Symptoms of Arthritis - What to Look Out For

Symptoms of arthritis can be vague and confusing but it is important to recognize them. Some of the early symptoms of this condition are joint pains, joint stiffness and tenderness in and around the joints. Other symptoms include restricted motion in the joints as well as redness and warmth in the affected joints. There are more than 100 types of this disease and for a doctor to determine the type that you have, he or she will have to evaluate your medical history and do a physical examination. Diagnostic tests as well as an assessment of the progression of the disease will also be carried out.

Major types of this condition have a set of symptoms. Signs of rheumatoid arthritis include inflammation and swelling of the affected joints. The joints will also feel painful, warm and stiff especially in the morning. This may also happen after a prolonged periods of inactivity. Increased stiffness particularly early in the morning is a major feature of the inflammatory disease and may last for more than an hour.

Osteoarthritis is another type and the signs include pain, sharp ache or a burning sensation in the affected muscles and tendons. Other symptoms are stiffness, inflammation and a crackling noise when you move or touch the affected joint. Muscle spasm and contractions in the tendons are also other symptoms.

Psoriatic arthritis leads to psoriatic nail lesions characterized by pitting of the nails. In severe cases, this condition can lead to loss of the nail. Apart from causing joint inflammation, this disease can also lead to tendinitis and dactylitis or sausage-like swelling of the digits.

Rheumatoid Arthritis - Massages and Hydrotherapy For Pain Relief

Massages are known worldwide known for their multiple benefits. Depending on the receiver's need, massages can enhance muscle performance or relieve the deep tension that occurs mainly because of the stress. Recommended by doctors, massages have a strong therapeutic power and are integrated in the recovering process of many patients whether they suffer from osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis or need relief from an accident's post trauma.

The Swedish massage is being used worldwide where the patient receives because of the strokes used in it joint and tension relief. Having involved a rather gentle style with rubbing, tapping and kneading of the muscles, the Swedish massage is ideal for minimizing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and because of that it is often prescribed in the rheumatoid arthritis treatments.

The deep tissue massage is a variation of the Swedish massage in which is more pressure applied to the tissues so that the massage effect will be felt on the deeper layer of muscles as well. Involving the use of fingertips and sometimes the elbows, the result of the deep tissue massage is stress relief and deep relaxation. However, more gentle massages like craniosacral therapy will also have as result the desired profound relief.

Hydrotherapy is an alternative for exercise therapy that can be painful for people that suffer from arthritis or osteoporosis and can not benefit from relieving pain and improving mobility because mobility causes pain to people having this autoimmune disease. Hydrotherapy offers the benefits of improving the body functions without putting stress on the joints or other body parts that are in pain because of the disease. Being especially useful for treating joint pain and stiffness, the common rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, hydrotherapy is a great way for patients to learn what exercises are helpful for their disease. The major benefit of the hydrotherapy is that patients do the exercises in warm water where the gravitational forces on the body are reduced and the joint mobility is considerably increased; also because of the water jets, the blood flow is increased as well improving the effective mobility in the entire body.

For people with osteoarthritis, hydrotherapy has been proved to be effective as well by improving the physical function and general health in the knees of the patients. Also, the benefit of having physical exercises impact free and with easier joint movement is a huge plus for people with osteoarthritis.

Combined with a healthy rheumatoid arthritis diet or a nourishing osteoarthritis diet, massages and therapies, especially hydrotherapy will help the suffering people of this disease make progress in recovering and get rid of the arthritis joint pain or knee pain and lack of strength. And for less pain in the joints, don't forget adding Omega 3 in your daily meals that will surely minimize your pain and joints inflammation!

Low Cholesterol Arthritis Diet - No Extra Pounds - Reduce Pain

Every person, young or old alike should have a healthy diet. For arthritis patients, however, a healthy diet is also one way to decrease the frequency their arthritis attacks. Truly there is a connection between one's diet and arthritis. The type of arthritis diet suitable for a person with the disease is dependent on the type of arthritis or certain arthritis conditions being experienced by the individual. An example is a diet with low purine and alcoholic content results to a decrease in levels of blood uric acid thus lessening the likelihood of experiencing a gout attack.

Excess Body Weight and Arthritis

Excess body weight affects a person afflicted with arthritis negatively because it adds more strain on the joints, and according to medical experts, those who are more or less overweight by 20% will have more arthritis attacks as compared to those who have the right body weight. Aside from that fact, it is important to note that there are certain types of food that function as allergens, hence acting as triggers to arthritis and at the same time changes negatively the way the immune system functions.

