Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

Arthritis is known as the painful inflammation and stiffness of joints in the body. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, painful, autoimmune disease of the joint that destroys, deforms, and disables movement of joints altogether. It is caused by the infection in the immune system. That is, the anti-bodies attack their own tissues, mistaking them for foreign bodies. It may gradually affect other organs of the body, too. Hence, it is known as autoimmune disease.

Rheumatoid arthritis can make a healthy individual a life-long patient at any age. It may be a genetic or non-genetic disease. It appears in several stages. That is, initially a patient may feel only pain caused by the inflamed joints. Gradually, the affected lining of the joints, called synovial lining, starts thickening. When the condition becomes severe, the inflamed joint and surrounding area release a fluid or enzyme that destroys the flexible soft tissues, the cartilages, and bones. This changes the original shape of the joints. The patient finds this stage very painful. He or she is left with stiff and deformed joints and is literally unable to move. The small things that a person once did with ease are no longer possible for them. For instance, lifting a pen is virtually a painful act.

Rheumatoid arthritis can affect any joint. But studies report that it begins from smaller joints such as the joints in the fingers. It has also been found that it affects the joints simultaneously. For instance, an individual complaining of pain in the wrist experiences it in both left and right wrists.

The pain is a very common feature. But if the pain is a prolonged one and is followed by stiffness, it is a matter of concern. Some of the symptoms identified with rheumatoid arthritis include pain and stiffness upon waking and pain after prolonged rest. Additionally, individuals may also face difficulty in standing up after being seated or lying down in bed for a long time. They might have symptoms of flu and weakness or fatigue. The individuals may lose weight because of low appetite, turn anemic, and often may be depressed and stressed. They are found to have sweaty palms and feet, and lesser flexibility in moving. In some persons, skin ulcers and visible lumps or rheumatoid nodules are also reported. As such, the health of the individual declines and it is necessary to take support from others for daily activities.

Since rheumatoid arthritis also affects organs in acute stages, the patients can become anemic (low in red blood cells), develop dry mouth and eyes, and have inflamed spleen and lining in the lungs. In some persons, the disease flares up after a prolonged time.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Herbal Remedies, Causes and Symptoms

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic systemic or whole body disorder particularly affecting the synovial joints. It may however affect major organs and tissues as well. The root cause of the disorder is still unknown, but it has been noticed by experts that autoimmunity plays a leading role in the progression and development of the disorder. Thus it is often grouped as an autoimmune disorder. When rheumatoid attacks a synovial joint, it actually causes inflammation of the synovium, the membrane secreting synovial fluid. This further causes the development of pannus in the synovium, and enlargement of synovial cells, thereby leading to excess production of synovial fluids.

As the disease progresses, total damage of articular cartilage and ankylosis of joints occur. Apart from synovial joints, rheumatoid may inflict organs like kidney, lungs, heart and blood vessels, also the subcutaneous tissue under skin. It should be checked at the inception, or else it may lead to total loss of mobility or permanent disability. It is common among youths, and females are more attacked by rheumatoid than men. Smaller joints like fingers, wrists, cervical spine etc generally fall prey to rheumatoid arthritis, and the attack of the disorder takes place in a symmetrical pattern. The pain associated with rheumatoid worsens early in the morning just after waking up from sleep, and restricts activity for quite some time.

Causes

The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is a subject of research all over the world. Researchers have suspected heredity or genes to be a factor promoting the disease. Also it has been assumed that any infection due to bacteria, virus or fungi, or any other environmental factor like smoking tobacco serves as a stimulant or catalyst making the immune system hyperactive. The hyperactive immune system gets misdirected, and invades the body's own healthy tissues, thereby causing inflammation in the affected area.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

1. Excruciating muscle and joint ache
2. Swelling of joints
3. Stiffness of joints
4. Redness of skin around the affected joint
5. Joint tenderness
6. Low grade fever
7. Fatigue
8. Loss of appetite
9. Anemia
10. Hoarseness of voice
11. Shortness of breathing
12. Chest pain
13. Dryness in mouth
14. Lumps under skin or rheumatoid nodules

Timely aggressive diagnosis of the disorder is necessary. It may be done through blood tests such as rheumatoid factor test, X-rays.

Rumatone Gold Capsules and Massage Oil are breakthrough herbal ayurvedic formula to combat rheumatoid arthritis. A regular course of these supplements for 2 months provides lasting relief from the symptoms of rheumatoid.

Natural Cures For Rheumatoid Arthritis That You Can Try Easily

Rheumatoid arthritis is something that causes severe pain and swelling causing the joints to feel extremely tender and painful. There are various medications a doctor can give you to help relieve the pain and to bring down the swelling. The most common type of drug for rheumatoid arthritis are anti inflammatory drugs. Although these drugs can be effective in the general treatment of this painful condition, there are also some very effective, safe natural cures for rheumatoid arthritis. Here are a few of those natural remedies that anyone suffering with this condition should consider trying.

Cod Liver Oil

Taking one or two spoonfuls of cod liver oil can greatly relieve the pain of rheumatoid arthritis, due to the fact that one of the single most painful factors when it comes to this condition, is cartilage damage. Cod liver oil actually slows down the process of cartilage damage and helps lubricate the joints. Therefore helping the sufferer to feel less pain than they normally would.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon has got many healing properties, if you have never tried it as a natural remedy then now would be the time to start. In terms of natural cures for arthritis this is a very well known and somewhat effective one. Take one teaspoon in the morning and one teaspoon at night. Once you get into the routine of doing this, within 2 or 3 weeks you should see some good results from this. Overall you will feel healthier, more energetic and the pain will not be so intense.

Epsom Salt

Epsom salt is used a lot in the treatment of any kind of muscle or joint pain, it is known to be a natural pain soother, and has been used for generations to relieve pain. The minerals in Epsom salt can help to renew the bones as well as strengthen them. Therefore soaking in a warm bath of Epsom salt every night before you go to bed could have a great effect on your overall feeling of well being. As well as relieving the crippling pain of rheumatoid arthritis

Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking plenty of water is vital in the process of cell renewal, as well as in the process of bone renewal. If you drink enough water to keep your body fully hydrated, this well help greatly in making your body work more efficiently and effectively. Therefore it gives some relief to rheumatoid arthritis sufferers.

Lemon and Lime juice

Drinking lemon and lime juice in hot water has been known to help relieve or even cure rheumatoid arthritis. There are so many natural cures for rheumatoid arthritis and lemon and lime juice have been amongst the most talked about cures. As they have some powerful antioxidant properties, which apparently help with pain relief.

When it comes to natural cures for rheumatoid arthritis, although there are a few to choose from, it is best to find and use a couple of them at first and see what works for you. Not everyone is the same and what work for someone else may not work for you.

Is Humira an Effective Psoriasis Treatment?

Humira is a drug that has recently been approved for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. It is of a class of drugs called "biologics" that act on a portion of the immune system, blocking the immune system response and lessening the autoimmune disease or other immune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Humira is somewhat related to Enbrel, a commonly used treatment in both rheumatic arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.

In a recent study on psoriasis patients, patients were given every other week injections of Humira for a total of 24 weeks (twelve to thirteen injections total). Of those given Humira, 42 percent of those with moderate to severe psoriasis had a ninety percent or better improvement in their psoriasis. About 65 percent of patients showed a 75 percent or greater reduction in the appearance of their psoriasis and in symptoms related to psoriasis. Almost all patients revealed that their experience of their quality of life was not affected by having psoriasis.

It is estimated that between 4 and 6 million patients in the US suffer from psoriasis, although most have mild to moderate plaque-type psoriasis involving the elbows and knees on the outer aspects. Milder cases are treated with coal tar preparations, Accutane or other retinoids, UVB and UVA light therapy, methotrexate, cyclosporine and topical corticosteroid creams. Each drug works to help psoriasis but most have some side effects that make it difficult to use over the long haul.

Biologics for psoriasis came along in 2003 and the drug called Amevive was the first to be used to treat severe psoriasis. More recently Raptiva came along with the same expectation that it help psoriasis victims with moderate to severe symptoms. Enbrel and Humira are also biologics approved for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis. They work by targeting a specific protein known as TNF-alpha (tumor necrosis factor-alpha) which plays a big role in the inflammatory response that goes on to trigger psoriasis. Humira is just the latest of these amazing biologics that act on the problem at hand with fewer side effects from the other treatment modalities.

Humira and related drugs appear to control psoriasis for many weeks and months after stopping the therapy. This cuts down on the overall cost of therapy and the patient can be medication-free while having an improvement in their symptoms that lasts. Many patients find that Humira is the best medication for psoriasis that they have ever had.

In another study, patients received placebo or Humira at 40 mg injections every other week. After three months, the placebo patients were given Humira and both sets of patients completed a 6 month course. In the study, 64 percent of patients receiving the every-two-week injections reached a 75 percent improvement in the quality of their psoriasis and 40 percent of the patients receiving Humira stated that there was no impact of psoriasis on their life after 3-6 months of therapy. The side effects were practically nothing and the rest of their immune system appeared unaffected by having to take Humira. Only the psoriasis was improved and without major side effects.

