Saturday, September 14, 2013

Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Knee


Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic type of inflammation that occurs symmetrically, affecting key joints of the body such as hands, knees, ankles, feet, hips, elbows and shoulders. The condition is more likely to affect women than men and is common in those who are aged 40 and above, though it can most certainly occur in much younger persons as well. It is blamed for a number of symptoms that include joint swelling and pain, stiffness and types of deformity. Rheumatoid arthritis in the knee can be particularly painful and cause severe restrictions to one's freedom of movement. Although there is no known cure as yet, the condition can still be managed to a fair degree.

Before we discuss rheumatoid arthritis of the knee let us look at this particular joint which is very important when it comes to mobility. Around the ends of the bones is the cartilage and this prevents the bones from rubbing against each other. Between the two cartilages of the particular bones is a small pouch that is covered with a thin tissue known as synovium and this secretes a liquid that helps keep the joint lubricated. When the synovium is affected as a result of the rheumatoid arthritis condition, the functions of the various parts that make up the knee get affected and fail to function as they should.

Common symptoms of this disease's effects on the knee include pain, swelling and inflammation, stiffness, a warm feeling around the knee, fever, flu symptoms and fatigue. While the exact cause for the disease in general and its effects on the knee are unknown even as of now, it is widely believed that genetics and living environments play a part in who is affected by it and who is not. Rheumatoid arthritis of the knee is diagnosed based on symptoms pretty much along the lines of general rheumatoid arthritis. Blood tests and X rays to verify the damage to joint are also used in the diagnostic process for this condition. A test of the fluid between the joints can also help diagnose the condition as a high level of inflammatory material therein will indicate rheumatoid arthritis affecting the said joint.

There are a few time tested treatments available for rheumatoid arthritis of the knee. Common types of medication include aspirins, acetaminophen (or Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Most of these treatments are targeted at the pain as there is no cure to completely eradicate the condition. Regular exercises targeting the health of the joints can also be recommended as a practice to keep the condition in check. Excess weight can meanwhile compound the condition as the excess weight places a disproportionate stress and pressure on them. As such it is best to maintain a weight that is recommended for your height or to reduce weight via a suitable diet plan in case you are overweight.

In a worst case scenario where damage to the joints is severe, a replacement procedure may be required. This last resort surgery can be expected to produce a successful outcome thanks to modern day advances in procedures of the sort.

Control Arthritis through Diet


It is a universally accepted fact that arthritis does not have a medical cure. However, it can be controlled with alternative medicine methods such as yoga, herbal treatment and a close watch on the diet. Yes, your diet can make a great impact on the way arthritis is manifested in your body.

The diet control is aimed at checking the build-up of toxins and acid waste that usually accumulates in the body when a person has a high-calorie diet. Ideally, the diet of an arthritis patient should not exceed 2000 calories. The best would be to consume a fair amount of fruits, vegetables and proteins minimizing the intake of carbohydrates to the maximum extent possible.

Foods You Should Include In The Diet

Reports show that people suffering from arthritis benefit greatly from drinking the juice extracted from green leafy vegetables. For an extra edge, a little beetroot and/or carrot juice might also be added here. Several studies show that an alkaline reaction is triggered in the body owing to the intake of such raw juices, which eliminates the negative deposits around the joints.

Fruit juice is yet another highly recommended food input for arthritis patients, with special emphasis on pineapple. This is because pineapple consists of a unique ingredient by the name of bromelain, which directly impacts the inflammation caused by arthritis. Other fruits that control arthritis are melons, bananas, citrus fruits, apples and apricots.

Garlic, which is also a very effective anti-inflammatory agent, may be incorporated into the day-to-day diet either in raw form or as capsules of the arthritis patients to control both infection and inflammation. A little known fact is that garlic has some great analgesic properties as well and hence, it is as an added benefit against this crippling disease.

Finding Alternatives

Indigenous medicine advises arthritis patients to consume regular doses of juice extracted from potatoes diluted with water in a fifty-fifty ratio. In order for this remedy to be effective, it is important that the potatoes be organically grown and unpeeled when used for this purpose. The juice should be drunk in small measures (say one cup) every morning on an empty stomach.

Since alkaline foods are highly beneficial in the effort to combat the worst symptoms and manifestations of this disease, the arthritis patient would also profit from consuming alfalfa seeds tea. The recommended dosage would be approximately six to seven cups spread over 24 hours, for best results. In a very short while, this diet would show visible results, much to the delight of the afflicted person and their dear ones.

It is important to lean here that Vitamins A & D are vital for the body to cleanse it from infection. In this context, the arthritis patients would do well if they concentrate on the fact that their body might be starved of these two vitamins. Vitamin D can be obtained through exposure to the sun, since a chemical reaction would release Vitamin D when the skin is exposed to direct sun.

Several studies have pointed to the fact that certain foods aggravate the condition of the arthritis patient. Hence, it is important to avoid consuming all preserved meats, all kinds of cheese, meat stock, coffee, salad dressing, chocolate and candy among many others.

With a little care and the right diet, the arthritis patient would be able to keep a tight check on this disease and in the process live a normal life like any other non-afflicted person.

Learning About Arthritis Foundation


American Arthritis Foundation is the leading and most viable non-profit health organization that handles arthritis. They also sponsor all sort of arthritis studies to treat arthritis in addition to make available educational information on arthritis to patients. Its vision is to assume the management of arthritis by making efforts to prevent, manage in addition to find a cure for arthritis.

Arthritis is the foremost cause of disability in America and the American Arthritis Foundation has five hundreds thousand volunteers in addition to one hundred and fifty outlets that provide all sorts of courses and services to enable people to manage and combat arthritis. Educational books and comprehensively booklets on the management and surviving with arthritis are provided as well.

American Arthritis Foundation has so far injected above three hundred millions to research and employ more than two thousands scientists, health care professional and physicians since 1948 to provide the leading edge arthritis research. An approximate seventy million Americans are afflicted with arthritis and the foundation makes sure that policies are geared towards as well as promoting efforts towards its vision.

With arthritis as the foremost course of disability in America, no effort is spared by the American Arthritis Foundation to prevent, manage and search for a cure for arthritis and its condition. Arthritis Today is the American Arthritis Foundation magazine to promote the management and prevention of arthritis. It is published once every two months and sends a clear message that arthritis is to be contained and overcome.

One of the program that the American Arthritis Foundation has founded is the Let's Talk RA program that they work in conjunction with the Bristol-Meyers Squibb to inform patients on how to manage their rheumatoid arthritis (RA). For starters, it is necessary to get a copy of Let's Talk RA Communication Kit that encompasses a Participant Survey, a Communication Guide, a Health Assessment Questionnaire in addition to relevant information that are provided by Bristol-Meyers Squibb and the American Arthritis Foundation.

It is essential for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers to get some assistant while undergoing treatment in addition to managing their disease. Through getting a copy of the Let's Talk RA Communication Kit, they have made a constructive decision in managing their condition as the American Arthritis Foundation calls for active involvement in their fight against the disease.

Osteoarthritis is a form of disability and most will have to forego active participation in their daily lives but they are instances of people getting on with life and one such example is John Elway who was once a Denver Bronco player but became spokesperson for Game Plan for OA, part of the American Arthritis Foundation program. John Elway has demonstrated that sticking to the guidelines provided can help one to manage arthritis in addition to assist them to lead normal lives.

The American Arthritis Foundation works closely with clinical experts, scientists from various research firms in addition to companies that are committed to arthritis and the associated conditions to make a compilation of new developments of arthritis on a annual basis. In addition to, the American Arthritis Foundation researchers that found new pathways that controls the damages to joints that are linked to inflammatory arthritis.

All the relevant information related to arthritis from 1985 to 2006 can be found in the American Arthritis Foundation. The figures for the corresponding period of arthritis patients has gone up from thirty five million to forty six million and arthritis is chronic and the one of the foremost cause of disability for people that are age fifteen years and above, just after heart disease.

Arthritis foundation is spreading to all corners world and in Singapore; the National Arthritis Foundation is a reputable charity that was formed in 1984. It is the biggest of its kind that spends all its time devoted to helping arthritis patients as well as educates them and the public on arthritis. In addition it does a lot of researches into arthritis and is also a coordinating as well as managing closely with pharmaceutical bodies plus specialists in arthritis to fulfill its aim.

The mission of the National Arthritis Foundation is to provide support for the patients and fight against arthritis in addition to do research to combat arthritis plus educating public and the patients on arthritis. With its one thousand members that cover the whole spectrum of society that include patients, caregivers in addition to those that are concerned with arthritis plus health professional. The National Arthritis Foundation has an elected general council and executive committee to oversee its operation. Arthritis is a worldwide disease that afflicted many older citizens and should be treated very seriously.

Arthritis Supplements - Medifast Plus Shakes For Joint Health


Medifast Plus shakes are an option that Medifast offers, in addition to their regular weight loss products. Each shake includes supplements designed to help with some additional health issues. One of the more popular is the Medifast Plus for Joint Health shakes, which include supplements for arthritis pain. So let's take a look at what they can do for you.

The Joint Health shakes are especially designed to help alleviate some of the symptoms of arthritis. Each packet contains 500mg each of glucosamine and chondroitin. These two supplements work together to help increase elasticity, repair cartilage, and decrease joint pain. Both supplements normally are formulated using the shells of various shellfish, but you certainly won't taste anything fishy in the shakes!

If you are using Medifast to lose weight, you would replace at least two of your other Medifast meals with the Medifast Plus for Joint Health shakes. If you aren't on the weight loss program, then you can just add two shakes to your regular diet. The joint health shakes are available in chocolate and vanilla. Each shake contains 100 calories and 15g of protein. They also are supplemented with the most important vitamins and minerals so this could help improve your nutrition each day, even if you don't need to lose weight.

