What Is Arthritis? Learn More About The Crippling Disease

Considering the fact that arthritis has affected lots of men and women from all over the world in spite of age, with this it is important to understand what is arthritis and what are the symptoms and the causes of it.

So what is arthritis?

Arthritis is well known as inflammation of one or two joints. In most cases, it is associated with joint pain. Arthritis comes in many different types, you can find over hundred of recognized types of arthritis, additionally the number is growing. This disease can result in pain, stiffness in addition to swelling in the joints in any parts of your body. Some type of arthritis may affect other areas of the body such as bones, muscles and internal organs which might cause enervating, even life-threatening complications.

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the 2 most common types of arthritis. Arthritis is a ailment that can affect anyone regardless of age and this includes children. Arthritis is frequent in older adults. It can cause pain and may hinder patients from taking pleasure on the things they once enjoyed.

When arthritis is left undiagnosed and without treatment, it may lead to permanent or irreversible injury to the joints, bones, organs, and skin.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is usually called a degenerative osteoarthritis which is caused by wear and tear. Joints could be actually damaged along with its surrounding tissues because of the pressure of gravity and so triggers: swelling, pain, tenderness and minimized function.

Osteoarthritis is non-inflammatory in the beginning and it has a subtle and gradual onset that usually involves one or only a few joints. The knees, hips, hands and spine are the joints which are predominantly impacted. Similar to other forms of arthritis, the chance of osteoarthritis accelerate with age. Being overweight, joint trauma and repetitive joint use are also risk factors of osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is definitely an autoimmune disease that is chronic and potentially disabling. It comes up when the body's disease fighting capability is misdirected and mistakenly attacks the cell lining within the joint called synovium. This type of arthritis can cause stiffness in the joint, joint pain, swelling and loss of joint function.

Although the cause remains hard to pin down, health experts believe that genetic factors play a huge role. Rheumatoid arthritis can start progressively with subtle symptoms making it tough to diagnose early.

Juvenile Arthritis

Juvenile arthritis represents any form of arthritis of which occurs in youngsters. This is common in children and this comes in 3 significant types: polyarticular which impacts many joints, pauciarticular which pertains to only a few joints and systemic which has effects on the entire body. The warning signs may differ from one child to another. Given that no single test can conclusively establish a diagnosis, the Juvenile arthritis should be regularly present for six or more successive weeks ahead of a accurate diagnosis can be done.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic Arthritis is comparable to rheumatoid arthritis. Medical studies report that around 5 percent of individuals with chronic skin disease for example psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis. In this type of arthritis, a patient are affected from joint inflammation and quite often inflammation of the spine.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia syndrome is an unpleasant condition indicated by poor sleep, muscle pain and long-term fatigue. Fibromyalgia seems to indicate pain in the muscles, ligaments and tendons, a kind of soft tissue or muscular rheumatism which doesn't cause deformities in the joints.

Gout

Gout is a type of arthritis which can be painful and could trigger sudden and serious attacks of pain, redness, warmth, joint inflammation particularly the big toe. Uric acid crystals that precipitate out of the blood and are generally deposited in the joint are accountable for creating pain and inflammation.

There are still other common types of arthritis and they're Pseudogout, Scleroderma, lupus and more. To keep yourself from suffering from arthritis all that's necessary is to learn more with regards to arthritis, arthritis symptoms, factors that cause arthritis and also natural arthritis medications.

Arthritis and Candida Die Off Symptoms - Connection and How to Treat It

This is another case for candidiasis, it is about arthritis and candida die off. Many people ask me whether arthritis could be one of die off symptoms. There is a case where this friend of mine, her arthritis gets worse than normal since she started anti-fungals a month ago. She wonders if it is the die off. So for you who the same or similar case, this article can be taken as a rough idea.

For arthritis, specifically, it is necessary to eliminate all sugars of any kind, and artificial sweeteners, such as Sweet N Low (saccharin) and Equal or Nutrasweet (aspartame). Alternatively stevia can be used. Be sure to read the food ingredients of any packaged foods you use, to make sure that there is no kind of sugar by any name in there.

Eliminate any and all wheat products. Read ingredients labels of packaged foods. And yes, this includes bread, pasta, cakes, cookies, crackers, Wing-Dings, Ho-Hos, Devil Dogs, as well as any packaged seasoning products or food mixes. Also eliminate totally the nightshade vegetables, such as tomato, green pepper, eggplant, white potato. I would also recommend eliminating any and all dairy products of any kind.

Take 3 tablespoonsful of flax oil daily. If you choose the 1,000 mg capsules, that is 14 caps = 1 tablespoon (not very cost-effective or easy to do) This can also be achieved by taking 3 tablespoonsful of ground-up flax seed per meal (3 meals) which will fetch you not only the oil, but also a daily total of 27 g of fiber, which is also important to the arthritic person.

You can put the flax seed oil in a protein shake, on a salad, drizzle it on vegetables, etc. Do not cook it - cooking destroys the Omega 3 fats, which is what you want from the oil.

Some of my friends have mixed it into herbal tea. If your flax seed oil tastes nasty, it is rancid. Get it in a health food store with a high turnover. You should find it in the refrigerator section. Keep it in your refrigerator. If you choose to use flax seed, grind it in a coffee mill, or in your blender (dry), then mix it in a protein shake, or sprinkle it on food, vegetables, salads, anything that occurs to you.

It has a nutty flavor. If you grind it in advance, keep it in the freezer - it goes rancid quickly. You need to grind the flax seed because chewing it will not grind it up enough for you to get the benefit of the oil.

How to Treat Arthritis in Cats

Just like us, the majority of animals experience arthritis as they become older. Arthritis, which is the breaking down of cartilage that surrounds the bones of the joints, occurs frequently in domesticate cats and dogs.

For a cat, arthritis can begin at the age of just eight years. Because the disease is progressive in nature, it is likely to start in a mild form, which may not be immediately discernable to an owner. However, if left untreated, arthritis can become so severe that it demobilizes your cat. So, as an owner, it is helpful for you to know how best to help a cat with arthritis. One option is to introduce supplements to your cat's diet.

Omega 3
Omega 3 is a wonderful supplement for cats with arthritis, as it helps to lubricate the joints and, therefore, increase ease of mobility. Similarly, cod liver oil can be added to a cat's food. However, you should take care to not to give your cat too much cod liver oil - he, or she, should have no more then 翹 of a teaspoon per day.

Glucosamine
Glucosamine is recognized as one of the very best supplements in treating arthritis. It is an amino derivative found in plants and animals. Regular glucosamine supplements can strengthen and protect the cartilage that still surrounds the joints. Administering glucosamine can be done in two ways: intravenously (by injection) and orally (in liquid or pill form).

Of course, an injection of glucosamine offers the most concentrated dose, so is perhaps the best method in severe cases of arthritis. In pill form the effects of the glucosamine are lessened, due to the method of production. Liquid, on the other hand, is the next best thing to an injection and can be added to a cat's food.

Chondroitin
Typically, chondroitin is given in conjunction with glucosamine. Like glucosamine, chondroitin protects the remaining cartilage and promotes healing in the damaged areas. Chondroitin is often given with glucosamine, because it aids the latter's absorption into the cartilage. In addition, these supplements tend to come with added vitamins and minerals that will boost the general health of your cat.

How to Ease Arthritis with Diet and Exercise
Naturally, supplements are not the only option available to you. In fact, in many cases, you may be able to ease your cat's arthritic pain with a few lifestyle changes. For example, if your cat is overweight the pain of arthritis will be exacerbated by the obesity. In addition, gentle, but regular, exercise can help to increase mobility and improve the lubrication around the joints. Therefore, diet and exercise are among the most important factors when trying to treat arthritis in cats.

When it comes to a cat's diet, there are two potential problems: your cat may be overweight or underweight. Of course, if your cat is obese this can cause a multitude of other health concerns, so it is advisable to seek the advice of a vet, who will be able to offer tips on the method of reducing a cat's weight healthily. If, on the other hand, your cat is underweight, this could be the symptom of an underlying health condition. Therefore, again, it is important to seek the advice of a vet.

As mentioned above, exercise is a wonderful way to keep your cat's joints limber and, of course, help dramatically in weight loss. Try playing with your cat at least once a day, but ensure that your cat's movement is gentle. It is recommended that you do not encourage any movement that is painful for the cat and that you keep these play sessions reasonable short.

Obviously, these are just some of the many treatment methods available for feline arthritis. However, before beginning any diet or supplement regime, it is recommended that you consult your vet.

Arthritis and Class 4 Laser Therapy: The New Cutting Edge Treatment for Pain

A patient goes to their primary medical doctor or orthopedic doctor and says they have pain in their knee or shoulder or hip. The common diagnosis- arthritis. Sometimes without even an x-ray.

One patient says that is all her doctor blames the pain on, "arthritis". Well, without adequate x-rays, just blaming pain on arthritis is weak. It is a quick way to just give anti-inflammatory medications and pain medications to patients without DIRECTLY looking at the problem.

If your oil light in your car went on would you put a piece of tape over that light and ignore the problem? No. You would go to the mechanic and have him look at your car to figure out what was causing the issue.

Pain anywhere in the body is due to inflammation. Regardless of a tear in ligaments, muscles, or tendons, or arthritis, inflammation will result in pain. Cells become inflamed due to toxins and lack of sodium and potassium exchange because of the injury. So if you are a patient and have been to your doctor and have not received a CURE to your problem, please keep reading this report.

Lasers are classed from 1-4, and 4 being surgical lasers and deep tissue therapeutic lasers. The class 1 laser at the time worked ok, it produced results but the time it took for treatments and the effects were minimal compared to the Class 4 Lite Cure Laser.

Now most injuries, arthritis, etc can take up to 20 treatments, ranging from 7-15 on average. I always wondered how these professional athletes recovered so quickly from ankle sprains, knee sprains, and torn muscles and tendons. This is how.

