Saturday, August 3, 2013

Types Of Arthritis


Many people (in fact probably most of them) tend to take arthritis as a generic condition and associate pain with it, failing to realize that there are actually many types of arthritis, and that this is not a single disease. But the fact is that, there are actually more than 100 types of arthritis, and when we consider the huge number of people who are affected with it, the disease becomes one of the most varied types of medical problems the world over.

Among the various types of arthritis there are a few common points (since they belong to the same family) and a few dissimilarities. For example, all types of arthritis affect the seniors, the exception being juvenile arthritis that affects younger people. There is a commonality among the various types of arthritis when it comes to the signs and symptoms as well - the most common symptoms of the disease are seen in the joints of the body and they include swelling and pain, and this is true among all the types.

The Most Common Types Of Arthritis

As mentioned earlier, there are in excess of 100 types of arthritis - but here are some of the most common types, that are seen more often than others...

Osteoarthritis: The most common type of arthritis that affects a large section of the population. Due to pressure for many years over the tissues and the bones, the cartilage wears and tears and this leads to its damage and as a result there is swelling and pain in the joints of the hip, back, knees, fingers, feet and even the spine. Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative arthritis, is also hereditary in nature and can so pass from one generation to the next.

Psoriatic Arthritis: Also known as arthropathic psoriasis, this can happen to all those who suffer from the psoriasis skin disease. In whom it develops into arthritis, the patients usually had the skin disease in the nail that is characterized by lesions and even the nail might fall off in severe conditions. Psoriatic arthritis is relatively rare though. Early diagnosis can prevent arthritis.

Ankylosing Spondylitis: This type of arthritis affects the sacroiliac joints and the spine. Low back pain is the most common symptom of this disease.

Juvenile Arthritis: Affects mostly children. The symptoms of this type of arthritis are markedly different than the other types. Loss of appetite, almost a complete absence of physical activity and a general lethargy are the most common symptoms. It can also come with flu and a slight fever. If the child is limping, and that too without much of a pain, then it might be a case of juvenile arthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is another common type of arthritis. This disease happens slowly over many years, but once it begins to affect a person, it stays for a long time as well. The body's own immune system becomes a foe and mistakenly attacks the joints thinking that there has been an outside attack and so there is pain in the knees, wrists and the hands. The tissues and the cartilages become damaged leading to the pain.

Reactive Arthritis: This type of arthritis happens after an infection - that is due to a reaction. The infections that cause this include genitourinary and intestinal ones.

Knee Replacement - Types, Benefits and Risks


If you are experiencing chronic knee pain and restricted knee mobility and you have tried all other treatments such as physiotherapy or steroid injections to get respite from pain and improve your knee mobility but to no avail, knee replacement may be the only option for you.

Knee replacement is a surgical procedure often recommended for patients with severe pain, stiffness and immobilization in their knee joint arising out of degenerative arthritis, osteoarthritis or some form of injury.

For severe cases where painful symptoms do not respond to conservative, non-operative treatments such as weight loss, activity modifications, anti-inflammatory medications or cortisone injections, replacement of the knee may only be helpful.

While performing the replacement surgery, the surgeon replaces the severely affected and destroyed part(s) of the arthritis knee with artificial metal or plastic devices called 'prostheses'.

Types
Depending on the severity of the damaged, worn or diseased knee, the replacement of the knee can either be partial or total.

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) is a highly successful surgical procedure which involves replacement of all three parts of the knee- inside, outside and the front of the knee.

While performing total knee replacement, the surgeon removes damaged cartilage and bone from the surface of your knee joint and replaces them with an artificial implant made of metal or plastic that functions similar to a normal knee.

Partial knee replacement (PKR) is a minimally invasive surgery that may be considered if pain is present in only one of the knee's 3 compartments. When you have a PKR, the surgeon replaces only the single affected knee compartment located underneath the kneecap with a metal and plastic implant.

Benefits
Knee replacement can significantly reduce knee pain, improve muscle strength and correct deformities.
Following the surgery, you can return to your daily routine activities with a healthy new knee.
It can significantly improve the quality of your life with improved movement of the knee joint
After getting your knee replaced, you can walk without a stick and can carry out household chores such as dusting and washing up
You get rid of instability, disability and limited mobility of the knee
Your problems like chronic knee stiffness and swelling that prior to the surgery prevented you from bending and straightening your knee are completely alleviated
With less pain and greater mobility, you'll be able to perform low-impact activities including climbing stairs and getting in and out of car without the use of a support.

Risks
As with any surgical procedure, knee replacement also has some potential risks. Although most knee replacement patients do not experience serious complications, there are possible risks associated with the surgery. These complications and risks include:
Blood clots or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the veins in lower leg
Pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in your lung) is a possibility
Excessive bleeding and scarring at the site of incision
Damage to nearby blood vessels, bones or nerves, is also possible
Possibility of primary infection as well as a superficial infection
Urinary tract infection is likely
Adverse reactions to anesthesia
Failure/loosening of the knee implant may occur
Fracture in the bone around the replaced joint during or after the surgery

There are several other possible post-surgery complications, so it is vital to educate yourself about the knee replacement surgery before undergoing the procedure. Fortunately, majority of knee replacement surgeries are performed successfully and go without any major complications whatsoever. If performed by a skilled surgeon and if the new knee is cared for properly, it can last for many years.

How to Stand and Sit All on Your Own If You Have Arthritis or Muscle Pain


Many people find that when they develop problems such as arthritis or back and muscle pain it becomes difficult to stand on their own. Elderly people, especially, can become seriously affected by arthritis. It can really make sitting down a problem because they may not be able to get back up without some help. In fact, just sitting can become a chore. Fortunately, there is now a solution to help with that problem, lift chairs.

Although lift chairs are specially designed chairs, they resemble the everyday recliners that can be seen in homes everywhere. They have the typical design with a backrest and footrest. The difference is that the backrest in these chairs is controlled by a motor inside the chair. In some cases the footrest is also controlled by a separate motor.

The motor inside the chair is electric and is controlled by a remote control that will normally be attached to the chair. The person can use the remote to make the chair rise up. This allows the individual to lie back against the chair, and then they can make the chair move back to a sitting position.

These chairs do come in a variety of shapes and sizes. This is to help accommodate different types of people. It is usually not very hard to find a style of chair with the right material to fit the desired room of the person's home where the chair will be placed.

The chair is very easy to use, and as already stated, is controlled by a device no different than a television controller - only simpler. This was styled in order to make it as simple as possible for elderly individuals to use. They should usually expect only a couple of buttons that are normally different colors and sizes to be distinctive.

There are four main types of lift chairs: two-position chairs, three-position chairs, infinity-position chairs, and zero-gravity chairs. Each of these has different positions that they are capable of obtaining. They each move to a standing and to a sitting or 45 degree position. After the two-position chairs, they have varying degrees that they can move even further.

For instance, the three-position chair can normally lie almost flat, but not completely. The infinity and zero-gravity chairs can each move to a 180 degree positions. These chairs also both have a second motor that will control the footrest. The zero-gravity chairs can actually move the footrest into a position above the headrest.

There are important reasons for purchasing a lift chair. Possibly one of the most important reasons is to allow the individual to sit and rise on their own. These chairs provide excellent comfort, and allow freedom that their pain may have been inhibiting.

Light Therapy For Psoriasis - Safe and Economical Treatment at Home


The National PSORIASIS Foundation offers this definition: Psoriasis is a non contagious, genetic disease of the immune system, which affects the skin and/or joints. According to the National Institutes of Health, as many as 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis. The most common form, plaque psoriasis, results in raised, red lesions covered by silvery white scales. Psoriasis can be limited to a few lesions or can involve moderate to large areas of skin. Having 3 to 10 percent of the body affected by psoriasis is generally considered to be a moderate case. More than 10 percent is considered severe. For most individuals, the palm of the hand is about the same as 1 percent of the skin surface. However, the severity of psoriasis can also be measured by how psoriasis affects a person's quality of life. Psoriasis can have a serious impact even if it involves a small area, such as the palms of the hands or soles of the feet. From 10 to 30 percent of individuals with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes pain, stiffness and swelling in and around the joints.

There are several forms of light therapy or phototherapy used successfully for Psoriasis, alone or in conjunction with topical or ingested medications. Light therapy involves exposing the skin to wavelengths of ultraviolet light. Treatments may take place in a doctor's office, psoriasis clinic or at home with sunlight or a phototherapy unit prescribed by your doctor. The key to success with light therapy is consistency.

PUVA - This treatment regimen includes exposure to artificial light in conjunction with ingested or topical use of psoralen. It is a medication that causes the skin to be more sensitive to the light used during the therapy with increased benefit to controlling and preventing the spread of Psoriasis. Because of the ultraviolet contained in the light, the same precautions need to be taken with this treatment as with extended exposure to the sun.

UVB - This is an artificial light treatment using a special wavelength of light. Success of UVB treatment has been validated over and over in clinical trials and controlled studies. There are two types of UVB treatment, broadband and narrow band. The difference between them is that narrow-band UVB light bulbs release a smaller range of ultraviolet light. Narrow-band UVB is similar to broadband UVB in many ways and is becoming more widely used. Several studies indicate that narrow-band UVB clears Psoriasis faster and produces longer remissions than broadband UVB. It also may be effective with fewer treatments per week than broad-band UVB.

Most home care units will require a prescription and may be covered by your health insurance. A dermatologist should provide instructions on the schedule you follow for home light therapy. The length of exposure to ultraviolet light depends on skin type, the type of UVB device and the intensity of light emitted from the home lamps.

Once the skin clears, light therapy may be stopped. It may be resumed to maintain skin clarity as the lesions begin to reappear. However, studies show that continued UVB treatments after the skin clears can increase remission time. Most people need about eight maintenance treatments per month to prolong periods of skin clarity. However, your dermatologist is the right person to provide your maintenance exposures.