Just be certain that if you are taking arthritis medication, you check with your doctor before adding the Medifast Plus products to your daily regime. Also, you may not want to use any products containing the glucosamine and chondroitin supplements if you currently use blood thinners or NSAIDs. So you might want to take to your doctor in any case if you are worried about those.

If you don't have any contraindications and you are looking to lose some extra weight, Medifasts's joint health shakes can be a healthy addition to your weight loss program. So if you find that you have trouble with pain in your knees, ankles and other joints, they are worth considering. You will likely experience some pain alleviation as a result of your weight loss anyway, but it is nice to get an extra boost in the supplements department to help you get pain-free faster.

Massage Therapies for Arthritis Have Been Proven To Be Effective In Providing Arthritis Pain Relief


Massage is an effective way to manage arthritis pain. Massage as a treatment for arthritis is sometimes controversial. However, those who are believers in this therapy are individuals who have
experienced the relief from pain.

Massage therapy is a proven way to improve muscle and joint movement. Athletes use massage as a way to relax tense muscles and stimulate circulation. Massage therapy for arthritis is not only enjoyable, it has proven to be therapeutic.

Massage therapies for arthritis break the cycle of pain that often goes along with arthritis. Massage is being used successfully in some medical facilities as a healing therapy for people who suffer from arthritis.

Now as the medical community becomes enlightened to the benefits of massage insurance sometimes covers the treatment when prescribed by a a doctor. Now millions of Americans have access to massage as a treatment alternative for painful arthritis symptoms.

The use of massage in the treatment of arthritis continues to grow as the efficacy of the treatments is validated. The use of massage in the treatment of arthritis is being acknowledged by the medical establishment as a less invasive method of therapy for chronic conditions.

Massage has few side effects and does not add toxins to the body as traditional medications that are prescribed to treat arthritis. Some of the most common forms of massage used in the treatment of arthritis pain include: These are some of the most common ones:

*Deep tissue massage using slow strong pressure to reach the deeper layers of muscle tissue. Releasing tissue is the primary goal. The side effects may be soreness and some minor discomfort.

However deep tissue massage is sometimes associated with acupressure that has therapeutic benefits to the body and eases the pain and discomfort associated with arthritis

*Swedish massage is the most popular method of massaging the body. The whole body is stroked and kneaded. The top layer of muscles are manipulated with gentle stokes and movement. The Swedish massage is considered to be the most enjoyable massage technique.

*Myofascial release massage involves long strokes that stretch the body. These strokesare intended to release tension in the fascia. The fascia is the connective tissue around the muscles.

*Acupressure and Shiatsu massage are ancient Asian techniques that use pressure points on specific parts of the body. Acupressure is similar to acupuncture in that acupressure uses the same points that are stimulated in acupuncture.

*Trigger point therapy uses concentrated finger pressure on points or knots of tension or pain in the body.

*Reflexology therapy involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, or ears that correspond to other parts of the body

The benefits of massage therapy for arthritis are many:

*Deep muscle and tissue relaxation

*Reduces stress

*Releases toxins from the body

*Increases the flexibility of muscles

*Improves blood circulations

*Lowers blood pressure

*Relieves tension and pain

*Balances the body

*Reduces nervousness

*Heightens mental and spiritual awareness

Massage therapy has been proven to be effective in treating the pain associated with arthritis that other medical treatments are unable to address Massage therapy has proven to provide a higher quality of life to individuals who use massage therapy to relieve pain. More people are learning to experience relief of pain as they are treated to the miraculous healing power of a massage.

Rheumatoid Arthritis - Early Symptoms & What to Look Out For


Rheumatoid arthritis is a debilitating disease. Its onset and symptoms vary from person to person, but the distinguishing feature is joint pain, particularly in the hands, wrists, and feet. Unfortunately, these symptoms can be a bit vague, so in the early stages, it can be difficult to determine whether or not you have arthritis, and/or what kind of arthritis you are suffering from.

It is important to recognize rheumatoid arthritis early symptoms so you can see a doctor quickly and form a plan of action before the disease has progressed too far.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Early Symptoms...

- Warmth, redness, and tenderness around the joints.
- Limited range of motion in one or more of your joints.
- Sudden onset of flu-like symptoms accompanied by joint pain. The flu will eventually go away but the pain persists and gradually gets worse.
- Feeling stiff upon getting up or rising in the morning. As the disease progresses, this stiffness will go from lasting a few minutes to lasting nearly all day.
- A period of chronic joint pain followed by remission. Often, symptoms will disappear entirely for weeks or months, only to return even worse than before. If you have been experiencing severe joint pain that suddenly disappears, don't simply forget about it! Seek medical help even if you're not in pain, because the symptoms may return soon.
- General fatigue and malaise. This is usually a precursor to joint pain. It does not go away and may worsen with time.
- Symmetrical joint pain. Instead of pain in one hand, you'll experience pain in both hands symmetrically. This is one of the rheumatoid arthritis early symptoms that distinguishes the illness from other arthritic ailments.
- Loss of appetite, weakness, muscle aches, anemia, and fever are some other common symptoms. These can lead to confusion and a possible misdiagnosis if other symptoms are not taken into consideration.

Friday, September 13, 2013

Your Complete Guide to Gouty Arthritis


Gouty arthritis can cause a sudden attack of stiffness, burning pain and joint swelling. These sudden attacks can occur repeatedly unless gouty arthritis is treated. Eventually, this condition can be harmful to your tendons, tissues and joints.

Gouty arthritis is caused by excessive uric acid in the blood. People with high levels of uric acid in the blood do not usually get gout but when the levels of uric acid gets too high, it may create hard crystals in the joints.

Individuals drinking too much alcohol, who are overweight or eat too much fish and meat rich in purines are more prone to getting gouty. In addition, some medications such as water pills can bring gout as well.

Some of the common signs of gout are sudden attacks of tenderness, redness, swelling and intense pain in the big toe. It is also possible to experience attacks in the ankle, foot and knees. These attacks usually last for a few days or several weeks and another attack may happen after months or even years. It is necessary to see a doctor even you are no longer experiencing pains from gout because the uric acid buildup can still be harmful to the joints.

In order to diagnose the condition, the doctor asks questions regarding the symptoms and performs a physical examination. In addition, the doctor may take fluid samples from the joints to look for crystals formed by uric acid. It is also required to do a blood test in order to measure the uric acid amount in the blood.

To stop the attack of gout, the doctor can prescribe corticosteroids or a large dose of one or more medications in a daily basis. Effects of the medications usually start within twenty-four hours.

To lessen the pain of gout attack, it is best to rest the joints. Taking anti-inflammatory medicine or ibuprofen can help ease the pain. However, do not take aspirin for it may worsen the gout as it may increase the level of uric acid in the blood.

In order to prevent gout attacks in the future, there are prescribed medications to help lessen the buildup of uric acid in the blood. Make sure to follow the doctor's advice to lower uric acid levels. Many people continue taking the medicine for the rest of their lives to experience permanent effects.

It is important to pay attention to what kinds of food you eat in order to manage the condition. Eating moderate amounts of healthy foods to control weight is essential. Prevent eating too much seafood, meat and alcohol. It is also recommended to drink a lot of water and other fluids.

Resting the affected area for twenty-four hours can ease the pain caused by the attack. In addition, you need to control your weight and having a low-fat diet can help. However, prevent fasting or diets that have very low calories because these diets tend to increase the uric acid amount produced by the body.

In the past, gouty arthritis was believed to be because of too much alcohol intake and eating too much rich foods. Though drinking alcohol and eating certain foods can trigger gout attacks, these factors may not be the major causes of gout. The condition is actually caused by an excessive production of uric acid in the blood.

Laser Therapy for Arthritis Pain Relief


Arthritis is the disease that affects the musculoskeletal system; in particular, it affects the joints. It is the main cause of disability among older people, and to be precise it is more commonly observed in people over 55 to 60 years old. Arthritis is group of diseases and covers many medical conditions. The most common type of arthritis is Osteoarthritis (OA), while rheumatoid arthritis is the second most common. Moreover, there are some additional types of arthritis that can affect people at a very young age. The condition is caused by malfunction in one of the many parts of any joint. Basically the type of arthritis is diagnosed based on which organ is affected the most, which ultimately affects the ligament, synovial fluid, bone joints or even cartilage.

Its symptoms can be severe pain in joints, tenderness when pressure is applied to the joint, swollen and inflamed joints, unusual stiffness in the joint, etc. In the rheumatoid condition, for example, there could be developments of lumps of tissues under the skin. Unfortunately and after continued research, there is still no cure. Living with arthritis can be painful, but there are lots of treatment options available to minimize its negative impact on your daily life. Apart from prescribed medications, mainly painkillers, newly developed laser therapy can be a good alternative for pain relief.

Laser therapy for arthritis lessens the swelling and inflammation. It does this by increasing blood flow and overall circulation to the malfunctioned area. Moreover, laser therapy helps the cells find their chemical balance. Therefore, the cells reenergize and consequently begin healing. Naturally, the ligaments, tendons and muscles have a new and rejuvenated support system, which in turn lessens a lot of pain.

Laser devices can be divided into four classes: Class I, Class II, Class III and Class IV laser therapy. The difference between the four is the amount of power they emit. The Class IV is a high-powered therapy device ranging from 6 Watts to 10 Watts. Since this power is much higher than cold laser therapy, the penetration of the Class IV Laser system is preferred over its counterparts.

Class IV laser therapy is performed in outpatient wards and is a non-invasive, painless procedure. Since it is advanced, FDA approved, convenient and very effective, it is quickly gaining popularity in the US. It is available in many chiropractic health centers across the nation, but you will have to seek out which chiropractors have the Class IV laser in your area.