A patient who was injured at work and had a serious contusion on her leg near her hip. She had the problem for close to 6 weeks, and the contusion was close to the size of about half of a football sticking out the side of her leg. Her "ortho" told her that it could take 6 months or longer for the swelling to subside and even longer for the pain to subside. She started treatment 3 times per week. After 6 weeks only, the contusion is 80% down. She went back to the ortho and his eyes opened wide, said, "what did you do?' She told him about the Class 4 laser and his eyes rolled in disbelief.

You see folks, the common doctors these days do not use tools to cure you, it is either drugs or surgery. He was threatened by this therapy because he knows that it works, and after seeing that contusion drop down that much, he feels threatened.

This is God's gift to mankind, and it can cure carpal tunnel syndrome, torn miniscus, knee pain, rotator cuff problems, sciatica, plantar fascitis, and much more.

How the Class 4 Laser Works

Cells that are damaged and poorly oxygenated as a result of inflammation, swelling or trauma have been shown to have a significantly higher response to laser therapy energy than normal healthy cells. At a cellular level there are photoreceptors that, when stimulated by deep penetrating photons, activate a biochemical cascade of events resulting in increased DNA/RNA synthesis, increased cAMP levels, protein and collagen synthesis and cellular proliferation.

The product of these reactions is rapid regeneration, normalization and healing of damaged cellular tissue. Photonic stimulation is the trigger for these metabolic changes.

Biological Effects of Class 4 Therapy Lasers are:

Analgesia through the release of endorphans and a decrease in the bradykinin levels
Immediate inflammation reduction
Accelerated tissue repair and cell growth
Reduction of fibrous tissue formation
Improved vascular activity
Increased metabolic rate within the tissues
Improved nerve function
Stimulation of trigger points and acupuncture points

If you have the following conditions, then the Lite Cure Class 4 Deep Tissue Laser may be ideal for you:

Musculoskeletal pain
Soft tissue injures
Migraine Headaches
Spinal conditions
Tennis elbow
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Bells palsy
Plantar fascitis
Sports injuries
Sprains and strains
Knee pain
Hamstring tears
Arthritis

This therapy is now one of the fastest ways athletes and regular pain patients are recovering from their injuries. Class 4 deep tissue laser therapy will help thousands of thousands of people and animals now and in the future.

Is Your Dog Suffering From Arthritis? Symptoms and Treatment

If yes, then do not worry any more. You have come to the right place to know about it in an organized way. Here are some of the symptoms and treatments are mentioned. These will help in self diagnosis and curing your beloved pet. If you think that only humans suffer from these arthritis pains, then you are wrong. Even your pet suffers severely from these pains. Dogs love walking, jumping and running a lot.

Arthritis is commonly seen among the older dogs. So you have to be careful about your older dog health. Thus, you would require some of the dog arthritis symptoms to know. So, observe you dog carefully. Watch his movements while it walks. If you see that it is walking slowly or limping then arthritis has taken place in its body. You can also see while playing with your dog, it may got slower. Study your dog's waking up style. This disease will enable him to get up freely and will make him stiff. It would like to sit and sleep all the time.

Your dog may even not get up or get down the couch or bed as it used to. Dogs lose their might and power of their limbs and legs. It becomes very difficult for them to eat, urinate and any other daily works. You will able to hear the bone clicking inside your dog's body. Joint swelling will be seen. Your dog will cry out of pain and it will also show reluctance for walking or any physical movement. Thus, these all are some of the symptoms which you need to follow in your dog. In order to prevent severe pain, you should to know dog arthritis treatment.

At first get your dog a veterinarian. It is very important for your dog health. They will only provide you with some of the incredible dog arthritis treatments. They can even suggest some of the medicines for different types of arthritis on various parts of the body as per requirement. What you can do at home? You can get elevated standing food feeders. This will give a complete rest to your dog's neck, spine and back. Exercising daily is a must.

A little bit of stretching for both of you is good for your and your dog's health. Get thick padded but soft bed for your dog. Lubricating with fluids in the joints is necessary. It will prevent the clicking of the joint bones. A free movement will be provided. You can also get Comfort Lift Carrier to give comfort. Thus, keeping dog arthritis symptoms, cure is made. So, these are the symptoms and treatments for your dog's arthritis which you need to keep in mind.

Arthritis Diet - Best Anti-Inflammatory Foods

When it comes to eating correctly to avoid as much joint pain as possible, there is a certainly an argument to be had that particular foods can definitely help alleviate the inflammation around the joints and provide considerable more pain relief than if you consumed other types of food.

For both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, the significant evidence points at plant based foods at reducing inflammation.

Arthritis Diet - Foods to Eat

Vegetables: Brocoli, boc choy, romaine lettuce. These vegetables contain magnesium which while they act not so much at reducing swelling but rather a natural way of re-building bone density, which should be part of every arthritis sufferers diet.

Reishi Mushroom: The spores inside the reishi mushroom according to medical science contain the most powerful natural active inflammatory compounds known to man.

When consumed orally as they have been for some centuries now in the Far East to treat such conditions; in the West, the chitin around the mushroom is cracked in pharmaceutical labs and manufactured into supplements. The cracked reishi spores are claimed to be 70 times more powerful at reducing inflammation than if consumed orally.

Fruit: The tart cherry and pineapples The tart cherry contains a great deal of anthocyanin, this is the active compound that blocks the Cox-1 and Cox-2 enzymes, those enzymes in part responsible for inflammation in the joints.

Pineapples on the other hand contain the ingredient bromelain. Excellent when it comes to assisting with digestion, bromelain also helps soothe flared up joints, along with muscle injuries, gout and menstrual cramps.

It is also capable of soothing swollen tissue, but to capture as much bromelain as you can, you would need to eat the stem of the pineapple, so search for bromelain supplements online if you want to get the most out of this fruit.

Additional foods to eat: Low fat yoghurt and fish - especially sardines, mackerel and salmon, the Omega 3 trio and steamed turkey and chicken in small quantities would seem OK for some but not for others.

Plus some good fats are advised like fish oil, avocado, olive oil, nuts and seeds.

Arthritis Diet - Foods NOT to Eat

Gluten: On all accounts do not eat foods which contain gluten. It's a binder, thickener and flavour enhancer of food containing manufactured proteins, which even doctors will even point out, that in almost all cases when a person removes gluten from their diet, swelling of the joints subsides.

Nightshade plants: Avoid these also which include bell peppers, paprika, blueberries, potato, tomato, cayenne and okra.

Poultry: Although some light servings may not affect you, for others it can, so chicken or turkey may or may not be advised - down to the individual.

Additional foods NOT to eat: Eggs, sugar, caffeine, all dairy products, citrus and especially high fatty processed foods and trans-fats found in fast food - a definite NO.

These ingredients alone on what to eat and what not to eat, should give you a good basis on which to begin a diet which targets reducing inflammation around the joints completely naturally and healthily, and gives you some insight on why perhaps your joints in your hand feel particularly painful after a BBQ for example.

Relieve Arthritis For Low Back Pain

We all see the commercials on TV for people who suffer from arthritis. If you do not have arthritis then you do not really understand the debilitating nature of this disease. People with arthritis must deal with constant stiffness of their joints. This stiffness causes pain and decreases their mobility. There are many causes of arthritis and some particularly tough conditions. One such condition is arthritis of the lumbar spine. Because the lumbar spine is so critical to the body's movement and walking upright, arthritis in this area can be very tough on the individual. There are a number of natural treatments targeted for arthritis in the lumbar spine including physical therapy, surgery, and massage chair therapy.

Generally, arthritis is thought to only affect the old generation. However, as we age, we may become more susceptible to arthritis. If you are overweight or if you do heavy lifting, then you may be a candidate for arthritis of the lower back. If you have suffered a previous injury in the lower back, then you are also more susceptible.

Your spine is interconnected with the cervical discs. This cervical column creates your spine. The individual discs are held together by soft tissues. These soft tissues must be strong enough to take on the weight of the body. Concentration of force in the lower spine can be problematic and cause arthritis. Other conditions include disc degeneration and spinal stenosis.

When you have arthritis of the lumbar spine you will experience stiffness in the lower back. Sometimes the stiffness can result in severe and prolonged pain. You may notice when you rise out of bed your back is stiff. This can also happen after strenuous activity or when using your lower back muscles more than usual.

In many cases the arthritis can worsen and as the soft tissues degenerate bone spurs can form. When bone spurs form they inflame the surrounding soft tissue. This inflammation causes the nerves to become pinched resulting in spinal stenosis.

Most treatments are geared towards natural therapies. Surgery is usually reserved if no other alternatives exist. Unfortunately, with surgery comes scar tissue which causes further stiffness in the region. Natural methods are geared towards restoring the original flexibility of the soft tissues. One natural method used throughout time is massage therapy. Massage therapy is used to stretch out the muscles to assist with flexibility.

If you are not a severe case, then the doctor will try natural methods first. You may be sent to physical therapy to help rebuild the muscles in that area. Another avenue is chiropractic care. A chiropractor will look to adjust your spine to help redistribute the weight across the spine. The chiropractor looks to the restore the health of the soft tissues and muscles.

To help increase flexibility of the joints, movement of those joints is necessitated. First a stretching and bending of the muscles is performed. This can be very painful in the beginning but must be overcome in order to regain flexibility. Massage therapy is often used to help relieve pain and to restore elasticity of the muscle tissue.

Many doctors use massage chairs to assist their patients. These doctors set their patients up on specific massage routines depending on their condition. The doctor may also include stretching and warming of specific areas of the body to assist recovery.

Massage chairs are used to deliver precise massage to a given area for a specified duration. These doctors will program the massage chair to deliver the type of massage they desire. The massage can be directed to a specific area or region or can be programmed to avoid certain areas or regions. This gives the doctor flexibility in delivering the type of therapy they requires.

