Saturday, February 16, 2013

Arthritis Treatment: Is It Arthritis, Tendonitis, or Bursitis?


When a patient complains of pain in a joint, the arthritis specialist needs to figure out the exact location of the pain source. Is it due to something happening within the joint itself or is it due to adjacent structures such as the bone, ligaments, tendon, or bursa. Another possibility is that the pain could be referred meaning that the site that is causing the pain is not where the pain is.

An example of this latter situation is osteoarthritis of the hip that often causes pain in the knee. Also, a pinched nerve in the low back can also cause pain in the leg.

Arthritis pain is often accompanied by stiffness in the joint, pain with use, reduced range of motion, and occasionally swelling due to inflammation or fluid accumulation. The joint can be stiff after inactivity. For example, patients with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis will often get stiff if they sit for a long time. They can then loosen up by moving around.

Patients with an arthritic condition involving a joint have the "quartet" of arthritis: swelling, heat, redness, and pain.

The presence of fluid inside the joint (called an "effusion") can help establish the diagnosis.

Bone pain is most often due to fracture but may also occur due to infection (this is called "osteomyelitis"), or irritation of the bone surface, the periosteum. Periosteal problems can occur as a result of malignancy or conditions such as Paget's disease of bone, an unusual metabolic disease that causes bone deformity as well as bone pain.

Patients with tendonitis or bursitis usually have localized pain. Pain is aggravated by activity and relieved by rest. Getting a detailed history can provide clues to recent overuse that could be the trigger for the problem. Knowledge of anatomy can often pinpoint the source. Physical examination is critical because certain maneuvers can provoke or reproduce the pain thereby narrowing the diagnostic focus.

With bursitis, if there is significant inflammation, there will be swelling as well as pain and redness localized to the affected bursa.

Sometimes, though, it is difficult to separate a tendon issue from a bursal issue because the structures lie in such close proximity. Examples would be tendonitis/bursitis involving the shoulder or hip where this problem can be a difficult one to differentiate. Occasionally both the tendons and bursae can be affected.

Ligament problems are almost always due to trauma and the history as well as physical examination can establish the diagnosis. Confirmatory imaging studies such as magnetic resonance imaging and diagnostic ultrasound can be helpful here.

An Overview Of Rheumatoid Arthritis And Pregnancy


Rheumatoid arthritis refers to swollen and painful joints, a condition most commonly found among women and elderly. Strangely, pregnancy and rheumatoid Arthritis are closely and interestingly related to each other. Right from conception, pregnancy brings remarkable changes to the immune system, and these change contribute to changes in the symptoms most commonly associated with this disease.

Different people have different experiences and observations regarding pregnancy and rheumatoid arthritis. In some cases, pregnancy brings a temporary relief while others experience flares. About 75% women report relief in pain and swelling during pregnancy. Reduction in the severity of symptoms is usually observed after the first trimester. This may be due to certain hormonal changes during the second trimester.

It is also believed that the immune system gets a bit weak during pregnancy. This is done to accept the fetus as part of the body. This response calms the rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Remission continues throughout pregnancy, and the symptoms relapse just after the delivery. In the other case, muscular spasms and general body weakness may aggravate RA symptoms. Swelling, backaches and tiredness are supposed to be associated with pregnancy, instead of rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis patients have to face problems in vaginal delivery as well. The hip and back bone does not grow, thus leading towards caesarean deliveries.

When it comes to medicines, the relationship between pregnancy and RA gets a bit serious. Some medicines typically used to treat RA, such as Methotrexate and Leflunomide, are strictly prohibited during pregnancy. These drugs may cause abortion or birth defects. Only some specific drugs, rated harmless by FDA, can be taken during pregnancy.

Certain drugs such as Sulphasalazine and anti-TNF agents can be safely used to control RA during pregnancy. They pose no danger to mother or the baby, making them a popular choice for sufferers of the disease. Patients need to be careful during breastfeeding. Some drugs that calms down immune response, are not allowed during this period. Drugs like NSAIDs and Prednisone can be taken according to the prescribed dose.

A healthy diet is the best way to control RA during pregnancy. A sensible diet may reduce the chance and intensity of relapse. So it is important to take care of your movement and activities. Moreover, it is very important to control body weight after pregnancy; otherwise the weight-bearing joints may badly swell up. In short, except the serious kind of arthritis, such as arthritis of ribs and hips, Rheumatoid arthritis has no serious impact on normal pregnancy and delivery.

Rheumatoid Arthritis - And an Astonishing Way to Heal It


Rheumatoid arthritis can be painful and debilitating, depending on your general state of health.

It is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder that mostly affects your joints. Inflammation with the usual soreness, swelling and lack of mobility is the common symptom. And joint cartilage can be destroyed as the disease progresses.

Rheumatoid arthritis can also effect your lungs, heart, pleura and skin.

Medical treatment is typically just managing the pain. But help may be available to you from an unusual source. And it may not cost you anything, except a bit of time.

Diet is all important in your overall health. And yet, the typical western diet is full of pit holes, even if you think it's healthy.

I'm not referring to the typical diet of the 21st century, of fast food, junk food, soft drinks and micro waving everything. I'm sure no-one in their wildest dreams considers this a healthy diet.

No, I'm talking about how dairy is considered the best source of calcium, how animal protein is considered the best source of protein, how a cooked meal is considered the height of a good diet, how cereal and bread are considered nutritious breakfast foods.

In many Asian countries, dairy is not a food for humans. It just isn't produced.

And in these countries, arthritis in any form just isn't a problem. It hardly exists.

So, if you consume any dairy product (milk, cheese, yoghurt, butter, cream) either on its own or as an ingredient in the processed food you purchase, then the chances are that this is causing your rheumatoid arthritis. It may take a month or so for the symptoms to diminish, after you stop consumption of dairy. And maybe longer for them to go altogether, but isn't it worth a try?

But, I love dairy, I hear you cry. And I agree, old habits can be difficult to dispose.

Let's look at some alternatives. Soy is not one of them. Western soy is probably a worse option, for different reasons. Eastern soy is always fermented and that is healthy. Unfermented, western soy is not.

But oat milk or almond milk make excellent substitutes for milk. Personally I dislike rice milk, but others love it.

Margarine is again a less healthy option than butter. Try using coconut oil preferably, or olive oil.

An alternative to cream can be quite creative. Blending cashew nuts with honey is delicious and looks a bit like cream. Experiment with different nuts. I don't think there is an alternative to yogurt or cheese, not one that I know of. So you might have to forgo those while you experiment with your dairy fast.

What about calcium, I hear you ask? Surely I need dairy for the calcium?

That is one huge myth. Agreed dairy is very rich in calcium and all those nutrients needed for healthy, but GROWING bones, in baby COWS. If you are an adult, you were weaned some time ago. Which means you can no longer digest and utilise milk. And if you are not a cow (or goat or sheep, or whatever the milk comes from), then dairy is not your best food.

So what is the best source of calcium and all the associated nutrients to help it digest properly? You're going to be amazed. Because it's green, leafy vegetables. Like spinach, broccoli, silver beet and the like. And blue green algae.

And nuts and seeds.

Dairy tends to give a lot of people mucus. That's a good indication it's not a healthy food.

Even raw milk, considered far healthier than pasteurised, is not the right food for an adult human.

Try it. What do you have to lose? If, after a month you notice the symptoms of your rheumatoid arthritis are less, then life looks rosy for your future.

And you do get used to new habits, in time.

Do you now see why the western diet is so bad for your health?

Defend Yourself Against Arthritis


The word arthritis comes from "arth" which means joint, and "itis" which means inflammation. There are over 100 different types of arthritis that mainly affect the joints. Most types of arthritis affect the elderly but there are some kinds that can affect children as well. It is one of the main causes of disability in the world.

One of the most common symptoms of arthritis is joint pain and it can happen in any of the joints on the body. A for sure sign that you have arthritis would be pain and tenderness, definitely if you are experiencing worsened symptoms when using them, like going for a walk, getting up from sitting, and carrying groceries. Fatigue is another common symptom and most people who have this symptom say that they get a sudden or instant tiredness this can also go along with weakness as well.

Treatments for arthritis can be different and vary for mild to very serious treatment. A very serious treatment would be surgery in cases were deformity is a result from arthritis. Talking to your doctor to get diagnosed would be the best thing to prevent any serious problems like lose of movement and deformity. Together you and doctor can work to find a solution that is good for you.

A few of the most common kinds of arthritis are Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid, Psoriatic, Gout, Juvenile, Infectious, Ankvlosing, Fibromyalgia, Polymyalgia Rheumatica, and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, it is caused by wear and tear to the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is when the immune system attacks its own body, mostly joints. Psoriatic arthritis is like rheumatoid except it is autoimmune, if left untreated it can cause crippling. Juvenile arthritis is usually rheumatoid but it refers to all different kinds that affect children. Infectious arthritis is caused by fungi,viruses, or bacteria.

Ankylosing Spondylitis is chronic and can result in fusing the vertebrae called rigid spine. This can affect men and women sometimes between the ages of 16 and 35. Polymayalgia Rheumatica affects people after the age of 50 and causes severe aching in the shoulders, hips, and neck. Systemic Lupus Erythematosis is autoimmune and affects the entire system with several internal organs. Firbromyalgia affects soft tissue of the body and caused by a defective transmitter function in the brain.

Gout occurs in people between the ages of 40 and 60 mostly and normally signs are noticed when the big toe becomes suddenly swollen, painful, hot, and red. It seems to be a mostly inherited disease and also is thought to be a hormonal factor involved with it as well. It can affect fingers, toes, wrists, elbows, knees, and ankles. They normally become tender almost to the point where even the touch of the bed sheet seems to be painful. An attack of gout can last for a few weeks and it can be repeated through a number of years.

