Arthritis Joint Pain Causes and Risk Factors That You Must Know

Arthritis joint pain is related with chronic pain conditions. Millions of people suffer from this painful condition of arthritis. This condition of arthritis includes swelling, inflammation, redness, pain and stiffness. Literally there are more than hundred types of arthritis but the three of them are most common. They are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout. This problem can be treated with the help of medications, yoga, exercises, diet, with the help of natural remedies, herbal remedies, home remedies etc. and finally with the help of joint replacement.

Though the exact cause of arthritis joint pain is unknown but according to most of the scientist heredity and lifestyle plays a major role.

Some of the important risk factors which results into arthritis

1. Increased Age - With the increasing age as you grow older and older the risk of developing arthritis joint pain increases.

2. Gender - Females are at more risk of developing arthritis joint pain in comparison to male. Usually men are less susceptible to the condition of osteoarthritis and the conditions which are related with it.

3. Weight - More stress is put on joints, if you are heavier. So heavier person are more likely to develop the condition of arthritis joint pain. Whereas the persons with light weight are not responsible for putting as much pressure on his or her weight-bearing joints.

4. Life style/Work - If you lift heavy weight then it can stress joints and lead to joint pain and injury. So person involving in this types of job are at more risk of developing the problem of arthritis pain.

Different types of arthritis affect different joints

1. Osteoarthritis - It is the most common type of arthritis found in human. It affects the joints of hands, hips, knee and spine. The condition in osteoarthritis worsens with the growing age.

2. Rheumatoid arthritis - This condition is related with chronic joint disease. In this condition there is a swelling in the joint lining which leads to inflammation and gradually it spread to surrounding tissues. This condition result into cartilage as well as bone damage.

3. Gout - This condition is also very painful. Mostly it affects the joints of knees, toes and wrists.

The patients of arthritis joint pain consult some expert before going for any treatment. There may be some diet restrictions or some specific exercises may be recommended by an expert. Some traditional medications are also very beneficial in reducing the arthritis pain.

Conquering Arthritis

Conventional treatments for arthritis involving surgery, physical therapy and
medication have a poor success rate.The sufferer therefore would be well advised
to look for natural treatments which address the underlying cause of the problem
as opposed to merely treating the symptoms which are likely to reoccur.

A compelling case for opposing conventional treatments for arthritis is made by an
American lady, who between the ages of 20 and 50 (approx.) suffered from this disease.
She went through the full range of coventional treatments including gold therapy; all
the 12 doctors she had over these 30 years prescribed drugs to give her temporary
relief from the symptoms and told her to go home and learn to live with her condition.
She then heard about a doctor who was on a different wavelength to the others. On seeing
him, he immediately took her off drugs and brought in a strict diet, exercise and food
supplement regime which addressed the underlying cause of the problem. Within 3 weeks of
this approach, she had relief from the pain that had dogged her for 30 years; and within
just 3 months she had permanent relief from her condition !

Irrespective of which form of arthritis the patient has, serious consideration
should be given to the diet, if taking care of this condition by natural means. All
foods in the nightshade family ( which include potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant etc ) should be eliminated as they contain solinaise which inflames the fluid in the joints.

Arthritis is caused when your system becomes too alkaline. This state can be
corrected by changing your body to an acid state with the help of the following
foods: grains, nuts, natural cheese, lentils, organic meat, fish or poultry.

Food supplements are very useful in encouraging recovery in the joints. 1000mg of vitamin
C 3 times daily should be taken to rebuild collagen and make the body more acid. Shark
cartilage and sea cucumber should be taken as directed on the label. Omega 3 fish oil
should be taken twice daily. 500mg of Pantothene taken twice daily acts as an anti
inflammatory measure.

The following herbs can also help with arthritis. Yucca helps stimulate the adrenal
glands to produce the body's own cortisone. Black cohosh helps relieve pain and
inflammation. Hyranges acts like synthetic cortisone without the cost or the side
effects. Alfalfa increases vitality.

There are also certain adjunctive procedures that can help. The first is to employ
castor oil packs. Soak a piece of white flannel in warm castor oil, wring it out and
place it over the inflamed area. Cover with plastic and apply a heating pad. Do this
twice daily for an hour each time. The second is acupuncture,acupressure and massage
open energy pathhways on meridians leading to the organs that produce the body's own
healing power and stimulate the body's lymph system which cleanses the body of toxins.
Zostrex cream (red pepper extract) applied externally smooths inflamed joints.

About the author: Kierann Waldron is a researcher on health issues who is established as an Internet publisher. Further articles on arthritis can be seen at the following
website: www.arthritisstop.com [http://www.arthritisstop.com]

Do You Know the Different Types of Gout?

Gout is a serious type of metabolic arthritis that is caused by the high level of uric acid accumulation in blood. In normal condition the uric acid in the blood is processed in the kidneys and the body gets rid of them through the body system. But when there is too much accumulation of the uric acid the kidneys cannot processes them to help the body get rid of those waste substances and as a result the uric acid crystals start to build up in the joints and tendons which lead to the attack of gout. The crystals trigger the extreme pain, swelling and redness in the joints. In most of the cases, the gout is manifested in the big toes but the other joints like the heels, knees, fingers etc soon become victims of the gout attack.

Gouts are generally of two types. They are primary hyperuricaemia and secondary hyperuricaemia. Hyperuricaemia is the level of uric acid in the blood. Their causes make these two types of gouts different. Primary hyperuricaemia is caused by the hereditable kidney abnormalities. Secondary hyperuricaemia refers to the problem of the uric acid accumulation due to some certain medications and treatment of certain diseases. There are some high purines foods as well that trigger to the increase of the uric acid level of the body. Between these two types of gout secondary hyperuricaemia gout is more common.

Gout is a critical condition that does not occur quite often. Sometimes the patients can have almost a decade of chronic hyperuricaemia before they have got their first gout attack. So, if there is high uric acid level present in the blood of a person that does not mean that the person will necessarily suffer the gout attack instantly.