An Unstable Knee Joint - Does it Feel Like it Ruins Everything!? - Improve Stability With a Support

What Is An Unstable Knee Joint?

An unstable knee joint can be the result of an injury or an underlying medical condition that causes the knee joint to give out on occasion (or all the time!). Many people refer to this condition as a trick knee. This can be caused by an injured or torn knee ligament, such as a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee. The condition can be treated either by wearing a knee brace or surgery.

Symptoms of an Unstable Knee Joint:

1.) Knee giving out from under you when walking or standing
2.) Pain or stiffness in the knee
3.) Cracking sound in the knee

These symptoms of the unstable knee joint can also be symptoms of other problems such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, although the knee giving out usually is indicative of an unstable knee joint due to an injured ligament.

How do you get an Unstable Knee Joint?

Trauma, or a sudden turn or twist to the knee can cause a ligament to give out on you. More often than not, a sports injury will "do the trick", but average everyday people can also suffer these injuries in a multitude of ways.

What are the Treatment Options?

Treatment options include total rebuilding of the knee ligament or conservative treatment such as using painkillers when needed, as well as using a knee brace.

Debating the Pros and Cons of the Treatment Options

A.) Knee Surgery: Knee surgery to repair the ligament can be done, although this is an expensive operation and is not 100 percent successful. As is the case with any type of surgery, there is an element of risk, especially since the person must undergo a general anesthetic. The surgery is usually followed by rehabilitation and pain killers. Some people who undergo knee surgery develop an addiction to pain killers that are given after the surgery. (Speak with your physician about medications that you may, or will be taking.)

The positive aspect of the knee surgery is that if successful, the knee will be as good or almost as good as new. A person can resume all of their activities once the knee has completely healed. However, there is an indication that many people who have a problem with a torn ligament are more likely to undergo the same problem again.

B.) Conservative Treatment: Conservative treatment for an unstable knee joint includes wearing a knee brace that will keep the joint stable as well as taking medication for swelling. Rest can also be incorporated into the treatment. Some homeopathic doctors recommend an anti-inflammatory diet, supplements and massage for the condition. For the most part, a knee brace will work well to stabilize the joint and help reduce your pain problems This is not costly and non-invasive. With conservative treatment the risks are usually lower.

The majority of people who have an unstable knee joint opt for conservative treatment whenever possible. The pain that is present can be almost always be managed and when wearing a knee brace an unstable knee joint does not adversely impact their daily life. Nevertheless, you must always exercise caution and wear the brace properly.

If you want to take your knee stability to the next level then it is time you considered using a brace for support. They do not have to be super expensive, or awkward either. Check one out today.

Arthritis Treatment: Biosimilars For Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common inflammatory form of arthritis. It is a systemic, chronic, progressive, autoimmune disorder that affects, roughly, two million Americans.

While it preferentially attacks joints, it may affect other organ systems. These other areas include the lungs, heart, peripheral nervous system, skin, bone marrow, and eyes.

Early diagnosis is key. If RA is suspected, a patient should be referred to a rheumatologist (arthritis specialist) as soon as possible.

The current goal of RA therapy is to treat and control disease before any joint damage has occurred. Once the diagnosis is established, aggressive treatment with DMARDS should be started. These DMARDS are usually a combination of standard "old school" DMARDS such as methotrexate along with "new school" DMARDS, called biologics (BDs). These latter medicines are proteins that are used to specifically target the immune abnormalities that characterize rheumatoid arthritis.

Using this approach, it is possible to get the majority of RA patients, seen early, into remission.

BDs are extremely complex proteins that undergo a much different development process compared with standard non-biologic drugs. Unlike standard drugs, BDs are made of living proteins, antibodies or pieces of antibody. As a result they are very expensive, costing in the neighborhood of $20,000 per year.

Nonetheless, since BDs are such precise "laser-targeted" weapons, they are extremely effective. And it's estimated that approximately 40 per cent or more of patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis take these medicines.

Recently though, various forces including patent expiration as well as healthcare regulations have paved the way for the development of "biosimilar" BDs. These are basically generic versions of the currently available BDs. That's the good news. The bad news is that because the manufacture of biologic protein drugs is so complex, the price is not expected to drop that much with the introduction of biosimilars.

Estimates vary from 60-90 percent of the current biologic price is where biosimilars will fall. Cheaper but no bargain.

Another issue will be how good they will be. Because the manufacturing process is so complicated there can be significant variability so that biosimilars may not work as well as the originals. They may also have unforeseen side effects that also differ from the original drug.

In addition, continuing research into the development of other BDs with different mechanisms of action are expected to create a more competitive environment. An example is the development of some new oral BDs that are expected to have a major impact in RA therapeutics.

Aloe Vera and Arthritis - The Natural Remedy For Pain

Arthritis is one of the leading causes of mobility issues for many people. An estimated 35 million North Americans suffer from this condition. If you are affected with this condition, you may be aware that it can cause great pain, discomfort, lack of mobility and a lower quality of life. While there are many synthetic drugs to fight your arthritis, you might be interested to know that there are natural ways to fight this disease. Let's take a look at aloe vera and arthritis and how it is used as a natural remedy for pain.

What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis is not a single disorder. This is a term that describes over 100 medical conditions. The most common forms are osteoarthritis, gout and rheumatoid arthritis. This disease causes inflammation in your joints and can be due to a variety of things. This ranges from age, weight, genetics, previous injuries and certain illnesses.

If you suspect that you have arthritis, you may have had some of the following symptoms:

• persistent joint pain


• pain or tenderness in a joint, which gets worse with movement or activity


• inflammation caused by joint swelling, stiffness, redness and or warmth


• unexplained weight loss


• extreme tiredness or weakness


• crepitus - this is described as a crackling or grating feeling or sound under your skin, around your lungs or in your joints

Aloe Vera And Arthritis
Conventional treatments use anti inflammatory drugs and steroids to ease the painful effects of arthritis. And while these medications certainly work, they unfortunately don't repair damaged tissues. Using these medications can also cause undesirable side effects such as thinning skin and osteoporosis.

Aloe vera has been shown to successfully repair damaged tissue by regenerating cells. Because of it's anti inflammatory properties, regular use of aloe can help reduce the painful swelling of arthritis.

Aloe Vera As A Treatment
To apply aloe cream or gel, clean the skin over the affected joint and apply the cream or gel topically. Gently massage it in for 20 seconds and repeat the procedure. For severely inflamed joints, the process can be repeated every 4 hours. For chronic joint pain, you may apply it 4 times a day.

To take aloe vera internally, in the form of juice, the dosage can vary from 20-30 ml 3 times a day. For conditions that have a longer duration of pain, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, the recommended dosage can vary from 20-50 ml twice a day. It can take up to 2-3 months to notice the beneficial effects. It's also important to note that the results can be different from person to person.

Arthritis can be an uncomfortable and debilitating disease. You may want to consider a natural remedy for pain management and treat your condition with aloe vera. One of the reasons is that traditional medicines can come with their own side effects. Aloe vera has none.

Effective Supplements For Inflammation - Stop The Pain And Swelling

Arthritis, heart disease, stroke, asthma, Crohns, IBS, atherosclerois - what do these three things have in common? Inflammation. Each of these diseases cause your body to produce extra blood cells to try to heal the affected tissues. But each of these diseases can be chronic, and in those cases, taking supplements for inflammation can help to relieve the symptoms and make you feel better.

What Causes Inflammation?

Our ancestors used to eat a diet that was normally completely balanced between omega 3s, the sorts of essential fatty acids found in fish, nuts, eggs and meat, and omega 6s, found mostly in grains. This balance of fatty acids kept their bodies functioning at peak, with smooth cellular transmissions.

But as technology has advanced, our diets have become increasingly based on cereal grains, leading to an incredible imbalance in the amount of these fatty acids we're getting - ratios of ten-to-one or twenty-to-one in favour of omega 6 is not uncommon!

This imbalance causes chronic inflammation in the body, due to the constant stimulated nature of the cells.

How Can Supplements For Inflammation Help?

In order to bring our bodies back into balance and relieve the effects of inflammation, we need to take action on a number of fronts. The best line of attack is to try to eat a much more balanced diet, getting fatty fish several times per week, and reducing the number of refined grains we eat.

But it isn't always easy to eat properly, especially when we're on the run. In order to help our bodies get enough omega 3s to counteract omega 6 consumption, we need to consider supplements for inflammation.

Studies have repeatedly demonstrated that when these ratios are brought into balance, symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are eased, relapses in IBS and Crohns are reduced, and blood vessel inflammation around the heart is greatly lessened.

One of the most effective ways of doing this? Take omega 3 fish oil supplements.

Getting the Right Dose

Omega 3 supplements come in a wide variety of sources and doses, and a trip to the drugstore can be overwhelming. But what you need to know is that you want to get your omega 3s from a very pure source: one that is high in DHA and EPA (docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid), and one that takes purity of oil very seriously.

Therapeutic doses of omega 3s require you to take enough fish oil that an impure source can put you at risk of developing mercury poisoning or suffering from other toxins entering your body.

For information on how you can select a pure source of omega 3 fish oil supplements for inflammation, as well as specific dosage and product recommendations, visit our website.