There are three primary manufacturers of home light therapy equipment, each offering several different units depending on the severity and location of the Psoriasis. There are other manufacturers and suppliers coming into this market place on a regular basis. The three below and the newcomers may be found quickly by your search engine.


  • Daavlin - Offering full-body, hand/foot/scalp, narrow-band and broad-band units

  • National Biological - Offering full-body, hand-held and localized broad-band and narrow-band units


  • UVBioTek - Offering full-body wrap around and single panel systems, plus hand/foot units

Alternative Treatments for Arthritis Relief


"Arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the United States, limiting the activities of nearly 21 million adults."

- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a kind of joint disorder causing inflammation of one or more joints. It is of more than 100 different types including Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Gout and pseudo-gout, Septic arthritis among others.

Causes of Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition resulting from the breakdown of cartilage - a flexible connective tissue that protects joints and allows their smooth movement. Any harm to cartilage creates friction between bones causing stiffness, swelling and pain.

Some common causes of Arthritis include:

• An autoimmune disease
• Broken bone
• General "wear and tear" on joints
• Infection, usually by bacteria or virus

Arthritis Symptoms:

Arthritis is a typical disorder of joints, which can produce the following symptoms:

• Inability to use the hand or walk
• Malaise and a feeling of tiredness
• Weight loss
• Poor sleep
• Muscle aches and pains
• Tenderness
• Difficulty moving the joint
• Redness of the skin around a joint
• Stiffness, especially in the morning

Ayurvedic Approach to Arthritis

According to Ayurveda, accumulation of Ama - a toxic by-product of improper digestion and aggravation of Vata causes arthritis. The Ama circulates through the body and gets accumulated in the joints. The accumulation of Ama in joints in combined effect with the aggravation of vata causes Amavata - the ayurvedic reference for Arthritis.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Arthritis

There are so many treatments of arthritis but since it is prevalent in aged people, natural or Ayurvedic treatment is best suited for this disease of joints. Your Ayurvedic practitioner will recommend a combination good diet, herbal remedies, regular exercise along with healthy eating habits as arthritis remedies.

Herbal treatment of arthritis - Your health care provider may prescribe you herbal remedies like Commiphoae Mukul (guggula) and Boswellia (Indian Frankinesense) as capsules, thrice a day, for arthritis relief. These herbal medicines are effective in alleviating inflammation and strengthening bones hence improving flexibility. Remember; do not take these medicines without consulting your Ayurvedic therapist.

Arthritis Diet - Make sure you take only anti-vata diet. Stay away from hot and spicy food. Also avoid fat-rich foodstuffs including potato, eggplant cabbage, okra, potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, and dairy products. Increase the intake of liquids like fruit and vegetable juices along with homemade soups. Eat a lot of fruits, green salads and green vegetables.

Ayurvedic massages for Arthritis - Ayurvedic massages using massage oils such as Almond oil and Sesame oil is an effective natural treatment for arthritis. Massage therapy reduces Vata and has a calming effect on joint pain. Make sure you are approaching reliable Ayurvedic centers for ayurvedic massage and treatment.

Physical Exercise and Yoga - Some light exercises and Yoga Asanas (yoga postures) may provide relief from joint pain. Consult an authentic yoga instructor for exercises for arthritis relief. Do not strain your joints so much as it can aggravate your arthritic condition.

Trust only Authentic Practitioners: Though alternative treatment options like ayurveda and yoga can relieve arthritis but trust only genuine practitioners and centers when it comes to natural treatment.

Arthritis Pain - Cold Laser Therapy & Chiropractic Can Reduce & Eliminate Joint Pain & Inflammation


As a chiropractor in the Plano, TX area, I treat patients for all types of arthritis. One of the most common types of arthritis is osteoarthritis. I've found that using Cold Laser Therapy provides tremendous benefit to my patients who have arthritic issues with their neck, back, shoulders, elbows, wrists, and knees. If you have a joint issue, this type of therapy can help.

Arthritis affects more than 50 million people living in the US, every year, and that number will only increase. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common types of arthritis I treat. This disease is degenerative in nature and causes cartilage to wear away along with giving you a lot of pain and discomfort. There are more forms of arthritis than I can count on my hand, but I'm guessing you've heard of bursitis, tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and so on.

All forms of arthritis have one common symptom, PAIN. Pain develops as a result of multiple factors including inflammation, joint deformity, and can lead to lack of mobility and partial disability. Chiropractic treatment with cold laser has great results but this is not to discount the possible need for medicines, injections, and surgery. Each has their place and value in helping with arthritis pain, but there is still a need for potentially useful adjunctive modalities that can accelerate the recovery and reduce pain faster.

Beyond arthritis, cold laser therapy is excellent for treating various forms of chronic and acute pain. Chiropractors also use laser therapy for patients suffering from back and neck pain, musculoskeletal pain, fibromyalgia, tendonitis, busiitis, neuropathy, achilles tendon pain, migraine headaches, sinus blockage, sprains and strains, carpal tunnel and other associated pains. Cold laser therapy also treats conditions such as TMJ, reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) and other inflammatory and scarring conditions.

Cold laser therapy is non-thermal and noninvasive. With the proper combination of cold laser and electric stimulation, laser therapy is one of the most effective healing therapies in the medical community today. Completed in ten to twelve sessions, laser therapy is not only significant in reducing treatment times, it is cost effective as well.

How Cold Laser Therapy Works:

The laser instrument is applied directly to the area needing treatment. By sending short burst of photon laser light into the skin, it blocks pain transmitted by nerve cells. This in turn reduces/eliminates inflammation preventing further swelling in the joint and stopping the pain. Another benefit of the laser is the ability to assist the body in releasing high levels of pain killing chemicals such as endorphins and enkephalins. The laser therapy also benefits your body by accelerating cellular reproduction and growth.

When the cell is damaged or injured, for instance in arthritis, it is not able to repair itself so the joint continues to deteriorate. This is why it is so important to help the cells repair themselves so that the deterioration stops and the regenerative cells of tendons, bone, ligaments and muscles repair faster.

Friday, August 2, 2013

Rheumatoid Arthritis - Better Management Through Knowledge


Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that affects joints and may affect other systems in your body. As yet, there is no known cure. But recent research means that people with rheumatoid arthritis can have relieving treatment that lessens the pain and discomfort.

Rheumatoid arthritis affects approximately 3% of the population and effects 3 times more women than men. The disease usually develops between the ages of 25 to 50 but can occur really at any age. A similar type of arthritis affects children as well.

Rheumatoid arthritis may develop gradually or can start with an unexpected sudden attack. It is a chronic disease that may last a lifetime. Some people may often have times when the arthritis goes away, this is called a remission. These remissions can last weeks or even years.

What causes rheumatoid arthritis?

Although we know a lot about what happens in rheumatoid arthritis, we do not know the underlying causes. Research has come to the conclusion that triggering agents may cause the onset of the disease only in patients who have a tendency towards the disease. The triggering agent at fault is most likely a virus or bacteria.

If you have a close relative with rheumatoid arthritis, the risk of you developing the disease is a possibility at some time in your life. Diet, stress, trauma, hormones and weather probably do not cause rheumatoid arthritis but these areas may affect the amount of discomfort and pain experienced.

Rheumatoid Arthritis - What Happens?

Rheumatoid arthritis results from the changes in your body's immune system. No one quite understands why but when you have rheumatoid arthritis your body's immune system attacks its own organs and the tissues of the joints. This attack on your immune system makes many different things happen.


  • Your joints and synovial membrane that lines them become inflamed

  • This causes too much fluid to be produced in your joints

  • The fluid and inflammation make your joints swollen and painful

  • If this keeps happening your cartilage and other soft tissue can be damaged, causing joint deformities

Other happenings in your body when you have rheumatoid arthritis include:


  • anaemia

  • small swellings called nodules

  • swelling around the eyes, blood vessels and heart

  • enlarged lymph glands

  • dry eyes and mouth

Arthritic Knee Braces - What Are the Best Ones?


How will you know if you have knee arthritis? There are so many different forms of arthritis, the causes are likely to vary. Scientists are currently examining how the roles of major factors including genetics and lifestyles affect the development of arthritis.

You may not notice the pain from this arthritis immediately. Arthritis pain usually develops slowly over a long period of time. You may notice that your knee is stiff and swollen. You may find it difficult to bend or straighten it. You may feel pain and weakness in also. You may especially feel pain after walking, climbing stairs, or kneeling.

You can only know for sure if you have arthritis if you get a thorough medical examination. This can include physical tests, lab tests, x-rays and from studying medical history. This examination can also determine the type of arthritis it is.

What types of Arthritis affect the knee? There are three common types of arthritis that can affect your knee. Osteoarthritis is the first type. The cartilage in your knee joint slowly wears away when you have osteoarthritis. It is the most common type of arthritis.

The second type is called rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis will cause inflammation which can destroy knee cartilage. Post-traumatic arthritis is the third type of arthritis. If you fractured your knee or had some kind of ligament surgery, you may develop this kind of arthritis.

Will a brace help my Arthritis pain? Knee arthritis often occurs because your knee is misaligned. These misalignments are known as varus (bow legged) or valgus (knock-kneed). Varus alignment causes more stress on the inside of the knee, and valgus causes more stress on the outside of the knee.

Damage to the cartilage in your knee and joint damage can be as a result of this stress. To make sure that you do not have unnecessary stress on your knees, you may want to use a brace. Arthritic knee braces can help you make sure your knees are properly aligned. Proper alignment can ease pain.

