Saturday, November 23, 2013

Personal Medical Alert Systems Help Osteoarthritis Patients To Regain Their Independence


When a person is diagnosed with Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease, it certainly requires a change in lifestyle. Patients suffering from osteoarthritis need to change their diet, their activity levels, adhere to taking different medications regularly and have medical checkups on a regular basis. This type of arthritis usually causes the person to feel tenderness, stiffness and pain in their hands, feet, spine, hips and knees. Consequently, for many people living life with this condition often means living life with a certain level of apprehension. The possibility that an accident or fall can occur at any time and just taking a few wrong steps can easily cause a medical emergency is a common thought. It can be stressful life, especially if the patient is not taking proper care of him o herself.

When a osteoarthritis patient becomes so aware of the risk of falling or a medical emergency they stop living their life to the fullest, this can lead to a loss of independence and even depression. Therefore, it is important to help them maintain as much autonomy as possible. With all the life changes they already need to deal with in order to keep themselves healthy due to their diagnosis, the last thing they need is the added stress of worrying about being left alone, or the resentment toward those that will not allow them to be alone at any time.

Some osteoarthritis patients that live at home alone, or spend a great deal of their days on their own, may restrain from completing even the smallest tasks. Therefore, having a personal medical alert system in the home can be a very helpful tool for many different reasons. Here are a few of those reasons and how they can affect the osteoarthritis patient's independence level.

Living Without Worries
One of the most common reasons osteoarthritis patients decide not to spend much time being active is because they worry they may suffer from a fall and no one will be there to help them. This is a legitimate concern, especially if they live alone or spend most of their days without someone else around. However, this is not good for their condition. People suffering from osteoarthritis are recommended to follow a healthy diet and to engage in moderate exercise to improve functioning and reduce pain. Therefore, they should stick to a exercising routine that allows them to work out daily or at least as much as possible during the week.

Take this example into consideration. An osteoarthritis patient lives with her daughter and son-in-law. Both the daughter and son-in-law work 9am-5pm jobs and often have to stay late. During the day, the patient is left all by herself for at least 8 hours and usually longer. Since she is alone, she is afraid to work out and ends up sitting on the couch watching television and trying to keep a low-stress lifestyle. Unfortunately, while doing this, she is becoming less and less active and healthy. She ends up putting on a lot of weight and compromising her health even further. Her condition only continues to worsen, not to mention that living this sedentary lifestyle eventually leads to heart problems that can cause her to develop a more serious condition in the future.

If the patient in this situation would have been wearing a personal medical alert system bracelet, necklace or pendant the patient would have probably not been so apprehensive towards physical activity, since they knew they had the added help of a personal medical alert system to aid them in the event of an emergency. Personal medical alert systems allow osteoarthritis patients to live their lives with a sense of safety.

Regaining Independence and Combatting Depression
People living with this disease are definitely at a disadvantage if they live alone. Living alone actually decreases their level of autonomy, oddly enough. They are unable to do a lot of the things that a person without osteoarthritis can do, whether it be because they are too cautious, or because the condition limits them in certain ways. Equipping the home of a osteoarthritis patient with a medical alert service can help them regain their independence and combat depression.

When a person is constantly worrying of suffering from a fall or an accident within their own home, they often do not complete much physical activity or limit themselves to do simple tasks such as cooking, doing the laundry or cleaning because it may cause one of these medical emergencies to occur. If they are wearing a medical alert bracelet, necklace or pendant, they can call for help at the first sign of a medical emergency just with the touch of a button. Knowing this can allow them to regain their independence and feel confident in all their regular activities again.

In regard to depression issues, this usually goes hand-in-hand with a lack of autonomy. With a personal medical alert system, independence is regained, therefore lowering the chances of a osteoarthritis patient becoming depressed.

Personal medical alert systems truly do wonders for both the mental and physical well being of the people suffering from this degenerative disease. It certainly is a simple gadget and a small price to pay in order to provide a osteoarthritis patient and everyone around them with the peace of mind to help them live their lives to the fullest.

Hand Pain From Arthritis Joints


Your hands are involved in almost every activity that you do and degenerative arthritis is highly likely to impact you at some time in your life. Everything you do, during your waking hours, involves the use of your hands. There are very few jobs that do not require strength and/or dexterity in the hands, whether it be a surgeon or a bricklayer.

Everyday jobs in the house, such as cooking, cleaning and particularly D-I-Y, can be a real concern if you have pain and stiffness in your hands. If your grip is weak or insecure, there is definite danger in the kitchen, with hot liquids and heavy utensils.

INFLAMMATION: is defined as a localized reaction of tissue to injury, infection or irritation,and that is the cause of the pain, stiffness and swelling in your joints. Inflammation symptoms certainly include pain and stiffness and may also show redness and swelling and, in some serious cases, distortion of the joint We commonly think of inflammation as the painful element of arthritis.

TREATMENT: is designed to relieve pain and restore function. Anti-inflammatory or other analgesic medication, with or without food supplements, such as glucosamine and/or chondroitin, may be of benefit in relieving pain.

You must take care not to over-use anti-inflammatory drugs. Arthritis sufferers with other medical conditions may find these drugs can have adverse reactions and exacerbate these other conditions, resulting in heart attacks, strokes or intestinal bleeding. An alternative way to get the anti-inflammatory effects is to use a cream or lotion to rub on the joint and therefore avoid ingesting the drug. This is best applied at bedtime. (See comments below on anti-inflammatory foods)

Heat treatment, either in the form of warm wax or paraffin baths, or by heat from a radiant health lamp may provide alleviation from the pain but it won't cure the condition. It is important to sustain motion in the fingers and use the hand as successfully as possible.

Plunging the hand in hot water, followed by cold water or ice and repeating the process will improve the circulation and bring temporary relief. A cortisone injection can often provide relief of symptoms, but does not cure the arthritis.

Surgery is a last resort, when the pain has become too great or where the stiffness and lack of movement has rendered the hand unusable. Sometimes the surgeon will decide to fuse the joint, by inserting a screw or a plate, which will unfortunately curtail the movement in that joint.

Depending on the patient and the severity of the operation, it can take a long time to recover from this operation. I had this operation on my right wrist and it was six months before I could hit a golf ball.

DIET: You can do a great deal to reduce your arthritis symptoms by eating a sensible diet.

Many foods have strong anti-inflammatory properties, including vegetables, fruits, herbs and spices. Ginger and turmeric are particularly good.

Fish oils, which contain two Omega 3 fatty acids, called EPA and DHA, are vital in keeping us in top form, particularly when it comes to heart and joints. Oily fish, such as sardines, tuna, mackerel and salmon are an important part of your diet, to provide Omega 3 oils, or an alternative to fish is cold pressed flax seed oil.

Foods containing a lot of animal fats are best avoided, together with preservatives and sugar. Processed foods and ready meals contain high levels of saturated fats. Processed meats such as lunch meats, hot dogs and sausages contain chemicals such as nitrites that are associated with increased inflammation and chronic disease.

Reduce smoking, which reduces the amount of oxygen in the tissues.

Pay attention to the Body Mass Index (recommended between 20 and 25) as an indication of your optimum body weight.

Minerals, vitamins and antioxidants are vitally important. Vitamin E combined with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids has been shown to reduce the severity of the arthritis and reduce the pain. Fruit and vegetables are a fundamental component of a healthy diet, because they contain a rich supply of antioxidants.

Vitamin D is not present in many foods. It plays a crucial part in helping the body absorb calcium, which is necessary for bone strength and in fighting osteoporosis. So, it's a good idea to take vitamin D supplements, but an even better idea is expose your skin to sunlight daily (always with caution), in order to force your body to produce more vitamin D.

EXERCISE, however painful and distasteful, is essential if the disease is not to get progressively worse. If you don't keep your fingers moving, the stiffness and pain will surely get worse. Just going about your daily household tasks will ensure you get some movement but some specific exercises each day will improve flexibility. Just washing your hands in a basin of hot water will help to increase the circulation and reduce the pain.

HOUSEHOLD AIDS: There is a great and varied selection of devices to help you cope more easily in the home.

One small tool removes pills from various pill packs and collects them in the handle.

A key turner has a curved built in handle to fit yale or mortice type door keys, providing extra leverage.

You can buy a tool, with a long handle, which fits over most types of tap and will give you much more leverage with little effort.

Special Pencil and Pen Grips make writing more controllable.

Wearing oedema gloves during the night may bring comfort and relief from the pain. They provide gentle compression which acts to reduce swelling and the pain of arthritis in the wrists and hands.

A handiplug consists of a standard three pin plug base with a looped handle to facilitate removal.

Mounted table scissors can be operated by the pressure of one hand depressing the "T" shaped handle. Once pressure is released, the scissors open automatically.

Most telephone companies supply phones designed especially for customers with weak or stiff fingers and easy-to-operate light switches are also available.

What Is A Good Fish Oil Supplement for Osteoarthritis


Although a fish oil supplement for osteoarthritis, as well as other nutritional and natural products may be helpful, consumers are wise to carefully investigate anything that is advertised as a "natural cure for osteoarthritis". Some can be a waste of time or money. Others could even cause additional health problems.

Choosing the right fish oil supplement for osteoarthritis can be a chore. There are a large number of products on the market. Dietary supplements are a big business. In the United States, 74% of adults use some form of Complementary or Alternative Medicine, abbreviated CAM. Many are looking for a natural cure for osteoarthritis.

Of the adults who use CAM, mind-body medicine, including prayer for health reasons, is used the most. About 19% use natural products, such as dietary supplements or mega-vitamins. 11.7% use a fish oil supplement for osteoarthritis or for other health reasons. Back pain, neck pain, joint pain and arthritis are among the most common conditions for which CAM therapies are used.

