Saturday, August 31, 2013

Rheumatoid Arthritis Tips For Living


There are tons of rheumatoid arthritis tips out there, but which ones really work?

Is it possible to maintain your quality of life after a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis?

Can you still complete your favorite hobbies and necessary tasks with rheumatoid arthritis?

Consider the answers to the questions in addition to the following rheumatoid arthritis tips:

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a particularly painful inflammatory disease that can also limit mobility by producing stiff, swollen joints.

Considered an autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis can be painful and may potentially create a problem in your life.

However, if you have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, there is hope available. There are many medications on the market that are capable of controlling the symptoms of this autoimmune disease.

Furthermore, there are many non-medical tips that will allow you to control your disease without any extra medications.

Tips For Controlling Rheumatoid Arthritis

If you have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, know that this is not a sentence for the rest of your life.

Although this medical condition can be quite serious, proper treatment will allow you to continue on with your daily activities and beloved hobbies.

You may want to invest in certain items that will allow you to complete certain tasks with assistance, you can enjoy living.

If you have problems performing certain tasks (including opening jars and holding certain cooking utensils), consider purchasing special tools that will allow you to be able to perform the task a great deal easier.

Watching your diet is a huge way to help your condition of rheumatoid arthritis

Quite often, having any additional weight can make your condition a great deal worse, as more weight and pressure is placed on your joint.

If you are interested in increasing your mobility, you may need to look into healthier eating practices.

Many individuals suffering from rheumatoid arthritis found that they can control many of the symptoms by altering their diet to exclude certain foods.

Although studies are still being performed, many individuals have found excluding gluten wheat from their diet has made a huge difference in their condition.

Another way to control your condition is to routinely exercise . Many doctors will recommend that you begin a work out regimen and will be able to assist you with performing the correct exercises.

Although you should certainly not overdo any of the prescribed exercises, having a work out regimen in place will allow you to routinely use your joints.

When your joints are not used, they are more likely to become sore and stiff.

Your joints are much like hinges on a door. When a door is not properly used, the hinges are more likely to open slowly and require a great deal of strength to properly move.

One widely recommended work out routine for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis is water exercises. These exercises take place in a pool, which is incredibly easy on the joints.

Since water has no impact, you do not have to jar your body and joints as if you were working out on terra firma.

An Introduction To Rheumatoid Arthritis


Rheumatoid arthritis is the second major type of arthritis - exceeded in number of cases only by osteoarthritis. It is a very serious ailment caused by inflammation of the joints. The pain associated with the disease is at times so severe that it almost completely disables sufferers. It affects women more often than men.

Rheumatoid arthritis advances in three stages starting with painful swelling and stiffness of the joints. In the second stage the pain aggravates and the bones and cartilage are severely affected thereby restricting the movement of the person altogether. By this time the diseases becomes chronic and just defies all treatment.

It is in your best interest to immediately consult a doctor as soon as you have pain in the joints. This means that don't wait for any other symptom appear. Also, you should never try treating the disease by taking over the counter medicines. Chances are that you may aggravate the ailment.

It is important that you ask your doctor to diagnose whether you are actually afflicted with Rheumatoid arthritis and if so, start taking the treatment that he prescribes. If you go by your doctor's advice you can save yourself a lot of damage by reducing the severity of the attack of the disease. Any delay in diagnosing and treating the disease may aggravate to an extent that you may have to undergo surgery. This will not only entail great pain, but also require huge costs of treatment.

Besides seeking a doctor's advice early, you may take general precautions like protecting your affected areas from stress of exertion. You should also try to reduce your weight if you are obese. Also contact your physiotherapist. Seek his or her advice about certain kind of exercises that may be specific to your kind of rheumatoid arthritis and take these exercises regularly as per the expert's advice.

Natural Ways to Treat Pain and Inflammation


Is your body suffering the effects of inflammation?

Inflammation can be the cause of multiple health problems and is most easily described as "a fire within". It is the body's protective response to harmful agents such as allergens, different irritants, obesity, poor diet and lifestyle or disease due to bacteria or virus. Think of it as the body's way of removing harmful agents. Inflammation is typically seen on the outside of the body as a red, swollen, hot area (where an injury or bite might have occurred). This redness, swelling and heat is an indication of the body's defenses killing the invaders.

Is your pain sending you a message?

Inside the body inflammation is often experienced as pain. Like a smoke signal, pain is the body's way of telling you have a problem or a "fire within". Examples of inflammation that cause pain include rheumatoid arthritis,  injuries, nerve damage, neuropathies or joint problems. Inflammation can also cause pain such as headaches/migraines or digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome.

So how do I safely extinguish inflammation and treat pain naturally?

It is an unfortunate fact that people rely heavily on pain medications, often with little relief. Sadly, these drugs can cause side effects which produce a whole range of other problems such as a bleeding gut. So what can you do to decrease your pain and how do you know which natural products really work? Without the time and energy to do extensive research and without trying multiple products to see what works best for you, finding a suitable, good quality, reliable product that actually works, can be difficult. Fortunately trained natural health practitioners, have easy access to this knowledge and can help you sort out what really works. Here are just a few herbs with remarkable healing properties (which have traditionally been used for years), which science has now proven to be effective for pain relief. 

* Turmeric has strong anti-inflammatory properties and is particularly useful in treating arthritic and rheumatic symptoms such as pain and swelling. 

* Boswellia is useful for all types of pain and boasts analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic effects. Pain from traumatic injuries and arthritic pain, responds particularly well to boswellia.

* Ginger is a a fabulous herb for arthritis and also heals the gut.

* High dose EPA found in fish oil, has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and is used for the treatment of not only pain but also the heart, skin and blood pressure.

What dietary changes will help me heal?

The latest research tells us that diet has an enormous impact on inflammation. Your first priority should be to reduce gluten containing foods. Gluten frequently bypasses the tight protective junctions of your small intestine, is reabsorbed back into the blood stream and starts the cascade of inflammation. Also don't forget about reducing other inflammatory foods such as sugary and processed foods, bad fats, colourants and flavourings. Eat more nuts, fish, olive oil and don't forget those fabulous spices.

Pain and inflammation can destroy your quality of life - don't let this happen to you! Safe, scientifically proven natural supplements and an anti-inflammatory diet will help you feel fabulous again.

How You Can Get Arthritis In The Fingers


Did you know that arthritis can also attack your fingers? Arthritis in fingers is also a common symptom of arthritis. Our hands are one of the most important parts of our body. We almost can't do anything without using our hands.

Each of our fingers has a different function. What if one of our fingers is disabled? Can we still do what we want? Possibly, yes, but it will be more difficult the more advanced the arthritis is. And by difficult, I mean painful; even worse, as arthritis advances, you may cause even more damage to your finger joints, making even more difficult to move your fingers.

The types of arthritis that typically attacks our fingers are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis commonly affects those of more advanced years, but rheumatoid arthritis can affect anyone of any age.

Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis that is a result of years of wear and tear on the joints. Eventually the body is unable to keep up with the damage, and the connective tissue is unable to regenerate to its former elasticity. When this happens, it can harden and crack, allowing the bones of the joints to come in contact, resulting in pain. Do you crack your knuckles? This is one way to induce wear and tear of the finger joints, which can result in arthritis in fingers down the line.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder; basically, your immune system, for some reason, starts to attack the tissues around your joints, resulting in damage similar to that in osteoarthritis. This damage happens on a quicker timetable when compared with osteoarthritis, however, and those with rheumatoid arthritis will often eventually experience arthritis in fingers.

In both cases the symptoms are the same: joint pain, swelling, cracking sounds, stiffness and immobility. While the arthritis is not yet advanced, you may only experience some swelling and joint pain, which may go away in time. But you may also hear some cracking sounds when you move your finger joints, which is a sign of damaged connective tissues. Eventually, if the arthritis in fingers gets worse, your fingers may become immobile and deformed, as the flexibility and mobility of your fingers is lost.

The pain of arthritis in fingers can be relieved through a variety of treatments. Just as with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, there are medications that can relieve the pain and reduce the inflammation. Some less advanced cases may also be treated with physical therapy, while more advanced cases may require special surgery to restore mobility. There are also a variety of natural remedies that can be used to treat arthritis when it attacks your fingers, though the most important of them involve a healthy diet and lifestyle, in order to help your body fight the effects of arthritis.

Try Feldenkrais For Osteoarthritis Relief Now


Osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease. It is a mechanical problem involving the wearing of joints, including the destruction of cartilage and bone. Symptoms include joint pain and tenderness, stiffness, locking, and sometimes swelling. A variety of causes, including genetic, metabolic, and mechanical, may begin the process of bone destruction. Bony surfaces eventually become less protected by cartilage, and bone is exposed and damaged. Osteoarthritis commonly affects the hands, feet, spine, and the large weight bearing joints, such as the hips and knees, although any joint in the body can be affected. As the disease progresses, the affected joints appear larger, are stiff and painful, and may feel worse the more they are used. The diagnosis is typically made based on signs, symptoms, and X-rays.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a painful and disabling condition which causes considerable loss of function and mobility. The disease produces inflammation in the lining of the joint (synovitis), and often leads to the destruction of cartilage and deformity in the joints. Although the cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, an auto-immune explanation seems to be supported by the literature. A genetic component may also exist. Rheumatoid arthritis pain always shows signs of inflammation, with the affected joints being swollen, warm, painful and stiff, particularly on awakening or following inactivity. With time, RA almost always causes pain in the small joints of the hands, foot pain, back pain and neck pain, and pain in larger joints like the hip and knee can also occur.Arthritis relief by a Feldenkrais practitioner views restoring the normal functioning of the joints as vital, and takes into consideration that mechanical stress on joints underlies most osteoarthritis. There are many sources of mechanical stress, including poor alignment of bones and poor general biomechanics. Both can be caused by trauma, misuse, disease, and underuse of the body.

