Danger! Fungal Infections in Arthritis Joints From Contaminated Steroids!

The ongoing epidemic of fungal infections from contaminated steroid injections is going beyond the brain and spinal cord to include the many joints injected by arthritis specialists. The medicine, methylprednisolone acetate, is a commonly used prescription steroid for the treatment of inflamed joints. Since rheumatologists often inject joints in patients with arthritis, this presents a potential problem.

While infections in the spinal cord and central nervous system present fairly quickly following injection, it is apparent that joints injected with contaminated steroids may take several months to produce symptoms. According to Dr. Kevin McKown of the University of Wisconsin Medical Center, new cases of fungal infections in joints may present for the next six months... or even longer!

Unlike the brain, joint infections can remain indolent which leads to delay in diagnosis.

There have been at least two cases of joint infections from contaminated steroids reported to the FDA as of November 1, 2012.

Symptoms suggestive of infection include, fever, pain, increased redness, warmth, and swelling in the joint that received the injection. Since this is also a sign of a joint flare from arthritis, an infected joint may not be easy to identify.

If the infection is not recognized, the fungus can spread and lead to osteonecrosis (dead bone), a destroyed joint, and also spread to other joints via the blood stream. In its most virulent form, it may cause death.

The compounding pharmacy responsible for this outbreak is the New England Compounding Center located in Framingham, Massachusetts. It was found guilty of selling large amounts of the medication across state lines. The New England Compounding Pharmacy sold lots of their drugs to clinics in more than 23 states before being shut down by the Federal Food and Drug Administration.

So far, the two species of fungus isolated have been Aspergillus and Exserohilum.

The major problem in identifying cases is that fungal infections are slow to develop and symptoms are not always recognizable after such a long period between symptom presentation and joint injection. For example, cases of meningitis often take anywhere from one to four weeks before presentation. Joints that have been injected can take much longer.

Of the many states reported to have received the contaminated steroid preparations, there are California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.

The Presence of Arthritis Increases Heart Disease Risk

Arthritis is a widely-known joint disorder that's associated with a considerable amount of pain and often results in limited joint movement. While this disorder is associated with numerous other complications related to the joints alone, newer studies have revealed a possible association with heart disorders. It has been reported that the presence of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, increases your risk of developing heart disorders!

Risk of Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a condition characterized by accumulation of fatty material (referred as plaque) along the walls of the blood vessels. This often results in narrowing of the blood vessels thereby reducing the amount of blood flowing through them. This in turn increases the workload of the heart, leading to numerous changes in the heart structure and functions.

Additionally, the fatty material can often get dislodged from its original location and form blocks in the blood vessels within the heart (known as coronary arteries) and also other organs. Such a condition often results in blockage of the blood supply to the heart, which can lead to heart attacks.

The study which evaluated the risk of heart disorders in individuals suffering from arthritis reported several findings which are a matter of concern. It was noted that individuals with arthritis had many important changes in the heart structure which were considered to be dangerous. Risk of atherosclerosis was one of the main concerns in arthritic individuals.

Although these individuals did not have any prior symptoms of heart disorders, the findings suggested an increased risk of such an occurrence. It was noted that the thickness of the walls of the blood vessels was greater than before. The presence of plaque within the blood vessels was also observed. Further, the walls of the blood vessels had become stiff and were damaged at different places. All these findings suggested an increased risk of heart disorders in these individuals.

Factors That Increased the Risk

The authors of the study noted that the risk of heart disorders in individuals suffering from psoriatic or rheumatoid arthritis was higher in certain cases only.

Individuals with severe form of arthritis or those with widespread arthritis had a higher risk of developing heart related complications than others. Additionally, factors such as the presence of rheumatoid arthritis, involvement of other organs, high cholesterol levels, and high blood pressure, further accentuated such abnormal changes in the blood vessels.

Conclusion

It was concluded that individuals suffering from arthritis are more prone to develop heart related disorders due to the increased risk of atherosclerosis. Therefore, such individuals should take adequate care to ensure that the cholesterol levels and blood pressure levels are within normal ranges. The symptoms and other related factors in psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis must also be kept under control by strictly following the advice of the doctor.

