Saturday, June 8, 2013

Goji Berries Help Provide Relief For Arthritis Sufferers


Tibetan Goji berries have been around for many years. They have become known for having the most nutrients, of any fruit in the world. With their abundance of antioxidants, the health benefits of Goji berries seem endless. From preventing heart disease and diabetes, to improving your skin, Goji berries also help provide relief to arthritis sufferers.

Arthritis is one of most painful and debilitating diseases. Though, more common in the elderly, arthritis strikes people of all ages, including children. Arthritis is when your joints become inflamed, causing a lot of pain and discomfort. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis also known as degenerative joint disease. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage that serves as a cushion between the joints of the bones wears away causing bone against bone. Swelling usually occurs and this can be very painful. Osteoarthritis is usually due to aging, but can be caused by an injury, being overweight, and stressing the joints.

Studies have shown that antioxidants can help in the fight against the free radicals, responsible for the inflammation in arthritis. The free radical, superoxide anion, is the inflammation factor in arthritis, and our body produces the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) to help neutralize this free radical. In some cases of arthritis, the production of superoxide anion is greater than what the body can handle, and is unable to produce enough of the SOD enzyme to protect against the inflammation of the joints.

Foods with high levels of antioxidants are key to fighting free radicals, and eating Goji berries, known for the high levels of antioxidants, help produce the anti-inflammatory enzyme SOD therefore, reducing the inflammation and pain. SOD also plays major role in protecting the body against other diseases. This is most powerful natural free radical fighting antioxidant the body has.

Eating a natural healthy diet is beneficial to everybody. Including Goji berries in your daily diet will help your body maintain its natural defense against free radicals.

Omega 3 Fish Oil For Arthritis Pain Relief - The Untold Story


Omega 3 fish oil may be one of the best relievers of arthritis pain in the world according to recent studies. Omega 3 has proven highly effective against the most common forms of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and degenerative osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is primarily caused by an autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system attacks its own joint tissues. Over time the joints become tender, swollen and even deformed.

The inflammation commonly attacks the joints in the hands while degenerative osteoarthritis, which is caused by the degeneration of cartilage tissue in the body's weight bearing joints, is particularly severe on knees and hips.

Both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis cause inflammation around the joints of the hands, hips, knees and feet. This can have a profound effect on the day-to-day living of anyone affected. Joint pain is a constant and daily symptom of the diseases.

Omega 3 fish oil for arthritis has proven to be highly effective at not only reducing pain levels but also actually helping people with stiff joints become more mobile. If you're one of the millions of people who suffer from joint pain, relief can be as simple and effective as taking Omega 3 supplements. These natural fish oil supplements are packed full of powerful anti-inflammatory agents that relive these debilitating symptoms that include pain, swelling, joint stiffness and a constant ache around the joints.

There are other major health benefits too. At the moment, the most commonly prescribed pain relievers for arthritides are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Unfortunately, these can have severe side effects. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NAIDs) have been responsible for severe gastrointestinal complications and even heart attacks among the millions of people taking them.

In fact, arthritides patients who are prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs are more than twice as likely to suffer heart failure and sudden cardiac arrest. On the other hand, fish oil not only helps to relieve arthritic pain but actually protects the heart walls too. It is highly effective in reducing the build-up of plaque that causes narrowing of the heart's arteries, which can lead to heart disease.

Omega 3 fish oil also raised the good HDL cholesterol ratios and significantly reduced the bad triglyceride levels of arthritis sufferers who switched to the supplements.

Fish oil is not a total cure for arthritis. But if used in conjunction with a diet that includes a high amount of leafy green vegetables, eggs, meat from grass-fed animals, seeds and nuts, it has been scientifically proven to help relieve arthritic pain, ease your joints and make a considerable difference to the quality of your life.

One of the best sources of high quality Omega 3 fish oil for arthritis has been extracted from the Hoki fish that swims in the fresh, clean water of the Southern Ocean near New Zealand. These are the same supplements that I use on a daily basis and my recommendation to help you control the pain and discomfort of debilitating arthritides.

Health and Fitness: Arthritis Article Category

Arthritis Joint Pain


Arthritis joint pain can be a chronic condition which sees sufferers go through hell with immense pain. There are other implications that will see your condition become much worse due to the condition. One of the condition that is likely to develop is endocrine failure. You will also develop a thyroid problem.

People who suffer from this condition have been seen to have some inactive glands. These glands are androgen and estrogen. This problem will prompt an immediate medical investigation. Other conditions might be discovered. Therefore, arthritis joint pain presents a real challenge when it affects you. The condition has always been associated with old age or the aging process.

Arthritis joint pain will result in so much more devastation. If you had an injury which was repeatedly injured in the past, there will be formation of a mineral like calcium. This will be the onset of bone degeneration and deterioration. This process is pretty hard to reverse. There are various signs you need to look out for when you have this condition.

You will experience swelling then, you might have skin irritation. Loss of movement and general impairment is generally the final outcome of arthritis joint pain. Crippling of the joints will cause a lot of devastation to many who are affected. Therefore, it is vital for you to seek medical attention early. You must realize that medications that are administered for occasional joint pain will not do the trick.

You need to go for specialized care which will be effective. For arthritis joint pain, you will need to stimulate the cartilage naturally so that it can regenerate. This is sometimes done by the administration of mineral supplements. The use of these supplements has elicited different reactions showing different levels of success.

Another treatment that is used to stimulate regeneration is amino sugar. However, it does not also have standard results for all people. Consultation with your health provider will enable you choose your treatment regiment. This has to be done after many factors are considered and several tests run. You must go for a treatment and ignoring the problem is not an option.

It does not really matter the length of time you have been suffering from the condition; you need to seek medical help. This is because treatments might work for you. You can go for programs that will help the pain subside. You can choose various things like a warm massage. Pressure puncture is also a good way to ensure that you alleviate the pain.

Consider reflex stimulation and see whether it will work for you. You will have to change your lifestyle to accommodate your problem. This means getting the right treatment and undertaking helpful exercises. Let a doctor guide you to the right direction when it comes to treatment.

You should consider every treatment available when other treatments prove not to work. Above all, keep a positive attitude so that you can facilitate your recovery. If the condition is pretty bad, learn to adapt and make the most out of what you have.

How You Can Beat Rheumatoid Arthritis Part 5: Putting It Into Remission


The options available for treatment have expanded greatly in the last 10 years.

Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs: These help to reduce pain and improve function. They do not have an effect on the underlying disease. Examples include ibuprofen, naproxyn, sulindac, etodolac, nabumatone, celecoxib, and meloxicam.

These drugs are effective but they have potential side effects including peptic ulcer disease, kidney and liver damage, rashes, and fluid retention. Another problem associated with these drugs is the slight increase in cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. These drugs require careful monitoring.

Corticosteroids: These drugs suppress inflammation but also have no effect on the underlying disease. Examples include prednisone, methylprednisolone, and prednisolone. Used long term they may have undesirable side effects including ulcers, cataracts, osteoporosis, adrenal gland suppression, thinning of the skin, and diabetes.

Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDS): These drugs slow down the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. Examples would be medicines such as methotrexate, sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), leflunomide (Arava), hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), and cyclosporine (Sandimmune).

Most DMARDS act slowly.

The workhorse of DMARDS is probably methotrexate. All DMARDS have the potential for significant side-effects and must be monitored slowly.

Biologics: Most recently, biologic therapies such as etanercept (Enbrel), adalimumab (Humira), infliximab (Remicade), and anakinra (Kineret) have helped tremendously.

These drugs target the cells and cytokines that are the primary cause of rheumatoid arthritis. These drugs work quickly. Etanercept, adalimumab, and infliximab are anti-TNF drugs. They block tumor necrosis factor- the major culprit in RA - and by doing so keep it from doing damage. These drugs have a slightly different mechanism of action from each other but they essentially all do the same thing. And they do it well. These drugs have revolutionized our approach to RA.

Rheumatologists are using this group of drugs earlier in the course of disease to hopefully prevent damage from occurring. There is also some evidence that early aggressive treatment may prevent some of the long term complications of rheumatoid arthritis such as lymphoma and cardiovascular events.

Potential side-effects of anti-TNF therapy include an increased susceptibility to infection, the reactivation of latent tuberculosis, and the development of lupus-like or MS-like syndromes.

Kineret, unfortunately, does not have the same salutary effect and is not used very often.

The second wave of biologic therapies are available and offers hope for patients who fail anti-TNF treatment. The two newest drugs are abatacept (Orencia) and rituximab (Rituxan).

Abatacept is a co-stimulatory blocker. This means it prevents T cells from being activated to produce cytokines. Rituximab is a B-cell depleter. It removes B cells from a patient's system. B-cells are felt to play a big role in the development of RA by some experts.

Both drugs are given by intravenous infusion. Side effects include infusion reactions and rashes. The long-term consequence of B-cell depletion is still uncertain.

More biologic therapies are on the horizon. These new drugs may prove to be more effective and safer than what is currently available.

In patients with more severe disease, a procedure where blood is passed through a special filter (Prosorba column) may be of use. As one might guess, it is not used very often.

Osteoarthritis - Definition, Signs, and Symptoms


Osteoarthritis is a group of diseases and mechanical abnormalities that involve degradation of the joints. Sometimes, the degradation can include articular cartilage as well as the subchondral bone that is next to the joint. This condition is the most common form of arthritis and it is also referred to as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease. This disease normally affects the hands, the feet and the spine. It also affects the large bearing joints such as the knees and the hips.

Clinical symptoms of this condition include pain, sharp ache or a burning sensation in the affected muscles and tendons. Other symptoms are stiffness, inflammation and a creaking or a crackling noise when you move or touch the affected joint. You may also experience muscle spasm as well as contractions in the tendons.