The Feldenkrais Method takes into consideration:


  • Joints are a complicated system of relationships between bones.

  • Joint pain only improves when the mechanics of the joint is improved.

  • Faulty mechanics of the entire painful area is a common finding chronic pain.

  • Altered relations create excessive strain in the joints and soft tissues of the area, with increased inflammation and pain being only one common result.

Have you maximized your arthritis meds and want to avoid surgery? The Feldenkrais Method is a systematic method to improve human movement and general functioning. Feldenkrais uses simple, gentle movements to reorganize posture, flexibility, strength and coordination and in doing so provides arthritis pain relief. A vital new approach to pain management, Feldenkrais integrates mind and body, using the plasticity of the nervous system to help the body function more efficiently. More efficient use of self creates environments within which arthritis pain can heal. Discover what Feldenkrais can do for your arthritis.

Yoga Precautions for Rheumatoid Arthritis


Yoga teachers know that pre-existing physical conditions are important when teaching students. Yet, there are a few students who may manage to slip by an orientation. Maybe they arrive late, or the staff is helping other new students, but each student should be made aware of precautions for his or her health. Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the many ailments that Yoga teachers and students should talk about before practice.

A long-term disease leading to inflammation of the joints and tissues, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can also affect other organs. Up to 1% of the world's population is estimated to suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, with women experiencing it three times more often than men. Chronic and debilitating, those with RA may eventually require surgery to maintain movement in fingers, hands and other areas.

Can Yoga help those with RA maintain an active lifestyle? Some studies indicates yes: a study in the United Arab Emirates showed that patients who completed 12 sessions of Raj yoga, with exercise and breathing techniques, showed significant improvements in disease activity scores and health assessments. In 1994, the British Journal of Rheumatology published a study showing arthritis symptoms improving for patients who practiced Yoga and the Rheumatic Diseases Clinics of North America published two studies detailing joint stiffness and pain relief for Yoga practitioners in 2002.

Yet, even though Yoga may offer significant relief for RA, its practice should be approached with caution. The disease does not follow a steady, progressive course; instead, sufferers experience flare-ups followed by remission. Yoga practice suitable for someone in remission may be different from someone experiencing an active flare-up. RA affects joints symmetrically, in wrists, elbows, hands, shoulders, knees, feet and ankles most frequently. As the disease progresses, joints become more unstable and the patient's range of motion is restricted.

It is important not to confuse asanas recommended for those with osteoarthritis and those with RA. Multiple joints are not affected in osteoarthritis, nor does it entail ongoing joint damage from inflammatory processes. Holding poses for increased lengths of time to strengthen static muscles is recommended for osteoarthritis but should be avoided for RA. According to a structural Yoga therapy research paper published in 2006, people with moderate to severe RA should avoid "high intensity exercise; prolonged weight-bearing exercise; prolonged immobility in seated or lying positions and stretching past the comfortable endpoint of range of motion," among other lifestyle triggers.

Asanas involving pressure on the neck should be avoided, while poses like Dandasana or the Butterfly may be beneficial. Pranayama and smooth motions are well suited to Yoga practitioners with RA. Carefully evaluate whether symptoms are in remission or actively inflamed before practice.

穢 Copyright 2011 - Aura Wellness Center - Publications Division

Friday, August 30, 2013

Do You Have an Autoimmune Disease?


How can i manage my life now that I have been diagnosed with autoimmune disease?. Although there is no cure, you can treat your symptoms and learn to manage your disease, so you can still enjoy life. It is important, though, to see a doctor who specializes in these types of diseases.

Autoimmune diseases are disorders in which the body's immune system reacts against itself and produces antibodies to attack its own healthy cells and tissue. Autoimmune disorders can be directed mainly at one part of the body, such as the thyroid gland or the pancreas, or they can spread widely throughout the body, as in the case of diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on which autoimmune disease you have, the most common that is shared among the autoimmune disorders are joint pain and fatigue.

RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis) joint pain, joint deformities, muscle pain, weakness, fatigue, and weight loss.

MS(multiple sclerosis) numbness and tingling in the extremeties, difficulty with balance and coordination, problems with walking or speaking, tremors, and even paralysis.

Lupus - joint pain, swelling, skin rashes, fatigue, sensitivity to sun, purple fingers or toes from cold or stress, and swelling in the legs or around the eyes.

Type1 Diabetes elevated blood sugar, fatigue, increased thirst and urination, nausea, vomiting, increased appetite, and weight loss

Graves Disease(overactive thyroid) insomnia, irritability, unexplained weight loss, weakness, bulging eyes,shaky hands, brittle hair.

Hashimotos Thyroiditis (under-active) tiredness, cold sensitivity, weight gain, weakness, tough skin, constipation, and depression

Ulcerative Colitis - diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, rectal bleeding, skin lesions, and joint pain.

Who is at risk?

Autoimmune diseases tend to run in families, with women more likely than men to develop an autoimmune disorder.

Treatments

There is no cure however with treatment you can still lead a full life. Treatments depend on which autoimmune disorders you have but range from antiinflamatories, insulin, and synthetic thyroid pills.

How do I know if I have an autoimmune disease?

If you suspect you may have an autoimmune disorder the doctor will likely start out conducting a physical exam and taking your personal and family medical history. Test may be run to rule out other conditions.

There is no definitive diagnostic test for autoimmune disorders for the most part. Blood tests, x-rays, ct scans, or MRI's may help in determining some of the autoimmune disorders.

Should I see a doctor and when?

If you experience any of the symptoms of an autoimmune disorders it is wise to see the doctor as soon as possible. Putting it off only runs the risk of having symptoms worsen or do permanent damage to your body.

What Is The Best Non-Prescription Arthritis Treatment Or Remedy?


Arthritis is a disorder, in which, the person suffers from inflammation at the point where the two bones meet and sometimes, it becomes very difficult to live with such pain which can affects the joints of the hands and legs. The person finds it difficult to move the hands or the legs and his/her overall work efficiency is reduced. Arthritis is a disease found in more than 100 different types and the number of types has been increasing. One of the common types of arthritis happens due to wear and tear found at the joint. The problem is also common in people who have overactive immune system, in which the immune system of the body damages its own tissues causing wear and tear, and pain around the joint.

The popular method of medicines only provides painkillers and anti inflammatory tablets but there is no solution to cure the medical condition completely. Non-prescription arthritis treatment includes non-steroidal drugs and topical analgesics which includes creams and ointments and certain chemical based medicines but this non-prescription arthritis treatment are used to reduce inflammation and some of the chemical based drugs makes you dependent on it. The popular system of medicine does not provide a reliable and complete solution for arthritis and hence people have to search for options in alternative system of medicines to get a cure to relieve pain. Natural non-prescription arthritis treatment provides better solution to resolve the pain of arthritis and you do not get dependent on the remedy to prevent pain caused by arthritis.

The herbal system of medicine offers a non-prescription arthritis treatment which helps to reduce inflammation, infections around the joints, it reduces wear and tear of the bones and it also helps in reducing the symptoms of ageing. One of the best non-prescription arthritis treatment herbal medicine which has been widely used by people suffering from arthritis to get a solution to arthritis and to manage the medical condition properly is Rumatone Gold capsule and oil, which offers unique blend of herbs which are rare only found in specific geographical regions and mountains. These plant based remedies offer easy and safe solution to the pain and inflammation of the joints as it does not have any side effects like popular medicines and it is easy to the system of human body.

Rumatone Gold capsule and oil, is the best non-prescription arthritis treatment which contains the herbs are acquired from plant and it contains complex components which are prepared by plants which possess the properties to reduce pain and inflammation. These plant-based substances help to improve blood flow to the various parts of the body and also to the joints which improves the flow of nutrition to the joints to improve its condition. The oil in the non-prescription arthritis treatment Rumatone Gold capsule can be messaged on the joints to improve blood flow and to provide the effect of herbs directly through the skin to the joints to improve the flexibility of the joints and to promote better health.

Arthritis Flare-Ups: Don't Ignore Them!


Once you have been diagnosed with arthritis and you have chosen, with your doctor or naturopath, a course of action, you will probably enter a 'remission' phase (I did, thanks to my homeopath), after which, you may face a 'flare-up'. In fact, most forms of inflammatory arthritis, including ankylosing spondylitis, are made of these periods when the disease is either manageable or completely absent from your body.

What is a flare-up?

Simply put, it is a phase when your arthritis symptoms get significantly worse; if you have symptoms all the time then these may become unbearable during this phase; if you don't have symptoms most of the time, those phases are when you actually have symptoms. In severe cases, your joint stiffness and pain can be so bad that daily activities become unbearable; the affected joints may also become swollen and red and, to make matters worse, you may be 'hit' by severe fatigue. These flare-ups can appear suddenly and they can be very distressful. I remember I was on holiday in Las Vegas when once night I had such sudden, severe pain in my right knee that, the following days, it was practically impossible for me to walk: I was young and I was extremely distressed by the whole situation. When my knee became swollen like a balloon (it almost felt as if it was full of liquid), I took matters in my own hands and 'resolved' my rheumatoid arthritis.

What are the causes of a flare up?

