Tips About Fibromyalgia Social Security Disability Cases

Fibromyalgia, a debilitating disease that causes serious pain throughout the body's muscles, joints, tissue and tendons, as well as chronic fatigue, is a disabling disease on its own. The pain that it causes is often severe enough to significantly disrupt people's lives. Unfortunately, those with fibromyalgia also tend to suffer from additional disorders, such as lupus, cervical and low-back degenerative disease, depression, irritable bowel syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis, among others.

The symptoms of fibromyalgia, coupled with the symptoms of another serious disease, can become absolutely debilitating. It's not uncommon for those with both fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis, for example, to find themselves unable to live a normal life. Eventually, the pain may become so severe that they're unable to work enough to support themselves, perform simple errands or even household chores. In situations like these, those suffering from the disease might qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.

Fibromyalgia and Social Security Disability:
SSI or SSDI benefits can provide monthly assistance so that the people facing the pain of fibromyalgia and any other disease can concentrate on treatment and pain management without attempting to work.

The first step to win fibromyalgia Social Security Disability benefits is to file an application and apply for SSI or SSDI. The application is extremely thorough and will ask for a full medical history as well as doctor's records showing the severances of the disability. When people do suffer from both fibromyalgia and another disease, most lawyers and other experts suggest using the other disease as the primary reason for filing, since fibromyalgia is not listed by the SSA. While it's not impossible to be awarded benefits when the primary disability is not a common SSA listing, the application might be more easily accepted with fewer questions if the applicant files for Social Security Disability under one of the more typical listings.

Consider Contacting a Social Security Disability Lawyer:
Working with a lawyer for Social Security Disability to plan out and organize an application for SSI or SSDI can be extremely beneficial. The expertise that they've accumulated by working on hundreds of Social Security Disability cases lets them help others avoid simple mistakes and common errors that would slow down the acceptance process.

Whether the applicant decides to file primarily under fibromyalgia or under an alternate disease like lupus of rheumatoid arthritis, listing all of the symptoms and conditions of all the diseases the applicant suffers from is crucial. The SSA will evaluate the person's limitations as a whole, so including information about fibromyalgia, even if it wasn't the primary disability in the application, can only help.

Other Considerations with Fibromyalgia Social Security Disability Claims:
People with fibromyalgia often have a variety of different symptoms that vary from day to day, or might even vary based on the weather or time. Symptoms might include pain throughout the entire body, and especially on tender points such as the back of the head, between shoulder blades, on the front sides of neck, in the upper chest and several others. Additionally, extreme fatigue, numbness and tingling, severe headaches and irritable bowels are also common symptoms of fibromyalgia. If the applicant suffers from any of these symptoms, they should be sure to document them with their doctor, as well as in notes or diaries of their own. The more proof the SSA can view in an application for Social Security Disability, the more likely they will be to quickly approve it.

Diagnosis and Pathogenesis of Gout

Gout is a common type of arthritis that causes inflammation, swelling and pain of the joints. The disease is caused by the accumulation of uric crystals at the level of the joints and muscular tissues. In many cases, the underlying cause of gout is high serum uric acid concentration. Uric acid is a substance synthesized during the body's purine metabolism, having no physiological importance inside the organism. In fact, uric acid is a waste product excreted by the kidneys through urine. High serum uric acid levels are the result of either overproduction or inappropriate excretion of uric acid. The great majority of gout cases are caused by under-excretion of uric acid, as a consequence of renal dysfunctions.

Although hyperucemia (high levels of serum uric acid) is considered to be directly related with the development of gout, the disease isn't always caused by this factor. For instance, people may develop gout even on the premises of normal serum uric acid levels, while many people with hyperucemia don't actually develop gout. Although the symptoms of gout closely resemble the clinical manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis, there doesn't seem to be a connection between these two disorders.

Gout is generally diagnosed upon patients' clinical manifestations. However, in order to confirm the diagnosis, doctors often perform additional tests, such as blood analyses or tissue examinations under the microscope. The process of diagnosing gout involves revealing traces of uric acid accumulation at the level of the joints and soft tissues. Gout sufferers usually have serum uric acid levels above the average of 7 mg per dL. Although hyperucemia isn't always the primary cause of gout, people affected by the disease generally have elevated serum uric acid concentrations.

Gout is often the result of uric acid overproduction, facilitated by food regimens that contain high levels of purines. However, sometimes the body' overproduction of uric acid is the consequence of physiological abnormalities. Recently conducted experiments have identified various physiological dysfunctions in people diagnosed with gout, such as abnormal activity of the enzymes that control purine synthesis. Gout is considered to have a pronounced genetic character and it can often be seen in people who have a family history of the disease.

In some cases, gout occurs due to under-excretion of uric acid. This waste product is eliminated by the kidneys, through urine, or by the gastrointestinal tract, through stools. However, the primary cause for the under-excretion of uric acid is abnormal activity of the kidneys. Thus, people with kidney disorders are exposed to a high risk of developing gout.

The symptoms of gout are generally episodic and they often involve intense pain in the joints. Pain attacks tend to intensify at night and they may last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. The medical treatment of gout generally acts on two levels: it normalizes serum uric acid levels and relieves gout attacks. In order to ameliorate pain attacks, doctors usually prescribe gout sufferers non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, colchinide or injections with corticosteroids. Medications such as probenecid, sulfinpyrazone and allopurinol are usually used in the treatment of gout for preventing the recurrence of pain attacks. Corroborated with an appropriate diet and lifestyle improvements, medical treatments available today can in time overcome gout, also minimizing the chances of relapse.

Rheumatism and Arthritis - What's the Difference?

Rheumatism and arthritis are two bone and muscle diseases that people refer to almost interchangeably. Generally speaking, most people do not really see the difference. After all, both diseases manifest the same symptoms of recurring pain in joints and muscles. While both conditions can sometimes be unbearably painful and afflict older men and women, they are in fact different.

Rheumatism does not refer to a single disease or condition, but to over a 100 conditions based on the location and characteristics of the symptoms. For many years, rheumatism was the generic term used to describe various painful medical conditions related to bones, muscles, joints and tendons, until doctors began to use the term arthritis to describe joint-related ailments.

By definition, arthritis is a disease of the bone joints, where two or more bones come together and connect. When joints begin to show signs of redness, tenderness, and sensitivity to pain, then you are likely to be experiencing arthritis. Rheumatism, on the other hand, affects not just joints, but also bones, ligaments and other vital organs of the body, including heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver. In this context, all arthritis types are forms of rheumatism, while rheumatism is not always arthritis.

The cure and treatment for different types of arthritis or rheumatism depends on certain conditions. Doctors underscore the need for specific treatment for specific cases of arthritis and rheumatism. After all, the different types of arthritis and rheumatism are triggered by many factors, including food, allergens, genetics, and obesity. Among the most common types of rheumatic diseases are ankylosing spondylitis, fibromyalgia, lupus, scleroderma, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, polymyalgia rheumatica, bursitis, tendinitis, vasculitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and complex regional pain syndrome.

On the other hand, the most common cases of arthritis, an ailment characterized by joint related pain, stiffness, inflammation and damage, are rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, juvenile arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, infectious arthritis, gout and pseudogout. Just like rheumatism, each type of arthritis requires a separate and distinct treatment. Despite these distinctions, people continue to use the terms interchangeably. Such a lack of knowledge has potentially painful, if not dangerous, consequences for arthritic and rheumatic sufferers, whose best chances to stop the progression of both diseases are when they are just starting to manifest the painful symptoms.

Arthritis and rheumatism inflict the most pain on people who fail to recognize the cause of their affliction and, therefore, are unable to immediately follow the doctor's advice to control both diseases through a balanced, low-uric acid and high-fiber diet, regular exercise, and medication.

High Uric Acid in Urine - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

High uric acid in urine can be a sign of excruciating gout to come. Discover, here, why high levels of uric acid can occur in your urine and blood, and, how they can lead to gout and kidney stones. You'll also learn about treatment for high uric acid, both drug-based and natural. First, though, let's look at the symptoms of high uric acid in urine...

