It is thought that AGEs trigger various inflammatory processes which can lead to damage of the blood vessels throughout the body. Thus, controlling blood sugar is vital to the prevention of inflammation and diabetic complications.

Heart Disease

Over the past decade researchers have discovered a link between inflammation and heart disease. Studies suggest that inflammation is important in the development of atherosclerosis, the process in which fatty deposits build up in the inner lining of arteries increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Factors that promote atherosclerosis, including cigarette smoking, hypertension, atherogenic lipoproteins, and hyperglycemia, give rise to a variety of noxious stimuli that cause the release of chemicals and the activation of cells involved in the inflammatory process. These events contribute not only to the formation of plaque but may also contribute to its disruption resulting in the formation of a blood clot.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a substance produced in the liver during inflammation. Research has found that those with high CRP levels are at increased risk of heart attack, stroke, cancer, macular degeneration and Type 2 diabetes. Your CRP level can be determined by a simple blood test ordered by your doctor.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the brain and spinal cord. Inflammation destroys the myelin, leaving multiple areas of scar tissue (sclerosis). Individuals with MS develop progressive neurological disability, and this is thought to be caused by degradation of the nerve cells. New research is looking at antioxidants that can protect nerve cells and reduce disease progression.

Lifestyle Factors that Promote Inflammation

Poor Diet - high glycemic (quick release) carbohydrates such as white bread and other refined foods raise blood glucose levels which trigger the release of advanced glycation end products which promote inflammation. Consuming saturated fat (animal products), eating overcooked (burned foods) and overeating also lead to inflammation in the body.

Lack of Sleep - adequate sleep is required by the body and immune system for regeneration and repair. Researchers have found that lack of sleep leads to the production of inflammatory compounds (cytokines). If you produce these inflammatory markers on a chronic basis it can increase your risk for heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes, and a shorter life span.

Stress - during stress, the body releases various hormones such as cortisol. Cortisol helps the body in the fight/flight situation by suppressing immune system function and reducing inflammation. If stress becomes chronic and the body can't make adequate stress hormones to turn the immune system off autoimmune diseases and inflammation can occur.

Obesity - fat cells secrete compounds, such as cytokines, that trigger inflammation and increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Excess weight also puts strain on the joints, primarily the hips and knees. Over time this pressure can wear down cartilage and cause bone to grind against bone, triggering inflammation.

Controlling Inflammation

To control inflammation and its consequences, consider the following lifestyle approaches:

Diet: eat a plant-based diet with lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, beans, legumes and whole grains. Fish, nuts, seeds (hemp and flax) and olive oil contains essential fatty acids that help reduce inflammation. Green tea contains antioxidants that reduce chronic disease risk.

Lifestyle: work on reducing your stress levels. Try yoga, Tai Chi, meditation and breathing exercises.

Supplements: to reduce inflammation, consider the following:

繚 Aged garlic extract - reduces multiple risk factors for heart disease. It helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol, reduces LDL oxidation and plaque formation.

繚 Boswellia - a tree resin with anti-inflammatory properties. Studies find it beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis.

繚 Celadrin - a mixture of cetylated fatty acids that reduces inflammation and lubricates joints. Research supports its use for rheumatoid arthritis. Preliminary evidence shows that it may help those with psoriasis and other inflammatory conditions.

繚 Fish oils - rich in omega-3 fatty acids which reduce multiple risk factors for heart disease (inflammation blood pressure, cholesterol, homocysteine, and clotting). Studies also support its use for reducing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, lupus and other inflammatory conditions.

繚 Glucosamine - a substance naturally produced in the body; involved in cartilage repair. Studies show that it can reduce pain and improve mobility in those with osteoarthritis.

Exercise: aim for one hour of moderate intensity activity each day such as walking, cycling, swimming or doing lawn work.

Sleep: aim for 7 to 9 hour of sleep each night. There is no sleep bank, so you can't catch up on lost hours over the weekend.