What to Do If You Are Pregnant and Have Lupus Or RA

The excitement of the positive pregnancy test, for most expectant mothers, can be clouded with concern for a healthy pregnancy and baby. But, if you have RA or Lupus, it can be multiplied. You also have to worry about if your pregnancy will cause a flare-up, what medicines are safe for your baby, and whether or not your condition will affect your growing fetus or your own long-term health.

This article addresses the issues of two, out of many, rheumatic conditions: rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus).

RA and lupus are autoimmune diseases and in autoimmune diseases the immune system, which is suppose to protect your body from any foreign substances that may harm it, malfunctions and attacks your own body's tissues. If you have RA or lupus you are probably taking medication that reduces the immune systems activity to a greater or lesser degree. But pregnancy has its own impact on the immune system and your system must make some adjustments so that your body won't attack what it perceives to be foreign, the genes that come from the father of your baby. These adjustments make it possible for your baby to grow safely. But there are other effects which can impact your rheumatic conditions such as RA and lupus in different ways.

Something to think about.

It can be hard to determine whether the changes in the way you feel are from the pregnancy or your RA or lupus. Unfortunately when you are pregnant you can become anemic, which can cause you to be tired and have a lack of energy, this also happens when you have RA or lupus. Your pregnancy will also affect certain markers of inflammation, doctors use blood test to measure your inflammation called a erythrocyte sedimentation rate or ESR, which is often high if you have RA or lupus. These markers can also be high when you're pregnant so measuring ESR may not be the best way to gauge how active your RA or lupus is. Also, your pregnancy may make blood clots more likely, but if you have lupus, there is also an increased risk that you will have blood clots because there is a protein called antiphospholipid antibodies in your blood, and these proteins is what increases your risk.

Your pregnancy can also cause musculoskeletal problems because as your baby grows, your ligaments will relax to allow the pelvis to stretch. You will also put on weight, which is a healthy thing but this can cause your posture to change which can result in joint aches and back pain. Another thing is carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), which causes wrist pain and numbness, is a common complication of your pregnancy, especially during the second and third trimesters but is is also associated with RA and lupus. All these things can make it tricky to figure out whether or not they are problems with the pregnancy or are a part of your rheumatic conditions.

Things to do if you have RA.

RA mainly affects the joints and it will make them stiff, painful, swollen and sometimes, unstable and deformed, but it can also cause fatigue and you may have problems with your heart and your eyes. There is between 1% and 2% of the United States population that have RA, and it is most common among women than men. It will usually appear when you are in your twenties or thirties, the child bearing years, so finding women with RA who are considering pregnancy is not all that surprising.

The first thing you will want to know, if you have RA and are considering having a baby, is whether or not your arthritis is going to flare-up during your pregnancy. The thought of carrying around an extra 20 - 30 pounds of weight on replaced joints or on joints that are sometimes swollen and sore can be a bit discerning. Luckily there are about 70% - 80% of women who have RA that go into remission during their pregnancy, another words their symptoms go away. For the rest of those women with RA who don't go into remission, their symptoms may become milder and easier to manage. It's hard to predict just who will go into remission but despite this uncertainty, some doctors will tell their patients to stop taking their RA medications when they become pregnant because of the high likelihood that they will go into remission and not need treatment. But there are some steps you can take before you get pregnant that can help you during and after the pregnancy.

Work out a plan with your rheumatologist for what medication you will take if you do have a flare during your pregnancy.

You will also have to consider the type of delivery you will have. Most women with RA can safely go through the labor and vaginal delivery, but if your RA affects your pelvis and legs extensively, a vaginal delivery may not be what you want to do. Your doctor may opt for a planned cesarean section.

For some of you with RA, you may find that after you have your baby your arthritis flares up. Because arthritis flares can make it difficult to care for a newborn, you will want to plan very carefully just how you will manage this period. By planning you can ease the adjustment of this postpartum period.

If you are planning on breast feeding you will need to discuss this with your rheumatologist, obstetrician and pediatrician ahead of time. There are some RA medications that are compatible with breast-feeding. Try to decide which one you want to take just in case you have a flare after your baby is born.

If it's possible, try to have someone to help you at home during the transition time. If you are unable to, there are some things you can do to make it easier on yourself, such as; having some extra meals stashed in the freezer so that all you have to do is to pull them out of the freezer when things get difficult.

Planning is the key and it will go a long ways to helping you ease the stress of your worst flare. The good news is that RA doesn't have a negative impact on the baby, it doesn't increase the rate of miscarriages, and it doesn't cause any problems in the baby.

What if you have lupus

If you have systemic lupus erythematosus, it's a bit more complicated. The reason it's more complicated is that lupus can affect many parts of the body, such as the skin, joints, kidneys, blood cells, heart and lungs. The most common symptoms are a rash on the face, pain and swelling in the joints and a fever with kidney disease being the most serious symptom. Lupus is more common in women then men and it will usually show up when you are between the ages of 15 and 45.

Doctors of the past would often counsel women with lupus against getting pregnant based on the assumption that pregnancy would always cause lupus flares, possibly serious flares, and that babies would do so well. These were and are valid concerns, but there is now a better understanding of lupus and how to treat it that has made pregnancy very realistic and a safe option if you decide to get pregnant.

There are several studies that have shown that being pregnant may increase your risk of flares and yet other studies that have found that it doesn't. This confusion in part lies with how the different researchers measure and define a flare. And also, during any nine-month period you may have a flare or flares whether you are pregnant or not, so flares during your pregnancy are not exactly related to your pregnancy. Headaches, fatigue, shortness of breath and joint pain are all symptoms of a lupus flare as well as the possibility being a part of your pregnancy. The most likely risk is that women with lupus have a slightly higher chance of having a flare-up but for many women it can be controlled with medication.

You will most likely flare and not do so well during pregnancy if your lupus was active at the time of conception. This will be the case if your lupus has affected your kidneys because pregnancy will also stress your kidneys. Most doctors will generally not recommend getting pregnant until you have been in remission from kidney disease and active lupus for six months.

The most ideal situation is if when you have decided to become pregnant, that you see your rheumatologist ahead of time so he can run blood tests that will determine just how active your lupus is. The blood test will also establish a baseline that your doctor can refer to later during your pregnancy in case there are any difficulties. If you don't get these test done before you get pregnant then definitely get them done shortly after. You will also want to consult with an obstetrician who has experience with treating women who have lupus or possibly an obstetrician who specializes in high risk pregnancies. It is also a good idea if when you become pregnant, you are taking medication to control you lupus and that you can continue to take them safely during your pregnancy. Although, if you have RA you are able to stop taking your medications during your pregnancy, this may not be the case if you have lupus. You and your rheumatologist will need to plan for what medications you can take if you have a lupus flare during your pregnancy.

If your blood tests show that you have the antibodies called anti-RO (SSA) or anti-La (SSB), you will have a small risk of having a baby born with a rare condition called neonatal lupus. The main symptom of neonatal lupus is a skin rash, and it will usually disappear in six months. There is a very small percentage of babies with neonatal lupus, about 2% to 5%, who will develop heart block, which causes the heart to beat abnormally. If you are known to have the anti-RO or anti-La antibodies, you will probably have an ultrasound at 18 to 24 weeks into the pregnancy to see if there is heart block. The doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid in an attempt to treat the heart block if there is one. Although, research doesn't show a clear benefit of doing this. It may become necessary to deliver the baby early but most babies born with heart block need to have a pacemaker implanted, wither at birth or later in life.

There are other complications that come with lupus and that includes preeclampsia, premature rupture of the membranes, which means the baby will be born prematurely, and low-birth-weight babies. In preeclampsia, or pregnancy-induced hypertension, you will have high blood pressure and retain fluid among other symptoms. Preclampsia is thought to be more common if you have lupus and most often it can be hard to distinguish between preeclampsia and a lupus flare. But if it's not treated appropriately, preeclampsia can damage your kidneys and liver as well as increase the risk for a miscarriage and premature birth or even cause the baby to be very small. If you have preeclampsia your doctor may recommend that you deliver the baby early, either by induced labor or a C-section.

The same advice that applies if you have RA applies to you if you have lupus as far as the period after the birth of your baby. Planning makes all the difference and having help lined up in case you have a lupus flare prevents you from taking care of your baby. As with RA, you will want to have ready-to-eat meals in the freezer and be sure to know what your options are in terms of breast-feeding and medications.

As you can see, there are some very special considerations for you if you have lupus and are considering having a baby, but if you have a clear understanding that your chances are good that our outcome will be nearly as good as someone who doesn't have lupus. Remember that the best approach is to have your health care team, your rheumatologist and obstetrician, working hand in hand and also good communication and close follow-up with this these team members is the key.

Your medications

There are many medicines that are used to treat RA and lupus that are relatively safe during pregnancy, but some of the drugs used for rheumatic conditions increase the risk of birth defects, and it's also important to remember that birth defects occur in about 3% of pregnancies where the mother doesn't take any medications. When you are considering if a medication is safe during pregnancy, you should determine if the risk of birth defects is greater than 3%. Your doctor should be able to help you figure it out.