Many 'specialists' maintain that the causes are still unclear or not fully understood. What we do know, is that it can be caused by 'triggers': the main trigger is stress, of course, and this can be almost undetected by you if it's some form of mild anxiety due to factors you may be overlooking: in my case my worst flare up was caused by my mother's visiting me for a long period (it was challenging at times). I had completely overlooked it but, when my homeopath persuaded me to write a chart of my 'worst phases', including the onset of the disease, it was clear that they were all linked to my mother and my relationship with her (and various events within this relationship). This helped my homeopath find the right course of action and now, I am delighted to say, my flare ups consist only of extremely mild sensations (I cannot call it 'pain', since it's far from painful) in my knee and, equally delightfully, they last only hours and disappear for weeks. I can still link those extremely mild events to stressful events or challenging times. For other people who may not suffer from stress at all, physical traumas (falling, illnesses or even pregnancies) can be the triggers.

Emergency home measures during these phases. What works for some may not work for others, of course, but many resort to a temporary use of painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication (the latter is probably even more important); they are not going to cure the disease nor even tackle the 'root' of the problem, but these two measures may make many sufferers feel better in the short-term. Eating food which has anti-inflammatory properties is also essential. Do not ignore these phases, though, because untreated inflammatory conditions of your joints will weaken them further, some times irreversibly. Although it may be tempting to avoid movement, lack of physical activity is always worse in the long run: low-impact exercises and activities are best for those severely hit by arthritis, such as swimming. At the same time, don't exert yourself doing things which bring no benefit to your body if you find them hard to do: if house keeping has become a struggle, delegate or get a cleaner a few times a week instead.

During these phases it is always important to see your rheumatologist and check if further deterioration of the affected area has taken place. Even if you are being treated by a naturopath or homeopath for your arthritis, checking your joints during a flare up is beneficial and a great way to monitor the progress and efficacy of the treatment received.

Treatment of Sacroiliitis


Sacroiliitis is a disorder that is far more complex than back pain and it is important to seek medical attention early if you develop the symptoms. The condition is complicated with a variety of causes; it may be secondary to an injury or pregnancy but this is not a disorder to gamble with. Delay may lead to joint degeneration or the pain may be a symptom of a larger, inflammatory arthritic condition known as ankylosing spondylitis. This is one of the many forms of inflammatory arthritis, the most common of which is rheumatoid arthritis. Complications of ankylosing spondylitis can be quite serious and include:


  • Spine Deformities

  • Difficulty Breathing

  • Lung Infections

  • Heart Problems. 


Symptoms OF Sacroiliitis


  • Pain and stiffness in lower back, thighs, buttocks

  • Pain becomes worse with walking, due to the motion of the hips.

  • Psoriasis, an inflammatory skin condition, may occur with a type of arthritis and sacroiliitis.

  • Pain radiating down leg, often mimicking sciatica

  • Limp

  • Decreased range of motion

  • Elevated temperature

  • Bloody diarrhea occurs with Reiter's Syndrome, which causes painful urination, joint pain, sacroiliac joint pain, and eye inflammation, and accompanies sacroiliitis.

  • Eye inflammation in one or both eyes, a symptom of Reiter's Syndrome and evident with sacroiliitis. 


Diagnosis


  • History and Physical

  • When examined, pain localized around sacroiliac joints, can be detected.

  • Laboratory studies, including blood cultures

  • X-rays of sacroiliac joints

  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan of sacroiliac joints

  • Culture of fluid from affected sacroiliac joint 

It is important that the doctor be informed if there is a history of IV Drug use and whether any antibiotics have been taken recently. Recent antibiotic use can delay the proper diagnosis and identification of the infectious organism if a blood culture is done.

Treatment

The underlying cause and symptoms are considered when implementing a treatment plan.


  • NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs) such as naproxyn and ibuprophen reduce inflammation and pain.

  • Cortiosteroid Drugs, such as prednisone and medrol, reduce inflammation and slow down joint deterioration.

  • DMARDs (Disease Modifying Anti-rheumatic Drugs), such as Azulfidine and methotrexate, help limit joint damage.

  • Antibiotics, if an underlying infection is determined by a blood culture or culture of fluid from infected sacroiliac joints. Drug must be specific for that infectious organism.

  • Rest to relieve strain on sacroiliac joints.

  • Tumor necrosis factor inhibitor medications, such as Enbrel, Humira, Remicade, can block a cell protein that acts as an inflammatory agent. This helps reduce pain and stiffness. These medications are quite expensive and may not be prescribed unless other medications are not effective.

  • Physical therapy will be started after the painful, acute phase is under control. Range of motion exercises and stretching exercises to improve muscle strength and joint flexibility.

         Decrease or eliminate smoking because nicotine decreases the blood flow to the affected areas and makes it more difficult for the body to fight the disease. 

These medications can effectively relieve the painful symptoms of sacroiliitis but they have many side-effects. They may interact with medications you are already taking so it is important that you understand all their side-effects and how to use them appropriately. Some of these drugs increase the risk of bleeding, the risk of a cardio-vascular event or damage to your kidneys, liver or gastrointestinal tract. Complete patient education is vital to the management of sacroiliitis and the effective relief of its symptoms.

Easing Fibromyalgia Pain


Symptoms and Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a soft tissue form of rheumatoid arthritis. When it strikes a person with a previously very active life will become plagued with constant pain and fatigue. Usually, a patient will complain of feeling achy all over and being tired constantly.

Criterion to classify the symptoms of fibromyalgia have been delineated by the American College of Rheumatology. These criterion are:

Chronic widespread pain for three months or more of the 18 defined tender points on the body, pain at 11 of these sites when a pressure of 9 pounds is applied, chronic fatigue, non-restfull sleep (sleeping and awakening feeling like you haven't slept at all).

Patients with fibromyalgia have an abnormal response to pain stimuli. They feel normal pain more intensely. This type of response is thought to be due to abnormal pain processing paths in the central nervous system.

Treatment of Fibromyalgia

The first step in the diagnosis procedure is performing a thorough medical history on the patient. No specific laboratory tests exist that verify the diagnosis of fibromyalgia. However, certain lab tests can eliminate conditions that have very similar symptoms to fibromyalgia, such as lupus, hypothyroidism, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Treatment of fibromyalgia involves educating the patient as to how to manage the condition. A rheumatologist can prescribe pain medications and muscle relaxants. Sometimes anti-seizure and anti-fatigue medications are needed. Lastly, a exercise routine of low impact aerobics can elevate endorphin levels in the brain and condition muscles. Text module Give your module a title. Titles can only be one line, so keep it short.

The first step in the diagnosis procedure is performing a thorough medical history on the patient. No specific laboratory tests exist that verify the diagnosis of fibromyalgia. However, certain lab tests can eliminate conditions that have very similar symptoms to fibromyalgia, such as lupus, hypothyroidism, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Treatments to Ease the Pain of Fibromyalgia
Consult your physician before following the below recommendations.

Diet
Change your diet to include raw fruits and vegetables. A juicer is a good investment so you can make fresh fruit and vegetable juice without the commercially added additives. Some holistic practitioners believe fibromyalgia is a rheumatic disease mainly caused by eating pork and pork products, Stay away from ingesting pork and pork products, or limit the amount you eat. Perform a mild detox bodily cleansing by ingesting a teaspoon of cold pressed olive oil at night and a cup of hot water every morning. Some fibromyalgia patients report reduced pain when they eliminated allergens from their diet. Common foods associated with fibromyalgia pain include corn, wheat, dairy, soy, citrus and nuts. Within a few weeks of eliminating the allergen foods patients reported a decrease in fatigue, breathing issues and pain.

Pharmaceuticals
The effects of antidepressants should be re-evaluated at regular intervals to determine whether benefits outweigh adverse effects. Older tricyclic antidepressants seemed to have a big impact in relieving pain, fatigue and restless sleep, while selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac had smaller effect on relieving pain. A newer class of treatments called serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) were tied to a reduction of pain, restless sleep and depression. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors appeared to help reduce pain. Mirapex has been shown to help patients with fibromyalgia live a more normal pain free life. As with all prescription medications, Mirapex has potential side effects you should ask your doctor about. Pregabalin is a newly approved drug that calms nerve cells, and has proved helpful to fibromyalgia patients. the brand name for pregabalin is Lyrica. Medical practitioners have analyzed 18 previously published studies and have found strong evidence antidepressants led to improved symptoms and quality of life. A dietary supplement called MSM or Methyl Sulfonyl Methane is an organic sulfur which eases the pain of arthritis and muscle soreness and aids in body detox. The usual starting dose are 1000 mg or 2000 mg daily (again, check with your doctor before starting the regime). As the detox effects of the MSM begin you may feel slight flu like symptoms which will dissapate after several days.

Infrared Heat Therapy
Home infrared saunas are extremely useful for relieving pain of all kinds. The following conditions' symptoms are relieved through the use of infrared saunas; relief from pain for forms of arthritis decrease in the stiffness of collagen tissues relief of muscle spasms and joint stiffness increased blood flow and circulation, hypertension, arteriosclerosis, coronary artery disease, ear, nose and throat conditions, skin conditions.

Exercise
Brisk walking of up to an hour is helpful. Get a mini trampoline for exercise. Get a massage to ease fibromyalgia pain. Massage induces muscle relaxation. Some forms of massage are more aggressive than others. When using massage to relieve fibromyalgia pain have the masseuse use a moderate touch so as not to cause muscle soreness. For instance, deep tissue massage can be painful and would not be recommended for relief of fibromyalgia pain. Exercise to ease fibromyalgia pain. Stretching in a warm pool have been shown to help decrease pain. You must be careful not to overdo it, though. Very low impact exercise is recommended. Practicing yoga gently stretches and works the muscles and relieves pain.