Omega 3 fatty acids derived from fish oil have been shown in numerous studies to reduce inflammation. For example, on the University of Maryland Medical's website, they state:

"Several articles reviewing the research....conclude that omega-3 fatty acid supplements reduce tenderness in joints, decrease morning stiffness, and allow for a reduction in the amount of medication needed for people with rheumatoid arthritis."

Also the same website mentions: "....several test tube studies of cartilage-containing cells have found that omega-3 fatty acids decrease inflammation and reduce the activity of enzymes that destroy cartilage. Similarly, New Zealand green lipped mussel....another potential source of omega-3 fatty acids, has been shown to reduce joint stiffness and pain, increase grip strength, and enhance walking pace in a small group of people with osteoarthritis.

When choosing a fish oil supplement for osteoarthritis, consumers should avoid products that contain vitamin A, which is found in cod liver oil and other oils derived from fish liver. At large doses, vitamin A from fish or other animal sources can be toxic. Beta-carotene is a safer choice for vitamin A supplementation.

The recommended daily intake of omega 3 fatty acids is at least 1000mg for adults. Men need a little more. Although recommendations vary, a fish oil supplement for osteoarthritis should contain at least this amount. The oil should also be molecularly distilled or pharmaceutical grade and contain no contaminants, such as mercury or PCBs.

Although it would not be described as a natural cure for osteoarthritis, an extract from a shellfish known as the New Zealand green lipped mussel (which is mentioned by the University of Maryland's Medcial Website, is renowned in New Zealand but obscurely known in the United States, even though it is available here. In a clinical study at the Yonsei Medical Clinic, 80% of patients participating in the trial reported significant pain relief and improvement in joint function after 8 weeks of use.

In a statement released by the University of California, researchers refer to the mussel extract as showing "significant anti-inflammatory activity". After comparing the anti-inflammatory action to that of other plant and marine oils, researchers found that the extract was much more potent. So, while it may not be a natural cure for osteoarthritis, a product that contains a combination of New Zealand green lipped mussel extract and a fish oil supplement for arthritis may relieve the pain and inflammation, while protecting the cartilage cushions in the joints from additional damage.

Gout Arthritis Treatment, Symptoms, Causes and Risk Factors


There are over hundred types of arthritis conditions and Gout is the most painful among them. Generally people above 50 years of age are affected most, especially men whereas it is a rare occurrence in women. Some women may develop Gout after menopause. This is considered as a chronic disease that occurs due to the deposition of needle like crystals of uric acid in the joints leading to swelling and inflammation causing acute pain. Being one of the most frequently recorded illnesses, Gout is also a genetically inherited disease. This painful condition demands thorough treatment to prevent crippling at an advanced age.

Symptoms

The most common outcome of Gout is the abnormal swelling of the big toe which becomes red and warm. Gout pain also affects other areas like elbows, knee joints, fingers, ankles, wrists. This results in the stiffness in the joints followed by severe attacks of pain often awakening a person from the sleep.

Causes and Risk factors

Blood contains a definite level of uric acid, which is regularly eliminated from the body through kidneys. When there is an abnormal rise in the blood uric levels, it starts depositing in the joints in the form of sharp crystals often forming lumps that causes the pain.

Factors that may cause Gout -

1. Too much drinking of alcohol
2. Excessive consumption of protein rich food
3. Obesity
4. High Blood pressure
5. Malfunctioning of the kidneys
6. Use of certain drugs in some cases.

Gout Treatment

Basic treatment involves changes in diet and lifestyle followed by other medications or natural remedies. Massage with Rumatone Gold oil is very helpful in gout treatment. If it is taken with Rumatone capsules it gives fast relief.

Diet

1. Purine rich food like red meat, liver, shellfish, refined and sweet foods must be avoided.
2. Blue berries, cherries, strawberries and other colorful berries must be taken regularly.
3. Drinking plenty of water, fluids and juices.
4. Eating fruits rich in Vitamin C like oranges, red capsicum, red cabbages etc. and Pineapple which is rich in Bromelain.

Treatments

The most common treatment involves the administration of NSAID, analgesics to reduce inflammation and provide relief from pain. In acute cases corticosteroids are given through short courses.

Few natural remedies that are commonly practiced in treating Gout arthritis are -

1. Raw vegetable juices that of carrot, beet and cucumber are beneficial in treating Gout. 100 ml. each of beet root and cucumber juice mixed with 300 ml. of carrot juices should be taken regularly.
2. Celery seeds and oil of Sir John's Wort herb are beneficial in treating gout.
3. Berries of Juniper blocks the synthesis of prostaglandins and are traditionally used for Gout treatment.
4. Application of cold packs, taking Epsom salt baths and regular physical workouts helps in treating Gout.

Canine Arthritis Treatments - Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) Vs Corticosteroids


Canine arthritis can be very uncomfortable and painful for your dog. Arthritis or osteoarthritis is a condition where the cartilage between joints begins to wear away and slowly becomes thinner. Nerves do not exist in cartilage and therefore there is no pain with regular joint movement. However bones have nerves and when the cartilage is gone, they touch causing pain for the dog. There are many treatment options available when discussing dog care and arthritis. If the condition requires medical treatment, you might end up asking yourself which treatment is best for your dog. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAID's and Corticosteriods are among the most common treatments available. Both of these treatments have their advantages and disadvantages.

NSAID's reduce pain and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis and other conditions. When irritation or an injury occurs, the body responds by becoming inflamed in that area. This is a sign that something is wrong. NSAID's block the chemicals that cause inflammation and have been approved for dogs only. Their most common use is for osteoarthritis and post surgery pain. Before they are prescribed, the dog should have a thorough history and physical exam done as well as blood and urine tests. They shouldn't be used in conjunction with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids. When considering giving your dog these medicines, make sure they have no pre-existing conditions that may be affected by the medication. It can cause kidney problems if dehydration occurs or there is a pre-existing condition. Other side affects such as liver issues, stomach, and intestinal issues have been known to occur but are not as common.

Corticosteroids are another form of anti-flammatory drug that reduces swelling, irritation, and immune deficiencies. They have been proven to be very effective if used appropriately but are also known to cause bad side affects if taken too much or misused. The adrenal gland produces corticosteroids naturally in dogs. Because this is a natural process, side affects are more common and widespread. Each dog may react differently due to additional amounts of the substance entering their body. Side affects are more apparent if used for a prolonged period of time and are unlikely if used only for short-term use. Some side affects are diarrhea, vomiting, weight gain, behavioral changes, elevated liver enzymes, and diabetes mellitus. Dogs under long term use are more susceptible to bacterial and viral infections because corticosteroids suppress immune responses.

Dog health is important to pet owners and it is better if these types of medications never have to be used. By not using them, there are no adverse affects and only naturally occurring conditions will arise. You may not be able to prevent everything, but here are some things that can be done. Give your dog regular exercise that provides a good range of motion. This way fluid will move through the joints lubricating and keeping them healthy. Give your dog the right dog food and the right amount. Use dog nutrition supplements to prevent conditions from occurring and also slow down the progression of arthritis and other conditions. By doing these things, your dog will be healthier and have a life with little pain as possible.

Friday, November 22, 2013

A Brief Introduction To Arthritis Homeopathic Remedies


If you're suffering from arthritis, one of the ways you can relieve yourself from the pain and stiffness it causes is through the use of arthritis homeopathic remedies. These homeopathic remedies are considered safe to take, very effective, and without the side-effects that most conventional pharmaceuticals may have. This is particularly important when treating arthritis, because any remedy for arthritis should be safe for long-term use.

In fact, this is one of the reasons that people turn to homeopathic remedies: most conventional medicines, as effective as they are, do come with risks for side-effects when used over a long period of time. And, since arthritis is a disease with no known cure, any medication prescribed will be used over a long period of time. To avoid the risks of side-effects, people choose those with no such risks to begin with, like homeopathic remedies.

How do arthritis homeopathic remedies work? First, we have to take a look at how homeopathic medicine treats illness. In the most basic sense, homeopathy works on the belief that "like treats like." By this they mean that an illness or condition is treatable by using substances that would otherwise cause the same symptoms in a healthy person.

In the case of arthritis, the specific remedies that will be used will typically cause arthritis symptoms in a healthy person. There are, of course, other factors that practitioners of homeopathic medicine consider when they prescribe remedies.

On such consideration is that taking the substances that homeopathic medicine uses could be very harmful. To make sure the substances are safe, they use a process which is called dynamisation or potentisation, wherein the substance is diluted with either alcohol or distilled water that basically makes the substance less harmful. This dilution is then shaken vigorously in a process that homeopathy calls succussion. In this manner, homeopathic dilutions are made effective, and without any harmful side-effects.

The substances alone are not the core of homeopathic medicine, as important as they are to the treatment of an affected individual. Homeopathy also has a focus on proper, complete diagnosis of the individual. By this, they not only determine the illness and its causes, but also any possible emotional factors that could contribute to the sickness. Practitioners of homeopathic medicine often take into consideration much more than those who practice conventional medicine.

For example, the treatment of arthritis may also include the homeopathic practitioner diagnosing that the patient is also suffering from depression, and that the arthritis gets worse during cold, wet days. It could be determined that the arthritis gets worse because of the depression, and that the cold helps cause the depression itself. The prescribed remedy to treat the arthritis will also seek to treat the other ills of the person as well, including the depression, and that he feels worse on certain days, in order to affect a complete treatment of the person.