Because Class IV therapy is much more powerful than its counterparts, it provides greater tissue penetration. Many advanced chiropractic wellness specialists are proud to have this groundbreaking technology for not only people affected by arthritis, but also for people suffering from chronic pain associated with the knee, neck and lower back. And laser therapy isn't just effective, it's very safe as well and does not have any side effects. The other advantages of using a Class IV laser a faster recovery time, more relaxed muscles, improved tissue activity, increased blood circulation, fair reduction of inflammation, the regeneration of nerve cells and most importantly, it increases joint flexibility.

How to Solve Arthritis Foot/Leg Discomfort So That You Could Walk Better


This article will provide you with information you can use so that you do not need to keep suffering from arthritis foot pain. It describes the best forms of exercise you to do for your foot and leg discomfort for anyone suffering with rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.

American College of Osetoarthritis and Rheumatology has listed some exercise programs that you put a small amount of weight on your affected joints. Walking as an exercise is at the top of the list.

This article tells you of the walking benefits that I mention below are very good ones for to do for your moving about if you suffer with arthritis foot/leg pain.

You first feel arthritis usually in your foot or both feet. Then the soreness moves back to your heel and to the rest of your feet. Then it moves up to your ankles.

Arthritic pain usually affects both feet. One may become affected a little more severe than the other, but they both do get affected.

In some cases the toes can curl up and stiffen, a condition called hammertoe or clawtoe.

If the mid-foot is affected, the arch of the foot can drop down and collapse. When this happens to your foot it is called pronation. This will cause some discomfort and it will be difficult for you to walk.

A soft foot orthotic (some people call it an arch support) will help you get the benefits that I have mentioned below and will make you feel a lot more comfortable.

Arthritis makes your joints warm and painful. The solution to the problem is for you to move those joints as much as you can. A nice warm soak might help also. A lot of people have soaked their feet after walking and have gotten some relief.

The arthritis physicians all say that you have to keep moving the part of your body that arthritis has affected and you will not stiffen up so you should keep mobile. In the above case that I have mentioned it is your feet.

You may need an arthritic pain pill that was prescribed by your doctor. Don't be affraid to take one, it should help ease some of the discomfort that you have.

Stretching your body part that is sore can be helpful. This is important for improving your arthritic foot and any other body pain that you might have. Stretching will increase your walking distance, and that is a good thing for you to do.

In cases when your toes have begun to curl or the feet have developed an arch problem doctors may recommend arch supports or foot orthotics.

These orthotics will give you more comfort with your arthritis foot pain when you are walking. They will give you some extra support were you need it.

Depending on how bad your arthritis and walking problems are, your doctor may suggest an arch support (foot orthotic) to take the weight off of a sore joint in your foot/leg area.

You may require a more restrictive brace type splint for a period. It is temporary and it should only last you a couple of weeks to a month. Using this brace all depends on the affects that the arthritis might have on you from your walking.

Many types of foot orthotics exist today that give the patient help or relief. If you use them you should walk better and you will feel more comfortable.

There has been some success with massaging the foot to relieve both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis foot pain. If this helps you with your pain it is fine. It should not hurt you at all.

While foot pain is common among individuals with arthritis, there are many therapies available that you can use to help relieve your discomfort and increase your mobility. Patients are becoming more and more interested in natural and alternative therapies.

One of the best ways to get some relief from different types of arthritis in your leg and or foot and that is gotten by walking.

As I mentioned in this article a good foot orthotic may give the arthritic walker some relief from their arthritis when you are walking.

The foot orthotics can either be purchased in a surgical supply store, a pharmacy, or maybe in a store that sells foot wear.

Walking is the best and the easiest program that anyone can do. It is an excellent form of physical fitness for any 40 and 50+ senior citizen.

Copyright (c) 2012 FPW, LLC

Top 6 Most Frequent Occurring Orthopaedic Conditions


Many conditions affect our musculoskeletal system and they require the professional treatment and care from orthopaedic doctors. There are some orthopaedic conditions which are much more common than the others.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury

The main function of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is to reduce movement of the femur on the tibia. If there are excess movement on the tibia, it can cause injuries to the surrounding muscles and ligaments. ACL injuries occur most commonly in high impact sports such as soccer, rugby and basketball where there is a sudden impact on the knee, causing the ACL to rupture or a sudden change of direction, when the foot is still firmly implanted on the ground and the knee attempts to change direction. A tear in the ACL can cause the knee to lose its stability and feel like it is unable to support the body's weight.

Bursitis

The function of the bursa is to act as a cushion and reduce friction between body tissues. Bursitis occurs when the bursa is inflamed. Bursa is located near the joints such as the knees and elbows. The main causes of bursitis are due to overuse, injuries or infection. Patients who are suffering from bursitis will experience stiffness of joints, pain and swelling.

Meniscus injuries

The meniscus is located on the tibia and its function is to absorb shocks that the knee is experiencing and cushion them. Injuries to the meniscus can occur when there is a sudden twisting motion of the knee or due to wear and tear. Meniscus injuries are often accompanied by other knee ligament injuries such as an ACL tear.

Arthritis

Arthritis is the inflammation of a joint and it can be due to many reasons such as ageing, injuries, overuse or infection. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage is slowly being destroyed and it is a chronic disease.

Fractures

Fractures happen when there is a crack in the bone and can be grouped under open or closed fractures. Our bones are high in compressive strength but poor in tensile or shear strength. As such, when there is a twisting motion such as a fall or abrupt change in motion, our bones can easily crack.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis occurs when there is a loss in bone mass and the bone tissues will slowly be destroyed. Osteoporosis will cause the bones to be weak and prone to fracture. This is usually due to ageing or lack of calcium intake. Areas of high stresses are commonly affected such as the hips and spine.

Above are some of the common orthopaedic conditions that are suffered by many people. Orthopaedic conditions have a huge impact on our lives and thus we must do our best to protect our body from any harm.

Joint Relief Supplements For Elbow Pain


Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other musculoskeletal diseases can make for a bleak future if you do not stay on top of your joint health. The elbow is one of most common areas that take a beating from joint pains. Understanding where the pain is coming from is important when trying to find a way to treat the problem. Most of the causes of elbow pain are there because of age. Growing older is one of the main causes of arthritis and it can happen to either men or women. Conquering arthritis is up to you. Changing your daily lifestyle and adding supplements to your diet is the best way to find joint relief in your elbow.

Symptoms that you have joint problems are swelling and bruises on your arm or on the joint, inability to use full motion of your arm (can't straighten your arm all the way, can't bend it in all the way, can't flex muscles), pain or discomfort while you are resting or at night time, pains that last for more than a few days, and inability to lift items or carry them.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, then you may be experiencing a chronic pain called arthritis or osteoarthritis. Thankfully, the disease can be treated. Don't be discouraged by the discomfort and stiffened motion. There are literally millions of people that deal with the same challenges. Chronic pain is not something that can heal on its own or goes away over time; you have to do something about it.

Taking joint supplements can help improve the overall condition of your joints. Not only will they help build and support your elbow joints, but they will improve the function of all your joints-from your hands and wrists to your feet and knees. The supplements are made with high quality extracts that have the natural ability to help protect your existing cartilage and slow down the break down process. They can take cartilage from shellfish and help your body produce healthy cushioning between your bones. Ingredients like glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate work together to help naturally add natural protective tissues. The proteoglycans that surround your joints can benefit by adding these two ingredients. They help improve the cushion and shock needed to give your joints free movement. It is important that the collagen in your body is capable of absorbing shock.

Supplements are a great addition to anyone's diet. They help soothe elbow pains and keep your joints moving freely.

Arthritis Treatment: What Is Gout and How Is It Diagnosed?


Gout is a disease that has its roots in antiquity. While it once was considered a disease of the affluent, it is now a much more democratic condition affecting people of all socioeconomic groups.

It is a painful and debilitating form of arthritis that affects more than three million Americans, with the incidence increasing.

Gout is part of the "metabolic syndrome" which includes other co-morbid conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, elevated blood lipids, and diabetes.

As mentioned earlier, the incidence of the disease appears to be increasing possibly due to the growing epidemic of obesity as well as other factors described below. Symptoms include excruciatingly painful attacks of arthritis affecting single joints, most often in the feet and most commonly affecting the big toe joint- the first metatarsophalangeal joint.

Gout is due to an excess of uric acid (UA). UA is a waste product- a byproduct of the metabolism of foods that contain high levels of purines. When UA accumulates, it deposits in joints and other organ systems.

The reason UA builds up is because either the production increases or because the body can't get rid of it through the kidneys fast enough.

As blood levels of UA increase, there is deposition of monosodium urate crystals in joints. These needle-shaped crystals attract white blood cells which release enzymes that cause a severe inflammatory reaction leading to the pain, swelling, redness, and heat that are hallmarks of a severe acute gout attack.

It's not just the joints that suffer the ill effects of monosodium urate crystal deposition. When these deposits form in organs like the kidneys, severe damage can ensue with the formation of kidney stones, kidney tissue inflammation, and kidney failure.

Triggers that increase UA levels include purine-rich foods like red meat, shellfish, and alcohol as well as certain medicines like diuretics, immunosuppressive drugs. Also, fructose containing beverages are contributing to the increasing incidence of gout.

The diagnosis of gout is suspected by the pattern of acute painful attacks of swelling, heat, redness, and pain affecting one or two joints, generally in the foot followed by a period of no symptoms until the next attack.

For some odd reason, gout attacks generally begin at night. One theory is that the feet tend to cool down at night, facilitating the deposit of monosodium urate crystals.

The serum UA is usually elevated at the time of an attack but it can be normal in rare cases.