Forever Freedom by Forever living can help you maintain your joints and the healthy function of them. It is a breakthrough formula that combines aloe vera gel with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate to help your mobility and function in joints. It works to maintain the fluid in cartilage and draws nutrients in. Forever Freedom also has MSM because it is an anti0inflammatory agent and is a primary source of sulfur that the body needs to maintain healthy connective tissues and joint function. Forever Freedom is available at Alternative Health Supplements. This product does contain shellfish so people who have shellfish allergies should not take this product. Other ingredients include natural orange juice concentrate, sorbital, aloe vera gel, potassium sorbate, Glucosamine, Chondriotin, tocopherol(antioxidants), and fructose. Drink 2 to 4 ounces of Forever Freedom daily to defend against the signs of arthritis and aging.

Natural Health - Healing Psoriasis From the Inside Out


During the years of my practice in my Wellness Center, I received many patient referrals from Dr. John Pagano, the author of the book "Healing Psoriasis: The Natural Alternative".

These patients were suffering severely from psoriasis. Many of them sought out Dr. Pagano's "alternative treatment" as a last effort because medical treatments had failed them.

Dr. Pagano referred these patients to my center because we offered colon hydrotherapy, one of the holistic approaches to psoriasis that he recommended. Psoriasis, along with eczema, are conditions where the body is toxic. Internal cleansing combined with a few other natural approaches can offer healing to those suffering from these uncomfortable and unsightly conditions.

To understand this approach it is important to remember that the skin is an organ of elimination. When other eliminatory organs are over-taxed, especially in the intestinal system, the skin takes over their job. Many skin disturbances are the body's attempt to get rid of toxins.

Foods are an extremely important factor with psoriasis. There are certain foods that contribute to flare ups, and there are certain foods that allow the healing. The more dealings I had with people with psoriasis and the more I learned about the foods they ate, the more convinced I became on how important nutrition is for the psoriatic (name for person living with psoriasis).

This might sound kind of odd, but it is true...the actual skin lesions of these folks looked like the foods they binged on. The popular culprit: pizza, or foods with lots of white baked flour and tomato (pasta). Bagels and cream cheese were also a common favorite.

Besides the bright red "tomato" colored skin, some of these patients also had white crusty patches that resembled mold on cheese. This suggested to me internal fungus. I could tell by survey that cheeses, tomatoes, and white bread were the greatest offenders to these folks. I trained as a colon therapist and became certified under a few different programs. I did this to get the depth and breadth of this modality.

The program and philosophy that I most embrace is the Cayce/Reilly approach to health. This is the same approach that is discussed in "Healing Psoriasis: The Natural Alternative".
The suggested diet emphasizes eliminating the nightshade family plants for conditions such as psoriasis and arthritis. Psoriasis is often accompanied by arthritis (there is a strong connection between digestion and joints).

The nightshade family plant foods are tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and eggplants. Again, I found that the people with psoriasis that I treated ate these foods very frequently.

Here are some key factors and recommendations for the natural approach to healing psoriasis from the Cayce/Reilly approach to health and Dr.John Pagano's book "Healing Psoriasis: The Natural Alternative":

--Psoriasis is basically a toxemia with the cause being poor eliminations and a thinning of the intestinal wall

--There is excessive acidity in the blood

--Internal cleansing is recommended

--Spinal adjustments from a chiropractor or an osteopath is recommended

--Sources of irritation are commonly the duodenum, jejunum, and upper intestinal tract

--Colonics or home enemas are recommended

--Diet should be highly alkalinizing

--Fish, fowl, and lamb are okay to eat

--Drink 6 - 8 glasses of pure water daily

--No alcohol

I would also add:

--Eliminate breads and baked goods
--Eat lots of leafy green vegetables
--Exercise to mobilize the lymph system which also helps to detoxify the body
--Take digestive enzymes
--Get fiber in the diet

There's always so many questions as to what essential oils can be helpful for psoriasis. It is very important to note that although there are essential oils that can help diminish the discomfort of the condition, no essential oil can help psoriasis completely if these other recommendations are not followed.

Some recommended essential oils/products:

--Juvaflex over liver for liver cleansing
--JuvaCleanse internally (start with one drop)
--Rose Ointment topically
--Lavender topically
--LavaDerm (see below)
--Cleansing Trio or Internal Cleansing products that contain therapeutic essential oils

What Are Mesenchymal Stem Cells And Why Are They Important for Arthritis?


Mesenchymal stem cells, also known as MSCs, are cells that can differentiate into a number of cell types.

The distinction here should be made between the term "multipotent" and the term "pluripotent."

Stem cells (SCs) obtained from an adult are multipotent. While they can differentiate into a number of different cell types, their ability to differentiate is somewhat limited. That makes them different from embryonic stem cells. These are SCs obtained from fetuses. Embryonic SCs are "pluripotent" meaning they can differentiate into virtually any type of cell. While this makes them almost ideal for tissue repair, there are potential problems. The first is the ethical one that is still being debated in many quarters. The second is that while their power to differentiate is unquestioned, the ability to turn them off at the right time is a concern.

Adult MSCs can differentiate into various types of connective tissue which makes them valuable as a potential source of regenerative tissue for the treatment of disorders such as arthritis. In fact, adult MSCs are often referred to as "repair" SCs.

MSCs are found in the bone marrow, synovium (lining of the joint), the pulp of deciduous (baby) teeth, fat, and muscle.

Another source of MSCs is the umbilical cord.

Researchers are now discovering the various factors that cause MSCs to home in different areas of disease and damage.

Small proteins called chemokines apparently attract MSCs because these cells have receptors for chemokines on their surface. When a tissue is damaged or diseased, there is a release of chemokines which then travel via the bloodstream. When these chemokines bind to receptors on the surface of MSCs, they cause the stem cells to migrate to the site of injury.

In addition, other substances, called adhesion molecules, also present on the surface of MSCs play a role in cell migration to an area of injury.

To date, multiple methods for introducing SCs have been used. For example, orthopedic surgeons tout the benefits of microfracture. While short term benefit may be derived, microfracture surgery requires lengthy recuperation. Also, studies have demonstrated that the type of cartilage produced by microfracture is weaker fibrocartilage as opposed to the more desirable and stronger hyaline cartilage.

Recently, some studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of MSCs in combination with fat and platelet rich plasma in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Further studies need to be done to corroborate the early research.

What is unknown at the present are the following:

How many MSCs are required for repair of large areas of damage such as is found in osteoarthritis?

What is the role of MSCs in modulating immune system function? Some studies indicate these SCs have immunomodulatory effects.

While marrow contains a large number of MSCs, fat actually has a greater number per unit volume. Therefore, what is the role of fat in tissue regeneration?

Is there a method for inducing the chemokine and adhesion molecule functioning so as to enhance stem cell repair?

What is the optimal environment which permits SC reparative function?

Friday, February 15, 2013

Rheumatoid Arthritis Relief - Natural Cures For Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain


Rheumatoid arthritis is related with the chronic disorder of which there is no exact known care. But the debilitating effects of the chronic rheumatoid arthritis can be reduced by exercise as well as with the proper nutrition. It will not be cured completely but to a great degree. In comparison to the general population the risk of the people dying with the problem of rheumatoid arthritis is twice. The risk of dying increased due to reduced mass muscle. Approximately 30% of the muscle mass is reduced of the people belonging to the group of 70 years and if you loose about 40% then you will die.

People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis must eat more protein in comparison to the normal and healthy people. According to some expert's people suffering from rheumatoid must eat about 2.7 ounces of protein daily which is roughly equal to 4 ounce of the breast of the chicken or two servings of beans. But simple eating protein will not help you in building the muscles and in return will reduce the problem of arthritis. Exercises which includes leg lifts and arm exercises using weights is helpful in building muscle and as a result protein can be stored.

People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis are usually deficient of vitamin B. if we are suffering from the problem of arthritis then we must worry about the intake of B6, B12 and folate. Supplements are also very important for the people suffering from the problem of rheumatoid especially the older people who lose the ability to absorb B12 from the food. In such a case and people of that category must take these vitamins with the help of the pills.

'Free radicals' are also one of the probable cause for the damage caused by the rheumatoid arthritis. Free radicals are the destructive and fast moving atoms which are produced by smoking, inhaling pollutants or being exposed to ultraviolet radiation of the sun. Free radicals circulate through out the body and damage the cells. It is believed to be the root cause of many chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, rheumatoid, Alzheimer's disease and also Parkinson's disease.

According to the European studies, to reduce the affect of free radicals large doses of vitamin E have a good effect. Vitamin E in particular has been very helpful and effective in reducing the pain due to rheumatoid arthritis. People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis have increased free radicals and reduced vitamin E, C, and beta carotene.

How Hemp Seed Oil Can Help Your Arthritis


There is a huge problem that exists today with the enormous number of people suffering from arthritis in its many forms. It is said that well over half the population of this country who are over 60 suffer from either osteo or rheumatoid arthritis.

What both forms of the disease actually are I will not go into here, as it is a long and complex subject. But, arthritis is a form of inflammation which mainstream medicine appears unable to address.

Both are caused by what I call "bone and cartilage gravel", the bits of bone and cartilage which are left in the joints after the body has started to degenerate, rubbing in the joints each time it moves. This "gravel" rubs on the nerve ends, causing pain, whilst at the same time creating more damage as the "gravel" continues to rub away more of the bone and cartilage. In other words, a vicious circle that modern medicine cannot resolve.

But there are ways in the alternative remedy field that may, and I know of many cases that have, been able to break this circle.

I recommend that a daily Hemp Oil Capsule, or the liquid neat, which is quite tasty, and can be taken off a spoon, should be considered long term. Hemp Oil comes from hemp seed: THE MOST NUTRITIONALLY COMPLETE FOOD SOURCE IN THE WORLD.

Taking a quality Hemp Oil is just the same for your body as putting oil in your car's engine. It lubricates the system. Hemp is unique with an almost perfectly balanced profile of Omega 3, 6 & 9 to match the body's requirements.