NSAIDs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs treat the pain and inflammation of arthritis. These NSAIDs include the COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib (Clelbrex) and traditional NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) and the many other, both prescription and over the counter. There are studies in animals that have shown that NSAIDs can cause birth defects, but there hasn't been any findings in humans. It is possible to take these medicines safely during your pregnancy up to the third trimester. Taking NSAIDs during the third trimester, will increase the risk that one of the baby's heart vessels will close prematurely, a good reason to stop taking them at 24 weeks of pregnancy. If you are trying to get pregnant you may want to stop taking the NSAIDs, including COX-2 inhibitors, from the time of ovulation until their next menstrual period because there is a hypothetical risk that these medicines will interfere with the implanting of a fertilized egg.

Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids decreases the inflammation throughout the body and these drugs are often the mainstay of treatment for people with inflammatory conditions such as RA and lupus. Prednisone and prednisolone are the most commonly prescribed drugs that your doctor will give you and you can continue to take these medicines during your pregnancy if you need to. But before you do, remember that if you take the corticosteroids during the first trimester of your pregnancy, your baby could be born with a cleft palate. This risk is still fairly low, with cleft palate happening in roughly 1 in 300 babies exposed to the drugs in the womb compared to 1 in 1,000 when there is no exposure. Babies born to mothers who take corticosteroids during pregnancy are also more likely to be smaller and born prematurely. They also will raise your risk of pregnancy induced hypertension, gestational diabetes, a form of diabetes that happens only during pregnancy, and pregnancy-induced osteopenia or bone thinning. Corticosteroids are often a reasonable choice during pregnancy for the management of both RA and lupus despite the potential side effects.

Hydroxychloroquie: It was thought that hydroxychloroquine or Plaquenil, was not compatible with pregnancy but over the past decade that idea has changed. Right now most rheumatologists in the United States and elsewhere with patients who need hydroxychloroquine to keep their condition stable will keep them on it during their pregnancy. Studies have been done to substantiate the claim that the medicine might cause problems with the development of the fetus's visual and hearing systems, but the studies didn't prove it.

Sulfasalazine: Sulfasalazine or Azulfidine, is considered to be safe to use when you are pregnant.

Azathioprine and cyclosporine: These drugs are immunosuppressive drugs that are used mainly to maintain organ transplants. Doctors will also subscribe them to treat RA and lupus. There is information from world wide transplant registries of literally thousands of babies that were exposed to these medications in the womb. This information shows that there were no increased rates of birth defects, but the babies do seem to be smaller and to be born earlier. There are many doctors will use these medications if they need to control RA or lupus activity in women who are pregnant.

Methotrexate, leflunomide, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclophosphamide: These medications can cause early fetal death and birth defects at a rate higher than what you would expect. You shouldn't take them during your pregnancy and also if you are planning a pregnancy you should stop taking methotrexate or CellCept at least one menstrual cycle before trying to get pregnant. If you're a man taking these medications then you will want to stop taking them three months ahead of time. If you are taking leflunomide you will need to to stop taking it two years before you try to get pregnant, or you could under go a two-week procedure to wash the medicine out of your bloodstream.

Biologics: There isn't enough data to conclude whether or not this newer type of drug is absolutely safe during pregnancy. However, we do know that TNF-alpha blockers, etanercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade), and adalimumab (Humira) may contribute to birth defects according to recent evidence. You will want to stop taking biologic drugs before trying to become pregnant.

In just about all circumstances, if you have RA or lupus, you can be sure it is safe to become pregnant as long as you are sure your RA and lupus are under control and your pregnancy is planned. If you have lupus it is particularly important to keep the communications open with your rheumatologist and that you have an obstetrician that is experienced in dealing with women with lupus or high risk pregnancies. With careful monitoring and the appropriate use of your medicines, it will be possible to successfully manage your pregnancy when you have RA or lupus.

Using Ginger Root for Pain Relief

Ginger root is more than just a tasty cooking herb, it is also excellent for pain relief.

You may already know about some of the ways ginger root helps in healing. For example, used fresh it is an excellent choice for relieving nausea. You will also see it in formulas for helping with indigestion, cough and early stage cold symptoms.

But one of the best uses for ginger root is in relieving pain. Its uses for pain relief cover many different kinds of pain. Here are some of the documented uses for it:

• Abdominal cramps from diverticulosis or Irritable Bowel Syndrome


• Alleviating exercise-induced muscle pain


• Reducing joint pain from osteoarthritis & rheumatoid arthritis


• Alleviating migraine headaches


• Toothache relief


• Reducing menstrual pain

One study showed the power of ginger for reducing pain. The Journal of Pain published the results of this study in April 2010. Participants in this study were people who exercised regularly. The 74 subjects received either ginger or a placebo for 11 days. Some of those receiving ginger got unheated ginger and some go heat-treated ginger.

After the 11 days, they did a set of 18 arm 'curls' with a heavy weight. These exercises caused minor muscle injury to the arm. Over the next three days, subjects underwent tests for arm function, inflammation and pain.

Results showed that people taking ginger had 25% less pain than the placebo group. The reduction was the same for both heat-treated and unheated ginger. That means if you exercise and get sore muscles, ginger will help reduce the soreness. Notably, it does this without the side effects of NSAID drugs.

If this natural herbal pain remedy works for so many types of pain, how, exactly does it do this?

Recent research shows that ginger reduces the COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. This is similar to how non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs work. However, unlike NSAIDs, ginger also counteracts some of the side effects seen in NSAID use. It does this by lowering production of Leukotriene B4. This means ginger has fewer side effects than drugs.

Ginger also decreases the action of a number of genes that add to the inflammatory response. That means it reduces chronic pain at a deeper level. This is probably part of why ginger helps reduce joint pain.

In addition, for people who still feel the need for anti-inflammatory drugs there is an extra bonus. At least one study shows that ginger protects the stomach from the toxic effects of NSAIDs.

You can find ginger in capsules, liquid tinctures and pill form. Ginger is also available fresh in the produce section of most grocery stores.

Important Characteristics of Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

At mere mention of arthritis, the description that will enter most people's minds will most probably be painful joints. In actuality, arthritis is a broad medical term that is utilized to refer to over a hundred conditions that are associated to joint aches and pain. The most common and popular types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

According to statistics, there are over 20 million people who are suffering from osteoarthritis in the United States. Meanwhile, only about 2 million have rheumatoid arthritis. However, since the symptoms of these two conditions have lots of similarities, many are actually misdiagnosing their joint problems. Even if the suggested treatments are almost the same for the two conditions, it is still advisable that you determine which type of arthritis you are really suffering from before you take any medications or undergo alternative medicine treatment.

To give you a preview of these two joint woes, read the descriptions below.

Osteoarthritis

1. Basically, osteoarthritis is brought about by the wear and tear of a joint. Injuries and the aging process are the most common culprits to the development of this problem.

2. The usual symptoms of this condition include pain and stiffness of the joint.

3. Sometimes you will also see that the problematic joint is enlarged or is swelling.

4. In osteoarthritis, the stiffness or difficulty to move your knees or affected joints gets worse as the day progresses.

5. The people who usually get this condition are older people and even athletes because of the wearing down of joints due to excessive use.

6. Generally, osteoarthritis triggers pain in the larger joints, such as the knees and the hips.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

1. Basically, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. The problem with the joints is not due to excessive usage or wear and tear. The inflammation and damage to the joints and surrounding tissues are because of the misguided attack of the immune system of healthy tissues.

2. Aside from pain, tenderness and redness of the joints, other symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include limited range of movement and extended morning stiffness. In some people, however, weight loss, fatigue, anemia, and even fever are also apparent.

3. Since this problem is caused by the immune system, anyone can get rheumatoid arthritis, even young people. However, it usually begins at middle age and becomes so much worse as the patient ages.

4. Stiffness and pain of the joints commonly last for about 30 minutes after a long period of inactivity or rest, particularly in the morning.

5. In rheumatoid arthritis, symmetrical swelling is apparent. This simply means that both your elbows, hands and other extremities will swell and be affected by this problem.

6. In general, the joints affected by this condition are the ones that are closest to the base of parts like your fingers or hands. In fact, rheumatoid arthritis usually attacks smaller joints, particularly the ankles and the hands.

7. Early detection is imperative in this condition because in just 24 months, rheumatoid arthritis can already cause serious damage to the joints.

If you are suffering from either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, popping a pain medication may not be the only solution to reduce the tenderness and aches. Improving your diet, boosting your immune system and exercising regularly are all needed for you to be able to cope with your condition and prevent your joints from being damaged further. Moreover, you might need to take natural supplements to help protect your joints. However, it would be wise to seek doctor's advice before you take anything.

To help ease the arthritic pain, tenderness and stiffness safely and effectively, you may want to try Flexcerin.

Arthritis Treatment Options

Think the only thing you can do to help your arthritis is to take pain medications? Think your arthritis is only going to get worse as you get older? With today's medical advances, there are a wide range of arthritis treatment options available to those suffering from the condition.

Depending on the form of arthritis you suffer, doctors can prescribe medicine that can ease your pain, as well as actually keeping the disease from progressing.

For mild arthritis pain, most people generally start by treating their symptoms themselves using over-the-counter medications. There are a wide variety of creams, liniments, patches and oral anti-inflammatory and analgesics to choose from. Arthritis creams generally contain some combination of menthol, capsaicin and salicylate.