Osteoarthritis can lead to loss of cartilage; a protein matrix that lubricates and cushions the joints. When the bone surfaces are less protected as a result of loss of cartilage, the subchondral bone may be exposed and damaged. The re-growths may lead to a proliferation of ivory-like dense reactive bone in the central areas of the cartilage loss. This process is referred to as eburnation.

Although this condition is as a result of trauma, heredity has also been linked as another cause. This disease often affects several members of the same family. Recent studies show high prevalence of the disease among siblings especially identical twins. Sixty percent of osteoarthritis is said to be as a result of genetic factors. Available treatments for this condition include manual therapy, exercise and medications.

Does Omega 3 and Fish Oil Benefit Arthritis?


That's the question thousands of people are asking nowadays after pharmaceutical COX-2 inhibitors proved to be dangerous, and often even lethal in many cases.

Natural remedies are making a strong comeback.

Fish Oil Arthritis Improvement

We all know now that Omega 3 fatty acids are very important for brain health and cardiovascular health, but what about any connection between fish oil arthrits?

Thankfully, there is some evidence to show that fish oils may benefit certain kinds of arthritis, particularly those kinds in which you have limited mobility of joints and became painful due to inflammation.

This is obviously not the case of every type of arthritis, but certain types like rheumatoid arthritis may benefit because it is characterized by inflammed joints.

So, does omega 3 and fish oil benefit arthritis? Yes, it may help, because fish oil helps quell inflammation.

But fish oils probably won't help with osteoarthritis which is caused by wear and tear on joints, not an autoimmune induced inflammation.

Fish Oil Arthritis

Some of the best fish oils on the market are combined with other inflammatory agents for added effectiveness to counter joint aches and pains.

For example, concentrated extract of green lipped missel has gained acclaim worldwide as an effective anti-inflammatory and natural pain reliever and supports connective tissue and joint function to enhance ease of mobility.

Im summary, choose a high quality pharmaceutical grade, molecularly distilled fish oil supplement....and perhaps look for one that contains other natural anti-inflammatories.

Friday, June 7, 2013

Arthritis Treatment: Progress in Stem Cell Technology


Among the many exciting therapeutic advances is the use of stem cell (SC) therapies. This involves the use of SC that are implanted into a patient with a disease to help repair or restore the dysfunctional organ.

SCl science is not restricted to treatment of disease. In fact, SC are being used to study disease models, develop new medicines, and study drug side effects.

This revolution is coming at a good time since the Baby Boomer population is aging, the costs of delivery of health care is rising, and the availability of drugs to handle the diseases associated with aging are inadequate.

The cost of bringing new drugs to market as well as the time frame involved has become almost prohibitive. Factor in the firewall that has been set up between pharmaceutical companies and practitioners, the outlook for biotech and pharmaceutical companies is bleak.

The expense associated with biologic therapies far exceeds the costs of developing "chemical" drugs. And the fact is, there is de facto care rationing already occurring in the developed countries.

SC therapies, on the other hand, do not require reinvention of the wheel. Autologous SC therapies are already available. Quality control is mandated by FDA scrutiny.

The questions are: should other SC options such as embryonic SC be used? The answer here is that while attractive, ethical debates and religious objections remain a huge barrier to their eventual use.

Induced pluripotential SC, SC derived from adult cells, are intriguing but are still in the developmental stage. These cells behave just like embryonic SC but unfortunately still have some "bugs" that need to be ironed out.

How are SC going to be produced? While the autologous model is a satisfactory one for the time being, it would be beneficial to have options that would provide off the shelf access without subjecting the patient to invasive procedures that entail harvesting. Quality control and consistency as well as safety remain concerns. This brings up the difficulty in providing access to clinical trials involving SC. The process of securing grants from federal agencies such as the National Institutes of Health are arduous and cumbersome. While academic centers may have the time and manpower to pursue this avenue, those physicians on the front lines do not.

Another issue has to do with off shore access to SC. Quite frankly, off-shore facilities lack quality control. The appeal of medical tourism has to do with ready access to questionable products and services as well as lower costs.

It is crucial that centers that offer stem cell therapies be involved in scientific investigation with close measurement of standards, adherence to good clinical practices, as well as measurement of improvement.

Our center is actively involved in the evaluation of autologous SC therapy for osteoarthritis. Careful measurement of both subjective as well as objective data is key. Early reports by our center have been published.

For more information please read this:

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

MBST Treatments For Arthritis And Osteoporosis


Two of the most debilitating conditions that are more prevalent as you get older are Arthritis and Osteoporosis. Both conditions can seriously reduce your quality of life. There are many established treatments that manage these conditions, specifically pain management via medication. Many people suffering from these conditions can be treated with MBST or magnetic resonance therapy.

Developed in Germany by MedTec Medizintechnik GmbH after Doctors noticed the beneficial side effects after MRI scans on patients. Patients reported reduced pain and increased mobility in conditions such as arthritis. This lead to the MBST therapy which is based on MRI scanning technology.

It has been used in Germany successfully for many years having treated hundreds of thousands of patients to date. Many studies carried out by institutes in several countries have proven this to be an effective treatment with no side effects.

The use of specific magnetic fields can target specific problem areas. Treatments are usually carried out on consecutive days with 5 or 9 sessions depending on the condition. Patients usually notice the therapy working after a few weeks to a few months with progressive improvements.

Some patients have reported immediate relief soon after receiving MBST therapy and notice significant results the next day. As each person is different results can vary. However generally the effects can be quite dramatic with reduced to complete absence of pain and much increased mobility.

Typical results include the ability to walk longer distances without discomfort and the ability to traverse stairs without support or walking aids. You can read more about MBST and how it can help several medical conditions.

There are no side effects with this type of therapy although there are certain contraindications that cannot be treated. These include patients with Aids, cancer and pregnant women and people with electrical devices such as pacemakers.

Not everyone is suitable for treatment and so an assessment should always be made prior to any prescription being advised. A typical exclusion would be if you are due for a joint replacement operation due to your cartilage being completely worn. MBST works on repairing existing tissues and so will not work if there is no tissue left to repair.

However magnetic resonance therapy has been used to treat Osteoporosis and stage I, II, III and IV arthritis among other conditions. The healing of sports injuries and bone fractures can be significantly speeded up and improved with this treatment. This has shown to be a long term treatment that will remain effective over long periods of time.

Arthritis Treatment: Plantar Fasciitis Treatment


Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain on the bottom of the foot. Risk factors include excess weight, sudden changes in training routines in athletes, or chronic use of non-supportive footwear, such as flip-flops.

Chronic overstretching of the plantar fascia, a thick cord of tissue that connects the heel to the base of the toes, can lead to microscopic tears at the fascial insertion into the calcaneus (heel bone). This leads to severe pain in the heel due to localized inflammation. The pain is usually located on the medial (great toe) side of the calcaneus.

People with this affliction complain of pain being most severe with the first few steps after a period of inactivity. Examples are getting up to walk the first thing in the morning out of bed... or getting up to walk after sitting for a prolonged period of time.

Many therapies have been used for this problem. These include orthotics (shoe inserts that support the arch), heel cups, and night time splints. The efficacy of these methods is highly variable and some patients report they feel worse.

Among the physical therapy modalities that have been used are ultrasound, laser, stretching, and iontopheresis (electrically driven low dose steroids).

Corticosteroid ("cortisone") injections have often been given. While these are effective for short term relief, they do have many potential side effects including atrophy of the heel fat pad, nerve and muscle damage, and rupture of the plantar fascia.

Fat pad atrophy leads to recurrent heel pain and that is another side effect of steroid injection.

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy has been touted as an effective treatment but there have been few large controlled studies.

Surgery has been used as well with mixed results.

Among the newer forms of therapy are the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), an ultraconcentrate of whole blood that contains a large number of platelets, cells that have many growth and healing factors.

Using ultrasound guidance to localize the site of pathology and also to help "chisel" any interfering bone spurs, is mandatory when applying PRP. Most patients respond to one course of treatment. Because this is a painful area, we normally do a tibial nerve block with ultrasound guidance when doing this procedure.

One other possible treatment approach is the use of botulinum toxin injected using ultrasound guidance. This has been reported by some investigators to work as a result of its anti-nocioceptive (anti-pain fiber) properties.

Discover How Beneficial Deer Antler Velvet Extract Can Be for Osteoarthritis


Relieve pain from osteoarthritis with deer antler velvet extract. One of the most powerful therapeutic supplements nowadays is the antler velvet, which is harvested from elk antlers and contains several vitamins and minerals that improve overall health and vitality. One of the most prevalent illnesses in the United States is arthritis, and it affects 60 million people. This high number has prompted the development of several supplements for osteoarthritis. Continue reading this article to learn more about how this supplement can help aid this ailment.

What Is Osteoarthritis?

Before discussing the effects of antler velvet, let us first look in detail at the causes of this painful joint ailment. Osteoarthritis is also called a degenerative joint disease because it causes mechanical abnormalities, which affect subchondral bone and articular cartilage. Some of the symptoms include tenderness, pain, stiffness, along with effusion in the affected joint. There are many causes of osteoarthritis, such as metabolic, hereditary, developmental, and mechanical. Certain processes initiate the loss of cartilage. Without the cartilage to surround the bone, the latter is exposed and becomes damaged.