Stress and Body Detox
The flushing of toxins from the lymph node areas and from the skin can provide improved health. With the elimination of these poisons from deep within the body, the organs can then do their job correctly. if you lead a stressful lifestyle cutting back on some activities to relieve stress can benefit fibromyalgia. Research has shown that in as many as 20% of fribromyalgia patients, life stress contributes to their pain. It is important to cultivate regular sleeping habits to encourage restful sleep.

Discover Natural Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis


Natural Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Although the major pharmaceutical companies would prefer you not know this, there are natural means to alleviate the aches of arthritis without the use of dangerous drugs.

This page will give you a broad overview on these alternatives.

First, one of the natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis that is often overlooked is simply exercise. Obviously, when you are suffering from joint pain and fatigue, you often do not want to exercise. But, if you can begin a doctor supervised regular exercise program, you will find that you have more energy and less pain.

Water aerobics is particularly popular for those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. Pain relief is experienced because exercise stimulates the production of endorphins in the brain. Endorphins block pain and help improve one's mood. Other natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis pain relief include a variety of herbs and botanicals that are naturally analgesic (pain relieving) and/or anti-inflammatory (reduces swelling).

One of the natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis pain relief is valerian. Valerian is sometimes recommended by herbalists for rheumatoid arthritis pain relief and, indeed, was used traditionally by Native Americans to treat pain. However, the phyto-chemical compounds found in valerian have not been studied for anti-inflammatory effects. In addition to providing rheumatoid arthritis pain relief, it may help those who suffer from the disease to get a good night's sleep. It is a known sedative and is one of the oldest known medicinal plants. Those with liver disease should not use valerian. Withdrawal symptoms have been experienced by people who abruptly stop using it.

Natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis should be purchased from an herbalist or doctor of naturopathic medicine; plants and herbs can have side effects, and it is important to be aware of these before use. Another of the natural remedies is mullein. It is believed to be an anti-inflammatory and was used traditionally by Native Americans for pain relief. Only the flowers and leaves are used. The seeds contain a toxin that may cause skin irritations or rash.

Among the oldest known natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis pain relief is comfrey. Salves composed of comfrey root were used historically by native peoples throughout the world to reduce swelling, promote healing of broken bones, and for arthritis. Today it is still recommended by herbalists and naturalists to reduce inflammation. In order to provide rheumatoid arthritis pain relief, reducing inflammation is the key.

Comfrey should not be used by pregnant women and there may be other side effects. As previously mentioned, it is important to consult an herbalist or other expert schooled in herbal and natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis pain relief, before you begin use. One of the most exciting natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis pain relief comes to us from the rainforests of Thailand. This remedy may also be the safest for rheumatoid arthritis pain relief, since it is a fruit.

Known as the mangosteen -- sometimes referred to as "Queen of Fruits" -- it was used in traditional Asian folk medicine to treat a wide array of ailments, but was particularly effective as a pain reliever. According to Dr. J. Frederic Templeton, a primary care physician, "The mangosteen's benefits spans a wide range of effects: anti-inflammatory (stronger than indomethacin)..."

Indomethacin is a powerful non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug, prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis pain relief and a variety of other conditions. Dr. Templeton's statements are supported by scientific research from around the world. A puree of the mangosteen is taken as a health or dietary supplement and is not known to have any side effects.

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Arthritis Pain Relief and Treatments


Arthritis is commonly associated with old age. Arthritis pain is an important cause of loss of mobility in your pet as it is in humans. Arthritis is caused by: inflammation, the process that causes the redness and swelling in your joints; damage to joint tissues caused by the disease process or from wear and tear; muscle strain caused by overworked muscles attempting to protect your joints from painful movements; fatigue caused by the disease process of arthritis, which can make your pain seem worse and harder to handle - so the pain varies. The pain is one of the most prevalent medical problems in the world today and it afflicts tens of millions of people worldwide. Arthritis is often caused by an accumulation of toxic buildup in the joints, muscles and fluids.

There is a widespread and strongly held belief that arthritis pain is influenced by the weather; however, scientific studies have found no consistent association with that belief. Medicines like TYLENOL Arthritis Pain, is available in bottles containing 24, 50, 100, 125, or 150 mg caplets or bottles containing 20, 40, or 80 mg gel tabs at most food, drug, and mass merchandise stores. When taken according to directions, TYLENOL Arthritis Pain is effective for the temporary relief of the minor pain of arthritis, and the temporary relief of minor aches and pains associated with the common cold, headache, toothache, muscular aches, backache, for the pain of premenstrual or menstrual cramps and for the reduction of fever.

Symptoms:

Symptoms usually develop over time rather than suddenly.  Symptoms such as morning stiffness and swelling should be present for at least six weeks before the diagnosis is considered.  Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are nail abnormalities, skin lesions, joint swelling and joint pain.  Symptoms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis are joint stiffness, limited range of motion, high fever with chills, low grade fever, slow growth rate, rheumatoid rash, and rheumatoid nodules, chest pain, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, eye pain and red eyes. If you see any of these symptoms in your child seek medical advice immediately the faster the disease is identified the faster the doctor can prescribe a treatment.

Relief:

Relief can be had from a patch and medications.

Q: What are the benefits of applying SALONPAS Pain Relief Patch or SALONPAS Arthritis Pain instead of taking a pill?

A: The patch is a clinically proven, FDA-approved option for OTC pain relief that doesn't have to be swallowed.

Q: How soon should I expect relief when using the patch?

A: Pain relief generally occurs within one hour of patch application, but in some individual cases, pain relief may take longer about 2-3 hours after applying the patch it's really according to how bad the pain is when the patch is applied.

Treatment:

You've seen it on television and in magazine ads -- over-the-counter treatments for minor arthritis pain. Treatments are aimed at relieving pain associated with the disease, but with severe joint damage, constant pain may be unavoidable at that stage of the disease. Recognizing early osteoarthritis symptoms leads to early treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment help manage knee osteoarthritis symptoms. There are specific symptoms and distinguishing characteristics which determine the diagnosis and course of treatment. It is pain that the patient notices, pain which brings the patient to the doctor and pain which will dictate the treatment that the doctor chooses. As treatment for rheumatoid arthritis improves, severe disability and life threatening complications appear to be decreasing.

Conclusion:

Generally arthritis pain is commonly associated with old age. It is a chronic pain that comes and goes and sometimes is constant.  The pain is caused by inflammation in the body as the bones rub against each other due to eroded cartilage.  Arthritis is a tough disease to treat and some types of arthritis, including those of back pain, continue to deteriorate. Arthritis pain is the most common source of chronic pain. The pain occurs because our joints suffer natural wear and tear through the years, they are less able to maintain the supportive cartilage matrix surrounding the joints and bones. Before taking any type of arthritis medications please consult your doctor.

Can Fish Oil Pills Relieve Arthritis?


If you are suffering from arthritis, fish oil pills may just be your magic pills Arthritis is a group of medical conditions caused by damage to the joints. It is a disease rampant among people over 55. Arthritis can limit the movements of your joints. Arthritis comes in many forms. There's rheumatoid arthritis, which is characterized with inflammation and pain. Then there's osteoarthritis, which is caused by damage to cartilages in the joints. A lot of people suffer from this musculoskeletal condition without safe and effective treatment. But there just might be a magic pill for arthritis. Several studies have shown that fish oils are good for arthritis. Trials done on people suffering from arthritis proved that twelve weeks of fish oil intake already reduces pain, inflammation, and stiffness of the joints. Fish oil pills contain Omega-3 fatty acids, elements that can help in joint aches, pains, and other muscular and joint conditions such as arthritis and rheumatism, among many others. One type of Omega-3 fatty acid, EPA or eicosapentaenoic acid, is directly associated with relief from arthritis and its symptoms.

Aside from bringing benefits to the brain and other parts of the body, EPA doubles as an anti-inflammatory agent. It helps relieve inflammation, a symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. Fish oil can also protect the cartilages from severe damages, which makes it a great treatment for osteoarthritis. There are other treatment options for arthritis. Popular medications used for arthritis are NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. But there are some controversies regarding the safety of NSAIDs. Some health experts are concerned about the side effects of these medications, especially when taken in excess. That's why an alternative treatment for arthritis is highly necessary. It's a good thing that we can turn to fish oil pills. They are safer to take. They are natural substances that do not contain harmful substances as long as they are taken from the right types of fish and placed through purification processes.

Good-quality supplements can treat arthritis without causing any unpleasant and unexpected effects. They are also easily absorbed by the body. The EPA content of these supplements come in a form that is easily recognized by the body. Fish oil also has preventive action, which means that it not only treats arthritis but prevents it and its symptoms. But another big reason why they are great treatment for arthritis is that taking them is like hitting many birds with one stone. They won't just treat your arthritis; it will also bring even more valuable benefits to your body. It can bring a full array of other health benefits.

It can help with your heart health, cognitive health, and has been associated with benefits to digestion, skin, vision, and a lot more. Your body can revel in all the great benefits of fish oil pills, especially if you choose the right types. So there you have it, as a consumer, it is recommended that you look for pharmaceutical-grade, molecularly distilled fish oil pills made from certain fish species.

Arthritis Treatment With Miraculous Homeopathy!


When it comes to any type of pain, it is really hard to bear. One can bear anything and live life happily but when it is pain, all happiness seems to go haywire and person perceives only misery through any experience. That is why when patients come to us with the severe joint pains (arthritis), we often tend to cater them as a priority. Rather, arthritis is one of the faculties I can say that busts a myth about homeopathy, that homeopathy does not act fast enough to relieve the pain of arthritis. Rather, when aptly applied the principle of homeopathy, remedy found relieves arthritic pain more rapidly than even the best of analgesic.

Whether it is rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, homeopathic treatment as with any other disease revolves around the signs, symptoms, and constitution of the patient. Miasmatic background must be understood by the homeopathic doctors before they prescribe to such patients.