Restoring the range of motion of joints is important for recovery. The joints become stiff and mobility is restricted. The stiffness causes further pain as tense muscles do not relax. Relaxing the muscles on a frequent and periodic basis is important for recovery. Massage chairs for in home use provide this possibility for users.

Of the many types of arthritis, lumbar spine arthritis is one of the most difficult to cope with. There is a constant pain and stiffness of the lower spine. This restricts the movement of individuals and disrupts their routines. Take control back over your routine and get relief when you need it. Check with your medical provider as to the best options in your situation. See if massage chair therapy is right for you.

Arthritis Causes, Healthy Treatment and Prevention

Arthritis is a chronic disease that many people inaccurately believe affects people of older ages. Arthritis is a serious illness that can affect anyone of all ages and can cause not only dull aches, excruciating pain, fatigue and/or insomnia, but create permanent physical disabilities.

It is not a single disease either. Arthritis is a collective name that refers to over 100 individual medical conditions that involves joint tissues' swelling or inflammation. It ranges from those that are related to the wear and tear of cartilage to those that are associated with inflammation of the joints. It is the most common chronic illness in America and approximately 350 million people worldwide suffer from it.

So what causes this disease and how do we prevent it or treat it?

Before I explain what causes arthritis, I'll explain what is happening at the skeletal-level. A joint is the part where one bone meets and moves on another bone (ie, where your elbow is). It is held by ligaments which act like rubber bands, allowing your muscles to relax and contract and you to move around. The bones are covered by cartilage which acts like a 'protective casing' and prevents the bones from rubbing directly against each other and causing pain. These cartilage and ligaments get their nourishment from a fluid called Synovial fluid which is found in the space within the joints. Hence, when something goes wrong with the cartilage or the level of Synovial fluid or the joints, your joint movements do not work smoothly and effectively, causing pain, movement impairment and hence, arthritis.

What causes these issues can however be quite difficult to determine and the type of Arthritis developed is also dependent on different risk factors. For example, the development of Osteoarthritis (the most common form of Arthritis) is strongly correlated to the person's age due to the progressive brittleness and inability of an elderly person's cartilage to repair itself. However, it is generally agreed upon that the following factors can cause or increase the risk of developing this illness:

1) Age - The older you get, the more likely you're to develop arthritis. This is because cartilage becomes more and more brittle and it gets harder for your body to repair any damage.

2) Genetics - Studies have suggest that genetics may contribute to the likelihood of arthritis development.

3) Weight - Excess body weight can increase the pressure on joints and magnify any issues that occur during joint damage. Hence, it is important (if you're overweight) to try and lose a few kilos as you will be decreasing the extra pressure on your weight-bearing joints, decreasing pain and improving the quality of your life and body movements.

4) Injury - Injuries at the joint can cause irregularities in the joint area that may have damaged the cartilage surrounding the joints.

So what preventative measures can you take to reduce your chance of developing arthritis and/or slow the progression of the disease?

If you have a family history of arthritis, it is important to ensure that you have regular medical check-ups as arthritis that are believed to be hereditary are thought to be possibly triggered anytime. However, whether or not you have a family history of this illness, the preventative measures are still the same. One needs to maintain a healthy lifestyle that incorporates a healthy diet, exercise and enough rest to ensure adequate timing for your body to repair itself daily. There are however, certain types of foods that have shown to provide more support to the prevention of this illness.

There are critical nutrients that have shown to provide relief to symptoms of arthritis, slow its progression and prevent the development of the disease:

• Omega-3 Fatty acids - Omega 3 in general, is absolutely essential and important for your total overall day to day health. It helps in the prevention of chronic diseases (ie. heart diseases) and cancer. Omega 3 is part of a family of special fats that the human body needs, but is unable to make for itself. But when Omega 3 is consumed, it helps in the formation of substances (leukotrienes) which hinders any body inflammation that could be the cause of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. For patients suffering Rhumatoid arthritis, consuming Omega 3 has shown to reduce its symptoms of joint pain and morning stiffness. However, joint damage still occurs and its hence important to continue with prescribed medication, treatment and have a healthy diet rich with the nutrients listed below. For people suffering from osteoarthritis, research has reported that patients who had a diet rich in omega 3 experienced reduced joint stiffness and pain and increase strength in their ability to grip. Please note however, people who suffer from gout however, should avoid consumption of fish if they are trying to consume Omega 3 fatty acids as fish contains purines that encourage the production of uric acid which can aggravate the symptoms of the illness.


• Glucosamine - Glucosamine plays a major part in the formation and repair of cartilage, tendons and ligaments which is fundamentally important for the effective functioning of joints. It stimulates the production of 2 essential building blocks of cartilage and prevents the production of enzymes (ie. phospholipase and chondrocyes) that causes cartilage deterioration. The natural production of Glucosamine in bodies however, reduces with time and aging. Thus, as one ages, the need for supplements to replenish and restore glucosamine balance in our bodies becomes absolutely essential.


• Manganese - Manganese is not only an antioxidant which slows down aging process, it is also an essential mineral for the formation of bone and ligaments. In addition to this, it also plays a role in the building of cartilage which overall contributes to the improvement of arthritis symptoms and prevention of this illness. Lastly, research suggests that manganese promotes bones strength and healthy growth of the skeleton, again reducing the risk of arthritis development


• Ginger extracts - Studies shown that when arthritis patients were given highly purified ginger extracts, there was significant decrease in their arthritis symptoms, including joint stiffness and pain. This is because ginger contains very potent anti-inflammatory compounds including a compound called 6-gingerol which inhibits the production of molecules that forms damaging free radicals that have a negative effect on the body.


• Turmeric extracts - This extract is well known in the health industry to be effective in reducing inflammation and pain associated with arthritis. This is because turmeric extracts contains curcumin, a compound that prevents the protein NF-KB that has been associated with the increased in inflammation of the joints from being activated in the joints.


• Boswellia Serrata - It has anti-inflammatory properties which prevent inflammation at the joints and the whole body. Furthermore, Bowellia Serrata improves the circulation of blood and blood supply to the joints, improving blood circulation and relieving the stiffness and weakness of the joints. Hence, the Boswellia Serrata has healing properties that are most effective in healing Rheumatoid arthritis and Osteoarthritis patients.


• Calcium - Calcium deficiency can increase one's risk of osteoporosis and arthritis as your bones become more and more brittle. (It is recommended that one (especially women) should consume at least 1200 mg a day of calcium after age 50. If your body does not get enough calcium from your diet, your body will take it from the bone structure, decreasing your bone mass and strength, increasing its brittleness and increasing your risk of arthritis development.


• Vitamin A - A potent antioxidant that reduces any negative impacts from free radicals, vitamin A has shown to potentially further reduce the symptoms of Osteoarthritis as it helps promote healthy bone development and healthy bone mass.


• Vitamin C - Vitamin C is well known to be a superb vitamin for total body health and increased immunity. This vitamin is also essential for the repair and maintenance of our bones and cartilage and is an essential ingredient in the formation of collagen. Collagen is a protein that is used by the body to make cartilage, ligaments and tendons, which are all essential in maintenance and development of healthy bones and joints. Not only that, Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which means that it helps reduce any damage to the body caused by free radicals and ensure that the entire body is maintained and healthy.


• Vitamin B3 - Also known as Niacinamide, vitamin B3 helps to maintain health at a cellular level and slow down progression of arthritis. High doses of B3 have been shown to prevent and improve the symptoms of Osteoarthritis including increasing joint mobility


• Vitamin D - Vitamin D is known to enhance the body's absorption of calcium. Thus, together with adequate calcium intake, the two nutrients are critical to the maintenance and development of healthy strong bones and reduction in risk of arthritis development


• Vitamin E - Research on adequate intakes of Vitamin E conclude that consuming enough Vitamin E can help reduce the pain and joint immobility of arthritis patients through the vitamin's antioxidant effects.


• Vitamin K - Vitamin K increases the rate of bone mineralization. This decreases the risk of hip fracture and helps in quicker development of stronger, healthier bones

The adequate consumption of the right nutrition and supplements however is only one part of the solution for arthritis. Having a healthy balance diet is also important in ensuring that you're consuming the right type of foods that will support your body in providing the right type of nutrition to ensure healthy bones, joints and cartilage. Furthermore, it ensures that you're maintaining a healthy weight to reduce any weight pressure on your joints which can amplify any joint problems.

Lastly, it is important to follow your doctor's recommendation for arthritis treatment. Altogether with the right treatment, diet and supplements for your body, they should support your body in the reduction of pain, increase in mobility and relief and possibly preventing any development (or any further development) of arthritis.

Good Luck!

Natural Supplements for Arthritis in Dogs

Arthritis is fast becoming a very common disease in dogs, particularly in older and larger breeds. There are many factors that can cause the condition but all have the same outcome. Your dog will start to show signs of lameness, struggling to rise and progressively worse mobility problems.

Medically speaking arthritis is termed as a degenerative, progressive and permanent deterioration of the cartilage surrounding the joints. This can be caused by some sort of injury or trauma to the joint, obesity and lack of exercise or just old age. Unfortunately it is also irreversible.

However, although there may be no cure for your dog, there are things you can do to ease his pain and suffering and give him a better quality of life. Whilst your vet may give you a prescription for painkillers there are other, natural supplements that can help your dog as well. As always, before giving your dog anything you should consult your vet.

One of the best natural supplements you can give your dog is Glucosamine with Chondroitin. Glucosamine is a major sugar that is required to help synthesize new cartilage. This is already naturally produced in your dog's body but, as a dog ages or where there is injury to the joint cartilage his body cannot produce enough to keep up with needs.

"Chondroitin" is also naturally produced in the cartilage and is required to help the Glucosamine do its work. It has a more important role in combating and fighting off destructive enzymes found in the joints. Given as a joint supplement this can help to slow down the process of destruction that is taking place in your dog's joints and cartilage.