Benefits of Deer Antler Velvet Extract for Osteoarthritis

In the past, the only available remedies for osteoarthritis were steroids and limiting activity. Most of these remedies resulted in devastating effects because what these drugs have been doing is to mask the symptoms and not treat the causes. Unlike prescription drugs, the antler velvet contains many minerals and vitamins that help reduce inflammation. Two of the potent anti-inflammatory agents in the velvet antler are chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine. Both of these agents help reduce inflammation and enhance joint support. The highest levels of chondroitin sulfate found in the velvet antler function like a liquid magnet and attract fluid into the proteoglycan molecules in order to support the cartilage. This is very critical because without the fluid in the cartilage, it would become dry and malnourished. Apart from these two potent substances, collagen is also helpful in addressing osteoarthritis. It is also found in velvet antler, and it contains fibrous protein that works well with connective tissues.

Other Therapeutic Benefits of Deer Antler Velvet Extract

Besides its powerful effect on osteoarthritis, the extract is also beneficial for other health ailments as well. The antler velvet is also used for the following:

繚 Enhances endurance and strength

繚 Improves the immune system

繚 Promotes rapid recovery from ailments

繚 Addresses high blood pressure, asthma, indigestion, kidney disorders, skin ulcers

繚 Increases level of sexual drive or libido

There are many ways that the velvet antler can be a potent substance for aiding various ailments. It is important that you choose a natural alternative like deep antler velvet extract to be safe and experience fewer side effects.

Why Arthritis Foot Pain Should Not Prevent Any Senior From Walking


Walking is a fountain of youth for anyone who wants to exercise. This is a great activity for everyone in the fifty-plus age group. Many people have discovered that walking does keep you mobile. This exercising of walking is the secret to feeling better and becoming healthier.

The action of staying healthy and young at heart is walking. This is called staying active. It is a program that will make you become more active, and if you keep doing this activity it can pay big dividends for your health.

Walking is an exercise that makes you a healthy person which is a big thing for all 50+ individuals. Walking is easy for anyone to do and it is a great program for all seniors to think seriously about actively doing it.

I have listed some points on about walking:

1) Regular walking, if you do it as an exercise, can prevent or delay any type of joint stiffness. It can also reduce arthritis pain, which is a part of joint stiffness, and a lot more. It can help older people stay independent.

2) There are four main types of joint exercises and seniors need some of each as told by the National Institute of Health (NIH), and I have listed them below:

a) Activities like walking builds your endurance and gives you stamina. This motion improves the health of your heart and improves your blood flow. This is probable the most import exercise that ay fifty-plus person can do. Your heart and blood flow are extremely important for you to keep healthy.

b) Strengthening exercises that build tissue. It will reduce muscle loss which is normal part of growing old. You should do an exercise that will make you become a little stronger. An exercise like carrying packages or any item that you have to lift is good for you.

c) Stretching exercises are great to keep the body flexible. Any person can just stand in place and reach for the sky, bend over to touch the floor, and/or then twist from side. These are all ideas for you that are examples of stretching exercises.

d) Balance exercises to reduce the chances of a fall. These are probably the most difficult exercises for all the fifty-plusers to do. You can use a balance bar or some of device that you can use that is convenient for you, even a back of a chair to use to balance yourself.

3) These exercises that I have mentioned all will give you a healthy life style and keep you mobile. This activity that I am talking about is a daily process, but you do not have do all the exercises in the same day, but it is important that you should do them once every week. They all require that you must keep active.

Walking is an important exercise in treating diabetes and heart trouble.

It is an activity that is advised by diabetic and nurse practitioners. All diabetics should do this program regularly as a part of your exercising routine.

In conclusion, I have given all the fifty-plus readers a few reasons to do their exercises each week. This is an important part of your lifestyle and it will make you a healthier and a happier person, you should make walking an important exercise.

Copyright (c) 2012 FPW, LLC

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Arthritis Treatment: What Is the Proper Sequence for Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee?


Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and affects more than 20 million Americans. It's a condition that affects hyaline cartilage, the tough gristle that caps the ends of long bones.

Hyaline cartilage is a complicated material that consists of a "soup" or matrix made up proteoglycans (complexes of proteins and sugars), collagen, and chondrocytes. Chondrocytes are cartilage cells that both make as well as nourish the matrix.

When OA begins, chondrocytes begin to make destructive enzymes causing cracks or fissures in the cartilage. These are called "fibrillations."

OA preferentially attacks weight-bearing joints such as the neck, low back, hips, and knees.

So far, the treatment of OA of the knee hasn't changed in thirty years. It remains primarily symptomatic.

Weight loss, patient education, strengthening and stretching exercise, physical therapy, assistive devices (such as canes, braces, and walkers), analgesics (pain-relieving medicines), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), thermal modalities (heat and ice) are standard.

Slightly more aggressive measures such as injections with glucocorticoids ("cortisone") and viscosupplements (hyaluronic acid..." rooster comb shots") can be used.

However, there remains a large void because the only remaining option is knee replacement surgery.

While the technical aspects of this procedure have improved, it is still surgery with all the attendant risks of a major invasive procedure in a hospital setting. These include, infection, blood clots, failure of the replacement, and so on. Also, most patients will need a revision procedure (a replacement of the replacement) done. And maybe more than once or twice in their lifetime.

Recently, progress in regenerative medicine procedures have provided hope that there is a n alternative to joint replacement.

Once a patient has undergone a thorough evaluation and been through the conservative treatments, consideration as to whether they may be a candidate for either platelet-rich plasma (PRP) should be considered. PRP is an ultraconcentrate of a patient's own blood that contains a high concentration of platelets, cells that contain a plethora of growth and healing factors.

Recent anecdotal reports indicating that PRP may be of benefit in alleviating symptoms in patients with OA of the knee are encouraging. PRP may be repeated as often as every three months.

In patients who have not done well with PRP, autologous mesenchymal stem cells (a patient's own stem cells obtained from bone marrow and fat) can be used. Small studies have shown that this treatment may both alleviate pain and restore cartilage growth. A stem cell procedure is much more involved than a PRP procedure since visualization using diagnostic ultrasound and arthroscopy are needed in order to localize the area of cartilage loss and "jump start" the regenerative process by inducing injury. This induction method is what leads to the cartilage reparative process since injury and subsequent inflammation are the first stages in the healing process.

Best Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment


What is psoriatic arthritis?

This is usually defined as a chronic ailment defined by the skin inflamating. As a common skin condition nearly affecting 3 percent of the people in the USA alone, Psoriasis indications are usually red patchy areas of skin inflammation with a scaling effect. Common affected areas of psoriasis are the tips of the elbows, the scalp, the knees, and even the genital areas or anal cavity. Approximately 9 percent of people who have psoriasis also develop an irritating unfortunately known as psoriatic arthritis.

How is psoriatic arthritis treated?

Treatment for this usually involves a version of anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and exercise. If the problem gets worse and you notice the joints being destroyed after treatment then usually a more powerful medication is needed.

Yoga is one proven method of reducing and eliminating pain. stretching and a hot shower are also a way to relax muscles before exercise or yoga. Make sure to apply ice afterwards to help reduce post-exercise inflammation. Remember, exercises should be performed on a regular basis for the sole purpose of strengthening, maintaining and improving the overall motion of the joints. Even if you do not have psoriatic arthritis, you should be exercising anyway to hopefully prevent getting this disease.

As we age, our muscles tend to not work as they once did. They break down more easily and can tear when you least expect it. Getting into a regular routine to exercise can be very helpful to the muscles and joints. Drink more water than you usually do to keep the joints lubricated. Continue to strengthen those muscles and bring back the youth in your body.

Aloe Vera and Arthritis - The Natural Remedy For Pain


Arthritis is one of the leading causes of mobility issues for many people. An estimated 35 million North Americans suffer from this condition. If you are affected with this condition, you may be aware that it can cause great pain, discomfort, lack of mobility and a lower quality of life. While there are many synthetic drugs to fight your arthritis, you might be interested to know that there are natural ways to fight this disease. Let's take a look at aloe vera and arthritis and how it is used as a natural remedy for pain.

What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis is not a single disorder. This is a term that describes over 100 medical conditions. The most common forms are osteoarthritis, gout and rheumatoid arthritis. This disease causes inflammation in your joints and can be due to a variety of things. This ranges from age, weight, genetics, previous injuries and certain illnesses.

If you suspect that you have arthritis, you may have had some of the following symptoms:


  • persistent joint pain

  • pain or tenderness in a joint, which gets worse with movement or activity

  • inflammation caused by joint swelling, stiffness, redness and or warmth

  • unexplained weight loss

  • extreme tiredness or weakness

  • crepitus - this is described as a crackling or grating feeling or sound under your skin, around your lungs or in your joints


Aloe Vera And Arthritis
Conventional treatments use anti inflammatory drugs and steroids to ease the painful effects of arthritis. And while these medications certainly work, they unfortunately don't repair damaged tissues. Using these medications can also cause undesirable side effects such as thinning skin and osteoporosis.

Aloe vera has been shown to successfully repair damaged tissue by regenerating cells. Because of it's anti inflammatory properties, regular use of aloe can help reduce the painful swelling of arthritis.

Aloe Vera As A Treatment
To apply aloe cream or gel, clean the skin over the affected joint and apply the cream or gel topically. Gently massage it in for 20 seconds and repeat the procedure. For severely inflamed joints, the process can be repeated every 4 hours. For chronic joint pain, you may apply it 4 times a day.

To take aloe vera internally, in the form of juice, the dosage can vary from 20-30 ml 3 times a day. For conditions that have a longer duration of pain, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, the recommended dosage can vary from 20-50 ml twice a day. It can take up to 2-3 months to notice the beneficial effects. It's also important to note that the results can be different from person to person.

Arthritis can be an uncomfortable and debilitating disease. You may want to consider a natural remedy for pain management and treat your condition with aloe vera. One of the reasons is that traditional medicines can come with their own side effects. Aloe vera has none.