Apart from these two types of gout there is another type of arthritis which is similar to the symptoms of the gout. The disease is known as pseudogout and the tretamnet of the disease is also quite similar to the treatment of the gout. But the causes of the two diseases are different. While gout is caused by the accumulation of the uric acid crystals the pseuogout is caused by the accumulation of calcium pyrophosphate and not uric acid.

More than two million people in the United States suffer from gout. It is developed more frequently in men than the women. Records suggest that men at their 30s and women especially after their menopause start to develop the disease. Food habits and obesity are two risk factors when it comes to the reasons of gout.

Proper and timely treatment of the gout is important. If the disease is diagnosed and treated early the gout may not be worsened. The case can be different if the patient overlooks the disease.

Arthritis Remedies - Safe and Natural Ways to Reduce Joint Pain and Inflammation

Many herbal preparations work as remedies for arthritis patients as these can not only relieve the manifested symptoms of arthritis but also produce effects in the whole body to root out the disease. The herbal remedies for arthritis are safe as they do not produce any side effects even if dosage becomes little bit higher. Exercises are also very helpful in alleviating symptoms of arthritis, various types of exercises and therapies can help in improving joint mobility, range of motion and promoting endurance.

Causes for many type of arthritis are not yet known but the relief from symptoms and maintaining movement of the affected parts is a part of the treatment for all types of arthritis. Herbs can control pain, reduce inflammation, improve immune system and can provide mental relaxation for combating this debilitating disease. Ginger is a commonly found natural herb in every kitchen but it can also be an effective remedy for arthritis. The rich anti-oxidants present in ginger help the body in relieving the symptoms and also increasing the period of remission of the disease. Alfalfa is a very effective herb in relieving the symptoms of rheumatic arthritis. The tea of alfalfa seeds 2-3 times in a day is recommended for rheumatic arthritis patients as a remedy.

Vitamin C is very important to help the body in fighting arthritis, two teaspoon of lemon juice with one teaspoon of honey mixed in a warm cup of water is an effective remedy for arthritis. Another effective remedy for arthritis can be made by using egg plant and some spices easily available in the kitchen. Two egg plants first baked and then mashed and fried with two teaspoons of castor oil. While frying them add coriander, cumin seed, turmeric, garlic and salt, consumption of this preparation once in a day helps in relieving the symptoms and preventing flares of arthritis.

Non prescription cayenne cream contains capsaicin which can inhibit the signals of pain to the brain providing immediate relief from pain. This cream is suggested for use during flares of the disease when pain reduces the movement of joints. Tying warm mustard oil spread on a madar leaf also alleviates the pain and inflammation effectively.

Proper diet also works as effective remedy for arthritis, peas, oysters, wheat germ, whole grains are rich sources of zinc and one high zinc diet in a day improves immunity system. Grapefruit juice and other citrus fruit juices increase the effectiveness of vitamin C and control inflammation. Omega 3 fatty acids are also effective diet for curing arthritis. Cod liver oil as a supplement acts as good remedy for arthritis.

Ashwagandha is an excellent health tonic and is a natural pain reliever; it is helpful in almost all types of arthritis conditions. Ginseng and half teaspoon of gugglu after every meal acts as preventive remedies for arthritis as they improve over all well being. Light exercises and keeping weight in control is not only good for over all health but helps in keeping the symptoms of arthritis under control.

Common Types and Causes of Arthritis

There are over 80 types of arthritis and each one has different cause. Causes of arthritis may include joint inflammation, infection, aging, malfunctions in the immune and nervous systems, metabolic disorders, hypothermia, injuries and so on.

Infectious Arthritis
The most common cause for inflammation of joints and consequent lesion is infection. When body is attacked by various kinds of harmful bacteria, virus or fungus, a natural protective system takes care of our body and it is called immune system. The immune system starts producing immune complexes, but when immunity of person is disturbed, too many substances are produced for protection, and they start destroying not only the harmful bacteria but the beneficial bacteria, and similarly joints also come under attack. This leads to infectious arthritis.

Traumatic Arthritis
Traumatic arthritis occurs and develops mainly due to injury with damage to the joint. This may also occur because of constant or excessive strain on the joints, resulting in forced motion of joints. In case of inflammation of joints, trauma can lead to the development of arthritis or its aggravation. Constant and small traumas of joints can also result in the development of occupational arthritis. Mechanical factors also play an important role in causing degenerative damage to joints. People who work as tailors, barbers, and masseurs, for example, are more likely to suffer from arthritis of fingers. The laborers are very much prone to the arthritis of spine. Arthritis in obese people is very common because of the high stress on joints. Abnormalities arising as a result of congenital hip dislocation, intra-articular or periarticular fractures, and chronic inflammation, result in permanent traumas thereby leading to development of arthritis.

Endocrine Arthritis
Disturbance in the functioning of endocrine glands can also lead to so-called endocrine arthritis. The most common example is the appearance of rheumatoid or degenerative arthritis in women during menopause, when hormonal changes take place in the reproductive system of women.

Osteoarthritis
Causes of the most common type of arthritis i.e. osteoarthritis can be many such as prolonged physical loads, which can be related to the work, sports, body overweight, injury of joints or genetic predisposition. Permanent loads can lead to the weakening of cartilages and ultimately they may collapse.

Gouty Arthritis
Gouty arthritis develops as a result of genetic predisposition, obesity, malnutrition, consumption of large amounts of proteins and alcohol.

Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which can be caused by the changes in the immune mechanisms of the patient due to viral infections, mental and physical stress.

Prevention of arthritis should be aimed at by addressing the causes of the disease.

Risks of Arthritis

Arthritis, in meticulous is rheumatoid arthritis (RA), has shocking results on the human body, reasoning a lot of devastating effects as well as leaving lots of patients motionless or not able to task normally. Nevertheless, there are moreover several additional things linked with the sickness which are less famous, but as hostile. A quantity of studies accessible at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology present new information on the hazards of cardiovascular illness for RA patients, in addition to a quantity of the dangers connected with the new treatments in the region, which are just opening to come into view.