Although there is a risk of heart disorders in individuals with arthritis, with proper care and adequate preventive steps, it can definitely be decreased.

How to Use the Subconscious to Cope with Body System Triggers of Your Pain

The musculoskeletal, immune and endocrine systems can all be potent triggers of pain signals in your body. Here's a way to use your subconscious mind to try to lessen the impact of those triggers.

The Musculoskeletal System

The musculoskeletal system consists of the muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, cartilage and other elements that make up the structural part of your body.

In chronic pain one or more parts of this system may not be working properly. Muscles may be cramped, joints may be out of alignment, tendons and ligaments may be overstretched or inflexible, cartilage may be inelastic, and so on.

These factors may be operating in back pain or pain in the neck or other extremities, arthritis pain, fibromyalgia pain , or neuropathic pain (nerve pain).

Chiropractic, massage and acupuncture are often helpful in relieving pain triggered by the musculoskeletal system. But if you don't get results, or if the pain keeps coming back after a short interval, it may be worthwhile to focus your subconscious on the structures involved.

The Subconscious and the Musculoskeletal System

The subconscious may be able to identify general or specific parts of the musculoskeletal system that are contributing to your pain. If so, it usually can then generate visualization statements directed at those parts.

Visualization statements represent the specific language that your subconscious wants you to read back to it to help ease your pain. They're simple and are targeted directly at the main factors that could bring you relief.

You can obtain these statements by learning how to communicate directly with your own subconscious mind. The process is straightforward and can be done at home by working with a facilitator over the telephone. You you need no special skills and no previous experience in working with the subconscious.

The subconscious appears to be able to relax muscles, align joints, increase the flexibility of tendons and ligaments, and make other changes that help to ease pain.

Any changes brought about may not need to be large. For example, removing just a slight amount of pressure from a nerve being pinched at a joint may be enough to provide relief.

The changes brought about tend to build on one another. For example, when a joint becomes more aligned, the muscles around it tend to relax. When a tendon becomes more elastic, it tends to stop pulling on muscles.

The Immune System

The immune system is a complex of organs and cells designed to defend the body when it is invaded. When the system is out of balance it could be implicated in arthritis, fibromyalgia and other conditions that cause pain. Visualizations may help to provide relief.

The major parts of the immune system include the lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, lymphatic fluid, the spleen, the thymus and the T-cells it produces, and the bone marrow and the B-cells it produces.

Auto-immune problems occur when the system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis pain or psoriatic arthritis pain, for example, it sends white blood cells into the joints, producing chemicals that cause inflammation. This swells the joint lining and wears down the cartilage, narrowing the space between the bones and causing pain.

In the case of fibromyalgia pain, it's not known whether the immune system is a cause of the condition or an effect of it. But it is known that a defect in T-cell activation is associated with the disease.

The immune system could also be a factor in back pain or pain in the neck or other extremities, or neuropathic pain (nerve pain).

The Subconscious and the Immune System

The subconscious may be able to help you deal with immune issues in two ways.

First, it may be possible to use visualization statements to reduce the intensity of the immune system attack on healthy parts of the body.

For example, we have had some success in reducing both joint pain and skin eruptions in psoriatic arthritis. This is done by using visualizations to suggest to the subconscious that immune T-cells are to be put into action only when the body is truly attacked by an outside invader.

Second, it may be possible to use visualizations to strengthen the immune system. Your subconscious may be able to identify whether regulatory, helper, and/or killer T-cells are weak, and suggest a way to alleviate the problem through visualizations. It may also suggest visualizing stronger bone marrow, a healthier spleen, or a more robust lymphatic flow.

The Endocrine System

Hormones are chemicals that circulate in body fluids and are designed to produce particular effects. Hormones are secreted by the adrenals, hypothalamus, pituitary, ovaries, testes, thyroid and other endocrine glands.

When the chemicals produced by these glands are out of balance with one another they appear to play a prominent role in causing joint pain, and may be one of the underlying causes of conditions as diverse as fibromyalgia pain, migraines, arthritis pain, depression, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

The endocrine system could also be a factor in back pain or pain in the neck or other extremities, or neuropathic pain (nerve pain).