The bottom line when speaking of the arthritis diet is that one should keep in mind that eating nutritiously and taking in well-balanced meals are vital to the well-being of an individual and that staying away from the so called fad diets and avoiding diet claims that are not proven will help in ensuring that the body is replenished with the nutrients it needs. Studies made which focus on the relationship between one's diet and arthritis state that high cholesterol and high fat found in one's diet contributes a lot to arthritis attacks. Thus, a diet plan for the disease should be designed in order to prevent the pain and even better, eliminate the occurrence of arthritis

In a proper arthritis diet, the foods to avoid are fast food meals and foods high in starch (e.g. potatoes). As for red meat, it can be eaten but only in little amounts and one should also watch out for meals with high saturated fat levels. On the other hand, in order to relieve pain, patients have the freedom to choose having an arthritis diet that consists mainly of fruits that are high in vitamin C like oranges, apples, strawberries, etc. Additional food that could help in the diet is oily fish since it contains a lot of vitamin E, and one should not forget that grains such as brown rice and wheat are also beneficial to the patients.

High fat Western diets should be avoided since they trigger arthritis, meaning they should not be part of an arthritis diet. Everyone who wants to be healthier should avoid that kind of diet. Instead, people should eat nutritious foods and should try a low fat diet or cholesterol lowering diets for weight maintenance to be long term.

Fitness Training to Prevent Falls For Older Adults With Osteoarthritis

As a personal trainer who specializes in helping older adults and seniors maintain and create more independent lifestyles, nothing draws attention more than watching someone "plop" down into a chair, because the intention to move with purpose is lost. To me, this is a clear indication that someone has already taken the first step of muscular deterioration leading down the "slippery slope" towards an unnecessary fall.

Certified as a Senior Populations Specialist through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, my fitness training has shown me that older adults with osteoarthritis experience tremendous lifestyle benefits by performing purposeful exercises just one-two times per week. That is good news, because for folks who don't list exercise as a favorite pastime, starting a fitness program after retirement is a challenge, even when the benefits are well understood.

In fact, the Center for Disease Control reports only six percent of adults over age 64 meet the national objectives for physical activity and strength training!

And the facts about the risk of falling are strikingly clear...

Osteoarthritis affects approximately 49% of seniors over 65 years of age (National Academy of Sports Medicine) and often impacts an individual's strength and sense of balance. Compound that with normal muscle atrophy which occurs every year after age 30, and it's not surprising that the Center for Disease Control states that falls among older adults are the most common cause for injury and trauma-related hospital admissions.

Hire a personal trainer?

While you might choose to hire a professional fitness trainer to help you exercise safely and keep you motivated, there are simple things you can do at home to improve balance, leg strength, and core stability. With targeted exercises to address these three key areas, you'll see strength and balance improvements in a matter of weeks, reducing the chances of a fall.

At my personal training studio, clients with osteoarthritis understand that, even though some joint discomfort may be present during weight lifting and cardio based activity. By contrast, sedentary individuals typically experience more rapid deterioration in cartilage and joint health. This is because cartilage is very avascular (has few blood vessels) and the corresponding lack of blood supply means that the only way to nourish the cartilage is to force nutrients into the joint/cartilage through movement.

Simple exercises can help keep your joints healthy and muscles strong

(*Always consult your physician prior to starting any new exercise program and seek professional guidance to adapt the following exercises to match your fitness level and adapt to restrictions given to you by your doctor).

1) Standing Squat:

Start with your feet hip to shoulder width apart. With (or without) dumbbells held by your side, sit down into a chair and stand up, without gaining momentum on the way up, or plopping on the way down. Keep your knees tracking straight ahead over your toes. Raise or lower your seat to adjust for fitness level.

2) Balance Reach:

Standing on 2 feet hip width apart, reach both arms forward as far as possible, bending only at the hip, and keeping your back flat. Try this standing on one foot if two feet is too easy.

3) Elevated Push up:

Place your hands shoulder width apart on a counter top or the arm of a sofa. While squeezing your butt muscles together and keeping the abdominals braced (as if prepared to be punched in the belly), keep your body as straight as possible. Lower your entire body down in one segment using only your arms. Do not let your back arch or your belly sag. Move slowly through each repetition and find a height that matches your ability.

4) Walking Stairs:

In your house, as you walk up the stairs, consciously try to squeeze the glute (butt muscle) with every step. Drive through the heel and stand up tall.

5) Curl Up:

Laying on your back in bed, do your best to sit up straight, reaching your hands toward your toes. Try to avoid placing your hands down on the bed, unless you need the assist.

6) Hand Walk:

Standing with feet shoulder width apart, place your hands on the ground or elevated surface, allowing the knees to bend if necessary. Walk your hands out toward a push up position, then walk your hands back toward your feet and stand up tall. This is a great technique for getting up or down to the floor for folks with really bad knee pain, but reasonable upper body strength and healthy wrists.