Fish oil is another great natural supplement that will benefit a dog with arthritis. Fish oils, particularly salmon oil, provide essential Omega 3 fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory properties. Omega fatty acids do tend to deplete Vitamin E levels in the body so this must be given as a separate supplement as well, along with a small amount of Vitamin C.

It is important that your dog receives the correct amount of vitamins and nutrients in order to ensure a healthy life. You can buy a supplement that contains a combination of Zinc, Omegas 3 and 6 fatty acids, seaweed kelp and a range of vitamins to help your dog feel better ion the inside as well as easing the pain in his joints.

Another excellent natural supplement that you can give your arthritic dog is one that is derived from the Green Lipped Mussel. These mussels are a natural source of pure fatty acids and Chondroitin Sulphate and supplements made purely from this mussel are now available.

One of the best things you can do for your dog is ensure that he has a healthy diet. Home cooked food is best as it will contain all of the natural vitamins and nutrients that your dog needs. However, you should avoid any of the nightshade family of foods, such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and potatoes as these will aggravate arthritic conditions.

Omega-3 Fish Oil in Osteoarthritis Prevention

There are three main reasons of osteoarthritis. The first is a genetic predisposition - if someone from your family has it, you are at greater risk of having it yourself. However, two other reasons are much more common: overweight and a long-term stress on some particular joint.

Osteoarthritis is the most popular form of arthritis, affecting the lives of about 12 per cent of the human population. It most commonly attacks women above the age of 45, but can happen to anyone. Osteoarthritis is an effect of wearing off the cartilage in the joints. As the amount of cartilage is reduced, the bones in the joint start to rub each other during joint movements, causing serious pain and reducing the mobility of the joint up to the point when it is stuck.

Fortunately, there are loads of things you may do stave off the onset of the disease. First and foremost, you have to keep yourself at top condition. Strong muscles will reduce the rate the cartilage wears off and reducing one's weight means that there will be even less stress for the joints. Dieting, exercising and consulting with your doctor regularly is generally all you need to prevent arthritis. Just make sure you're not overdoing it. Too strict diet may cause your organism to weaken and actually cause muscle loss and overexerting yourself may result in damaging your joints rather than helping them. What is also important, remember to protect your joints while exercising. Wrist guards will for example, greatly reduce the risk of wrist injuries while exercising. Ask a doctor if your diet and exercises routine are safe before you start them!

The one thing that many people forge about is the need of Omega-3 rich diet. These fatty acids, commonly found in fish oil and in flax, are known for their anti-inflammatory effects as well as for their ability to reduce the soreness of the joints affected by osteoarthritis. They are commonly recommended by doctors both for those who already have osteoarthritis and for those who are at risk of having one. As the normal diet does not usually contain enough Omega-3 fatty acids, food supplements such as Omega Daily are often necessary to assure the proper daily intake of Omega-3 fatty acids.

The most important thing in treating osteoarthritis is the early detection. If there's a pain in your joints than recurs more and more often, talk to your doctor immediately.

Identifying Your Gout Symptoms and Signs

Do you ever feel any discomfort and pain in your joints, feet, ankles, knees, hands, even your wrists? If this uneasiness and aching continues to linger in the said areas, then you probably might want to go and see a doctor. You might have gout.

Gout may not be a very serious condition if you normally experience joint pains; but left untreated, gout can pose and rise to become a serious concern. Being familiar and having an extensive knowledge about gout symptoms may help you to fight and prevent those sudden, intense joint pains.

The symptoms of gout are fairly easy to spot. Since gout normally attacks the joints around the area of the feet, then experiencing joint aches there would be a very good sign that you might be on your way to having gout. Some other signs and symptoms of gout include the following.

• Subsistence of uric acid crystals in the joint fluid.


• Hyperuricemia or an increased quantity of uric acid in the blood.


• Attacks of acute arthritis more than a single time.


• Arthritis that increases and matures in a day or less, resulting in a warm, balmy, inflamed, and red joint.


• Infiltrations of arthritis in only one joint, which usually is in the knee, ankle, or toe, more specifically, the ball of the big toe.

The above are the main things to look out for. Other gout signs and symptoms include.

• Joint pains and aches which are isolated in only one or two joints.


• Gentleness and tenderness around the affected area, or joint.


• Movement and motion of the affected joint or limb becomes excruciatingly painful and unbearable.

Chronic and recurring gout may even lead up to kidney failure and ultimately kidney stones. If you have any of these symptoms or signs, especially if you experience signs of a gout attack, then you should rush to a nearby doctor immediately. These symptoms of gout attacks include the following.

• Chills, or fever rising and falling.


• A quick and hasty onset usually between 12-24 hours and often happening and taking place overnight during sleep.


• The pain comes and goes quickly.

If any of you out there experience any of these symptoms and signs of a gout attack, quickly head to your nearest doctor and report that you are experiencing a gout attack.

Knowing about gout symptoms may not be essential information to carry around as stock knowledge, but you never know when gout is going to strike you or any of your family members, relatives, loved ones or friends. It is better to be safe than sorry. Gout symptoms like the ones above are only some of a number of symptoms which identify gout.

To find out more about the signs of gout, you may probably want to ask your resident doctor, and also ask for the ways to prevent further gout attacks from happening. Not only will it save you from a joint-pained life, but it will also save you a lot of money caused by the amount of medical procedures required to get rid of gout.

Chiropractic Manipulation Helps Osteoarthritis of the Hip

Osteoarthritis of the hip is a common joint disorder, which can cause pain, inflammation, and stiffness. Age is a top contributing factor for the disorder. Other factors include family history, obesity, overuse, or a previous fracture or injury. Hip pain caused by osteoarthritis is often combined with stiffness, swelling, limited range of motion, and difficulty walking or sitting for extended periods of time.

Positive lifestyle changes can help reduce the symptoms associated with osteoarthritis. Maintaining a healthy diet and weight, getting ample rest, getting your alignment checked and exercising regularly can help limit your pain and stiffness. Exercise helps with strength and movement of the joints. Swimming is particularly beneficial since it can help improve strength and mobility of the joints but is non-weight bearing.

Chiropractic care for osteoarthritis of the hip has been studied and has been recommended as an effective treatment. In a major study, "Comparison of manual therapy and exercise therapy in osteoarthritis of the hip: a randomized clinical trial," researchers compared the effectiveness of chiropractic mobilizations and manipulations of the hip joint with an exercise only program (no manipulations or mobilizations).1 The study followed more than one hundred patients with osteoarthritis of the hip in a single-blind, randomized clinical trial. Half of the participants received the chiropractic manual therapy and the other half received the exercise program. Success rates for the manual therapy group were 81% compared to only 50% for the exercise group. "The manual therapy group had significantly better outcomes on pain, stiffness, hip function, and range of motion."1

The research showed that while exercise can be beneficial for patients with osteoarthritis of the hip, that manual therapy provided by a chiropractor is superior to exercise alone and can greatly improve a patient's quality of life.

Chiropractic is a natural form of healing that uses manual therapies (commonly adjustments) and other physiotherapy modalities. A chiropractic adjustment is one of the most common forms of manual therapy used by chiropractors. In this study, adjustments were made to the hip and spine (manipulation or mobilization). A manipulation is a high velocity action performed with specific, directed force, which helps to move the joint beyond the patient's passive (or resting) range of motion to achieve its full range of movement. Mobilization is a low velocity action applied within the patient's normal (active) range of motion.

Chiropractic adjustments are intended to restore proper body alignment, range, and quality of motion. The patients in this study who received the adjustments experienced a better outcome in managing their hip pain. Further, more than six months after the adjustments, the patients were still experiencing the positive benefits of the manual therapy, suggesting the long- term effects of the therapy.

Chiropractic care is a safe and cost effective alternative to surgery. While some patients with osteoarthritis of the hip will inevitably need surgery, it is well worth the effort to a visit to a chiropractor first. Hip adjustments by a chiropractor may help you avoid or at least delay the need for surgery.

References
1. Hoeksma HL, Dekker J, Ronday HK, et al. Comparison of manual therapy and exercise therapy in osteoarthritis of the hip: a randomized clinical trial. Arthritis Rheum. Oct 15 2004;51(5):722-729.

Doctor - I Have Symptoms of Pain and Swelling in My Hands and Feet - What Could It Be?

While there are multiple causes of swelling and pain in the hands and feet, arthritis is probably the most common cause.

The term "arthritis" is derived from the Greek and means "joint inflammation". It refers to more than 100 different diseases that can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. Joints are where the ends of long bones connect and interact. The end of each bone inside a joint has a thin layer of cartilage and is held in place by ligaments, tendons, and muscles. A joint is lined with synovial tissue (synovium) that helps to nourish the joint. It is the synovium that often becomes inflamed in arthritis.

Arthritis may also affect other supporting structures around joints such as the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones. Some serious forms of arthritis can affect internal organs.

The common symptoms of arthritis are due to inflammation (swelling, heat, redness, pain):

o Swelling in one or more joints

o Stiffness in the joints in the morning or with prolonged inactivity

o Joint pain or tenderness

o Restricted mobility in the joints

o Warmth or redness

Diagnosing arthritis can be difficult because some symptoms are often common to many different diseases. A rheumatologist will first do a complete physical exam, looking for clues. The eyes, ears, nose, throat, heart, lungs, and other parts of the body will be examined along with the joints. Lab tests and imaging procedures such as x-ray, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may also be ordered.

The most common forms of arthritis are:

Osteoarthritis (OA) is also referred to as degenerative joint disease. This is the most common type of arthritis. When it affects the hands, it can cause painful swelling in the last row (Heberden's nodes) and middle row (Bouchards nodes) of finger joints. In the feet it will affect the toe joints as well as the mid-foot. This disease affects cartilage, the tissue that cushions and protects the ends of bones in a joint. With osteoarthritis, the cartilage starts to wear away prematurely. The swelling of the fingers and toes may lead to bony deformity.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease; the body's immune system (defense mechanism against infection) attacks normal tissues. This autoimmune reaction causes inflammation of the synovium. RA symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling, rapid loss of joint function, and crippling. When severe, rheumatoid arthritis can also affect internal organs. This is the type of arthritis that most commonly causes severe inflammation in the hands and feet.