The Subconscious and the Endocrine System

The subconscious seems to be aware of the existing levels of your individual hormones, and through visualization may be able to increase or reduce their levels enough to bring them into balance with one another. It also appears to be able to increase the absorption of DHEA, which is the basic building block of all hormones.

For example, it's possible to ask about the levels of adrenalin, estradiol, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, human growth hormone, melatonin, thyroxin, and other hormones. If your subconscious connects any of them to your pain it can then be asked to provide visualization statements to help bring them back into balance.

In addition the subconscious may be asked to identify which hormone-producing organs may need strengthening. Many times this turns out to be the adrenals and/or the thyroid gland. Visualizations to help shore these organs up can then be generated.

If the subconscious thinks the rate of metabolism needs to be adjusted up or down, it may be possible to obtain language helping the subconscious to make the desired change.

Programming the Subconscious

The subconscious is quite powerful. When programmed through the very visualizations that it suggests, it may be able to turn episodes of uncontrolled pain into events over which you have a degree of control.

My Arthritis Is Not Your Arthritis - One Symptom, Many Causes

Joint inflammation is painful, and when you're suffering with it you're highly motivated to find out what will stop it!

To realize that goal, address the two following elements covered in this article: symptom control and finding the cause (or causes) so that a healing direction can be revealed.

Symptom Control: This means two things - reducing inflammation and managing pain.

The primary herb used around the world for reducing inflammation is Boswellia. Years of clinical research has revealed that boswellic acids reduce the formation of inflammatory leukotrienes.

Pain management is often achieved with White Willow Bark, which is the natural herb that contains salicin, flavonoids and other phenolic compounds that reduce inflammation significantly along with promoting joint health.

With arthritic symptoms under control, the next step is finding causes. The following are six of the top common causes health practitioners find:

1. Food intolerances.

A food intolerance results from the inability of the body to completely metabolize (i.e., 'break down' ) any particular food. This leaves undigested food particles floating around where they can cause inflammation, and one of those target organs is the joints.

Food intolerances are different than food allergies. One can be intolerant of a food but not allergic to it, or allergic but not intolerant or both. This means that just because a blood test for antigens shows no antigen for a particular food does not mean an intolerance does not exist. In other words, a food intolerance will not show up in a blood test for antigens.

Four of the most common food intolerances are wheat, gluten, lactose and foods from the nightshade family (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, peppers, etc.)

2. Toxic metals.

Toxic metals are those that poison the body and have no benefit for humans. Four of the most common ones that affect modern people are mercury, aluminum, lead and plutonium. The sources of these contaminants are varied and depend on the metal itself. For example, two of the most common sources of mercury contamination are from dental amalgams, which are over 50% mercury, and vaccines containing Thimerosol, a preservative containing mercury. Other, less common toxic metals include antimony,uranium, arsenic, cadmium, barium, nickel and bismuth. Any of these can be deposited in the joints, stimulating inflammation.

3. Synthetic Chemicals.

Modern people are exposed to a growing number of toxic chemicals in daily life. In fact it's been estimated that the average person is exposed to well over 100,000 synthetic chemicals! This results in a massive body burden way to significant for the liver to detoxify and eliminate on its own, and the chemical back up can result in joint inflammation.

4. Generalized acidity.

The human body is meant to run on a relatively neutral pH - not too acid, not too alkaline. When the body is consistently acid over a length of time, the acidity can etch away the lining of joints, resulting in an inflammatory arthritis. One such source of this acidity is toxic emotions - unresolved personal issues that are replayed but never resolved.

5. Immune challenges.

These are classic cause of joint inflammation, and can include all manner of bacteria, yeast, fungi, viruses, parasites, even spirochetes. Any one or more of these can cause joint inflammation.

6. Autoimmune reaction.

An autoimmune reaction results when the immune system gets confused in its functions and begins attacking its own bodily tissue - in this example, joints. The immune system's job is to separate 'me' from 'not me' and attack and eliminate the 'not me.' In an arthritic autoimmunity, it has mistakenly identified the joint tissue as 'not me', resulting in an attack that produces arthritis. Many practitioners believe this confusion is set up initially by immune challenges in which the invading organism contains DNA very similar to the body's joint tissue DNA.