Arthritic braces include braces like: the Ossur Express Arthritis Brace, the DonJoy OA Adjuster Brace, and the Bledsoe Thruster RLF Arthritis Brace. Arthritic knee braces like these help to lessen your pain and improve the joint function.

These three arthritic knee braces are level IV braces, which means they provide the most support. These arthritic knee braces cost $550.00, $669.95, and $669.95 respectively. Based on customer reviews, the DonJoy OA brace seems to be the most well liked of these three arthritic knee braces.

These prices have been referenced from Braceshop.com.

6 Natural Ways to Get Relief From Arthritis and Joint Pain


There are many natural ways to get rid of arthritis and joint pain problem. Here in this article we will emphasize on some of the natural and easy ways to get relief from arthritis and joint pain, stiffness and inflammation.

1. Alteration of life style is a simple way to treat arthritis. One should keep away from sedentary life style. The affected joints should not be left idle, for that will worsen the problem of joint stiffness and swelling. The patient therefore is always asked to keep the ailing joints mobile through light physical exercises which may include simple stretching and range of motion exercises, walking, swimming and cycling. However strenuous exercises, high impact activities, games that involve repetitive movements, running, jumping and hopping are to be strictly avoided. Such high impact activities would cause further damage to the worn out joints. In other words the patient should keep active to the extent he or she can tolerate.

2. Wearing of braces and splints provides external support to ailing joints and checks further wear and tear and increased incidence of joint pain at the end of day to day activities. The patient is required to change positions frequently while lying or sitting. This will tackle the problem of inflexibility and joint stiffness. While lying, the patient may elevate the affected joint with the help of pillows. This will drain out the extra fluid from the joint and thus reduce swelling.

3. Smoking, alcohol and caffeine intake should be cut down. These habits build up stress on body tissues, and increase the arthritis pain. Also the patient must keep the body weight in check. This can be done by means of exercise, yoga, dieting. Yoga and breathing exercises may also be done for relaxing one's mind and de-stressing oneself.

4. Dietary changes also help to suppress arthritic symptoms. Alkaline diet is beneficial for arthritis patients. Fresh leafy vegetables, fruits, juices of raw vegetables, food rich in omega3 fatty acids are recommended for arthritis patients. Sweet water fishes like salmon, herring, sardines are perfect examples of food items rich in omega3 acids. In other words, a balanced nutritional diet is essential. Junk food, refined food, beef, pork, meat are to be avoided. Beef and pork raise uric acid levels in body, and thereby increase the risk of gout.

5. Massage therapy is one way of controlling pain, stiffness and swelling. Massage gives a boost to the blood circulation, relaxes muscles around the joint, making them supple. Rumatone Gold massage oil, capsaicin creams, and arnica oils are good for massaging arthritic joints. One can also use homemade massage ointments and oil. Hot vinegar, heated castor oil, camphorated mustard oil, warm olive oil, essential oils like that of lavender, eucalyptus, basil added to any carrier oil, even hot paraffin are highly beneficial for rubbing on painful joints.

6. Some simple home remedies like giving warm bath to ailing joints by mixing Epsom salt to bath water, application of hot and cold compresses alternately, rubbing freshly cut cloves of garlic on joints, applying turmeric paste or crushed leaves of white willow as poultice, rubbing ice cubes wrapped in fabric on joints, can bring much relief from pain and swelling.

Adaptive Eating Utensils For Rheumatoid Arthritis


People with advanced rheumatoid arthritis often experience deformities in their upper body joints that make it difficult for them to complete basic daily living tasks. Eating is one of these basic tasks that can be impaired by upper body arthritic deformities. If you are one of these people, meals may already be a frustrating time of day for you. Here are some helpful tips to increase your independence during mealtimes.

First, move your arms and hands and assess what motions you are able to use. Maybe you can't curl your fingers around a spoon handle anymore, but maybe you can pinch it between your thumb and the side of your hand. Can you move your shoulder? Can you bend your elbow? Can you turn your forearm to make your palm face the ceiling? Move each joint and look at what kind of movement you have or don't have. This will help you determine how you should adapt your place setting during meals.

Next, eat a meal and pay attention to what the main problems are as you eat. Decide if the problem that is really bothering you is a simple one to fix. Maybe the whole issue is that your food slides off your plate and you are unable to stop it. Maybe you can't cut meat. Maybe you can get the food on your spoon or fork, but you can't turn your wrist enough to bring it to your mouth without spilling it. These are just samples of problems that might occur. You might have these or others, or combinations. Try to determine what is causing the problem and how easy that problem is to fix. Having another person help you with this might be a good idea, as another set of eyes may see an issue with a plate, glass, or utensil that you don't notice.

After assessing the situation, you are ready to decide what adaptations you might need during meals. Some adaptations are simple and some are specialized. Here are some examples of simple problems and adaptations to correct them:

Problem: Your plate slides on the table and you can't stop it.
Solution: Place a wet washcloth under it or purchase nonskid shelf liner at your local discount store and place a piece of this under your plate.

Problem: You are unable to tip your glass or cup to drink.
Solution: Use a short straw to drink liquids.

Problem: You are able to hang on to your silverware, but it just does not feel secure or you drop it sometimes.
Solution: Purchase plastic handled picnic ware or similar silverware that has slightly larger handles. These utensils are easier to hang on to than traditional silverware, but are not specialized and are readily available at your local discount store.

If your problems at mealtime are more complicated than this, you may need adapted utensils or dishes. Thanks to the internet, these are also readily available. There are many different types of adapted utensils and the selection can be confusing at times. Here are some sample problems and solutions that involve adapted utensils and dishes:

Problem: You are unable to close your fingers around small handled utensils.
Solution: Purchase large handled adapted utensils or purchase foam tubing to place around the handles of the utensils you have. Foam tubing is less expensive, but wears out faster. Large handled utensils cost more, but are more sanitary and last longer.

Problem: You can't cut your meat.
Solution: Purchase a rocker knife. This type of knife is specially designed to allow you to use a rocking motion to cut, rather than the traditional sawing motion.

Problem: Your food slides off your plate and you cannot stop it.
Solution: Purchase a plate guard or a plate with a lip on it. Both of these items are designed to stop food from sliding or rolling off of a plate.

Problem: You have severe ulnar drift and you cannot hang on to anything.
Solution: Purchase a universal cuff. This is a simple elastic band that slides over the palm of your hand. The band has a pocket in it that will hold the handle of a spoon or fork, allowing you to hold the utensil yourself.

There are many more examples of adaptive utensils available. Adaptive utensils and dishes have been designed to overcome just about any obstacle to eating. Many of these devices are available on the internet at Arthritis Supplies, so please visit their website at http://www.arthritissupplies.com to browse their selection of adaptive utensils and dishes.

If determining what adaptations you need for eating is too overwhelming for you, an occupational therapist can help you decide. You do not need to see an OT for months to do this. Two or three sessions to assess your eating and determine which adaptive devices will work for you should suffice. Check your insurance plan to see if occupational therapy is covered and where an occupational therapist is located in your area. For more information on occupational therapy, please visit The American Occupational Therapy Association at http://www.aota.org/Consumers.aspx

Eating does not have to be a frustrating, humiliating experience. Adapting your utensils and dishes can help you regain your independence and your dignity during meals, so take a look at your mealtime set up and take control of it today.

Hand Arthritis - Symptoms and Treatment


Arthritis in the hand or wrists is common, but can be very debilitating. We use our hands for the vast majority of our daily living activities, from washing and dressing to more intricate tasks such as typing or threading a needle. When the joints in the hand and the digits are affected by arthritis, day to day living can be very difficult.

What causes hand arthritis?

Osteoarthritis is one of the main causes of hand arthritis. The hands and wrists are made up of many small bones and joints, which interact with each other to provide the range of motion needed. The joints are protected by a layer of cartilage, which acts as a shock absorber and provides a smooth surface for the bones of the joints to glide over easily. However, over time cartilage can become worn or damaged due to disease or injury. As we age, our cartilage is less able to repair itself, and eventually the smooth, pain free motion of the joint is lost. As the bones begin to rub against the rough surfaces of the worn cartilage and eventually against each other, they can lose their normal shape and become disfigured.

Synoval fluid is naturally produced by the body as lubrication for the joints, but when cartilage becomes damaged, the body will often produce more synoval fluid in an attempt to cushion the joint. However, this can cause swelling within the joint, and reduce motion.

An injury to the hand or wrist, such as a fracture or dislocation, can make the joints more susceptible to arthritis, especially if the surface or the joint has been damaged.

Hand arthritis can also occur as the result of disease such as rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease which affects the whole body, so it is likely that other joints will also be affected, and other symptoms, such as fever, fatigue and general stiffness, may also be experienced.

Symptoms

The first symptoms of hand arthritis are general joint pain or a burning sensation in the affected area. This is likely to occur after repeated use, such as heavy lifting or prolonged typing. Stiffness of the affected area, particularly first thing in the morning, is also a common symptom.

These symptoms will increase in severity as the disease progresses. Sensations of pain may be present constantly, not just when the hands are in use. Swelling of the affected joints is likely to occur, which can make them appear larger, and the area may be red and appear warm to the touch. The motion and use of the joints is likely to be affected, and daily living tasks will become increasingly more difficult.

Crepitus may be experienced; crepitus is the grating or clicking sensation experienced by the damaged cartilage surfaces rubbing against each other. If the end finger joints are affected, small cysts can develop.

If rheumatoid arthritis is the cause, subcutaneous nodules can develop under the skin and can be accompanied by joint damage and deformity.

Arthritis caused by osteoarthritis can be diagnosed by X-ray or bone scans if the disease is in the early stages. Rheumatoid arthritis can generally be detected by blood tests.

Treatment

There are a range of treatments available for hand arthritis, consisting of non surgical or surgical options.