Rheumatoid arthritis tends to be symmetric- one side of the bodt being affected just like the other.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease characterized by generalized aches and pains. The pain is accompanied by stiffness that is worst in the morning but tends to last all day long. Patients may have localized tender points occurring in the muscles and tendons, particularly in the neck, spine, shoulders, and hips. These tender points are called trigger points. Fatigue and sleep disturbances may also occur. There is subjective swelling along with pain in the hands and feet.

Gout and pseudogout are inflammatory forms of arthritis due to deposits of crystals in joints and other body tissues. Uric acid is the culprit in gout and calcium pyrophosphate is the villain in pseudogout. Both diseases cause painful attacks of arthritis affecting the hands and feet.

Infectious arthritis is a type of arthritis caused by either bacteria or viruses. A relatively common form of infectious arthritis is Lyme disease. Infectious forms of arthritis can cause swelling and pain in the hands and feet. A diagnosis is often difficult to establish. Antibiotics will often be used to treat bacterial infectious arthritis.

Reactive arthritis is an autoimmune arthritis that develops after a person has an infection in the urinary tract or intestine. This problem is often referred to as Reiter's disease. People who have this disease often have eye inflammation (iritis), rashes, and mouth sores. Inflammatory arthritis involving the hands and feet leading to a toe or finger that looks like a sausage (dactylitis) is common.

Psoriatic arthritis. Some people who have psoriasis also have arthritis. This disease often affects the hands and feet. It is usually asymmetric. It also causes deformity of the fingernails and toenails (onycholysis) that is often misdiagnosed as a fungal problem. Sometimes the spine- neck and low back-can be affected. As with Reiter's disease, dactylitis often occurs.

Systemic lupus erythematosus is another autoimmune disease. Lupus can affect many organ systems including the joints, skin, kidneys, lungs, blood vessels, heart, and brain. This is a cause of swelling and pain involving the hands and feet.

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is the most common type of arthritis affecting children. It leads to pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of function in the joints. A patient can also have rashes and fevers with this disease. Hands, wrists, ankles, and feet are often affected.

Polymyalgia rheumatica. Symptoms include pain, aching, and morning stiffness in the shoulders, hips, thighs, and neck. It is sometimes the first sign of giant cell arteritis, an inflammatory disease of the arteries characterized by headaches, scalp tenderness, weakness, weight loss, and fever. The hands and feet may be affected although less often than other joints. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (sed rate), a blood test that measures inflammation, is often greatly elevated.

Bursitis is inflammation of the bursae- the small, fluid-filled sacs that help cushion joints. The inflammation may accompany arthritis in the joint or injury or infection of the bursae. Bursitis produces pain and tenderness and may limit the movement of joints.

Tendinitis is inflammation of tendons (the fibrous cords of tissue that connect muscles to bones) caused by overuse, injury, or arthritis. Tendinitis produces pain and tenderness and may restrict movement of joints.

Not all conditions that cause symptoms of pain and swelling in the hands and feet are due to arthritis. Here are some non-arthritis causes...

Polycythemia vera (PV) is a disorder that is due to excessive production of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Some patients with PV will not have any symptoms at all, but many will experience easy bruising or bleeding with minimal trauma. Also, the blood may become thick, causing it to clot in tiny blood vessels. If clotting does occur in the small blood vessels of the fingers and toes, a patient may experience numbness or burning. Swelling and pain in the hands and feet may also occur.

Some medical conditions cause edema...swelling of the hands, ankles, feet, face, abdomen, or other areas of the body. Swelling is most often seen in the hands, in the feet, or around the eyes. The swelling often causes pain.

Edema is due to excessive fluid accumulation. It can be caused by abnormal kidney function, chronic kidney disease, congestive heart failure, varicose veins, phlebitis, protein or thiamine deficiency, sodium retention, or cancer.

Other reasons for edema are pregnancy, standing for prolonged periods of time, premenstrual syndrome, oral contraceptives, an injury (sprain), hypothyroidism (low thyroid), anemia, adrenal disease, deficiencies of potassium and B vitamins, or allergic reactions.

The cause of the edema needs to be determined. Diagnoses such as congestive heart disease, kidney disease, or liver disease should be ruled out.

Insect stings can lead to swelling and pain in the hands and feet. The same type of reaction may occur with medications, such as penicillin or sulfa. This is referred to as serum sickness.

Acromegaly is a disease where a tumor in the pituitary gland causes an overproduction of growth hormone. This leads to swelling and pain in the hands and feet.

Frostbite is another cause of swelling and pain in the hands and feet.

Blood clots in the veins are another cause of swelling and pain in the limbs. This rarely affects the upper extremities (arms). If it does, diseases associated with clotting abnormalities should be suspected.

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (causalgia) is an unusual disorder that leads to swelling and pain in an affected limb. Generally it occurs in an arm or a leg, rarely both at the same time. The preceding event is usually some type of trauma.

How Vets Diagnose And Treat Canine Arthritis

Our pets are a very rewarding part of our lives and our love for them is as deep as that of a family member. As they get older, it is fairly easy to spot a pet who is limping or is reluctant to do things he or she did as easily as a younger dog. When these symptoms persist, a trip to the vet is advised. Making a proper diagnosis is critical to treatments that will be suggested and considered. The symptoms mentioned, are a typical result of canine arthritis. This degenerative joint disease is very common, but not limited to, aging, larger breeds, and is a serious condition. Besides the physical limitations, the pain that comes along with degenerative joint disease varies from mild to severe.

If joint disease is suspected, a veterinarian will conduct a physical examination of the patient. The purpose of this physical examination is to determine if symptoms are a result of this degenerative joint disease or another ailment that has the similar symptoms.

Physical examinations often entail:

1. An interview with the owner as to the symptoms displayed, length displayed and any worsening over time.

2. Examination of the eyes, ears, skin and gums of the dog.

3. Seeking signs of fever or inflammation.

4. Motion tests and observation of the dogs gait and posture.

5. Palpation of the limbs, neck and spine.

After the physical examination, additional procedures may involve X-rays, blood tests, and in severe cases, surgery. The vet will advise whether or not other procedures are needed to determine the extent of the damage arthritis has done, and prescribe a proper treatment.

Most likely, immediate concerns will be pain management. Typical medication prescribed by vets for canine arthritis is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). However, more and more vets are now turning to other forms of treatments to manage joint problems. Promising nutritional supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin have moved onto the list of viable treatments.

Glucosamine and chondroitin are gaining in popularity among vets because of the success seen in pets afflicted with joint problems. Glucosamine and chondroitin work to treat canine arthritis right at the point of damage itself. Glucosamine assists in repairing damaged cartilage tissue while chondroitin helps provide lubrication to the affected joints. Repairing damaged tissue is much better than just blocking pain with NSAIDs. Glucosamine and chondroitin do not carry with them the adverse side effects of NSAIDs. The list of side effects associated with these powerful drugs would have any pet owner concerned. Advancements in glucosamine formulas specifically designed to fight arthritic joints have been developed and are rapidly becoming accepted by vets as a preferred form of therapy for qualifying arthritic patients of theirs.

Exploring The Many Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Options

When the inflammation and pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis calls for adequate treatment, there are many different options to consider. Since there is no known cure for this joint-affecting condition, patients must turn towards medication and other remedies in order to increase joint function and avoid further damage or deformity. Below you will find a brief description regarding an array of rheumatoid arthritis treatment options:

First-Line Drugs

There are two main classes of medication used to treat rheumatoid arthritis: first-line and second-line drugs. First-line drugs are quick to respond to symptoms of the disease and include aspirin and cortisone because they are used to swiftly reduce inflammation and pain. Many patients wish to avoid the use of steroids during their treatment, meaning products like Naptosyn, Advil, Motrin, Medipren, and Lodine should be selected. It is also common to try an assortment of drugs before finding the one or ones that work the best. A doctor's goal is to pinpoint the first-line drug that creates the least amount of side effects.

Corticosteroid Medications

A stronger first-line drug given to rheumatoid arthritis patients includes oral or injected corticosteroids. Although the chances of enhanced joint mobility and function is often achieved, there are serious side effects that may also occur. High doses of these drugs for a long period of time increases the likelihood that issues may arise, such as muscle wasting, facial puffiness, and weight gain.

Second-Line Drugs

This approach towards rheumatoid arthritis treatment is slower to take action, including options, such as gold, methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil). These selections are used to combat progressive joint damage, and encourage remission of the disease. They do not act as an anti-inflammatory. When it comes to choosing one of the most aggressive out of the second-line drug options, methotrexate is often prescribed. Additional second-line drug selections include the oral approach (Azulfidine), and injections (Solganal and Myochrysine).

Immunosuppressive Drugs

Immunosuppressive drugs are rather powerful in treating rheumatoid arthritis, but are often saved as a last resort or when the disease has taken an aggressive turn for the worst. Some of the products offering this effective medication choice include Rheumatrex, Trexall, Imuran, Cytoxan, Leukeran, and Sandimmune.

Surgery

When a patient suffers from an intense joint deformity, surgery might be the best choice to consider. Restoring joint mobility, as well as mending damaged joints are some of gains associated with this sort of procedure. An orthopedic surgeon may perform an arthroscopy or completely replace a joint, such as a knee or hip, which means damaged tissue is replaced with metal.

When an individual assesses the best course of action for their rheumatoid arthritis treatment, there are many factors to think about. Age, overall health, daily level of activity, affected joints, and disease progression are just some of the things that influence treatments choices. Overall, most patients respond the best to medical management when combining medications; specific joint exercises; rest; protective gear; as well as learning the ins and outs of the disease.