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Rheumatoid Arthritis - The Healing Crisis Your Doctor Never Mentioned


Rheumatoid arthritis is a life-altering disorder that remains a mystery to our most brilliant medical minds. So much so that most traditionally trained rheumatologists delivering care to patients afflicted with the dreaded disorder tend to limit their scope of care to mitigation of pain and discomfort. This has been the status quo of how patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis have been cared for during the past few decades. Medical science has seemingly not been in too great a hurry to find a disease reversing and health restoring protocol that could be dispensed to the general public.

In recent years we've seen the emergence of concerned groups, in defiance of the traditional medical field, demanding answers and pushing the envelope with regard to new and promising health restoring treatments and therapies for the many forms of arthritis. Many of these voices have in hand, factual, scientifically derived protocols that, in many instances, have been proven to be effective in alleviating the pain and discomfort of rheumatoid arthritis. There are some who go so far as to claim they have discovered 'cures' for all rheumatic ailments.

Unknown to the average guy on the street, there is something rarely discussed, even in medical circles, that is at the forefront of any sensible, practical and successful attempt to restore the health of anyone afflicted with rheumatic complaints. This is nature's cleansing process that Homeopathic physicians and other nature cure practitioners call the Healing Crisis.

A Healing Crisis usually takes place within the first three to eight weeks of a conscious and sustained, total body cleansing effort. The average duration is from three to five days. It is often initiated by a therapeutic fast or cleansing diet. This allows an immutable principle of nature to kick in which is often referred to as 'the law of cure.' This principle teaches that:

1. The natural cure of any disease state starts deep within the body and works out toward the skin.
2. The natural cure of any disease state starts with the head and moves downward toward the feet.
3. The natural cure of any disease state takes place in reverse order as the symptoms originally appeared in the body.

A disease state such as arthritis follows a certain path or stages of deterioration and degradation and a predictable path to recovery. When an arthritis sufferer engages in some type of systemic waste removal and adopts a biologically friendly fasting regimen or a cleansing diet, that person will often begin to go through a re-visitation of the same symptoms experienced at different stages while the ailment was developing.

It is at this exact point that nature, by way of a Healing Crisis, can walk a person back through the degenerative, chronic, sub-acute and acute stages of their rheumatic ailment until the original condition of acute irritation is reached. Reversal of the disease state at its foundation can often be achieved if the person continues to allow the great immutable principle of nature to operate unhindered throughout the body.

From there it is simply a matter of following a sensible dietary program and adopting certain lifestyle modifications to achieve the desired goal of partial or complete reversal of the rheumatic disorder. What many biologically oriented practitioners have known for years and what some of our contemporary health professionals are discovering is that without a Healing Crisis and the disease reversal process there can be no complete recovery from disease.

Fitness Benefits of Swimming


Do you know the tremendous swimming health benefits? There are different health advantages that you can appreciate while you go swimming. Swimming is often recommended as an substitute way of training for those who cannot execute heavy workouts. Sufferers with Osteoarthritis are motivated to go swimming as a therapy choice to get comfort from the discomfort. What are the top swimming health benefits?

Building Cardiovascular Endurance

Swimming is valuable for those who have weak cardiovascular fitness. According to research, swimming increases your stamina. It has also been investigated that those men and women of average age who go swimming for 12 weeks obtained an increase in lung capacity by 10%. The stroke volume that indicates heart strength is found to improve by 18%.

Swimming has low impact effect, hence is valuable to the osteoarthritis patients

If you have osteoarthritis or you have elderly people in your home who are experiencing osteoarthritis, then swimming sessions are an excellent form of exercise. In fact, it is one of the best substitute healthcare options for the osteoarthritis individual. The primary reason is that there is a very low impact on the swimmer, so you are not getting any pressure on your joint parts. In fact, different types of water actions like water exercises are also good for those who have osteoarthritis problems.

Great for All Ages

You can proceed swimming for period of your time, and because there is no hefty effect on the joint parts from diving, people can proceed this action provided that they want. A swimmer can proceed the action until old age. There are also confirmed information of people who proceed until the age of 93 and above.

Burns Lots of Calories

Can you get rid of plenty of calorie consumption while you swim? You might think that swimming is low impact and therefore does not get rid of fat, but plenty of calories are used during swimming. In fact, it is more than you might expect. If you want to get rid of 500-650 calories in an hour, swimming is one of the best options.

Beat the Heat

You can take a relaxing break and defeat summer time season heat in the cool water. You will feel refreshed and ready to go. So, along with taking a positive mindset, cold beverages, and other summer time activities, you can also plan to participate in some swimming activities. Regular swimming will not only ease and renew you, but also it helps to get rid of fat and improves your cardio-respiratory capacity.

Psoriatic Arthritis - More Than Just Joint Pain


What could be worse that this awful joint pain and stiffness, you wonder as you try to will yourself out of bed. While the pain and fatigue that goes along with rheumatoid arthritis can be excruciating and is without a doubt a possibly debilitating condition, there is actually a form of arthritis that is worse. Psoriatic arthritis is a form of the disease that affects not only the joints, but also the skin, and possibly the tendons, eyes, spine, heart and lungs.

In most people who suffer from psoriatic arthritis, the first sign that something is wrong is the inflammation of the skin. Patients can develop psoriasis on their elbows, knees, scalp, and area around the navel and around the anus or genitals. Psoriasis causes red, raised areas of scaly skin. The signs of the skin disease are first seen in the forties or fifties and generally precede joint pain by several months to years. Once the joint pain starts, it generally involves the joints in the feet, ankles and knees. Inflammation can cause the joints to become red, hot and swollen. Often toes and fingers swell so badly they can resemble sausages. Psoriatic arthritis can also affect the spine.

In addition to skin inflammation and joint pain, psoriatic arthritis also attacks the ligaments and tendons of the body. One of the most common tendons to become affected it the Achilles tendon. This Achilles tendonitis causes the patient to have pain when walking and when climbing steps. Along with affecting the tendons in the heels, the arthritis can also inflame the chest wall and the cartilage that links the breast bone and ribs. This inflammation can cause chest pain and shortness of breath.

Along with the joints and tendons, psoriatic arthritis can also affect the major organs of the body such as the heart and lungs. The lungs can become inflamed causing both shortness of breath and chest pain, especially with deep breathing. If the heart becomes inflamed by the disease, the aortic valve can leak. This leak could result in breathing trouble as well as heart failure.

In its rampage on the body, psoriatic arthritis can also damage the eyes. Redness and itching are common results of the condition. The iris or colored area of the eye can also become painfully inflamed, especially when exposed to bright light. Often the only way to relieve this irisitis is to inject cortisone directly into the eye.

Psoriatic arthritis can often be difficult to diagnose especially in the early stages. One common symptom of this form of arthritis, however, is the pitting of finger or toe nails. Sometimes the disorder can cause the nails to turn loose and fall off completely.

Like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis results from the body's own immune system turning against itself. Unlike the rheumatoid variety, however, psoriatic arthritis can affect not only the joints, but also the skin, eyes and many of the major organs of the body. Left untreated this disease can progress until it become debilitating and sometimes even life threatening.

Treating German Shepherds With Arthritis


For most doggie fans, there is certainly 1 particular breed of dog which holds your heart and soul and does not let it go. For an estimated fifty thousand pet owners within the United states of America, that particular breed of dog is the robust, smart and agile German Shepherd.

The German Shepherd is the 3rd preferred dog breed within the United States. Popular for their functioning capacity, German Shepherds are usually connected with law enforcement and also army functions in addition to search and recovery. They've also been used as functioning guide canines for the impaired and handicapped and also, as their particular titles attest, shepherding.

In spite of this particular hard-working popularity, German Shepherds are also generally known as caring and faithful dogs. They react good to dog obedience training, get friendly quickly together with other dogs and assist as pleasant pets for the whole household, particularly kids.

Regrettably, this hard-working and also reliable canine is actually vunerable to various bone and also joint complications. Most of these complications include things like osteochrondritis dissecans (OCD), panosteitis and also hip and elbow dysplasia. Almost all 3 are genetically related and can't be healed, however panosteitis, which impacts young dogs, is generally outgrown within a month or perhaps 2. The sole alternative for dogs troubled by OCD and dysplasia is usually discomfort management.

German Shepherds are usually distinctly vulnerable to OCD. This problem is recognized by bone in fact falling apart underneath cartilage, mainly in the ankles, elbows and shoulder blades. The problem occurs while in the 1st year or so of existence and young puppies whose father and mother experienced the problem will certainly go through it too.

Hip dysplasia is, probably, the very best recognized joint trouble in medium and also big pet dogs, and it is linked to German Shepherds. Basically explained, dysplasia arises whenever a bone will not match properly inside the joint socket. Dysplasia speeds the standard wear around the cartilage guarding the bone, resulting in unpleasant bone-on-bone contact. Dysplasia is genetic and the solely measure breeders may take right now is selective mating.

The problem might appear dreadful for a canine being affected by one of these 3 frequent illnesses, however there exists hope - specially for OCD, dysplasia and also frequent dog osteoarthritis.

Organic supplements having glucosamine plus chondroitin can be impressive in remediating joint complications in dogs, specially arthritis which usually impacts numerous pet dogs of most breeds. These 2 compounds work as the building foundations for cartilage. In a very balanced dog, glucosamine and chondroitin are generally quickly synthesized and employed to repair cartilage. In an dog having degenerative joint illnesses, the body probably won't be able to draw on these kinds of precious resources. This is when supplements come in.

Since the supplements market place is not really controlled, products and solutions are all around. Natural powder, tablet, pill, fluid - which to pick? Do your research online first!