HIGH URIC ACID IN URINE SYMPTOMS

Having high levels in your urine (or blood for that matter) doesn't necessarily present any symptoms at first. Normally, the first indication is when these high levels produce the painful symptoms of gout and / or kidney stones. So how can high acid levels lead to gout and kidney stones?...

CAUSES OF HIGH URIC ACID IN URINE

Uric acid is a natural byproduct of the breakdown of natural chemical compounds called "purines" which exist in our bodies and in our food. Purines are vital for us, because they help to produce our energy and protein needs.

Your kidneys process the acid produced and expel excess levels out of your system via your bladder and urine. A small amount is expelled in stools. But if there is just too much acid being produced for your kidneys to handle, or, your kidneys themselves can't process it effectively enough, excess acid is retained in your blood and not expelled. And of course circulated around your body.

This excess can then be deposited as needle-like crystals in your joints and surrounding tissues. When this happens you get the symptoms of gout; swelling, redness, inflammation and unbearable pain. And, the high levels of uric acid can also cause painful kidney stones over time.

URIC ACID IN URINE v IN BLOOD

Remember how your kidneys process your blood, remove uric acid and then expel it via your bladder and urine? Well, comparing the levels of acid in your urine and blood over a 24 hour period, can give some interesting results...

High levels in urine and high levels in the bloodstream indicate that you have higher than normal levels in your body, but your kidneys are functioning o.k. It is just that your body is producing much higher levels of uric acid than normal and your kidneys -- although they are working fine -- just can't cope with the increase.

On the other hand, low levels in urine and high levels in blood show that it's your kidneys' inability to process the normal everyday production of uric acid efficiently enough that has lead to increased levels backing up in your blood.

Whichever is the case, all too often, painful gout attacks are the result. And repeated attacks of gout can lead to permanently damaged joints, and, kidney damage such as kidney stones, and even, kidney failure in extreme cases.

You should also be aware that, once having had one gout attack, you're almost certain to have repeated attacks unless you can find a way to manage your condition so that you can prevent future occurrences.

TREATMENT FOR HIGH URIC ACID

Drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs), corticosteroids and colchicines are used to address the inflammation and pain of gout. Others, such as allopurinol, are targeted at reducing uric acid levels. These are the types of medications that your doctor is likely to prescribe once high acid levels with gout have been diagnosed.

These can be effective, but, they have numerous nasty side effects such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pains, bleeding, stomach ulcers, etc. and, they can be very expensive especially over time with repeated attacks. Which is why so many sufferers like yourself are seeking out totally natural remedies...

HOME REMEDIES FOR HIGH URIC ACID

Home remedies use a whole range of natural approaches, like, the use of fruits, fruit juices, certain vegetables, a whole range of herbs, natural supplements, natural kidney cleanses, dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, and so on; too many to go into here unfortunately.

Three of the most popular and effective are...

(1) Cherries - Eat a bowl every day to take advantage of their natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Natural cherry juice is also beneficial.

(2) Apple Cider Vinegar - Drink 3 teaspoons of raw, un-distilled apple cider vinegar in a 8oz glass of warm water (add honey to taste if you want) three time daily. This remedy will help adjust your blood pH, which in turn can lower high uric acid levels.

(3) Water - Drink at the very minimum 2 liters of water every day. Do not drink lots a few times a day, rather, drink smaller amounts more frequently and regularly during the day.

But, you diet is one of the most important factors in having, and dealing with, high uric acid levels...

You need to avoid food that is high in purines such as red meat, offal, some fish, shellfish, etc. And avoid alcohol, especially beer. There's a lot more, but too much to go into here.

But as a general rule of thumb, anything that is high in protein is high in purines. However, it's definitely not recommended that all protein food is eliminated! You have to learn which foods to eliminate, which to replace those with, and, which foods to retain.

The Potential Role of Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) In Reducing One's MS Symptoms

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is an important nutrient for brain health. It is a key nutrient for mitochondria which are the powerhouse for brain cells. The mitochondria convert the energy which is stored in sugar into the energy which the cell can use to do is work in the form of ATP. An ample supply of Niacinamide makes the generation of ATP more efficient and reduces the level of toxic free radicals (a bi-product of making ATP).

Vitamin B3 or niacinamide has been shown to be beneficial in a number of autoimmune diseases Almost fifty years ago Dr. Kaufman used niacinamide to successfully reduce symptoms and improve function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis over fifty years ago. Twenty years ago Yamada reported that niacinamide reduces the severity and can even reverse early type 1 diabetes in mice. In 2006 Kaneko reported that using niacinamide was effective in preventing and reducing the severity of existing disease in the animal model of multiple sclerosis. However studies have not been published about humans using niacinamide to treat or prevent MS.

How does one get vitamin B3? It is possible to take vitamin B3 in supplement form. Niacin (a form of vitamin B3) has often been given to treat patients with low HDL cholesterol (good or protective cholesterol) and has been associated with flushing, headache and abnormalities in the liver with very high dosing. Niacinamide, another form of vitamin B3, has far fewer side effects, even at high doses. Food sources include tuna, salmon, liver and other organ meat, mushrooms and nutritional yeast.

In general obtaining nutrients through food is superior to using supplements. First, the body is unlikely to absorb toxic levels of the nutrient. Also when whole food is consumed, additional micronutrients which are beneficial to the body are usually present. Our understanding of clinical nutrition is still primitive. There are thousands of other useful micronutrients which have not been identified.

What doses have been used? The mouse study which showed reversal of the animal model of MS used 0.5 mg per kilogram. The niacin version of B3 has been used in doses between 500 and 5000 mg for treating cholesterol and rheumatoid arthritis. However because of the potential for problems with high doses (anything over 500 mg) it is important to have a physician monitor liver function through blood tests. It is likely that doses which have been used for treating high cholesterol would be an acceptable dose range when trying to reduce the severity or prevent the onset of multiple sclerosis symptoms.

Bottom line
Vitamin B3 in the form of niacinamide is a very important nutrient for brain health. Best food sources are wheat germ, mushrooms, organ meats, tuna and salmon. Supplements are another option. Doses over 500 mg a day should be monitored by a physician. Other conditions have been treated with doses as high as 5 grams per day.

Gout Symptoms - Is It Gout Or Something Else?

There are a few conditions that can produce results similar, with slight differences, to gout symptoms. Gout is a form of arthritis so you may have a form of arthritis such as Rheumatoid arthritis, also known as RA, or Osteoarthritis. You could also have an infection of the joint, with swelling and redness which would require antibiotics. Knowing the differences will help you find a remedy for your gout attack. Gout affects the joints, just like the more familiar forms of arthritis.

The most common joint for gout symptoms is the big toe, (called Podagra), which is where 50% of people get it, but it can attack other joints also such as your knees, fingers, wrists and ankles.

The most common gout symptoms are extreme pain and tenderness, redness (could be purplish as well, resembling an infection), swelling and warmth. It differs from the other forms of arthritis mentioned above in that the symptoms come on rapidly and usually at night when your body temperature is lower and you are not moving around. The pain can be so intense that even the weight of a bed sheet can cause terrible pain and discomfort. It will usually last a few hours and then start to dissipate over the next few days or weeks.

Some people don't get the common symptoms like those above. Some develop nodules, called tophi, on their ears, hands, knees or elbows. These are painless deposits of uric acid crystals. You could also develop tophi in your kidneys, resulting in stones. High fever and fatigue are other signs. Fatigue is a common complaint in arthritis sufferers.

The only way to know for sure if to have tests done by a doctor.

Blood tests: Research has found that while some conditions such as hyperuricemia (an abnormally high level of uric acid in the blood) is a classic sign of gout, it only appears in roughly half of the people that develop gout. Some people with hyperuricemia never develop gout.