Uniquely among common seed oil, it also contains GLA (Gamma-Linolenic Acid) and even more uniquely, raises circulating GLA.

GLA (Gamma-Linolenic Acid) research around the world has shown that hemp oil (as can all essential fatty acids) boosts the body's natural ability to heal and also boosts our immune systems. The Essential Fatty Acids in hemp are renowned for their ability to improve cell growth and organ function, vitality and mental state.

Extensive studies have shown that many common illnesses (such as Eczema, Arthritis and many other problems) are related to deficiencies or imbalances of specific fatty acids, and in particular, Omega 3, 6 & 9. Seeds of the plant cannabis sativa, hemp seed (not the drug plant!) contain all the essential amino acids and essential fatty acids necessary to maintain healthy human life. No other single plant source has the essential amino acids in such an easily digestible form, nor has the essential fatty acids in as perfect a ratio to meet human nutritional needs.

Its distinctive nutty flavour makes it ideal for use in salad dressings, dips etc., as an accompaniment to all vegetables, or taken straight, as a nutritional supplement.

Hemp Oil is suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans.

Understanding Arthritis


Arthritis is a condition that affects approximately 46 million Americans. It is a growing disease and affects more and more people each year. It is a little known fact that there are over 100 different types of arthritis. Because most people assume that arthritis is one particular condition the treatments that they seek are often ineffective. Every arthritic type has a particular treatment protocol. Therefore it is very important to receive an accurate diagnosis of exactly what you have.

Common arthritic conditions: Here are some of the more common type arthritic conditions. Osteoarthritis: This usually occurs in the hands as well as the knees and hips. Symptoms include joint swelling and stiffness. Occasionally there is a crunching sensation as if feeling bone rubbing against bone, This is often brought on by the continual use of the hands, wearing them down and leading to arthritis. Age and sports injuries are often the reason for the development. It affects approximately 33 million Americans. It develops gradually over years and slowly breaks down the cartilage in the bone. Cartilage is a cushioning for the bone, therefore pain will ensue when it deteriorates.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is due to an inflammatory response in the body. It affects approximately 1.3 million Americans. More women are affected with this than men. As an autoimmune disorder the joints of the body are being attacked by a malfunctioning immune system. It is a gradual process of inflammation growth which will ultimately damage the joints. Sadly it can cause visible deformities in the joints which are known as rheumatoid nodules. Symptoms of this disease are more severe than osteoarthritis. They include; pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints, extreme fatigue and even loss of appetite. There is a symmetrical pattern to the disease meaning if the joints of one hand are affected so will the other hand. Rheumatoid arthritis can be very debilitating and affect one's daily life. Normal activities such as working and driving and household chores can become impossible to continue. More dangerous complications can result from rashes and can affect the heart and lungs. Researchers believe that exposure to some bacteria begins the autoimmune reaction. It then mounts an attack leading to inflammation and joints deterioration.

Psoriatic Arthritis: This is also caused by inflammation. It results in a psoriasis response on the skin. With the joints themselves, the inflammation causes severe swelling of the fingers and toes. Fingernails have characteristic discoloration. It can affect various joints in the body including; fingers, toes, knees, elbows and the scalp. This is an adult disease but it has been known to begin in childhood as well. The two main symptoms of psoriasis and joint swelling often will occur separately from one another. Usually the psoriasis occurs before the joint swelling begins.

Fibromyalgia: This arthritis usually affects the following areas: neck, arms, legs, shoulders, back and hips. The common symptoms include: difficulty sleeping, stiffness, headaches, fatigue and severe muscle pain. Gout: This is a painful condition that most commonly occurs in the big toe of the foot. It can also affect the ankles, knees, wrists, fingers and elbows. Symptoms can include: swelling, stiffness, hotness to the touch and redness of the affected area. The cause is due to the development of crystals in the joints.

Lupus: This arthritic disorder involves an autoimmune attack on the body. The healthy tissue and cells in the joints, lungs, kidneys, heart and brain can become damaged. Common symptoms include: muscle pain, rash on face, extreme fatigue, and joint swelling. There are several different types of lupus. It can also be caused by a reaction to certain prescription drugs. Approximately 2 million Americans have some type of lupus condition. Researchers still don't know the cause but believe it could be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Understanding that there are various forms of arthritis is important. Seeking medical attention is vital and will ensure that you receive the appropriate treatment for your condition. Before making any dietary or lifestyle changes always consult with your medical doctor particularly if you have been diagnosed with a disease or are taking any prescription medication.

Exercising On An Elliptical Trainer Might Improve The Lives Of Those Suffering From Arthritis


Millions of Americans suffer from the ongoing pain associated with arthritis. Since those with arthritis experience pain in their joints when they move, they have a tendency to become more sedentary as a way to avoid that pain. This may cause weight gain which will further stress the joints. The lack of physical activity will also cause the muscles that support the joints to become weaker, and the bones may become brittle as well. So, as counter intuitive as it may sound, it is important for those with arthritis to maintain physical activity. An elliptical trainer might be a practical fitness machine due to the low impact nature of its workout.

Arthritis is a chronic disease that affects about 27 million Americans. Osteoarthritis is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage, which is the part of a joint that cushions the ends of the bones and allows easy movement. As cartilage deteriorates, bones begin to rub against one another. This can cause stiffness and pain that make it difficult for you to use that joint. Osteoarthritis can also damage ligaments, menisci and muscles. Over time osteoarthritis may create a need for joint replacements.

It is understandable that those who suffer from arthritis would avoid exercise. The problem is that lack of exercise contributes to a number of health problems, including smaller and weaker muscles, brittle bones, and the loss of mobility in joints that may become locked in a position if they are not routinely worked. You also lose some of the important benefits of a regular exercise such as maintaining the cartilage and muscles that support the joints, maintaining range of motion, increased energy level, better sleep, improved mood, weight control, stronger immune system, and a healthier heart and brain.

A study led by Leigh F. Callahan, of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, N.C., looked at group that took part in the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program, which consisted of exercise classes at basic and advanced levels that met for an hour twice weekly for eight weeks. The results showed that the intervention group had significant improvements in pain, fatigue, and managing arthritis at eight weeks and maintained improvements in pain and fatigue at six months.

It is important to develop exercise programs uniquely suited for those with arthritis. The American College Of Sports Medicine has outlined several modifications for exercise for persons with arthritis:


  • Begin slowly and progress gradually

  • Avoid rapid and repetitive movements of affected joints

  • Adapt physical activity to the needs of the individual

An elliptical trainer can provide the type of exercise that can help some of those suffering from arthritis. A quality new or used elliptical will have the features needed to adapt the exercise routine to the specific needs of the individual. These fitness machines will allow the user to start out slowly, then gradually increase the intensity by changing the resistance or incline. The higher end ellipticals allow the user to vary the stride length which allows them to choose the range of motion that is most comfortable. Exercising on an elliptical trainer is low impact so it puts less train on the joints than other forms of exercise. An elliptical workout may not be appropriate for those with arthritis in their hips, which is why it is extremely important that those with arthritis consult with a doctor, physical therapist, or other health care professional before starting an exercise program.

Remission in Rheumatoid Arthritis - Is it Possible?


Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis. It is a chronic, autoimmune driven, systemic disease that affects approximately two million Americans.

While it is obviously a painful debilitating condition, RA also negatively impacts the quality of life and reduces functionality in affected individuals.

The goals of treatment are pretty straightforward. They are to reduce pain and inflammation, prevent further deterioration of joint damage, and restore functional capacity.

The advent of newer biologic drugs has enabled rheumatologists to offer remission- the absence of disease- to their patients with RA.

Aside from the symptomatic relief and restoration of function, there are other significant benefits of remission induction, They are extension of life span, since several studies have correlated disease activity with structural damage and structural damage with reduced functional disability status and reduced functional disability with shortened lifespan.

Also, the reason for this shortened lifespan appears to reside not only in functional status, but also in the accelerated cardiovascular disease that patients with active RA have.

So, it is imperative that patients with RA undergoing treatment be monitored to ensure they achieve remission.

The problem is that there are so many methods of disease activity measurement and there is no consensus among rheumatologists as to which measurement tool is the best.

Nonetheless, the two most common methods for quantifying disease activity are the American College of Rheumatology criteria and the Disease Activity Score. An additional measurement device is the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) which is designed to look at functional status only.

Each of these tools has its strengths and weaknesses.

It is clear from a number of studies that remission has many definitions, depending on who you talk to. It is also pretty clear that even a low grade amount of disease can still lead to poor outcomes because joint damage is still progressing and that eventually leads to long term disability.

Another problem is that the measurement devices mentioned above are cumbersome and difficult to routinely use in an office or clinic setting. Also, consistency of measurement can be an issue. What is a "1" to one rheumatologist may be a "2" to another.

On the other hand, biologic drugs are extremely expensive and many physicians as well as patients are not easily swayed by long term data but are more concerned with how they feel and function in the moment. This becomes even more of an issue as some rheumatologists offer "drug holidays" to patients who are "in remission."

A recent study from the Annals of Rheumatic Disease studied a group of patients with severe RA who had remission established with infliximab (Remicade) and then had the drug discontinued and still remained in remission.

The measurement devices they used were the DAS 28, x-rays, and HAQ. They concluded, "that more than half of patients who maintained a low disease state for more than 24 weeks on infliximab could discontinue the drug for a year or longer without radiographic or functional disease progression."

Bottom line: You can't go wrong shooting for remission. It may be possible to take a "drug holiday." There needs to be a balance between the goal of total remission and practical life style considerations.

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Dog Arthritis Treatment Remedies


Arthritis is a degenerative condition and, in dogs is normally age related, but not always. There are some other conditions that can cause arthritis, such as hip dysplasia, joint trauma and other joint conditions and these are not particularly limited to older dogs.

Larger and heavier dogs are affected far more than smaller lighter breeds; the heavier a dog is the more weight there is placing strain on joints and ligaments. Symptoms of degenerative arthritis include stiffness, particularly when getting up, sleeping more, struggling to stand and walk, lameness, joint pain, irritability and behavioural changes.