Each of the above exercises should be done in a way that challenges you to perform 12-15 repetitions. If you can do more, it's too easy! If you can't get to 12 reps, the exercise is too hard and you increase your risk for injury.

Strength & balance training in addition to proper nutrition are all critical for fall reduction and injury prevention.

Arthritis Treatment: Conventional Approach to Osteoarthritis Treatment

Osteoarthritis (OA) is, without question, the most common form of arthritis. It is a disease of articular cartilage, the gristle that caps the ends of long bones. Cartilage consists of a mixture of proteins and sugars (proteoglycans), and collagen. Interspersed in this matrix of substances are chondrocytes, cartilage cells. The purpose of the chondrocytes is to manufacture new healthy matrix and keep it healthy.

With the onset of OA, the chondrocytes begin to elaborate destructive enzymes. In addition, there is a complex interplay of events that leads to hardening of the underlying bone along with bone spur formation and inflammation of the synovium (the lining of the joint), which causes further joint destruction.

OA is predominately a disease of weight-bearing joints. However, other joints can be affected and cause debilitating symptoms and loss of function.

The conventional approach to osteoarthritis hasn't changed for more than fifty years.

The three aims of treatment are to relieve symptoms, improve function, and restore cartilage. While the former two targets are sometimes reached, the latter has remained elusive.

OA treatment begins with non-medical interventions such as weight loss, physical therapy, exercise, patient education, and sometimes assistive devices. Assistive devices are things such as braces and canes that might help a patient perform activities of daily living more efficiently.

Many doctors advocate the use of analgesics (pain relievers) instead of traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). This is because of the side effect profile of the latter group of medicines in light of data regarding cardiovascular events and gastrointestinal events associated with the use of these drugs.

One way of getting around this is to use NSAID in topical form. There are two preparations, Voltaren gel, and Pennsaid which are topical medicines containing the anti-inflammatory drug, diclofenac.

Nutriceuticals, such as glucosamine and chondroitin have their advocates. In addition various studies touting the benefits of dietary fish oil, and herbal remedies indicate these are also an option for people with mild OA. Glucocorticoid injections can be employed for patients with significant symptoms. They should be administered using ultrasound guidance and no more frequently than three times per year in an individual joint.

Viscosupplements, lubricants, can also be used although they are indicated so far for OA of the knee only. As with glucocorticoids, they should be administered using ultrasound guidance to ensure proper placement.

There is a huge void between these conservative therapies and surgery.

Recent experiences using autologous growth factors such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as well as autologous stem cells (a patient's own stem cells) may hold the promise of cartilage protection and cartilage regeneration.

(Wei N, Beard S, Delauter S, Bitner C, Gillis R, Rau L, Miller C, Clark T. Guided Mesenchymal Stem Cell Layering Technique for Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee. J Applied Res. 2011; 11: 44-48)

Herbal Medicines For Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Gout Treatment

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease that begins with severe pain in the small joints of hands and feet, spreading to the wrists, knees, shoulders, ankles, and elbows. Overlying skin appears red and shiny. This condition affects mostly women, often beginning between the ages of 20 and 40, although it can occur at any time. Symptoms include joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, accompanied by fatigue, low-grade fever, and poor appetite.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune reaction resulting in a chronic, inflammatory condition affecting the joints and the tissues around them. The joints them­selves become painful, swollen, unstable, and then greatly deformed. It varies in severity.

Treatment

Diet and Nutrition It is sensible to increase your intake of wholefoods, vegetables, and fiber. Reduce intake of meat, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fats. A qualified nutritional therapist will check for food allergies or intolerance, such as dairy, wheat, corn, and so on, and will, perhaps, suggest daily supplementation with vitamins C (2g), E (400iu), and B complex, along with calcium pantothenate, selenium (100mg), and zinc (30mg).

Hydrotherapy Cold compresses are useful when the joints are acutely inflamed, followed by alternating hot and cold compresses.

Massage Joints can be massaged with tiger balm, lavender, and camomile oils, and Ruta graveolens cream.

Consult a qualified practitioner/therapist for:

Acupuncture This will be aimed at energy balance, and pain relief.

Herbal Medicine Useful herbs include black cohosh, wild yam, willow bark, and licorice.

Homeopathy Specific remedies include Arnica 6c, Bryonia 30c, Rhus tox. 6c, and Ruta grav. 6c, but treatment should always be constitutional.

Osteopathy Treatment will be to address the maintenance of body mechanics.

Healing This therapy can be beneficial.

Gout

Gout is caused by the buildup of crystalized uric acid around the joints, causing severe pain, swelling, and redness around them. It affects mainly the big toe, knuckles, knees, and elbows. An attack may be accompanied by a high fever, and repeated attacks damage bones. Gout is usually an indication that the body is not processing and removing uric acid efficiently.