Ways To Treat Ankle Arthritis Nonoperatively


As a person walks, all of his or her body weight is transmitted through a person's ankle. Depending on how fast a person is walking or maybe even jogging multiple times body weight may end up going through the ankle. The ankle joint has articular cartilage just like any other mobile joint. It is prone to arthritis either from simple degenerative wear and tear or maybe more rapidly after a trauma.

The interesting thing to note about arthritis is that as a person ages cartilage continues to be made. Unfortunately the issue is that more cartilage is being lost than is being made by the body. So it's a ratio problem and may lead to substantial pain and suffering.

Here are 5 ways of handling ankle arthritis:

1. Activity avoidance. This basically just means if an activity is painful, then stay away from it. If you are an avid skier, and arthritis in one of your ankles makes it extremely painful to do it or keeps you in bed for a few days after skiing, it may be better to switch to a different activity. Same thing goes for jogging, it may be best to switch over to cycling or swimming.

2. Medications- start with over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol and anti-inflammatories which can help tremendously. Make sure to take these according to the manufacturers recommendations. Otherwise you may develop an ulcer or a liver problem. Also, if a person is having an extreme acute flareup of pain, your doctor may prescribe short-term narcotics. Long-term narcotics for ankle arthritis pain is a bad idea. Additional medications which may help include glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. These are available in any health food store and may have some protective effect on cartilage.

3. Physical therapy and chiropractic treatment- one of the standard methods of treating arthritis has been physical therapy. Results have been very good with these treatments with the theory being that if you strengthen the muscles around the arthritic joint that can take some pressure off of the joint. Chiropractic treatment for ankle arthritis may only have marginal benefit, but a lot of chiropractors are trained in physiotherapy which can help.

4. Injections - these injections are typically steroid based and may provide a proverbial band-aid relief for ankle arthritis. They can delay or prevent the need for surgery. Newer injections involving stem cell treatments are coming into play in medicine for ankle arthritis with regenerative medicine. That is an exciting field actually.

5. Ankle bracing - Any time a joint is arthritic, movement can hurt. That is why bracing is so helpful, it can minimize those painful movements.

These treatments can help you avoid surgery in your ankle. Surgery should be a last resort but may become necessary if all else fails.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Home Remedies


There are a number of home remedies and alternative therapies used to treat rheumatoid arthritis; acupuncture, assistive devices, diet, exercise, stress management, and many more. These self-care measures, when used alongside your rheumatoid arthritis medications, can help you manage your signs and symptoms better than by using medications alone.

Regular exercise is important to health and especially important for those with rheumatoid arthritis. Gentle range of motion exercises can reinforce and tone the muscles around the affected joints, and it can aid in eliminating the fatigue commonly felt with rheumatoid arthritis. Walking is an excellent and gentle exercise that you can start slowly and gradually increase the pace and distance, as tolerated. Swimming or moderate water aerobics are other rheumatoid arthritis friendly exercises and many health clubs and local pools offer swimming classes. The main point to remember is that you should avoid exercising when you have tender joints that are inflamed. Also, if exercise causes new joint pain, you should cut back on your exercising until the pain dissipates. New joint pain after you exercise possibly means you are overdoing it. As always, consult with your physician before you start any new exercise regime.

Applying heat and cold packs may also be beneficial to rheumatoid arthritis patients. Heat packs can help relieve your pain and relax tense, painful muscles. Applying heat by taking a hot shower for 15 minutes is the easiest way in applying heat to joints. You can also apply a heat pack or an electric heating pad regulated in the lowest setting to avoid burning the skin. On the other hand, cold can numb the sensation of pain. Cold also has a dulling effect and reduces spasm of muscles. Methods may include usage cold packs, drenching the affected areas in cold water, and massaging the area with ice or ice packs. As a note, cold treatment is not advised for areas with poor circulation and numbness. Some people with rheumatoid arthritis also find relief by soaking their aching areas in warm water for a few minutes, then in cold water for one minute. When alternating hot and cold, repeat the cycles for 30 minutes, with the warm soak last.

In rheumatoid arthritis, the joints in the hands are usually affected first. Because the hands are used in so many activities of daily living, this is especially bothersome. Hand exercises can help maintain flexibility, range of motion, and strength. There is no generic exercise method that will work for all people with rheumatoid arthritis so it is best to specialists like rheumatologists, physical therapists, or occupational therapist that can help assess and provide an exercise plan for the hands. There is not a one-size-fits-all hand exercise prescription for people with RA, but a rheumatologist, physical therapist, or occupational therapist can help design a program especially for your specific needs.

Finally, finding ways to reduce stress in your life will go a long way in improving symptoms. Techniques such as hypnosis, guided imagery, deep breathing and muscle relaxation,progressive muscle relaxation, visualization, meditation, and tai chi can all be used to control pain and are excellent as a natural treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. These non-pharmacologic methods can divert pain while also reducing stress levels.

Provailen - Joint Pain Relief Supplement - A Review


Provailen is a popular joint pain reliever that promises permanent relief from Arthritis. Does it really work? There are various anti-inflammatory arthritis pain relievers that claim to help you get rid of joint pains but not all of them actually deliver on their promise.

Let's have a look at what exactly causes joint pain

Arthritis is a disease caused by inflammation of joints in our body. It is a kind of natural wear and tear of our joint bones but there are several other factors that aggravate the situation. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis but the most common type is Inflammatory arthritis which is caused when the lubricating liquid of joints also known as synovium gets inflamed due to aging, sedentary lifestyle, weak immune system and many other factors. Due to inflammation, thin synovium laye becomes thick and makes the joint swollen and painful.

Joint pain relief supplements usually give you instant relief from pain but the real cause of pain remains there. Provailen is a new clinically proven 3 in formula that works at the root of the pain and cures it permanently.

How Provailen works.

Provailen is made of 3 natural ingredients that boost your immune system, strengthen your joint muscles. It also improves the blood flow to small veins that aggravate the joint pains. As the product is made of 100% natural ingredients, there are no side effects and it claims to cure arthritis pain permanently because of its 3 pronged strategy.

Not many OTC anti-inflammatory drugs can claim to be 100% safe and natural. Normally anti-inflammatory drugs cause several side effects like headache, digestive problem, kidney damage, liver damage, poor sleep patterns etc. There are people who prefer to bear the pain of joints instead of risking their overall health by taking these drugs.

Arthritis is a disease that can hinder opportunities in life but with the right treatment or medication it can be prevented and even stopped. Natural supplements are some of the many regimens that can help increase the productivity of patients with arthritis.

Provailen arthritis pain reliever is obviously the first choice for those who want to get rid of their joint pain permanently. Currently it is manufactured by RDK global of USA in a FDA approved facility. Another most important point about Provailen is that you can take it with your existing medication also. It does not interfere with any medicine therefore it is 100% safe.

Arthritis: Natural Pain Relief With MSM


Could MSM be one of the nutrients with the widest number of benefits?

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is found in almost every plant and every animal. Heating or cooking causes loss of MSM, so fresh fruits and vegetables may retain a higher concentration of MSM. The MSM content in food may be destroyed through any one of the many food processing methods. MSM is often used to enhance the effect of most vitamins and nutrients such as vitamin C, coenzyme Q10, all B-vitamins, selenium and magnesium and may help to improve their cellular uptake. For this reason, it is estimated that a regularly taken MSM supplement may work very effectively.

What can MSM do for skin, hair and nails?

MSM is also used to help form collagen and keratin, the main components of hair and nails. MSM may help to increase the skin's elasticity and is often used successfully for the treatment of acne, burns, fungal diseases and age-related skin changes. MSM may strengthen chipped, weak or broken nails.

MSM is very important in the synthesis of collagen, the main component of connective tissue. Alongside elastin, collagen helps the skin to maintain its elasticity. Collagen is often referred to as the 'beauty mineral' as it is used in many skin, nail and hair products.

MSM is used to give cartilage structure and flexibility in conjunction with sulphur-containing glucosamine and chondroitin. Cellular elasticity allows the easy passage of oxygen and nutrients into the cells and waste products to move easily out of cells.

Help with pain of Osteoarthritis

Natural springs are rich in sulphur, which is why they have been used for centuries to bring relief to arthritic pain and the discomforts of rheumatism. It is estimated that as much as 70% of women, as well as a large number of men, suffer from age-related arthritis of the joints. This form of arthritis begins with the degradation and degeneration of cartilage, resulting in painful inflammation of the affected joints and sometimes even cyst formation. Conventional medicine uses analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs, which often have unpleasant side effects. A comparative study of patients showed that MSM and anti-inflammatory drugs are extremely beneficial.

Rheumatism

40% of all people over 65 suffer from some form of rheumatism. MSM may help to reverse the swelling and inflammation associated with rheumatism, thereby alleviating pain and prevent joint stiffness.

Muscle pain

MSM is often used for the alleviation of aching muscles, leg and back cramps, muscle tension and general wound healing. MSM is therefore often used by athletes and in sports medicine. It helps in over-trained muscles and overexertion. The convalescence time could be shorter and injuries could possibly heal faster.

Parasites

MSM is also used to treat parasitic skin infections be used with great success. It is also used to help remove intestinal worms.

Scar tissue

MSM applied externally (as a cream or gel) can improve the sometimes unattractive scars following surgery, burns or injuries visually. MSM helps to soften tissue and helps to prevent cell degradation. Smaller scars often disappear completely. MSM must be applied as a cream several times a day. One should try to ensure the purity of the MSM in the cream, avoiding products which have added chemical substances.

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Osteoarthritis - An Overview


Osteoarthritis is caused by the degeneration of the cartilage between the joints of the body. Cartilage is a hard, slippery tissue between the joints that allows the bones to glide over each other without actually touching. Osteoarthritis usually affects older people, but anyone can have this disease, especially if there has been excessive trauma or use of the joint. This disease can affect any joint in the body but the most commonly affected are the knees, hips, fingers and back.