Indications of rheumatoid arthritis are characteristically most horrible in the dawn with steady reduction of symptoms all the way throughout the day. This persistent deterioration of symptoms in the dawn, particularly of rigidity in the joints, is significant analytical clue in differentiating supplementary forms of arthritis, for instance osteoarthritis as well as gouty arthritis.

Amplified heart attack risks in arthritis patients regardless of alteration in diseases supervision As accepted by the investigators, people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) contain a reduced lifespan when weighed against to citizens with identical gender as well as similar age; furthermore current studies imply that this is mainly because of amplified humanity from early cardiovascular disease, in fastidious myocardial infarction. As the medical pasture has achieved an improved understanding of arthritis, the organization of it has altered considerably in terms of medical behavior as well as treatment.

This study furthermore highlights the want for more data on whether newer management selection, for example TNF inhibitors that were launched in Europe at the opening of the millennium as well as a result did not have a noteworthy part in this reading, will encompass an outcome on cardiovascular measures for arthritis patients in the prospect.

Bigger risk of severe diseases with TNF INHIBITOR TREATMENT

As accepted by the investigators of the reading, it is before now well known that TNF inhibitor enhances the threat for intracellular illness for example TB. The risk for to a large extent more common, so far still severe, infections remains not as much of clear. Studies from medical practice have revealed diverse results, as well as taken collectively; clinical test indicates the chance for a risk boost of medical implication.

So to stay away from the risks of arthritis one should take proper precautions and monthly checkups from a doctor and you should always remember that "precaution is better than cure".

The Different Types of Arthritis That Can Affect Children

Contrary to popular belief arthritis does not only develop in elderly people. It can affect anyone of any age, including children. In a recent study, The American College of Rheumatology estimated that 1 in every 1000 children will develop a condition called juvenile arthritis. Even then, the different types of arthritis that children will develop are vast making it impossible to prevent. Some of the most common types of juvenile arthritis are:

Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

One of the most common types of arthritis affecting children is juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). It is also known as juvenile idiopathic arthritis and the symptoms are joint pains and stiffness - very similar to adult arthritis. The symptoms in JRA however are apparent before the child reaches 16 years old. Treatment varies from child to child due to the varying severity of symptoms between children.

Systemic Onset JRA

This is another common form of juvenile arthritis and is one of the types of arthritis that can usually start off as a mild fever reaching temperatures of over 103 degrees. The fever will come and go in the early stages. It is commonly found that the fever will appear alongside a rash that also comes and goes. The resulting systemic JRA often does not happen when the fevers and rashes start but actually many years later. There are always exceptions however, and there are examples of cases where the arthritis pain was present at the same time as the fevers. Sytemic JRA not only affects joints by inflaming them, but it also can inflame the child's internal organs too. In many cases of systemic JRA, the child is anemic with a high white blood cell count. Treatment of this type of arthritis involves painkillers, other topical drugs, dietary monitoring and regular exercise.

Pauciarticular JRA

This is a relatively uncommon type of arthritis in children and less than half of all children who suffer from arthritis experience it. It tends to appear in more girls than boys but the reason for this is unknown. Pauciarticular JRA usually affects less than five joints in the entire body of the child. One side affect appears to be irreparable visual damage or recurring eye problems. Children who develop this form of arthritis under the age of 7 actually have the highest chance of full recovery.

Polyarticular JRA

This type of JRA is very similar to the Pauciarticular JRA above with the main difference being that it affects more than five joints in the body. This can affect children of any age. It mimics adult rheumatoid arthritis and is regularly treated in the same way; through the improvement of the child's diet, regular exercise, drugs, check ups and keeping as close to the child's ideal body weight as possible.

Have You Ever Wondered What Water on the Knee Really Means? - Knee Supports Can Help You

The term "water on the knee" is a generic term that describes the accumulation of excess fluid (edema) in or around the knee joint. As a result of a trauma, overuse, or other underlying conditions or disease, water on the knee may exist.

Often times, when a person has water on the knee, the underlying condition is arthritis. The term arthritis means "joint inflammation". People also refer to arthritis as being "joint pain" as well. The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) which effects over 27 million people a year (mostly women), while rheumatoid arthritis (RA) effects over two million adults. Most of them being women over the age of 45. Although these two types of arthritis effect millions of people, and are the two most common types of arthritis, there are over 100 different types of arthritis.

When an individual has water on the knee, pain relief can occur when the fluid is removed from the joint. Pain relief can be subsided when this fluid returns.

You also may have "water on the knee" due a traumatic injury. Fluid or blood can accumulate in the knee joint as a result of a meniscus tear or ligament injury. Moreover, when an individual suffers an ACL tear, they may have also torn small blood vessels which can cause fluid to accumulate in and around their knee joint. knee. Prepatellar bursitis can also cause water on the knee.

To avoid having water on the knees, individuals should consider seeing their physician on a regular basis, and avoiding activities that result in physical contact with their knees. Pain medications, such as Acetaminophen, can help to reduce swelling (see your physician before taking medications). Weight management can also take the stress off of your joints, which could result in water on the knees. Ice and elevation of your legs can also help to reduce the fluid build up. - Water on the knee is not cured by a knee brace, but the underlying conditions can be supported by a knee support, proving to be a useful adjunct in your care.

Arthritis Facts

Arthritis is an inflammatory condition of the joints that can at times disable the patient. The consequences of arthritis include joint disfigurement and constrained joint mobility.