Non surgical treatments work by relieving pain and inflammation, and preventing further deterioration of the joints. Anti-inflammatory medications are likely to be prescribed.

Cortisone Injections may also be used, which contain a long lasting anesthetic to reduce pain. Although these injections can provide pain relief for several weeks, their use should be limited as they can cause side effects such as infection and tendon and ligament weakness.

Some patients experience relief by using heat and ice packs on the affected areas, and gently exercising or massaging the joints and fingers can help to maintain joint mobility.

A splint can also be applied to affected joints to support the area during times of use. A splint should only be worn when stress is likely to be placed on the affected area or when pain is experienced, as prolonged use can cause muscle wasting.

If non surgical treatment does not relieve symptoms, or if the condition is advanced, then surgical treatment may be considered. There are several different options for surgery, including joint fusions, joint reconstruction or joint replacement. Your doctor should be able to advise on which option would be best for you based on the progression of the arthritis, your age and your lifestyle.

Although hand arthritis cannot be cured, the range of treatments now available can minimize your symptoms and help you to continue to live a full and active life.

Holistic Approach for Arthritis


A holistic approach for arthritis was the key to my success in recovering from rheumatoid arthritis and regaining my health. Following a natural approach was the difference between getting well or getting sicker. Natural or holistic health is gaining the attention it deserves as more people are becoming dissatisfied with mainstream health care. Natural healing was the first medicine and has existed since the beginning of time. Natural healing differs from main stream medicine in that it addresses the root cause of a disease rather than just treating symptoms. It focuses on bringing strength to the body which facilitates its innate ability to heal. Everyone can benefit from a holistic approach for arthritis and other diseases. It requires a commitment and a desire to get well, research, thinking outside of the box, treating the whole body and using nature rather than prescription drugs. I opted to use natural medicine for my rheumatoid arthritis and feel very lucky I did. A holistic approach for arthritis is a good prescription for recovery, health and vitality.

First and foremost is the commitment to getting well with the holistic approach for arthritis. It is fundamental that you have a strong desire to recover. Believe it or not, some people consciously or subconsciously do not really want to get better because their illness is serving some type of need. Believing that you can recover from illness or disease is essential, along with a sound plan. It can be trying to change lifelong habits and open the mind to new things but, you have to be willing to do whatever it takes to restore your health. Is there anything more important than your health?

Next step is to empower yourself with knowledge. Part of a holistic approach for arthritis is understanding the disease. Researching the disease or illness and alternative treatments available is very enlightening. It enables you to make the best decisions concerning your treatment plan. The days of blindly following "doctors' orders are coming to an end as they do not always have your best interest in mind - only you do! My initial research into a holistic approach for arthritis taught me that there are many alternative, healthier treatments for rheumatoid arthritis. They seem to be kept under the radar because they work. These alternative, non drug therapies focus on treating the cause of the disease rather than just suppressing a symptom with a drug. Disease is simply an imbalance within the body that creates symptoms as a warning signal. We must use these signals to determine the problem and begin the process of restoring the body's delicate balance. This approach strengthens the body by ridding it of toxins and replacing it with what it needs to do what it does best - heal itself.

Treating the cause of a disease is the only way to overcome it and a holistic approach for arthritis does just that.. The goal is to understand the symptoms and look at the whole picture. Imbalances in the body create illness and correcting the imbalances is the key to recovery. The entire body is involved in the process. One of the first things I learned was most diseases, especially RA, are a result of gastrointestinal issues. Some people, for many reasons, have faulty gastrointestinal tracts that allow partially digested food and other substances to leak into their bloodstream. This is called "leaky gut syndrome" and creates food allergies and autoimmunity responses. Autoimmune means your body is attacking itself and with rheumatoid arthritis it attacks the joints. Recent studies show a direct connection between "leaky gut syndrome" and autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis. If you think about it, it makes a lot of sense.

Effective treatment, therefore, is not in steroids and other toxic drugs typically prescribed but with this holistic approach for arthritis. Research has shown a very common imbalance in people with arthritis is leaky gut syndrome. An important part of treatment here is to identify those foods that the body is reacting to. Even a healthy natural food could be a problem if the body has developed an intolerance to it. Learning what foods the body is reacting to and those foods which the body needs is key to recovery. There are foods that can heal (restorative) and foods that cause sickness. Identification of food intolerance's and a healthy diet of whole, natural foods are essential to healing from arthritis. There are amazing testimonials from people making complete recoveries by changing the foods they ate. In addition to dietary changes, natural supplements and herbs are an important part of the holistic approach for arthritis. Herbs such as echinacea, ginger and turmeric are natural anti inflammatories. Aloe Vera is also a anti inflammatory as well as a pain reliever. Unlike drugs, these natural remedies work with the body and do no harm. Nature has much more to offer than the pharmaceutical industry.

If you have the will to recover from arthritis or any other disease, you can. Take responsibility for your own health. Take the time and effort that natural healing requires. It will empower you. Holistic health will once again be mainstream medicine, simply because it works. Natural healing brings about true healing and cure because it respects the body and the whole person. Simply medicating with prescription drugs is not the answer. Ironically the very medicines used to treat many disease, actually make them worse. All that we need is provided by nature. Go take advantage of it!

Thursday, August 1, 2013

A Cure For Arthritis That Really Works


It has been known for years by many seasoned medical professionals that prescription medications to reverse or relieve the symptoms of arthritis only mask the problem. The answer of course is to fix the underlying cause of the condition and reverse the effects altogether.

First we must understand what a crippling arthritic condition really is. A crippling arthritic condition is the deterioration of joint tissue resulting in pain, swelling, discomfort, and immobility. Whether it be Osteo, RA, or Gouty etc, it basically functions the same way. The deterioration of the joint area is usually the result of enzymes eating away at the joint/cartilage over a period of time.

WHY DOES THIS HAPPEN?

A. In many cases it is believed that an individuals ability to develop such conditions is within the genetics of the body.

B. An injury to the joint or effected area could be somewhat the catalyst in weakening the cartilage/tissue and enabling the area to be more prone to arthritis.

C. A mineral/nutrient deficiency slows the bodys ability to repair itself, and whether inherited or not, arthritis develops.

I myself was diagnosed with RA in 2001. I began to seek out every possible way to cure my condition. I would wake up with my hands swollen, fingers curled, and burning pain. Actually, the pain medicine and naproxen began to not do much at all. Maybe we build a tolerance to it over a period of time. I dont know. But I couldnt live with the thought of never playing the piano, guitar, or other things I enjoyed. Thanks to an older doctor who believes in "old fashion cures for what ail you", I found a cure that worked for me. Thanks to him, I am able to share this with you.

I actually found two natural cures. The one I used in the beginning was a supplement that contained glucosamine, along with a t-spoon of flax seed oil daily, and colloidal silver. I was doing so fine in feeling I was totally cured, that I stopped taking the daily supplements, along with everything else. When the arhtritis began to return, I couldn't find the supplement. I tried so many glucosamine supplements and none had the same effect as the first did. So this is what lead me to the real cure.

SO WHATS THE CURE?

Keep in mind that my condition returned after I stopped taking the supplements. So if you are looking for a permanent cure that will rid you of arthritis, then lets move on.

The method I used to rid my life of arthritis for good, is a combination of techniques from a great program I found. It has been 7 years and the arthritis is gone. The best way to cure your arthritis is with a good working program you can do at home. It combines a little of the above mentioned formula along with a system a lady came up with. She has helped me so much! I can't thank her enough! There are many out there. If you search the internet, you will find a program you can use. Some take longer than others, and some don't work at all. However, if you want a system for a cure for arthritis that really works, see my blog link and I'll guide you right to her.

Immediate, and long lasting relief can be realised with the information I am sharing here. It has worked for me. I would advise you to follow my blog link and we will walk you through to a cure for arthritis that really works. Cure arthritis now!

Dog Arthritis Treatment - 6 Natural Herbs and Supplements For Your Dog's Health


Like humans, dogs can suffer from the pains of arthritis. If you're a dog owner reluctant to put your loved companion through a dog arthritis treatment, we totally understand your concerns. Many dogs don't respond positively to medications and end up feeling worse.To solve your dog's problem, you might resort to natural methods of treatment. Let us begin by defining arthritis and its causes in the canine world.

Arthritis is the inflammation of joints and muscles usually affecting older, inactive, or overweight dogs. Unlike humans, your dog cannot define his pain but you can tell if your dog has arthritis by his level of activity and responsiveness when you call his/her name. The most common type of arthritis affecting dogs is osteoarthritis associated with overuse of cartilages. You can help your dog battle arthritis naturally using the following herbs and supplements...

Vitamin C is one of the best supplements to protect against joint deterioration. Depending on your dog's size, you can add up to 4,000 mg of powdered Vitamin C to their meals to alleviate arthritis symptoms. You must avoid powdered Vitamin C that's highly acidic, instead use a less acidic form -- Ask your pharmacist for more details.

Mussels are essential to repairing damaged tissues. Greenlip mussels and Perna mussels are most effective in dog arthritis treatment. If you can't find fresh mussels, you can easily find a suitable shellfish extract at your local pet store.

Vegetables are one of the top dog arthritis fighters. Your dog may not like eating vegetables, but try to mix them with his/her food for best results. Vegetables are rich in minerals and vitamins that help alleviate arthritis aches.

Alfalfa and Yucca are great in reducing arthritis pains for dogs. These herbs can be easily brewed into a tea that your dog drinks on a daily basis. The dosage depends on your dog's size and age. For best results, try to brew the tea early morning as your dog's joints are the stiffest then.

Stinging nettles are yet another herb that can lower your dog's arthritic pain.You can easily make your dog a stinging nettles tea using the powdered extract. For best results, add the stinging nettles to the Alfalfa and Yucca herbal tea.