What homeopaths need to know about arthritis of the patient?

The patient's history is of paramount importance when it comes to arthritis. The patients must describe-

(1) Since when the pain has started

(2) What is the nature of pain (throbbing, dull, aching, excruciating etc)

(3) Does anything aggravate the pain?

(4) Does anything ameliorate (lessen) the pain?

(5) In what position does the patient feel comfortable?

(6) Is there anything characteristic about the pain?

(7) Are there any concomitant symptoms along with arthritis?

The above mentioned points are just about the arthritis. But to understand the totality of symptoms, doctor must ask the patient about his mental symptoms or behavioral tendencies, his emotional vulnerability, his psychological and intellectual built up, other physical symptoms, and all the things you feel you need to understand the patient fully.

It may seem the tedious job initially but after one gets accustomed to the art of case-taking, one can easily navigate through these questions and perceive what is important to us. Homeopathic treatment revolves around these questions and answers to be frank. And that's why homeopathy is a life-long learning process. With every new case, we tend to comprehend some special features of our vast material medica that we use for treating the sick. Surely it's an amazing experience to match the disease symptoms with drug symptoms or do self-proving in order to completely understand what is described in material medica.

Arthritis is one of the problems that revolve around all three miasms, psora, syphilis, and sycosis. But with good history taking skills, and differentiating ability, one can find perfect simillimum in order to attain perfect cure. Certainly with homeopathic remedies, arthritis patients can find pain relief, reversal of bone pathology, halting the progress of disease, and consistently improve the condition with an overall well-being.

Finding Arthritis Pain Relief


Knowing what exactly arthritis is first...

In the search of expert's advice on arthritis pain relief, I was surprised to find out that there are more than a hundred forms of arthritis and rheumatic diseases. Now let's first take a look at what arthritis exactly is learn about the four most common types -- osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and fibromyalgia.

Arthritis, or "joint inflammation" is one of the most common ailments today that can cause excruciating pain in the body. It affects the muscles and specifically the place where two or more bones meet, ie the joint, such as the hip or knee. Arthritis signs and symptoms include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, weakness, deformities, inflammation, and limited movement of joints, which can interfere with the most basic daily tasks such as walking, climbing steps, opening bottles, or brushing your teeth.

Fibromyalgia, or "soft tissue rheumatism" refers to pain in the soft fibrous tissues in the body - muscles, ligaments, and tendons. (Ligaments and tendons connect muscles to bones.) People with fibromyalgia may have other symptoms, such as trouble sleeping, morning stiffness, and headaches, poor memory and concentration. Women are at least four times more likely than men to develop fibromyalgia. And fibromyalgia usually occurs in people over age 50.

Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, is the most common form of arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage wears away, causing the bones begin to rub against each other and making movements painful. Cartilage, a slippery and spongy substance, covers and cushions the bones such that it allows a smooth movement of the joints. Osteoarthritis often affects the hands and weight-bearing joints such as the knee, hip and facet joints (in the spine) and occurs as the cartilage degenerates with age. Hence, it is the most common form of arthritis pain amongst the aged.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a debilitating disease that affects commonly the hands, wrists, and knees. The immune system mistakenly attacks itself and causes the joint lining to swell. The inflammation then spreads to the surrounding tissues, and can eventually damage cartilage and bone. Rheumatoid arthritis does not just affect the joints. Tendons are like ropes which run inside lubricated tubes. The lubricating system is very similar to that in the joints themselves, so it is not surprising that tendons can also be affected by rheumatoid arthritis. In a few people, other parts of the body such as the lungs and the blood vessels may become inflamed Many people with rheumatoid arthritis have difficulty carrying out normal activities of daily living, such as standing, walking, dressing, washing, and using the toilet.

Gout is a painful condition that occurs when the body cannot eliminate a natural substance called uric acid. The excess uric acid forms needle-like crystals in the joints that cause swelling and severe pain. Gout most often affects the big toe, knee and wrist joints. To reduce the risk of urate crystallizing in the joints it is important to drink plenty of water - if possible as much as 3.5 litres a day. According to recent scientific evidence, drinking a glass of skimmed milk every day may be helpful in getting gout arthritis pain relief. But beer or other alcoholic drinks should be avoided as they could make gout worse.

Arthritis Treatment

Some of the factors that are linked to the development of arthritis pain are injury (e.g from sports) and complications from other conditions (such as diabetes), heredity and lack of physical activity. Many studies have also identified a link between obesity and arthritis. Excessive body weight puts an extra stress on the weight-bearing joints (back, hips, knees, ankles and feet). Because of the way joints work, the pressure in your knee joints is many times your body weight when you walk. Even a small weight loss can make a big difference to your joints. Too much body fat may also increase inflammation in the body, making your joints more painful. Joints also naturally degenerate overtime with age; hence arthritis is often associated with older people.

However, it is also known that children, though relatively rare, can also develop a condition called juvenile idiopathic arthritis. This involves an inflammatory disorder of the connective tissues, characterized by joint swelling and pain or tenderness. It can also affect organs as the skin, heart, lungs, liver, spleen, and eyes. Generally, arthritis pain relief can be found in a combination of medication, exercise, rest, weight-management, diet and nutrition. From blood tests and X-rays, you doctor would be able to diagnose which type of arthritis you have and recommend the most appropriate course of treatment. Manuka honey which has been known to have higher antibacterial activity than other types honey is also gaining popularity in treating arthritis pain due to its natural anti-inflammatory properties and healing power. It reduces joint inflammation and provides a natural form of pain relief. To prepare, mix 2 tablespoons Manuka Honey and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder into 1 cup of warm green tea, consume this honey cinnamon drink daily in the morning and evening.

The combination of honey and cider vinegar is also an extremely well known home remedy for arthritis. All over the world, people have so passionately testified about how this cleansing drink has helped them find relief in joint pains. Many nutritionists believe that in this cleansing drink you can find minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, natural silicon, pectin, and tartaric acids that are effective in fighting body toxins, inhibiting bacteria and helping the body to maintain its vital acid-alkaline balance. To prepare this health tonic, mix two teaspoons of vinegar and two teaspoons of raw honey into a glass of warm water, and drink this three times a day. It may take several weeks to see the effects. Dr. D.C. Jarvis in his book

Arthritis and Folk Medicine (Galahad Books,1997) also offered the same folk medicine prescription for arthritis pain. He believes that treatment of arthritis, and many other health problems, must begin in the stomach. Jarvis found that when an apple cider vinegar cocktail is taken daily, calcium deposits are released back into solution in the bloodstream to be re-circulated to the bones, thus obtaining arthritis pain relief and preventing osteoporosis.

Alternatively, some people also recommend soaking arthritic joints in hot apple cider vinegar. To administer, use a quarter cup of vinegar mixed with one and a half cups of water. One can also soak a cloth in this mixture, put it on the affected area, and wrap a towel over the soaked cloth to keep in the heat. Keep the hot mixture on for only ten minutes at a time, and repeat it after the joint cools for another ten minutes.

Source: http://www.benefits-of-honey.com/arthritis-pain.html

Types of Juvenile Arthritis


Juvenile arthritis, also known as juvenile chronic arthritis, childhood arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis, has five different subtypes, or classifications, depending on the symptoms found within the first six months of diagnosis. These classifications are pauciarticular, polyarticular, systemic onset, spondyloarthropathy and psoriatic juvenile arthritis. Juvenile arthritis was once referred to as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis but the 'rheumatoid' was dropped as part of the name because it leads people to believe this disease is similar to rheumatoid arthritis in adults, which it is very different from in terms of symptoms, course of the disease and future outlook of the disease.

Pauciarticular juvenile arthritis affects less than four joints, usually the ankle, knee, elbow, or wrist and is the most common type of juvenile arthritis. This particular subtype affects around 45% of children diagnosed with juvenile arthritis, very few of which develop general, or body-wide, symptoms. Pauciarticular juvenile arthritis sufferers rarely experience bone growth problems or deformed joints, which may be associated with other types of juvenile arthritis. Some children with juvenile arthritis develop inflammation of the eye, known as uveitis, which can lead to blindness if it isn't treated promptly. Pauciarticular juvenile arthritis will sometimes disappear within a few years, but many children will experience cycles of remission and flares for the rest of their life.

Polyarticular juvenile arthritis affects about 40% of children diagnosed with juvenile arthritis and it affects more girls than boys. This subtype of juvenile arthritis affects children with a huge age gap and it is rarely first diagnosed between age three and ten. Polyarticular juvenile arthritis affects at least five joints at the same time, usually the small joints of the hands and feet, although the knee has been known to be affected as well. When the knee is affected by juvenile arthritis, the bones in the leg will begin to grow at different rates and one leg will become longer than the other. This can lead to arthritis in the hip or spine, which around half of all children diagnosed with this subtype of juvenile arthritis will develop. Polyarticular juvenile arthritis presents with general symptoms, such as decreased appetite, slight fever and a slight rash. Polyarticular juvenile arthritis is usually most severe in children who were primarily diagnosed after age 10 and they may test positive for rheumatoid factor. This is a marker found in other autoimmune disorders, including adult rheumatoid arthritis. If a child does test positive for this marker, they are more likely to develop deformed joints and many doctors consider this subtype of juvenile arthritis adult rheumatoid arthritis that occurs at an early age.