Statistics of Americans with arthritis or chronic joint symptoms:

o 1985 - 35 million

o 1990 - 37.9 million

o 1998 - nearly 43 million (1 in 6 people)

o 2006 - 46 million (nearly 1 in 5 adults)

o Arthritis is said to be one of the most ubiquitous chronic health problems and is leading cause of disability among Americans over age 15.

o Arthritis is second only to heart disease as grounds of work disability.

o Arthritis limits daily activities such as walking, dressing and bathing for more than 7 million Americans.

o Arthritis results in 39 million doctor visits and more than a half million hospitalizations.

o Arthritis influences people in all age groups together with nearly 300,000 children.

o Baby boomers are now at chief jeopardy. More than half those affected are under age 65.

o Arthritis is a term used to refer to more than hundred different diseases that concern areas in or around joints.

General Information:

o Women - 24.3 million of the people with arthritis diagnosed by a doctor

o Men - 17.1 million of the people with arthritis diagnosed by a doctor

The disease also has an affect on other parts of the body. Arthritis causes pain, loss of movement and sometimes swelling. Some types of arthritis are:

o Osteoarthritis: a degenerative joint disease in which the cartilage that covers the ends of bones in the joint deteriorates, causing pain and loss of movement as bone begins to rub against bone. It is the most prevalent form of arthritis.

o Rheumatoid arthritis: an autoimmune disease in which the joint lining becomes inflamed as part of the body's immune system activity. Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most serious and disabling types, affecting mostly women.

o Gout is a form which mostly affects men. It is usually the result of a defect in body chemistry. This painful condition most often attacks small joints, especially the big toe. Fortunately, gout almost always can be completely controlled with medication and changes in diet.

o Ankylosing spondylitis is a type that affects the spine. As a result of inflammation, the bones of the spine grow together.

o Juvenile arthritis is a common term for all types of arthritis that come about in children. Children may develop juvenile rheumatoid arthritis or childhood forms of lupus, Ankylosing spondylitis or other types of arthritis.

o Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus): a severe disorder that can agitate and damage joints and other connective tissues all over the body.
o Scleroderma: a disease of the connective tissues of the body that causes a thickening and hardening of the skin.

o Fibromyalgia: a form in which extensive pain affects the muscles and attachments to the bone. It affects mostly women.

Arthritis and Lift Chairs

There are a number of diseases and conditions that can make it much more difficult for a person to be able to safely stand and sit. However, arthritis is one of the most common of these types of disorders. It is often thought that arthritis is only able to affect seniors, but this is not the case. People of all ages can be affected by arthritis, but there are several types of arthritis are inn deed much more common among the elderly.

The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, with rheumatoid arthritis coming in a close second. Both of these types of arthritis are characterized by joint inflammation and joint pain. Often this pain will be present in the morning and after having been immobile for an extended period of time, such as when sitting to watch some television or to take a nap. As a result, it is often incredibly difficult for those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis to come to a standing position on their own and without assistance.

Since it is often very difficult for a senior with arthritis to get out of a normal chair, many seniors and those with arthritis turn to lifting aids to make it easier to stand up. One of the most common and well recognized lifting aids is the lift chair. A lift chair offers a number of the same features as a recliner and in fact looks very similar to most high-end recliners. However, lift chairs actually contain a lifting system that raises the seated individual to a standing position. They also allow the individual to sit in a much safer and more controlled manner.

The lift chair offers a number of advantages over other types of lifting solutions, because not only can it be used independently, but it is also very safe. To use a lift chair, the individual merely pushes the up button on the chairs attached hand control and the entire chair, occupant and all, will slowly rise into the air. After it has completed the rising process, the senior or other individual can exit the chair upright and on their feet. When it is time to sit down, they can lean against the chair and press the down button to be lowered to a sitting position in a safe controlled manner.

While the lift chair does in fact raise into the air, it does so very slowly and does not dump the occupant out of the chair. Instead, the seat remains at an angle that allows the individual to exit the chair if desired, but does not force them to do so.

A lift chair provides a much safer alternative to using a walker or rollator to get out of a chair, which might slip under the weight and pressure of the person using it as a standing aid. It also is much more cost effective than relying on a paid nurse or putting the added strain on a loved one who must provide a helping hand.

Arthritis can be a very serious disease and there is no cure, however through proper treatment and using mobility assistant devices, such as the lift chair, much of the effects can be minimized.

Types of Arthritis - Know the Type You Are Suffering From

There are several types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis, also referred to as degenerative joint disease, is the most common type of this disease and it is characterized by progressive degradation of the joints. In some instances degradation can include articular cartilage as well as the subchondral bone that is next to the joint.

Osteoarthritis normally affects the spine, hands and the feet. It can also affect the large bearing joints such as the hips and the knees. Symptoms of this condition include pain or a burning sensation in the affected muscles and tendons. Other symptoms are inflammation, stiffness and a creaking noise when you move or touch the affected joint. You may also experience contractions in the tendons and muscle spasm.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic and systematic disorder that also affects the joints leading to an inflammatory synovistis. It can also affect tissues and other body organs. This condition can lead to the destruction of the articular cartilage as well as ankylosis of the joints. Symptoms include inflammation, swelling and stiffness of the affected joint especially in the mornings. The joints will feel warm and you may also experience pain.

Gout is another type and is characterized by elevated levels of uric acid in the bloodstream. When you suffer from this condition, uric acid is deposited on the articular cartilage of the joints, tendons and surrounding tissues. Gout is marked by sudden, excruciating and burning painful attacks within and about the joints. Psoriatic arthritis is a type of inflammatory condition that causes joint inflammation. It can also lead to tendinitis and sausage-like swelling of the digits or dactylitis.

The Dangers of Chronic Inflammation

What would you consider a serious danger to your health? You were probably thinking about Heart attacks, strokes and cancer; right? Would it surprise you to know that one of the greatest threats to our health is chronic inflammation? All of us experience inflammation of one kind or another at some point in our lives; surely it cannot be very dangerous. Well, there are times where inflammation can be beneficial, and there are times that it can be harmful.