Synovial fluid: is fluid that normally cleans out your joints. Checking for MSU crystals in your synovial fluid or tophi if you have those would be the best way to tell if it is gout or another condition.

How Chiropractic Can Help Those Suffering From Rheumatoid Arthritis

Traditional Treatment

The treatment options are typically very strong medications that help keep the inflammation down and help to save the joints. Another treatment that is helping many sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis is chiropractic care. While most people that know little about the care that chiropractors provide, the one consistent thought is that a chiropractor manipulates the spine, which is true, but the field of chiropractic continues to evolve and make advances that can be helpful to those suffering from autoimmune diseases such as RA.

Chiropractic Treatment

The treatment plan a chiropractor can set up for an individual with rheumatoid arthritis consists of helping improve and restore the range of movements in the joints. In addition, flexibility and increasing muscle tone can greatly help those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Moreover, a chiropractor can introduce nutrition as well as supplementation that help to control the inflammation in the joints. When the inflammation is under control, the pain is better managed.An Individual Treatment Plan

When a person with RA visits a chiropractor, x-rays and an initial assessment will be conducted in order to determine the stage of the rheumatoid arthritis he or she is at and then develop an individual course of treatment.

While rheumatoid arthritis is incurable and often leads to permanent joint damage, the role of the chiropractor is to introduce the patient to a more natural treatment plan with the goal of assisting the patient to become as pain-free as possible while increasing the range of motion in the joints.

As the patient and chiropractor work together to find exercises that help relieve the stiffness in the joints, along with an anti-inflammatory diet, and supplements, the patient is able to find relief of the pain and symptoms that traditional medical does not provide.

Final Thoughts

If you or someone you love suffers from RA, you should consider a doctor of chiropractic because this course of treatment can be keep your mobile and offers a drug-free way to gain pain-relief.

Arthritis Cures And Determining The Correct Arthritis Symptoms

Arthritis is meant by 'Inflammation of the joints'. There are various types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the main arthritic disorder among human population. Rheumatoid arthritis, JRA (Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis), Gouty arthritis is the other prominent forms of arthritis.

The cause varies from one disease to the other. OA occurs when the defensive, cushion like articular cartilage wrapping the facing bones of a joint get destroyed, resulting into the bones rubbing against each other. This friction causes pain in the joint and swelling. As a result of this bone rubbing most medical examiners think there is no Arthritis Cures.

OA gets worse as the cartilage breaks down further bringing more and more bony surfaces into the rubbing process. The cause of Rheumatoid arthritis is miscalculation of body's natural defense system. This gives raise the joint lining to swell and pain. It also spreads to the surrounding tissues. Uric acid deposition in the joint spaces causes inflammation and pain in the joint.

JRA is genetically determined.

The modern concept of treating arthritis is to control the pain as to maintain a healthy, normal life and management of the deformity if any. It is important to understand the specific arthritis symptoms.

There are some drugs that can modify the disease process of Rheumatic fever but do not offer a cure for arthritis. But once arthritis is there, we have to stick to the basic principle of pain management.

The first thing to treat arthritis is lifestyle modification. Arthritic joints become weak and can not bear the weight that it was used to. So, reduction of weight is the first target area. Reduction of weight reduces the load in the joint and improves its function.

Arthritic patients tend to work less due to pain and sedentary lifestyle is predisposing factor for other diseases like hypertension, Diabetes, Coronary Heart Disease, Dyslipidemia etc. To combat this, light, free hand exercise is offered initially. Gradually, the method and frequency are changed that suits the patient.

Another effective and age old means to lower the pain is to apply temperature. Hot fomentation and hot water bath have a soothing effect over the tissues. Many people say this technique is the closest they get to an arthritis cure.

Normally the best arthritis cure [http://www.arthritissymptoms.org/arthritis-cures.htm] is to keep the body stress free, which is critical to eliminate inflammation. Arthritis symptoms are sometimes not correct the first time they are discovered. Therefore, further tests may be needed to determine the best modern concept to treat different forms of arthritis.

Sometimes, cold compress may produce better analgesia (relieve of pain) than application of heat. That again depends upon the disease profile. Often, the patients suffering from arthritis become so crippled by pain, they tend to avoid the directions given by the doctor.

This includes the exercise part also. These patients need to be reassured, encouraged to accept the situation and to be injected moral support. They also need appropriate supervision towards suitable pain relief.

The first line of medication is still the Non Steroidal Anti- Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Nimesulide, Ketorolac are among the most preferred analgesics used by the rheumatologists.

Selective COX-2 inhibitors like Celecoxib, Rofecoxib and Valdecoxib have proven their worth for effective pain relief without increasing the gastric acid output, thus minimizing the acid peptic disorder. The invasive methods include intra articular injection of Steroids (Triamcenolone- Kenacort™) and Hyaluronan. They produce valuable pain relief for a longer duration.

There is virtually NO CURE for Arthritis. Believe me, if you come across any website or anybody who claims that your arthritis will be completely cured by their management, you are in the wrong hands. Please do not pay attention to them and follow the advices given by your doctor.

Best Alternative Rheumatoid Arthritis Diet

Can eating the right foods relieve RA symptoms? Some research shows that fish oils reduce joint inflammation - but the unfortunate reality is that despite years of study, no conclusive evidence shows that any foods make RA symptoms flare up or decrease.

In other words, there is no effective "rheumatoid arthritis diet." Research does show that weight reduction does help, since being overweight causes extra stress on RA sufferers' weight-bearing joints. That increases joint pain, stiffness and inflammation.

Beyond that, each patient is different. While there is no rheumatoid arthritis diet, doctors do advise patients to avoid any food that seems to make symptoms worse. At the same time, they caution against fad diets, such as excluding whole food groups. For example, a popular misconception is that gluten, found in wheat, is detrimental to RA. No research backs up such a claim. Nevertheless, scores of RA patients are shunning wheat products.

Researchers at the University of Oslo in Norway have studied food-related antibodies (proteins that defend the body as part of the immune system) as relate to the RA diet. They discovered that RA patients' intestinal fluids had higher levels of proteins from milk, cereal, eggs, fish and pork than the general population.

Food allergies happen when your body mistakenly detects that something you've eaten is harmful. Immunoglobulin E antibodies come to your defense, setting off a chain reaction that causes such symptoms as joint aches, swelling and rashes.

One theory is that antibodies and some proteins form immune complexes in the patient's intestine. These circulate throughout the body, causing joint inflammation. The body remembers and reacts the next time that you eat the food that caused the problem.

The obvious solution for RA patients is to avoid foods that seem to make their condition worse. On the other hand, if certain foods help a patient's symptoms to improve, it only makes sense to adjust your diet accordingly.

However, according to the Arthritis Foundation, there's no recommended "arthritis diet."

Nevertheless, almost half of all people with RA report that they feel better from excluding "suspect" foods that they are convinced made things worse.

Saturated fats may increase inflammation in some people. So, RA sufferers may want to steer clear of bacon, steak, butter, and cream, which may possibly increase prostaglandins in the body, which some doctors believe cause inflammation, pain, swelling, and joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis.

Other findings show that meat may be detrimental to RA patients since it contains high amounts of arachidonic acid, a fatty acid that the body converts to prostaglandins. As a result, some rheumatoid arthritis sufferers insist that a vegetarian diet has made their lives more livable. However, other RA patients report receiving no benefit whatsoever from a meatless diet - except for inconvenience.

What about Omega-6 fatty acids found in corn oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, wheat germ oil, and sesame oil? They contain linoleic acid. Some nutritionists believe that consuming too much Omega-6 fatty acids may provoke rheumatoid arthritis.

And the list goes on.

The bottom line is: What works for you?

Hand Arthritis - The 3 Different Types Of The Disease

Arthritis of the hand is one of the more common forms of arthritis. Because the hand contains many joints, the risk of having hand arthritis is higher than in other parts of the body. It is composed of two bones on each forearm, and nineteen bones on the hand excluding another additional eight smaller bones.