You may be wondering what causes osteoarthritis and what you can do to prevent it. While the exact cause isn't clear, many researchers agree that a main factor in developing osteoarthritis is aging and joint use. Approximately 70 percent of the population aged 75 and over are affected by osteoarthritis. Other risk factors include being overweight, muscle weakness and a family history of osteoarthritis. Some scientists think there may be a mechanical cause for osteoarthritis. The cartilage between your bones releases certain chemicals that cause it to breakdown and then rebuild on a regular basis. When these chemicals become unbalanced, the cartilage breaks down faster than it can rebuild itself. Scientists are still unclear as to why these chemicals become unbalanced in the first place.

A good way to prevent osteoarthritis from affecting your knees and/or hips is to maintain a healthy weight. Another good preventive measure is exercise. You don't have to become a marathon runner, just get a moderate amount of exercise daily. Too much exercise can actually increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis. Exercise will also increase the strength of your muscles which will help keep your joints properly aligned, thereby decreasing the risk of osteoarthritis. Vitamin D has been linked to osteoarthritis; a deficiency of this key vitamin has been shown to speed the development of this disease.

The most common symptoms of osteoarthritis are joint stiffness after a period of rest, such as sitting or sleeping and joint pain upon movement. The joint pain may be constant during movement or only happen when you move a certain way. Since osteoarthritis worsens slowly, the pain may start as just an ache in the joints when you are in your 30s or 40s. Many people consider this a sign of getting older and don't talk to their doctor about it. These people don't bring it to their doctor's attention until they have more severe symptoms, such as swollen, tender joints and a crunching sound or grinding feeling when using the affected joint. An extreme symptom of osteoarthritis is deformed joints. This happens when the body tries to repair the cartilage and instead deposits calcium on the ends of the bone, causing the arthritis to worsen.

There is no single test to determine if you have osteoarthritis. Your doctor will talk to you about your joint pain and stiffness. He or she may also do a general check-up to see about your overall health and to see if you have any symptoms of other diseases that could be causing the joint pain. Your doctor will also examine the specific joints that are bothering you. If your doctor rules out any other disease that could cause joint pain, you may also receive an X-ray of the affected joint. This is to examine the cartilage and see if there is any wear or damage. If you have osteoarthritis, your doctor may schedule you for multiple x-rays over a length of time to see how the disease progresses. Another test that your doctor may use to diagnose osteoarthritis is joint aspiration. In joint aspiration, your doctor inserts a needle in the space between your joint and withdraws a small amount of fluid. This fluid is then examined under a microscope for white blood cells. If the count is below 500 cells per square millimeter (mm²), osteoarthritis is diagnosed.

There is no cure for osteoarthritis currently. Treatment goals for people suffering from osteoarthritis are to improve joint movement while decreasing joint pain and stiffness. This is usually achieved by combining two or more treatment strategies. If you only suffer from mild pain, an over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen or aspirin, may be best for your pain, while exercising will help with the stiffness. Sometimes acetaminophen is not strong enough and a prescription pain medication is required. Once you start the prescription, you will have to see your doctor regularly because you will be on this pain medication for an extended length of time and your doctor will be able to determine if you have any side effects and can switch prescriptions, if needed. Another at-home treatment option for stiffness is to use ice, heat on the joint, the heat will ease the stiffness before exercising, and the ice will help reduce any swelling that may occur.

Some sufferers gain relief by having medication injected directly into the joint. Losing weight can also be considered a treatment for osteoarthritis because the excess weight puts extra strain on your joints, which can cause the cartilage to wear out more quickly. As a last resort, surgery can be considered to replace knee or hip joints. This is only done when the joint has been severely damaged and does not respond well to other treatment options. There are three surgery options available, you and your doctor will decide which one is best for you. The first surgery is osteotomy, where bone growths are removed to help realign the joint. This is usually done on the knee. The second option is arthrodesis, where the doctors fuse the joint together. The final option is a total joint replacement. This procedure can be done in almost any hospital. This type of surgery often brings improved function and pain relief.

Effective Treatment For Osteoarthritis Pain


The most effective method of obtaining effective treatment for osteoarthritis pain is to work with your physician. Once your condition has been diagnosed, he or she will suggest appropriate options to ensure that the treatment program deals with your individual needs and also provides proper relief from a medical standpoint. It's a simple truth that multiple factors will determine which treatment is best for you, including your history of cardiac disease, hypertension, peptic ulcers, and renal disease.

Using pain killers and undergoing physiotherapy are the most common forms of treatment for osteoarthritis pain. Exercise and diet control can also help. A doctor's opinion should be given before you undergo physiotherapy in order to maximize the chances for a cure. Consult a physiotherapist to learn about certain devices and appliances to manage your problem so that you can treat yourself at home as well as at work. Using a cane or crutches while walking or using rails in your bathroom can also help.

Weight control is another way to help control the pain. The pressure on the knees and hips of an obese person is often too much for the joints to handle, and it is known that the risk of developing this disease can be increased by obesity. Actually, women who are overweight have a greater chance of developing arthritis of the hip, so decreasing weight is an efficient treatment method.

Certain kinds of physical activity should be undertaken, which can be recommended by your physician. Possible exercises to do are swimming, walking, and aerobics, which will assist in decreasing the progress of this disease.

Using natural remedies is something you can do as well, and is actually a good treatment for osteoarthritis pain that offers a lot of relief from the swelling and pain. The application of a hot water bottle may be helpful, and electric heating pads and certain ointments can also provide a lot of relief. There are also certain age-old traditional approaches like a mud bath and wearing copper bracelets that are still used to treat osteoarthritis. Herbal remedies have also been known to help reduce arthritis pain.

As previously stated, many arthritis conditions are the result of obesity, and following a special osteoarthritis diet is an effective treatment for osteoarthritis pain. It is common knowledge that to keep your body in shape, you must adopt a healthy diet. Furthermore, it aids your body in fighting off infections.

How Not to Get Knee Arthritis


The predominant culprits in Knee OA are:

1- Injury; usually related to sports. ACL damage or tear at some point in your life.

2- Trauma; if you were in an accident or took direct hits to the knee.

3- Abusive treatment of knees and joints, contortions, high jumping and landing poorly on hard surfaces.

4- Obesity; this one, for the most part, is almost entirely avoidable.

5- Inactivity leading to immobility; this too is completely preventable.

Injury, Trauma, and Abusive treatment of knees.

In each of the above, a knee may eventually fall victim to arthritis, even after apparently healing completely. The components of the knee that are more frequently affected by such triggers are the ligaments that hold the joint together, the shock absorbing and insulating pads known as the meniscii; there are two of them, and the cartilage that covers the end surface of the femur or thigh bone. Sports injuries tend to be related to cruciates, such as the Anterior and Posterior Cruciate Ligaments, and collateral ligaments. Trauma additionally includes fractures, bone shattering and meniscus damages to the list. After an injury, sometimes people will try to stand and walk differently to protect the injured joint. Healing with such compensatory adjustments may permanently change articular surfaces in the knee joint.

While, accident trauma, and sports injury are not exactly the kind of outcomes one plans for with any great degree of desire and has little control over subsequent damage; obesity and in-activity are very much within the realm of our 'by choice' indulgences.

Obesity

To appreciate why this is a serious problem for the onset of arthritis we should understand that obesity rates are 54% higher among adults suffering with arthritis compared to those who do not have this condition. These findings reinforce the classic definition of a vicious circle. Arthritic pain discourages people to exercise. Lack of physical activity results in excess weight worsening the condition. It is no wonder that overweight adults are up to five times more at risk for developing knee arthritis than those who enjoy normal weight.

Obesity should be of major concern to us as individuals, as it is for people responsible for the delivery of healthcare. The percentage of people expected to be obese by 2030 is around 50% of the population, according to a study presented at the CDC and published in the June 2012 edition of American Journal of Preventive Medicine. A concomitantly worrisome statistic is the projection by the CDC for an estimated 67 million adults that will have doctor diagnosed arthritis by 2030. And while two thirds of the affected population is expected to be females; worse yet, arthritis projections do not include the contribution due to the obesity epidemic. In other words, both the magnitude and the impact of these two diseases may not be fully realizable by us.

For people who like to see statistics, data, trends, and projections can serve to be revealing and educational if we want them to be, but for the case in point, actually quite scary. Even so, if we cannot be scared into losing weight how is this for motivation; the Food and Drug Administration advises us that for normal height women just a reduction of 11 pounds can cut the risk of osteoarthritis by 50%.

Source: CDC-Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta. GA.

In-activity leading to immobility

How important is physical activity? It means everything if it can help maintain 'mobility'. To explore this in detail researchers at the Finnish Centre for Interdisciplinary Gerontology at the University of Jyv瓣skyl瓣 looked into the question; "Could mobility impairment be a reliable predictor of loss of independence and increase in mortality?"

Some of what they found was predictable and expected, but not all. They compared people between the ages of 65 to 84 who were 'mobile and active' with populations that were; 'mobile and not active', 'sedentary but active', and 'sedentary but not active'. As can be expected the 'sedentary but not active' group fared worse, followed by the 'sedentary but active' population. The surprise came from finding virtually no difference between the two mobile groups.

Quite obviously we must never allow our ability to walk, and move about to become compromised. This can happen only when we ensure our legs and lower joints are strong and flexible to allow maximum range of motion (ROM). And the time to worry about mobility is not when we are old; it is when we can actually do something about it before we reach old age.

Almost all forms of physical activity can be helpful in maintaining mobility, but some more than others, when it comes to OA. There is a difference, however; aerobics and cardiovascular exercises are great for the heart, and lungs and overall health but for osteoarthritis, ideal regimens tend to be slower, more deliberate and focused movements of limbs. These are offered by Tai Chi, weight training, and Flenches.