Diagnosis is normally by way of x-rays. Once the diagnosis has been made your vet will prescribe s course of treatment. Arthritis is not curable but prescription of some medications can dramatically improve your dog's quality of life and reduce his pain and suffering. Your vet may be able to prescribe a medication that will help the joints to repair themselves as well, preventing further damage.

It is worth noting that, whilst the medications that your vet prescribes will most certainly help him some of them are likely to cause unwanted side effects that can make your dog feel much worse and may cause other complications. Many people and vets are now looking at other ways in which to treat a dog with arthritis using more natural methods although the use of some medication will be essential.

There are other things that you can do to help your dog with his arthritis. You can put a small amount of vitamin C into his food daily, starting small and very gradually building up the amount over the course of a year. You should also give your dog certain fish oil supplements as well to help his joints to stay supple.

You can also change your dog's diet from shop bought to home cooked to ensure your dog is getting a high quality, chemical free diet. Avoid the use of tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant and peppers though as these can make your dog's arthritis much worse. However, be careful not to allow your dog to put on weight as this will deteriorate his condition quicker.

Gentle exercise is excellent therapy for arthritic dogs as it helps to keep the joints moving and helps to maintain the joints and cartilage. Be careful not to overdo it though as too much is as bad as too little.

As the old saying goes, prevention is better than cure. Ensuring that your dog is regularly exercised, eats a good healthy diet and maintains a balanced weight you can minimise the chances of your dog getting arthritis. One way to keep your dog's joints supple and mobile is to use fish oil supplements. Omega 3 6 and 9 fish oils are excellent for this and given daily will certainly benefit your dog greatly.

You can purchase combination packs of products that contain these oils and one that contains the enzymes that your dog's body naturally produces. Combined and given as directed there is no reason why, although he will never be cured of arthritis, your dog can live a pain free quality life.

Golf and Arthritis


Good news! If you're an arthritis sufferer, you don't have to give up your golf game! In fact, playing golf can add strength and mobility to your body overall and improve your range of motion.

Research shows that one of the best treatments for osteoarthritis is exercise. It can improve mood and outlook, decrease pain, increase flexibility, improve the heart and blood flow, maintain weight, and promote general physical fitness.

Usually, osteoarthritis (the most common form of arthritis) comes on slowly. Early in the disease, joints may ache after physical work or exercise. Osteoarthritis can occur in any joint. Most often it occurs at the hands, hips, knees, or spine, all those areas used in playing the game of golf.

No worries, though. Golf actually helps increase your range of motion and your balance as well. And the walking, if you can do it, will benefit your health in numerous ways. In short, golf is one of the perfect exercises for someone with osteoarthritis!

Now here's the key - you are probably going to need some special products to make golf a little easier on your joints.

At arthritis.org, the Arthritis Foundation shares some tips for golfers to help you keep enjoying this wonderful sport and suggests some products that might help you.

For instance, it's a good idea to wear wrist braces and gloves when you play. This will help stabilize the joints in your wrists and hands. Both these items are inexpensive.

Try using a lower compression ball.

Golf shoes without spikes will likely be more comfortable for you.

Ask your local golf store specialist about the latest helps for making golfing easier on your joints. New products are coming out all the time.

Always warm up before you play. Do some basic stretches, take some practice swings. Start out swinging about half strength. Never try to hit the ball too hard. This one goes for everyone - not just folks with arthritis. It's accuracy that counts!

Using tees will help.

Drink water while you're playing. (again, a tip for everyone)

If you feel tired, listen to your body and rest a bit. It's not a mortal sin to play less than 18 holes. The key is to enjoy the game.

Now, if you're feeling sore after play, here are some things to try.

· Take a warm shower.

· Do some gentle stretching exercises.

· Use an ice pack on the sore area.

· Rest the sore joint.

· Try magnetic therapy.

· Try to keep your weight down. Too much weight can make your knees and hips hurt

If playing golf causes pain that lasts for more than 1 hour, it's too much. Work with your physical therapist or doctor to adjust your game when you notice any of the following signs of too much exercise:

Unusual or persistent fatigue

Increased weakness

Decreased range of motion

Increased joint swelling

Continuing pain (pain that lasts more than 1 hour after exercising)

Really, when it comes right down to it, playing golf (along with warming up for your game with range of motion exercises) may be just what the doctor orders for arthritis help!

Copyright 2006 Tyler Powers

Psoriatic Arthritis and Other Autoimmune Diseases - An Imbalance in the Immune System?


I recently read an article in a local newspaper pertaining to the subject of Psoriatic Arthritis. It brought out that the same biological medications used for conditions such as, RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis), are also used for psoriatic arthritis sufferers.

It highlighted that there are five different types of psoriatic arthritis currently known. They are:


  • Asymmetric Psoriatic Arthritis (joint pain usually on one side of the body)

  • Symmetric Psoriatic Arthristis (joint pain on both sides of the body)

  • Distal Interphalangeal or DIP joint pain predominant psoriatic arthritis (joint pain of the fingers and toes)

  • Spondylitis Psoriatic Arthritis (affects the spine)

  • Arthritis Mutilans (destructive arthritis)

The article also mentioned that the risk factors included:


  • Already having psoriasis

  • A family history of psoriasis

  • Being between 30 and 50 years of age

Sadly, it mentioned, there is no cure for psoriatic arthritis. Conventional treatments involves the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS).

Of course, the common problems of these drugs and others like them, are the number of serious side effects that can occur. If you presently use any of these types of medications, you know what I mean.

Interestingly, these drugs are immunosuppressant medications that literally suppress the immune system. Both arthritis and psoriasis are autoimmune diseases. This essentially means that the body's ability to differentiate between self and invader is hampered. In other words, the body's first line of defense, the immune system, is imbalanced.

On the one hand, a healthy immune system is both balanced and dynamic. According to one internet medical source ( http://www.diagnose-me.com ), it should be balanced between Th1, cellular immunity and Th2, humoral immunity.

Cellular immunity, that is, what takes place inside the cell, involves T-cell and macrophage activity. Humoral immunity, outside the cell, typically involves the activities of antibodies. In a healthy immune system Th1 and Th2 activity switches back and forth between the two responses as needed. However, an inability to respond adequately with a Th1 response can result in chronic infections and cancer; while an overactive Th2 response can contribute to allergies.

The failure of Th1 arm of the immune system and an overactive Th2 arm is implicated in a wide variety of chronic illnesses. These include:


  • AIDS

  • CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)

  • candidiasis

  • Multiple Allergies

  • MCS

  • Viral Hepatitis

  • Cancer, and other illnesses

If these two arms of the immune system could be balanced, by stimulating Th1 and decreasing Th2, then many of the symptoms associated with the chronic illnesses would diminish, or, disappear and we would have found the answer to immune restoration and balance. With more than eighty (80) types of autoimmune diseases currently known, such an approach would make a significant difference in the lives of suffers and their families.

One treatment for immune system imbalance (Th2 Dominance) is raising glutathione levels. Glutathione levels in antigen presenting cells determine whether Th1, or, Th2 response patterns predominate. Increasing glutathione levels helps reduce Th2 dominance.

Glutathione (pronounced "gloota-thigh-own") is a naturally produced protein manufactured within each of the trillion cells in the body. This small protein maintains three crucial protective functions. It is the body's master antioxidant, immune system modulator and potent detoxifier.

Is There a Natural Cure For Rheumatoid Arthritis?


Many people wonder if there is a natural cure for rheumatoid arthritis. Most doctors will tell patients who have been diagnosed with the disease that there is no proven cure for arthritis. What they mean is that modern medicine has been unable to come up with any cure for this condition. The question that many people ask then is whether there is a cure to be found in natural treatments.

Modern medicine has yet to determine the exact cause of RA. Without this information, they are unable to formulate an effective cure. There have however been some instances where people have found natural cures for arthritis. In all of these cases, the cure had something to do with their diet.

Treatment with Foods

The most promising natural treatment seems to involve seafood. Fish, in particular, seems to be particularly effective at curing arthritis. Some people discovered that when they added fish to their regular diets, their arthritis symptoms lessened. They continued to improve with continuous intake of fish. Eventually, people realized that it was the fish oils in the fish that was treating their arthritis problems.

Studies have since shown that there is a scientific basis behind this form of natural treatment for RA. The answer lies in the omega fatty acids in fish oils as well as other trace elements. These help to address the inflammation caused by arthritis and also the joint degeneration.

In some cases, conventional anti-inflammatory drugs have proven to be ineffective. In such cases, natural supplements derived from fish oils have been effective. In particular, omega-3 fatty acids have been particularly effective at combating rheumatoid arthritis. It works through reducing the effects of inflammatory agents.

Problems with Natural Treatments

While natural treatments do appear to have some potential, they still cannot be considered cures. Rheumatoid arthritis results in damage to the joints and surrounding tissues. Modern medicines have been unable to reverse this damage, and the body is unable to heal it on its own. Natural treatments have also proven to be ineffective at doing so. Thus while natural treatments are useful in treating rheumatoid arthritis, they have not yet reached the level of cures.

Still Useful

While natural treatments for rheumatoid arthritis cannot cure the condition, they should still be taken into consideration. Modern medicines have often proven to be relatively ineffective at treating rheumatoid arthritis. In such cases, people often despair of ever finding any help for their condition. When this happens, they should be made aware of the existence of natural treatments. These treatments are relatively inexpensive, and have often proven to be very effective.

For those who do not wish to consume supplements, simple diet adjustments have been known to work as well. Many fish such as salmon are known to contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. By including fish in their daily diets, patients have been able to greatly improve their arthritis symptoms.

It can therefore be said that there is no proven natural cure for rheumatoid arthritis. However, natural cures should not be simply dismissed, as many doctors are wont to do. So, if you find that modern medicines have no effect on your rheumatoid arthritis, you should seriously consider using natural treatments to control the condition.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Drugs - Which Ones Are Friendly to the Heart and Which Ones Aren't!


Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, autoimmune systemic disease which affects approximately two million Americans. While the symptoms that bring the patient to the doctor are the joint swelling and pain, the area of most concern may not be the joints. It is well established that cardiovascular risk is markedly increased in RA and in fact it is this complication that shortens lifespan by between ten to fifteen years.

A number of clinical studies have retrospectively examined the relationship between certain medications and the risk of cardiovascular events. The report card has provided some real surprises.

For example, methotrexate, the workhorse disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) of choice reduces cardiovascular mortality by almost 70 per cent. The mechanism is felt to be due to a reduction of atherosclerotic plaque formation as well as increased clearance of foam cells (Solomon DH, et al. Circulation 2003; 11: 1303-1307).

The other major player in the treatment of RA is the TNF inhibitor group. These are used in more than 50 per cent of RA patients in the US. These drugs apparently reduce the risk of cardiovascular events by almost 50 per cent (Gonzalaz A, et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2008; 67: 64-69). Why this occurs is still not clearly understood.

Steroids have been used to treat RA since the early 1950's. Steroids have been shown to worsen cardiovascular risk because of their effects on both blood pressure as well as blood glucose. Steroid use in RA has been associated with increased carotid plaque formation as well as increased arterial stiffness. So what dose is a safe dose? The answer is still unknown.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) raise blood pressure. Randomized clinical trials have shown that cardiovascular risk is associated with COX-2 inhibitors but also with non-selective COX drugs also. The upshot? All NSAIDS regardless of class, are associated with increased cardiovascular risk.

Hydroxychloroquine, a drug often used to treat mild RA, is associated with a decrease in diabetes and may also improve lipid status. Actemra increases lipid profile but the long term effects are still un- known. Leflunomide (Arava) increases blood pressure. The eventual effects are still a subject of conjecture.

So what about aspirin? This medication is used for cardiovascular prophylaxis. In higher doses it also has anti-inflammatory effects although these are limited by the potential gastrointestinal side effects known to be caused by high dose aspirin. It is well known that other NSAIDS should not be used in patients taking aspirin for cardiovascular prophylaxis since they blunt that effect.

Is Migratory Rheumatoid Arthritis Caused by Other Medical Conditions?


Painful, rigid joints are the main symptom of rheumatoid arthritis, the actual cause is still unknown although there are many theories about the possible causes. There are many types of arthritis and migratory rheumatoid arthritis is one of them. The symptoms differ little from the normal type, the condition seems to move from joint to joint but not in the same way as with normal Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)which has a typical symmetrical pattern. This type does not move from the right to the left but goes from joint to joint in the same body side. So there is a distinct difference in symptoms.

Do we know the migratory rheumatoid arthritis causes?

That question is not easy to answer because the are many different theories about the actual causes but if you look closer they all add up in the same way. There is a list of different medical conditions that seem to trigger migratory rheumatoid arthritis or are at least in some way connected to this illness. One of those medical conditions is enough to be the trigger it is not necessary to have all of them, one is nor than enough. Most of these medical conditions have in some way to do with the body's immune system.

The most common conditions are:

- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Rheumatic fever
- Other forms of arthritis
- Lyme disease
- HIV
- Whipples disease

There are many more and some of these conditions are illnesses that are quite uncommon in the western world these days. Vaccinations, inoculation an education have helped to eliminate the risk of getting these diseases. In countries where this is not the case the risks of catching these kind of condition is much higher.

From one joint to the other

Most of the symptoms of migratory RA are the same as with common arthritis these symptoms include pain in the joint area, stiffness in the joint, swelling ore other signs of inflammation. The most common is off course in all cases of arthritis that the pain is concentrated in and around the joints that are effected, there is just one very distinct difference between the common type of RA and the migratory variety and that is that it can spread from joint to joint and causing the symptoms there also.

Cure and Treatment

As with all other types of arthritis there is no cure, there are many different treatments both regular remedies as natural remedies that can help you to deal with the symptoms but an actual cure is still not in sight yet. Most of the time you can divide the treatment in to types, the painkillers and the ones that help the joint from getting stiff. Most regular medication can have severe side effects and this is a reason for more and more people to make the move to natural and homeopathic remedies. These work on a totally different level and the side effects are non existing or very temporally. Also the use of a diet is something that more people are trying. But remember with everything you do in both regular as natural treatment, you need to keep your doctor informed.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Is Inflammatory Arthritis A Treatable Form of Arthritis?


Inflammatory arthritis is one of the main forms of arthritis, the other being osteoarthritis. Arthritis is caused by your joints becoming inflamed, which causes the pain and swelling in the affected areas. There might even be some visible redness in the effected areas. Inflammatory arthritis is named because of the inflamed and swelled joints. Inflammatory arthritis has a great effect on your immune system as well. This is because your immune system is put into effect by your body, because it thinks that there is an infection where you have inflammatory arthritis. This is unfortunate because there are no viruses or infections that your immune system needs to treat. It is simply being tricked by your arthritis.

The good news about inflammatory arthritis is that it is a treatable form of arthritis. Other forms of arthritis are difficult to treat, if there are even any treatments for them. With inflammatory arthritis, you can be treated. You do not have to live in pain.

Symptoms of Inflammatory Arthritis:

  • Pain in your joints

  • Inflamed joints

  • Stiffness (after being still for a while, early in the morning, etc.)

  • Pain and swelling in one or more joints

  • A warm sensation in the effected joints
  • Symptoms can begin to become noticeable after an emotional, stressful period in your life, such as the loss of a loved one or even something as simple as a cold.

    Some Treatments for Inflammatory Arthritis:

    Inflammatory arthritis is treatable. A lot of the treatments available are natural remedies for your arthritis. This includes:

  • Eliminating any food allergies you might have

  • Seeing if you have any current infections

  • You can try eating a diet that can help see if you have any food allergies

  • You should be tested for any allergies

  • You should also be tested for any sensitivity to hormones

  • You might have an autoimmune disease that can be treated and help relieve your symptoms, which can be determined by a simple blood test

  • Some natural medications can also help such as Photoluminescence, Ozone therapy, Insulin Potentiation therapy

  • Some other medications/treatments such as antiviral or antifungal medications can help
  • Inflammatory arthritis can be quite painful and annoying. Fortunately, inflammatory arthritis is very treatable. You should get help at the first sign of symptoms, such as waking up in the morning with stiffness in your joints. This can be one of the first signs that you may have inflammatory arthritis. This is a good time to make an appointment with your medical health professional and see where you are. You will need to get some tests done to figure out what it is you have and then what treatments you need to be put on to help you.

    Just remember, inflammatory arthritis is not something you have to sit back and live with. You do not have to live in pain every day. This can be treated and you should get the help you deserve.

    Rheumatoid Arthritis Natural Treatment


    Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that causes an inflammation of the joints, and sometimes other tissues and organs. There is one percent of the population in the world that have rheumatoid arthritis and three times more women are affected by it than men.

    Symptoms normally start around the ages of forty to fifty; however younger or older people can also be affected. Rheumatoid arthritis is very painful, and will often result to the affected joints no longer being able to be used.

    Natural Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis

    Heat and Cold therapy: There are many doctors who recommend applying either heat or cold when one starts having joint pains. The cold therapy will help diminish the inflammation as well as the pain. However, when cold is used, it is important to not apply cold for more than fifteen minutes with a thirty minute break in between.

    It is also suggested to use heat as this will act as a muscle relaxant and also stimulate the blood. When using heat therapy it is important to not make it too hot as one does not want to burn their skin. A hot tub or warm shower can also help ease the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

    Magnets: Many people say that magnets help with their pain associated to rheumatoid arthritis. There have been many reports that swear that these magnets work; however experts have been unable to figure out the reason why they work. However as anyone with rheumatoid arthritis knows, if there is a chance that it will help with the pain, it is worth a try.

    Mind and Body Therapies: There are many mind and body techniques that can be adopted in order to help control the pain that comes with RA. As these types of techniques will help with stress management which will also improve a person`s sleep, the person will have a different perception of the pain. These types of exercises include:


    • Breathing exercises

    • Progressive muscle relaxation

    • Visualisation

    • Meditation

    • Tai Chi

    • Acupuncture

    • Biofeedback

    • Exercise Treatments for Arthritis Pain Relief

    Natural Supplements for Rheumatoid Arthritis

    Flexcin is a great choice as a natural remedy for rheumatoid arthritis. Flexcin contains a natural ingredient called CM8 which acts as an anti-inflammatory, while also diminishing the swelling. After using it for four to five weeks, the pain caused by the swelling of the joints will have diminished.

    Secondly, it acts as a lubricant for the joints. This will help the muscles and other tissue to move better, thus without restraint. It is also important to note that Flexcin is the only type of product of its kind that contains CM8.

    Although Rheumatoid Arthritis Natural Treatment should not necessarily be used without other treatment, they can be helpful to be added with prescription medication if this is what the doctor thinks it`s best. That being said, it is never a good idea to make decisions about how to treat illnesses without consulting with a professional.

    Arthritis in Cats - A Conquerable Infirmity


    The most common way to detect the symptoms of arthritis in cats is when he has difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time. Limping and strolling with a stilted gait are usually the telltale signs that something is definitely wrong. The detection of social apathy, aggression, and withdrawal oftentimes follow suit, although those clues are a bit harder to notice at first glance.

    One thing to remember though: For those with arthritis, cat's treatment is not the same as human pain remedies, especially when it comes to arthritis in cats. What may work for humans may actually be harmful to felines, so medication (unless approved and administered by the vet) should be used sparingly.

    For arthritis, cat's treatment and prevention may be very simple, such as:

    If your cat turns into a fat cat, then he probably does not exercise as much as he should. Regular exercise keeps your feline busy and at the same time, maintains a proper weight.