A mix of comfrey leaves, chopped rosemary, and parsley lubricate your pet's joints. While many dogs won't like the mix, they still love eating comfrey leaves.

Using these natural methods, you can reduce the symptoms of dog arthritis. One obstacle is that dogs can be fickle with their eating patterns. Another obstacle is the cost and availability of these natural herbs. As a solution, you can use natural arthritis relief oral drops. Such homeopathic remedies are easy to administer and have no negative side effects on your dog's health.

How Do You Know the Difference Between Arthritis Back Pain and Disc-Related Back Pain?


Many people believe that getting arthritis and back pain as you get older is just a normal part of life. However, you should know that you don't have to resign yourself to a life filled with back pain. It is important to understand the difference between back pain caused by arthritis and back pain that has been triggered by a disc-related issue.

The Differences in Arthritis and Disc Problems

For the most part, back pain caused by arthritis usually causes a feeling of pain in the morning. In fact, you may experience extreme stiffness in the morning if your back pain is caused by arthritis. Normally, arthritis-related back pain lessens as the day goes on and the person starts moving around more.

On the other hand, if you have a disc problem in your back, you usually experience pain that causes a radiation of pain into the shoulder or arm, or even the back of the leg or calf.

Generally speaking, arthritis is defined as the gradual breakdown or deterioration of the joint spaces in your musculoskeletal system. In most people, arthritis causes a variety of symptoms including pain, numbness, burning, cramping, inflammation and can even cause a stabbing pain in the extremities. There are two different kinds of arthritis called osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

What is a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc is actually a spine condition which happens when the gel-like center of the disc ruptures through a weak area into the tough outer wall. Many times, lower back or leg pain happens when the disc material touches or compresses one of the nearby spinal nerves. It's very important to be conservative in the approach to treating lower back pain as about 80% of people will improve within six weeks under nonsurgical treatment.

If you have herniated disc, the symptoms will vary depending upon the location of the herniation. You may feel pain that radiates down your lower back area into your legs. You might even feel like an electric shock when you stand, sit or walk. Activity will likely increase the pain which is one of the differentiating points between a herniated desk and arthritis. Sometimes, you may also experience numbness and tingling associated with herniated disc.

What Should You Do When You Feel This Back Pain?

Whether you believe your pain to be caused from arthritis or a disc herniation, it's very important to get a complete exam and diagnostic testing in order to confirm your theory. A pain management specialist trained in these technologies can pinpoint the exact source of the issue so the treatment options can be tailored to the exact problem.

Instead of simply guessing that you have arthritis or a herniated disc, it's critical to find out the exact source of the pain so that your pain management specialist can customize a treatment plan for you. By getting the problem diagnosed early, you have the best chance at a complete recovery.

With today's modern treatment methods there is no need to live every day with your aching back. Be proactive and research your problem and the pain specialists in your area that are experienced with conditions like yours. Besides home remedies, there are non-invasive methods are available today so you may be able to avoid dangerous drugs or the risks of surgery.

My Arthritis Story - First Time Pain Free In Over Fifteen Years


Earlier this year, I decided it was time to schedule the knee replacement surgery that I had been putting off for over 15 years. Originally they said I was too young at age 37, they told me that if I could live with the pain until I was 50, the replacement would be more feasible.

So I began taking the Chondroitin and Glucosamine supplements and they seemed to help... for a while. Then the pain got worse and I began taking prescription Naproxen as an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. After reading all the side effects of prolonged use, I tried to take them as little as necessary. First it was once every three days, then every two, etc. until it was twice daily.

That brings us to earlier this year. Now the pain was continual and causing me to lose sleep every night. I decided it was time to schedule the appointment and arrange for the replacement. The orthopedic surgeon that was recommended by my doctor as the best had about a six month waiting period just to get in and then another six months before you actually had the replacement. But I was ready.

A Friend Recommends An Alternative:

After hearing about my pain and decision to have the surgery, a friend of mine suggested that I try this all natural supplement that she was using for back pain. She was trained as a nurse and worked as a therapist, so I listened to what she had to say. She told me that this supplement was helping her and others to live a better life with less pain. She provided the details and web information about it and I read everything available.

It was not cheap (90 servings for $69.95 plus shipping), but based on her recommendation, I decided to give it a try. I figured that I had about twelve months before the replacement could be scheduled anyway... so trying it for a couple months couldn't hurt while I was waiting.

My Skepticism Abounds:

I am a fairly skeptical person by nature, so I really didn't have a lot of hope that it would work. But in all fairness, I was going to give it a try for 45 days. Why 45 days? Because that was how long it would take to use the 90 servings according to how she instructed me to take the supplement.

I was instructed to take one capful in the morning on an empty stomach, then another a couple hours before bed, also on an empty stomach. Of course, I didn't feel any relief immediately and now I was about three weeks into the bottle. While I didn't feel much better, I definitely didn't feel any worse. It did seem like I had more energy and was sleeping a little better, which were both positive.

Pain Relief And Surprise:

Somewhere around the beginning of the next week, I started to notice a significant change. My knee pain was beginning to subside and my range of motion also seemed to be improving. Now I began improving on a daily basis. This is starting to get my attention.

So I begin trying to explain it in other ways. Am I doing something different? What have I been eating, or not eating? Have I been doing more exercise this week. I have lost a few pounds recently...

As the weeks progress, my pain is getting better and better. I am now getting more exercise because it doesn't hurt to walk anymore. I am starting to lose weight because of my increased activity.

The Next Step:

Over the next month or so I start feeling really good. I am mobile and feeling a lot of energy. So I decide to stop taking my Naproxen. I start by dropping to one a day, then every other day and finally after just a few months, I stop taking them entirely.

Much to my surprise, I am still feeling good. I actually feel "Pain Free" for the first time in a very long time. At age 53, my knee that was injured when I was 16 is not bothering me. I know the injury and multiple surgeries have taken place, but I am feeling really good.

After several months of feeling better and increased activity, I decide to cancel my appointment with the orthopedic surgeon. So far it has been great and while I have had a few incidents where I "over did it" and had some soreness, the recovery time from these incidents has been very quick.

I can't guarantee it will last forever, but for now I am enjoying the new found youth and vitality. As a side benefit, this supplement is also good for your skin, allergies and I have seen a noticeable improvement in my night vision due. She tells me that is because of an ingredient called "Billberry Extract". OK!

Spreading The Word:

For months now I have been telling friends, family and others about my story and many have tried it with similar results. So I decided to write an article here to share my personal story. I can't guarantee everyone will experience the same success that I have, or as quickly, but if you are in pain, as I was, it sure is worth a try.

Conclusion And Summary:

If you have suffered with arthritis pain, joint pain or any other issue related to inflammation, what is it worth to you to have the opportunity to potentially be "Pain Free"? For me it was a lot more than the $75 it cost to give it a try. You might just feel better and gain some of your youthful energy and mobility back.

For detailed information click this link: Isotonix OPC-3 Supplement, and scroll down the page. It can only be purchased online, but they usually deliver it within 5 days. You will have to "sign in" and set up a free account with your email, name and address. I hope your results are as good.. or better... than mine!

Treating Bursitis With a Therapeutic Home Ultrasound Machine


The bursa is a tough, flat, membranous sac enclosing any joint between bones in our body. This sac contains a lubricating fluid and lies close to the tendons that attach the muscles to the joint. The fluid in the bursa keeps the ends of the bones in a joint well lubricated and in good condition.

Bursitis is a very painful condition resulting from an excessive accumulation of fluid in the bursa, causing it to swell up and press on the neighboring tissues. Bursitis may be acute, occurring suddenly as a result of injury or trauma. It may be chronic, occurring frequently. When any one of the joints in the body is stressed by being frequently, repeatedly and/or overused for a sustained period of time, the bursa responds by producing excess fluid and becomes painfully inflamed.

There are many other causes for bursitis. These are: staphylococcal or some bacterial infection; deposits of calcium or uric acid crystals; abnormal joints because of difference in leg lengths; arthritis; bone spurs; rheumatoid arthritis; psoriatic arthritis; tuberculosis; thyroid diseases; diabetes; or gout.

The type of bursitis you have depends on which of the joints in your body is affected. Shoulder and elbow bursitis are often associated with excessive physical activity that stress these joints. Bursitis of the hip joint may be due to infection or injury. Runners and ballet dancers are subject to hip bursitis. Sitting for a long time in the same position may cause ischial bursitis. The knee joints could be affected by frequent kneeling in upright position, obesity in conjunction with diseases like diabetes or osteoporosis. Young athletes who do not take care to wear well fitting shoes may develop calcaneal bursitis of the heel or ankle.

There are several options for treatment of bursitis. Very often treatment for bursitis may involve simple procedures of bursitis physical therapy like R.I.C.E, which is resting, icing, compression and elevation of the affected joint. Other bursitis physical therapy procedures are stretching and muscle strengthening exercises, and soft tissue manipulation.

Bursitis treatment may also utilize therapeutic ultrasound. Ultrasound physical therapy reduces pain and inflammation in the bursa because the ultra sound waves increase blood circulation and oxygen to the injury site. In short, ultrasound therapy causes micro-vibrations in the soft tissues beneath the skin's surface to increase blood supply and subsequently decrease local swelling and chronic inflammation. The vibrations also help to speed healing and relieve pain associated with bursitis.

Home ultrasound machines are now available for ultrasound bursitis treatment and rehabilitation. Such ultrasonic treatments are more affordable and convenient than chiropractor and physical therapist visits. Previously, ultrasound therapy treatments have only be available for professional athletes, but it is now possible to rehab bursitis, and many other chronic injuries, in the comfort of your own home.