When applied to the painful area, these creams or liniments can relieve the aches and pains. However, these creams are temporary and must be reapplied often. The medicine in some of these creams can also be purchased in a patch form that gives a concentrated, continuous release of medicine so you don't have to reapply as often.

Oral analgesics, such as acetaminophen, are medicines taken by mouth that can help to reduce the pain of arthritis. Doctors often also recommend non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, as an arthritis treatment to help reduce the inflammation and fever associated with arthritis.

For more severe arthritis pain, you may need to see your doctor for a stronger form of arthritis treatment. For the aches and pains of osteoarthritis, which results from the normal aging process, your doctor can prescribe prescription strength NSAID, or even a narcotic pain medication if he feels your level of pain warrants it.

For some suffering from osteoarthritis, joint replacement surgery is an option your doctor may suggest. Most often joint replacement surgeries replace the joints in the knees and hips with plastic or metal joints.

Although this procedure is considered a major surgery and a successful recovery requires intense therapy, many are well pleased with the results of joint replacement when they find they can return to their normal activities with little or no arthritis pain.

For those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, which results from the body's immune system turning on the body and destroying the cartilage that cushions the joints, there are several prescription medications available.

For this condition, your doctor may prescribe an immunosuppressant medicine or a disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug, both of which can help slow the progression of the disease. These are also several new rheumatoid arthritis treatments which have been very successful in decreasing the symptoms of the condition.

These medicines, called biologics, generally come in an injectable form and are injected either once weekly or every other week. These medicines have been proven in clinical trials to help improve physical function as well as keeping joint damage from becoming worse in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

From mild to severe arthritis, there are arthritis treatment available for all. While some medicines simply relieve arthritis pain, some can actually help keep the condition from becoming worse.

If you suffer from the pain of arthritis, see your doctor to find an arthritis treatment that is right for you.

Hand Arthritis - Symptoms and Treatment

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

What causes hand arthritis?

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

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

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

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

Symptoms

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

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

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

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

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

Treatment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms and the Lifestyle Challenge

Rheumatoid Arthritis or RA is an auto immune disease, which is characterized by inflammation in the lining of the joints and only affects 1 to 2 percent of the population.

But the life altering effects of this disease can be quite invasive. If you suspect that you may have Rheumatoid Arthritis or if you have already been diagnosed with such, it is important to clearly understand the most common symptoms for this condition so that you can most effectively participate in the management of your healthcare.

RA can develop in children, teens, young adults and even those in middle age. Currently research indicates that women are more often diagnosed with RA than men.

Early symptoms can at times be tough to diagnose since the early symptoms can go in and out of remission making it hard for your physician to see the physical symptoms of what you are describing and have been experiencing. You might consider keeping a log of your symptoms so that your healthcare provider can see the pattern.

While symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can differ from person to person, there is currently no single medical test that will definitively diagnose rheumatoid arthritis.

Most often physicians report that patients commonly hear a complaint of repetitive joint pain that frequently occurs every day. The pain and joint limitations can cause your day to be interrupted and tough to manage. RA can certainly cause trouble in the basic management of your daily activities. It can give you a challenge trying to manage even the most basic of tasks.

RA symptoms often include joint stiffness in the morning in and around the joints that persist for more than thirty minutes, joint swelling in the wrists, knuckles, or in the individual finger joints. Many patients also report a feeling of heat over the irritated joints. Often RA can invade other joints, such as the jaw, elbows, shoulders, feet and ankles.

While there is currently no known cure for rheumatoid arthritis, with aggressive and early treatment the inflammation and pain associated with RA can be better controlled. This early and aggressive treatment is also shown to decrease and often stop the joint destruction of rheumatoid arthritis.

With all the new advances in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, there is joy for patients in knowing that there is now more hope than in previous decades.

Learning to understand and identify the common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis is the key in actively participating in your own healthcare.

After all, your health is worth your time to get educated!

How Does Cold Laser Work For Arthritis?

Arthritis affects almost 70 million Americans. The most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease in which the cartilage wears away, and rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune inflammatory condition. Also, there are other conditions that fall under the "umbrella" of arthritis including bursitis, tendonitis, low back and neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and so on.

The common symptom of most forms of arthritis is pain. Pain develops as a result of multiple factors including inflammation with stimulation of neural peripheral pain sensors due to either biochemical factors such as cytokines or to mechanical factors- joint deformity. Arthritis pain may be accompanied byother problems including loss of range of motion and disability.

While medicines, injections, and surgery all have their place and are valuable, there is still a need for potentially useful adjunctive modalities that might speed up recovery and reduce pain faster.

Low level therapeutic laser, better known as phototherapy, is a relatively new form of treatment. Its premise is that certain wavelengths of light have effects on living tissue. This effect is termed "photobiomodulation."

Phototherapy has been shown in experimental settings to stimulate cell growth, increase cell metabolism, improve cell regeneration, induce an anti-inflammatory response, reduce edema, reduce fibrous tissue formation, reduce levels of substance P, stimulate production of nitric oxide, decrease the formation of bradykinin, histamine, and acetylcholine, and stimulate the production of endorphins. These effects are felt to be what reduce pain.

Most cold lasers in use today use a combination of light emitting diodes and infrared emitting diodes.

The beneficial effects of cold laser were first noted in wound healing in rats (Mester E, Spy T, Sander N, Tito J. Effect of laser ray on wound healing. Am J Surg 1971; 122: 523-535).

Subequently, laser was found to be beneficial in a number of animal models and is till being studied as a possible tool for cartilage regeneration and healing (Lin Y, Chai CY, Yang RC. Effects of helium-neon laser on levels of stress protein and arthritic histopathology in experimental osteoarthritis. Am J Phys Med Rehab. 2004; 83: 758-765).

Data regarding the usefulness of cold laser on different conditions seen in a rheumatology office include:

Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis (Brosseau L, Welch V, Wells G, Tugwell P, de Bie R, Harman K, Shea B, Morin M. Low level laser therapy for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis. J Rheum. 2000; 27: 1961-9);

Elbow tendonitis (Simunovic Z, Trobonjaca T, Trobonjaca Z. Treatment of medial and lateral epicondylitis- tennis and golfer's elbow- with low level laser therapy: a multicenter double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study on 324 patients. J Clin Laser Medicine Surg. 1998; 16: 145-51);

Fibromyalgia trigger points (Simunovic Z. Low level laser therapy with trigger points technique: a clinical study on 243 patients. J Clin Laser Medicine Surg. 1996; 14: 163-167);

Neck arthritis (Ozdemir F, Birtane M, Kokino S. The clinical efficacy of low-power laser therapy on pain and function in cervical osteoarthritis. Clin Rheumatology. 2001; 20: 181-184);

Carpal tunnel syndrome (Naeser MA, Hahn KA, Lieberman BE, Branco KF. Carpal tunnel syndrome pain treated with low-level laser and micro amperes transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation: a controlled study. Archives Phys Med Rehab. 2002; 83: 978-988);

Shoulder tendonitis (England S, Ferrell AJ, Coppock JS, Struthers G, Bacon PA. Low power laser therapy of shoulder tendonitis. Scand J Rheum. 1989; 18: 427-431);

Low back pain disorders (Tasaki E, et al. Application of low power laser therapy for relief of low back pain. Ninth Congress of the International Society of Laser Surgery and Medicine. Anaheim, CA. USA. November 2-6, 1991; Tuner J, Hode L. The Laser Therapy handbook. Prima Books. 2004. Sweden, p. 81).

Adequate clinical assessment is vital to determining whether a patient is a good candidate for laser therapy. Also, laser is a complementary therapy; it should be used in conjunction with other therapies as well. Concurrent medications, etc. should not be forgotten.

Phototherapy is FDA approved for a number of applications and has been deemed safe. It also requires relatively little time to perform. Established protocols and tissue dosages have been established that make clinical application relatively easy.

The number of sessions required varies according to disorder, length of time the disorder has been present, and the severity of the disorder.

Contraindications include pregnancy (use of the laser over the pregnant uterus), thyroid exposure, over a pediatric epiphysis, transplant patients, directly on a an active cancer, on an are where there has been a recent (within 24 hours) steroid injection, or on the chest of a patient with a pacemaker.

While cold laser is considered by some to be unproven, it appears so far to be a safe, effective mode of therapy for many rheumatologic disorders and is worth trying before subjecting a patient to more invasive and dangerous procedures.

Did You Know That Omega-3 Fish Oils Reduce Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms?

Several clinical studies done in different countries from all over the world have proven that omega-3 fish oils can significantly help reduce rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Some studies have even found that patients were able to reduce their medication.

Omega-3 fish oils are anti-inflammatory, and arthritis is an inflammatory disease. Our modern-day diet consists of too much omega-6 fats, which are actually pro-inflammatory fats.

This is why you have to keep them to a minimum and give your body the omega-3 fatty acids that it requires to reduce rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Scientists have discovered and believe that most people today are deficient in these essential fats.

This has been linked to a lot of different health conditions. The good news is that this is all easy to take care of when you find a high grade supplement.

Here are three steps that can help you find the best omega-3 fish oil's for rheumatoid arthritis.