    Speaking of weight (yes, you should keep your cat's weight in check); remember that a plump cat does not necessarily translate to his being healthy. In fact, the heavier the cat, the more strain it puts on the joints, cartilages, and other organs of the body. As with humans, obesity in cats brings a pet owner a long list of medical problems - arthritis, heart failure, and diabetes are the first three to top the list. A well-balanced nutrition can help prevent obesity and the medical conditions that come with it.

    Cats may also be given nutritional supplements such as fish oil, chondroitin and glucosamine. For pet owners who deem that natural is the way to go, homeopathic and herbal remedies earn plus points.

    Talk with your vet about options. Your vet knows your cat - internally and externally. Also, have a chat with him about your cat's normal weight so you can monitor and do your own cat's weight checks from time to time. For the cat lover, arthritis in cats sounds like a finality, binding the kitty to the world of pain and the unknown. Chronic arthritis is usually lasting, but with proper cat care and nurturing, the pain can be maintained at a tolerable level, enabling your cat to be free from cat joint pain so he can jump onto your lap or onto his favorite shelf to watch the world go by.

    Alternative pain management therapies can also be used on pained cats. Massage, feline acupuncture, and chiropractic maneuvers may be used to help alleviate the pain. Cold temperature almost immediately brings excruciating pain, even to the best of cats, so moist heat therapy is a great way to counter cold weather. Often, supplementing your cat's diet with Omega-3 rich supplements will give your cat relief from arthritis in cats. Unfortunately, some supplements containing fish oil, an Omega-3 rich source, are actually offensive to cats. Go figure that one out, but some cats refuse to eat food with just a few drops on it. What you need is something to minimize your cat's pain caused by arthritis in cats that he will take without struggle.

    Exploring Other Options in Managing Osteoarthritis


    Most people don't know it yet, but they're going to develop osteoarthritis. Reports show that more than 70% of older individuals develop this condition. With pain developing in load bearing joints, hip, knees, ankles, and so on, this condition is degenerative, and can go from bad to worse if ignored and is not managed properly.

    Common treatments for arthritic flare-ups, is to take medications that will reduce the pain and swelling of afflicted joints. Some prescribed medication or perhaps some over the counter, these substances may provide temporary relief but the condition is still present. Osteoarthritis has no cure, and until there is, you'll need to learn what treatments help in controlling pain.

    To effectively manage osteoarthritis and gain control over its painful effects, there are a few things you can do. For load bearing joints, if you are overweight, losing some of those extra pounds will lighten the burden on them. In fact, obesity is a risk factor in the development of osteoarthritis in the first place. Losing weight (easier said than done, I know) brings with it a lot of other health benefits too, reducing the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease, just to name a few.

    While losing weight, individuals with osteoarthritis are always advised to exercise regularly. Refrain from doing strenuous exercise such as lifting weights, running, or indulging in physical sports. Moderate exercise as simple as stretching, walking, stationary bicycles, or low impact exercise will help to avoid stiffness and give joints the necessary activity they need. You may feel discomfort when you start but it will slowly dissipate as it warms and stretches. The theory of "no pain no gain" does not apply here. Listen to your body and stop if the pain is telling you to. Osteoarthritis can contribute to muscle atrophy, so try and remain active, but in a gentle way.

    During arthritic flare-ups, some patients apply capsaicin cream (a topical analgesic) to achieve pain relief. As a temporary cure for sore muscles or pain brought on by arthritis, it does provide results for many and I'd recommend that everyone should keep some on hand for those occasions.

    In recent years, physicians have begun prescribing glucosamine, a natural over the counter supplement that has slowly gained a reputation as being effective in addressing the problem of osteoarthritis. For maximum results, combining glucosamine with chondroitin has shown surprisingly good results. Studies have shown in blind tests, that Glucosamine Chondrotin performed better than celecoxib (Celebrex) in patients suffering moderate to severe arthritis pain. NSAIDS (Non Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) (Celebrex and others) while effective in controlling pain in most cases, come with some side effect warnings, including potentially fatal results.

    Achieve Freedom From Arthritis Pain


    Millions of people are suffering from arthritis. Arthritis is a disease of the joints and the tissues that surrounds the joints. Arthritis is the inflammation of the joints that leads to painful swelling and stiffness in and around the joints. Living with this kind of disease can rob you of your active and productive life. In severe cases, sufferers will find it hard to perform even the simplest tasks like walking.

    Arthritis is commonly associated with old age because the risk of developing arthritis increases with age. The natural wear and tear of muscles and joints comes with age but age is not the only factor that affects the occurrence of arthritis. Other causes of arthritis include autoimmune disease, bone injury, obesity or being overweight, bacterial or viral infections and genetics.

    The pain and discomfort of arthritis can affect your everyday life. It is important to find the best treatment that will work for you to achieve freedom from arthritis pain and improve the quality of your life.

    Seek professional help. It is important to consult your doctor at the first sign of joint inflammation. Depending on the cause of the arthritis, your doctor may recommend the necessary treatment plan for you to achieve freedom from arthritis pain. Treatments may include medications and therapy. It is important to take medications under the supervision of your doctor. Surgery is always the last resort.

    Stress management. Stress plays an important role when it comes to our health. Dealing with painful arthritis and living with the frustrations and physical limitations brought by arthritis can be very stressful. Stress can worsen the pain brought by arthritis. There are many ways to reduce your stress level like deep breathing, relaxation techniques and counseling or joining a support group.

    Diet modification. Diet plays an important role in the condition of our body. There are foods that can trigger arthritis. It is important to keep a journal and take note of the foods that can trigger your arthritis. Once you identified your problem foods, it is best to avoid them to achieve freedom from arthritis pain. It is important to eat a well balanced diet for your overall health but it may be necessary to avoid those foods that can trigger your arthritis if you want to achieve freedom from arthritis pain. If you are taking medications, alcohol drinking may have a negative reaction to your medicine, so talk to your doctor about it.

    Rest the inflamed joints. When you are having arthritis attack, it is important to rest and relax the sore joints once in a while to reduce the pain. You should avoid movements that can put extra stress and pressure on your joints. Rest does not mean you have to be stagnant and motionless because prolonged rest and inactivity aggravates arthritis.

    Exercise. It is important to take a rest while you are having arthritis attack but exercise is also important when your arthritis is not on its active state. Keep an active life to maintain healthy muscles and bones. Of course you also have to consider your limitations before engaging in any exercise activity. Low impact aerobics, swimming and walking can be very helpful but it is best to work with a physical therapist to know the best exercise program that will work for you.

    Arthritis can be very disabling and it can hinder you from enjoying life. It is important to act now and find the best treatment plan that will work for you. If you have tried almost everything and still suffering from chronic arthritis, do not lose hope because alternative treatments are another option to help you achieve freedom from arthritis pain. Free yourself from arthritis naturally visit Cure Painful Arthritis.

    Determining the Factors That Cause Hip Arthritis


    Arthritis is a disease that affects the movement of the body that causes pain and loss of movements of the joints. It is usually chronic that can last on and off of a person's lifetime. There are over a hundred known kinds of arthritis that affect many areas of the body. In some forms of arthritis, there are associated diseases which affect tissues and other organs of the body. Determining the cause of your hip arthritis can be a little difficult. There are several factors that contribute to arthritis.

    Some of these factors of what causes arthritis are:

    Heredity or Genetics - This cause is not well understood. There is no exact explanation how heredity or genetics contributes to the formation of arthritis. Nonetheless, there are genetic variations that point to what causes your arthritis.

    Age- As we age, cartilage becomes brittle and has lesser capacity to heal and repair itself.

    Weight - Excessive weight can contribute to your hip arthritis because the joint has to support the load or the weight of a person.

    Hazards at work- there are specific work load that have a higher risk of developing arthritis like heavy construction and jobs that are very physical.

    Previous injury- Previous major injuries can be considered as causes to hip arthritis.

    Illness and infection - a joint infection, multiply recurrence of gout and other medical conditions can contribute to the development of arthritis.

    There is no known cure for arthritis. However, with early detection, it can help start the appropriate treatment as soon as the person begins to notice symptoms of arthritis. It is a fact that people cannot avoid old age or change genetics. But people can take control of their weight, the freedom to choose a job with varying activities, a healthy diet rich in omega 3, 6, and 9 oils to maintain a healthy joint and not get overweight.

    In addition, before taking any medicines or alternative treatments, it is recommended to seek medical advice that can help plan daily routines and give advices that can help relieve arthritis.

    The causes of hip arthritis can be managed effectively. Knowledge and understanding are the keys to deal with the discomfort. People with arthritis should never allow this disease to cripple them and make this a huge barrier to live a happy life. With right medication, change of lifestyle and proper exercise for arthritis can aid people with arthritis to bring down pain and the inflammation of joints under control.

    What Is The Best Treatment For Arthritis - 5 Ways To Treat Arthritis Naturally


    Often we have faced the problem of choosing effective natural remedies for arthritis and joint pains, and this search often led us to the question of what is the best treatment for arthritis? The nasty pills we take as a part of the diagnosis for arthritis tend to upset our stomach, put stress our kidneys and elicits other adverse outcomes that we might not be conscious of.

    What Is The Best Treatment For Arthritis?

    How often have we pondered upon this simple question but never found any medicine for 100% cure and safe application? To avail to such a cure we must be aware of its ingredients and that it should always be natural and scientifically proven to cure arthritis.

    5 Natural Herbs To Cure Arthritis:

    1. Belladonna

    Belladonna has been used as an anesthetic for surgery from long before the middle ages. It is a very powerful ingredient to cure joint pain. It is regularly used in cough syrups because of its pain reducing properties. It helps reduce throat pain arising from coughs and has also been known to alleviate the symptoms of inflammation in intestines and during menstrual cycles. Nowadays, it is also being used as a treatment for Parkinson's disease.