Understanding Arthritis - Part 1


The term arthritis literally means 'inflammation of the joint/s'. There are around 206 bones in our body and each of them forms a joint with another bone. So a joint is made up of two articulating bone surfaces which are covered with a cartilage. The space between the two bones - the joint space, is filled with a fluid known as synovial fluid. The synovial fluid is secreted by a membrane present in the joint known as 'synovium' and the function of the synovial fluid is to lubricate the joint and ensure smooth movements. Inflammation or long term damage to any of these structures is likely to result in arthritis.

The first symptom of arthritis would naturally be painful joints. The site of the pain is according to the joint affected and more advanced the disease worse will be the pain. In some cases, particularly in arthritis of the joints of spine, nerves may become compressed between the affected joints leading to pain which will be radiating away from the joints into the area of supply of those nerves.

Arthritis is divided into two main sub types depending on the underlying disease process. First is inflammatory arthritis; most of the causes of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, infective arthritis are of inflammatory origin. In this type of arthritis the person's own infection fighting cells come and attack the joints. The second is degenerative arthritis which results from the wear and tear of the joints over a prolonged period of time, the most common example of this type of arthritis is osteoarthritis.

The different types of arthritis have their own specific symptoms and signs.

Here are some of the medical terms that are used.

• Monoarticular: arthritis affecting only one joint
• Polyarticular: arthritis affecting more than one joint.
• Migratory: arthritis moving from joint to joint.
• Small joints; joints of the hand and feet
• Large joints: any other joints besides hands and feet.
• Contractures: abnormal and permanent contraction of the muscle surrounding the affected joints, resulting in severe limitation of movements.

INVESTIGATIONS

The diagnosis of arthritis is based mainly upon the history and examination. However in most cases certain tests are done.

• Tests for rheumatoid factor (RF): the major value of RF is to confirm the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.
• ESR and C reactive protein: provide a guide to the activity of inflammation. These are blood tests with little diagnostic value but are very useful to monitor the response of treatment.
• Blood uric acid level: good confirmatory test for gout.
• Synovial fluid exam: synovial fluid is drawn from the joint with a long needle and examined. This test is of particular importance if infective arthritis is suspected.
• Antinuclear antibodies (ANA): these are a variety of antibodies including (ANCA), anticardiolipin antibodies, antibodies against double stranded DNA. The level of each of these antibodies rises in specific types of arthritis.

How to Stop Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain!


Having a debilitating physical condition is bad enough, but it's even worse when doctors don't even know the real cause of the illness. Welcome to the delemma faced by two million sufferers of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis(R.A.) is a painful condition that can fully impact your quality of life and your lifestyle because it effects the joints. Doctors are still baffled by the causes but they do know that it is an auto immune system disease. So basically with Rheumatoid Arthritis the bodies auto immune system (which is the gatekeeper for all of the foreign substances that can enter your body) ) breaks down! When this occurs, it cannot defend and drive away the viruses and bacteria.

Those who suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis have an immune system which is constantly under attack; can't ward off the intruders and eventually malfunctions as a result. Even otherwise normal parts of the body are prey and are vulnerable to this takeover.

The main symptoms come from the tissue area that surrounds the joints,( usually in the feet or hands) and there is considerable inflammation which causes a varying degree of pain. In the course of this tissue attack, the joint region is open to further destruction and degeneration.

Joints are a meeting place where two bones converge. They rotate around each other. The different parts include the cartilage, which provides a smooth surface and allows the bones to move around without friction. And surrounding the cartilage is a membrane called the synovium, which produces a thick oil-like substance that lubricates the joint.

The joint itself is supported by a wrapping of ligaments which hold the bones in place and keep them moving in the right direction. For sufferers of Rheumatoid Arthritis, the bodies immune system attacks the healthy tissue of the joints. Fluids enter along with antibodies and defense cells and the joint starts to swell; stiffen and cause pain! After a while there can be permanent decay and degeneration which could cause disfigurement if left untreated.

So, what do you do to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis and how do you stop R.A.'s onslaught?

Since the causes are still unknown it's hard to say that you can prevent it, but knowing the effects of the disease can help you to treat the symptoms that start with the breakdown of the joint itself.

Recently, the use of an all natural substance called cetylmyristoleate (CMO) has proven to be very effective. Cetylmyristoleate (CMO) is a waxy/ gooey substance which is taken orally, that lubricates the membrane of the synovium, thus restoring some of the lost fluidity of the joint. This relieves the swelling; inflammation and pain and also assists in a broader range of motion.

Can we stop Rheumatoid Arthritis?.... probably not! - but we can ease the pain and suffering by regenerating parts of the joint region. We can start by using cetylmyristoleate(CMO) on a regular basis.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Arthritis Treatment: Gouty Arthritis - A Serious and Deadly Disease


Elevated blood uric acid and gout are common conditions in the United States. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2008 (NHANES) has indicated that gout affects almost 4 percent of the population.

That's 8.3 million people. But more disturbing is the fact that gout incidence has more than doubled in the last couple of decades. There are many reasons for this including the rising incidence of other medical conditions that are risk factors for gout. These diseases include elevated blood lipids, diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. The sum total of these conditions is often referred to as the "metabolic syndrome." The metabolic syndrome appears to be the end result of lifestyle choices that are commonplace in the United States.

The economic burden of gout is tremendous and is due to increased frequency of emergency room services, increased doctor visits, and the costs of medications. In addition, as has been described earlier, gout is associated with other common medical conditions that also carry a hefty price tag.

While most people perceive gout as being just a painful form of arthritis, it is more than that. Because of its association with the above medical conditions, it is now recognized as a substantial risk factor for death due to cardiovascular disease. What is more surprising is that this elevated risk is independent of these other factors including the presence of high blood pressure, diabetes, age, gender, and elevated blood lipid levels.

Another disturbing association is gout and kidney disease. Many people with gout have kidneys that don't function at 100 per cent efficiency. Since uric acid is excreted through the kidneys, the eventual result is that there is less uric acid excretion and therefore gradual accumulation leading to elevated blood levels of uric acid. This sets up a vicious cycle since elevated blood levels of uric acid can make the kidney disease worse. Uric acid has been shown to causes inflammation of blood vessels which could contribute to the kidney damage as well as possibly to the cardiac issues described earlier.

Roughly, 60 per cent of people with gout have some degree of kidney dysfunction. The problem is that medications used to treat acute gout attacks such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and colchicine may have an adverse effect on kidney function. Also, the traditional medicine employed for reducing serum uric acid, allopurinol, also must have dose adjustments made in the presence of kidney abnormalities.

It is clear that gouty arthritis is a public health issue that causes significant morbidity as well as mortality and must be addressed more aggressively.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Knowing The Difference Between Being Healed And Being Cured


During the summer of 2010 I received a phone call from an elderly patient who once consulted with me about her rheumatoid arthritis. She was calling to let me know she was doing fine. Then the patient asked how she could tell when she was completely cured of her ailment.

I can't recall, word-for-word, how I responded to her but the gist of it was as follows; "there is no way for you to know if an ailment has been permanently reversed and put to rest. Rheumatoid arthritis has a nasty way of making its presence known, again and again, when least expected - particularly when you abandon the health restoring principles and practices that granted relief from it in the first place. One day you're fine and the next day you're racked with pain in places where none should be present. Or so you think.

Your rheumatologist may tell you to forget the natural healing protocol I put you on and to instead try a new wonder drug he claims can cure your arthritis. As convincing as his argument may be your body has a peculiar habit of storing a memory of all that it experiences throughout life. It has a tendency to want to repeat certain strong and persistent avenues of expression, such as pleasure or intense pain, as frequently as possible.

When you are afflicted with an aggressive and extremely painful form of rheumatoid arthritis and you use medication to lessen the pain or, worse, to 'cure' your ailment, chances are that you will periodically experience recurrence of those sensations for quite some time. This is the price you pay when you attempt a cure of any serious ailment without nature's approval. If you do not include the full scope of nature's curative powers in any effort to reverse rheumatoid arthritis, you are doomed to suffer the steady recurrence of this insidious monster for the duration of your life.

It is only when you allow nature to conduct and orchestrate the great symphony of healing from inside out, from the head down and in reverse order in which the symptoms of disease originally appeared that you will know for certain that your illness is under control. When you allow the great conversion to take place at the cellular level you will know when you are healed of your illness.

The word cure, as it is commonly used in medical parlance, suggests a static, unmoving state, where all movement is subdued and brought to a halt. This is not how natural healing of disease works. To cure a disease has no meaning for the natural physician who knows that all disease is simply unnatural and erratic movement within the body - movement that must be brought back in synchronization with the body's natural harmonious functioning.

The goal here should not be to cure anything but, instead, to transmute and redirect the energy found within any disease state such as arthritis and allow it to naturally reverse its course. To eradicate any disease state we must allow it to reverse itself and proceed backward through each previous state of affliction until the original acute inflammation is reached. That is when the body can truly heal by bringing the initial inflammation under control and allowing the natural healing forces of nature to begin rebuilding the body again along healthy lines. This is the process involved with getting well. You heal toward health and wellness. You don't cure toward it."

I noticed the patient didn't say much while I spoke. That was unusual. She would always keep me on the phone for at least thirty minutes each time she called. She would talk about everything under the sun, except her health. I asked if I had answered her questions to her satisfaction. There was about a five- second pause and then she said these few words and hung up the phone on her end: "Thanks. From what you just said I guess I'm cured of my rheumatoid arthritis. Goodbye."

Effective Pain Management Strategies For Dog Arthritis Treatment


If your older dog is reluctant to stand or slow to respond to a sit command you may think it's a normal symptom of an aging pet. Although it's true your dog may slow down a bit with age he may be suffering pain from arthritic joints.

Veterinary care for pets has advanced by leaps and bounds in recent years. It is not necessary for any pet to suffer from pain as there are medications that can help lubricate his joints and make him feel almost like a puppy again.