#1 - Purity

Molecular distillation is a process that will purify omega-3 oil at the molecular level. This will ensure pharmaceutical grade quality and safety for long-term use. I always make sure that omega-3 supplement that I buy has been molecularly distilled.

#2 - Quality

If you want a high-quality product, you should look at what fish are used in the supplement. For example, a recent clinical trial discovered that if you blend tuna and hoki into the same omega-3 fish oils, you can enhance the health benefits by up to 2 and a half times compared to other supplements.

#3 - Price

With omega-3 fish oils being among the best selling nutritional supplements in the world today, it naturally attracts companies that are just in it to make a quick profit. Don't worry though, these are easy to avoid by making your comparisons and looking for products that have a fair price. I personally pay under $20 for a month's supply of high grade omega-3's.

Arthritis Treatment: Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDS) and Their Side Effects

Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common inflammatory form of arthritis, affecting about two million Americans. It is a chronic, systemic, autoimmune disease for which there is no cure. However, there are medications available that can control it and put it into remission.

The key is early diagnosis and aggressive treatment.

This article will discuss some of the commonly used disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDS.) Another article will discuss biologics.

Methotrexate is the "workhorse" of DMARDS. It acts by blocking an enzyme called dihydrofolate reductase, in effect, preventing the proliferation of inflammatory cells. It can be given orally, subcutaneously, and intravenously. Potential side effects include fatigue the day after taking the medication, nausea, hair loss, mouth ulcers, damage to the liver, drop in blood counts, particularly the white blood count, and lung damage which can occur acutely or develop chronically. Methotrexate is also a teratogen, and can cause significant birth defects.

Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is a drug that has been used to treat malaria but which has some modest effects in treating rheumatoid arthritis. It has an immunomodulatory effect which has not yet been clearly defined. Side effects include skin rash, particularly if the individual is out in the sun, muscle damage, gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea, and damage to the retina of the eyes.

Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) is a sulfa drug that has anti-inflammatory effect. Once it is metabolized it breaks down into a number of components, one of which is 5-aminosalicylic acid. It is used in Europe much more than in the U.S. Side effects include gastrointestinal upset, drops in blood count, lung inflammation, inflammation of blood vessels, lupus, and a potentially life-threatening condition called Stevens-Johnson syndrome. This causes severe ulceration of the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems.

Leflunomide (Arava) is an oral drug that blocks the synthesis of pyrimidines, which are an active player in RA. Side effects include gastrointestinal upset, rash, liver damage, blood count drops, immune suppression, and birth defects.

Tetracycline is an antibiotic that also has the effect of blocking enzymes that stimulate inflammation. Tetracyclines also have an inhibitory effect on T-cells. Side effects include a photosensitive skin rash, teeth discoloration, lupus, inflammation of blood vessels, and liver damage.

Azathioprine (Imuran) is a potent immunosuppressive drug that blocks the production of purines. It can cause profound drops in blood count, liver toxicity, fever, and can be extremely toxic when combined with other medications such ass allopurinol.

By now your hair is starting to curl. Remember the flip side which is that rheumatoid arthritis itself is a severe disease which can shorten lifespan by ten to fifteen years and cause significant crippling, disability, and internal organ damage.

How To Treat Arthritis Naturally Without Prescription Drugs

When you face the pain, stiffness and swelling of arthritis you want to find something that will help alleviate the problem. Your doctor may prescribe medications that will help with the inflammation and pain but these treatments often come with the potential for addiction and a list of possible side effects. This could easily leave you wanting to find other alternatives that do not carry the same risks. There are plenty of herbal and natural remedies that are used regularly for that very purpose. Knowing which ones to try comes down to locating the ones that resolve the problems you are trying to alleviate. You should also consult with your physician on any remedies that you choose to use so that you can be monitored.

Diet

The diet you consume can play a pivotal role in the effect your arthritis has on your body. One of the most obvious effects of a healthier diet is that you will be able to reduce any excess weight. This weight places unnecessary pressure on your bones and joints and increases the pain and other problems that you may feel. In addition to this benefit, some foods enhance the arthritis symptoms while others help to fight them. If you want to fight your arthritis you will want to consume a diet that is healthy and rich in omega 3 fatty acids. The more vitamins you take in the better off your body will be. Sugar, dairy and wheat only work to make arthritis worse and should be eliminated from your diet. You will begin to feel the effects of a healthy diet fairly quickly and as you lose weight you will notice many other benefits as well.

Exercise

With exercise you are helping that goal of reducing your weight, but you will see more advantages to your body than simple weight loss. Regular exercise helps your body to relax and stay mobile. If you are mobile then your joints are consistently moving. This will help to prevent the stiffness that often accompanies arthritis. An active person will have less stiffness in their joints than one who is sedentary. Stiffness is one of the most difficult symptoms of arthritis because it causes you problems moving around. You may find yourself unable to do normal tasks that you once performed easily.

Castor Oil

Castor oil has been used for many things over the years and arthritis is among them. You can use the oil as a rub when your joints become sore and swollen. Simply rub the castor oil into the joints and you will feel the relief it provides. It is also a great oil to use for massaging joints to help prevent the soreness and stiffness that you often feel. Many people have found that castor oil provides relief almost instantly.

Fluids

Taking in enough fluids is vital to your health for many reasons, but fluids have to be the right ones. The best fluid you can take in is water. It will work to release the built up toxins in your body and keep your organs functioning as they should. Water will keep you from suffering constipation problems as well. Another benefit of water is that it keeps the joints lubricated so that they move easier and more freely. You can even count on plenty of water to aid in your weight loss goals.

Ginger

Ginger was discovered to relieve pain in arthritis many years ago by the Chinese. Like many supplements, ginger works well in both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. Since pain is one of the most predominant symptoms of arthritis, ginger is a favored herb among many sufferers. Those who use it say that it can take as long as three weeks before the effects are noticed. Unlike prescription pain medications, a user does not have to be concerned with addiction to ginger and does not have to worry about side effects. It can cause a slight increase in blood pressure, but otherwise is considered safe among those who take it daily.

Celery

Not all herbal remedies have to come packaged in a supplement. You can take advantage of the celery you already have in your home. The benefit of celery is that it is known to be an anti-inflammatory. This means that if you consume it you will likely see a decrease in swelling. You can opt to eat the celery if you wish or you can make a celery tea and drink it. If you choose the tea you will need to drink as much as three cups a day when the pain is at its worst.

Licorice

Cortisone is a popular medication used to treat arthritis, but it carries with is some side effects that you may not wish to contend with. If you opt to go with licorice you will not have to. Licorice offers the user the same effect they would get with cortisone without the side effects that they do not want. It helps alleviate pain when you consume the extract daily. You may notice a slight increase in blood pressure, but it carries no other serious side effects.
Glucosamine

The most popular supplement for arthritis is glucosamine. This is a natural substance that is made in the body and helps to rebuild and repair the damaged cartilage. When your body ages you do not produce as much glucosamine. Because of this your body does not repair the cartilage as easily. You are left with deteriorating cartilage in your joints. Taking these supplements can help to rebuild the cartilage and alleviate the pain and swelling that comes with arthritis. People have been taking glucosamine for many years as a treatment for their arthritis because it attacks the cause of the problem and not the symptoms. It is often combined with chondroitin to receive the maximum effect. There are some minor side effects that may occur, with the worst being a reaction in those who are allergic to shellfish.

Iritis - A Serious Inflammatory Condition

When I first read about this condition, I was taken by surprise. Arthritis is commonly associated with joints and cartilage. But "iritis" is a very different form of eye irritation and should not be confused with conjunctivitis (pink eye). Although it may sound like a case of arthritis in the eye, the cause of iritis is not always possible to uncover. When it comes to this serious condition, the best medicine is prevention and early diagnosis. Today I'm going to give you some insight about this unusual disease. Let first tell you what it is, how it's treated, and then some healthy answers on how to prevent this inflammation of the eye.

What is Iritis?

Iritis is inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, or the uvea. The muscles located there adjust the size of the iris, expanding and contracting based on light and other conditions. When these muscles become inflamed, the iris may be damaged. This can result in small or irregularly shaped pupils, glaucoma or other serious problems.

In many cases iritis is not connected to a specific cause. In some people, however, genetics or an existing chronic condition may trigger iritis. People suffering from chronic rheumatoid arthritis may be at risk. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in the body and affects movement. It is possible that the condition may spread to the eye. Iritis is even more common in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Injury to the eye is another possible cause.

If you suspect you have contracted iritis, see a doctor as soon as possible. Intervention is essential for preventing serious complications, including blindness. People with iritis do not generally experience increased tears or eye discharge, but there are several symptoms to watch out for. You may have redness, especially a pink cast in the white of the eye. You may be sensitive to light and feel discomfort in the eye. Blurred vision is another common sign, as well as floating spots in your vision. If you have no reason to suspect a different problem, see your doctor at the first sign of symptoms.

Treating and Preventing Iritis

As I discussed above, iritis is a serious condition, which must be treated by a doctor right away. In most cases, medication is necessary to protect your vision and relieve pain and discomfort. Steroid eye drops may be used to fight inflammation. Dilating eye drops can lessen pain and prevent damage to the iris. If these treatments do not reduce inflammation, oral steroids may be prescribed.