Systemic onset juvenile arthritis is sometimes called Still disease after the doctor who first described it. This subtype of juvenile arthritis occurs in approximately 10% of juvenile arthritis patients and affects boys and girls equally. Primary diagnosis is usually made between 5 and 10 years of age and may be difficult to diagnose accurately because the initial symptoms do not affect the joints. The initial symptoms are usually found with some type of infection, high fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash, loss of appetite and subsequent weight loss. Occasionally children with this subtype of juvenile arthritis will develop more serious complications, inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart (pericarditis), inflammation of the heart itself (myocarditis) and inflammation of the tissue lining the chest cavity and lungs (pleuritis). However, systemic onset juvenile arthritis rarely includes inflammation of the eye as seen in pauciarticular juvenile arthritis. When arthritis symptoms do begin to appear, often later in the course of this disease, they usually affect the wrists or ankles. Many of the children diagnosed with systemic onset juvenile arthritis will experience cycles of remissions and flares of the systemic symptoms throughout their childhood. Systemic onset juvenile arthritis sufferers will go on to develop polyarticular juvenile arthritis.

The final two subtypes of juvenile arthritis, spondyloarthropathy and psoriatic juvenile arthritis are rare. Spondyloarthropathy usually affects boys over the age of eight. It begins in the knees and ankles, slowly moving to include the lower spine and hips. Sometimes uveitis occurs, but resolves on its own. Psoriatic juvenile arthritis affects less than four joints in the beginning, but soon advances to other joints. The toes, hips, spine and fingers are the main joints affected by this subtype of juvenile arthritis. Children with this subtype of juvenile arthritis often suffer from psoriasis and have pits or ridges on their fingernails. This arthritis often disables the child.

Top 5 Exercise Tips For Rheumatoid Arthritis


Let's admit it! Even if you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis or not, exercising is one of those hardly liked activities for many of us unless we become addicted to it and have plenty of time to spare at a gym. Ordinary people with busy lifestyles tend to come up with a million excuses not to exercise as opposed to the healthy requirement of needing regular exercise.

The biggest excuse for such ordinary people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis is to think that exercises are not a healthy option for their joints. If you are one such person, making the same excuse; you are not to be blamed as it is quite reasonable to fear about your joints. But the truth of the matter is, regular exercise is a dire need, even for those who are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. However, not every type of exercise will save your day! So let's explore the top 10 exercise tips that will make you fit without causing further damage to your body:

Tip 1: Stretching is the foremost safest type of exercise for people with rheumatoid arthritis. Starting your day off with stretching and progressing on to other types of physical exercises will boost your physical energy in a systematic way. Furthermore, stretching allows you to prepare your body for other types of exercises that will follow.

Tip 2: Similarly, Yoga has been recommended for a series of chronic illnesses, including rheumatoid arthritis. Yoga helps you improve in posture, introduces proper breathing techniques and allows flexibility. However, it is recommended to follow through a physician's advice on what type of yoga that you should practice as some postures may not support your current condition.

Tip 3: Tai Chi is one of the most effective alternative means of exercising recommended by the Arthritis Foundation that helps you improve mobility, relaxation and overall quality of life. This ancient methodology of using slow movements coupled up with mental concentration and breathing techniques are known to be very effective in relieving stiffness in arthritis sufferers.

Tip 4: Aerobics, commonly known as an aggressive method of exercise has now been formulated in to low impact movements to facilitate people suffering from arthritis. These movements put a very low impact on the joints and muscles therefore; people with rheumatoid arthritis can gain just the right amount of exercises needed. Low impact aerobics include riding on stationary bicycles, slow motion aerobic dances, water exercises and some walking.

Tip 5: Not quite so surprisingly, swimming is also good for rheumatoid arthritis, as it is for many other chronic conditions. In fact, swimming is one of the most effective means of exercise that you can practice because water supports your body while swimming giving away the lowest possible impact to muscles and joints.

Additionally to the top five tips presented herewith, stretching exercises are also recommended to stay healthy with rheumatoid arthritis. However, the type of stretching and the intensity up to which you exercise should be pre-agreed with your physician and a trained physiotherapist or trainer.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis


Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful condition characterized by inflammation in the joints. It can also affect organs and tissues; however, most discomfort is felt in the joints. Although it is not debilitating for everyone, it can become very serious. If you suspect you may have rheumatoid arthritis, see your doctor, who can test you for the disease and prescribe treatment.

Symptoms include varying degrees of pain in the joints. One of the classic symptoms is that whatever is happening on one side of the body will also be occurring on the other side. Therefore, if you notice swelling, pain, or tenderness in one joint on the left side of your body and in the same joint on the right side of your body, you may be suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

You may notice these same symptoms in more than one joint or area of your body. Although you can have arthritis without having rheumatoid, sometimes, it is difficult to tell which form you are suffering from without seeing a doctor. Your doctor can test you for this by doing a blood test and listening to your symptoms. Blood tests are not always conclusive proof that you do or do not have this type of arthritis so it is important to track your symptoms and discuss them with your doctor.

Rheumatoid arthritis is usually worse in the mornings and you may feel stiff for several hours. In severe cases, the eyes and lungs can be affected as well. If you have difficulty seeing or have trouble breathing, seek medical attention right away.

Arthritis Joint Pain - Ayurvedic Remedies and Treatments That Work


About 80% of the world population is within the clutches of the ailment called arthritis. Arthritis is characterized by joint inflammation. It is a chronic disorder making mobility, day to day activities and life altogether quite difficult. Pain or arthralgia is the ruling symptom of arthritis, and there is not a single arthritis patient who would not complain of aching joints. Arthritis causes the joints to wear out. To understand the cause of the pain, we have to cast a glance at the structure and functioning of a joint in human body.

A joint is surrounded by a protective cover called capsule. Two bone heads meeting at a joint turn on each other, and the muscles around the joint contract and relax, thereby collectively facilitating movement of the joints. The joint cavity is filled with synovial fluid which acts as a lubricating agent and absorbs the external jerks or shocks. The point where the bone heads meet, cartilages occur. Cartilages play a vital role in inhibiting friction between bones, and provide a padded surface for the free and smooth movement of bones. When the cartilages get damaged or wear out due to factors like aging, obesity, they can no more check bone friction. The bones get rubbed against each other, and may even get eroded to form spur like outgrowths called osteophytes.

The result is an inflamed and painful joint. Aging is a major factor causing arthritis. With age, the cartilages become weak, can no more resist day to day wear and tear, and start flaking. This degeneration leads to loss of cartilage and exposure of bones to friction. If body weight increases, that too can lead to painful joints. The cartilages wear out under the load of the extra body weight, causing arthritis. Apart from the above two factors, heredity, past history of traumatic joint injury or infection, may in course of time, lead to painful joints. Cartilage degeneration is the leading cause of joint pain; but also accumulation of fluids and uric acid crystals within joints can cause arthritis joint pain. Joint pain may even occur when the body's own immune system start consuming the healthy tissues at the joint. This is true in case of rheumatoid arthritis. Knee, hip, shoulder, ankle, wrist and even spine are the joints vulnerable to the attack of arthritis.

Symptoms

1. Excruciating pain at the joints
2. Swelling
3. Stiffness
4. Redness of skin
5. Deformity in the joint area
6. Crepitus or a cracking sound while moving affected joint
7. Constipation
8. Colitis

Rumatone Gold Capsule and Oil are ayurvedic remedies for reducing arthritis joint pain and inflammation. These herbal supplements and massage oil are clinically formulated to ease pain and discomfort associated with arthritis. Rumatone Gold is widely used and trusted ayurvedic remedy to get relief from arthritis symptoms.

Do You Really Have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptom?


Don't be so quick to self-diagnose. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome produces a variety of symptoms that range from mild to extreme. Usually the discomfort worsens over time.

But it's entirely possible that you have something else.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome(CTS) patients report numbness, tingling and burning sensations in their thumb and fingers. Pain also can develop in the arm and shoulder. Swelling of the hand increases at night.

However, diagnosis can be difficult since so many other conditions mimic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. One of the most common includes "Thoracic Outlet Syndrome," which is the compression of nerves or blood vessels in the brachial plexus - the nerve fibers running from the spine through the neck, armpit and into the arm.

Another is "Cubital Outlet Syndrome," the compression of a key nerve in the elbow. Also high on the list of conditions which mimic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome(CTS) ?are tendinitis and arthritis.

Then, there's "Guyon's Canal Syndrome," which is similar. It, too, results from overuse of the wrist from heavy gripping, twisting, and repeated wrist and hand motions. It can also happen from working with the hand constantly bent down and outward. It occurs in weight-lifters, jackhammer operators and people using crutches.

The symptoms should sound familiar.

The sufferer has the sensation of pins and needles in the ring and little fingers, often in the early morning. As the problem worsens, it may develop into a burning pain in the hand and wrist, followed by numbness in the affected fingers. The patient may become weak and clumsy when trying to pinch the thumb and forefinger or spread all five fingers.

Then there are rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and fiber myalgia. None of them should be ignored. Untreated lupus can lead to kidney failure. Untreated rheumatoid arthritis will worsen with serious damage to joints and bones.

Rheumatoid arthritis' symptoms include tenderness and swelling around the joints - as well as increasing pain, fever, redness, fatigue and weight loss.

Lupus has many of the same warning signs, particularly joint pain. However, lupus patients also experience facial rashes, mouth sores, bruising, chest pain and breathing difficulty. Other diseases that mimic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include tendonitis, bursitis, sprains, dislocations and gout.