The most common kinds of hand arthritis are: post-traumatic (arthritis which occurs as a result of someone having an accident), rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.

Post-Traumatic Hand Arthritis

Post-traumatic is usually associated with pain as the hand went through possible pressure that caused inflammation. This usually goes away after a while as the swelling subsides, although in some cases where the trauma was severe therapy or even hand surgery may be required.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis of the hand is another type which becomes more likely to happen as old age nears. People 40 years old and above are the most common victims of hand osteoarthritis. Some studies suggest low levels of Vitamin K as a probable cause of osteoarthritis.

This is a degenerative condition, and years after diagnosis it may often deform the hand making movement more difficult, making simple chores using the hand more complicated.

The joint called carpal-metacarpal, found in the thumb is frequently the part people with osteoarthritic hands complain of. The small bones between each finger with cartilages covering the bone become irregular.

Rheumatoid

Another kind of hand arthritis is the more complex rheumatoid arthritis. Here the synovial tissues of the hand affect the bone that is enclosed by a cartilage. The inflammation in the tissue hampers what is normally a fluid movement of the joint.

Those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis of the hand usually also endure arthritis in different parts of the body. Like osteoarthritis it is also more common to people with old age as this comes from exertion of joints accumulated through the years.

The knuckles and the wrist are the common victims of this pain. Tendon fissure may also be amassed after a while of living with its symptoms. This may also deform the hand if inflammation spreads through the ligaments around the tissue.

Rheumatoid arthritis differs among patients. Others suffer from this only for short periods of time and then lose all symptoms altogether while others go through with its consequent pain endlessly with the pain flaring at times. Some subsequently develop into permanent damage that disables them forever.

Symptoms Of Hand Arthitis

Nagging pain in the hand is the first symptom of hand arthritis. Swelling is also an accompaniment together with difficult movement. Mundane tasks such as grabbing or pinching becomes difficult. A squeaking sound may also be noticed and the misshapen hand becomes apparent.

A thorough evaluation by an orthopedic doctor that will assess the severity of the hand should be established. The physician usually subjects the patient to an x-ray and blood test if soreness is evident.

Possible Cures For Hand Arthritis

There is no single cure for hand arthritis that ultimately could eliminate the disease and prevent it from re-occurring. The most frequent solution is pain relievers prescribed by doctors to ease the suffering of the patient. There are those that require anti-inflammatory medications often already present in those pain killers. Steroids taken orally can also be another form while others require injections of corticortisone of the area affected by arthritis.

There are also specialists called rheumatologists who can closely monitor your medication and therapy to give you instructions on the proper management of your arthritis. This could be great as he can cater directly to what drugs or exercise your arthritis pain is most comfortable with.

Another way to deal with arthritis is through surgery. This is recommended for those who suffer from advanced stages of arthritis. There are different kinds of surgery for different types of arthritic problems.

Hand surgeons fix tendon fissures through grafting or through transferring tendons to the damaged area. Joint lining extraction, synthesis, replacements may be performed. In extreme cases bone removal may be needed. This just goes to show that hand arthritis is a serious condition, so if you suspect that you may have it, you should take action as soon as possible.

Acupuncture and the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

If you suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis, there is a very good chance that acupuncture can help you find relief from the pain and swelling associated with arthritis. Since pain is the primary complaint of people suffering from arthritis, acupuncture is recognized as effective form of pain control. Acupuncture is useful for treating other symptoms caused by arthritis and as a way to restore balance and health. Let's take a look at how we help in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and how acupuncture accomplishes this.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is classified as an auto-immune dis-ease. When RA occurs, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the membrane (cartilage) surrounding the joints causing pain, inflammation and stiffness in the joints. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, and a general feeling of malaise. Unlike other forms of arthritis, RA affects joints symmetrically - if one finger or wrist is affected, the other one will be as well.

Acupuncture decreases the pain by stimulating the release of various neurotransmitters in the brain. One of these is endorphins, sometimes referred to as the body's own natural opiates. Endorphins inhibit the perception of pain and are similar to morphine, which is used in Western medicine. And while the medications often prescribed for this condition have many side effects, there are none with acupuncture. Simply, the placement of tiny sterile stainless steel needles at specific locations stimulate the release of these chemicals, and this effectively blocks the transmission of pain signals to the brain. There is a misconception amongst the populace who think that acupuncture works on nerves, or that needles are inserted into nerves. Acupuncture works indirectly on the nervous system to produce this natural effect. The needles are inserted into muscle/soft tissue. Often, the muscles and tendon sheaths develop hard knots called trigger points, that are responsible for chronic pain. These trigger points can be reactive and tender and are often found in the belly of the muscles and around the joints themselves.

Acupuncture and moxibustion increase the circulation of qi, blood, and lymph, thus also decreasing the cycle of inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by inflammation, (pain, heat, swelling and redness) in and around joints. Inflammation fluctuates do to internal and external environment factors... Acupuncture is also useful in treating osteoarthritis, the gradual eroding away of cartilage in joints and the deposit of bony osteophytes on bone and in the joints as well. Acupuncture works indirectly to influence the endocrine system. It stimulates the adrenals to produce natural steroidal compounds which inhibit inflammation and they stimulate the parathyroid gland to help balance calcium deposits. Chinese herbal formula's have also been found to be extremely useful as well.

Stress, emotional states, lack of exercise and improper diet can exacerbate symptoms. Each person is evaluated on a case by case issue. Some people have mild symptoms that can be acute, while others have a more chronic profile.

By making healthy lifestyle changes and getting competent treatments by a trained acupuncturist, you can manage this and live a relatively pain free and mobile existence.

Ganoderma As an Alternative Treatment For Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition characterized by joint pain and swelling. This disease is commonly manifested by people in the ages of 40 to 60 and is highly predominant among women. Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects the small joints in the human body such as the hands, feet and wrists. The hallmark symptom would include joint stiffness and swelling in the morning. A person suffering from arthritis may have difficulty in grasping things, writing, walking, dressing, etc.

The use of herbal therapies has long been employed in the Asian regions. Japan, China and India have practiced herbal treatments through the years to cure diseases. Popularly known as reishi or ling zhi, Ganoderma lucidum is a leathery mushroom plant that has been used in Asian medicine for centuries. It is among the Orient's best elixirs. Here are some health benefits of Ganoderma:

It works systemically through the cell level.
It strengthens the human body's immunity and thus helps it fight off diseases and other infections.
It is believed to calm the mind and reduce stress.
It can be used by individuals on all ages from children to pregnant women.
It contains anti-aging elements that is helpful for maintaining that youthful glow.

Ganoderma is used as an alternative therapy for arthritis, insomnia, diabetes, gastric ulcers, hypertension and allergic reactions. According to recent studies, Ganoderma has immune modulating and anti-inflammatory properties that is perfect for treating autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disorders. Ganoderma is believed to reduce pain and swelling. It also helps modify autoimmune reactions in cases of rheumatoid arthritis. Ganoderma lucidum herb has been proven to improve and intensify the alpha and gamma interferon in the body. This can effectively regulate your immune system.

How Ganoderma is used

The herb itself is very bitter and tough. In plain form it is frankly inedible. Because of this, those who want to experience the health benefits of ganoderma can do so in a number of ways be ingested in the body in several ways: via supplements or beverages such as healthy ganoderma coffees and teas. While easiest to buy products that are already ganoderma enriched, there is also a way to make an herb tincture out of boiling the mushroom. Ling zhi mushrooms are commercially available in the market these days in dried powder form, syrup, capsules, tea and tinctures.

You can make your own herb tincture by boiling 翻 ounce of dried Ganoderma mushroom in 3 cups of water. Be sure to chop the mushroom into tiny pieces. Let the chopped mushroom sit in cold water for 3 to 4 hours even before boiling it. Use cold water when soaking the herb to make sure all the nutrients are absorbed properly. Slowly bring the mixture into boil. Let the solution simmer for about 45 minutes and then cool down to adequate drinking temperature. With the use of a metal strainer or coffee filter paper, strain the entire mixture. Be sure to store your Ganoderma herb drink in a covered glass jar inside the refrigerator.