How to Avoid Hip Replacement Surgery for Hip Arthritis

Millions of Americans live each day with hip arthritis. It can cause significant pain and disability with problems walking depending on how severe the problem is.

Interestingly enough, the person may have severe arthritis on an x-ray and not have a lot of discomfort from it. O that same person also may have very little abnormality on x-ray and have severe pain. Regardless of this nuance, how can a person avoid hip replacement surgery when dealing with significant arthritis pain?

There are several avenues of treatment which can allow patients to avoid surgery and here are the top three.

1. Activity avoidance-activity avoidance is a treatment that basically involves ceasing activities that flare up a person's pain. For instance, if an individual is an avid skier, it places severe stress across a person's hip joint. The same is true for a person who is an avid jogger.

Unfortunately, it may be necessary to switch activities into something like cycling or swimming in order to maintain the cardiovascular benefits but to take such pressure off of the hip joint. Every time a person runs, forces between two and six times body weight go through each hip joint. In a hip that has significant arthritis, this may exacerbate the situation dramatically.

2. Medications- over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol and anti-inflammatory medications can help with hip arthritis substantially. Care should be taken to only take the medication according to the manufactures recommended dosing. For Tylenol, this is usually no more than 4 g per day otherwise the patient can develop a liver problem.

Good old anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen can help a lot and if a person has normal kidney and G.I. function they can be taken according to the manufacturers recommended dosing. Other medications that are over the counter include glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.

These are called nutraceuticals and are sold at health food stores and drugstores without a prescription. They consist of natural substances that can help preserve existing cartilage and may even help promote some regeneration of lost cartilage. At any rate the risk profile of these nutritional substances is very safe.

Taking narcotic medications for hip arthritis is a bad idea for a chronic time period. Taking it for an acute flareup of arthritis can be fine and may be necessary if a person has a fall or simply is disabled from the acute flareup of the pain and narcotics and help get them through it.

3. Injections - There are multiple types of injections that can be done for hip arthritis. The first is steroid injections, and these have been around for decades. They do not fix hip arthritis and may even make it worse, at least in animal studies that has been seen.

But they can delay the need for hip replacement and also can be repeated every few months. They should not be done in an office setting, as the injections require a real time x-ray machine called fluoroscopy. There is a lot of soft tissue between the skin and the hip joint, and some vital structures. So it is important to do the injection safely.

Another material that can be injected instead of steroid is hyaluronic acid. This can help regenerate some joint fluid as it is a component of the fluid anyway and it can promote more fluid being made. Lastly, stem cell injections are making their way into arthritis treatment. It's exciting, and research will show their effectiveness.

Hip replacements are quality of life procedures, and if at all possible should be avoided.

Arthritis Joints - Recognizing Your Specific Arthritis Problem

Dealing with arthritis joints and the pain that comes with them is difficult and frustrating. However, before you can find the best treatment option for your needs, it is very important that you are able to understand and recognize the type of pain that you are dealing with when it comes to your joints.

The type of pain you are having can make a huge difference in your treatment and even can make a difference in the health professional you choose to see. It's important that you see a professional to figure out the type of joint pain you have and to get a professional diagnosis of your problem.

How Arthritis is Diagnosed

There are a variety of ways that arthritis joints can be diagnosed. Usually this starts out with an examination of the joints that are affected and a close look at your medical history as well. Often X-rays are used to take a look at the damage the joints have sustained, if any, which can help with arthritis diagnosis. There are a variety of types of arthritis, and often blood tests are used to differentiate between certain types of arthritis. Some of the other procedures that can be used to help come up with a diagnosis include MRIs, CAT scans, and more. These option can be used together or independently to come up with a diagnosis for your arthritis joints.

Where to Get Help for Your Arthritis

Wondering where you can get help for your arthritis joints? Well, there are a variety of medical professionals out there that deal with arthritis treatment and diagnosis. Of course various professionals deal with different types of arthritis in many cases. However, here is a look at some of the medical professionals to turn to when you need help for arthritis pain.

- Rheumatologists - One type of medical professional that you can turn to when you are dealing with arthritis is a rheumatologist. These professionals treat arthritis and other types of rheumatic diseases out there that may affect skin, muscles, joints, bones, and more. They have special training in this field and are adequately equipped to deal with your arthritis problems.

- Orthopedic Surgeons - You'll find that often orthopedic surgeons end up treating arthritis patients, although this is usually an option for those dealing with advanced arthritis. They help to treat arthritis over the long term, offering non surgical as well as surgical arthritis treatments.

- Physical Therapists - Those who have arthritis joints often find help from physical therapists as well. They are able to provide quality treatments for those with arthritis, helping with rehab and physical medicine. Usually therapy, cold and hot treatment, traction, and even massage can be used to help treat arthritis. They may even help patients to get used to using canes, wheelchairs, crutches, or walkers to get around.

Getting help for your arthritis joints is very important. These are just a few of the people that can provide you with the help that you need. Remember, if you are dealing with joint pain, it is very important that you get medical help so you can be diagnosed and properly treated for the best results.

What is Psoriatic Arthritis? How to Cure Its Symptoms With Proven Arthritis Treatment Methods

Arthritis rheumatoid is a very dangerous disease which comes in various forms. One of the types of this disease which has affected millions of people is called Psoriasis Arthritis. It is a skin condition which causes swelling of joints and scaly patches on skin. It is a chronic arthritis condition that affects your skin. Therefore you need to understand its symptoms and the arthritis treatments options available to cure the pains if developed on your body.

For you to understand what this disease is, it is very important that you know the causes of the disease and find out the appropriate drugs that can cure you. You must however see your doctor who will be in a professional position to give you the necessary details on the disease and some possible links to organizations that can treat you.

If you want to know whether you are suffering from this arthritis rheumatoid, you need to know the symptoms noticed on your body. Some of the signs you will notice are swelling of joints on your body around your wrist, knees, back, elbows, and fingers. You will also see some dry gray areas of skin around your knees, elbows, and lower back. Your fingers will have sausage-like and pitted nails or cut around the fingernails.

One thing you must know is that the psoriasis epidemic comes in two forms. Its first infection is on your skin and the second phase affects your joints. Therefore you must always see your doctor to assist you in tackling the disease from the beginning. Although there are different options for treating the disease, your doctor will be able to help you find some Proven Arthritis Treatments Methods and medications for your condition.

How Do You Cure Psoriasis Arthritis Personally?

If you want to cure your arthritis by yourself easily, you have to perform some therapy options which can help you overcome your arthritic pains. One of the best activities that can help you out is regular and accurate exercises. This will help to alleviate the pains and swellings in all your joints. Another choice you will have to make is having skin therapy to cure the disease on your skin. Normally heat and cold are used to cure psoriasis arthritis. An important option to adopt is adequate rest. You need enough rest at all times to relief your body from pains. Also you can use splints and surgery as an option when your condition is at high extreme. Other forms of treatment are the use of laser light surgery. This is a cosmetic surgery that can treat your skin condition also.

Do Stinging Nettles Relieve Arthritis Pain?

The simple answer for many is yes, and certainly acceptable for quick relief. Stinging Nettles have been used for thousands of years for there medicinal properties. Nature provides us with many plants and roots that will aid in the relieving of joint pain and inflammation, with the most radical being the common Stinging Nettle.

The science behind the myth is somewhat confusing, having said that recent studies carried out at the University of Plymouth UK, offer some scientific proof that this ancient folklore therapy can actually work.

During research at the University of Plymouth stinging nettle leaves were applied to the hands of 27 arthritis sufferers daily for a week, The results were then compared to the effect of a placebo, namely, the white deadnettle leaf, which does not sting, the white deadnettle leaf was also applied for a week.

The researchers found that stinging nettles not only significantly reduced pain, but also that the level of remaining pain stayed lower through most of the treatment.

How Does It Work

The theory is, the nettle leaf contains thousands of microscopic stinging spines which are thought to pierce the skin similar to acupuncture which triggers histamine (the body's own anti-inflammatory) as well as a sting, to concentrate on the treated area, the by product being arthritis pain and inflammation relief. Pain relief was most likely to occur if a sting with weal's (nettle rash) was produced.

This is an ancient folklore, that seems to work for many people all over the world.

The stinging nettle is a freely available plant which grows in may countries around the world and its sting seems a safe treatment.

How to Administer

Quite simple really, the best and the traditional way to treat your arthritis with stinging nettles is to grasp the plants stem with a gloved hand and then thrash the affected joint with the leaves until nettle rash appears, repeat for all affected joints, in most cases this will help reduce the pain and swelling quickly for a short period of time.

Does this all sound a little barbaric?, well nature has provided many long and short term answers for arthritis, with nettles being at the extreme.

There are easier and far less abrasive ways of reducing your pain and inflammation believe me.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Natural Treatment

Whilst many people take medication for rheumatoid arthritis natural treatment is often a very effective solution. Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common forms of this disease, and is where the lining of the joints becomes inflamed. The condition can become very painful, and lead to the sufferer being unable to perform certain functions. It can also become severely debilitating as the condition worsens.

There are a number of medications that are available on prescription to ease the symptoms of this type of arthritis, and these are taken to bring down inflammation so that the joints are more flexible. However, there are also natural treatments that can be used for the treatment of this problem, and these can be effective because they also offer anti-inflammatory benefits, but often without the side effects of prescription medication.

Some natural and herbal treatments for rheumatoid arthritis

There are a number of natural and herbal remedies that can help to ease the symptoms and pain that is associated with this problem, and without causing the variety of side effects that traditional medication can cause. This is why many people think that in order to treat rheumatoid arthritis natural treatment is the best option.

Some of the herbs that are used in natural remedies for the treatment of this form of arthritis include:

Celery seeds: These can help to clear uric acid from around the joints of sufferers

Chinese Skullcap: Rich in antioxidants, Chinese Skullcap is said to offer valuable anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory benefits, similar to those offered by some prescription drugs. However, this comes without the toxic side effects that prescribed medication can cause.