If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis or have family members who suffer from this condition, some natural prevention tactics may reduce your risk of iritis. The food you eat has a great effect on inflammation in the body. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are known to reduce inflammation. Find them in fish like salmon and tuna, walnuts and flax seeds, as well as nutritional supplements. For cooking and salad dressing, choose olive or canola oil. Whole grains and fresh produce also contribute to health.

Foods you should avoid are white carbohydrates, processed snack foods, anything high in sugar and processed meats, such as deli turkey or sausage. To further tackle inflammation, you may want to consider visiting a naturopathic doctor. He or she can determine the right nutrients and herbs to treat your individual needs.

Natural vitamin supplements are a smart way to keep your eyes healthy and prevent iritis. Look for brands formulated for optimal eye health. Ingredients with vision benefits include vitamins A, C and E, zinc and selenium. Certain natural extracts and antioxidants can boost the benefits of these vitamins. Some examples are lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, alpha lipoic acid, bilberry, and ginko biloba.

If you think you may be at risk for iritis, consider the natural measures I described to prevent the onset of this condition. Anyone who is concerned about his vision and overall health can benefit from an anti-inflammatory diet and vitamin supplements. Remember to see you doctor if symptoms arise to keep your vision will stay strong and healthy for a lifetime.

Foot Swelling - Good, Bad, and Ugly

Hot air balloons are beautiful, aren't they? Bright and colorful, they drift quietly through the air, removing the traveler from toil and endless trouble. Unfortunately, not all things that swell up like hot air balloons are beautiful or free from difficulty. Joints, for one, are decidedly less pleasant when they begin to swell. Fortunately, your friendly local podiatrist has the know how to help reduce swelling and get your joints to function a bit better.

Swelling is, of course, perfectly natural. It's the body's way of responding to injury or infection. After damage to a joint, more blood is sent to the area to try to heal it. Unfortunately, the increase of blood also causes a buildup of fluid in the tissues around the joint, which tends to cause pressure and pain.

Swelling may be caused by many things. It may be a result of trauma, such as an ankle sprain or break, or stubbing your toe. Or, swelling might accompany arthritis, which itself may be caused by crystal deposits in the joint (in the case of gout), degeneration of cartilage in the joint (osteoarthritis), an autoimmune disease attacking the joints (rheumatoid arthritis), and so on. Or, joint swelling may be caused by an infection.

Swelling may appear as one of the first symptoms of arthritis. Those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, for instance, often list joint swelling as one of the earliest symptoms. In the case of gout, swelling may be so severe that the skin over the joint will appear stretched and shiny.

Joint swelling is usually accompanied by other symptoms, such as redness, warmth, stiffness in the joint, and pain. You may also find it difficult to walk, usually because of pain, but sometimes because your joint has lost some mobility.

Because the potential causes of joint swelling are so numerous, you should be prepared to give plenty of information to your podiatrist so he or she can make an accurate diagnosis. Your foot doctor will most likely perform a physical examination of your foot, check your joint for range of motion, and will inquire about your medical history and a history of your symptoms. Be prepared to answer questions such as how long the swelling has been present, whether it comes and goes, when it's worst (i.e. is it worse at night, or perhaps does it tend to get worse during certain activities such as running), and also whether or not you've ever ridden in a hot air balloon. (Actually, they may not ask that last question.)

There are a few tests your podiatrist may suggest to determine the cause of your joint swelling. These may include X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to get an accurate picture of what's going on inside your joint. Additionally, your doctor may want to withdraw some fluid from your joint to test it for infection, or for uric acid crystals in the case of gout.

Treating swelling in the joint generally focuses on reducing bloodflow to the area. This may be accomplished by icing the joint (20 minutes on over a thin towel and 40 minutes off), and elevating your foot at hip level, or slightly higher. Your podiatrist may also recommend anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, or sometimes cortisone injections.

Of course, your doctor will also want to address the underlying injury or problem that's actually causing the swelling. This may be done by using casts, braces, or orthotics (prescription shoe inserts) to provide support to the foot and prevent further injury. Physical therapy might be used to help strengthen your muscles. In some cases, surgery is necessary to reduce swelling and reestablish the functionality of the joint, or your foot surgeon may opt to fuse the joint to reduce pain and swelling.

Some patients also find it beneficial to soar through the sky in a basket suspended from a balloon filled with hot air. Actually, this may not really be the case. But hot air balloon rides (or even just looking at pictures of hot air balloons) will help you remember that, even though your joints may be painful and unpleasant when they swell up, some swollen things are actually pretty darn nice.

Some Natural Ways to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a serious form of arthritis where the immune system which is supposed to defend the body, actually starts to attack it. It is more serious than say osteoarthritis simply because in addition to the standard joint pain and swelling, rheumatoid arthritis can also cause anemia, poor circulation and debilitating fatigue.

The best natural treatments for rheumatoid arthritis are the same as osteoarthritis, however with more emphasis being placed on diet. Here is a look at a few that have proven to be particularly helpful.

Heat Application

Whether it be electric blankets, heating pads or hot packs, applying heat to painful joints can offer substantial relief. One method of heat application that has shown to be particularly helpful is hot baths, especially when infused with essential oils such as rosemary and eucalyptus.

Cold Application

At the other end of the spectrum is the application of cold. This is most effective and appropriate when your joints are really inflamed. A cold pack or bag of peas compressed against the area can bring much needed relief in a short period of time. This is due to the fact that the cold reduces the swelling fast and also stimulates the nerve endings which acts as a distraction against deeper joint aches and pains.

Vegetarian Diet

Recent studies have shown that people with rheumatoid arthritis showed significant improvement after just 30 days of switching to a vegetarian diet. This diet also excluded eggs, dairy, gluten, caffeine, alcohol, salt and refined sugar.

Going vegetarian may seem like a daunting prospect if you are a heavy meat eater however being vegetarian is not about just eating vegetables / salads. There are lots of beautiful tasting, hearty dishes that can be prepared. If you are interested in this just do a search online for vegetarian recipes. You will find plenty.

However, if vegetarianism is not an option for you, the next best thing is to really tune into your body after you eat. This will give you some insight into which particular foods seem to flare up your symptoms. You can then decide whether or not to reduce or exclude these foods from your diet.

These are just a few things you can do to treat your rheumatoid arthritis naturally. I know this is an awful condition to have to deal with (my Mother has it) and my heart goes out to you. Just keep an open mind and keep trying new things until you have got enough 'things that help' in your back pocket that you can draw on as needed.

Morton's Neuroma Differential Diagnosis - Distinguishing From Other Conditions With Similar Symptoms

Morton's neuroma is a common condition that affects the third space between the toes. The condition is also referred to as interdigital neuroma. This painful foot condition is due to enlargement of the nerve of the foot.

There are a number of conditions that can be mistaken for neuroma. Read on to learn about the differential diagnosis of Morton's neuroma.

A stress fracture may be mistaken for neuroma. This is actually a small crack in the bone that can develop from overuse or can also be from weakening of the bone by conditions such as osteoporosis. Symptoms of stress fractures are pain, swelling, tenderness on a specific spot, and continued pain at rest as the fracture damage progresses.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs from abnormal pressure on a nerve in the foot. Usually, the symptoms are vague pain in the sole of the foot, burning, or tingling sensation. The pain gets worse with activities such as walking long distances or standing for long periods. It is occasionally mistaken for Morton's neuroma because the pain and tingling may also occur on the toes.

Peripheral neuropathy, like Morton's neuroma, is due to nerve problems. In neuropathy, the pain is described as tingling or burning. There can be extreme sensitivity to touch, lack of coordination, or muscle weakness. The pain may also spread upward to the legs.

A ganglion is also another differential diagnosis for neuroma. This is like a balloon that arises under the skin. Although often seen on the wrist, the cyst also frequently develops on the foot. In contrast to neuroma, a ganglion cyst may have a noticeable lump. If the cyst is touching a nerve, this causes burning or tingling sensations.

Arthritis of the feet may occasionally be mistaken for neuroma. Osteoarthritis is wear and tear arthritis, resulting to swelling, inflammation, and pain. Some people with rheumatoid arthritis may also have pain in the heels because of plantar fasctiis. The symptoms may also appear in several joints on both feet. The toes may also begin to stiffen. To differentiate arthritis, range of motion tests or x-rays may be done.

Another very common condition that leads to foot pain is bursitis. Again, this may also be mistaken for Morton's neuroma. A bursitis is inflammation of the bursal sac, which contains fluid to lubricate and reduce friction between two surfaces in the body. With bursitis, the top of the toes can be very tender, red, and slightly swollen. Most of the time, pain is relieved when the shoes are removed.

The various differential diagnoses of neuroma must be carefully considered to exclude these other common conditions of the feet. When a definitive diagnosis of Morton's neuroma is made, conservative management can be tried from three months to one year.

What Causes the Pain in My Hand?

Some types of pain are caused by obvious problems; sprains, fractures and the like usually have a memorable moment that causes it. Other types may need the doctor to define. Rheumatoid arthritis often attacks small bones like those in the hands and wrists. While most of the treatments are similar, there may be some important differences.