Ganoderma is indeed one of the best options for treating arthritis the natural way!

The Use Of Probiotic Supplements For Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis

It is not possible to diagnose the existence of rheumatoid arthritis beforehand. Although it is a hereditary disease, there are several factors, both environmental and biological, which may also trigger the onset of this debilitating disease. Similarly, the factors can be suppressed for sometime by the reversal of the relevant causes.

One of the most important and noteworthy causes of rheumatoid arthritis is the destruction of the gut bacteria which is healthy in a number of ways. Consuming too many antibiotics also leads to the disruption of friendly bacteria; emotional trauma is also one main cause. This is mainly due to the strong impact of stress on the gut. If these useful bacteria get imbalanced even once, it will take years to re-balance it. Furthermore, there must be something helpful and effective to fix this problem. If this re-balancing of gut bacteria takes place, it will initiate in lessening the symptoms and severity of rheumatoid arthritis. The only solution to fix this problem is to ensure intake of healthy bacteria through diet on a daily basis.

Foods containing live culture bacteria have healthy impact on the immune system of the body, which in turn prevents it from malfunctioning. Yoghurt containing live culture bacteria in it has a good deal of beneficial effects. There are an infinite number of sources which contain probiotics, and can also be artificially made by you without any difficulty. Thus, probiotics must be incorporated in your everyday diet. Dairy products are a good and easy source of probiotics. They can be consumed through yoghurt, kefir, and many other dairy products. Those who are not fond of dairy products can still get probiotic supplements through innumerable foods.

An important source of non-dairy probiotic supplement is available in most markets in the form of cultured coconut milk. Homemade cultured coconut milk, soy milk, and rice milk or fruit juice made from kefir grains is also a good source of probiotic supplements and as such, can be used for treating RA. Unpasteurised sauerkraut, sour pickles, vegetable ferments such as sour turnips, fermented radish, potato cheese are also healthy sources.

Probiotic food supplements are either made from an established culture which can be either bought or captured wild bacteria from the air such as sauerkraut, kim chee, sour pickles, other vegetable ferments, brines, and porridge. Thus, probiotic supplements are highly beneficial in balancing the gut flora and reversing the symptoms experienced by people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

Things To Know About Uveitis

Not a lot of people come across the term uveitis as it is quite a rare condition. However, awareness should be raised about it as it can hit anyone, even children. What is uveitis? It is the swelling and irritation of the uvea. The middle layer of the eye, the uvea is found right in the centre, in between the sclera and the retina;it functions as the supplier of blood to the latter.

Uveitis is rather uncommon and those who suffer from it are mostly middle-aged; however, 10% of those afflicted with the disease are, in fact, children. When left untreated, vision loss is a distinct possibility on account of the scars that develop on the retina and choroid. Uveitis can actually lead to other eye diseases such as cataract, glaucoma and macular oedema.

Most of the time, what caused uveitis in a person is not identified; it can even be idiopathic, occurring unexpectedly. There are, however, some factors that could increase the risk of developing the disease. For instance, if a person has autoimmune disorders such as psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis, then he or she is more prone to developing uveitis. Diseases that weaken the immune system, such as AIDS or cancer, can also affect the eye, hence the higher risk for uveitis. Other possible factors that may lead to the condition are eye infections and injuries.

Uveitis symptoms include blurred or cloudy vision, pain and redness in the eye, headaches caused by hypersensitivity to light, a change in the colour of the iris, loss of peripheral vision, and pupils that do not dilate or constrict. However, in case of juvenile onset of uveitis stemming from rheumatoid or idiopathic arthritis, the children usually do not experience any symptoms and their uveitis is not detected until they've already lost their eyesight.

Uveitis treatments may come in the form of steroids to deal with the irritation. In the presence of an infection, antibiotics would also be in order. When the uveitis has become chronic, the patient would usually have to go through immunosuppressant therapy.

The key to overcoming uveitis is swift and correct treatment. If you observe yourself or a loved one displaying any of the abovementioned symptoms, make an appointment with an eye doctor right away. In case of a positive diagnosis, make sure that you are treated by a physician who specialises in uveitis, preferably an ocular immunologist trained to treat with immunosuppressant medication.

Even if you feel that your eyes are perfectly healthy, it's best to make a habit of regularly going for an eye check-up. After all, early detection of any disease gives you much a better chance of defeating it.

Natural, Lasting Arthrits Relief

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a joint disorder featuring inflammation. A joint is an area of the body where two different bones meet. A joint functions to move the body parts connected by its bones. Arthritis literally means inflammation of one or more joints. Arthritis is frequently accompanied by joint pain. Joint pain is referred to as arthralgia. There are many forms of arthritis (over one hundred and growing). The forms range from those related to wear and tear of cartilage (such as osteoarthritis) to those associated with inflammation resulting from an over-active immune system (such as rheumatoid arthritis). Together, the many forms of arthritis make up the most common chronic illness in the United States.

The causes of arthritis

Causes depend on the form of arthritis. Causes include injury (leading to osteoarthritis), abnormal metabolism (such as gout and pseudogout), inheritance, infections, and for unclear reasons (such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus). Arthritis is classified as one of the rheumatic diseases. These are conditions that are different individual illnesses, with differing features, treatments, complications, and prognosis. They are similar in that they have a tendency to affect the joints, muscles, ligaments, cartilage, tendons, and many have the potential to affect internal body areas.
What are symptoms of arthritis?

Symptoms of arthritis include pain and limited function of joints. Inflammation of the joints from arthritis is characterized by joint stiffness, swelling, redness, and warm. Tenderness of the inflamed joint can be present. Many of the forms of arthritis, because they are rheumatic diseases, can involve symptoms affecting various organs of the body that do not directly involve the joints. Therefore, symptoms in some patients with arthritis can also include nonspecific fever, weight loss, fatigue, and feeling unwell.

Natural alternative to Arthritis Drugs

Merck & Co. recalled its arthritis drug Vioxx after an ongoing trial confirmed the medication increases the risk of heart attack and strokes. Daniel Chapter One's GDU caps possess a wide range of actions including anti inflammatory and antispasmodic activity that make it suited to a wide range of uses. GDU is Safe even at very high dosages no toxic reactions have been found. Care should be taken though when using GDU if on any medication that thins the blood. The Nutrients in GDU include Bromelain, Turmeric, Quercetin, Feverfew and Boron. This natural anti inflammatory formula also helps to relieve arthritis pain and heal inflammation. Each serving also contains 300 mg of Tumeric which protects the liver against toxins, 100 mg Quercetin a natural bioflavonoid which enhances the absorption of Bromelain and relieves pain, bumps and bruises and 100 mg Feverfew, a natural pain killer.

Human studies show that curcumin in GDU rivals some standard drugs for alleviating rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, including morning stiffness and joint swelling. GDU's super formula with Curcumin has also been shown to help improve walking time for rheumatoid arthritis patients. Listen to what Pastor Wayne Harms had to say. "I had arthritis of the shoulder and spine. For several months I had been in severe pain making it hard to work. Chiropractic treatment corrected the spinal structure and relieved some of the pain but it could not correct the arthritis. I began using GDU, Micro Cal Plus, and GS1500. Within a week my pain was completely gone. I still take the products in smaller quantities to continue the healing process. My sister is a concert pianist. These products relieved the pain in her fingers and restored the flex-ability. She is closing in on 76, and still playing. When she was 71 she was in a car accident; her knees were badly injured and arthritis set in. She already had arthritis in her hands and joints. In 1998 she was in so much pain she was taken to the hospital in an ambulance. The doctor put her in a wheelchair and told her she would never walk again. I had the Daniel Chapter One arthritis products federal expressed overnight to her. Within 3 weeks most of her arthritis pain was gone. By the following month she was walking with the aid of a walker. Two months later she was carrying her walker every place she went, in case she got tired and had to use it!"
We recommend taking the following for Arthritis

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Rheumatoid Arthritis: Occupational Therapy Assessment

Usually by the time the patient with rheumatoid arthritis requires or opts for surgery, there would have been quite a bit of joint damage and some degrees of subluxation or deformity of the joints. Comprehensive occupational therapy assessment would include physical, physiological, psychological, social and environmental perspectives of the patient with rheumatoid arthritis. It is often at this stage also that many of the patients would probably have stopped any form of paid employment, except for housewives who would still be doing household chores.