Soft tissue injuries, such as bursitis, require a specific kind of home ultrasound machine. A home ultrasound physical therapy machine should emit 1Mhz ultrasound waves. It is also important to purchase an FDA approved ultrasound unit that is quality manufactured. Your portable therapeutic ultrasound device should also be covered with at least a 1 year warranty.

Because these home ultrasound machines utilize pulsed ultrasound waves, they are very safe for use by the general public. Pulse ultrasound also is just as effective as continuous wave ultrasound that is used by doctors, but in home treatments will just be more often. With a portable therapeutic ultrasound machine, you can treat your bursitis daily in the comfort of your own home.

Psoriatic Arthritis Symptoms Explained in Plain English


The symptoms of psoriatic arthritis can vary from patient to patient. This is a condition that can impact any one of the major joints located within the body. It tends to present with different patterns in patients. For example, it might impact just one or two major joints, such as those found in the ankle or knee. It can, however, also present with pain in joints both large and small on both sides of the body.

The typical symptoms of joints impacted by psoriatic arthritis mirror those of other forms of the disease. This means patients will suffer from stiffness, swelling and pain in affected joints. There are other symptoms that can go along with psoriatic arthritis that are not quite as typical. They include:



  • Spondylitis - This is an inflammation in the spine that causes a stiff back or neck. Known to be quite painful, this development occurs in about a third of those who suffer from this disease.


  • Nail irregularities - Some people who suffer from psoriasis also suffer from a pitting, discoloration and even thickening of the finger and toenails.


  • Sausage swelling - It is not uncommon for those with this condition to have a swelling in a finger or toe that makes the digit appear to look like a sausage. This is known as dactylitis and is known to be caused by a simultaneous swelling of both joints and tendons.


  • Arthritis mutilans - This is a severe form of the condition that causes disability and deformity in the joints affected by the disease. This advanced form of arthritis is said to only affect a small population of sufferers.


  • Iritis - This is an inflammation that forms around the pupil of the eye.

Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis can range from mild to severe. The extent will depend on the patient and the exact case involved.

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

My Doctor Says the Bump on My Elbow is a Rheumatoid Nodule... What's That?


Rheumatoid nodules are soft tissue lumps that occur in 20-30% of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. They may be found almost anywhere on the body, but are most often seen in areas where there are bony prominences. These include pressure points such as the elbow, back of the forearm, and knuckles of the hand. Sometimes they may occur on the back of the head or Achilles tendons.

Nodules usually occur in chronic active cases of rheumatoid arthritis, and are commonly associated with more severe joint deformity and serious disease. People with rheumatoid nodules often have very high levels of rheumatoid factor in the blood.

At a microscopic level, these nodules often contain the same types of cellular infiltrates as seen in the joints.

Patients with very serious RA may have problems in other organ systems. These are referred to as extra-articular (outside the joint) manifestations. These extra-articular areas include the lungs, eyes, skin, heart, brain, and blood vessels. Nodules may vary in size during the course of the disease process. With increasing severity of disease, the nodules may increase in size and in number.

Complications of rheumatoid nodules include a number of problems such as:

o increased pain due to pressure phenomena

o limited joint mobility due to size and location of the nodules

o nerve damage due to location of nodules

o ulceration of the nodule leading to infection

o fistulas (draining channels) that connect the inside of the nodule to the skin surface. Fistulas can easily become infected.

o infection

Surgical removal is an option. Patients with rheumatoid nodules tend to heal more slowly than people without the disease. As a result, removal of nodules needs to be done carefully and the surgical wound monitored carefully for dehiscence (reopening). In particular, patients who are taking corticosteroids may be the ones who need to be monitored most carefully. Nodules may also reoccur, particularly if they are located in areas where there is repetitive pressure or trauma.
Steroid injections into the nodule may reduce the size of the nodule.

My Doctor Wants Me to Take Enbrel For My Rheumatoid Arthritis-What Can You Tell me About it?


TNF alpha is a cytokine, a protein that is produced during the inflammatory response. TNF alpha is involved in inflammation from two perspectives. It is not only the product of inflammation; it also helps perpetuate and promote inflammation. Increased levels of TNF are found in several inflammatory conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Drugs that block tumor necrosis factor (TNF) have been found to be particularly effective for the treatment of these serious forms of inflammatory arthritis.

The first anti-TNF drug approved for such use was etanercept (Enbrel).

Etanercept is a synthetic (man-made) protein that binds to TNF alpha. It acts like a sponge to remove most of the TNF alpha molecules from the joints and blood. This prevents TNF alpha from perpetuating inflammation and the pain, tenderness and swelling of joints in patients with different types of arthritis.

Etanercept reduces the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, the arthritis of psoriasis, and ankylosing spondylitis. It also prevents the progression of joint destruction in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and the arthritis of psoriasis.

Etanercept is usually used in combination with methotrexate in patients who do not respond adequately to methotrexate alone.

Etanercept comes in two different preparations. The first is a powder that must be reconstituted (mixed) with a diluent. This comes as a 25 mg dose. The second is as a premixed syringe containing 50 mgs of etanercept. Etanercept must be refrigerated. The drug is given as a subcutaneous injection. Dosing will vary according to disease severity and body size.

Because etanercept reduces the immune response, it should not be administered with live vaccines.
Etanercept is not recommended for use in pregnant or nursing women.

The most common side effects are mild to moderate itching, pain, swelling and redness at the site of injection. Headache, dizziness, nose and throat irritation also occur.

TNF alpha has an important role in the response of the immune system to infections. Blocking the action of TNF alpha with etanercept may worsen or increase the occurrence of infections, and patients with serious infections should not receive etanercept. Etanercept should be discontinued if a patient develops a serious infection. It should not be given to patients with active infections or who have an allergy to its components. Etanercept should be used with caution in patients prone to infection, such as those with poorly controlled diabetes.

Since etanercept has entered the market, there have been reports of multiple sclerosis, myelitis, optic neuritis in patients using the drug. Etanercept is not recommended for persons with preexisting disease of the central nervous system (brain and/or spinal cord) or for those with multiple sclerosis, myelitis, or optic neuritis. Rare cases of potentially serious low blood counts (pancytopenia) have been reported in patients using etanercept.

Monitoring should be done according to guidelines set by the rheumatologist.

How to Manage Osteoarthritis Pain


Millions of people suffer with osteoarthritis pain and many spend their later years in chronic pain because of osteoarthritis, believing painkillers to be the only solution. So can sufferers expect an improved quality of life and at least reduce their osteoarthritis pain or will they to just have to knuckle down and make the best of it.

Advice from the medical profession varies so much. One GP can be an angel sent from heaven and another can be a complete waste of time. I have personally spoken to hundreds of people who have been suffering with osteoarthritis pain and some say the doctors are marvelous and others just throw away lines like, it's just wear and tear, it's your age, there's nothing you can do but take pain killers.

Since I am not a doctor nor am I willing to stand in judgment I have to believe that most doctors are diligent hard working, caring people, who are doing their best to cope with a massive workload and they just don't know all the answers. None of us knows all the answers but I believe we are all free to look for alternative ways to improve our own situation, especially where our health is concerned.

I am happy to tell you that my own father is alive and well and looking like emulating his father who reached the grand age of 93. Unfortunately Dad is going to reach that age without all his original parts. When he was in his mid fifties he had a painful calcium spur on his shoulder. His doctor told him he had too much calcium in his blood. They would do keyhole surgery and take the spur off but he must cut down on calcium.

Even then with my limited knowledge of alternative therapies and remedies I knew this was the opposite of the truth. I said Dad, you have too little calcium in your blood, not too much and its leaching what it needs from your bones. But my Dad comes from a generation who believe the doctor is next to God in terms of wisdom and is one of the few people in society that cannot be questioned. Believe it or not his bank manager is another. Well he cut down his already low calcium intake despite my advising him to supplement his diet with Calcium, Magnesium and Vitamin D for maximum absorption. By 65 he was the recipient of two new knees and since they were done 6 months apart he hardly walked for best part of his retirement year. And do you know Dad is eternally grateful for the wonderful job the doctors have done even though he fully expects to have them done again when 10 years has passed. And he still thinks he's got too much calcium in his blood!

I guess what I am saying is, you are your own doctor first and foremost. Nobody knows how your body feels like you do. If you took a supplement for a month or six weeks and it made no difference you may have wasted a few pounds but you could just stop taking it, it certainly won't hurt you. But what if it did make a difference, then you'd feel the benefit and be glad to pay for it, wouldn't you? Only make sure you buy a decent one, you get what you pay for. I pay 40GBP a month for my supplement regime, I have done for years and it has been worth every penny.

So eat right and take supplements. A lot of older people just don't feel like cooking a meal, especially if they are on their own and so the quality of the building blocks they give the bodies to repair itself is often poor. Their circulation system is not what it used to be so the goodness they do get doesn't get to the parts that need it.

The lymphatic system is the wonderful mechanism that keeps our bodies clean right from a cellular level but as we get older and especially if movement becomes painful the whole system slows down. This can leave toxins in the body and as they build up a downward spiral begins. More pain, less desire to exercise, less lymphatic drainage, more toxins. Where toxins are left in the joints they can crystalize and exacerbate the problem.

It is important for osteoarthritis patients to get exercise although they don't always feel like it and often they really can't manage it. The goal is to keep the joints mobile and functioning properly. Regular exercise also wards off muscle loss and may be key to managing osteoarthritis pain. Patients should consult with a physical therapist or qualified personal trainer which they would find at a good fitness centre. They will always tell them to check first with the doctor before starting a fitness program and that is good advice.

One therapy I like to use myself and to recommend to our customers is a powerful electric massage that was invented 62 years ago and has been used all over the world in hospitals and clinics and in hundreds of thousands of private homes too. Because it aids the circulation and increases the throughput of blood in the muscle being massaged it acts as a kind of passive exercise. We have been in the health business for 14 years and mainly providing condition specific herbs and vitamin supplements but when we discovered this massage it revolutionized our business because of how quickly our customers felt the benefits. We regularly have measurable results on the first treatment with further improvements on subsequent treatments if these are done within a few days of each other.