Dandelion: This is a valuable natural remedy that can help sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis in a number of ways. This includes dispelling uric acid, strengthening connective tissue, and reducing the level and frequency of pain.

Devil's Claw: This root is used to reduce inflammation and it does this through effectively dispelling uric acid in sufferers.

Ginger: Ginger is something that many people use regularly in their diets due to its health benefits. Studies have shown that ginger can effectively help to reduce both pain and swelling, and can be taken in different forms including as a drink (such as ginger tea) or even as a compress.

Turmeric: It is claimed that the yellow pigment in turmeric offers valuable anti-inflammatory benefits, and is also said to benefit the function of the liver.

How stretching can assist sufferers of this arthritis

It is not just herbs and plants that can help to ease the symptoms of this form of arthritis. Stretching is something that sufferers can do to help themselves. Whilst joints that are acutely inflamed should be rested, it is possible to help maintain increased mobility in non-inflamed joints through stretching.

Signs Of Arthritis In Pets

Arthritis affects not only humans but also animals. Our pets can be vulnerable to this kind of joint disease and it is imperative that we recognize symptoms of arthritis so treatment can be administered as early as possible. So how is this disease manifested?

When your pet, be it a dog or a cat, appears to have difficulty walking, climbing up the stairs, and would rather stay in one place than go run and jump, it may have arthritis. Don't immediately attribute this seeming lethargy to old age, for they may be suffering inside and might need urgent attention. Pay particular attention when your pet exhibit difficulty standing up, is limping, and becomes cross when touched.

There are several kinds of arthritis that can occur in pets. Traumatic arthritis can occur after an injury to one or more parts of your pet. This can develop over time and may be manifested in limping and changes in gait. Your pet may have difficulty catching up with you during walks and exhibit character changes.

The gait of your pet may also change when it has shoulder degeneration, caused by infection or injury. This will result in slowing down of movements and your previously gregarious pet may just prefer to sit or lie down most of the time.

Osteochondrosis is attributed to genetics as well as nutrition. This is a painful condition, so you may notice your dog whimpering or lethargy in your cat, and subsequent limping.

Osteoarthritis, ;like osteochondrosis, is a painful condition. The bone joints now grind against each other due to damage to the cartilage. When your pet has this condition, the joints are inflamed and are sore to touch. Your pet may limp, and exhibit inability to run or even walk. The pain also worsens as the day progresses, and may become unbearable at nighttime.

Infectious arthritis occurs when a previously injured joint becomes inflamed due to bacterial infection. You will observe reduction in the movements of your pets, and in time, this can cause lameness.

Hip dysplasia is an osteoarthritic condition affecting the hip joints. There is a remarked change in the gait of your pet, and may progress to limping. Lameness can also occur are the disease spread to other joints of the body.

One of the most common types of arthritis in pets is the degenerative joint disease. There is an inflammation to the joints that is painful to touch. Because of the pain, your pet may become grouchy and irritable. It may appear to get better for some time but this condition never completely goes away. Your pet may limp or whine in pain when inflammation resurges.

Autoimmune arthritis occurs when your pet's auto immune system attacks the joints. Since this condition affects more than one joint at the same time, your pet may find it difficult to walk or even to stand for some time, and may just prefer to just lie in a corner.

Acute traumatic arthritis occurs immediately after an injury or trauma to a joint. The affected part will swell and be sore to touch. Your pet may become distinctly uncomfortable and may refuse even to sit or stand up.

Generally, arthritis in cats are exhibit in stiffness in joints, and your cat may have difficulty moving, especially after being in a lying position for some time, as in sleeping. Things to watch out for are reduced movement, limping, fever, decrease in appetite, inability to jump or climb stairs, and the lymph nodes are swollen. The fever, though can be alleviated, is recurring and does not go away over time.

Horses also developed arthritis, especially since they spent most of their lifetime standing up. As horses grow older, their joints become increasingly inflexible, and cartilages become damaged due to wear and tear. Symptoms start with puffiness and slight swelling of the joints, progressing to changes in gait and refusal to do running and jumping routines. Left unchecked, your horse may ultimately become lame.

Consulting a Vet for treatment for any these conditions is important and treatments range from pain medication to surgery. One of the most effective treatments by many is a simple, safe, and natural one in the form of glucosamine. Syn-flex Liquid Glucosamine is easy to administer and contains synergistic ingredients to help with inflammation. Syn-flex for Pets has proven itself a leader in this field and the customer testimonials and recommendations by Veterinarians have been outstanding. Synflex uses a pharmaceutical quality glucosamine and is loaded with additional minerals and vitamins that go to the heart of the problem.

How To Deal With Cat Arthritis

If you live with a cat, no doubt your cat is a favorite pet and you love and adore him or her. Cats will do that to humans! It is therefore very distressing if your cat develops cat arthritis.

Mostly cat arthritis affects older cats but sometimes younger ones can also get this disease. If your cat is young, then make sure it gets enough exercise and doesn't become overweight. Like us humans, if we carry too much weight around, our joints will end up hurting us.

Signs to look for are generally slowing down. Walking becomes more difficult and often jumping is a problem. If your cat is older or even very old, it's so hard to tell whether it is just age or if it is arthritis. If the cat is unusually irritable or even depressed, it could well be that it is suffering from chronic arthritis pain. Also you may find your cat sleeping even more. Cat owners know that cats are smart that way.

Cats can have various forms of arthritis, just like we can. However, arthritis can develop in a cat due to a traumatic even involving movement - for example, if your cat is in an accident as gets a shock and is hurt, or if he falls badly and hurts himself. It could then be that the injured joints develop arthritis.

Thank goodness we have veterinarians who can help us. First of all take your cat to your veterinarian for a check up. There are certain tests that can be made to help with the diagnosis if the vet thinks it could be arthritis. There is medication available, just like for us humans who have the disease and your vet can monitor progress. Corticosteriods and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, known as NSAIDs may be prescribed.

Of course there are also alternative natural remedies you can try but always let your veterinarian know in case they conflict with any other medication. Glucosamine is good for arthritis sufferers and it comes in liquid form for your beloved pet. Vitamin C is also helpful for pain relief, but again make sure this is OK with your vet.

If you cat likes a massage, then go ahead and gently massage him or her. Also making sure your cat is warm is always good in this situation so make sure he or she has a nice warm blanket or cat bed and this is not situated in a cool or drafty area.

As with humans, arthritis in cats is not easy. However, with loving care, understanding and medication and/or natural remedies, it is possible for pets suffering with cat arthritis to live their lives more comfortably.

Surgical Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis of Hips

Arthritis of the hip may lead to degeneration of the hip joint, a deep 'ball-and-socket' joint that connects the leg to the pelvis. Its progression can take a toll on many aspects of your life, deteriorating your ability to do routine work and causing unending joint pain, joint stiffness and decreased hip flexibility. You may also need a cane, walker or even a wheelchair to move around.

The hip joint is located where the thigh bone (femur) meets the pelvis (hip). Normally, a round ball at the top of the femur moves smoothly in the socket of the hip.

Hip arthritis (osteoarthritis) is a common cause of hip joint pain which may worsen with hip movement. Patients with advanced osteoarthritis also known as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease may require surgical intervention.

Arthritis of the hip may range from earliest mild stages to its most severe crippling form. In its milder stage, arthritis can be treated with steroids and anti-rheumatoid medications, heat treatment, exercise, supportive devices and modification of activities. But, in severe cases where the cartilage on both sides of the joint wears away completely, surgical intervention is the only effective way to treat the hip adequately.

There are two main surgical methods to treat osteoarthritis (OA or degenerative arthritis) of the hip - Hip Joint Replacement Surgery and Hip Resurfacing Surgery.

Hip replacement (hip arthroscope) is usually considered for patients who experience severe joint pain at night, decreased hip mobility and rubbing sensations during certain movements, and have tried conservative measures to relieve these symptoms but failed.

Total hip replacement is a very successful procedure for the treatment of arthritic hip. Often considered as the cheapest and safest form of hip replacement surgery, it is a surgical procedure in which the hip joint is replaced by artificially constructed components. This form of surgery amputates the damaged and worn parts of the femur including the head (ball) of femur and fixes a new, smaller man-made metal ball into the rest of the femur, which brings back the hip to its strong, stable and flexible state again.

Pros
There is no risk of femoral neck fracture because this bone is removed.
The surgery consistently reduces or eliminates the hip pain.
It can give you many years of freedom from uneasiness and fatigue that so far kept you awake at night.
Osteoarthritis patients can experience a significant improvement in their hip mobility and movements after the surgery.

Cons
Surgery calls for more femoral bone amputation.
More chances of hip dislocations.
Plastic or ceramic surfaces may break.
Patients may continue to experience thigh pain.
Most patients can't perform high璽??level athletics.
Chances are strong that traditional hip replacement will wear out and the patient may require a second replacement (revision).

Hip resurfacing is a type of hip replacement which calls for preservation rather than amputation of the original socket (acetabulum) and the ball of the thigh bone. Instead of removing the femoral head, a hollow metal cap is fitted onto the damaged surfaces of the ball. The socket part of the hip joint is also resurfaced with a metal component.

Pros
Hip resurfacing removes considerably less bone from the femur.
Larger portion of the natural femoral bone remains intact.
It is a bone conserving surgery, allowing for a revision (repeat) hip surgery if required later.
The hip resurfacing implants have a larger head and cup, making the hip really harder to dislocate.
The surgery allows patients to resume sport and high demand activities.

Cons
This form of hip joint surgery is technically more difficult to perform.
It requires a larger incision in thigh that can lead to excessive blood loss.
Hip resurfacing patients may fracture their thigh bone at the femoral neck, requiring revision surgery.
Complete recovery after the operation can take from six weeks to three months.