The things that the hand occupational therapist will be looking out for includes power, presence of deformity, any signs of subluxation, skin temperature, pain and range of motions will be assessed. Given the fact that rheumatoid arthritis has its cycles of exarcebations and remissions, it'd be good to keep an assessment mindset over at least 3 sessions to ascertain the hand and its function. It'd be good also to breakdown the assessment over 2-4 sessions depending on patient's ability to tolerate each session, as not all patients would like to keep travelling to the clinic.

The hand occupational therapist would then perform a series of checks, one of them is the informal interview. The results of the informal interview may be rather inaccurate as the patient might refer to a time prior to the onset of the disease, and since the disease is progressive they might not be very accurate as well. It'd be best to combine a variety of assessment tools eq quantitative and qualitative approach to have a more holistic idea to their hand function.

Essentially, it is best for the hand occupational therapist to perform a practical assessment task on the patient, covering the activities of daily living (ADL).

The ADL activity assessment should include but is not limited to:

1. dressing: able to wear and take off own clothing, including undergarments and prostheses, if any
2. personal hygiene: brushing teeth, wiping/washing face, handwashing
3. toileting: ability to perform voiding activities
4. feeding: feeding and drinking during meal times
5. mobility: walking, stairs management, transfers
6. housework: cleaning, laundry, marketing, money management
7. communications: using a phone to SMS or make calls, writing, typing etc.

Alarming Signs Of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease of small joints in the hands and feet. It may also target knees, wrists, neck, shoulders, elbow; even the jaw joints. In this disease, the individual's immune system affects the lining of the joints, causing painful swelling and joint deformities in severe conditions. The immune system makes antibodies against the joint, direct lymphocytes, stimulate cytokine production that cause inflammation of the joint, which is otherwise a normal reaction of the immune system against foreign particles or pathogens. The problem is three times more common in females as compared to men. It generally appears between ages 40 to 60 years, however, exceptions may exist.

People are quite differently affected by rheumatoid arthritis. Some show little or no symptoms, while others experience a hyper reaction from the beginning. It is characterized by several mild and severe symptoms. The symptoms appear in symmetric fashion, affecting the joint on both sides of the body.

Joint inflammation is the defining trait of rheumatoid arthritis. It is defined by stiffness of the joint making it difficult to move. Morning stiffness is the common observation in arthritis patients. The stiffened joint may take an hour to get back to its working state. Stiffness is always accompanied with the swelling of the joint. Swelling occurs when the fluid gets into the joint and makes it puffy. Both, swelling and stiffness make the condition worse.

In rheumatoid arthritis, the affected joint area appears pink and warmer, relative to other body parts. All these symptoms cause severe pain in the joint. Temporary as well as permanent inflammation, both increase the joint sensitivity, making it tender and extremely painful.

In addition to the observable signs, the patient may observe a change in general health. Fatigue and malaise are the most common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. A patient stays in a constant state of being ill and the body feels weak to take any physical stress. The situation usually leads to loss of appetite, which in turn causes things such as weakness of the body and muscles.

Fever is a common symptom in rheumatoid arthritis, and is a part of auto immune response. In case of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, also called Still's disease, the patients experience high fever, with shaking chills followed by pain and swelling in joints. Being related to other diseases, the symptoms may present a great challenge for correct diagnosis of the problem.

Treatment and Management Options For Rheumatoid Arthritis

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

It is a disorder of the body system involving inflammation and degenerative changes principally in the small and large synovial joints. This is often associated with a lot of systemic disturbance and extra-articular disease. It usually pursues a chronic course that is life-long, with intermittent exacerbations and remissions with highly variable severity of symptoms and signs.

What is the cause?

The cause of the disease is unknown but autoimmunity plays a major role in its chronicity and manifestations and it is often considered to be a systemic autoimmune disease.

What are the signs and symptoms for diagnosis?

Most patients experience at least four or more of the following symptoms and signs of the disease by the time they present themselves for treatment at the clinic:-

- Morning stiffness (> 1 hour)
- Arthritis of hand joints
- Symmetrical Arthritis
- Arthritis of three or more joint areas
- Rheumatoid nodules
- Rheumatoid factor
- Radiological changes seen on X-ray of joints
- Problem has been on for more than 6 weeks

Most commonly patients present with a gradual onset of arthralgia (often symmetrical) and synovitis of the small joints of the hands, wrist and feet. In some, onset may be paindromic, with recurrent acute episodes of joint pain and swelling which may last from a few hours to days. Whatever pattern of presentation, most sufferers have evidence of morning and inactivity stiffness and stress pain.

It is to be noted that RA is a systemic disease and other extra-articular areas of the body may be affected. These include:-

繚 The Muscles and Tendons
繚 The blood vessels and Lymphatic's including Lymph nodes
繚 The Lungs
繚 The heart
繚 The Nerves and nervous system
繚 Amyloidosis

Treatment Options and Management:

In the U.S.A. about 1.3 million people are affected by the disease, being three times more prevalent in women especially during the post-partum and breastfeeding periods. Age of onset is usually between 40 to 50 years but it can occur in any age group.

For the majority of patients, the aims of management are:-

- To educate the patient

- Control pain

- Optimize bodily functions, especially that of the joints

- Modify the disease process in such a way that will most benefit the patient

Since there is a wide variety of treatment modules, the expertise of a number of health professionals working synergistically together may be required for most patients. The patients' symptoms and signs change with time and will usually require adjustments of the treatment modules. There is no cure for RA. Medications help to reduce joint inflammation, pain, and slow down joint damage, while occupational and physical therapy teach on how to protect the joints and how to make use of adaptive utensils where there is joint deformity causing limitations of movement. Severely damaged joints by RA may require surgery to regain some appreciable functionality back.

Type of Medications in Use:

The following are the various drugs used to treat RA. Most patients require a combination of drugs to get the most beneficial effect:-

Steroids:-

These help reduce the inflammatory process and slow down the damage to joints. It cannot be used for long term treatment because of its undesirable side effects. Most of the time it is prescribed to relieve the acute symptoms of the disease. Those usually prescribed include Prednisone and methylprednisolone (Medrol).

Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs):-

These are drugs that act to slow down the auto-immune destructive processes of RA, thus saving the joints and other tissues from permanent damage. Among the common one's often prescribed are: Minocycline (Minocin), Methotrexate (Trexall), Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)

TNF-alpha Inhibitors:

These inhibit a destructive substance, Tumor necrosis factor alpha, produced in the body causing severe inflammatory activity in various body tissues. Use of these drugs help to reduce morning stiffness, and painful swelling of the joints. They include; Infliximab (Remicade) and Adalimumab (Humira).

NSAIDs:

These are Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs and are used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. They include Ibuprofen (Advil), and Naproxen sodium (Aleve), which are off the counter drugs (OTC). Stronger ones in this group are prescription only drugs.

Immunosuppressants:

These are drugs that try to correct the abnormal behavior of the immune body system in RA. Examples include Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), Azathioprine (Imuran) and Cyclosporine (Neoral)

Other Medications:

There are some other inflammatory substances produced by the body in RA. These act as targets for some other drugs used in the treatment of RA. They include Abatacept (Orencia), Rituximab (Rituxan) and Anakinra (Kineret).