Aspirin is often recommended for arthritis pain in dogs. Given in small doses (baby aspirin) this common, inexpensive drug provide pain relief by relieving inflammation. Ibuprofen can be used but can have the side effect of stomach irritation with frequent use.

Aspirin may seem the cheapest and easiest option for your dog's arthritis treatment but even aspirin can cause side effects, especially with long term use. Your vet may recommend using aspirin as a temporary relief of joint pain but should not be given to dogs suffering from kidney disease or problems with blood pressure. Prolonged used of aspirin can cause stomach irritation.

Arthritis in dogs is not constant. The pain and stiffness wax and wane depending on activity and even on the temperature and weather. If you have a mild form of arthritis yourself any climate change that causes you pain will likely have the same effect on your arthritic canine.

For mild pain, aspirin is effective partly because it can be given only as needed. For stronger pain your veterinarian may recommend Rimadyl, Deramaxx or Metacam.

These are non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) that are amazingly effective pain management for many dogs.

Rimadyl treats the pain and inflammation of arthris and other joint diseases that include hip dysplasia. It is also often prescribed for pain relief after surgery and for dogs with fever. Rimadyl is well tolerated by most dogs and administered as a single dose each day of a chewable tablet that dogs seem to like or a non-chewable caplet. Rimadyl reduces the hormones that cause pain in canines. It should not be used for dogs used for breeding or for pregnant or lactating animals.

Rimydal has caused liver problems in a small number of dogs but the benefits gained with the medicine seems to outweigh the risk especially as the risk seems to be reversed when the medicine is halted.

Deramaxx is a breakthrough product that has proven safe for daily use. It's in chewable form with a beef flavor dogs love. As with any NSAID drugs some dogs may experience side effects involving the digestive system, liver or kidneys.

Metacam is an oral NSAID with a sweet taste that is well accepted by canines. The oral form allows dosages to be carefully controlled in relation to the size of the dog. It can be added to the pet food or be given directly into the mouth. A single daily dose provides a full 24 hours of pain relief.

No matter which pain treatment method you chose for dog arthritis treatment, your veterinarian will prescribe the lowest dosage possible to manage the symptoms of pain and stiffness.

Arthritis in dogs is a lifetime affliction and by starting with the lowest possible dosage the owner is able to increase the dosage of a dog's arthritis treatment as needed with advancing age.

Before starting arthritis treatment for your dog, your veterinarian will consider other meds your pet may be taking and will conduct a full exam to be certain there are no factors other than arthritis making your pooch uncomfortable. The results of the exam will be useful as comparison if your dog does develop a reaction to arthritis treatment medications.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Relief


Before we look at what relief measures are available for those with rheumatoid arthritis it is best that we understand what the condition is all about and how it is caused. Rheumatoid arthritis is an acute and progressive disorder where the synovial membrane that lines the joints suffers from a state of inflammation. This then spreads across the area and erodes the cartilage causing the much dreaded pain and stiffness that comes with the condition. Further complications of the condition include Anaemia, Pericarditis and joint infections. The pain and stiffness that ensues leave sufferers frantic for some or any kind of rheumatoid arthritis relief.

Given that there is no known cure to completely alleviate the condition, rheumatoid arthritis relief comes in two forms. One is to alleviate the symptoms and the other is to prevent the condition from worsening and causing further complications or pain. Treatment for the former however does not always mean that it takes care of the latter. It is because of this that Rheumatoid Arthritis is treated by one specific type of medication and supplemented by others as and when required. Because of the absence of definite rheumatoid arthritis cure, most sufferers look to other ways and means of comfort.

Non drug treatments geared towards rheumatoid arthritis relief are many and varied and will provide mixed levels of success at best. Let's now take a look at a few of these. A common practice in rheumatoid arthritis relief is the use of hot and cold treatments. A hot treatment is basically done by applying heat and is best for chronic pain whilst a cold treatment is usually best for acute pain. Examples for hot treatments include having a hot shower or bath in the morning, use of a moist heat pad over affected areas and applying heated oil on to the affected areas and massaging.

Regular and suitable exercise techniques will also help gain some relief. This is by way of increasing general fitness levels and by enhancing the quality of movements in the affected joints. Massages done right can also offer varying levels of comfort. Topical creams that contain salicylates or capsaicin, which caused reduced sensitivity to pain, can also be used over the affected areas. Another method of treatment is electrical stimulation. This is done by sending an electrical current that is painless to large nerve fibres. This will then generate heat and the resulting heat will provide release from pain. This type of treatment needs to be specified by a physician. A close tab on what you eat can also help towards relief although the effects of a diet on relieving pain are still to be proven. One way a diet can help is by assisting in weight loss as more weight means more pressure on the joints.

Finally, given the lack of a permanent cure, the ultimate freedom from the pain and discomfort might rest in one's attitude and approach to the condition. Thus a positive attitude and relaxation methods might also prove to help a sufferer get by in life despite the pain and complications brought about by this condition.

Arthritis Treatment: How to Treat an Acute Attack of Gouty Arthritis


Gout is a type of arthritis due to the accumulation of uric acid (UA) crystals in body tissues. This accumulation is due to either an abnormal increased production of uric acid or to inability to excrete uric acid through the kidneys quickly enough.

Over time, as uric acid levels slowly rise, these crystals can accumulate in a number of areas, particularly the joints and the kidneys.

An attack of gouty arthritis is usually the first sign of gout. These attacks may occur in almost any joint but are most common in the toes, the insteps, and the ankles.

The attacks are characterized by severe pain, swelling, redness, heat, and disability. The pain has been described as being so intense that even the weight of a bed sheet is unbearable.

The goal of treatment of a gout attack is to reduce the severity of the attack, relieve pain, and minimize the amount of incapacity a patient is dealing with.

There are three categories of medicines used to treat an acute attack of gouty arthritis. The first group is the non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). They are used by many rheumatologists with reasonably good effectiveness. However, their efficacy is limited by their potential toxicity including gastrointestinal, kidney, and cardiovascular.

These potential toxicities need to be taken into account since most patients with gout have other disease conditions such as chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure, heart disease, elevated blood lipids, and obesity.

Colchicine is another type of drug that is used to head off acute attacks during the first 24 hours. It used to be available as a cheap generic drug but is now only available as a n expensive brand name preparation called Colchrys. It is effective but must be used within the first 24 hours of onset of an attack to be effective. Colchrys also has toxicities associated with its use. It can lead to abdominal cramps and diarrhea which leads to dehydration and to worsening of gout.

Glucocorticoids- steroids- are the third category of drug used to treat acute attacks. Steroids can be given either orally starting with a dose of 30 mgs of prednisone or its equivalent as a single morning dose with a slow taper or as an injection into a joint if the attack is limited to a single joint. The advantage to injection is that it also allows for withdrawal of fluid from the joint which is helpful in confirming diagnosis.

Use of local anesthetic along with ultrasound needle guidance makes this procedure relatively painless.
The use of steroids must be tempered with the thought that many patients with gout also have diabetes and they should be counseled that their blood sugars may rise temporarily.

A new drug in development is canakinumab, a biologic drug that blocks interleukin 1. It is very effective for attacks but is also extremely expensive. IL-1 TRAP is another drug that blocks the effects of interleukin-1 and is also in the investigative phase of drug discovery.

Arthritis Treatment: What Is Synovial Fluid and Why Is It Important in Arthritis Diagnosis?


When a patient with arthritis presents to a rheumatologist, the most important thing to establish is a correct diagnosis. A careful history and physical examination are the most important tools. Laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging can also be helpful.

One other important element is the examination of joint fluid. This material, referred to as synovial fluid (SF), is an important constituent of a normal joint. It is a somewhat viscous liquid manufactured by synovial cells, the cells that form the lining of a joint. Under normal circumstances only a small amount of the fluid is produced. The purpose of SF is to provide nutrients for cartilage and also to provide lubrication for the joint.

When evaluating a patient with arthritis, if there is the opportunity to examine SF, it is essential that it be done. The fluid should be evaluated for appearance, total white blood cell count, the types of white blood cells, and also be cultured for bacteria.

Normal SF is slightly yellow and clear- clear enough to read newsprint through. SF that has a lot of white blood cells will be cloudy and turbid. Cloudy synovial fluid is usually due to an inflammatory form of arthritis. When it becomes extremely cloudy, infection should be considered.

Under normal circumstances, the total number of white blood cells in a SF specimen is less than 200 white blood cells per cubic milliliter. If there is infection, the total number of white blood cells will rise dramatically and the type of white blood cell changes. Joint fluid that contains more than 100,000 white blood cells per cubic milliliter is almost always due to infection. In special conditions, if suspected, the fluid should be cultured for fungus or tuberculosis.

Careful examination of the SF for crystals can be rewarding as far as establishing a diagnosis. The most common forms of crystal induced arthritis are gout and pseudogout. Using a polarizing microscope is key to making the diagnosis when crystal-induced arthritis is suspected. The appearance of crystals of monosodium urate in gout is very distinct from the appearance of calcium pyrophosphate, seen in pseudogout. Monosodium urate crystals are needle shaped and calcium pyrophosphate crystals are stubby rod-shaped objects.

One caveat: just because crystals are present doesn't mean there is no infection. Joint fluid should always be cultured.