Natural Remedies For Wrist Arthritis Inflammation and What Research is Telling Us

There are many natural remedies for wrist arthritis inflammation. This article looks at the ones that have proven to be beneficial in scientific studies.

Before the advent of modern pharmaceuticals, people had treatments for diseases. They were mostly herbs and other plants. But, people made use of what they had in large quantities. Modern research has shown that many of these ancient remedies have anti-inflammatory activity.

The active component of aspirin was originally derived from the bark of the willow tree. It is now synthesized and the synthetic version may have a negative effect on the liver; however, willow bark tea is still available.

In Ayurvedic medicine, popular in India for thousands of years, the spices turmeric and ginger were often used to reduce aches and pains. Researchers have found that turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

Ginger contains gingerol, which has similar benefits. It's also good for upset stomach, morning sickness and motion sickness. Other spices contain compounds with proven anti-inflammatory activity. For example, black pepper contains piperine. So, adding more spices to the foods that you eat could help with the pain and swelling. You might also try an anti-inflammatory diet.

An anti-inflammatory diet is one of the natural remedies for wrist arthritis inflammation that could also reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer and other age-related health problems. The diets consist of lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and good fats like olive oil and fatty fish. It's very similar to the traditional Mediterranean diet.

Olive oil contains oleocanthal, which has anti-inflammatory activity similar to that of ibuprofen. Fatty fish and fish oils contain omega-3 fatty acids, which help to balance the inflammatory response throughout the body.

Fish oil was one of the natural remedies for wrist arthritis inflammation, and achy joints in general, among the Vikings and cold-water fishermen. Research has shown that the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil have anti-inflammatory activity and stimulate the production of molecules that tell the immune system that inflammation is no longer necessary.

In studies concerning rheumatoid arthritis, volunteers that took a fish oil supplement on a daily basis were able to reduce the amount of pain killers they had to take. They had less morning stiffness and felt better overall.

It is important to note that fish oil supplements vary greatly in terms of potency and purity. But, if you choose a good brand, fish oil is one of the best natural remedies for wrist arthritis inflammation according to the scientists.

Curing Horse Arthritis

Arthritis is one of the most common causes of debilitation and lameness in horses. It occurs when there is continuous inflammation of cartilage in the joint, resulting in the complete destruction of that cartilage. As time passes, the cartilage of the joint becomes so thin that it causes severe pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion.

What is probably the must frustrating and unfortunate aspect of arthritis in horses is that it is not a reversible condition, meaning the condition will only worsen over time if not treated. While there is no way to cure arthritis in horses, there is certainly a large selection of treatments available that can help to slow the destructive process and provide some relief to your horse.

Continue Regular Exercise

Unless your horse is severely lame, you should always continue to provide regular, daily exercise to your horse. The benefit of exercise is that it allows for the continued support and strengthening of the muscles that support the joints. This is turn helps the cartilage of the joints to remain strong and can help to reduce the quick progression of arthritis.

Additionally, horses that are regularly exercised on a consistent basis have a much lower chance of developing arthritis. Because exercises produces repetitive strengthening of the joints and associated cartilage, it is always good to keep your horse active and well-exercised.

Corticosteroid and Hyaluronic Acid Injections

After your horse has been diagnosed with arthritis, the first line of defense is usually a two-part injection of hyaluronic acid and a corticosteroid. Hyaluronic acid is naturally produced by the joint fluid, which produces an anti-inflammatory effect. When this is injected into a horse's joint, it tends to strengthen the joint and also prompts the body to begin producing more hyaluronic acid.

Given in combination with hyaluronic acid is a corticosteroid, which also produces anti-inflammatory effects. However, the benefit of the corticosteroid is that it has the ability to halt to the deterioration of the joint relatively quickly, essentially providing a tremendous amount of pain relief. Depending on the severity of the arthritis and lameness, this type of injection is usually given once every six to 12 months.

Medications and Supplements

If your horse has arthritis, it goes without saying that you will most likely be medicating him and providing supplementation for the remainder of his life. Most commonly prescribed is a NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). This type of medication is not as strong as a true steroid, but it can provide a tolerable amount of pain relief and inflammation. Used in conjunction with annual corticosteroid injections, NSAIDs have been found to help the return of a horse's range of motion and his normal activities.

Feeding supplements to your horse can sometimes be difficult because of the vast selection available to you. For a horse with arthritis, you should be specifically looking for a supplement that includes glucosamine and chondroitin, which are also compositions normally created by the body. A supplement with these two ingredients can aid in the repair of damaged cartilage and in the return of elasticity to the cartilage.

Doctor...Tell Me about Boswellia and Arthritis

Boswellia is also know as Indian frankincense, salai guggal, and boswellin. The proper botanic label for boswellia is Boswellia serrata. It is derived from the resin of the bark of the Boswellia tree. While it grows in other parts of Southeast Asia, it is found abundantly found in the Indian subcontinent.

Boswellia is available in either pill or capsule form. The dose for most people is generally 300 mg to 400 mg taken three times a day.

For a product to be effective, it should contain at least 60 per cent boswellic acid. It is the boswellic acid that contains the active ingredient. A number of nutritional supplements now contain boswellia. Look for a reputable manufacturer.

The condition for which boaswellia has had the most supporting evidence for a beneficial effect is arthritis.

The most convincing study was published in 2003 (Phytomedicine. 2003 Jan;10(1):3-7) when a research study examined thirty patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Half of the patients received daily supplementation with 333 mgs of Boswellia. The other half received placebo. After the first intervention, washout was given and then the groups were crossed over to receive the opposite intervention for eight weeks. All patients receiving boswellia reported decrease in knee pain, increased knee flexion and increased walking distance. The frequency of swelling in the knee joint was decreased. Radiologically there was no change. The observed differences between drug treated and placebo being statistically significant, are clinically relevant. Boswellia serrata extract was well tolerated by the subjects except for minor gastrointestinal symptoms.

The conclusions were: "Boswellia serrata extract is recommended in the patients of osteoarthritis of the knee with possible therapeutic use in other arthritis."

Other studies have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Diseases that have been studied where good results have been reported include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and bursitis.

Doctor - Does Fish Oil Help Arthritis?

Fish oil has been touted as a remedy for a number of conditions.

Data from at least a few randomized double-controlled studies have demonstrated a beneficial effect of dietary fish oil in rheumatoid arthritis In fact, more than nine studies overall have shown statistically significant reductions in the number of tender joints. In many of these studies, patients were able to lower the amount of non steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and corticosteroids. One study suggested that combining fish oil with olive oil may enhance the anti-inflammatory effects of fish oil. (Kremer J, et al Dietary fish oil and olive oil supplementation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Clinical and immunologic effects. Arthritis Rheum 1990; 33:810-820).

Fish oil works by reducing inflammation. Scant evidence indicates it may retard progression of rheumatoid arthritis... although the effect, if it exists, is relatively mild.

Fish oil is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids which can reduce inflammation. Fish oil also lowers triglycerides and reduces blood pressure therefore protecting against cardiovascular disease as well. This is noteworthy because of the known increase in cardiovascular risk, patients with rheumatoid arthritis have.

It is difficult to get therapeutic amounts of fish oil by eating fish alone. Supplements are advised.

The type of fish oil is important. The oil should be derived from cold-water fish such salmon, cod, mackerel, halibut, tuna, and herring.

Fish oil comes in a variety of preparations. The most common is gel caps. Each gel cap should contain at least thirty per cent EPA/DHA, which are the active compounds. For rheumatoid arthritis about 2.6 grams of fish oil containing 1.6 grams of EPA should be taken twice a day.

A few words of caution. Patients on anticoagulant therapy with warfarin may notice their clotting times will bounce around. Pregnant woman may want to avoid eating cold water fish because of the danger of mercury toxicity. On a lighter note, burps often have a fishy taste and odor.

Tips for Horse Arthritis Treatment and Prevention

Arthritis is a common issue when it comes to horses. This might sound surprising to some, but the fact that a horse has joints means it is susceptible to the illness. This is why a lot of enthusiasts have flocked online wanting to know the symptoms as well as the best horse arthritis treatment available.

Before you proceed into fixing the problem, however, it is imperative that you first make sure that there is a problem in the first place. One way you can tell if your horse is suffering from arthritis is observing its movement. Since arthritis is a disease that comes from the cartilage between joints wearing away, the most common part of the body it affects is the knee joints. This means you need to check if your horse is favouring its knees as well as watch out for signs of swelling or stiffness in the mentioned joints.

If you've established that your horse has arthritis, you then need to decide what course of treatment you want to take. One common horse arthritis treatment is exercise. This will help your horse improve its muscle strength as well as its cartilage and joints. Another treatment you can consider is medication. A combination of hyaluronic acid and a corticosteroid can help lessen the swelling of the horse's joints as well as delay additional deterioration. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs are also good options. When you decide to go with medication, there will be a need for your horse to take a rest for as short as a week to as long as a few months. The length of time needed for the animal's rest, the diagnosis of its illness, as well as the appropriate treatment should be decided by an equine veterinarian.

As usual, however, the best cure is prevention, and if you're wondering what the best preventive measures are when it comes to horse arthritis, the answer is pretty much the same as with a lot of other illnesses: good diet and exercise. Make sure your horse gets enough workout as this will ensure his bones and joints stay strong. Also invest on health supplements, especially ones that focus on strengthening the joints. You can find different options on different websites, but the best option is still consulting with your veterinarian as you don't want to pick out a supplement online that will turn out to be harmful for your horse.

Arthritis in horses is a serious problem, but not one without a solution. Having your horse checked out and treated by an equine veterinarian is a step in the right direction. Make sure you help out as well by making sure your horse gets the exercise it needs as well as the right food and the supplements necessary. It might not seem like much but taking some preventive measures to help delay the disease can make a huge difference in the health of your beloved horse. It will also be more cost effective in the long run compared to supporting an expensive horse arthritis treatment.