The advantage with flenches is they are more focused, easy to follow and can be done almost anywhere; even while standing in a line waiting for service. They can be done sitting at a desk, belted in an airplane seat, and as well when lying down in bed at home.

Flenches are described in detail in the Knee Deep in Pain book.

Tips for Treating Osteo Arthritis


Osteo Arthritis effects are seen not only in the joints but in other organ systems as well including the eye, skin, heart, lungs, and peripheral nerves. Since it can also affect the organs in acute stages, the patients can become anemic (low in red blood cells), develop dry mouth and eyes, and have inflamed spleen and lining in the lungs. Although there may be numerous causes for it, the symptoms are the same.

There is however a ray of hope for people suffering from this epidemic. Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic destructive joint disorder that comes and goes as it pleases.

Many people today suffer from joint pain and in fact other subtle signs may be caused by this. The onset of it usually start slowly. If you've heard about it, you would most likely have associated it with older patients, and with a lot of body pain. It is a disease that attacks the joints in the body, causing inflammation and pain.

It is also an autoimmune disease, which means that the body's immune system is not working as it should and lets the disease attack the healthy joints and the tissues around it, allowing for the initiation of joint damage and inflammation. It then moves on to affect other bodily organs such as the skin, heart, and lungs. This chronic, inflammatory disorder allows the body system to attacks joints, which is both painful and destructive and may create loss of mobility.

It can be known to occur due to a disorder of the immune system and usually continues throughout life with periods of remission (characterized by total absence of disease symptoms) and exacerbation (with increasing severity of disease).

Sometime it can be occurring when the body`s own natural fighting system mistakenly attacks the synovium and then produces an immunogenic response to some constituent of its own tissue, in this case, the joints.

Osteo arthritis is a systemic disease, meaning it affects not just the joints but many other parts of the body as well.

Alternative Treatment For Osteoarthritis - Discover 3 Essential Facts For Natural Pain Relief!


Osteoarthritis is a very painful condition. It drains out the joy of living. You might be surprised to know that you need not rely on painkiller for osteoarthritis, but that are far more effective alternative treatment for osteoarthritis. Discover 3 expert facts in this article.

1) Inflammation is the prime cause behind the occurrence of pain in osteoarthritis. Any effective alternative treatment for osteoarthritis should combat inflammation. In this way, we can reduce and prevent pain naturally.

Prescription based anti-inflammatory medicines suffer from a lot of side effects. OTC pain relievers also pose a significant risk for our future health.

2) Over the years, a good deal of research has been done on alternative treatment for osteoarthritis. Medical experts have concluded that a lot of anti-inflammatory compounds exist in nature, which are free of any side effects. They also provide many health benefits as well as reduce pain.

It has been found that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in the form of purified fish oil and extract of green lipped mussel found in New Zealand are highly effective to reduce pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis patients.

The green lipped mussel is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. It has been found very effective in reducing joint pain and stiffness, improving grip strength and pace of walking in osteoarthritis patients.

3) The prime reason for the occurrence of osteoarthritis is the deterioration in cartilage cushions of the joints. They get damaged by injury or excessive stress on joint tissues. An imbalanced diet is also a major contributor for this cartilage damage.

Omega-3 fatty acids inhibit the activity of the enzyme that is responsible for destroying the cartilage. They can serve as an effective alternative treatment for osteoarthritis as Omega 3s reduce inflammation naturally. So, they are capable of providing much-needed pain relief for osteoarthritis patients.

In this way, a good omega-3 supplementation such as purified fish oil can be called as one of the best natural painkiller and alternative treatment for osteoarthritis. It reduces inflammation, provides effective pain relief and prevents deterioration in the cartilage cushions naturally.

Arthritis Treatment: Local Treatment for Osteoarthritis of the Knee


Estimates state that 12% of Americans between the ages of 25 and 75 suffer from osteoarthritis. This figure is expected to rise dramatically in the future because of a number of factors. These include the increasing incidence of the disease with age, the relative lack of effective symptomatic therapies, and finally, the absence of treatments that are capable of restoring cartilage.

Of the many areas that are affected by osteoarthritis (OA), the knee appears to have garnered the most attention.

While oral therapies including various analgesics such as acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are often recommended and used, these carry with them the potential for systemic toxicity.

So the trend has been to use less toxic therapies. Most of these have local effects.
For example, recent guidelines issued by the American College of Rheumatology support the use of both acupuncture as well as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. (Larger electrical stimulators have also been used. While the data looks good, there has not been sufficient interest to pursue this mode of treatment. Since it is expensive, insurers are reluctant to pay.)

These are local measures that have the aim of pain relief.

The College didn't recommend topical capsaicin although many people do find this mode of treatment to be effective.

Topical NSAIDS have their proponents. The two that are currently available are Voltaren gel and Pennsaid. Both of these preparations contain diclofenac, a commonly used NSAID.

Various patches containing either diclofenac or lidocaine have been used "off-label" by some physicians to treat knee OA.

Finally, injections are frequently used for symptomatic relief for patients in whom other local measures have failed. The two different types of injections are glucocorticoids ("cortisone") and viscosupplemments. The latter are hyaluronic acid preparations that have both lubricating as well as pain-relieving properties. Local glucocorticoid injections should be administered using ultrasound guidance with sterile technique. They should not be given any more frequently than three times per year since there is animal data indicating cartilage damage ensues if glucocorticoids are given more often.

There are a number of different hyaluronates that are used by both rheumatologists as well as orthopedists. These preparations are all about the same as far as symptom relief. Like glucocorticoids, they need to be administered using sterile technique with ultrasound guidance. It cannot be overemphasized, particularly with viscosupplements, that the precise placement of the medication is critical to a good outcome. That is why ultrasound guidance is mandatory.

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Arthritis - Basic Facts and OTC Treatments


Arthritis is a disease that affects millions of Americans every year. Given the large number of people affected by the disease it is important to understand what exactly is arthritis and how it is treated. The first step in treatment of arthritis is a proper diagnosis. A visit to the doctor will begin the process of diagnosing if one has arthritis and determining what should be the next step in treatment. Arthritis has many different forms that can display different symptoms depending on the type of arthritis in which one is afflicted. Arthritis generally causes pain, swelling, and a loss of movement in the affected areas. An example of some of the types of arthritis is Osteoarthritis, Gout, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, and Fibromyalgia. These are a few of the types of Arthritis, however there are many more. Arthritis can have over 100 different types of manifestations. Arthritis is a very common disease among Americans. Limitations of sex, age, and race do not exist for Arthritis; it affects many without regard to these characteristics.

Due to the large amount of individuals affected by arthritis pain, it is important to understand how to treat arthritis. The treatment of arthritis can have different objectives. The most common objective is treating the symptoms of the disease. Many are motivated to self medicate with over the counter medications when they are combating symptoms such as joint pain. Topical creams can help with minor arthritis pain. Popular topical creams generally use ingredients like menthol or salicylate. Applied directly to the afflicted areas, they provide some relief of pain and swelling. Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and Acetaminophen are other popular over the counter medications that arthritis sufferers use to combat minor arthritis pain. These medications are effective, but arthritis sufferers are increasingly turning to herbal remedies to help fight the disease.

Herbal remedies are becoming more popular each day with arthritis sufferers. They are perceived as an alternative for those who wish to treat their minor arthritis symptoms at home. It is important to read guidelines and safety precautions when using herbal remedies. The smart consumer understands that knowing exactly what is being taken and the side effects associated with the remedy is also important for his or her health. Glucosamine and Chondroitin are two ingredients that are considered helpful in combating arthritis symptoms. Glucosamine is considered useful for relieving arthritis joint pain. Chondroitin is considered an important component for the production of cartilage. Using these two ingredients together could yield positive results for arthritis pain sufferers. Synotrex is an herbal remedy that uses Glucosamine and Chondroitin together in order to alleviate minor arthritis symptoms. Given the large numbers of individuals who suffer from arthritis, it is important to consider all options when fighting the symptoms of the disease.

Controlling Arthritis, Inflammation And Pain


Most of us by now know that it is important to eat fish and to take our fish oils to keep our memory sound and our joints lubricated. However what do we do when despite our best efforts our body is beginning to seize up and we have pain in our joints and cramps and we have arthritis?

Inflammation is often directly responsible for joint pain and tissue damage in Arthritis. It is important to choose foods that decrease inflammation such as avoiding refined, processed and manufactured foods since these contain inflammatory fats, preservatives and carbohydrates.

It is possible to increase inflammation with Omega 6 fatty acids. They are found in soybean oil which is often used in biscuits and biscuit snacks. Another problem is corn syrup which is often used as sweetener. It is a carbohydrate that we digest quickly but disturbs the metabolism leading to the body making inflammation in some instances.

On the other hand extra-virgin olive oil has the antioxidant (polyphenol) which helps protect tissues from inflammation. Omega 3 (oily fish such as salmon, sardines and herring) will help reduce inflammation. We need to eat fish three times a week but as we all know fish oil supplements are essential for people with arthritis.

It is also important to distinguish good carbohydrates from bad by understanding the glycemic index and how they affect the blood sugar. Controlling blood sugar lowers inflammation so replace high-glycemic foods made with sugar and flour with lower type foods such as whole grains, sweet potatoes, beans and squash. If you must eat pasta then do so but not too often. It is better than bread and potatoes. You also need less animal protein, especially red meat and chicken as these contain an amino acid which may cause inflammation. Instead eat more vegetable protein such as beans and soy. It is also important to check if you have wheat and yeast sensitivities as these can add to your problems for all your cells in your body.