On rare occasion, fat droplets are seen in SF. This can signify either a fracture or a disorder of the pancreas.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Super Foods For Arthritis and Meditations to Help With Arthritis


FROM SUPER FIT TO SUDDEN CHRONIC ILLNESS

One day I was an incredibly fit individual, practicing yoga and meditation daily; the next day I awoke in chronic pain. Rapidly limb by limb over the coming days and weeks, I gradually became more and more disabled. A few months later I was told devastating news that I had a disabling condition called spondylo arthritis. How did this happen so suddenly with no sign of symptoms previously? I was shocked, confused and frightened as the consultants told me how serious it was and how it would most likely be with me for the rest of my life. My condition was so bad that I could barely walk and at my worst I had to be pushed in a wheelchair which made me cry, because I could not understand how I had got to such a place so rapidly having always been fit and healthy. I was in a bad place mentally and physically. I could not focus on meditation, especially when the medication took me into its inhumane chemical trances; needless to say the side effects on top of that were challenging to say the least. One of the medications I had to take totally blocked my mind from creativity which was devastating for me as I write and record meditations.

COLD TURKEY, CHRONIC ANAEMIA AND DEPRESSSION WERE MY COMPANIONS

My nature being very positive I set out to fight arthritis with food. My remedies I believed in so dearly were not working, so I allowed my Consultants to medicate me, as the pain was so intense that it was a near impossible to sleep for more than half an hour at a time. I felt defeated as my Consultant told me I would have to come to terms with the diagnosis, so reluctantly I said yes to steroids which made my condition worse. The next course of treatment was non steroid arthritis anti inflammatory drugs which took the edge off my chronic pain and enabled me to function in a more acceptable manner. I experienced some relief. However, over the months I wasn't getting any better, the inflammation never went down and I was beginning to spiral in and out of mini depressions with the never ending pain. I looked so pale as I now had chronic anaemia, My consultant abruptly took me off my medication as he suspected the medication was the cause of my anaemia. I was left cold turkey and the only pain killers permitted were paracetamol which didn't do much or tramadol that knocked me out, needless to say I was feeling very depressed by this stage.

Throughout the months I never gave up and was always trying new remedies, juicing, raw foods, the arthritis diet, cider vinegar, black strap molasses, herbal remedies, homeopathic, alternative therapies, pain machines. I pretty much exhausted all my options.I was desperate to walk again with ease. I so wanted to tend my garden which I loved and had so badly neglected, as I was unable to bend down. Indeed my memory humours me now as I look back to how bad I actually was at my worst; my cats used to get very impatient with their suspended food dish in the air that was coming down millimetre by millimetre, which seemed to take an eternity to reach the ground. They would be leaping up trying to assist in pulling it down to the ground and sometimes did with a mighty crash spilling food all over the floor!

A MIRACE - I DISCOVERED SUPER FOODS FOR ARTHRITIS

I read books, tried everything I heard of that could help, spent vast amounts of money until I felt I had exhausted all my options and felt deflated. Nothing helped. I exercised daily but it was agony. One day I was surfing the net yet again in hope I had missed something and by chance I came across a pod cast about cocoa beans by David Wolfe. I could not believe the potential of super foods for arthritis and the health enhancing properties cocoa contained. I felt excited and optimistic. So began the next phase of my journey of consuming cocoa daily, one of the beneficial super foods for arthritis sufferers. I felt hope again for the first time in months. Cocoa turned my life around literally from the day I first took it as within hours I felt my mood change due to the natural mood enhancing chemicals it contains and within days my pain was less and my inflammation reduced. This crunchy bean that was more like a nut with a bitter chocolate flavour, made me feel wonderful for the first time in a long time. I noticed my walking was improving and my energy levels were the best they had been for a long time, which was amazing. I felt happy again. I was so impressed that I wanted to learn more about super foods for arthritis. I came across recommendations to take cocoa nibs along with goji berries for a more potent health remedy and for the complimentary taste.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF COCOA AND GOJI BERRIES

Goji berries are known as the happy berry as they are reported to have mood lifting properties as well as many other desirable health benefits. The combination of Cocoa and Goji berries from my experience are incredibly powerful. Cocoa is one of the most nutrient rich and complex foods known to man and to some experts, is considered to be the number one antioxidant food and is the best sources of magnesium of any known food, which many arthritis sufferers are deficient. It is also a rich source of iron which helped with my anaemia. Other benefits that caught my attention from my research were as follows:

Acts as an anti-depressant and balances the mood; Balances the brain chemistry; Builds strong bones; Detoxifies the liver; Helps with healthy pancreas functioning; Balances blood sugar; Builds a stress defence shield; Regulates inflammatory and immune responses in blood vessel walls; Contains anandamide The Bliss Chemical, serotonin and endorphins; Cocoa beans/cacao is one of the most nutrient rich and complex foods known to man.

I cannot express strongly enough how these two gifts of nature have helped to turn my life around. I managed to completely come off all painkillers within a week of taking cocoa and have been totally free from any form of medication for many months now. One year after my diagnosis I have strength to walk and climb steps. I can tend my garden with joy and happiness. I have consistent energy and now have colour back in my cheeks. The most important thing is that I now have a constant clear mind and energy like I have never experienced before. It's such a joy to have my own authentic mind back, clear of chemical blockages, which has enabled me to be true to my inner self again. For months I could not meditate, as my mind was under the influence of chemicals from medication which put me into a chemical fog, far away from mindfulness. Now I am on the path of wellness, meditation is big part of my daily life again. It has helped to clear my mind of all the trauma of the trail of negative energy illness left behind. For months the chemicals I was consuming daily seemed to be taking me on a journey away from my true self and into a bleak downward spiral of never ending suffering. Super foods for arthritis helped me to find my path back home and re-ignited my passion to practice meditation daily. My yoga movements are coming along nicely again too.

KNOWLEDGE IS A BLESSING - SHARING IS CARING

I hope that by sharing my experience I may help others. I know we are all made differently as human beings and whilst medication may suit some people it may not suit others. Super foods for arthritis may be a saviour to some of my readers like they were and still are to me today. Even if I only reach out and help a few people by sharing my journey and my learning's then I will be very happy.

As a therapist I have always practiced as I preach, but the intrusion of Arthritis into my life lhas since lead me to more deeper profound dimensions of my practice which I live and breath daily. Please look after your body and your mind - they are very precious - treasure them and above all please be true to yourself my dear reader.

Natutral Treatment For Rheumatoid Arthritis: Options For You To Consider


Turning to a natural treatment for rheumatoid arthritis is an option you can consider. Such a treatment does not usually involve the use of prescription medications and would have virtually little or no side effects.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that refers to the inflammation of your joints. When your joints are inflamed, you experience pain, swelling, stiffness and general discomfort. It results from infection, trauma, degenerative changes, metabolic disturbances, or other causes.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease whereby your immune system starts to attack its own body tissues. It is also considered a progressive disease. This means that over time, your arthritis symptoms can worsen.

There are over 100 different classifications and types of arthritis. It is likely that if you have been diagnosed with one of these, your doctor would have prescribed you the appropriate drugs for it. Although drug medication can be used effectively to treat many kinds of arthritis, there are potential side effects when you become over dependent on them for arthritis pain relief.

Here is a quick run-down on some of the newest and most popular natural rheumatoid arthritis treatments. They may be used alone, or in conjunction with each other.

Physical therapy. This is a very popular natural treatment for rheumatoid arthritis as it is highly effective. In many cases, regular prescribed exercises can even improve the range of physical motion substantially. Physical therapy can also help you deal with muscle and joint stiffness, increase muscle strength, and reduce allover pain.

Acupuncture. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese healing method that dates back more than 3,000 years ago. It is used to effectively treat the symptoms of arthritis, in addition to other health ailments. Acupuncture is a procedure used in which specific body areas (or meridian points) are pierced with fine needles for therapeutic purposes or to relieve pain or produce regional anesthesia.

As a natural treatment method, acupuncture is fast gaining popularity in America and other western countries. By 1993, Americans were making 12 million visits per year to acupuncturists, and spending $500 million annually on acupuncture treatments. By 1995, there were an estimated 10,000 certified acupuncturists practicing in the United States; as of 2000, there were 20,000.

Acupresure. Acupressure is another ancient Chinese form of therapy that has been used for thousands of years. It is also used to as a natural treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. In contrast to acupuncture, here, the acupressure practitioner uses his or her fingers instead of needles. Studies have shown that acupressure seem to release endorphins in patients, causing feeling of pleasantness and comfort. It appears that acupressure has strong anti-inflammatory healing abilities for rheumatoid arthritis.

Relaxation therapy: Relaxation therapy is a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates several different therapies working toward a common goal. The goal of relaxation therapy as a natural treatment for rheumatoid arthritis is to release muscle tension and joint rigidity to reduce your overall pain and discomfort. The different relaxation therapies include meditation, yoga, stretching exercises and Pilates.

Hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy is fast becoming a popular therapy for rheumatoid arthritis patients as it is fun and can be very effective. It involves a series of water exercises, usually done in lukewarm water. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis report that the feeling of warm water helps to relax them and provide much relief from their pain.

In addition, several studies have shown that hydrotherapy is an effective therapy that helps reduce the weight and pressure on the joints. The warm water relaxes the muscles and helps reduce the feeling of stiffness. Hydrotherapy is also effective in weight management, which is particularly important if you have rheumatoid arthritis.

Occupational therapy. Occupational therapy is often used as a complementary and natural treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. In occupational therapy, you learn how to use their body parts more efficiently. Occupational therapy helps in ensuring that you can go about your everyday chores and tasks so that less tension is placed on the joints. Specially made splints are often used to help patients accomplish certain tasks without placing excess pressure on their joints. You and your occupational therapist can work together to tackle any specific challenges that you face. Your occupational therapist can design specific exercises for this purpose and train you in the use of special assistive devices.

Hot and cold therapies. These therapies take advantage of the effects of certain temperatures on the joints. Compresses, ultrasound devices, and warm wax may be used to apply heat to the joints. Ice packs may be used to apply cold temperatures to the affected areas. The efficacy of heat and cold therapies varies according to the patient.