Exercise and Occupational Therapy:

Occupational therapists play a very important role in the treatment and management of RA patients. They teach them basic exercise movements that will help affected joints not to become stiff. They also help them to find different methods to approach everyday tasks in ways that take stress off painful joints and also teach and encourage the use of assistive devices to make their work easier.

Surgery:

This should be a last resort when all else has failed and there is evidence of damage to joints.

The different types of Surgery performed for RA are as follows:-

- Total joint replacement (Arthroplasty)
- Tendon repair
- Removal of the joint lining (Synovectomy)
- Joint fusion (Arthrodesis)

Author: Ola Suyee

Fibromyalgia - What Is It And Can Heat Therapy Wheat Bags Help?

Fibromyalgia is a medical term and is derived from three terms; fibro which means fibrous tissues such as ligaments and tendons, my which means muscles and algia pain. Fibromyalgia is a condition which is associated with lots of aching, and burning of the muscles causing joint fatigue which can either be mild or severe. The prevalence of this condition in European countries is anywhere from 2.9% to 4.7% making it as common if not more than rheumatoid arthritis.

Fibromyalgia is a disorder which causes lots of pain and fatigue. The majority of people who suffer from this condition have a number of tender points. These are referred to areas on the body usually the arms, shoulders, legs, hips and neck that hurt every time pressure is applied on them. In addition there are other symptoms that serious affect a person's overall quality of life.

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Not everyone who has this condition will necessarily suffer from the same symptoms. The pain may either affect the whole body or it may be severe in just a few areas. The most difficult symptom which many people find hard to manage is chronic fatigue which is associated with this disease. The other symptoms include mild depression, tingling, poor concentration, and numbness. People may also experience difficulty from waking up during the night. There are also many people who will experience fibro fog which is a memory and cognitive problem. However the overall severity of these symptoms will vary quite a bit through the day.

Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia

However the problem with this condition is that there aren't any tests which can conclusive diagnose it. Doctors will normally perform a number of routine tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms such as chronic fatigue, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. There is definitely a correlation between mental health disorders such as depression and fibromyalgia.

The Causes of Fibromyalgia

The exact causes of fibromyalgia are still not known even though medical researchers have put forth a number of theories. Some of the factors involve stress or even traumatic events, repetitive injuries, genetics and illness. People who have rheumatoid arthritis or even lupus may be more open to this condition. Women are around seven times more likely to develop fibromyalgia as compared to men and some researchers believe it is because of hormonal imbalances or low serotonin levels in the brain. Some researchers believe it may be spinal and brain injuries that cause this condition while others think it is caused by a substance P.

Controlling Fibromyalgia Symptoms

The treatment of fibromyalgia is often very problematic since it causes lots of unknown diseases. This is a chronic condition and much of the medication to relieve pain does have side effects if used for an extended period of time. However the majority of doctors recommend that their patience get regular exercise, a healthy diet and relaxation to manage their symptoms. Anti-inflammatories are ineffective since they is no inflammation reported in fibromyalgia.

Heat Therapy for Fibromyalgia Symptoms

Heat therapy is a very old remedy for muscular pain. This works because it improves circulation and helps get oxygenated blood to the muscles which relieves cramps and promotes relaxation. When you apply wheat bags or heat pads it can help to relive muscle pain in people who are suffering from fibromyalgia. Microwave heat pads and wheat bags are relatively inexpensive and can help provide a great deal of relief from the pain and help relieve stress which contributes to the condition.

Heat Therapy works to reduce the pain signals sent to the brain by the affected nerve. In addition heat also improves circulation and reduces discomfort and pain. Heat therapy also helps to relax the muscles which allows for better sleep.

There is no known cure for fibromyalgia but like all other chronic conditions a good healthy lifestyle can help reduce the flare ups and control the symptoms. Using microwave heat pads, wheat bags and heat therapy can help to alleviate the pain and promote further relaxation all without the harmful effects of prescription medication. Most people suffering from fibromyalgia will lead normal and productive lives.

Taking Back Control With a Natural Protocol for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Last year, both my father and my mother's brother were diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, a debilitating autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the tissues of the body, creating extensive inflammation, pain, fatigue, and a significant decrease in one's quality of life.

Their symptoms had doctors thinking everything from gout to Lyme's Disease, but eventually the increasing pain and systemic effect of the disease led doctors to diagnose and prescribe the standard pharmaceutical protocol for RA, which is a cocktail of chemotherapy drugs such as Methotrexate or Humira and is designed to inhibit the overactive immune system. The side effects of either drug are astounding - severe toxicity of the liver, lungs, and kidneys, headaches, mouth sores, internal bleeding, hair loss, low white blood cell count, and extreme fatigue are all associated with Methotrexate. Side effects for Humira include severe upper respiratory infection, lupus-like symptoms post-treatment, thus indicating lasting immune system inhibition, and most frightening of all, central nervous system disorders such as multiple sclerosis. This is on top of the steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed to manage the inflammation and pain, which we know come with their own side effects.

I don't know about you, but one look at these side effects would send me running to find natural methods to combat RA...and that is exactly what I did to help my dad and uncle.

After a few months on the drugs, they both experienced a decrease in the progression of the disease, but only slight changes in joint pain, and a new debilitating symptom - intense, overbearing fatigue. My uncle had been biking 20 miles at a clip several times a week at age 60 before he took the drugs designed to fight the disease, and, after taking them, he barely had the energy to get up in the morning. My father, at 58, was experiencing the same fatigue, and constant, unrelenting pain in the saddle joint of his left thumb which stopped him from riding his Harley, his passion, because he could not squeeze the clutch handle without excruciating pain.

Being a Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified health Counselor, and an Internationally Certified Aromatherapist, I had an idea of where to start looking for natural methods to manage the disease. I learned that there are several factors that play a role in creating an environment where this disease can manifest. One is free radical damage. Free radicals are molecular combinations of oxygen and other atoms that "kidnap" electrons from healthy cells in our bodies. The removal of this electron causes oxidative damage where the robbed cells essentially rust. This causes degeneration of the body's tissues, inflammation, and a state of acidosis. This is why anti-oxidants are so important in our diet. As we age, our body stops producing as many free-radical fighters and thus the oxidative damage will grow continually worse and lead to numerous "age-related" conditions. Acidosis was another factor I found to play a crucial role in RA. Acidosis is a condition where the body's pH has become too acidic and leads to a very unhealthy internal state. Acidosis creates an environment for many diseases as well as autoimmune disorders. Diet plays a major role in this - the consumption of natural, whole, fresh foods helps to stabilize pH.

So, after much research, I came up with a protocol of my own for my uncle and father:

First, 4-6 ounces of NingXia Red daily. NingXia Red is an essential-oil enhanced, whole-fruit puree supplemental drink comprised mostly of Lycium Barbarum (a specific wolfberry fruit) which has amazing, clinically tested antioxidant powers. According to testing developed by Tufts University, the wolfberry has the highest levels of naturally occurring S-ORAC (Super-Oxide Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) - thus it has an unsurpassed ability to fight free-radical damage in the body. This unique fruit boasts an nutritional profile usually unheard of in fruit which includes 15% protein by weight, 17 trace elements, 4 major minerals including calcium and potassium, 6 essential fatty acids, 18 amino acids, the highest vitamin C content of any fruit or vegetable, as well as zeazanthin, polyphenols and beta carotein - all of which balance Ph in the body. The wolfberry even contains a natural anti-inflammatory called beta-sitosterol!

Second, therapeutic-grade essential oils. My uncle chose to use essential oils consistently in his daily life to replace other toxic household products, while my father used one oil specifically blended to decrease pain and heal tissue. It is called PanAway and is a blend of clove, helichrysum, wintergreen and peppermint essential oils. (Note that not all essential oils are medicinal quality -the oils I recommended to them are currently used in Beth Israel Medical Center in NYC and the Cleveland Clinic.)

Third, daily supplementation of MSM. MSM is a truly a miracle substance! It is a naturally occurring mineral derivative of sulfur and has an amazing ability to eliminate pain and inflammation - naturally. The form of MSM they took is called Sulfurzyme and it is a blend of MSM and dried wolfberry powder.