Aloe Vera Versus Natralia Psoriasis Cream

Psoriasis is an auto-immune disease characterized by rapid multiplication of skin cells. Psoriasis is commonly seen around the skin folds and other areas such as the scalp. The affected skin appears as red patches covered by thick, dry and silvery-white scales. Usually, those who are affected with psoriasis may develop psoriatic arthritis over time. Psoriasis is also a chronic disease that may come and go. Psoriasis cannot be cured, though it can be treated. A wide variety of treatment for psoriasis are available; from creams, lotions that moisturize, to OTC drugs that block histamine to counter the itchiness, to dietary supplements with zinc, to holistic and homeopathic methods - name it! But two of the most popular treatments today are aloe vera and natralia psoriasis cream. Comparing these two may help you in selecting the best cream available to treat your psoriasis.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera is a species of succulent plant. It thrives in arid climates and is widely distributed in Africa, India and other parts of the world. Aloe vera is usually used in herbal medicine because of its medicinal properties. Preliminary evidence from scientific studies suggest that Aloe vera extracts are useful in the treatment of wounds and healing burns, skin infections, cysts, diabetes, and elevated blood lipids. These are attributed to the compounds present in the plant such as polysaccharides, mannas, anthraquinones and lectins. A recent study concludes that the use of Aloe vera for the healing of first to second degree burns. In addition to its wound healing abilities, internal intake has been linked with better blood glucose levels in people who suffer from diabetes. Aloe vera extracts have been used also as an immunostimulant that aids in fighting cancer.

In a study conducted in Belgium, 60 psoriasis patients were subjected to a double blind placebo test. The study showed that Aloe vera had a cure rate of 83.3% compared to a placebo. Patients' psoriasis were seen to be reduced in number and there was also a reduction in skin discoloration. There were no side effects seen on the patients. The Aloe vera used in the study was a 0.5% Aloe vera extract added in a hydrophilic cream emollient.

Natralia

Natralia offers a wide variety of unique and patented natural skin care remedies. These products are made in Australia, and are derived from natural and organic components. Natralia products aim to relieve and treat acne, eczema, psoriasis, dry skin, scarring, stretch marks, muscle pain and cramps. Natralia also offers first aid creams and sprays, anti-fungal, as well as foot care products.

Natralia psoriasis creams have been formulated with natural ingredients and are suitable for use on young children and vegetarians. The cream does not contain gluten, yeast, artificial colors, sls, parabens and nut oils that are big no-no's when it comes to eczema and psoriasis. The cream itself is mild, soothing and moisturizing to relieve the dryness and itchiness brought about by psoriasis. The cream contains specifically chosen homeopathic ingredients, herbal extracts and essential oils including lavender oil, licorice extract, avocado oil and evening primrose oil. The cream should be used directly on affected areas to relieve itching, irritation, redness, flaking and scaling, and should be applied 2-3 times daily.

Aloe vera and Natralia psoriasis cream are two promising products that relieve the symptoms of psoriasis. Both are safe and without side effects, unlike corticosteroids that may do more harm than good. I have laid some facts here. You decide which is better, but, I guess trying both won't hurt.

Rheumatoid or Osteo-Arthritis Misery, Which Is Worse?

46-million people have "arthritis", a term that encompasses some 100 conditions and afflictions - including fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, gout, and my sub-category if you will, Lupus (SLE). Today we're talking about two of the most common and potentially miserable, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Osteoarthritis (OA). Which one is worse?

Well, first off, it's a trick question, isn't it? It is absurd to even entertain the premise that one is worse than the other - ask anyone who suffers from either of them. They both have the potential to be devastating, and to being linked with heart disease and diabetes. Perhaps a better question would be: What is the difference between the two?

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a condition which afflicts more than 1-million Americans. In RA the body's own immune system attacks the membrane that lines the joints, eventually causing the destruction of the joint unless stopped. In addition to pain, swelling and inflammation are well-known hallmarks of RA.

Osteoarthritis is far more prevalent, affecting 27-million Americans. With OA it is the joint's cartilage that is broken down. When this happens, that tough "shock absorber" is damaged and wears away; bone can come in contact with bone, resulting in the stiffness and pain so notorious with OA.

We're going to briefly touch on a couple of things I would really like to bring to your attention:

• It is not uncommon for a person to have heart disease and/or diabetes in addition to arthritis.
• 25 percent of people with both heart disease and arthritis do not exercise regularly or choose to have an active lifestyle.
• Arthritis is currently the number one cause of disability for a woman, and number two for a man.
• Losing weight to help with diabetes management or with heart-health can also help with managing arthritis.
• There is a connection between gum disease and arthritis.
• The same omega-3 fatty acids that are found in salmon, for example, and connected with being good to your heart, can also help the inflammation caused by arthritis.