    2. Ignatia

    This ingredient has been known to decrease nervous tension. Due to stress, our muscle joints tend to tighten up and eventually become sore. This in turn gives rise to arthritis. The use of Ignatia relaxes body muscles which causes an increased flow of blood throughout. This increases the mobility in the joints as well as muscles. Hence, the joint pain is very effectively reduced.

    3. MSM

    MSM comprises almost every joint related medication for the sole reason that it is very effective in its purpose. It distributes sulphur in all our connective tissues in the body. This sulphur forms health bonds in our cells due to its unique properties. These bonds in the joints help enhance faster and effective pain relief of arthritis.

    4. Phosphorous

    Phosphorous is a key part of the answer to the question that is always pondered about - what is the best treatment for arthritis? Phosphorous helps in the retrenchment and proper execution of the functions of kidneys. It also sustains regularity of our heartbeats. During joint pains, we often experience a burning sensation. This can be eliminated by the use of phosphorous since it helps in regulating the nerves which send the messages of pain to the brain and thus, helps reduce the burning sensation.

    5. Rhus Tox

    During major surgical treatments like removal of appendix or the tonsils, or certain procedures undergone at the dentist, Rhus Tox is often used to decreased the pain and help in faster recovery. It has been used since 200 years ago for the treatment of arthritis pain, sprains, osteoarthritis, cramps, stiffness of joints and even the restless leg syndrome.

    Availability Of These Natural Ingredients:

    These natural herbs can be found in some products available in today's market, if not found loose. But more importantly, it is the combination and dosage that counts. A well reputed Health Institute has discovered that a cream made from the natural ingredients as mentioned above is proven to be very effective at treating pain including arthritis. Even better, there are no side effects because of its natural ingredients.

    Arthritis can be healthily cured if addressed properly. Care should be taken that the remedy used should contain these ingredients since they are proven in research to be the most effective without causing harm to the body. The answer to the question, what is the best treatment for arthritis, can be known very easily if we find the perfect cure.

    Tuesday, February 12, 2013

    Osteoarthritis of the Hip - The Most Common Type of Hip Arthritis


    Who is Most Affected?

    The hip joint is one of the most common locations for osteoarthritis, generally affecting people over the age of 50. Arthritis of the hip is more common in overweight people, with studies showing them to have five times more chance of developing the condition due to the extra stress placed on their hips. There may also be a genetic predisposition, where the joints become damaged simply because a person has inherited a body that wears in an unlucky manner. In addition to injury or repetitive stress, poor bone alignment or the way you walk could also be another factor.

    Causes of Osteoarthritis of the Hip

    Osteoarthritis of the hip starts when a small amount of the cartilage cushioning the bones of the hip begins to erode, creating some local inflammation and eventually causing the bones of the joint to grind or rub together. A major cause is traumatic injury to the hip and fractures to the bone around the joint. The trauma may be sudden and severe, such as a sporting trauma, but is more commonly associated with overuse of the joint for occupational or sporting purposes. In most individuals the indications do not appear until middle age, but the disease process starts much earlier, with the condition accelerating following trauma to the hip joint.

    What are the Most Common Symptoms?

    Hip pain is the most universal symptom of hip arthritis but it is possible to go for months and even years with the only symptom being loss of flexibility in the joint. The main symptoms of hip arthritis are pain, crackling, stiffness and inflammation of the affected joint. The rubbing together of the bones will sometimes cause patients to feel or hear their hip creak when walking. The level of pain varies and is described as mild, dull and aching or deep and throbbing. Usually it begins as a minor ache, which can disappear with rest, progressing to sharp pains when the joint is moved, ending in continuous pain. During the early stages the joints are often stiff at the beginning of the day, tending to improve with movement. However, as the condition worsens, a permanent loss of range of motion occurs.

    Where is the Pain Felt?

    Pain is frequently experienced in the groin and because of this can sometimes be misdiagnosed as a hernia or strain in the groin. It is also possible to feel pain radiating down the front or inner thigh, in the buttocks or knee and sometimes up to the back. There can be pain when pivoting or rotating the hip inward, bending, doing foot care and when getting in or out of a chair or car. Due to the overlapping nerve supply between the hip and knee, it is possible that knee pain may be the only symptom of arthritis of the hip.

    Treatment for Osteoarthritis of the Hip

    Many doctors today believe that weight loss is probably one of the most important treatments. Normally the first lines of treatment for mild osteoarthritis of the hip are pain relievers. Exercising is very important as it helps to keep the hip joint limber but must be ongoing to be effective on a long term basis. Too much or too little activity can make the condition worse and a full range of motion is encouraged to reduce stiffness. Because of its non weight bearing nature, swimming is highly beneficial and water exercises are particularly suited for improving the hip's range of motion and promoting strength and flexibility in the muscles surrounding it. Hip replacement surgery is sometimes suggested, and although in many cases it is usually an extremely successful operation, a new joint has a limited life span and is usually a final resort.

    What Are Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms?


    Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto immune disorder where the immune system attacks the tissues of the hand and foot joints causing chronic inflammation. As it progresses, symptoms will also be noticed in the elbows, shoulders, hips, neck and jaw. Although this disorder does not affect the joint itself like osteoarthritis, it does affect the joint lining, which results in swelling and pain of the joint. This can eventually cause joint deformity and erosion of the bone. The condition normally affects middle aged individuals with women being more likely to be affected by this disorder than men.

    Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can include joint pain and swelling. Joints may also be tender when touched and appear puffy and red. Another common symptom of individuals who suffer with this disorder is called rheumatoid nodules where hard bumps occur beneath the skin on the individual's arms. Other rheumatoid arthritis symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, low grade fever, weight loss, disturbed sleeping, weakness and joint stiffness that is noticed on awakening and can last for many hours throughout the day.

    In the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis, the symptoms tend to be noticed in the smaller joints of the hands, wrists, feet and ankles. With the progression of the disease, other joints normally are affected such as the knees and elbows. Most individuals who have this disorder often experience rheumatoid arthritis symptoms on both sides of the body at the same time, with the same joints being affected. The severity of symptoms can vary and tend to come and go. There usually are periods of no symptoms that alternate with periods of flare-ups where the disease increases in activity.

    Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease can cause inflammation to organs and other parts of the body. The eyes and mouth can become dry and the lungs can become inflamed, causing chest pains and breathing difficulties. The tissue around the heart can also become inflamed, causing pain when bending over or lying down.

    What Are Some Measures to Prevent or Reduce Risks of Diseases or Conditions Related to Bone Health


    The main concerns of bone health are osteoporosis (including osteopenia) and osteoarthritis. Although several factors contribute to these conditions, measures can be taken to reduce their risk or increase the chances of preventing them.

    Osteoporosis is a condition that is characterized by a low bone mineral density (BMD). Osteoporosis and ostopenia are different in the sense that if you have osteopenia (also referred to as low bone mass) you have less bone loss than you would if you have osteoporosis.

    Since bone is constantly changing, it is noted that in osteoporosis, the osteoclasts cells remove bone faster than the good cells osteoblasts which form new bone. This results in more bone loss since there is no equalization between the osteoclasts and the osteoblasts.

    When bone density decreases, there is a marked loss in the strength of the bones which now become fragile. As bones become fragile, there is a greater risk of fractures as well as loss of balance, resulting in falls and other injuries. Bones become more fragile as we age, especially after age 50, requiring regular BMD testing. The relevant measure of BMD is referred to in terms of T-score. T- Score is your BMD measurement compared to the reference mean of a young normal adult. A normal T-score is -1.0 or higher; however, in osteopenia, it is defined to be between -1.0 and -2.5 and in osteoporosis it is defined to be -2.5.

    Osteoarthritis (OA) - also known as osteoarthrosis, degenerative arthritis, or degenerative joint disease:

    - can affect not only the joints but also their surrounding tissues [including the capsule (the cover of the joint), ligaments, lining, and muscles];

    - can be painful;

    - is a degenerative disease;

    - is a disease caused by loss of cartilage in the joints;

    - is a normal result of aging which often affects the feet, fingers, hips, knees, or spine;

    - is a progressive disease;

    - is due to wearing away of a joint;

    - is not a single disease but the result of several disorders causing the failure of the functioning of joints;

    - is the most common of the joint disorders;

    - may not always be able to prevent it or cure it but you can take control in order to prevent its development or progression;

    - progresses with destruction (obliteration) of the joint space.

    Several conditions and factors that may be caused by or can increase the risk of Osteoporosis (and osteopenia) as well as osteoarthritis include:

    - Asian or Caucasian race;

    - bone cancer;

    - calcium deficiency;

    - chemotherapy;

    - eating disorders (for example, anorexia nervosa, bulimia);

    - excessive alcohol consumption;

    - heredity;

    - injury to a joint (for example, macrotrauma);

    - lack of certain hormones (estrogen in women & androgen in men);

    - lack of exercise (including weight-bearing exercises) or inactive lifestyle;

    - liver disease;

    - medications (for example, certain blood thinners, anti-seizure, long-term use of certain medications);

    - obesity;

    - overuse of a joint;

    - overuse of corticosteroids;

    - poor nutrition;

    - radiation therapy;

    - rheumatoid arthritis;

    - smoking;

    - thyroid problems;

    - vitamin D deficiency;

    - women (have a higher risk since women start off with lower bone density than men and lose bone mass quicker as they age).

    The following are a few of the things that can be done to either prevent or reduce the risk of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis:

    - avoid repetitive stress on the joints whether at home or at work (one example would be to use an ergonomic keyboard);

    - adjust your work area in order to avoid stress on your joints;

    - avoid overuse of joints (especially painful joints);

    - avoid smoking;

    - eat a balanced diet;

    - eat an all-around healthy diet (for example, eat nuts, fish, and food rich in calcium);

    - exercise in water such as swimming;

    - exercise to strengthen your bones - including weight bearing exercises;

    - get sufficient rest;

    - get sufficient sleep;

    - maintain a healthy body weight;

    - take precautions not to fall such as making sure your home is safe in all areas, having your eyes checked regularly, using walking aids if necessary, wearing safe shoes that offer support;

    - take supplements if necessary to ensure that you have sufficient minerals and vitamins in your system for strong bones.