I have personally applied it to hundreds of people some of whom could hardly walk without extreme pain. In a 20 minute massage many have experienced amazing relief. Some have even cried as they told me it is years since they felt that good. Cycloidal Vibration Therapy (CVT) definitely works for at least 80% of osteoarthritis sufferers. It improves the circulation, relaxes the muscles around the joints and enhances lymphatic drainage.

There are a couple of drawbacks though. First it can be a little difficult for a person alone to treat themselves with the hand unit that I use to demonstrate the therapy. Even when there is a couple they tend to do it every day at first but eventually the partner starts to find it tiresome. Of course it loses its benefit if it is not done regularly and the benefits are cumulative if it is. At least 20 minutes three times a day is recommended.

That's why I use Cycloidal Massage built into a specially constructed chair. Many of my clients find it hard to get out of an ordinary chair so there are extra benefits to using a rise and recline chair. The chair has multiple massage motors built into the electrically adjustable footstool, the seat and the back so the whole body can be treated while the client watches TV. The second drawback is the cost of course, they certainly don't suit every budget. Unfortunately cheaper alternatives do not contain the deeply penetrating therapy that Cycloidal Massage provides. It's probably best to take advantage of trial massage at home and then measure the benefits against the cost. Some customers who could not afford the cash price have found it is worth the 25 pounds a week or so that it costs to buy on a finance deal.

Cycloidal Massage Therapy is available in most countries and I am sure there will be someone willing to demonstrate the benefits without obligation wherever the need arises. Certainly I have traveled the length and breadth of Northern England and Southern Scotland doing just that. Our reputation is very important to us, so we do a massage in the customers home and only if they feel a marked difference in the affected parts to we recommend a purchase.

A marked difference means greatly reduced pain or even no pain at all, together with increased functionality and movement in the affected joints.

There are lots of things a sufferer can do to help themselves at least to manage the pain of osteoarthritis. To remain dependent on the medical profession is a matter of choice but our philosophy is to encourage people to help themselves as far as they can, they should seek expert medical advice as soon as symptoms are noticed in order to maintain good health and if the problem does reach crisis level we would hope they don't just go straight for the surgery. They should carefully think through what alternatives are available, look at what others have tried successfully and try it for themselves.

Simple Treatment Options For Osteoporosis That Work


Osteoporosis is one of the most common types of arthritis. This condition results in too much loss of calcium in the bones. So what happens when your bones lose calcium, the density of your bones is going to be lower than it should be. The bones become brittle and fragile, substantially increasing the risk for bone fractures. Women are often more likely to experience loss of calcium and reduced bone density.

Common Thing Among all Types of Arthritis

One kind of arthritis is Osteoporosis, and is simply one of many different kinds, but they all have something very much in common. What can this commonality be? It is pain... One thing that you can do to subdue the pain is to reduce the inflammation and a means to do that is with Amazing Arthritis Relief. So the real question is, are you suffering from arthritis pain, and if the response is yes, then you have to learn more about this wonderful product named amazing arthritis relief, or the new product name amazing bone and joint.

One thing for sure is you have to talk with your doctor more about how to stop the osteoporosis if you sense that you currently have it or you could acquire it in the future.

Prevention is the Key

As with many things, prevention is the key. If you recognize that you are at risk for osteoporosis, consider eating a high calcium diet. 1500 mg is what most wellness professionals state a diet rich in calcium should be at.

Foods to Eat

There are foods that you can consume that are rich in calcium that are dairy products like milk, and fish is another and you can try sardines and salmon. Another thing that is possible is to add some vitamin's to your diet by eating calcium and vitamin D supplements. Vitamin D can also be absorbed naturally just by spending more time in the sun. Multivitamins can also give you the vitamin D and calcium that you need. Again, you will need to speak with your doctor to make sure you are getting all the nutrients you require to prevent osteoporosis, and to discuss whether you will need to supplement your diet with calcium and vitamin D.

If you are a tobacco user or drinker, your physician may also suggest you to limit these activities as much as possible. Research has shown that smoking can lower estrogen levels, leaving your bones more at risk for losing bone mass. Moderate to heavy alcohol use has also been linked to loss of bone density. We all know that daily exercise is very good for you and this is no exception when trying to prevent osteoporosis. When you are thinking of exercise, sports and lifting weights can improve your muscle mass and can also aid with bone mass. Another easy but forgotten exercise that can really help is just going out and walking.

Osteoporosis Treatment Options

Women who have already been diagnosed and have osteoporosis, can add estrogen treatment as an option. When trying to prevent osteoporosis, estrogen replacement therapy has worked really well. A lot of the time the hips and the spine can be the problem area's and the estrogen therapy can serve to increase the bone mass in these area's. However, some women have experienced side effects from the use of estrogen replacement therapy. One thing that has been noticed is the increase in jeopardy for breast cancer and the use of estrogen has been seen, so you must speak to your doctor about this. However, estrogen has also been proven to reduce the risk of heart failure and attacks.

There are other treatment alternatives for individuals suffering from osteoporosis. New drug therapies are currently being developed. Current alternatives include prescription medications that are used to help regenerate bone density and slow the progress of the condition. One thing that you have to do is to consult with your physician about what is better for you and your conditions. One thing that you can do to reduce the arthritis pain that is connected with most types is to try a all natural herbal pain relief. These can be used in conjunction with other things that you are currently doing right now and won't interfere. So learn more about arthritis herbal pain relief.

Would you Like More Information...

There are many websites online that provide you with the information you need on treating Osteoporosis. Be sure to do your due diligence and always consult with your doctor if you have any questions. Below you are going to learn more about how to treat the pain of osteoporosis.

Easing the Pain of Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms


Are you familiar with rheumatoid arthritis? Well this form of arthritis causes the lining of our joints to become inflamed. When this form of arthritis progresses, it damages our tendons, ligaments, cartilage and bone in our joints. It can also damage other areas of our bodies such as our lungs and blood vessels. Which can lead to many rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. This form of arthritis is actually 2 to 3 times more common in women then it is in men and it can roughly begin between the ages of 40 to 60, however that is not always the case. This disease has been known to run in families and at this point we are unsure to what exactly causes it, what we do know however is that our bodies own natural defense system attacks the joints.

I mentioned earlier about rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, well truth is there are many different symptoms that you may acquire. These symptoms can become: Joint swelling, joint pain, joints that become tender to the touch, your hands may also become red and puffy, you may notice firm bumps of tissue that appear under the skin of your arms. These are actually called rheumatoid nodules. Other symptoms may also be fatigue, morning stiffness that can last even up to a half an hour as well as weight loss and fever.

In the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis it will begin to affect your smaller joints. By smaller I mean your wrists, hands, ankles and feet. Now I mentioned before that this form of arthritis also begins to progress. As this disease begins to progress it will then begin to affect other joints such as your shoulders, knees, elbows, hips, jaw and even your neck. Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can vary in their severity and also come and go. At this point doctor's are unsure of the actual reason for acquiring this disease but it is believed that it does run in families.

If you suffer from any form of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms you will want to consult your doctor. He or she can then discuss with you the best options that are available. There are different types of treatments that you can use, however there is no known cure for this disease. There are however different types of medication's that can help you with the pain and discomfort from rheumatoid arthritis or even help with the swelling of your joints.

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Treating Arthritis Naturally


Conventional medications for arthritis do help relieve pain but there are more and more arthritis sufferers who have found natural treatments that have shown great results after taking some to manage their condition. Should you decide to start treating yourself naturally, these are the natural cures that you might find beneficial:


  1. Devil's Claw: The name of this treatment might sound weird but it has been found to be effective for arthritis. This herbal plant, which has a fruit that looks like the claw of the devil, has been helpful to the natives of Kalahari Desert in South Africa in alleviating the pains that is associated with arthritis and inflammations. People often make a tea out of Devil's Claw by brewing the roots in water. It might be better if you will use the whole plant because the other parts of this plant have flavonoids and these provide better relief from arthritis. This claim is backed by research done by French and German researchers that said that this plant works like cortisone because it holds a glycoside called harpogoside that can help lessen the inflammation. You can get this in tablet forms from health food companies and stores.

  2. Water Therapy: This might probably be the easiest way to get relief from arthritis and this can also be one of the most effective therapies that you can get. You just have to drink warm water and your body, especially the affected parts, will be lubricated for an hour. It is important that the joints have adequate fluids so when bones rub against each other, it will be smooth. Another method that you can use in this kind of treatment is by putting the water in a container known as sensory deprivation tank that can keep the water's temperature the same with the temperature that a normal body should have.

  3. Molasses: Molasses, when dissolved in water, will make a syrup that tastes like you have put a tablespoon of sugar in it. The British who have been using this to answer their craving for sweets found the soothing relief that it gave to the aches that they feel. Molasses is composed of many different minerals such as potassium, iron and magnesium.

  4. Copper Accessories: The most popular accessory that is made out of copper that is considered a good way to treat arthritis is the copper bracelet. Whether this is effective or not is still a subject of debate between many people. An Australian study discovered that using bracelets that are made of copper can be an effective remedy for arthritis and pains that come with it but only when one is also taking aspirin to relieve the pain. There are substances in copper that can be absorbed by the skin, so it can also be effective. If you think it's worth a try, you can buy these bracelets at numerous online shops.

Using these so-called natural cures for arthritis has been helpful to some people but not every remedy will work for each person. Try each one to determine which works best for you.