Arthritis is no doubt a very difficult disease to live with. It can leave you with severe pain and great discomfort. Arthritis homeopathic remedies can be one way to become free of that pain and discomfort, without dependence on conventional drugs and treatments.

Useful Ways to Treat Psoriatic Arthritis


Psoriatic Arthritis is a form of Arthritis that affects those who are generally suffering from the skin condition, Psoriasis. Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis include pitting of both the toenails and fingernails, silver or gray spots on the knees, elbows, scalp, and the base of the spine, pain, swelling, and inflammation of the joints, and fingers and toes that have become so swollen, that they resemble sausages. At least ten percent of those who suffer from the skin condition, Psoriasis, will also develop Arthritis. For the majority of cases, the skin condition appears before the inflammation of the joints, and for some people, the Arthritis will appear before the Psoriasis.

Psoriatic Arthritis typically affects both men and women equally. Though it can occur at any age, it is most prevalent between the ages of 30-50. There is no known cause for Psoriatic Arthritis, however, there seems to be a tendency for heredity to play a part. Arthritis means joint inflammation and as with any other Arthritis, joint inflammation is severe and painful. The disease is very similar to Rheumatoid Arthritis and is definable due to the Psoriasis skin condition. The condition can also lead to inflammation around internal organs such as the heart and lungs. The eyes may be affected and should be treated immediately, as to prevent possible blindness.

Another symptom characteristic to Psoriatic Arthritis is the pitting of the fingernails and toenails. Acne is also prevalent with the condition and may be apparent on the face, feet, and even the palms of the hands.

As with other forms of Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis is often treated with Nonsteroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs and other typical treatments that relieve the pain of Arthritis. Some of the most popular forms of Nonsteroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs are Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Naproxen or Aleve, and Celecoxib commonly known as Celebrex.

Many seniors prefer taking Ibuprofen as opposed to the other Nonsteroidal Anti Inflammatory drugs due to the fact that Aspirin and some of the other NSAID's cause gastrointestinal upset. Many Psoriatic sufferers have reported that Motrin and other Ibuprofen based medicines cause very few stomach side effects.

Dealing with Psoriatic Arthritis is complicated because the patient often has to treat two conditions at once: Psoriasis and the consequent Arthritis. Psoriasis can be a devastating disease that causes skin irritation and scaly patches known as plaques. If you have been suffering with Psoriasis and begin to develop joint pain, then you should consult with your doctor immediately. It is important to receive an early diagnosis of Arthritis so that you may begin treatment and take steps to prevent further damage, or permanent bone loss.

It is important to remember that there is no cure for Psoriasis or its Arthritis. It is a result of an immune dysfunction and though there is no cure or prevention, treatment is centered upon managing the symptoms and treating them as they occur. Pain is the prevalent factor involved with Arthritis and reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation of the joints is key to maintaining flexibility and preserving range of motion.

By treating Psoriatic-Arthritis soon as you notice symptoms, you will have the best chance at a healthy life that isn't hindered due to Arthritis.

Natural Treatment For Rheumatoid Arthritis - Reduce the Pain in 3 Ways


In rheumatoid arthritis, your body's immune system attacks joint tissues where the two bones meet. This can lead to inflammation of the joints, which affects the surrounding muscles. When your joints are inflamed, you feel pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Oftentimes, physicians apply prescribed drugs in treating rheumatoid arthritis. Sometimes this conventional treatment can produce undesirable side effects. Have you considered natural treatment for rheumatoid arthritis? It causes almost no side effects. You can use several methods to cope the pain more effectively.

A nutritious diet can help you to manage the painful condition of rheumatoid arthritis. However, some foods can worsen the arthritic condition. For instance, high intake of red meat can increase the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. A majority of arthritic patients cannot endure gluten, gliadin, and dairy products. Reports show that a two-week fast with vegetable soup can help to reduce the symptoms of this kind of arthritis. Reports show that diet that is abundant with cold-water fish can reduce the inflammation. Hence, take plenty of fruits and vegetables, and foods that without arachidonic acid (animal fats) to relieve the pain.

Herbs may relieve the pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) assign herbs as food, they have shown their effectiveness as a succor in arthritis treatment. Valerian is a botanical plant that has potent healing properties that can ease muscle and joint pain. Ginger, curcumin, and boswellia are common natural treatments for rheumatoid arthritis. In Ayurveda, their prime usage is to reduce inflammation. If you consider using botanical supplements, always consult your health professional.

You can use Dietary supplements such as fish oil, glucosamine sulfate, and chondroitin as natural treatment for arthritis. Fish oil has high levels of two omega-3 fatty acids: EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). These omega fatty acids can produce substances that reduce inflammation. However, they can't delay the advancement of the disorder.

Glucosamine is a substance found in the fluid around the joints. It is a kind of amino sugar that may assist in the development and maintenance of cartilage. Cartilage is a solid but elastic tissue that spread over the ends of bones. This will prevent bones from crashing against each other, and takes in the force of impact. Chondroitin sulfate is a compound found in the cartilage surrounding the joints. It forms part of a large protein molecule (proteoglycan) that provides cartilage elasticity. Glucosamine stimulates the development and repair of articular cartilage while chondroitin sulfate prevents other body enzymes from declining the building blocks of joint cartilage.

You may prefer the natural treatment for rheumatoid arthritis but you should not ignore the conventional treatment. This type of arthritis is not easy to be treated. Even if you choose to use natural methods, you should always visit your rheumatologist to prevent any severe complications.

Arthritis Treatment: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Background


Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common nerve entrapment disorder. Nerve entrapment refers to a situation where a nerve is being pinched. The carpal tunnel is located on the palm side of the wrist.

The floor and sides of the carpal tunnel are formed by the eight wrist bones and the roof of the tunnel is a tough piece of fibrous tissue, called the flexor retinaculum.

Through this tunnel pass the flexor tendons to the fingers (these tendons are responsible for helping bend the fingers) as well as the median nerve.

CTS occurs when there is undue pressure on the median nerve. This may occur as a result of many conditions including repetitive stress, trauma (such as fractures), arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, and pseudogout are among the more common ones), thyroid disease, growth hormone excess, obesity, diabetes, and pregnancy. Most of these conditions cause the swelling within the carpal tunnel which leads to pressure on the median nerve.

When the median nerve becomes compressed, there is slowing or blocking of nerve impulses traveling down the nerve. This leads to loss of both sensory function (being able to feel things) as well as motor function (weakness in the muscles innervated by the median nerve).

Symptoms include numbness, burning, and tingling in the fingers, with gradual weakness in the hand.

Patients will often try to "shake" the numbness out of their fingers. Since symptoms are present often at night, patients will also say they drape their hands over the side of the bed to get relief. Daily activities may be affected. For example, buttoning can become difficult. Patients may drops things. There may also be a sensation of swelling in the fingers, even though swelling is not present on exam.

Other activities that seem to bring on the symptoms include driving, holding a book, or any other activities requiring prolonged bending of the wrist or prolonged grasping.

Symptoms are pronounced in the fingers innervated by the median nerve. These are the thumb, index, middle, and thumb side of the fourth finger.

Symptoms from CTS can also radiate up the arm as high up as the shoulder. This causes difficulty in establishing the diagnosis.

As the condition progresses, atrophy of muscles innervated by the median nerve occurs. This can lead to permanent nerve and muscle damage.

The diagnosis can be made clinically. However, it should be confirmed using electrical nerve conduction tests. There is a small percentage of people who have CTS but who have normal electrical studies.

Diagnostic ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can also be used for diagnostic purposes.

Arthritis Cream: Does It Really Work?


There are many gels and arthritis creams that can safely and effectively be used as alternative arthritis treatment for a severe flare in your rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. But what are in these creams, and do they really work. The number one priority for relieving your arthritis pain is to reduce inflammation and swelling. Most arthritis creams are made to reduce inflammation and kill the pain. However, the effects are only temporary, and you should really be looking to decrease the inflammation by means of oral supplementation, but more on this later...

One ingredient often contained in these arthritis creams is Arnica, a medicinal herb that has been used for hundreds of years for bruises sprains, and backache. It is popular with athletes, especially long distance runners who are looking for localised pain relief for the long run. In terms of its benefits for osteoarthritis, one study showed it to be as effective as gel containing ibuprofen when applied twice daily for three weeks. It is seldom used internally, as it causes stomach upset. There are however homeopathic preparations available in pill form.

Another effective ingredient in arthritis cream is celadrin, another anti-inflammatory agent used to treat the symptomatic pain of osteoarthritis. It is essentially a matrix of fatty acid carbons. It has been shown to improve the range of motion of joints and people with arthritis of the knee can stand for longer and walk further before the pain becomes too bad. Some research claims that it lubricates cell membranes, leading to better fluidity and elasticity. The result is therefore better movement in the affected joint. Celadrin works quite quickly; benefits can be felt after one week of twice daily application.

Capsaicin is the active ingredient in chilli peppers. When used as an arthritis cream, capsaicin can be applied to sore muscles and joints to relieve inflammation and pain. Capsaicin relieves pain in two ways: It can interfere with the enzymes causing the inflammation in the joint, and it can interfere with the pain impulses sent to the nervous system. The relief you feel is only temporary, so it needs to be applied at least twice a day. If this means you can get by with fewer painkillers (NSAIDs), you have won a small battle against your arthritis. Capasiacin can also be taken orally as an effective way to relieve migraines, headaches and cluster headaches because of acting in on the nerve pathways. Some preliminary tests also show that it inhibits the growth of prostrate cells in petri dishes and slowed the growth of tumors in mice. It is also know to relieve sinus pain and relieves congestion. Furthermore, cultures eating a lot of chillies have a lower occurrence of heart disease. This is because capsaicin reduces cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Treatment for Arthritis - Ways and Methods to Fight Arthritis


Treatment for arthritis is a vast field with different approaches. There are more than 100 types of arthritis, and different types mean different symptoms and different treatments.