    Although it is not always possible to prevent bone health problems, it is always important to try to reduce the risks or to take any preventative measures.

    Swollen Joints - Most Outstanding Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis


    Causing substantial amounts of pain to psoriatic arthritis sufferers, swelling in the joints is one of the most obvious symptoms related to this condition. Besides being painful, this swelling also leads to patchy skin. Since psoriatic arthritis is related to psoriasis and therefore can be responsible for other health problems throughout the body, including issues in the scalp, knees, and elbows and the appearance of lesions on the fingers and toenails. Swollen fingers and swollen toes are also commonly seen in psoriatic arthritis sufferers.

    Causes Not Fully Understood

    Although researchers have come to believe that contracting psoriatic arthritis seems to be linked to a person's living environment and their genes, the specific causes of psoriatic arthritis are still not fully understood by doctors. It is important for an individual who begins to notice symptoms commonly associated with psoriatic arthritis to visit their doctor and find out whether or not their symptoms are indeed related to this disease.

    Diagnosing psoriatic arthritis can be done by a doctor after they have conducted a physical examination that could involve taking x-rays and doing blood tests. Doing these tests will allow the doctor conducting them to determine with more certainty whether or not they are being caused by psoriatic arthritis or some other disorder. It is always better to visit your doctor as soon as possible so that you can begin to treat your symptoms properly.

    The nails, joints, and skin are usually affected in a negative way by psoriatic arthritis. Even though this type of arthritis will not cause swelling in every joint of the body, you can expect that a large number of joints will become red, get hot, and ache. This can also occur in the feet, knees, and ankles.

    Psoriatic arthritis can cause a finger or toe to swell up so much that is begins to look like a little sausage. This, though, is a less obvious symptom than stiffening in the joints. This stiffening is most commonly experienced with more severity in the mornings. Other outstanding symptoms include a stiff neck, stiff buttocks, stiff lower neck, and inflamed spine.

    If a doctor does diagnose you with psoriatic arthritis, you will have several different treatment options available to you. Some are simple self-help treatments while others involve taking medication that has been specially designed to treat psoriatic arthritis.

    Remember that there are other negative symptoms that psoriatic arthritis can cause apart from swelling of the joint; acne can form, nails can change, tendonitis can occur, and the lungs, eyes, and aorta can swell.

    The Facts About Septic Arthritis


    Considered as the most dangerous form of acute arthritis, septic arthritis is caused by a bacterial infection in the joint cavity. Usually there is a primary site of infection from where bacteria spread. The site of infection is often along adjacent bone or soft tissue. Bacterial spread is usually through the bloodstream going to the joints. It is estimated that in the general population of 100,000 people, about 2 to 10 of them suffer from septic arthritis. On the other hand, 30 to 70 cases of septic arthritis can be seen in a population of 100,000 rheumatoid arthritis patients. A variety of factors can predispose a person to septic arthritis. Any simultaneous presence of bacterial infection such as genitourinary tract or upper respiratory tract infection can increase a person's vulnerability to septic arthritis. Additionally, serious chronic illnesses including renal failure, malignancy, cirrhosis and diabetes can increase septic arthritis susceptibility. Susceptibility increases with people who have a depressed immune system, or those who have previous immunosuppressive therapy. Accordingly, elderly individuals and alcoholics are also at higher risk of developing septic arthritis. People who are into prolonged use of intravenous drugs, including those who are addicted to heroin, have higher chance of contracting septic arthritis as well.

    Septic arthritis comes suddenly with symptoms like intense pain, inflammation and swelling of the affected joint. These symptoms are often accompanied with fever and chills. The infected joint may cause voluntary immobility of the limb. Septic arthritis often affects large joints; specifically the knee. New born or infants who are affected with acute septic arthritis may become irritable and cry relentlessly whenever there is movement; especially when there is hip involvement. Pain is usually present in the groin, upper thigh and buttocks when septic arthritis affects the hip. In adults, knee involvement affects around 50 percent of all cases. The hips, wrist and ankles are also commonly affected with septic arthritis. Some patients may not show external signs of inflammation. Sometimes there is the presence of polyarthritis before the localization of infection. Muscle spasms are a very common occurrence of septic arthritis.

    Doctors use several methods to diagnose septic arthritis. Positive identification of the presence of the causative microorganism in the joint fluid using Gram's stain suggests septic arthritis. There are also other additional methods used to diagnose septic arthritis. These measures include x-ray, radioisotope joint scan and white blood cell count. X-rays detect changes in the joint between 1 and 2 weeks after the onset of infection. On the other hand, radioisotope joint scan is used to check for changes and the presence of infection and inflammation in the less accessible joints like the spinal articulations.

    Antibiotic therapy is generally the choice of treatment for septic arthritis. This should commence as soon as the causative microorganisms are identified. Elimination of the infection through antibiotic therapy is the primary goal of treatment. It has been observed that patients who were immediately treated with doses of antibiotic within 7 days from the onset of infection had higher cure rate compared with those who were treated a month after infection started. There is an arrest of infection if samples from the synovial fluid show a decreased white blood cell count within 5 to 7 days of antibiotic therapy.

    Monday, February 11, 2013

    The Top 5 Natural Remedies For Soothing Arthritis Relief


    Arthritis can painful and often disabling. But there are natural remedies for arthritis that many people are not aware of. Here are what are considered to be the top 5 natural remedies for arthritis.

    If you are looking for soothing arthritis relief and you want to achieve it naturally, there are answers. We will provide the top 5 here. These natural relief remedies for arthritis will be presented in order from number 5 to the most popular at the end.

    Number 5

    Some people find that by harnessing natural magnetic energy that can provide arthritis relief. Numerous studies and clinical tests have been done and are documented in medical journals showing that bio magnets seem to relieve the discomfort of arthritis.

    It is believed that these bio magnets help to speed up blood flow which results in reduced swelling and less pain in the areas of the body afflicted with arthritis. This is a very non-invasive method of treatment. Many people wear the bio magnets as bracelets.

    Number 4

    A diet that removes inflammatory foods has been found to be helpful for helping with arthritis. These types of foods are often high in sugar, dairy products and fried foods.

    Examples of these types of foods to consider removing from the diet include: white sugar, alcohol, soft drinks, tomatoes, salt, milk and cheeses, foods that are fried, and food like cookies and packaged food that are made with hydrogenated fats.

    Number 3

    Speaking of diet, here are some good foods to consider that are believed to help relieve arthritis pain. These are all foods that are considered anti-inflammatory. Salmon is a great fish because of its oily nature. Salmon and tuna are both high in Omega 3 oils which is very beneficial. Green leafy vegetables, grapefruit and yellow vegetables are also helpful. The common factor these have is that they are high in beta carotene and vitamin C.

    Number 2

    There are actually a number of herbs and spices that either by ingesting or applied topically can ease arthritis pain. These include: ginger, cayenne pepper, oregano, rosemary, turmeric, willow and ginseng.

    Cayenne pepper is unique in that is used my many arthritis suffers as a topical treatment. It contains both a pain-relieving chemical and an aspirin-like compound. Cayenne pepper is considered the most powerful herb for increasing circulation in the body.

    Our Number 1 Natural Remedy

    The number one natural remedy, which is even endorsed by the National Arthritis Foundation, is daily exercise. Exercise is of course natural, but most people do not do enough of it. Especially for people suffering from arthritis, it seems like exercising would be contradictory and actually result in swelling. But actually, certain exercises can be helpful like walking and water exercise. This type of exercise is low impact and helps to improve the blood flow so the body more quickly gets the nutrients it needs. This exercise also helps to increase joint flexibility.

    Understanding What Septic Arthritis Is


    There are several different types of arthritis. Over 100 are actually known to doctors. One of these types of arthritis is known as septic arthritis. Septic arthritis, which is also known as infectious arthritis, is a form of arthritis that is caused by bacteria, fungi or some kind of viral infection. It is usually thought of as being an acute condition.

    It most often can be found affecting knees, shoulders, hips, fingers and wrist joints. Any part of the body can be affected though. Whilst septic arthritis can affect anyone, reports suggest that it is most commonly found in people who have recently undergone surgery or have had an injury to a joint. Infections often take place in such conditions.

    Signs and Symptoms of Septic Arthritis

    It's more important in septic arthritis than in any other to keep an eye out for the different signs and symptoms. If you do develop the condition, you will most likely be experiencing a single swollen joint with pain when you move it or on it.

    In a more advanced form of this disease, known as seeding arthritis, more than one joint can be affected simultaneously. You will probably experience this if the infection that caused your arthritis was related to staphylococcus or gonoccus bacteria.

    However in seeding arthritis, which is basically a more advanced form of this, several joints can be affected simultaneously, and this is actually quite a common occurrence if the infection that caused the arthritis was caused by staphylococcus or gonoccus bacteria.

    Treatment and Diagnosis

    Only your doctor can diagnose you with septic arthritis, which will happen after a full examination has taken place. If you are diagnosed with septic arthritis then you'll most likely be started on a course of antibiotics whilst the doctor waits for the results from the culture test taken in your examination to come back in. Antibiotic treatment can be started empirically without waiting for final results and doctors take this step because when left untreated, septic arthritis can be very dangerous to a person's health. Therefore it is necessary to begin treatment as soon as it is even suspected.

    How long you have to remain on treatment will depend on the severity of your case, not to mention how long you've suffered from arthritis prior to the diagnosis. You will need to speak regularly to your doctor so that he can keep you up to date with developments and you can keep him up to date of your progress. You should always take time out to make yourself aware of which antibiotics you have been prescribed with be especially aware of any side affects that may come from it.

    After treatment has begun, it is extremely important you keep in contact with your doctor so that any changes can be treated quickly and you give yourself the best chance of battling the disease.