Inflammation is one of the bodies first responses to any kind of damage. If you were to cut your finger, bump your head or break an arm, within minutes that whole area starts to swell and become a red. This is a process where the body's white blood cells, oxygen and chemicals are pumped to the wound, and the active inflammation protects us from infection and foreign substances such as bacteria. Once the white blood cells have done what was needed and the wound starts to heal, the swelling then subsides. In some cases, the body's defense system triggers the inflammatory system's response when there are no foreign substances to fight off. Certain diseases can cause this to happen and they are called autoimmune diseases. In this case, the body's immune system, which is meant to protect it, causes damage to healthy tissue.

Arthritis is a disease that is most commonly linked to chronic inflammation. The term arthritis is a general description of inflammation of the joints. However, not all types of arthritis are a result of inflammation. Inflammation of the joints can occur when an increased number of cells and inflammatory substances from within the joint cause irritation and wearing down of the cartilage. When enough damage has been caused, swelling occurs in the lining of the joints. The types of arthritis caused by inflammation include rheumatoid arthritis, shoulder tendinitis, gouty arthritis and Polymyalgia rheumatic.

Chronic inflammation can also have a detrimental impact on internal organs. Inflammation of the heart is known as myocarditis and can cause shortness of breath or swelling of one or both legs. Inflammation of the bronchial tubes located in the lungs, disrupt the absorption of oxygen and can lead to an asthma attack. Inflammation of the kidneys sustained over a period of time can lead to high blood pressure and eventually kidney failure.

A growing number of medical practitioners are starting to understand the consequences of chronic inflammation and the risk that it poses to human health. If doctors are now getting concerned, then surely we need to as well. We need to ask ourselves why we develop chronic inflammation and how we can prevent it. Did you know that information can cause premature aging? No amount of anti-aging creams or plastic surgeries will help if you cannot keep inflammation under control. The only way to do this is to take control of our health and ensure that we detoxify ourselves on a regular basis. It is only by keeping toxicity levels low that we can avoid chronic inflammation and premature aging.

Not All Joint Pain Is Arthritis Related

Arthritis pain can come in a variety of different forms, including Osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative arthritis; or rheumatoid arthritis. Gout is also a type of arthritis. Most of the time when people start looking for joint pain relief due to arthritis (or other causes); they have some inflammation and stiffness in the area.

However, not all joint pain is caused by arthritis. I had finger pain which was not diagnosed as any type of arthritis at all. In fact, the doctors never did figure out what was going on and eventually I just quit going in for checkups for the "We just don't know" diagnosis.

Even though my pain was not caused by arthritis, it WAS in the joints and therefore I was prescribed glucosomine sulfate as a treatment. When that didn't work, I was moved on to Glucosamine Chondroitin. After taking the glucosamine chondroitin mixture for about two months, my whole body hurt and I thought I was surely going to die. I figured it was just the joint issue getting worse, so I continued to look for joint pain relief on my own.

That's when I started using an Omega 3 Fish Oil supplement. I actually started this supplement after watching Dr. Oz one day where he said that many people don't get enough Omega 3 in their body and a supplement like this was a good way to remain in overall good health. I figured it couldn't hurt any more than what the other supplements were doing to me; so I got off the glucosamine and just started taking the Omega 3 Fish Oil supplement.

And I'm happy to report that they worked - for me at least! Now remember that I just said that my diagnosis was not joint pain due to arthritis. I had all the tests done to rule out the major diseases before I started to self treat things. And what worked for me might not work for everyone, but I've always been one to try natural supplements before synthetic ones (although, glucosamine chondroitin is a natural combination).

Don't be afraid to test a few things when you need joint pain relief. And, if you start feeling worse, stop taking the joint pain supplements for a while to see if you are having side effects from the pills. I guess the body ache thing wasn't just something I experienced either! While chatting with my neighbor she told me the same thing happened to her, but MSM was what was working for her.

Discover The Most Common Causes of Joint Aches

As we get older, many of us start to wake up with joint aches and pains we never had before.

Although you may still consider yourself young, such as late 30's or early 40's, the truth is that most causes of joint aches and pains is arthritis.

This isn't to say that you have arthritis...but you could be in the early stages of developing it.

You may be overweight or you may not be. The onset of arthritis can be from an old injury....especially if you played sports in your younger years.

If you are a few pounds too heavy, this can make the situation worse.

Of course, there are several types of arthritis. There is rheumatoid arthritis and there is osteoarthritis as two examples. The causes of joint aches will depend on which type of arthritis you may have or may be developing, if indeed arthritis is at the cause of your aches.

If you notice your joint aches happen frequently in the morning, upon first rising, then osteoarthritis could be your problem.

The Root Causes of Joint Aches

Regardless if it's rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, both types are characterized by inflammation of the joints. This inflammation causes joint aches because of the swelling and stiffness created.

As such, regardless of what the causes of your joint aches happen to be, there is a really good chance that you should look into anti-inflammatory substances to counter the inflammatory cascade transpiring within your body.

One of the best anti-inflammatories is fish oil. Fish oils are a natural substance that can not only help alleviate inflammation, but they have a myriad of other health benefits, such as improving cardiovascular and brain functioning.

Other good sources of anti-inflammatory foods include rich, leafy green vegetables. Think spinach.

If you live in the United States, you've probably never heard of a substance known as the New Zealand green lipped mussel. In New Zealand it is rather famous for its anti-inflammatory properties and is used to counter joint stiffness, aches, and pains. Like fish oil, the green lipped mussel is rich in omega 3's.

In summary, the root causes of joint aches are usually inflammation that can mean the onset of some type of arthritic condition. Increasing your dietary intake of natural anti-inflammatory substances may help counter these aches and also may improve your overall health.

The Many Different Types of Arthritis

The three forms of arthritis experienced the most, in this specific order, are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. So, throughout this article, we will take a look at some of the different types of arthritis that are in existence today. There are certain types of arthritis that are closely associated with psoriasis called psoriatic arthritis.