Each of the above represents a cause that may be at the root of the symptom of arthritis. Working with your practitioner to discover the cause (or causes) is a key to reducing - even eliminating - the symptom itself, often permanently.

In this respect, it's important to remember that 'my arthritis is not your arthritis'. In other words, you may have one or two of these causes, while the next person with the same symptom - joint inflammation - has totally different causes. That's why it's important if you wish to recover, not to get stuck in 'cookie cutter' approaches, but rather to find out what's going on in your unique body.

Take Fish Oil For Arthritis and Get Rid of the Swelling and Pain

There is evidence that proves that fish oil rich in omega 3 fatty acids can get rid of the pain and swelling of arthritis. Several studies reveal the potency of fish oil for arthritis as an effective anti-inflammatory agent. In fact, it is widely accepted as a better alternative for prescription medicines.

Arthritis is the inflammation of body joint characterized by swelling, pain, and stiffness. Most of the people, who suffer from arthritis, if not all, complain of pain that may range from simple to worst. Pain is the common and constant feature of arthritis that is usually felt in the back, neck, hips, knee, or feet.

We can treat arthritis in several ways. Treatment includes physical therapy, prescriptive drugs, cold compress to minimize the swelling and pain, and in severe cases surgery. These treatments, though effective, are costly and may sometime result to adverse effects as in the case of prescriptive drugs.

The aforementioned are the treatment options until researches revealed the natural healing properties of fish oil for arthritis. Now, more and more individuals suffering from arthritis have discovered how effective and potent omega 3 is in the treatment of arthritis for relieving them from the swelling and pain.

The EPA and DHA fatty acids found in omega 3 work as a natural anti inflammatory agent. Studies have shown that individuals suffering from rheumatoid arthritis who were administered omega 3 supplements have demonstrated relief from the pain and swelling associated with arthritis.

It is by many miles safer than prescriptive drugs when you have to take it long-term. Prescription medicines, though effective, may produce adverse effects especially when taken over the long haul. These effects may range from easily bruised skin to brittle bones to life threatening kidney failure.

Avoid compromising your over-all health condition just to relieve the pain and swelling brought on by arthritis. All you have to do is opt for regular exercise and benefit from the natural anti inflammatory healing properties of an omega 3 fish oil for arthritis supplement.

The best is from a high-quality, pure and safe omega3 supplement that is free from metal poisons, pollutants and other contaminants. A supplement that is made from the best sourced cold water fish which have been put through a purification process prior to molecular distillation and concentration. And, has gone through clinical trials and has been independently reviewed.

Do yourself a favor and take fish oil for arthritis to get rid of the inflammation. Why bear the pain and swelling when you can use a fish oil arthritis supplement? Do a bit more research and take a look at a company that uses pure and safe fish oil. A high-quality omega 3 supplement that contains hoki and tuna oil harvested from the most remote, cleanest and purest oceans.

Does Low Dose Prednisone Work For Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic progressive autoimmune inflammatory disease that affects multiple organ systems, but the joints in particular. Rheumatoid arthritis also damages and erodes away the cartilage and bones in the affected joints. This erosion cannot be seen by physical examination and is measured by x-rays. More erosion on an x-ray usually means that the disease is progressing or worsening.

Glucocorticoids or corticosteroids such as prednisone are used by some arthritis patients to reduce inflammation and suppress immune system activity. Synthetic corticosteroids, like prednisone, are designed to mimic cortisol action in body. Cortisol is a natural corticosteroid produced by the adrenal glands.

Glucocorticoids have been shown to improve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. There is some debate as to whether glucocorticoids can slow the progression of the disease.

There is also concern about the long term side effects, such as heart problems, when taking glucocorticoids.