Conventional medicine is still in the early stages of development when it comes to autoimmune diseases which many types of arthritis are. The downside is that they mostly treat only symptoms and can be harsh on the body, potentially causing severe side effects. The upside is that they can give quick results which are needed sometimes, and they deliver what they claim.

Natural medicine, though lacking in what is referred to as legitimate research, has years upon years of ancient knowledge and wisdom, results, testimonies and feedback. The downside is that results don't show instantly, and consistency is needed to get real results, the upside is that they are not harsh on the body and they may treat more than just the symptoms.

Fighting Arthritis - patients divide into three main groups:

Those who rely only on Conventional medicine alone

People within this group either are not aware of the possibilities of natural treatments, or they are put off it by personal belief and philosophy, others' experiences and criticism, or even have personally experienced failure of one or more natural treatments.

This situation is understandable given the vast variety of natural remedies of all types, the amount of companies announcing "they've got the cure for arthritis", and the amount of misleading information and even untruthful information published.

Saying that, natural treatment for arthritis IS a real option for treating arthritis, but one must know what their specific needs are and also how to find good quality remedies and supplements.

Those who rely solely on natural remedies

Those could be people who have used natural medicine and got good results, or have many allergies to conventional medicine, and people who by their personal beliefs and philosophies prefer "the natural way".

Those who combine those two methods

No matter to which group you belong to, treatment for arthritis doesn't stop with which medicine you take or what surgery you have.

Fighting arthritis is done best when you confront it from many directions simultaneously, making changes to your lifestyle and getting the knowledge you need to confront it and know how to use every tool there is - to give yourself a better chance to lead a good life with it.

Which are the main fronts?

Getting enough rest, exercising, reducing stress, drinking enough water, and maintaining a healthy diet are crucial for stopping the progression of arthritis and even preventing it is many cases such as through sport injuries.

In many cases people who have arthritis are lacking in important vitamins, enzymes, and trace elements that must be supplied from outside since they cannot be produced by the body. Those are important for the healthy maintenance of our joints, they aid in fighting infections and in blood circulation. You can find out if you are lacking in any through simple blood tests.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Dogs and Arthritis - The Different Treatments Available


I'm pretty sure you either know some people who have arthritis or you're at least familiar with what arthritis is. But you might not realize that dogs can get arthritis too.

Arthritis in dogs is actually pretty similar to arthritis in people. Several things can cause it, but arthritis is always a painful degenerative disease that leads to stiff, aching joints and muscles. It can vary in severity. Some dogs are lucky and have barely noticeable symptoms. Others, however, are less fortunate and experience a great deal of pain and severely restricted mobility. There isn't any real cure for arthritis, so if your dog is arthritic, you'll want some information on dog arthritis treatments that can help improve his quality of life.

An assortment of treatment options and therapies are available, all of which hope to alleviate the painful symptoms of arthritis and/or increase freedom of movement. These dog arthritis treatments can be loosely categorized into two types - natural and chemical.

Natural Dog Arthritis Treatments

Herbal remedies are one way to treat an arthritic dog naturally. A number of herbs can help ease your dog's pain and can be purchased at natural health care and herbal stores. For example, a daily dose of tea made from fresh or dried alfalfa can help reduce swelling in the joints. Yucca, another herb, can help ease the pain of arthritis because it contains natural steroids. Comfrey leaves are a third example, but other herbs can be also used as natural herbal therapies.

Massage can also ease the pain experienced by dogs with arthritis. You can use just your hands to rub your pet's aching limbs, or you can incorporate an herbal oil, olive oil or sunflower oil into the massage.

Excess weight is a common cause of arthritis in dogs because it causes additional wear and tear on the joints. Weight control is an easy but effective way to help alleviate your dog's suffering, although it probably won't eliminate it totally. Put your dog on a diet of healthy, nutritious food, and once he achieves the proper weight for his size and breed, keep it there.

Gentle, low-impact exercise is very important for dogs suffering from arthritis. The exercise forces the dog to move, which ultimately might further damage the cartilage, but it also stimulates the production of joint-lubricating synovial fluid which can increase mobility.

Acupuncture is yet another natural technique that can be effective for canine arthritis pain. It can increase circulation - and therefore the blood supply - in the vicinity of an arthritic joint. This provides additional oxygen and slows the degeneration of joint tissues. Acupuncture is also helpful for alleviating muscle spasms. It stimulates the nerves and muscles to increase leg strength and causes the secretion of the endorphin hormones which help a dog feel better.

These and other natural dog arthritis treatments can be given alone or combined with prescription and non-prescription medications, depending on your vet's recommendation.

Chemical-Based Dog Arthritis Treatments

A wide assortment of prescription and non-prescription medications can also be used to treat a dog with arthritis. For example, Rimadyl簧 is a prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which can alleviate pain and inflammation in joints, but dog owners need to be aware that it carries the risk of liver damage. Although this particular side effect only affects a small percentage of dogs, Rimadyl簧 (as well as other NSAIDs) also has some pretty nasty other potential side effects, so if you give your dog Rimadyl簧 and notice any adverse effects, stop the drug immediately and speak with your vet.

Deramaxx簧 is another prescription NSAID which can be given to dogs for the pain and inflammation caused by arthritis. Like Rimadyl簧, Deramaxx簧 has a number of potential side effects, including abdominal pain, fatigue, bloody stools, itching, jaundice, skin rashes, weight gain and more. Bring any side effects to your vet's attention promptly.

NSAIDs can be effective, but their potential side effects require them to be used cautiously. The same could be said for prescription steroids, which can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, liver and/or kidney disease, muscle atrophy (wasting) and Cushing's disease.

Those chemical-based dog arthritis treatments can have some undesirable and potentially life-threatening side effects if allowed to progress without veterinary intervention. So, what other chemical-based dog arthritis treatments are available?

Well, there's always aspirin, the old standby. It, too, is an NSAID and can be effective against the pain and swelling caused by arthritis. But aspirin also has some potential side effects, including gastrointestinal irritation that can cause liver and kidney damage and the possibility of further damaging a dog's already-degraded joint cartilage. As a result, aspirin should only be given for short-term pain relief, not as a long-term method of controlling pain. Using buffered or enteric (coated) aspirin can help prevent side effects, but only slightly. The standard veterinary dosage of aspirin for a 12-hour period is 5-10 mg per pound of the dog's body weight, given at feeding time.

Finally, supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin are products which can help reduce pain and increase mobility by protecting and lubricating arthritic joints. Often taken by people with arthritis, these ingredients have been proven to soothe, rehabilitate and sometimes even regenerate tissue damaged by arthritis. Fortunately, they have virtually no side effects, although once a dog starts taking them they must continue or joint degeneration will resume. In short, glucosamine and chondroitin are providing to be among the safest and most effective dog arthritis treatments available. Often grouped as a chemical-based treatment because they're available in liquid or pill form, glucosamine and chondroitin are actually natural dietary supplements. In the right form and amount, they can provide pain relief and promote joint health within 10 to 30 days after treatment begins.

Facts About Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment


Psoriatic arthritis is a painful and potentially debilitating condition that affects nearly 1 million people in the United States. Determining the appropriate treatment can be a complicated matter because there are several types of arthritis, and consequently several types of psoriatic arthritis treatment.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin, ibuprofen, and several prescription drugs, help to decrease inflammation and reduce joint pain. Certain NSAIDs can cause serious stomach problems in some patients, depending on dosage and length of treatment. Certain NSAIDs called COX-2 inhibitors were developed to minimize stomach discomfort, but they are more expensive than other NSAIDs and have certain significant risks of their own. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are meant to slow joint damage, and to slow or halt the progression of the disease. Biologics, one type of DMARDs, target specific internal biological conditions that cause psoriatic arthritis.

Several systemic drugs can also be used to treat arthritis. Some immunosuppressive drugs meant for treating psoriasis provide some relief for psoriatic arthritis sufferers, but they sometimes pose risks of liver damage. Retinoids used to treat severe psoriasis may also help some people with this type of arthritis, though they carry some potentially severe risks with long-term use, including birth defects. Sulfasalazine, a sulfa drug used to treat inflammatory bowel diseases, is sometimes effective for psoriatic patients, but it also bears several possible side effects.

Other alternative forms of treatment have been reported to relieve some symptoms. Some dietary supplements have reportedly helped some patients. Physical therapy and exercise has proven to be a useful way to maintain strength and range of motion with minimal joint damage. Some patients have also found that stress reduction, dietary changes, and therapeutic massage have helped with symptom relief and disease management.

Determining the appropriate psoriatic arthritis treatment for any given patient requires careful consultation with a physician. There are many potential sources of relief for arthritis sufferers, but they each carry certain risks and side effects. It is important to consider the specific needs of the individual patient when determining a course of treatment for this complicated disease.

Arthritis Treatment: Is It Neck Pain or Is It Shoulder Pain?


The cervical spine- the neck- consists of seven vertebrae which are stacked on top of each other and separated from each other up front by rubbery discs and in back by a pair- one on each side- of what are called uncovertebral joints. These are true joints which are covered with a thin layer of hyaline cartilage.

Right next to these joints, again on either side, are small holes or foramina, where nerve roots from the spinal cord exit. The spinal cord, originating in the brain, runs down a central canal or tunnel, formed by the various elements of the spine. The head weighs about 6-8 pounds depending on a person's intelligence (that's a joke, by the way) and is balanced on this cervical spine column.