This is a serious inflammatory condition. Another form of arthritis that you probably haven't heard of is called cervical arthritis. This particular form of arthritis causes pain in a person's arms, neck and upper back. Were you aware that gout is actually a form of arthritis that starts out in a person's big toe but could often expands to their fingers, ankles, heels, elbows, knees and wrists? Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is another one of the types of arthritis lurking out there, but this one unfortunately affects children.

A child will experience these symptoms the worst when they first wake up in the morning or after they first wake up from a nap. Some of the symptoms of this particular form of arthritis are swelling, stiffness and pain. The only positive thing that I can think of about juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is that a lot of the children who experience this early on in their life tend to outgrow it as they get older.

The next of the different types of arthritis we'll discuss is infectious arthritis. As I'm sure you have probably already derived from the name, it is caused by either a viral infection or a bacterial infection. Some of the symptoms that a person will experience when dealing with this form of arthritis are fever, joint swelling and soreness.

Of the many different types of arthritis that one can experience, Anklyosing spondylitis is a form that unfortunately affects a person's spine which will cause them a great deal of stiffness and lower back pain. People suffering from this usually experience fatigue, fever, weight loss and sleeplessness.

If you are 50 years or older, you may experience polymyalgia rheumatica which is unfortunately one of the very painful types of arthritis that a person may experience.

You will feel severe aching and stiffness in your hips, neck and shoulders when you are suffering from polymyalgia rheumatica. One good thing is that it is highly treatable, but getting an accurate diagnosis isn't always the easiest thing to do when dealing with this particular form of arthritis.

The worst thing that most of the people suffering from the different types of arthritis experience is a tremendous amount of pain. Managing arthritis pain has turned into a multibillion dollar business and unfortunately as time passes in the United States the cost to treat this disease will continue to rise.

These are some of the more popular of the different types of arthritis. Check with your doctor if you think you are experiencing any of the symptoms presented above.

Types of Arthritis and Treatments

Arthritis is one of the most common diseases that occur globally. The term arthritis is a general term that is used for almost a group of 100 diseases. These diseases bear some similar characteristics like inflammation and pain in joints. Arthritis word is a Greek word that literally means inflammation in joints. Though some people suffering from arthritis might not complain inflammation in the joint but the common complain is discomfort in joint.

Out of these 100, major three occurring arthritic conditions are

(a) Osteoarthritis - it is a condition in which the cartilaginous tissue that is present in the joint gets converted to bony structures. Due to this body tissue formation the movement of the joints gets restricted and there is severe pain in the joint on movement. In ayurvedic terminology it is known as sandhi gata vata and is caused due to vata vitiation in the body.

(b) Gout - gout is a disease that is commonly seen in rich people due to their luxurious life style. This disease occurs due to life style disorders and commonly seen in people who lacks physical activities in their life style. In these diseases the serum uric acid gets increased and due to this its crystal formation occurs that ultimately settles in the joints. As the joint space gets occupied with these crystals of uric acid. On movement, these crystals hinder the free movement of the joint. In ayurveda this situation is called as vata Rakta.

(c) Rheumatoid arthritis - it is a condition in which our immune system attacks our own body. It is an autoimmune disease that can lead to the joint inflammation. Some times the surrounding tissues also get inflamed. In ayurveda it is known as aamvata. It happens due to vata vitiation in the body. It causes severe pain in joints and very often swelling is present.

Symptoms

· Pain in joints

· Inflammation

· Restricted movements

· Arthritis initiates in small joints first

· Joint is warm

· Generally red color is seen on the affected joint

Home remedies for arthritis

Below are some of the home remedies that are very effective in treating arthritis.

· Rub the castor oil on the affected joint to get instant relief from pain. Castor is known as errand in ayurveda. It is helpful in suppressing pain as castor is vata suppressant.

· Ashwagandha is an herb that is very effective in suppressing pain and reducing inflammation in the joint.

· Garlic is also very effective in suppressing pain and reduces the inflammation of the joint.

· Shallaki an ayurvedic herb also is one of the best pain reliever in the arthritic condition. It is also helpful in reducing the swellings on the joint.

· 2 table spoon of lemon mixed with the honey and is then taken with a cup of warm water gives immense relief in arthritic pain.

· Mix a spoon of cod liver oil in a glass full of freshly derived orange juice is also an effective remedy for treating joint pains and arthritis

· Half tea spoon of turmeric powder is taken in warm milk is very effective remedy in treating arthritis

· You can immerse the joint in the hot water and can move the joint in it.

· Hot vinegar can be applied on the affected joint to get the instant relief.

· The joint can be rubbed with a mixture of two parts of olive oil and kerosene oil. It is an effective treatment for getting instant relief from arthritis.

Arthritis and Dogs

Did you know that one out of five adult pets in the United States
suffer from one form or another of arthritis?

We have approximately 80 million cats and dogs living in our homes and considering that number we have a great many suffering pets. Pets that have no real way of letting us know that they hurt.

This knowledge is actually "food for thought" when it comes to changes in behavior patterns of our senior pets.

Pain certainly causes our behavior to change in many ways; we get grumpy, snarl, lash out at others and just plain complain.

Our pets cannot talk, but some do actually change their behavior and this is when "knowing your pet" is important. By knowing your pet, it is possible to tell if only by observation that something is amiss and a possible trip to the vet is necessary.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is joint inflammation and degeneration. It is a general term for abnormal changes in a joint.

Many things can cause arthritis such as; an infection that can cause tissue destruction, congenital defects, stress and trauma and even a lack of certain nutrients in a pet's diet.

Some researchers feel it is a hereditary disposition, or it can be attributed to aging, excessive weight and genetic abnormalities that produce the cartilage.

Are there different types of arthritis?

There are several types of arthritis caused by different types of situations:

Traumatic arthritis shows up as a swelling or lameness usually caused by an accident or fall and may require surgery,

Rheumatoid arthritis is caused when your pet's immune system attacks the joint or joints. The cause of this is still unknown.

Hypertrophic arthritis is caused by the formation of bone spurs that grow causing the joints to not move smoothly. The joints feel like they are being poked by something sharp. It is very painful to both dogs and humans. It is usually caused by a trauma to the joint or joints.

Osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) is the most common form of arthritis, which is the breakdown in the cartilage cushion in the joints. This can cause intermittent pain for the pet. It is a slow progressive disease.

Hip dysplasia is a form of osteoarthritis. Hip dysplasia is the abnormal development of the hips, which results in an increasing amount of looseness in the hip joint. Dogs can suffer from degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis) that is not caused by hip dysplasia or they can suffer with it because they have hip dysplasia.

These are just a few of the different forms of arthritis that exist.

What are some of the subtle symptoms to look for:

In smaller dogs, a whimper or growl when picked up or handled.

A lack of motivation to move.

Stiffness when walking, getting up or down.

Avoiding getting up on the bed, couch, chair or climbing stairs.

Hiding or disappearing out of sight.

Whining or crying for what appears to be no reason at all.

Changes in behavior patterns.

Sleeping more than usual.

What are some of the contributing causes?
Overweight: One of the major causes of degenerative joint disease (DJD) is a dog being overweight. The excessive weight puts a great deal of stress on the joints. This is especially true if your dog is predisposed to hip dysplasia or has the problem. Keeping your dog's weight at what is normal for its breed is important, along with making certain your dog is getting all the proper nutrients its body requires.

Proper exercise: If your dog is predisposed to hip dysplasia limit its exercise to long walks, swimming, and very short runs. Do not put excess pressure on your dog's limbs.

The same is true with puppies, do not exercise your young puppy by making it jump or do any exercise that puts stress on its young bones. If you do, the dog may pay for it, as it grows older with DJD.

Agility training should be done for short periods of time and with a warm up period before starting the exercises.

Diet: It may be hard to believe, but diet plays an important part in a possible avoidance of arthritis, not only in our pets, but for us also. A diet that is rich in the Omega 3 fatty acids plays an extremely important part in warding off some causes of arthritis. There are substances that all mammals (pets and people) need to make their bodies function properly, that are not manufactured by the body and the Omega 3 fatty acids are needed to carry out this job. So be certain that your pet gets an ample supply either from the food it eats or from a good supplement.

Treatment: Before taking any steps in treating your pet, always consult your animal care practitioner. Be wary of over the counter adult human treatments, as not all can be used on dogs.

Cats can suffer from arthritis as well as dogs. Cats require special consideration as their physical makeup requires only certain types of medication. Do not give a cat any aspirin or other types of over the counter drugs.

There are nutritional supplements on the market made especially for cats and dogs that can be given on a daily basis that will help maintain a healthy joint system from young to senior cats and dogs.

It is said that liquid products are better than pills as the liquid gets into the blood stream faster to do its work. That is fine if you can get your pet to cooperate and your pet is willing to take the dose without waste. For most of us pills seem to be easier, with the exception of cats - I find an eyedropper and liquid easier here.

Before doing any "self prescribed" medicating for your pet, always get the advice of your pet's vet or animal care practitioner.

One of the first things to consider when your pet starts showing signs of arthritis is to begin giving a supplement of glucosamine and chondroitin. This supplement helps, by not only helping to reduce symptoms, but helps to rebuild the cartilage and restore fluid. There are many brands on the market, find one that also has MSM in it. You may have to try several before you find the right one for your pet.

Some say eliminating grains from a dog's diet helps enough, that nothing more needs to be done. While others claim white potatoes, tomatoes, egg plant and peppers aggravate an arthritic condition.

There are many anti-inflammatory supplements on the market with the omega 3 fish oils being a leading contender. Be certain not to use "liver oil," as that is very high in vitamins A and D. If you decide to use the fish oils be certain to also give your pet vitamin E as the fish oils deplete vitamin E from the body.

Acupuncture and chiropractic treatments also work in some cases with pets.

Warmth is also an added plus, sleeping on concrete or a cold floor will only add to your dog's misery. There are many insulated dog beds on the market and some that can be heated. Just be certain the cords cannot be chewed.

Dogs with arthritis can live long and healthy lives with a little help from their friends and as a dog owner you owe it to your pet to be as helpful as you can be.

Yoga Can Help Ease the Pain and Discomfort of Arthritis

The condition, which hinders movement in the joints of the body and the connecting tissues of the muscles, can cause pain and stiffness in those who are afflicted. Arthritis can affect job performance, relaxation and the overall quality of life.

The Center for Disease Control reports that arthritis has been diagnosed in more than 46 million people in the U.S., affecting people of all race and ethnic categories. The risk of arthritis increases as we get older and affects more women than men.

All of us probably know someone who suffers from a form of arthritis, or you may suffer from it yourself. But according to research, there may be an easy way to ease the discomfort and pain connected with arthritis: yoga.

Although testing in this area is not extensive, yoga has still been found to have some positive effects, both psychological and physical, for the sufferers of arthritis. A report by the John Hopkins University Arthritis Center states that while research is minimal regarding yoga and its effect on rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, the research that has been conducted is "promising" and shows "improvement in joint health, physical functioning and mental/emotional well being...Perhaps most importantly, yoga has an important positive effect on quality of life. People with arthritis may also enjoy yoga more than traditional forms of exercise...." The John Hopkins Arthritis Center goes on to say more than 75 scientific studies have been published on the effects of yoga, with all of them showing that yoga is a "safe and effective" way to increase muscle strength and improve flexibility, two areas that that should be of great interest to anyone suffering from arthritis.

Regular physical activity, doctors agree, is an important part of the treatment of arthritis and may promote joint health. However, demanding exercise such as weight training and running, which put a great deal of stress on joints and muscles, may actually make the condition worse. Which makes an activity such as yoga the perfect solution to the quest for a physical exercise that is beneficial but not stressful to the body. Reports also state that arthritis patients who take up yoga quite often keep practicing it far longer than other forms of exercise, which is important to note when you consider studies that show approximately 50 percent of people who begin an exercise program drop out within the first six months.