Fruit and vegetables are a must on your list. Choose three from each colour daily and add ginger and turmeric, both which have anti-inflammatory effects. Green tea also makes for a good anti-inflammatory drink.

From the list of supplements which will help Celery is essential for arthritis as it has anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic properties. It is detoxifying, helps the kidneys dispose of waste products and is good for the digestion. It is useful with bio-flavanoids for rheumatism and gout.

Glucosamine hydrochloride is another supplement which may regenerate cartilage and synovial fluid. It is important that you take it at the same time each day and 2 capsules a day. You will not see the effects until after about 3-6 weeks and do not take it if you are allergic to seafood. Sometimes is can upset your stomach a bit and give you loose bowel motions but this only happens in a few people. It is only a temporary measure and you need to tell your doctor if you are a diabetic or are on certain medications.

Another product in the glucosamine group is Glucosamine Sulphate which is a natural constituent of our bodies formed from glucose. It is important in making cartilage and synovial fluid that helps cushion the joints. As we age our ability to make this decreases and it has been found to stop the pain of Osteoarthritis in some cases. It may also be used as a preventative. It is good for knee Osteoarthritis and sometimes better than ibuprofen. It helps athletes and sports people reduce risk of training injuries. Arthritis sufferers should take 1500mg for acute pain followed by 500-1000mg for general maintenance. It does not act as quickly as medication and should be taken at least 6 weeks.

Since everyone is different if you do not have success with the above try Devils Claw which is yet another herbal remedy to reduce inflammation and pain. Take 1-2ml of the tincture three times a day.

If you have had success with homeopathic remedies then try some Bryonia which can help in rheumatism and arthritis, chest conditions and headaches. Get it from a homeopath. It often assists with swollen, intensely painful joints in rheumatism.

If you prefer something more in the line of teas, try some Cats Claw which is a woody vine grown in rainforests of Peru. Traditionally the Indians used it to treat Arthritis. It has immune stimulating, anti viral, antioxidant, anti- inflammatory effects and has some anti-tumour and anti-microbial properties. It also comes in capsules.

Remember also that your digestion is important as it is important to have a good digestion to actually absorb the supplements you are taking and your nutrition from your food. Otherwise you are loading up with pills and they are just going straight through you with hardly any beneficial effects. Ginger has warming properties, is good for the digestion, circulation, helps with the inflammation and lowers blood pressure. It also helps reduce the pain. Studies in Copenhagen have found it is as effective as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs but without their side effects. However it is slower to work and takes about three weeks to ease symptoms. 500mg daily is a good preventative or for long-term ailments.

To add to the above there are 12 Biochemic tissue salts which help to create a balance back to the body. Ferr Phos (phosphate of iron) is used in acute attacks with fever, inflammation of joints which are swollen and red or painful when aggravated by motion. Nat Phos (sodium phosphate) is useful when there are acid conditions and alternate it with Nat Sulph (Sodium sulphate) Nat Mur (Sodium chloride - which is ordinary salt) when there is creaking of the joints, Mag Phos (magnesium phosphate) alternated with Calc Phos (calcium phosphate) for pain relief in Osteo-arthritis. Sometimes it is good to combine Ferr Phos, Nat Phos, Nat Sulph and Silica and this was a remedy called Zief developed way back in 1964 for pain. It is important to get the chewable, biochemic salts as these are usually more effective.

The above is a long list and I cannot emphasise enough that different things work well for different people however It is possible to control Arthritis with proper diet, alkalising your system and proper supplements. Consult your natural practitioner for a balanced health plan. It is important to not 'self-medicate' so to speak and a 10 minute chat with a practitioner at a health food store does not suffice. You need a proper, in-depth assessment by a Naturopath or Nutritionist who will make a plan to specifically suit your needs and take into account other illnesses and symptoms also.

Discover Natural Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis


Natural Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Although the major pharmaceutical companies would prefer you not know this, there are natural means to alleviate the aches of arthritis without the use of dangerous drugs.

This page will give you a broad overview on these alternatives.

First, one of the natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis that is often overlooked is simply exercise. Obviously, when you are suffering from joint pain and fatigue, you often do not want to exercise. But, if you can begin a doctor supervised regular exercise program, you will find that you have more energy and less pain.

Water aerobics is particularly popular for those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. Pain relief is experienced because exercise stimulates the production of endorphins in the brain. Endorphins block pain and help improve one's mood. Other natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis pain relief include a variety of herbs and botanicals that are naturally analgesic (pain relieving) and/or anti-inflammatory (reduces swelling).

One of the natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis pain relief is valerian. Valerian is sometimes recommended by herbalists for rheumatoid arthritis pain relief and, indeed, was used traditionally by Native Americans to treat pain. However, the phyto-chemical compounds found in valerian have not been studied for anti-inflammatory effects. In addition to providing rheumatoid arthritis pain relief, it may help those who suffer from the disease to get a good night's sleep. It is a known sedative and is one of the oldest known medicinal plants. Those with liver disease should not use valerian. Withdrawal symptoms have been experienced by people who abruptly stop using it.

Natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis should be purchased from an herbalist or doctor of naturopathic medicine; plants and herbs can have side effects, and it is important to be aware of these before use. Another of the natural remedies is mullein. It is believed to be an anti-inflammatory and was used traditionally by Native Americans for pain relief. Only the flowers and leaves are used. The seeds contain a toxin that may cause skin irritations or rash.

Among the oldest known natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis pain relief is comfrey. Salves composed of comfrey root were used historically by native peoples throughout the world to reduce swelling, promote healing of broken bones, and for arthritis. Today it is still recommended by herbalists and naturalists to reduce inflammation. In order to provide rheumatoid arthritis pain relief, reducing inflammation is the key.

Comfrey should not be used by pregnant women and there may be other side effects. As previously mentioned, it is important to consult an herbalist or other expert schooled in herbal and natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis pain relief, before you begin use. One of the most exciting natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis pain relief comes to us from the rainforests of Thailand. This remedy may also be the safest for rheumatoid arthritis pain relief, since it is a fruit.

Known as the mangosteen -- sometimes referred to as "Queen of Fruits" -- it was used in traditional Asian folk medicine to treat a wide array of ailments, but was particularly effective as a pain reliever. According to Dr. J. Frederic Templeton, a primary care physician, "The mangosteen's benefits spans a wide range of effects: anti-inflammatory (stronger than indomethacin)..."

Indomethacin is a powerful non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug, prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis pain relief and a variety of other conditions. Dr. Templeton's statements are supported by scientific research from around the world. A puree of the mangosteen is taken as a health or dietary supplement and is not known to have any side effects.

Arthritis - The Signs and Symptoms


In order to ensure effective treatment of arthritis, it is extremely important to seek early medical help. This is only possible if you take special care of the warning signs and symptoms of this disease.

Early symptoms of arthritis can be extremely vague and confusing. However, these are very important to recognize as early as possible.

A) Here are some of the early symptoms of arthritis

a) Stiffness and/or pain in joints

b) Redness and/or warmth around the affected area

c) Tenderness in and/or around the affected area

d) Difficulty in moving

e) Limited range of motion in one or more joints

There are different types of arthritis that a patient can be attacked with. Hence, it becomes very important to know about the symptoms of all the major types of arthritis. This basic knowledge will help you to detect the presence of the disease at an early stage and to start the treatment as early as possible.

B) Here is a list of the major types of arthritis and their symptoms:

a) Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is inflammatory in nature. One may experience a lot of stiffness in the joints. Mainly the joints are affected by this condition. However, one can also expect certain systemic effects. The symptoms include the following

1. Morning stiffness

2. Extreme fatigue

3. Rheumatoid nodules

4. Symmetrical joint involvement

5. Involvement of small bones of hands and feet

6. Pain

7. Inflammation

b) Osteoarthritis Arthritis symptoms

Also known as degenerative arthritis, osteoarthritis arthritis is a condition that can turn low- grade inflammation in to severe joint pains. This is usually caused by wearing of cartilages in the joints

1. Pain around joints

2. Inflammation

3. Trouble in moving

c) Gout Arthritis symptoms

This is a condition where uric acid tends to get build up in the blood. Crystals of uric acid is formed in joints and several other places.

1. Severe sudden attacks

2. Toe pain

3. Joint pain

d) Ankylosing Spondylitis arthritis symptoms

It is a chronic inflammatory condition of the spine. This can result in fused vertebrae and rigid spine.

e) Juvenile arthritis symptoms

A common form of arthritis, it tends to come up as an inflammatory and painful condition.

f) Psoriatic arthritis symptoms

This is a chronic skin disease.

1. Inflammation of bone and other joint tissues

2. Affects whole body

g) Systematic lupus Erythematrous Symptoms

This form of arthritis involves skin, muscles joint and even internal organs.

h) Septic Arthritis

It is a type of dangerous invasion of the joint space by an infectious agent that results in arthritis. The etiology can be mycobacterial, baceberial or viral or even fungal.

There are several other forms of arthritis. However, you need to seek medical attention as soon as you spot some of the common symptoms of arthritis:

- Swelling, Redness, Joint stiffness, Warmth, Tenderness of joint and/or Inflammation of joint.

Arthritis Treatment: What to Do About Trochanteric Bursitis


Bursae are small sacs that contain minute amounts of fluid. They are located around most joints and are responsible for cushioning. When they become inflamed, the condition is referred to as "bursitis."

One of the most common causes of hip pain is trochanteric bursitis. It is an affliction of middle-aged to elderly people and tends to affect women more often than men. Patients are often overweight.

The primary symptom is aching pain located on the side of the hip at an area called the "greater trochanter". The pain sometimes radiates down the side of the thigh.

The pain is aggravated by walking, climbing stairs, and lying on the affected side. The pain tends to come on gradually and can become so severe the patient has difficulty walking. In some cases, trauma plays a role and can cause a more acute onset of pain.