Arthritis - Types Of Arthritis


Arthritis is, sadly, a very common and very painful condition. It can make working and even basic living extremely difficult. In order for treatment to prove effective in combating the symptoms and to allow the sufferer to live as normal a life as possible, it is essential to correctly diagnose which type of arthritis the patient has. The two most common types of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, are very different in character and require completely different methods of diagnosis, as well as very different methods of treatment.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition that affects as many as one in every hundred people. It is caused by a malfunction in the body's defence systems and nobody has yet been able to discover why this happens. The genes that are responsible for the problem, have been identified - but the exact means by which the trouble occurs remains unknown. The disease is not hereditary, no increased risk has been found if you have a sufferer in your immediate family. In rheumatoid arthritis extra blood flow causes joints to become swollen and painful and in extreme cases can even permanently damage the joint. It is essential to seek medical help to reduce inflammation, as the damage to joints is permanent and irreversible.

Osteoarthritis is a completely different condition, which affects the bones. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, there appears to be no genetic factor involved with osteoarthritis, although there are several factors that increase the risk of the condition developing. Osteoarthritis is rare in young people, suggesting that in certain cases it is wear on the bones that causes the disease to develop. Overweight people are far more susceptible to the condition, especially with the knee joints, which suggests that excess strain put on a moving joint area will be a major factor in bringing on the condition. Stiff joints are the main symptom of osteoarthritis.

Although these two forms of arthritis account for the vast majority of sufferers, there are in fact over two hundred distinct types, These types affect all sections of the population, young and old alike. Some forms of the condition, such as ankylosing spondylitis, affect more men than women - which is in direct contrast to the two major types, where far more women are affected. Systemic lupus erythematosus, another very uncommon form of arthritis, is found in nine times the number of women than it is in men. One of the most common forms of arthritis, which is usually thought of as a completely different condition, is gout. This extremely painful problem is caused by uric acid and is at least controllable with correct treatment. Sometimes arthritis can be a purely reactive condition brought on by another kind of medical condition. In this case, the symptoms will usually disappear of their own accord, always provided that no permanent damage has occurred.

As arthritis comes in so many diverse forms, it is essential to get a correct diagnosis before attempting to treat the condition. The first port of call is usually the general practitioner, who will often be able to do some basic tests immediately. Usually, however, the patient will need to be sent to a local hospital for blood testing and X rays. In larger medical centres more advanced tests may be available and specialists in the condition may be on hand to advise. Once a correct diagnosis has been completed, there is much that modern medicine can do to relieve the pain of the condition and allow the sufferer to live a normal life, even if the arthritis cannot actually be cured permanently.

Vitamin C: Arthritis Cure Or Not?


Vitamin c successfully forms a part of the supplementation plan for many people suffering from arthritis.

There is a lot of evidence from many sources proving that supplementing with vitamin c can benefit diseases involving inflammation. It is also known that vitamin c plays a role in collagen synthesis, the main protein that is found in the joints of the body. Collagen is the main component of tendons, ligaments, cartilage and many other structures of the body. Healthy collagen means healthy joints.

Does vitamin c supplementation benefit patients with rheumatoid arthritis?

Vitamin c has been found to be low in rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. This is because vitamin c is an anti-oxidant which is used up to detoxify free radicals- something you find in abundance in inflammatory diseases.

A large study conducted between 1993 and 1997 involving 23000 men and women showed some benefit in taking higher amounts of vitamin c through your diet. During the study, which was actually meant to study cancer, the participants had to keep track of what they ate in a diary.

During this period, 73 of the participants developed symptoms that were related to rheumatoid arthritis. Compared to the other participants, the ones who developed rheumatoid arthritis, actually consumed less fruit and vegetables in their daily diets. Of course, fruit and vegetables contain a lot of vitamin c. The participants that ate the least amount of fruit and vegetables had about double the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

How does it work? As we have noted, vitamin c is a major factor in the collagen synthesis, which is the main protein in joint tissue. Remember also, that rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an overreaction by the immune system. Some sources say that vitamin c has a calming effect on the immune system, acting on specific molecules (tenascin-C molecules) that causes and sustains inflammation in the joints.

But, vitamin c is a powerful anti-oxidant and therefore has a role to play in treating cardiovascular disease and rheumatoid arthritis, because these diseases are affected by free radicals and enzymes causing inflammation. Free radicals are found in the synovial fluids of inflamed joints, which suggest that free radicals are involved with the inflammation of the joint. Also, low levels of all the anti-oxidants are found in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Indirectly then, the suggestion is therefore that patients with rheumatoid arthritis can benefit from increased amounts of anti-oxidants like vitamin c in their diets.

How much do you need? If you suffer from an inflammatory disease, doses can be anything from 3-10g per day. That is a lot of vitamin c compared to typical recommended daily allowances.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Early Symptoms


The early symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis are not always the easiest ones to spot. Thousands of other conditions can cause joint pain and swelling, which is a common symptom of RA. Overdoing certain types of physical activity may cause these signs as well. However, when the pain seems to be intermittent and has no common cause, it might be a clue that he or she suffers from the condition.

A person can easily miss the early symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis, but the condition is treatable, even if it cannot be cured. As with all auto-immune conditions, the body mistakes needed tissue for a pathogen. The linings between the joints wear away, eventually causing damage to the joints.

Because the body's own immune system causes this condition, a person may suspect something unusual is going on if he experiences joint pain, swelling, and a periodic fever. Depending on the severity, the fever and ongoing pain may or may not cause a patient to schedule an appointment with a doctor.

Noticing the early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis does not mean that a doctor will always diagnose the condition correctly. Firm nodules underneath the arm or legs may confirm that a patient has this condition, although the nodules themselves occur fairly late in the progress of the disease.

The exact cause of RA is unknown, although a person is more likely to get the disease if his mother or father suffered from it. Unlike osteoarthritis, the disease can strike at any age. Rheumatoid Arthritis is sometimes known as childhood Arthritis for this reason. Catching the early warning signs means a doctor can manage it before the damage to the joints becomes extensive. Extreme cases cause swelling in the arms or legs. Many people do not see a doctor before they experience this excessive swelling.

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Causes of Water Retention - 10 Common Reasons For Swelling of the Body


Water retention is a common health problem that greatly affects the day to day activities of the sufferers. Water retention - medically referred to as edema - is the accumulation of excess fluid that leaks into the body tissues. The leakage will lead to swelling in all over the body (generalized swelling) or more localized swelling, such as swelling in legs, feet and ankles or fluid retention in abdominal, the face, hands, arms, and around the lungs.

Although there are many different conditions and diseases associated with the term water retention or edema, there are several more prominent causes of water retention. And here is some of them:

1. Arthritis
Arthritis, which means "joint inflammation", is described as an inflammation of one or more joints that involves the mechanical failure of cartilage resulting in joint pain, swelling, and limited movement. It can affect any joints in the body from hip, heel, spine, shoulder, knee to the big toe.

There are more than 100 different types of arthritis but the three most common types are: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout. Different types of arthritis show different symptoms. Common symptoms of arthritis include: persistent joint pain, fever, tenderness, joint swelling, stiffness, redness, joint malformation, inflexibility of joint and unexplained weight loss.

2. Kidney disorders
Certain form of kidney disorders such as kidney failure and glomerular disease will lead to swelling throughout the body as well as localized swelling in the abdominal, ankle, feet and leg swelling. This occurs because the kidneys have lost its normal functions including to efficiently removing salt and water out of the body. This will in turn cause the body to retain fluid and over time, get accumulated in the body tissues.

3. Chronic lung disease
Chronic lung disease is a general term of persistent lung disorders that damage the function of the lungs. Severe chronic lung disease will cause water retention in the body include fluid retention in lungs (pulmonary edema), ascites, neck, face, ankle and feet swelling. Chronic lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), smoke inhalation injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), lung cancer, mesothelioma, etc. may lead to pulmonary edema, abdominal edema / ascites, fluid retention in the neck and face, swelling in the ankles and feet.

4. Cirrhosis of the liver
Cirrhosis of the liver usually causes abdominal fluid retention. It also causes low protein albumin synthesis by the liver and results in legs and abdominal fluid retention.

5. Congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy disease and heart valve disease
Congestive heart failure obstructs the normal circulation of the blood and often leads to water retention. Two most common causes of water retention in congestive heart failure patient are: (1) the blood flow to the heart backups and leaks into the lung and vein; (2) the kidney retain fluid due to the insufficient amount of blood flow. Both cardiomyopathy and heart valve disease are a variety of heart disease and lead to heart failure.

6. Excess sodium intake
In people who are more sensitive to sodium, excess sodium intake will raise the blood pressure and lead to water retention especially in the lower extremities such as swelling in the ankles and feet.

7. Gravity
Standing or sitting too long in one position because of occupation necessity or after long trips may cause fluid retention in legs. This is usually worsened in high temperatures.

8. Pregnancy
In some cases, the developing uterus in pregnant women may press the vena cava leading to fluid retention in the legs. Hormone imbalances and increased amount of blood flow also responsible for water retention during pregnancy. The most affected areas of swelling during pregnancy are in the lower extremities especially the ankles and feet.

9. Side effects of certain medication
Certain medication such as anabolic steroid, calcium channel blockers, levitra, methadone, etc. may affect the normal functions of the body and lead to swelling particularly in the legs, feet and ankles.

10. Venous Insufficiency
Venous insufficiency is a disturbance of the blood flow in the leg veins because of the damage of the veins itself or the valves causing the fluid to backup and leak into the surrounding tissues. This disorder is one of the most common causes of water retention in legs.

Look over the list of water retention causes and decide if you are indeed experiencing one or more. Remember, many diseases take years to appear after the symptom does. Thus, you should speak to your doctor if you have any questions regarding water retention in any parts of your body. Your doctor is the one who can tell you just what exactly the cause of your swelling and what treatment options will work best for you.

Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis and Joint Pain Problem


Arthritis signs and symptoms vary with individuals. Here we will emphasize on some of the major signs and symptoms of arthritis and joint pain problem.