Because of the complexity of the structures involved, it is no secret that neck pain can arise as a result of a variety of different causes. Arthritis can develop in the uncovertebral joints thereby narrowing the neural foramina. Since the nerve roots occupy 25 per cent of the volume of the foramina to start, further narrowing can lead to pinching of the nerves. In addition, disc hernation or the flattening of the discs that occurs with aging also can lead to narrowing of the neural foramina as well.

It has been estimated that more than 50 per cent of individuals beyond the age of 45 years have experienced at least one episode of neck pain.

With advancing age, neck pain tends to become more radicular, meaning there is an element of nerve pinching involved.

Pain coming from the cervical spine may be accompanied by pain in the shoulder. A pinched nerve in the neck, particularly a pinched nerve in the upper neck, often presents as shoulder pain. It may also cause pain to radiate down from the neck to between the shoulder blades.

Myofascial pain, pain arising from ligament strain or muscle spasm, can also be a source of discomfort.
Since conditions that cause neck pain and conditions that cause shoulder pain may coexist, it is often difficult to distinguish what problem is most responsible for the symptoms.

Diagnosis is made using a careful history and physical examination. Often times, though, even that can be unrewarding as far as providing an exact diagnosis. Imaging procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging and computerized tomography can be very helpful in sorting things out.

The choice of treatment obviously depends on diagnosis.

Physical therapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), brief use of a cervical collar, gentle stretching and strengthening exercises, and injections may be useful.

For soft tissue causes, prolotherapy or injections with platelet rich plasma may be useful. Only in cases where there is significant nerve root impingement with progressive loss of function, or significant pressure on the spinal cord is there a need for a surgical solution.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Energy Conservation For Our Patients Part 1


It is a common occurrence during the earlier stages of the rheumatoid arthritis disease that the patient with the new diagnoses will try to resume their previous tasks, roles and habits as much as possible, in a bid to return to normal. Often they end up trying too hard and injures or aggravates their affected joints.

Energy conservation, at all stages of rheumatoid arthritis is important, and when combined with the joint protection program, will result in better preserved and protected joints for the patient with rheumatoid arthritis.

Energy Conservation Program

1. in between tasks and activities for the waking day, at least 60 minutes should be purely for resting. This is best when scheduled right in the middle eg work 9 am to 1 pm, rest 1 - 2 pm, continue work from 2 pm - 6 pm.

2. the needs to be a balance struck between activity and rest, we can call this microbreaks eg working for 20 minutes continuous before taking a short stretch for 1-2 minutes to rest the joints and muscles

3. scheduling and pacing work, that there is an adequate mix of heavy and light work at a time, not a pure stretch of 2 hours of heavy work etc

4. whenever possible, use leverage to help. This can be in the form of technology such as using the computer to type instead of using pen and pencils, using a car to travel instead of walking long distances, or even asking for manual help when required to carry heavy objects

5. plan and arrange the physical environment eg at home or at the work place for equipment, materials, items to be within easy reach, waist height, not overly high or low to minimize climbing and crouching

6. it would be best if the patient with rheumatoid arthritis be allowed to continue her past occupations in a seated manner rather in standing manner, to preserve and protect her joints and energy as much as possible

7. patient should educated and understand that they should accept help whenever possible or necessary especially when it is heavy and difficult to maneuver

8. and to maintain focus primarily on the most important tasks of their jobs or roles, and to remove and eliminate tasks or activities that are not pertinent for them to do eg being a mother doesn't mean she has to help her children (assuming they're young) with their school work or carry their heavy bags or books

Arthritis In Fingers: Treatment Options That Are Available


Arthritis in fingers is known as osteoarthritis, it is the most common form of arthritis. Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage of the joints wears away, this eventually leads to the bones being exposed causing inflammation and pain.

The joints that are the most affected are usually finger tips, and knuckles. The pain that arthritis in fingers can cause are easily managed with pain relief such as paracetemol, or ibuprofen.

Rheumatoid arthritis can also affect the fingers, this is a more aggressive form of arthritis it can cause other problems and the soft tissue around the joints may even become inflamed. This form of arthritis usually affects the bottom of the fingers.

Signs of arthritis in fingers are;

- Pain in the joints
- Swelling around the joints
- Periods of stiffness
- Movement difficulties

Arthritis in fingers can cause bone like lumps on the knuckles, these lumps can sometimes swell and feel stiff for long periods of time. Those with rheumatoid arthritis can suffer with more severe bone deformities this in turn can cause extreme pain.

If arthritis in fingers is diagnosed early, treatments can be given almost immediately this can prevent the need for surgery in the future.

These treatments can include;

- Anti inflammatory medication
- Massage
- Pain relief such as paracetemol, or ibuprofen or a stronger painkiller like codeine
- Supplements which aid cartilage growth/repair
- Complimentary therapy such as heat and ice treatment
- Supportive splints may be needed in some cases of arthritis in fingers

If all of the treatments are tried and no particular one is effective, surgery may be the only option. If surgery is the answer the surgery could be;

- Removing the bone deformities
- Fusing the joint to allow no more movement
- Straighten deformities

If you have arthritis in fingers and you are not able to cope with the symptoms any longer speak with your doctor he will be able to recommend an appropriate course of action. It may be that you require stronger medication, this is easily dealt with.

Red pepper, has many pain relieving properties. It aids the circulatory system when applied to the affected area, relieving the aches and pains that you may be feeling.

Cayenne pepper, you can apply this externally as mentioned above alternatively you can consume this with food. This acts as a stimulant aiding the heart, it can strengthen the arteries and act as natural pain relief.

Ginger, this is present in many foods. This has anti-inflammatory like properties and may significantly reduce the pains and swelling of arthritis.

Garlic, aids blood flow in the body, and possibly reduces inflammation.

If these foods are incorporated in your daily diet you may start to notice positive results after 1 week. There has been no evidence to suggest that these foods can help, although other arthritis sufferers have confirmed that they did notice a positive change.

Arthritis in fingers has been known to be extremely painful, a daily hand massage with scented lotion will not only promote a sense of well being, it may improve blood flow through the fingers, reducing inflammation.

Arthritis Pain - Hot Tips To Help You Get Rid Of It Forever


Arthritis sufferers today are still continually seeking relief from their arthritis pain. I found relief from my arthritis pain, naturally, and you can do it too. In osteoarthritis, any one or more affected joints experience a progressive loss of cartilage, which is the slippery material that cushions the ends of bones.

Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease of the joint cartilage and bone, often thought to result from "wear and tear" on a joint, although there are other causes of arthritis such as congenital defects, trauma and metabolic disorders. Osteoarthritis affects joints in a different way depending on their location in the body, causing various symptoms.

The synovium is a membrane that surrounds the whole joint; it's filled with synovial fluid, a lubricating liquid that supplies nutrients and oxygen to the cartilage. The joints are designed to provide flexibility, support, stability, and protection. The cartilage is slippery tissue that coats the ends of the bones.

Most experts now believe that osteoarthritis results from a genetic susceptibility that causes a biologic response to injuries to the joint, which leads to progressive deterioration of cartilage. An inflammatory response causes cytokines, to gather in injured areas and cause inflammation and damage to body tissue and cells; it's known to play a role in rheumatoid arthritis and other muscle and joint problems associated with autoimmune diseases. It's generally thought that inflammation plays a minor role in osteoarthritis and is more likely to be a result, not a cause, of arthritis.

For natural treatment for arthritis make an appointment with a naturopathic doctor, called a naturopath; ask around for referrals.

I eat a diet of living foods (fruits, raw veggies, raw nuts and raw seeds) to relieve my arthritis pain and this should be tried for at least 30 days, thus eliminating any foods that might be culprits. Make smoothies with fruit only using a base of two bananas, adding a cup of frozen or fresh blueberries and mango chunks or substitute any other fruit and add an energy boost of two tablespoons of coconut oil; add one or two leaves of kale for another highly nutritional boost -- no one will ever know.

Keep in mind, if you take a joint supplement it should help do three things -- build cartilage, relieve everyday joint pain, and enhance your flexibility and movement. Some of the supplements commonly used for relieving arthritis pain, but I don't know if any of these work, are: glucosamine, chondroitin, bromelain, grapeseed extract, omega-3 and omega-6, cod liver oil, manganese ascorbate, MSM, boron, niacinamide, pantothenic acid, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E.

One natural approach is to consume foods that are known to help relieve arthritis pain or prevent arthritis. Try avoiding the eight most allergic foods, wheat being the most allergenic; they are wheat, corn, eggs, milk, peanuts, fish, shellfish and some nuts, not all. Dried Montmorency tart cherries seem to be helpful for arthritis pain also.

The first step in managing your arthritis is to change your diet; I think all experts would agree on this. Many arthritis sufferers have changed their diets and noticed significant or total improvement.

Try to keep painful joint areas in motion, even in a limited manner. Exercise your affected joints every day, to keep them flexible. Use Taiji health balls, with the chimes, to strengthen the finger joints: hold two balls, move in a clockwise circle with your fingers to rotate them, then try counterclockwise and do throughout the day. At bedtime you can try putting on a pair of stretch gloves to help reduce the pain and swelling in your fingers for those with arthritic hands.

Even the lightest exercise can go a long way to maintaining your joint mobility and overall health. Exercise is good for joints affected by osteoarthritis. Whatever you do, keep moving; don't sit when you can stand, don't stand when you can walk.

If you're going to go the conventional treatment route and take medications, ask your pharmacist for drug inserts so you can read up on the drugs and understand any side effects or adverse reactions, before taking them. At the very least, understand what the side effects and adverse reactions are for any drug you take. Conventional doctors may suggest the standard protocol for your joint pain; they tell you to take over-the-counter NSAIDS or prescribe COX-2 inhibitors, of which all have side effects.