Treatment

Diet and Nutrition Avoid shellfish, sardines, kidneys, and beans, and increase your intake of water. Biochemic tissue salts include Nat. phos and Nat. sulf.

Massage Oils of peppermint, lavender, camomile and geranium may be massaged into the affected area. Ruta graveolens cream may also be used. Self-mobilize the toe by gently pulling it and moving it around.

Acupressure Massage of points relating to the feet will be useful.

Consult a qualified practitioner/therapist for:

Herbal Medicine Celery seeds, and wintergreen teas; bladderwrack may be taken internally, or seaweed can be eaten or added to the bath. Burdock and nettle neutralize and eliminate poisons from the body. A poultice of comfrey and marigold may be useful.

Chiropractic and Osteopathy Both provide foot mobilization maneuvers to help the condition.

An Effective Osteoarthritis Diet That Can Help With Pains and Aches

Is there a specific osteoarthritis diet? It seems these days there is a special diet for just about everything, but among the risk factors or causes of osteoarthritis are several dietary concerns, not the least of which is being overweight. Even as little as 10 pounds of extra weight can increase the burden on the joints, particularly the knees, hips and ankles.

Proponents of "low carb" diets, like Atkins and South Beach, claim that eating too many carbohydrates causes weight gain, rather than eating foods that are too high in fat. They also claim that people lose as much as 15 pounds in the first two weeks.

This might be true for someone who eats a lot of junk food, because no chips, cookies or sodas are allowed, but following a low carb diet for extended periods of time can cause deficiencies in some nutrients that are particularly important for the maintenance of healthy bones, joints and cartilage. In other words, a low-carb diet is not a good osteoarthritis diet.

Most sources list the causes of osteoarthritis as heredity, frequent or severe injuries to the joints, other diseases and aging. But, researchers are currently studying the role of nutrition.

The long accepted theory is that cartilage cushions between the joints deteriorate with age, but this deterioration may not be inevitable. Some people never suffer from arthritis. If it was part of the natural aging process, one would think that everyone over a certain age would have some degree of osteoarthritis, but that is not the case.

There are many nutrients that the body needs every day in order to rebuild cartilage. A good osteoarthritis diet should include all of the nutrients needed to rebuild and prevent the breakdown of cartilage.

The same nutrients are needed in other parts of the body to perform other functions. So, if dietary intake is inadequate, the body may "use up" all of the nutrients to perform vital functions. While the average American diet is high in saturated fat, salt and calories, it has low nutritional value. So, even though a person is overweight, he or she may be getting inadequate nutrition.

In addition, the average American diet contains an improper balance of omega 6 to omega 3 fatty acids. There are many sources of omega 6 fatty acids, but the only really good source of omega 3s is fish. Most people do not eat enough fish; in fact it is difficult to eat enough fish to reach the recommended 1000mg per day without supplementation. In an osteoarthritis diet, the recommendations are closer to 3000mg, which is practically impossible to get without supplementation.

The immune system uses fatty acids to create numerous compounds, some of which increase inflammation, while others inhibit inflammation. The compounds derived from omega 6 fatty acids are mostly inflammatory; while those derived from omega 3 fatty acids are mostly anti-inflammatory. Because of this, many nutritionists believe that one of the causes of osteoarthritis is an imbalance in the ratio of omega 3 to omega 6 fats in the diet. Since, inflammation is the root cause of the pain.

Supplements that should be added to any osteoarthritis diet include the vitamins C and D, calcium and magnesium. Vitamin C is needed to form cartilage. Vitamin D, calcium and magnesium are important for healthy bones and the prevention of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis increases the risk of osteoarthritis.

Studies have shown that in persons with vitamin D deficiency the space between the joints is narrower, thus the joints grind together and cause pain. Doctors recommend 400IU daily for vitamin D supplementation. Other supplements, such as Glucosamine and chondroitin may also be beneficial.

An extract from the New Zealand green lipped mussel has been shown in studies to improve flexibility, reduce pain and morning stiffness in study participants. When taken with an omega 3 supplement, derived from fish oil, walking pace improved. The mussel contains glycosaminoglycans a component of connective tissue, such as cartilage. In addition to preventing inflammation, omega 3 fatty acids inhibit the production of an enzyme that breaks down cartilage.

for example, the University of Maryland's Medical Website states:

"...New Zealand green lipped mussel ( Perna canaliculus ), another potential source of omega-3 fatty acids, has been shown to reduce joint stiffness and pain, increase grip strength, and enhance walking pace in a small group of people with osteoarthritis."

Overall, the best osteoarthritis diet is one that includes fish 3-5 times per week, low fat dairy products, fruit, vegetables and whole grains, while limiting total fat intake to 30% or less of total caloric intake and avoiding saturated fats. In actuality, this diet would be good for anyone.