Arthritis: There are several different types of arthritis, but the most common three are gout, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. All three can affect the hands and wrists. They also have three different causes and require some different steps to treat it.

Gout is caused by an uric acid crystals in the blood. When the crystals become too heavy, they get dropped off into joints. While the first attacks are usually centered in the feet, they can occur in any joints. Changes to the diet are one of the many steps to preventing frequent flare ups. Cherry juice and nonaspirin anti-inflammatory medications can also help.

Osteoarthritis is caused by injuries and general wear and tear. Topical pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications are often suggested to deal with this problem. Capsaicin is a good option, as it can turn off the pain signal going to your brain. An extraction of willow bark and gotu kola may also provide some relief. Those allergic to aspirin should avoid willow as they contain the same active ingredient.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disorder and is best treated by your doctor. Many home remedies can interact with either the disease itself or the medications for it.

Carpal Tunnel: Nerves to the hand run through the carpal bones in your wrist. Repetitive motions such as typing, checkers at the market and others who perform the same tasks over and over again for hours at a time are at risk for developing carpal tunnel syndrome. This translates to an inflammation of the nerves running through the bones.

These nerves have no place to swell, and produce a bevy of uncomfortable sensations. Symptoms may include pain, a tingling sensation (pins and needles) and difficulty moving the wrist and hands. Getting treatment as soon as possible is important if you want to avoid surgery. This could include wrist braces, physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications. Topical pain relievers may also be of benefit.

Injury: Sprains, strains and breaks are usually noticed when they occur. RICE is the most often recommended first step after diagnosis. This stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation. Topical pain relievers such as capsaicin and willow bark may be useful, and anti-inflammatory medications (including willow) will probably also be suggested.

Tendonitis: Tendons connect your muscles to your bones, and are found in every part of the body, including the hands. Like carpel tunnel, repetitive motion may cause the swelling, as can other types of injury. If you have this problem, you will need to rest your hand until the swelling goes down. Ice and medications to reduce the swelling are also a good idea.

You may need your doctor's help in figuring out exactly what is causing your pain. Be sure to tell the doctor what you've been doing that could be a problem, as well as any medications, supplements or herbs you are on. This way, harmful interactions can be prevented.

Gluten Allergy - Celiac and Gluten Intolerance Symptoms

Celiac disease is a digestive disorder. Once thought to be a rare condition affecting only children, it is now known to be more common, affecting as many as two million Americans alone. It is a genetic disease and those with a close family member with a gluten allergy are at increased risk of it. For some individuals, the disease is latent until triggered by an event such as pregnancy, childbirth, surgery or extreme stress.

In a nutshell, individuals with this condition have a gluten intolerance. If they are exposed to gluten, it triggers an allergic reaction in which the body attacks itself, damaging and sometimes destroying the villi that line the small intestines.

Symptoms of a gluten allergy are much like those experienced with other food allergies, but can vary widely between individuals. Digestive problems are common with celiac disease, especially in infants and children. They may include abdominal pain and bloating, vomiting, constipation, chronic diarrhea or pale, fatty, or foul-smelling stools. Weight loss is common in children as a result of these symptoms. Gluten intolerance may also lead to defects in growth and development.

In adults, symptoms may be more varied. Many symptoms can be attributed to other conditions, which is why it may not be diagnosed right away. Symptoms may include bone and joint pain, arthritis, unexplained iron-deficient anemia, fatigue, bone loss or osteoporosis, seizures, tingling or numbness in the extremities, canker sores or dermatitis herpetaformis, an itchy skin rash. Women may also experience reproductive problems such as missed menstrual periods, miscarriages or infertility.

Left untreated, gluten intolerance can lead to more serious symptoms. Because the body's response to a gluten allergy is to attack the villi of the small intestine, the body has a decreased ability to absorb nutrients from food. This can lead to malnutrition. Liver diseases or digestive cancers can also result.

Many people with celiac disease have other conditions in which the body attacks itself. These may include Type 1 diabetes, autoimmune thyroid disease, autoimmune liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis, Addison's disease or Sjogren's syndrome. These conditions may bring additional symptoms.

Symptoms of these conditions may include frequent urination, vision disturbances or problems, slow healing time, weight loss or gain, jaundice, joint stiffness, muscle weakness or fatigue, irritability or increased occurrence of infections. Many of these conditions have similar symptoms to gluten intolerance, which may mask the underlying gluten allergy.

Because of the varied symptoms that come with celiac disease and the probability of more serious conditions also being present, you should talk to your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms on a regular basis. A food journal may be helpful in diagnosing the condition if you can link gluten with symptoms. Keep in mind that gluten, while generally found in food, is also sometimes found in places you might not expect, including vitamins, medicines and lip balms.

To confirm a diagnosis of a gluten allergy, your doctor may run blood tests or order an intestinal biopsy. The blood tests look for specific antibodies which elevate in patients with gluten intolerance. If blood tests indicate celiac disease, the biopsy is generally done to confirm the diagnosis. The doctor will remove small pieces from the small intestine to look for villi damage.

Remedies For Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis, an autoimmune disorder, is a disease where a person's own body attacks itself, causing widespread tissue damage. Reactions, sometimes referred to as flare ups, can be caused by a variety of reasons. A person can have a reaction to the stress in their life, infection or even an injury. The traditional treatment for autoimmune diseases, such as arthritis is immunosuppressing medicines. But these medications can be toxic if used for an extended period of time. If at all possible try to use drugs that are not as strong to avoid dependency. Also if you use these drugs for too long, the body will build up a resistance, making them far less successful. Also if a person becomes accustomed to these type of treatments, they will be far less likely to find relief with a natural treatment.

Changes in a person's lifestyle can help boost the immunity, and there are many strategies that will help with the control of the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Some of the natural remedies and suggestions for the control of the symptoms of an autoimmune disorder are; Eat a diet that is high in carbohydrates, and low in protein. This is accomplished by minimizing the consumption of animal products such as red meat and processed foods. Eliminate all milk and milk containing products. This includes the commercial foods that include milk as an ingredient.

Polyunsaturated oils, such as vegetable oil, vegetable shortening and margarine. Partially hydrogenated oils should be avoided in any form.Caffeine and tobacco are also on the list of substances that can cause a flare up.

A good practice is to increase the intake of omega 3 fatty acids, this can be accomplished by adding more walnuts, freshly prepared flax seeds and fish that are found in colder waters. A fish oil supplement is a good choice for persons who do not like the foods that are naturally high in omega 3.If a person controls the diet in this fashion the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis can possibly be lessened without medications.

Aerobic exercise such as swimming are good for persons with Rheumatoid Arthritis. The water lessens the stress on painful joints. psychological therapy, hypnotherapy and visualization are good for the emotion stresses in a persons life. Eliminate the following foods for 8 weeks, then add them back one by one, this will allow you to find the specific triggers for your symptoms.

1. sugars, all but natural sugars in certain fruit, 2. citrus fruit, 3. soy, wheat and corn.

Fever few is an herb that has shown success in treating the symptoms, as have the following anti inflammatory herbs; turmeric, and ginger. With the proper treatments, you may find your symptoms becoming fewer and less severe.

Coping With the Pain of Ankle Arthritis

Patients who suffer from "ankle arthritis" are actually dealing with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis which has settled in the ankle joints. A lot of pressure is put on ankle joints, because they bear the brunt of the entire weight of the body. When you pile all of your weight on sore joints and take a step, there's bound to be pain. What's worse, ankle joints are ball joints which rotate in all directions, so the cartilage will deteriorate even faster than in other joints.

Ankle Pain Stemming from Other Causes

Never just assume that any pain you have in your ankles and feet is being caused by arthritis. These pains can be caused by many different things, including lower back and hip problems. Before just shrugging your shoulders and thinking, "Its only arthritis", make an appointment with your doctor for an exam. Only then will he be able to tell what's causing your infirmity.

The rarer diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis can be made by taking a simple blood test. If you are diagnosed with the more common osteoarthritis, it may mean that you'll be facing a regimen of intensive treatments for the rest of your life.

Sprained ankles are fairly common and cause sufferers a lot of pain, even more so that an actual break. To treat a sprain, doctors will prescribe 'RICE'. No, not the stuff you eat. In this case RICE means:
o Rest - and give your ankle a chance to heal.
o Ice Compression - use cold compresses to reduce inflammation and pain.
o Elevation - keep the leg raised to lessen swelling and pain.

You may be able to tell if you have ankle arthritis by watching for the following symptoms:
o Recurring pains without a reason
o Swelling and stiffness suddenly occurring
o Pain remedies won't stop the pain and stiffness
o A big toe that's very painful and wants to turn to the side
o Bunions that hurt badly even when not being touched

When a person first develops ankle arthritis, simple OTC pain medications will probably be all the treatment needed. The disease is incurable, though, and will progress over time. It may get to a stage where your doctor wants to treat the condition much more aggressively.

If you've tried everything looking for relief from arthritis pain, you may want to do what many others have done, and try some form of home remedy. Doctors and the FDA frown on such practices as herbal medicines and yoga, but there are a lot of people who swear by the treatments claiming they have stopped the progression of the disease and even caused some improvement.