Physicians also point to the mental benefits of practicing yoga with regards to arthritis. Faced with a condition that can greatly decrease mobility and activity, people afflicted with arthritis, particularly younger people, can develop feelings of depression. For people suffering from depression associated with the condition, doctors say, yoga can help them mentally as well as physically.

Doctors report that yoga can give arthritis sufferers a mental clarity that can help them to develop positive energy and keep feelings of depression low. Yoga has also been proven to aid the immune system as well, which is a great benefit since some types of arthritis can affect the immune as well. Yoga, the doctors conclude, has a positive effect on the overall quality of a patient's life.

Doctors and yoga instructors point out that there are certain poses and movements that arthritis sufferers should avoid. Arthritis patients should restrict backbends to small movements and be mindful not to hyperextend their neck by keeping their head in line with their spinal column. Arthritis sufferers should use caution when performing hip-related poses (hip openers), including those poses that call for extreme external rotation of the hips. In short, doctors and yoga instructors recommend that if you are experiencing pain, stop. Those who suffer from arthritis should use restraint during their first yoga session and be aware of any pain or discomfort they may feel the next day; it's not uncommon to not feel pain until the day after a yoga session. If an arthritis patient feels no pain after their first yoga session, they may choose to slowly increase the depth and intensity of the movement.

If you are an arthritis sufferer, consult with your doctor about how yoga can benefit you in alleviating the pain and discomfort of your condition.

Discover The Best Supplement for Joint Pain

Millions of people all over the world suffer from joint pain. Trying to find the best supplement for joint pain will take some research and trial and error. However, there are natural supplements that will work to ease your arthritis pain quite easily.

Arthritis pain develops when the sac found in the joint areas become filled with fluid. Arthritis pain is directly related to inflammation of the joints, so it is essential to find the right treatment to ease the pain.

Fish oil is a good supplement for joint pain. Fish oils high in DHA fatty acids help relieve the pain in your joints because of the process of conversion it goes through in the body. DHA is converted in the body to a very powerful anti-inflammatory chemical which is known as Resolving D2. Due to the fact that arthritis is strongly associated with inflammation, any supplement containing anti-inflammatory properties will provide great benefit to alleviate arthritis pain.

Multivitamins are great for helping alleviate the pain in your joints. Vitamins such as the following help reduce swelling and pain caused by inflammation.

Vitamins B3 and B6 help reduce tissue swelling. They work very well together to alleviate pain in the joints. They also help improve blood circulation.

Vitamin C act as an anti-inflammatory and helps relieve joint pain.

Vitamin E works to improve flexibility in the joint and protects joints from destructive free radicals.

Due to the many negative side effects of prescription medications many people are turning to natural supplements as a means of relieving pain and other types of illnesses. There are many different types of arthritis, the most common of which are Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis. These can be extremely painful, causing anyone suffering from arthritis to be unable to perform their normal daily functions.

Another supplement that is great for joint pain is cherry. Naturally juiced cherries contains lots of magnesium and potassium which act as pain reliever and diuretic to help lower inflammation by getting rid of fluid buildup in the tissues.

Molasses has been used for centuries to cure aches and pains. Dissolve molasses in water and drink a small glass each morning. Molasses is a great source of potassium, minerals, magnesium and iron which works extremely well in eliminating joint pain.

Dandelion leaves are also a well-known source for easing pain in the joint. It contains a high-level of Vitamins A and C. It also helps the body repair tissues which have become damaged. Dandelion leaves can be eaten in salads when picked fresh or can be saut矇ed or steamed. Dandelion leaves can also be used as a tea. Just add a few leaves in boiling water and let it brew.

Finding the best supplement for joint pain is not difficult if you know what to look for. Look for Vitamins such as Vitamins B5, C, K and E to reduce inflammation of the joint. Taking the daily recommended dosage of these Vitamin supplements will help not only with joint pain, but will keep you healthy and living a life free from pain. Along with the best supplement for joint pain it is also important to eat healthy meals and exercise. Keeping your body healthy and free from pain is something we can all strive for.

Signs You Need a Knee Replacement

What are the signs you may need knee replacement surgery? Knee replacement surgery has a long recovery process and the physiotherapy can be extremely painful at times. Although, if the quality of life has deteriorated due to a lack of mobility, knee arthritis or knee pain, it may be time to consider surgery. The National Institutes of Health reported knee replacement improves the quality of life and mobility in over 90% of the patients. Knee joint replacement is the most performed joint replacement surgery done today. Many people continue to suffer knee arthritis because it is difficult to know if surgery is needed.

There are simple signs that may mean you need a knee replaced. One indication is if the pain in the knee keeps you awake at night, or causes you to wake up when you roll over. If the problem persists for more than a couple of days you should consult your doctor. The knee arthritis pain in your knee may limit your activities, particularly if walking half a mile can be too painful to bear. If the pain persists, even after other forms of treatment, then you speak to your doctor. Just stiffness in the knees or the occasional sharp pain does not mean you need full or partial knee joint replacement surgery. Try doing some light stretches and walking. If the symptoms ease than you probably just need some recovery time.

If you have knee arthritis, surgery might be a viable option. Arthritis is actually an inflamed joint. People think of arthritis as an abnormal growth of cartilage or when the cartilage has worn away, causing inflammation around the joint. There are many types of arthritis, but the most common is osteoarthritis. This results in the cartilage wearing away until the bare bone is exposed. This type of arthritis in the knee can definitely benefit from knee replacement.

The conditions that can be treated with full or partial knee replacement surgery are: severe osteoarthritis, Ligament damage, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, hemophilia, crystal deposition diseases, avascular necrosis and bone dysplasias. Some of these can be resolved with partial knee replacement, which is much less invasive and provides for a faster recovery. In the case of arthritis, crystal deposition, avascular necrosis and bone dysplasias, partial replacement would only be a stopgap measure. If you have any of the above-mentioned signs it may be time to speak to your doctor.