How to Cure Arthritis Naturally Using Herbal Remedies


Arthritis is a chronic disease that means the inflammation of your joints. At first all the body suffers some effects and some of the joints might become deformed. The patient remains handicapped and weakened. This disease usually appears in the elderly and inflammation that affects the bones and the joints is its distinctive feature.

There are over 150 types of types of arthritis and in all cases bones and joints are affected. Osteoarthritis, gout and rheumatoid arthritis are the most frequent types of arthritis.

Arthritis Causes

Cold climate and damp, severe jolt, trauma of an accident or bad falls are the most common causes of arthritis. Unfortunately there are many other factors that can cause this awful disease.

Another factor is joint instability. A recurrent or severe joint injury can be provoked by an intense physical activity, by an excessive overweight. Practicing sports like basketball, athletics, and so on can lead to this disease, too.

Hormonal factor is another cause. This factor is more common at women than at men. The explanation is simple: women suffer serious hormonal changes during the menopause.

The environmental factors are very important when it is about arthritis. The persons that live in damp conditions are very exposed to this kind of disease. Stress is another factor. During the stressed periods, the immune system of the body becomes weaker and the arthritis can occur. More on, stress can disturb the hormonal balance of the body provoking this disease. Other factors are psychological factors, food allergy nutrient deficiency.

Herbal Remedies

Juniper, Rosemary, Dilute Garlic, Sassafras, Lavender, Thyme, or Sage oils are some of the herbals used successfully in arthritis treatments. These oils are mixed with olive oil and used to massage the affected joints. For example mix 1 part of Juniper oil or of Sassafras oil with ten parts of olive oil and make a gentle massage of the affected joint.

Hot vinegar can be also used to get an immediate relief. The aching joints are rubbed gently with hot vinegar every evening, before going to bed.

It is well known that dandelion leaves have diuretic effects that increase the kidneys output, while the dandelion roots are liver tonic and mild laxative that are able to enhance the bowel movement and to prevent arthritis.

Essential oils like Cypress, Juniper and Lemon have tissue-cleansing properties and they are used to improve circulation around the affected joints. Due to their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties Chamomile, Rosemary and Lavender are often used in arthritis treatments.

Powder four peeled pieces of garlic with 2 grams of Sprague and dip them in thirty grams of mustard. Hit them slowly and massage your aching joints every day.

Mix 10 grams of camphor with 200 gram of mustard oil and pour them in a bottle. Close the bottle with a tight cork and expose it to the sun light. After the camphor has dissolved massage the joints daily.

You can also use 6-50 grams of powdered or fresh ginger to reduce the effects of rheumatoid arthritis. Or you can use Epsom salt in the bathing water. In this case Omega-3 fatty acids can be of a great help, too. 10 grams taken daily can reduce joint inflammations. Another effective treatment is castor oil used in the massage of the aching joist.

The traditional Indian herb called Boswellia, Rumatone Gold Oil with its anti-inflammatory proprieties; Rumatone Gold Capsules are other recommended treatments in arthritis diseases.

How to Kill Arthritis!


How to Put An End To Arthritis Pain?

For Arthritis sufferers only.

Arthritis is the major cause of disability above 50 years of age, its basically a joint pain but considering every move we make is based on a joint move you can imagine, yet worse, you can feel how this make people suffer even when doing the simplest activities you once had for granted like walking, even laughing.

The 60% of arthritis patients are women, be sure to inform your loved one or any female you know that women are more prone getting arthritis than male and losing weight reduces the chances by half. Arthritis pain intensity and areas affected can vary in each case as there are different kinds of arthritis like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis which are the most usual cases.

While there is not definite cure for arthritis there are many ways to ease the pain. You can find hundreds of different drugs for arthritis and also natural ways to arthritis pain relief.

Few tips are these:

*Do massage with olive oil upon the joints that hurt.

*Add four tablespoons of Epsom Salt to a warm bath

*Meditation and concentration can help to negate the.

*Use calcium, vitamin C and zinc supplements.

*Take Turmeric its an effective anti-inflammatory, use 400mg three times a day.

*Right before going to bed to sleep warm some vinegar and apply on the painful areas.

*Also try some yoga, helps overall your body to deal with the pain.

*A better posture is also effective, stresses less the joints.

*As said before, lose weight, a great factor since the gravity is one of the major reasons that causes arthritis pain.

These methods are just a few ones that will help you at some pain relief, but is it enough? Whats important is doing it RIGHT.

Doctors and articles can throw you some tips, some "DOs and DONTs", but in reality how much is going really help you without the assist of an expert? Do you really want to waste money on "healers" or learn it by the professionals and apply it by yourself with 100% safety?

Half of those afflicted with arthritis do not think anything can be done to help them, do you think that? How do you kill arthritis pain? You can achieve that by following detailed guide book of real experts of any kind of arthritis. All knowledge ever known about arthritis pain relief, treatment, cure is focused in this book called "For arthritis sufferers only".

The Buzz On Bee Venom Therapy For Arthritis


A bee sting can be painful and dangerous, especially if you're allergic to bee venom. But some doctors claim the latter can help people with arthritis who don't respond well to traditional medications.

That's the buzz from Dr. Christopher Kim, medical director of the Monmouth Pain Institute in Red Bank, New Jersey, who has used bee venom therapy or apitherapy on 3,000 patients. Writing in the German medical journal "Rheumatologie," Kim said that apitherapy is safe, effective, and free of serious side effects.

Kim's endorsement of bee venom therapy follows a two-year- study he conducted on 108 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis who were not helped by conventional painkillers. He first gave the subjects twice weekly injections of been venom and gradually increased the shots. After 12 injections, most of the patients showed marked improvement.

Kim is not the only doctor using this controversial technique. Over 50 American physicians report good results using bee venom to treat not only pain but arthritic conditions, multiple sclerosis, high blood pressure, asthma, hearing loss, and even premenstrual syndrome.

Dr. Lawrence Cohen of Danbury, Connecticut, said one of his patients suffered pain as a result of two hip replacement operations. Louise Chirasello of Brewster, New York, had tried all kinds of painkillers but none helped her.

"I was so sore, you could not touch my hips without me crying out," she recalled.

The 84-year-old widow claims she was cured by a shot of bee venom. She received several injections of bee venom from Cohen weekly until her dose was reduced to one injection every two or three weeks. After a year, she was still pain-free.

At the eighth annual Asian Apicultural Association conference at the University of West Australia, Nepalese entomologist Ratna Thapa said he had a 50 - 60 percent success rate in treating arthritis with bee venom, and a 90 percent success rate when this substance was used to treat lower back and shoulder pain. But the idea is not new.

"Bee venom therapy has been around for thousands of years. Reference to the treatment can be found in ancient Egypt and Greek medical writings. Also known as apitherapy, the technique is more widely used in Eastern Europe, Asia and South America. Treatments supposedly started after beekeepers, who were stung many times, noticed their arthritis pains were relieved. Some practitioners still use live bee stings to deliver the venom," according to Charles Downey of WebMD.

What's the secret behind the success of bee venom? Cohen says it contains mellitin, an anti-inflammatory agent that is a hundred times stronger than cortisone, and adolapin which also fights inflammation and pain. Practitioners believe these ingredients work together and help the body release natural healing compounds that improve blood circulation and reduce swelling.

Still, others are not convinced of its efficacy, especially since most of the evidence is anecdotal and there are no double blind studies supporting this therapy. Skeptics warn that one to five percent of the population is allergic to bee venom and the injections or bee stings can be painful.

"Evaluations of most US medical treatments are based on double-blind studies - where neither the subject nor researcher knows who is getting the real medicine or a placebo. Most reports about bee venom therapy are anecdotal. Even those studies looking at more than one patient, such as Kim's, have not included a placebo group for comparison," Downey said.

Until we know for sure whether bee venom is safe and effective, it's best to stick to other tried and true remedies for arthritis. One of them is Flexcerin, a natural supplement that stops arthritis pain and restores joint function so you can be where the action is. For details, go to http://www.flexcerin.com.

Psoriatic Arthritis Treatments Must Be Recommended by an Experienced Doctor


Psoriatic arthritis can be treated by a wide variety of different drugs and medications, some of which are categorized as non-steroidal drugs, commonly abbreviated as NSAID's. Another category of arthritis drugs is DMARD's, which are essentially ant-rheumatic. This type of drug is used to modify the disease, not cure it. Human and animal proteins are used to make the drugs that are designed to treat psoriatic arthritis. This form of arthritis can also be treated with some natural and alternative methods which can be quite effective.

Every Individual Case Is Different

Every individual case of psoriatic arthritis is unique. Some people have already been experiencing skin problems related to psoriasis and then begin to notice symptoms of psoriatic arthritis; they should visit their doctor as soon as possible to start treating the disease. A diagnosis and treatment plan can only be given by an experienced medical professional.

Since the major problems that psoriatic arthritis causes are joint swelling and joint pain, these symptoms will be focused on in most treatment plans. In order to prevent further damage to the joints, psoriatic arthritis treatment methods will work to maintain natural movement of fluids through the joints.

Treatment for psoriatic arthritis will depend largely on how severe symptoms are in the individual being treated. Since there are different types of psoriatic arthritis, this will also affect how the disease is treated. If one type of treatment does not work, it can be changed out for another that may have better success.

Unfortunately, psoriatic arthritis is often misdiagnosed as gout, leading to problems with getting the right treatment as soon as possible. In order to avoid this problem, make sure that you are diagnosed by a doctor who has experience dealing with psoriatic arthritis.

Self-help heat treatments, applying ice to joints, gentle exercises, and relaxation techniques are all easy ways to treat psoriatic arthritis that you can do yourself.

Taking anti-inflammatory medications and pain killers can also be helpful in fighting the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. PUMA treatment, which involves using ultraviolet A light and taking psoralen medicine, can also be effective.