Glucocorticoid use in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is common. Two Cochrane Reviews have been published examining the short term clinical benefit of low dose glucocorticoids compared to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They have demonstrated good short term and medium term clinical benefits. The possibility that glucocorticoids may have a "disease modifying" effect in RA, which would be seen by a reduction in the rate of radiological progression, has been suggested by several investigators.

The objectives of the current review was to evaluate glucocorticoid efficacy in inhibiting the progression of radiological damage in rheumatoid arthritis.

This summary of a Cochrane review presents what we know about the effect of low dose glucocorticoids, such as prednisone, on the progression of rheumatoid arthritis.

The studies that were reviewed looked at people who had rheumatoid for up to 2 years. Low doses of glucocorticoid pills were taken and usually with a disease-modifying anti-rheumatoid drug (DMARD).
X-rays were periodically used to assess the progression of joint erosion and other signs of joint damage. Of the studies which were reviewed, all but one concluded that glucocorticoids given along with standard arthritis treatments significantly reduced the rate of joint erosion in rheumatoid arthritis patients. It did not necessarily correlate with long-term improvement in function however.

Bottom line: In people with rheumatoid arthritis, low dose glucocorticoids reduce the progression of RA over a 1 one to two year period.

This benefit occurred in people already taking a disease-modifying anti-rheumatoid drug (DMARD) and therefore this benefit is over and above any benefits from the DMARDs.

These results were true in people that had rheumatoid arthritis for less than 2 years. It seems possible that glucocorticoids would have the same effect in people who have had rheumatoid for 3 to 4 years, but it is not known whether this is true in people who have had it for longer.

The evidence that glucocorticoids, given in addition to standard therapy, can substantially reduce the rate of erosion progression in rheumatoid arthritis is convincing. There is concern about potential long-term adverse reactions to glucocorticoid therapy, such as increased cardiovascular risk and osteoporosis.

(Kirwan JR, Bijlsma JWJ, Boers M, Shea BJ. Effects of glucocorticoids on radiological progression in rheumatoid arthritis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD006356. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006356).

Glucosamine and Arthritis - The Facts

As of 2009, there were at least 24 different types of glucosamine products on the market. Manufacturer claims include its use in the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, leg pain from disc disease and TMJ disorders.

According to a 2009 National Standard patient monograph reviewed by the world renowned Mayo Clinic, there is solid scientific evidence to support its use for but one of these conditions, and only if you use a particular type.

What Is It?

Glucosamine is found in healthy cartilage, the soft tissue covering the ends of bones inside our joints that helps reduce friction as the joint bones move against one another, helping with fluid joint movement. One of its forms-glucosamine sulfate-is part of the makeup of our cartilage matrix and synovial (joint) fluid.

It is believed that in particular, the sulfate form strengthens cartilage and aids in the creation of helpful cartilage and synovial fluid components. It is very often offered as a combination with chondroitin, another component of cartilage.

Where It Works Best

The strongest clinical evidence in both animal and human studies supports its use in the treatment of mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee. There is good evidence for its use for osteoarthritis of other joints, but further research is warranted. Its benefits when used beyond the knee include pain relief and some anti-inflammatory action.

At this time there is simply not enough research to reliably support its use beyond these two areas.

Safety Concerns

Allergy.
Since it may derive from shellfish shells, those with shellfish or iodine allergies should be cautious. There has also been some evidence of asthma worsening with its use.

Insulin Reaction.
If it is injected, some evidence of insulin resistance has been noted, while there is mixed evidence of this effect if it is taken orally.

Bleeding.
There may be an increased risk of bleeding, at least in theory. Beware if you have a bleeding disorder or already take medication that increases bleeding risk.

Kidney Function.
One patient taking it with chondroitin developed kidney swelling and dysfunction.

Pregnant/Breastfeeding Women & Children Under 18.
Without reliable scientific evidence as to its safety here, glucosamine is not recommended. Sometimes it is marketed with MSM (methylsulfonylmethane). Since some research connects MSM with autism, so avoid this with children.

Side Effects.
These include upset stomach, headache, insomnia and drowsiness. There are rare reports of abdominal pain and gastrointestinal effects such as diarrhea or constipation.

As with any supplement regimen, it is best to consult with your healthcare provider before beginning.