1. Pain is the first and foremost sign and symptom of arthritis. All arthritis patients suffer from excruciating joint pain. Pain due to arthritis is also termed as arthralgia. The word comes from Greek 'artho' meaning joint and 'algos' meaning pain. The root cause of the pain lies in the destructive and degenerative process involved in arthritis. In other words the cartilage degeneration and bone friction causes acute pain, as in case of osteoarthritis. Also inflammation of tissues around joints leads to pain as in the case of rheumatoid arthritis. Accumulation of fluids and uric acid crystals in between the joints also lead to pain.

2. Swelling is another sign and symptom of arthritis. At times it is also the primary symptom of arthritis. Little amount of fluid is always present in our joints under normal conditions. In a joint attacked by arthritis, the amount of fluid increases to abnormal proportions making the joint look swollen. This excess fluid is discharged by the soft tissues lining the joint. The tissues come under the effect of arthritis and produce large amount of fluids.

3. Stiffness or inflexibility at the joint is a symptom associated with swelling. Muscle tightness, inflammation of joint lining and calcification at the joints are triggering factors causing stiffness. In case of patients with much stiffness, the joints may become non-functional with time. Therefore stiffness if not checked may even lead to disability. The stiffness usually increases if the ailing joint is kept idle for a long time. Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by severe stiffness early in the morning just after waking up. The stiffness comes down gradually as one gets in to activities.

4. Crepitus or a crunching or grating sound while moving an ailing joint is a common symptom of arthritis, noticeable in many. The word is derived from a Latin word meaning 'a rattle or crackling sound'. Crepitus is an indication of wearing out of cartilages in a joint. When crepitus occurs, along with the crunching sound, one feels some sensation in the affected joint. Crepitus is usually painless.

5. Deformity at joint is another arthritis symptom. It is common in case of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Bony outgrowths, swan neck deformity or bending of finger base, boutonniere deformity or flexion of PIP joint in the finger are common types of deformities caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Basal joint deformity or thumb carpometacarpal hyperextension deformity causes the thumb to stretch out and bend backward. This type is seen in patients with osteoarthritis.

6. Redness of skin around the affected joint is one sign and symptom. When some damage occurs at any part of the body, the immune system runs to destroy or eliminate the cause of damage. The same is true in case of joint damage as well. When the battle goes on, the result is redness in the external skin.

7. Arthritis patients also suffer from constipation or colitis.

Herbal Remedies for Arthritis: An Option To Consider


Many now are willing to consider herbal remedies for arthritis as they wish to reduce their reliance on using drugs. Herbal remedies for arthritis have been highly recommended by natural health experts.

Some of the herbs which are said to be effective for reducing inflammation and for pain relief include Chinese Thunder God Vine, feverfew, cat's claw, willow bark extract,and stinging nettle.

Reports also show that ginger and willow bark extract are effective herbal remedies for arthritis. Their only drawback is that they contain chemicals that are similar to conventional NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-Inflammatory compounds). The NSAIDs as drug compunds produce a few side effects. For example, they may cause inflammation of the stomach lining and intestines. If you ingest a substantial amount, they can also interfere with blood clotting or cause fluid retention.

Because of these reasons, they are considered harmful for those with high blood pressure or with heart diseases. In comparison to ginger and willow bark extract, Chinese Thunder God Vine seems to be better herbal remedies for arthritis as they can also relieve pain and joint inflammation quite well. However, it is best that they are not used over a prolonged period. Consuming too much may lead to osteoporosis.

Herbal remedies for arthritis can be brewed in the form of cleansing teas or soups. For the herbs, you can get them at a herbal store. Ask the herbalist to mix a concoction for you. Herbs come in different grades. You should always choose the best quality ones for your arthritis.

Traditional Chinese Medicine or Ayurveda Medicine also recommends boiling herbal remedies for arthritis to serve as a tonic soup or drink. You will need to consult a practitioner as he can then examine you and prescribe a preparation based on your specific condition. You will need to consume herbal remedies for arthritis over a period of time before you can feel any positive effects from them.

Herbal remedies for arthritis can also be consumed as a supplement. Just visit any vitamin supplement store to get them. Do ensure that you stick to recommended dosage instructions.

Herbal remedies for arthritis are worth considering especially if you wish to explore alternative methods to finding pain relief. Do ensure that your herbs do not interfere with drugs that you are taking for other medical conditions as well. Be sure to check with your doctor first.

Ayurvedic Remedies For Arthritis


HERBS USED IN THE TREATMENT OF ARTHRITIS

Herbs can be very effectively used in the treatment of arthritis. Some of the most commonly used herbs in the treatment of arthritis are,
1. Cayenne pepper.
2. Licorice
3. Alfalfa
4. Ginger
5. Buchu
6. Chaparral.

Cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, the active ingredient which helps to relieving pain by inhibiting the transmission of pain signals from nerves in the muscles and joints when applied to the skin. Topical application of cayenne pepper four times daily on the affected area can give effective result. Prepare the mixture of cayenne pepper by adding 1 oz of cayenne pepper to the 1 quart of rubbing alcohol. Allow the mixture to infuse for three weeks, agitating the bottle each day. Apply this infusion in to affected area for 10 to 20 minutes and wipe away after use.

Licorice: Licorice offers significant anti-inflammatory effect by blocking the inflammation receptors. It has been used effectively in the treatment of arthritis, allergies and other inflammatory disease that put excess stress on the adrenal gland. Long time use of licorice can cause hypertension in some people. Taking two capsules of licorice is recommended in the treatment of arthritis.

Alfalfa: This is a nutrient rich remedy useful in the treatment of arthritis symptoms, nourishes joints and alleviates the inflammation. It is better to use alfalfa tea rather than powder or capsules because it is the pure form and more easily assimilated to the body. Prepare the tea by placing 1oz of alfalfa in a pot and cover with 1 quart of water. Boil the decoction for 30 minutes. Strain and consume the decoction throughout the day. Use the remedy for approximately three weeks and suspend for one week and begin the regimen again as needed.

Ginger: Ginger is primarily known as culinary herb. It contains gingerol the active ingredient can relive the muscle and connective tissue inflammation associated with the arthritis. Sometimes ginger can cause heartburn.

Buchu: This is a herb native of south Africa, Africans are used the leaves of this herb for the treatment of water retention and in kidney problems. The oil contained in the buchu leaves can reduces the pain and inflammation of both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. This herb may lower the potassium, a mineral that helps maintain muscles tone and strength.

Chaparral: This is also known as stink weeds. This herbs contain chemicals that offer anti-inflammatory benefits, reduces the pain and stiffness. However the scientific studies are only done in the animals so there is no evidence that chaparral helps relieve arthritis symptoms in human.

What Holistic Treatment Can Do For Arthritis


With more than fifty million Americans live with one of the more than one hundred forms of arthritis asking yourself what holistic treatment can do for arthritis is a valid question. More than twenty million people suffer from such intense arthritis symptoms that they find themselves under the care of a physican. With a name that literally means an inflammation of the joints, the onset of arthritis typically stems from four causes including genetics, injury, infection, or just normal wear and tear. There's even a form of arthritis associated with presence of sexually transmitted diseases and infections.

Although arthritis is not just one single disease, many forms of the disorder work in cooperation with pain, inflammation, swelling, redness, limited motion, and catastrophic damage to the joints. Some of the most common forms of arthritis are:

  • Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common form of the disease in the United States.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis: Often plague on women over the age of forty, rheumatoid arthritis has the potential to cause a fiery sensation in the joints as well as other organs like the eyes, lungs, heart, and skin.
  • Gout Arthritis: Frequently occurring in men forty years old and older, gout arthritis is caused by elevated blood levels of uric acid that forms crystals in the joints.
  • Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, and systemic infectious arthritis are other forms of the disease.

    What Holistic Treatment Can Do For Arthritis?

    Alternative treatments like massage therapy and ancient Chinese acupuncture have a lot of influence on alleviating the symptoms of arthritis. Over the years a number of complementary remedies have presented themselves in hopes of providing an answer for what holistic treatment can do for arthritis. Just take a look at what holistic treatment can do for arthritis pain relief:

    Accupressure: Daily accupressure treatments can improve blood circulation in arthritis sufferers.

    Acupuncture: Each pain inflicted area of the body has a connected acupuncture pressure point. Daily acupuncture treatments can be helpful for acute arthritis. Chronic sufferers may require treatments just a few times a month.

    Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy treatments can relieve pain by helping the body learn to heal itself. Aromatherapy includes oils like rosemary, lavender, ginger, juniper, chamomile, and eucalyptus. Therapy oils can be applied in numerous ways including mixing with bath water, wearing as a perfume, inhaling the vapors, or mixing the oils for a full body massage.

    Bodywork: Bodywork is another holistic treatment for arthritis that is used to restore more natural posture. A rigorous course of body massage and movement reeducation, bodywork has displayed evidence of recapturing some of the physical limitations brought on by arthritis. Bodywork also features lots of compassionate massaging, which is complimented for providing a big boost to the self-confidence of arthritis patients.

    Juice Therapy: It's no wonder Mom was always telling you finish all of your orange juice. For people with many forms of arthritis, lots of fruits juices that are rich in beta-carotene have demonstrated positive results of what holistic treatment can do for arthritis pain relief. Black cherry juice, in particular, is a solid choice for alleviating arthritis pain. Juices that promote positive results for arthritis are:

  • Carrot Juice

  • Potato Juice

  • Lemon Juice (just before bed)

  • Radish

  • Beet Juice
  • As you can see there are various forms of holistic treatments for arthritis that can provide those that suffer from arthritis symptoms and pain some much welcomed relief.