Though one is neither better nor worse than the other, there are things that both can benefit from:

• Become an active partner with your doctor in managing your health.
• Pain, swelling, stiffness, redness, fatigue - these are messages from your body. Pay attention.
• Educate yourself. There are so many wonderful organizations and foundations dedicated to your health and promoting education about arthritis in all its forms. Don't know where to start? Ask your doctor, do an internet search - just enter the type of arthritis you want to investigate, hit enter, and prepare to be provided with many, many places to start reading.
• Do eat heart-healthy; it will help with your arthritis, too. This includes the things I'm sure that you already associate with being good to yourself like limiting your sodium intake, eating a diet that is varied and includes colorful fruits and vegetables, lean meats, choosing vegetable oils over trans fats, etc. If you're stuck, ask your doctor, check out the library or bookstore, or again, use the internet.
• Don't get stuck on the term 'diet' - just be good to yourself in your choices, embrace being kind to yourself by what you choose to put into your body. Remember, if you lose unnecessary weight, not only will your heart benefit, but so will your joints. And so, by the way, will a body affected by diabetes.

Well, we've touched upon some important information here. Please do follow-up by getting active in your own treatment and educating yourself - what you do and don't do can have a dramatic effect on your comfort and the pace at which your arthritis progresses. Next time we'll continue our series of articles on arthritis, Is Arthritis Hereditary?

穢 2010 Kathryn Jensen
Reader is granted permission to download, copy, distribute

Arthritis Treatment: Focus On Muscular Stiffness, Joint Swelling, And Cartilage Repair

Effective arthritis treatment reduces inflammation in arthritic joints and creates an atmosphere for the body to repair its own cartilage deterioration. The best way to reduce inflammation is to lengthen all the muscles that attach to or surround the arthritic joint. Cartilage regeneration is also possible if excessive muscular tension is removed from the arthritic joint. Joints typically affected by arthritis are: knee, neck, shoulder, low back, hip, spine, hand or thumb, foot or toe. Regardless of the joint, the best way to treat arthritis is Active Isolated Stretching (AIS) therapy.

Arthritis therapy must address muscular inflexibility, because it is always a principle factor in arthritis pain. Joints are surrounded by muscles. Tightness in muscles cause joint inflammation and cartilage deterioration: two conditions that cause pain in arthritis sufferers. Joint inflammation causes swelling, which induces pain by pressing on the nerves. Furthermore, muscle strains on the arthritic joint cause a wearing down of cartilage. Cartilage is the shock absorber between joints. Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are affected by joint inflammation and cartilage degeneration. Both rheumatoid arthritis sufferers and osteoarthritis sufferers must resolve muscular stiffness as part of their treatment plan. Optimal muscle lengthening is high value treatment for all types of arthritis.

Dr. Arthur Grayzel, former medical director of the Arthritis foundation is quoted in the book Keys to Understanding Arthritis, by Elizabeth Vierck. Dr. Grayzel states that "as people age, muscles lose their elasticity, leading to a reduced range of motion (page 11)." Limited range of motion causes cartilage deterioration. As the area of joint movement decreases, the joint begins to burrow a hole in the cartilage because it constantly treads in the same small area. Active Isolated Stretching therapy increases the range of motion in arthritic joints. As unnecessary muscular tension is taken off the joint, the joint will move in a greater surface area throughout the joint. Ceasing the process of cartilage degeneration.

Leon Sokoloff, M.D. examined cartilage regeneration. His findings are discussed in the book Healing Joint Pain Naturally by Ellen Hodgson Brown. Dr. Sokoloff states that "new cartilage could grow on bones but the real problem is the stress on the joint that keeps intervening and preventing this process (page 22)." If Dr. Sokoloff had studied Active Isolated Stretching, he would have discovered the critical link that helps arthritis sufferers naturally repair their cartilage. The stress on the joint that prevents new cartilage to grow on bones is excessive muscular tension.

In AIS treatment: circulation is refreshed into the problem area; stagnant waste products move out of the arthritic joint; fresh oxygen and nutrition move into the arthritic joint. The condition of cells surrounding the arthritic joint are improved, all of which facilitates cartilage regeneration.

The endorsement of stretching for arthritis pain is nothing new. But Active Isolated Stretching is an optimized form of stretching that is fifteen times more effective than older modalities. Conventional stretching, pnf stretching, yoga, and Thai massage have been incompetent in lengthening muscles. Optimal stretching cannot occur if the stretch hold is done for more than two seconds. Stretches done in repetition are better than one long stretch. The target muscle cannot stretch if the muscle is contracting, so stretch position must be reexamined. And target muscles cannot fully open if the lateral muscle fibers are not addressed. These points are only addressed in Active Isolated Stretching. Active Isolated Stretching reduces joint inflammation and facilitates cartilage regeneration by getting to the source of the problem.