In most instances, the benefits of using the above mentioned natural treatment for rheumatoid arthritis outweigh any instant results, but far more damaging, derived from consuming drugs and medication. The only drawback is that usually a natural treatment does not produce instant reliefs. You may need to use it over a period to know if it works for you. It will also be a good idea to maintain a journal to keep track.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Natural Cures-Ask Your Mama If They Work


If you are looking for natural cures for rheumatoid arthritis there are several treatment options for you.

Rheumatoid arthritis or RA is a lifelong autoimmune disease distinguished by the inflammation throughout the lining of the joints. This form of arthritis can leave you with long term joint damage. It is this joint damage that deals you days wrought with chronic pain, a battle to regain lost bodily function, and can even leave you facing disability.

Early and aggressive rheumatoid arthritis treatments will leave you with the best chance for more days of remission than flares. Complimentary treatments or natural treatments seem to work best when used in combination with more traditional approaches. This is especially true when you decide to use natural treatments for rheumatoid arthritis in combination with prescription medications created to reduce inflammation and prevent additional joint destruction.

Two of the most common natural cures for RA include the use of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. These medications are thought to be beneficial in the reduction of morning stiffness. Chondroitin sulfate is part of a protein molecule that gives cartilage elasticity and Glucosamine is a type of an amino sugar thought to help with the formulation and repair of cartilage.

Another natural cure for rheumatoid arthritis is Methylsulfonylmethane or MSM. This natural cure works to reduce pain by interrupting the pain impulses that travel along the nerve fibers acting. It can also reduce the pain of arthritis by reducing the inflammation associated with it. Another side benefit is that MSM is thought to pitch in and help with the maintenance and repair of your body's cartilage, which can of course also help to reduce your pain.

If you are fighting with Rheumatoid Arthritis, then you might talk with your physician and see if Physical therapy and Occupational therapy would be a good consideration for you. This easy natural cure can teach you better ways to move in order to work with your diagnosis instead of against it.

Physical therapy is designed to keep you moving. Through movement, physical therapy helps to stimulate the muscles, bones and joints through gentle joint-protecting exercises. It can also help you to increase the amount of flexibility and strength that you have.

Occupational therapy can maximize your independence. The occupational therapist can see where you are stressing your joints unnecessarily and provide you with suggestions or tools with which to accomplish these tasks more easily.

Massage therapy can also be a great way to ease rheumatoid arthritis pain and stiffness. Massages can help ease muscle pain and spasms and increase the body's production of natural painkilling endorphins. But it is important to seek out a qualified massage therapist who is trained to work with rheumatoid arthritis in order to avoid injury or trauma to the joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis can leave you with decreased joint mobility and stiffness. It can definitely negatively impact your life. So you need to find the best combination of rheumatoid arthritis treatments that work best for you. It might be that you too find that a combination of traditional therapies as well as natural cures work best for the management of rheumatoid arthritis.

Does My Senior Dog Have Arthritis? Painless Tips for a Painful Disease


Your lovable energetic canine best friend has been a faithful companion for nearly a decade but now stops short of the staircase or needs a push to get up when it is time to take a walk. It wasn't an overnight change but gradually he's step was slower and his passion for play and excitement waned. Could a dog have arthritis? In a word, yes.

Arthritis is the condition where the cartilage inside of joint deteriorates so bones rub together causing stiffness, pain and loss of the ability to move. It is not a disease reserved for humans. Osteoarthritis affects animals too! This is especially true for large breed canines (over 50 lbs). Unfortunately, a dog cannot tell us when he is in pain so as owners we must be conscientious and look for signs of this painful degenerative disease.

Indicators of a Dog with Arthritis


  • Trouble Standing or Sitting Is it a struggle for your friend to get to his feet? Does he circle around and around before finally setting down?

  • Sleeping Longer and More Often A dog with arthritis will often begin to sleep more and appear less interested in walks or play.

  • Appearing to suffer from sore, stiff joints Does your dog appears to have stiff legs or walk a bit funny when he stands up after a nap or car ride? Has he started to snap if awakened or whimper when petted?

  • Hesitancy to climb stairs Do you have to coax your dog to take that first step up or down the staircase?

  • Favors a limb Does he tend to walk more on one side or the other? Maybe one leg is appearing to waste away while the other three appear more muscular?

  • Tipping the Scale on the Heavier Side Increased weight from one vet appointment to the next can indicate avoidance of movement due to pain.

  • Decreased interest in Play or Other Behavior changes If your dog loved playing chase-the-tennis ball but now prefers to chew on it well out of reach, then take a nap Or maybe your pooch loved riding shotgun with the wind flapping his ears, but no longer races to the door when he hears the jingle of car keys., painful joints could be the cause.

  • Zoned Out A pet that appears disinterested in everything and somewhat less alert than normal is another sign of arthritic joints.

Make Your Lifestyle Senior Dog Friendly
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If your dog is suffering from osteoarthritis, it is wise to make a few changes to your home to improve your dog's daily life.

Flooring

Ceramic tile, hardwood and laminate flooring can be slippery, making it troublesome for an arthritic pet to maneuver. Area rugs with gripping or rubber backing are a great option to prevent injury to your pet.

A Soft Bed

Though your dog may have always slept on the couch, your bed or maybe the floor, these places may not be as comfortable as the arthritic joints become more problematic. It maybe time to invest in a doggie bed designed specifically for an aging dog. There are several types that designed to provide comfort. Water-beds, bolster beds (with sides shaped like a nest), hammocks and thickly padded beds will provide the additional comfort required.

Ramps and Stairs

A senior dog may struggle to get up and down stairs, into cars and up onto their favorite couch. There are dozens of options to make these everyday activities less of a painful struggle for the arthritic pet. Some ramps are designed for easy portability and can telescope up and down as necessary. In some areas it might make sense to build a durable ramp if it is going to be used everyday.

Young Children

Lovable old dogs sometimes look "hug-able" to a small child. But living with constant joint pain will make a dog less tolerant to interacting with playful children. An uncharacteristic nip has sent more than one toddler to the emergency room. Constant monitoring of an older dog is essential when children are around.

Extra Time for Exercise

Modest daily exercise can be very beneficial but never rush a dog suffering from osteoarthritis. Check with your veterinarian for an appropriate exercise program to strengthen your dog's muscles. Keep in mind a walk is going to be at his pace, not yours for best results. He may need support and assistance with stairs and a bit of extra time to get around.

For more tips and ideas on how to help your arthritic dog enjoy his golden years visit the OldDogPaws arthritis page.

Juicing For Vitamins Can Help With Osteoarthritis


There are actually more than 100 types of arthritis! The most common form is osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis is caused by the wearing down of cartilage in our joints over time, causing the joints to become stiff and painful. Certain joints are more susceptible to developing this health condition, such as the knees, hips, hands, neck and the lower back. However, every joint can develop osteoarthritis symptoms. The cause of this degenerative joint disease is unclear, though definite risk factors include aging, joint damage/injury, obesity and heredity.

At present there is no known cure for osteoarthritis. However, there are treatments for osteoarthritis joint pain reduction, maintaining joint movement and slowing down the degeneration. These osteoarthritis treatments includes drugs (such as NSAID's and cortisone shots), alternative methods such as acupuncture and the arthritis diet. Here we will focus on some key vitamins which can obtain through juicing.

Vitamin D

A study has found that vitamin D is beneficial for those who suffer from osteoarthritis in the knees. The Framingham Osteoarthritis Cohort Study of 1996 suggests that elderly people with a low intake of vitamin D and low blood levels of vitamin D were 3 times as likely to see their osteoarthritis symptoms worsen. Vitamin D is not found in fruits and vegetables, so it is not something we can obtain from juicing. Great food sources includes, fish, eggs and vitamin D fortified orange juice.

Vitamin C

1) Pain Reduction - Several studies have suggested that vitamin C is beneficial as an osteoarthritis treatment for pain. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial was performed on 133 patients. Those that were given 1g of calcium ascorbate per day (containing 898mg vitamins C) had significantly more pain reduction than those given a placebo. Another study also showed that taking 200mg of vitamin C a day reduced the chance of developing osteoarthritis knee pain.

2) Degeneration reduction - Taking 120-200mg of vitamin C per day has been shown to decrease the progression of this disease threefold.

3) Connective tissue and cartilage - Vitamin C is necessary for the production of connective tissue and cartilage and is suggested that it may help with some joint repair.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant for mopping up free radicals that attack all the bodies cells, including the cells in joints. Vitamin E is also a good anti-inflammatory agent for Joint Pain. Many sufferers claim that vitamin E helps reduce their pain.

Juicer Recipes for Osteoarthritis Treatment

The following list of juices will all provide good amounts of vitamins C and E to help provide relief from pain and help slow down degeneration of the joints. Vitamin E is not really found in vegetables. On the other hand vitamins C and E are found in a number of fruit. The recipes below will all be fruit based.

Osteoarthritis Treatment Juicer Recipe #1 - Berry Bonanza
1 cup of blackberries
1 cup of blueberries

3 kiwis Wash blueberries and blackberries thoroughly. Peel the kiwis. Juice them and then give them a good stir and enjoy.

Osteoarthritis Treatment Juicer Recipe #2 - Apple Zing!
3 Apples
1/4 of a lemon

Pick 3 of your favorite tasting apples, peel and core them and remove the stem. Scoop out the flesh from a 1/4 of a lemon, but don't juice the rind as it will taste too sour. Juice and enjoy.

Osteoarthritis Treatment Juicer Recipe #3 - The Subtle Strawberry
1/3 cup of strawberries
1 cup of blueberries
1 apple

Wash and top the strawberries. Wash the blueberries. Peel, core and remove stem from the apple. Juice and enjoy! This one is real tasty.