On examination, there is tenderness located over the lateral hip. The pain elicited by examination can be excruciating. Having the patient lift their leg laterally (to the side) can also bring out the pain. There may be a noticeable limp.

The condition is almost always accompanied by tendinopathy, meaning the tendons overlying the bursa are diseased or damaged. The two tendons that are most often affected are the gluteus minimus and gluteus medius.

Some conditions can predispose to trochanteric bursitis. These include scoliosis as well as leg length differences.

The diagnosis is suspected clinically and can be confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Another condition that can mimic this problem is sciatica.

The treatment initially can be conservative with stretching of the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus tendons as well as the iliotibial band, a long ligament that stretches from the greater trochanter of the hip down to the knee. Non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) can provide symptomatic relief as can ice packs or moist heat.

Patients who are overweight should be counseled regarding weight loss.

In stubborn cases, ultrasound guided injections of glucocorticoid ("cortisone") may be useful. These injections should be used sparingly because they may cause more tendon degeneration.

Patients who continue to have symptoms will require a procedure called ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle tenotomy accompanied by platelet-rich plasma (PRP).

The theory here is that using a small gauge needle to poke holes in the area of degeneration will induce an acute inflammatory response. This causes the release of active growth and healing factors from the platelets in the platelet-rich plasma. This procedure will lead to healing of the diseased bursa and adjacent tendons.

Top 7 Tips To Treat And Prevent Arthritis


Arthritis is basically a packaging problem. Your joints, remarkable and elaborate hinges, are cushioned by cartilage. They are held together with various other tissues, including muscles and tendons. Lubrication is in the form of some oily goop called synovial fluid, which is released by the synovial lining of the joints. If you have osteoarthritis, the kind that most frequently coincides with aging, the cartilage around the joints starts to thin down or disappear. That is not your fault. What's more, it is not always preventable, either. The runner-up, rheumatoid arthritis, is far less common, more mysterious, and equally pain producing. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease. Therefore, here are some ways that you can use to prevent such disease.

1. Move These Joints

To keep the pain of arthritis from getting an even tighter grip on you, get yourself on an exercise program. If you are over 60, start with low-impact aerobic activities such as 20-minute walks or exercises in a swimming pool at least three or four times per week. Any aerobic exercise program should be matched to your physical capacity. If a person has been inactive for a period of time, then start with something like a five-minute walk in a couple of times per week, and then slowly start to increase your distance as you feel more comfortable.

2. Pepper Yourself

You may not like hot peppers on your sandwich, but you might like hot-pepper cream for arthritis relief. Capsaicin cream, made from the active ingredient in hot peppers, has been shown in studies to ease arthritis pain when used regularly. You can buy this cream over the counter. Follow instructions on the label, wash your hands thoroughly after application, and keep this stuff away from your eyes and other mucous membranes. It can really burn.

3. Ease The Burden

Arthritis gets worse more rapidly in overweight individuals. If you lose 5 to 10 pounds, it considerably lightens the load on all of your weight-bearing joints - hips, knees, ankles, and feet.

4. Vary Your Terrain

Walking is always recommended but it is important to not get into a rut. If you walk the same exact path every day, then you are landing on the same part of your foot each and every day and you are putting stress on your knees and hips the exact same way every day. For the sake of interest as well as exercise, seek out new terrain like hills, fields, and pathways as well as flat road or sidewalk.

5. Ask For Alternative Oils

If you are not a fish-eater, you should pay a visit to the nearest health food store. Look for either evening primrose oil, flaxseed oil, or fish oil. All contain the same omega-3 fatty acids found in cold-water fish. If you take one teaspoon of any of these each day, it may lightly ease some of the inflammatory aspects of arthritis. If you decide to take capsules, follow the manufacturer's instructions on the label.

6. Try A Cold Pack

If you have swelling, especially after any physical activity, put some ice with a thin towel wrapped around it on the area around the affected joint. Ice the area for 15 to 20 minutes after exercise to reduce the discomfort and also minimize the amount of swelling.

7. Give Yourself A Hot Wax

A hot-wax treatment can provide soothing relief if your hands are aching from arthritis. The treatment is available at many hospitals, but it is less expensive to treat yourself at home. A professional therapist should instruct on its appropriate use before you try this at home. For a hot-wax treatment kit, call an orthopedic supply store to check availability. Heat the wax in the heating unit, apply it to your hands, and wrap them in plastic gloves for 10 minutes. You should feel some relief. The beauty of the at-home hot-wax treatment is that the wax can be reused for several weeks. Just be careful when you are using it around children.

Monday, June 3, 2013

Osteoarthritis Symptoms, Natural Treatments and Remedies


Osteoarthritis is the commonest form of arthritis mainly seen in old aged people. This article mainly emphasizes on the major symptoms and natural treatments for osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis Symptoms

1. Pain in the form of sharp ache or burning sensation
2. Inflexibility or stiffness of joint
3. Swelling
4. Crepitus or cracking noise while moving the affected joint.
5. Muscle spasm
6. Tendon contraction
7. The affected joint may appear larger than usual.
8. Tenderness at joints
9. Joint effusion due to accumulation of excess fluids within an affected joint.
10. Hard bony enlargements in smaller joints due to osteoarthritis.

Natural Treatments of Osteoarthritis

Medications like Acetaminophen, nonsteroidal pain reducing drugs like aspirin, naproxen, ketoprofen, and ibuprofen are usually recommended for treating osteoarthritis. Glucosamine sulfate supplements are also being prescribed these days. Such supplements increase production of cartilage and have anti-inflammatory properties. If symptoms become too debilitating, one can also opt for joint replacement surgery. However apart from medication and surgery, it is also possible to manage osteoarthritis symptoms by changing life style and diet. Pain management can be done through several home based remedies. Here are some ways to tackle osteoarthritis naturally.

1. Regular exercise, yoga and breathing exercises are very necessary for osteoarthritis patients. Exercise not only reduces joint stiffness, but also strengthens muscles and promotes the growth of cartilages. Range of motion exercises and aerobics should be done by osteoarthritis patients. Breathing exercises relax mind and relieve stress. But high impact sports are to be shunned, for they will only cause further wearing out of damaged joints.

2. Massage therapy is very helpful to treat arthritis. Massaging should be done through smooth strokes and kneading. Massaging reduces muscle spasm and stiffness, improves blood circulation, and eliminates wastes like lactic acid from the joints. Rumatone Gold massage oil, Castor oil, olive oil, mustard oil or hot vinegar may be used for massaging ailing joints.

3. Sea bathing is effective for painful joints. The iodine rich sea water restores and regenerates damaged tissues.

4. Diet should be nutritious and should include antioxidants, Vitamin C, D and E, minerals like Calcium, omega3 fatty acids. Such a diet would keep bones strong and healthy. Thus oily fishes like tuna, salmons, herring, sardines, and mackerel are very useful for osteoarthritis patients. Patients should avoid consuming food items of the nightshade group such as potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers. Red meat is to be strictly avoided. Also orange juice should be avoided, for it acts as a stimulant for osteoarthritis pain. Food cooked in flaxseed oil is very helpful for osteoarthritis patients.

5. Herbal tea like that of alfalfa, ginger can relieve patients from swollen and painful joints.

6. The patient should keep the body weight in check by means of exercise and dieting.

7. Hot compress and warm wax application on the affected area may relieve pain.

Best Fish Oil Sources


By now, you may have already heard of the benefits of omega-3 fats - they protect your heart health, fight off depression, ease arthritis pain, and prevent vision loss in the elderly. Studies show that a deficiency in the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are related to many modern psychological maladies and chronic illnesses. Furthermore, treating these conditions with omega-3 supplements was found to be as effective as conventional approaches. In the wake of these findings, many consumers are scrambling to find the best fish oil sources on the market. But did you know that not all fish deliver the same amounts of omega-3 fats?

Omega-3 fatty acids are derived from two sources - from plants like walnuts and flaxseed, and from deep sea fatty fish. However, each source yields a different type of omega-3 fat. Plant sources contain alpha linolenic acid (ALA), the "parent" of all omega-3 fatty acids. When consumed, the body converts ALA into EPA and DHA, the two types of omega-3 fat that are most useful to the body. It may seem like a more efficient idea to use ALA sources, but the problem here is that the conversion is actually a lengthy, difficult process that requires a lot of nutrients. The average person is usually deficient in the necessary nutrients required for the conversion. Additionally, the amount of ALA consumed won't necessarily translate to the same amounts DHA and EPA; 11 grams of flaxseed oil only yields about 1 gram of EPA.

On the other hand, deep sea fatty fish like salmon, tuna, halibut, and mackerel provide DHA and EPA from the seaweed smaller fish they eat, which in turn obtain the omega-3 fats from seaweed. Each type of omega-3 fat brings different benefits. DHA makes up 60% of the brain's structure, the neuron membranes, and the structure of the eyes; for these reasons, DHA is the most important fat for pregnant women, the elderly, and those suffering from depression. EPA is also found from deep sea fish, but its effects benefit the immune, cardiac, and circulatory system. Research shows that those deficient in EPA are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, heart disease, skin disease, and intestinal inflammations. That's because EPA produces prostaglandins, a family of substances that reduces inflammation, prevents blood clotting, and lowers triglyceride levels.

Obtaining your omega-3 fats from fish oil supplements is the best way to get the benefits you need. However, not all supplements are created equal, either. The deep sea fish species mentioned above are likely to contain mercury because they live longer and feed on smaller fish, who are also contaminated with ocean pollutants. A better source of fish oil is those made from anchovies and other small fish, because their shorter life spans make them accumulate fewer toxins than fish that live longer.