Once you understand the facts about arthritis, possible causes and treatment approaches you can take, you'll be on your way to recovery and pain will disappear. Begin your treatment program with a diet change, exercise and weight loss plan to see results and pain relief fast. Knowing more about arthritis and how it works will ultimately help contribute to your relief of arthritis pain.

Information About Causes of Arthritis and Medications for Treatment


Celebrex is a sulfa non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used in the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, acute pain, painful menstruation and menstrual symptoms, and to reduce numbers of colon and rectum polyps in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis.

It was originally intended to relieve pain while minimizing the gastrointestinal adverse effects usually seen with conventional NSAIDs. In practice, its primary indication is in patients who need regular and long-term pain relief: there is probably no advantage to using Celebrex for short-term or acute pain relief over conventional NSAIDs. In addition, the pain relief offered by Celebrex is similar to that offered by Paracetamol.

Osteoarthritis (also known as degenerative arthritis), is a group of diseases and mechanical abnormalities involving degradation of joints, including articular cartilage and the subchondral bone next to it. Clinical manifestations of osteoarthritis may include joint pain, tenderness, stiffness, creaking, locking of joints, and sometimes local inflammation.

The patient increasingly experiences pain upon weight bearing, including walking and standing. As a result of decreased movement because of the pain, regional muscles may atrophy, and ligaments may become more lax. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis.

A common misconception is that osteoarthritis is due solely to wear and tear, since osteoarthritis typically is not present in younger people. However, while age is correlated with osteoarthritis incidence, this correlation may illustrate that osteoarthritis is a process that takes time to develop. Or that repair and regeneration that may keep pace with damage in the joints of younger people do slow with age.

Osteoarthritis affects nearly 27 million people in the United States, accounting for 25% of visits to primary care physicians, and half of all NSAID prescriptions. It is estimated that 80% of the population will have radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis by age 65, although only 60% of those will show symptoms.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder that may affect many tissues and organs, but principally attacks the joints producing an inflammatory synovitis that often progresses to destruction of the articular cartilage and ankylosis of the joints.

About 1% of the world's population is afflicted by rheumatoid arthritis, women three times more often than men. Onset is most frequent between the ages of 40 and 50, but people of any age can be affected. It can be a disabling and painful condition, which can lead to substantial loss of functioning and mobility. It is diagnosed chiefly on symptoms and signs, but also with blood tests (especially a test called rheumatoid factor) and X-rays.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

What Are the Options for Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment If Anti-TNF Drugs Don't Work?


The combination of methotrexate and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors have been the gold standard for inducing remission in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. But this combination doesn't always work. This article provides information on alternatives.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common inflammatory form of arthritis and affects more than 2 million Americans.

It is a chronic, progressive, autoimmune disease that causes both joint damage as well as harm to internal organs.

While biologic drugs, first introduced about 17 years ago have been a boon for RA sufferers, not everyone responds. Some people have no amelioration of their symptoms (primary non response) and others lose their response over time (secondary non response.) And others develop side effects or frequent infections that limit the usefulness of biologic therapy.

Fortunately, there are alternatives.

The first is tocilizumab (Actmera). This is a medicine that blocks the effects of interleukin 6, a protein that plays a pivotal role in the progression of RA. This drug is a good option for those patients who fail TNF therapy. Unlike the many TNF inhibitors, Actemra can only be given intravenously as of this writing... but a subcutaneous form is in the works.

Another option is abatacept (Orencia.) This blocks the activation of T cells which are cells that also play an important role in chronic inflammation. Orencia is also given intravenously... but like Actemra, a subcutaneous form is available.

Another second line biologic is rituximab (Rituxan). This is a drug that depletes B cells, another pivotal player in the RA process.

As one might imagine, tinkering with the immune system has its downsides and the number of potential side effects associated with biologics is prodigious. However, in experienced hands, in other words, in the hands of an arthritis expert, the likelihood of a significant problem can usually either be avoided or at least recognized. Nonetheless, these drugs do carry potential risks that should be explained to the patient and risk versus benefit needs to be discussed.

Some people have advocated combining biologics with different modes of action to see if better control can be achieved. Unfortunately, it appears this strategy doesn't work. One study used a combination of a TNF inhibitor along with Orencia. No improvement in symptoms and signs of disease were seen. What was noticed was an increased incidence of side effects.

Newer drugs that target different proteins and cells are constantly being evaluated. Inhibitors of a chemical messenger called tyrosine kinase have been evaluated. One such drug, a JAK kinase inhibitor, appears promising. The drug, tofacitinib, has looked promising in clinical trials. The advantage of this group of medicines is that they are oral.

Other companies are also exploring this pathway and developing competing products.

The ultimate goal, of course, is remission!

Can Psoriasis be Cured?


What is Psoriasis, and can it be cured? Psoriasis in a nasty skin irritation that is passed through your families DNA, it is generally noticed due to irritating itching and there are five known types.

One type of Psoriasis is Psoriatic Arthritis, which is the inflammation of joints. Plaque Psoriasis is the most common with symptoms of red raised areas and white flakes. The next type is Guttate Psoriasis, which are small red spots on the skin. Then Pustular Psoriasis, where there are white pustules surrounded by red skin. Inverse Psoriasis that are smooth red liaisons in the skins fold, and finally Erythrodermic Psoriasis that are wide spread with severe itching, pain and red abrasions.

Now, can Psoriasis be cured? Unfortunately, no, as it is passed through the DNA of your family, which can be a good thing, though, since it does give an indication of whether you are likely to get it or not. Psoriasis can be treated, however, and many have shown results of going months and years between outbreaks. There have even been a few cases where the Psoriasis did not return after the proper treatment.

Most studies show that Psoriasis can and will return during different intervals of time. You need to follow your doctor's advice and medication prescriptions carefully, though, as people with Psoriasis are generally more at risk for bacterial infections. If you are in any stage of an outbreak, whether in the beginning middle or end, you need to be extra careful. Please note that you are not meant to be scared into seclusion, just be extra careful, especially if you have any open areas.

You need to be sure not to scratch the itching areas for obvious reasons, but the biggest threat is that if you scratch to hard, you take the chance of opening your skin and bringing in even more infection or causing a second Psoriasis outbreak.

Now what can you do? Well, you need to make sure you follow all of the doctor's directions, and make note of any new outbreaks and or changes in your current condition. You should also make sure you have very thorough and proper hygiene; your doctor or specialist will give you a routine to follow with the proper products.

If you are worried about having a secondary attack or wondering if you are having one now, you should watch out for the following symptoms. You will notice a red patch of skin area around a Psoriasis laceration, or that the red area has increased and gotten worse. Some complain of the skin feeling hotter or even of having a fever associated with the attack. This is caused by the body's natural defenses trying to heal itself.

Never give up. There are studies going even right this moment to help with this aggravating and sometimes very painful problem.

Any Miracle of Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment?


Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, multi system, and inflammatory autoimmune disorder that will bring on an attack to the joints. It is a very crippling and painful condition that can lead to loss of mobility to the pain and joint devastation. Rheumatoid arthritis is systemic and will also affect different tissues through the body, skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs and muscles. Rheumatoid arthritis will affect anyone between the ages of 20 and 40 and can start anytime. A family history is important to the risk. It is three times more common in women than in men and up to four times more common in smokers than non-smokers.

The symptoms will separate rheumatoid arthritis from other types of arthritis because of the inflammation and soft tissue swelling of many joints at the same time. This is known as polyarthritis. The joints are usually affected asymmetrically and then will go on to the symmetrical part as the disease goes on. It is not like the other forms of arthritis like osteoarthrits because the pain will move with the use of the joints that are affected.

As the disease goes on, the inflammatory activity will lead to the erosion and destruction of the joints that will impair their range of movement and lead to some deformity. The fingers and the bones will deviate to the outside and towards the small finger and take on unnatural shapes. Having deformities in patients that are dealing with rheumatoid arthritis will include the Boutonni癡re deformity, the swan neck deformity, and the "Z-thumb" deformity.

Because rheumatoid arthritis is a multisystem disease, other disease and conditions may form as a result of it. Many of the people that have rheumatoid arthritis will also have anemia. Anemia is a problem of the red blood cells because there are not enough of them and or the hemoglobin and this will cause the lower ability of oxygen to be taken to the tissues. It is a chronic disease and many will suffer from it and splenomegaly or the enlarging of the spleen. Felty's syndrome and Sjogren's syndrome which is an autoimmune disorder in which the cells attack and ruin the exocrine glands and produce salvia and tears. Dermological will affect nodules on exterior surfaces. Fibrosis may occur in the lungs at any time or as a result of different treatments.

There are several things for diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis. Having stiffness in the morning that goes on for longer than one hour is an example as is the arthritis and soft tissue swelling of more than three out of 14 joints or in the joint groups. Arthritis of hand joints like symmetric arthritis, subcutaneous nodules in specific places, a rheumatoid factor at a level above the 95th place and radiological changes that are suggested of joint erosion and are part of the criteria. There are at least four of these things hat have to be met in order to establish a diagnoses.

The treatments for rheumatoid arthritis are going to be placed in disease modifying antirheumatic drugs or (DMARDS), anti inflammatory agents and analgesics. DMARDS is known to start durable remissions and delay the disease process, prevent bone and joint damage as well. Anti inflammatory agents and analgesics can help to improve pain and stiffness but do not stop any damage or slow down the disease in any way.

Pain Medications for Arthritis Sufferers


If you suffer with Arthritis, you will no doubt have heard of the drugs under the classification of Steroids, Narcotics, DMARDS and Biologics. All these types of medications are prescribed to those who suffer from the pain of arthritis and carry with them benefits and risks that patients and their doctors should discuss before a pain management plan is put into action.

Steroids

Used to reduce swelling, inflammation and the associated pain, Steroids are a strong anti-inflammatory medication. Often sufferers of both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis may be given steroid injections directly into the painful joint to relieve pain in that joint. Steroids are commonly prescribed in tablet form to give temporary relief of the symptoms of "flare-ups" for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. This medication is available in different strengths, with lower doses being taken over a longer term to help maintain the occurrence of inflammation and pain. The use of steroids can make a big difference in the quality of life especially for those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

The risks associated with long-term use of steroids need to be weighed up against the benefits. Effects such as increased risk of infections and an increase in blood sugar levels are quite common. Extended use of steroids can also result in thinning of the bones. Usually doctors will prescribe the use of steroid pills for short-term use to avoid these side effects. Steroid injections carry a lower risk for side effects and can be used for longer time periods.

Narcotics

Narcotics work by controlling pain by disabling the nerve cell pain receptors. Doctors may prescribe prescription narcotic pain relievers such as codeine, fentanyl, morphine or oxycodone for the relief of severe arthritis pain. Although Narcotics are not commonly prescribed for pain relief for arthritis suffers, in cases where the patient is so debilitated by pain that they are unable to move they may be the answer to assist with regaining mobility. Mobility is very important in the management of pain for arthritis sufferers. The reason narcotics are not used more often is that there are a lot of side effects when using them. Narcotics tend to cloud the thinking processes of people who take them. Constipation is another common side effect to narcotic usage.

DMARDs

DMARDs (Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs) are used to prevent the joint damage that inflammation causes in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Methotrexate is a commonly prescribed DMARD. These medications usually take weeks before there is any noticeable effect on the patient so it is usual for pain relievers like steroids to be prescribed until the DMARDs take effect.

The use of DMARDs can drastically improve the lifestyle of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
As with most medications there is a risk with using DMARDs. DMARDs work by suppressing the immune system and as a result patients are more susceptible to infections while using this particular medication therapy. They are also at increased risk for liver issues, low blood count occurrences and a slightly increased risk of certain cancers. It is widely recommended that regular blood tests be done so the doctor can be aware of any changes in blood count and organ functions.

It is usual when undertaking any medication therapy that the doctor will explain the risks of such therapy to the patient and together they can weigh up the benefits against the risks. Other illnesses the patient may be experiencing will also be taken into consideration when using medication such as DMARDs. If the disease is progressive and creates a current or future risk of disability without the treatment than that is a major consideration. Quality of life is extremely important and the decision to proceed with DMARDs medication therapy must be weighed seriously against other pain management alternatives.

Biologics

Biologics (Biological Response Modifiers) are a more aggressive medication therapy that is used to slow down the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. Biologics are used when DMARDs therapy is no longer helpful. There are a few Biologics approved for arthritis pain relief such as Enbrel, Kineret, Orencia, Humira, Rituxan and Remicade.

Biologics can affect part of the immune system unlike DMARDs that can affect the entire immune system. Biologics are designed to inhibit or supplement different components of our immune system.

Biologic medications are given by either injection or by intravenous infusion (IV). The IV method can take up to 2 hours to receive the entire dosage.

Long-term effects are unknown at present as results of studies have only been available for about 10 years. However, it is known that biologics can cause diseases that have been in remission to flare-up again such as tuberculosis and other chronic diseases. It is also unadvisable for people under the age of 50 to use this type of medication therapy.

In summary; although many of the types of medication discussed here can and do have their risks, it must be remembered that people suffering with the debilitating pain associated with many arthritis diseases, have very little choice when it comes to pain relief. Pain in itself can cause other problems such as depression, therefore the decision to undertake this type of medication therapy becomes the lesser of two evils. This is why it is so important to fully understand the benefits and risks associated with drug therapy and to discuss all options and concerns with a medical professional, thus enabling the patient to make an informed decision.

Top 2 Natural Arthritis Supplements


Today, there a handful of natural arthritis supplements which can reduce inflammation and relieve joint pain that are as easily effective as some of the NSAID's, but without the side-effects, so when it comes to choosing the best natural arthritis supplement the bar is set quite high.

However, since the FDA has started registering certain supplements to treat inflammation and joint pain, it's fare to say it's now a two horse race between Glucosamine (an FDA supplement), and Provailen - which contains the most powerfully known natural anti-inflammatory ingredient - Reishi.

1) Glucosamine

Control tested, Glucosamine is one of the most commonly taken dietary and joint care supplements in the U.S, which is commercially produced from the exoskeletons of crustaceans - mainly shellfish, or for those allergic to certain sea foods it's derived from the fermentation of wheat.

Glucosamine helps support the structure and function of your joints and it may also influence the strength of the cartilage which is crucial for keeping joint movement supple and stress free.

People who suffer from osteoarthritis most commonly use glucosamine, as it is a precursor for glycosaminoglycans which form a significant part of your joint cartilage where clinical trials point to the fact that by taking more glucosamine, this should help with improving the structure of your cartilage.

Results vary in its effectiveness from one individual to another but the fact that millions of people take glucosamine on a daily basis to treat the aches and pains of this debilitating disease suggests that there are some real benefits to be had from it.

Both MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) and Chondroitin are generally included in Glucosamine joint care capsules and FDA directions state that 1500mg is the ideal daily dosage.

2) Reishi

Reishi is to date registered as the most powerful natural anti-inflammatory ingredient and when extracted in pharmaceutical labs, can be improved to sixty times its strength when consumed orally.

This is due to the chitin which surrounds the spores making them difficult to break down and digest, thus reducing its potency.

When cracked open and extracted under laboratory conditions however, this helps increase its strength at lowering cholesterol levels, hypertension and swelling around the joints.

Used for over 2000 years by the Chinese, Reishi or Lingzhi as it should correctly be named, is one of the oldest mushrooms known to have been used for medicinal purposes.

These include most importantly treatment for symptoms of arthritis, liver ailments, suppressing cancer and its migration, and lowering blood pressure.

How It Works: Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis


There are many diseases that fall into the arthritis category and they can have effects on the body that differ greatly, while also affecting those of all ages. Arthritis is thought of often as senior related diseases, as it is far more common for a senior to develop arthritis than it is for a child.

When considering the various different types of arthritis, the effects of the disease can vary greatly and, even though it is first and foremost a joint disorder, the effects of arthritis can spread to joints or result in skin related problems, so it is by no means strictly a rheumatological disorder.

One of the most common kinds of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, which also represents a sort of mystery in many regards. This is because the exact causes of rheumatoid arthritis are not understood completely. It is classified as an autoimmune disorder, where the defense network of the body attacks healthy cells, in the case the area around a joint, which in turn damages the body. Scientists do not know exactly what causes this reaction though, although there are many theories, such as disease and infection, as well as observations about certain factors that are similar among those with this disease.

Unlike some other types of arthritis, the effects of rheumatoid arthritis can sometimes carry over to organs in the body, and result in very serious health complications.

Another kind of arthritis that is more common among those in their sixties is osteoarthritis, which is sometimes called wear and tear arthritis. This type of arthritis is much more likely to result in a deformation, as it causes cartilage to be lost in a joint and when this occurs, bones rub each other as the body moves. In this kind of rhematoligical disorder, inflammation can occur, but it is a by-product of the disease itself. Several risk factors for osteoarthritis have been identified, which include high risk sports, like football or soccer, as well as things like being overweight, which put added strain on the joints. Often, the effects of the disease result in increased bone growth around the joint, which results in even more damage to the joint.

While those of all ages can develop both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, senior citizens are by far more likely to develop these disorders. Promptly treating the disease is important, as it is not possible to cure arthritis, nor reverse the effects of the disease. So, a focus on preventing further complications is an essential part of all treatments. Staying active is also important, more so in the early stages, as it helps keep the joint healthy.

There are many diseases that can affect seniors, but few can have as significant an effect on daily life than a rheumatological disorder.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

What Types of Fresh Fruit For Gout Relief?


Everyone who has suffered from gout symptoms wants to find the cure-but what is it? Believe it or not the secret to easing gout and inflammation is often as simple as changing lifestyle habits like diet and exercise. Most people who suffer from this type of arthritis realize that fresh fruit can help their symptoms and help flush uric acid out of the body. There is some controversy over which fruits are best and which ones work, so what's the truth? To find out which fresh fruits to eat to get gout relief make sure you read on right now.

Strawberries - These are a fresh fruit that most gout sufferers won't have much of a problem getting down. Eating fresh strawberries is a great gout cure that works very well. If possible try to get them as fresh as you can so they still have all their healing properties and full nutrients. Purchasing them when they're in season is a good way to make sure they're high quality.

Star fruit - This exotic fruit which is now available in most American grocery stores is a great gout cure that will reduce symptoms and make living with gout much easier. The fruit is shaped somewhat like a star and when cut into slices this shape becomes much more apparent. Purchasing this fruit seasonally is another good idea for ensuring the vitamins and nutrients aren't degraded due to prolonged storage. If you find star fruit is too expensive for your gout relief treatment try another fresh fruit instead.

Cherries - One of the most common fruits that people eat for gout relief is the cherry because this particular fresh fruit has great gout relief properties. Whether you can only get your hands on the frozen ones or you're lucky enough to have them fresh off the tree getting cherries into your diet is a great way to relieve your symptoms. Cherries are a very popular fresh fruit for gout relief.

Pineapple - Another very enjoyable way to treat your gout is with pineapple. Now if you don't want to purchase a whole pineapple and slice it yourself many grocery stores offer pre-sliced fresh pineapple. Try to avoid frozen or canned ones since these are usually less nutritious. A good alternative to purchasing it fresh is to go with the 100% natural pineapple juice which is available at almost every grocery store.

These are some of the best types of fresh fruit for gout relief and introducing them into your diet is a great way to relieve symptoms and possibly cure the issue altogether. The fresher you can purchase and consume the fruit the better your results will be. Within just a few days you should realize significant gout relief in your symptoms.

Arthritis Explained - What You Need to Know


Arthritis is a condition that affects the musculoskeletal system including the joints, causing stiffness, inflammation, pain and eventually damage to the joint cartilage. The joints are protected by tissue called cartilage which ensures the ends of bones don't rub against one another. They are like the glands in our body and the cells they are made of are called chondrocytes. All chondrocytes have a life cycle and when they die, new ones are made to take their place.

When there is long time inflammation, cartilage cells are destroyed and die faster than the body's ability to replace them. This is especially true if there has been an injury or there is not enough proper nutrients in the body to repair the joint. The condition causes damage where instability, deformities and joint weakness can obstruct daily life. Arthritis is normally treated with physical therapy, medication and includes changes to the person's way of life or lifestyle. If an arthritis patient does not get any relief from medication and other forms of therapies then the last option they can resort to is joint replacement.

Arthritis is mainly categorized into two types, 'localized' and 'generalized' depending on which areas are affected (body or the joints). They are then sub categorized. Localized conditions are bursitis and tendonitis and they affect the soft tissues surrounding the bones and joints. A sub-category of localized arthritis affects one or some of the joints like hip or knee joints. It could also be that the patient is affected in a more general sense with no inflammation or signs of swelling. In this condition there is no evident kind of damage caused to the joints and is known as Fibromyalgia. This kind of arthritis is widespread among people.

The second sub category is one where there is inflammation and the whole body is affected. Under this category, rheumatoid arthritis would be an example of a condition you would see, along with psoriatic arthritis and gout. Other generalized conditions are polymyositis (muscles); systemic lupus erythematosus (skin, kidneys, or other organs); and vasculitis (any organ).

An individual is capable of having more than just one arthritis type and it includes over one hundred different medical conditions that are known to affect roughly forty six million adults and three hundred thousand children within the United States. The condition is most common as osteoarthritis in adults age 60 and above but it can start as early as infancy. The number of people suffering out of this condition is increasing proportionally with the increasing average age of the American population. With old age setting in people suffering with arthritis is increasing day by day.

The prime cause of disability in the United States of America is caused because of arthritis; the American population spends over one hundred and twenty four billion dollars on medical care and other related expenses for treating arthritis. Individuals can help prevent osteoarthritis by following a few simple steps: Maintaining appropriate weight and consuming fresh fruits and vegetables as a good source of vitamins c and d. There should also be sufficient calcium intake, 1000-1500mg per day for adults. In addition regular, moderate exercise can help preventing sports injuries that can aggravate a condition.

Arthritis - Herbs and Ayurvedic Remedies, Arthritis Symptom and Other Treatments


What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is inflammation of the joints. It can occur anywhere in the body and, based on that, there are several types of arthritis. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis which is the common ailment of pain in the joints observed in elderly people. Other common types of arthritic ailments are rheumatoid arthritis and gout.

The word arthritis is derived from two root Greek words - arthros meaning 'joint' and it is meaning 'inflammation'. Hence, arthritis literally translates as inflammation of the joints.

Arthritis is an auto-immune disease, which means, it is a disease in which the human body attacks itself. It begins in one or two joints where an acute pain is felt. This is the most miserable phase of arthritis. Over time, this pain may disappear, but it could cause permanent deformities in the bones and joints.

Why is Arthritis caused?

Different types of arthritis are caused due to different reasons.

(1) Osteoarthritis - Osteoarthritis is a common old-age problem, which affects several people who have crossed the age of 40 years. In people with osteoarthritis, the bones may increase in size at their articulating points. As a result the spaces between them in the joints become less. When moving about, there is a high probability that different bones will rub against each other. This is the cause of osteoarthritis.

(2) Rheumatoid Arthritis - Rheumatoid arthritis is a more serious problem than osteoarthritis because it can occur at any age. In people with rheumatoid arthritis, the ligaments and tendons between the joints undergo degeneration. This causes severe pain where the degeneration has taken place. Common rheumatoid arthritis pains are felt in the fingers; but other places like the wrists, hip and knees are also affected. Rheumatoid arthritis is responsible for deformation of the fingers.

(3) Septic Arthritis - Septic arthritis is a special type of arthritis which is caused when the joints get infected.

(4) Gout - Gout is common old-age arthritis. It is caused when crystals of uric acid are deposited in the spaces between the joints. This type of arthritis is linked with faulty digestion.

What are the Symptoms of Arthritis?

In all types of arthritis, the following symptoms are observed:-

  • The initial pains are felt as fleeting pains in the joints, which seem to be no more than a twitching pain.

  • Pains alternate between various joints quickly.

  • If the arthritis becomes acute, then on a particular day there is very sharp pain in a joint, and it becomes absolutely normal the next day. The next day another joint could be affected in a similar fashion.

  • The pains could increase in the winter season or in cold nights.
  • How can Arthritis be avoided?

    Arthritis cannot be avoided effectively as it is a common ailment that occurs with advancing age. One must learn to live with the problem. But there are various things which can be avoided in order to keep arthritis at bay.

    The following foods must be avoided if you have continuous arthritic pains:

  • Animal fats

  • Fried foods

  • Foods rich in carbohydrates like potatoes

  • Tomatoes

  • Peppers

  • Salt
  • Simple yogic asanas and light exercise helps proper digestion of the body and also protects it from autoimmune problems. Hence, these are beneficial in arthritis.

    If you have recurrent pains in the joints, then do not keep the joint covered. As far as possible, keep the joint exposed to the air. For example, if you have pain in the knee joints, then do not wear tight denim clothing; shorts would be a good idea. This will provide freer circulation of blood in the joint and reduce the pains.

    How can Arthritis be controlled with Simple Home Remedies?

    Some household remedies are known to provide relief from arthritic pains. The following are some of the more benefiting ones:-

  • Applying a paste of limestone and honey on the affected joints externally provides relief.

  • Mash some mustard in warm water and apply this solution on the joints. This must be done repeatedly to get results.

  • Put two teaspoons of cumin into a glass of water. Bring this to a boil. When the water is still hot, soak a towel in it and foment the affected region with this towel. This will provide relief from the pain within a few hours.

  • Asafetida mixed with egg yolk can be applied on the affected joints to seek immediate relief.

  • Prepare a pancake from wheat flour. Roast it on one side, but leave it uncooked on the other. Then put some heated mustard oil on the uncooked side. When it is hot, tie it like a tourniquet on the affected joint, or provide fomentation with it. This provides quick relief.

  • Mix some cardamom in milk. Put a pinch of turmeric in this milk. This is to be drunk every night while going to sleep. This makes the person sleep peacefully in the morning.
  • Arthritis Symptoms - Know The Signs and Symptoms Before It Gets Ahead of Your Life


    Arthritis is not a disease, it is term which covers more than 100 medical conditions categorized according to their symptoms and causes. Osteoarthritis is undoubtedly the most common of them all while rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and infectious arthritis or septic arthritis are other common names for different arthritic conditions and symptoms.

    Osteoarthritis occurs due to lack of elasticity in cartilages. In the joints two bones are held at a proper position by the ligaments and their ends covered by cartilages which works as a cushion and shock absorber as well as avoids the two bones from rubbing each other. In osteoarthritis cartilages become brittle which stretches the tendons and ligaments to cause severe pain while moving the joints. It is accompanied by mild inflammation but severe pain whenever weight is put on the joints in the activities like walking, standing or bending the joints. This arthritic condition restricts the range of the movement of the joint. It is also well known as degenerative disease as it is prevalent in the people above the age of 55 yrs. Over age can cause loss of elasticity in the cartilages even if the person is in good health unless special care and precautions are being taken to prevent it.

    Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease where synovial fluid is attacked and shows the symptoms of pain and inflammation in the joints. It can cause permanent disability by destroying the joints if left untreated. It is caused by chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disorder where immune system of the body attacks healthy tissues causing severe damage to bones, muscles, lungs, skin and blood vessels. It is more prevalent in women than men and it is a disabling and painful inflammatory condition.

    The symptoms of infectious arthritis or septic arthritis vary according to the infection. This arthritic condition occurs when synovial fluid and cartilages are attacked by the infection flowing in the bloodstream. The infecting agents can be bacteria, virus or fungi which have entered in to the blood and can move with stream. The people already suffering with some form of arthritis and get infected with an infection which can travel in the bloodstream are most susceptible for such type of arthritis.

    The symptoms of gout arthritis are almost similar to that of rheumatoid arthritis the only difference is that it affects the big toe first with severe attacks of pain and immobility and later it can affect any other joint of the body. This condition occurs due to the presence of uric acid crystals in the blood causing damage to synovial fluid and cartilages.

    Diffused vertebra and rigid spine can be a symptom of ankylosing spondylitis arthritis, these symptoms are mild and difficult to diagnose. Inflammation of bones and joints starting from fingers or spine are symptoms of psoriatic arthritis which are mild but can affect the whole body. Some diseases like lupus, fibromyalgia and lyme disease can cause arthritis as they can affect joints, skin, tissues and bones, Scleroderma is a systemic skin disease but it can also affect joints, blood vessels and internal organs and may promote rheumatic arthritis condition.