As a result, my father is back on his motorcycle and my Uncle Bob, after exactly 8 weeks of a committed regimen of my recommendations, was able to wean completely off his medications! Both of their stories are amazing and I am on a personal mission to spread the word to other arthritis suffers. There is an answer and it is free of debilitating side effects!

What Is Seronegative Arthritis?

There are more than a hundred different types of arthritis, with each form affecting differing areas of the body, having different root causes and at times symptoms that cannot be found in the other forms of arthritis. The common symptoms of all forms of arthritis, however, is joint pain and difficulty resulting from damage to the connective tissues of the joints. Because each form is different, proper diagnosis is required in order to get correct treatment.

One of the forms of arthritis that gives doctors difficulty in diagnosis is seronegative arthritis. This disease is actually a collection of different forms of arthritis that have symptoms that are similar to rheumatoid arthritis. This similarity is what makes the different forms of seronegative arthritis sometimes be misdiagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis, but there are distinct differences between them.

The main difference, and the reason for the name "seronegative" is that those with rheumatoid arthritis are found to have the autoantibody called rheumatoid factor, while those with seronegative arthritis are found not to have this autoantibody. This, combined with an analysis of the different symptoms, can lead to a proper diagnosis of whether the form of arthritis present in an individual is rheumatoid arthritis, or one of the types of seronegative arthritis.

As previously mentioned, there are different forms of seronegative arthritis, and each of these forms affect different areas of the body. As with rheumatoid arthritis, seronegative arthritis does not only attack the joints, but also different organs of the body, which again is one reason that the two can often be confused with each other.

Examples of this disorder include but are not limited to: psoriatic arthritis, Reiter's syndrome or reactive arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.

Psoriatic arthritis is a result of psoriasis, which is a chronic skin condition. Up to thirty percent of those with psoriasis will eventually develop psioriatic arthritis about ten years after developing psoriasis. This form of arthritis is inflammatory in nature, and has five different types, which can further complicate diagnosis.

Reiter's syndrome or reactive arthritis is caused by a bacterial infection. Often this form of arthritis is difficult to diagnose, as the infection that caused the arthritis has often been cured or in remission by the time the symptoms are observed. In most cases, reactive arthritis is a temporary condition, though up to twenty percent of those who develop reactive arthritis will develop a chronic form of this disorder.

Ankylosing spondylitis is a seronegative arthritis that affects the spine. It typically affects young males, aged twenty to forty, who will first experience chronic pain in the lower spine. This pain often spreads throughout the spine, into the neck, and may also affect the ribs, shoulder blades, hips, thighs and heels. Often those with this disease also feel fatigue, experience fever, and may be anemic as well. Up to forty percent experience inflammation of the eye as well.

Cherry Juice - Can It Relieve My Gout and Arthritis Pain Naturally?

Gout pain and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms affect more than forty million individuals in the United States. What this means is roughly 1 in 5 individuals endure daily discomfort due to pain, therefore limiting their full satisfaction of life. One organic treatment many are embracing is the Montmorency tart cherry and the reason is straightforward, it really works.

Based on published study outcomes, tart cherries and tart cherry fruit juice may alleviate the pain associated with inflammation and gout pain discomfort. This is a short listing of some of the anti-inflammatory advantages of cherries:

Gout pain
Arthritis
Muscle Discomfort
Pain
Muscle Tenderness

Anthocyanins working in conjunction with the other substances make the cherry the very first option for natural pain alleviation. Actually, it's the anthocyanins that give the actual cherry its deep red color.

Along with helping decrease irritation in the joints to help joint disease victims, this particular ruby red fruit likewise helps to reduce uric acid ranges in your body and break down uric acid deposits that form between your joint to trigger gout pain discomfort. Research in the University of California Davis pointed out that a solitary serving of cherries substantially reduced uric acid ranges in the ladies participants up to 15%.

Therefore with all the kinds of cherries available such as tart, dark and sweet which is the best?

While, just about all cherries contain the important anthocyanins, it's the tart cherries that have proven to have greater levels of anthocyanins and phenolics than the dark, sweet cherry. As the dark cherry products might be much more easily available, you would like use the tart cherry products because of the greater levels of anthocyanins and phenolics.

Just how much tart cherry fruit juice should you consume?

Most people experiencing pain alleviation from consuming 1 oz (2 tbsps) cherry fruit juice concentrate daily. The very best daily serving for the cherry pills would be to take 2 pills daily. Once you start the cherry regiments you should start feeling the main difference anywhere from 2 to 4 days. Additionally, according the cherry industry expert factors to consider you are getting quite a lot of cherry per helping.

Where are you able to find tart cherries?

Fresh cherries are available in the produce section of the local food during the summer time crop period or even from Thompson family farming. Tart cherry fruit juice could be a harder to locate, however one dependable supply is Traverse Bay Farming. The organization may even deliver the merchandise to your doorway free of any kind of delivery costs. Lastly, the cherry pills are available from Fruit Benefit. The organization even offers free shipping on the pills. The advantage of the liquid and getting the pills are actually these items are available for year round usage.

Therefore the next time you are looking for an all natural method to battle pain add some tart cherries to your diet plan.

Find Out Here Which Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptom You Could Have

Arthritis is a complex disease and in fact there are one hundred plus forms. However, two represent by far the main ones: rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. We'll just talk about these two for now. They are quite different as you will see.

Osteoarthritis is often called degenerative arthritis which is a good name as it is caused by the degeneration of the cartilage between the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an auto immune disease, so is completely different.

Here's a list to see if you have any or just one rheumatoid arthritis symptom?

1. Joint pain on both sides of the body
2. Inflammation and swelling of joints - particularly in the hands and the knees
3. Aches and pains in your joints, again the hands and knees are particularly affected
4. Stiffness in the morning that often lasts more than hour
5. Weak muscles due to stiff joints and less activity
6. Severe fatigue - tired all the time, everything is just too much
7. Generally feeling unwell, even nauseous; possible weight loss

If one or more of these symptoms affect you, then the first step would be to go and see your doctor and talk to him. He will examine you thoroughly and will probably recommend a blood test. There is a particular blood test that can determine whether you have rheumatism or not - it's call the rheumatoid factor. Maybe your doctor will also recommend you have an x-ray done to find out what damage there is to your joints or your cartilage.

If these tests are positive, then there are many options you can take. Although at the present time there is no known cure for arthritis, there are lots of options as far as pain relief is concerned. In fact rheumatism affects people in very different ways because it is an auto immune disease and everyone's body reacts differently.

They key here is to stay true to yourself. If you really don't want to have medication, then try natural remedies. There are so many ways to relief pain naturally and supplements to help hinder the degeneration of the joints and cartilage. Even acupuncture can help. Choose what is right for you. The same applies if you want to take a purely scientific approach . Your doctor will be happy to prescribe medication. If they don't work, go back and try again until you find something that relieves your pain.

The first step is to see if you have any of the rheumatoid arthritis symptom and if so, stay positive. Many many people live well and manage their disease admirably.

Is There An Allergy Arthritis Connection?

Arthritis is one of the most debilitating conditions in the United States and a major cause of missed work. Unfortunately, traditional treatments are limited and almost solely focused on anti-inflammatory medications, not on eliminating the original trigger of that inflammation.

What Does "Arthritis" Mean?

The word "arthritis" simply means "joint inflammation." There are basically two types: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

• Osteoarthritis is inflammation caused by degeneration of the joint and is due to chronic wear and tear. Osteoarthritis is most commonly found in the knees.


• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a more common term for inflammation, pain, and swelling of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is often seen in the hands, although it can affect just about any part in the body.

The Traditional Approach to Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is considered by an autoimmune condition of unknown cause. This belief ignores a large volume of scientific evidence pointing to food allergies as a major cause of arthritis. The correlation between arthritis and allergies is found to be quite significant.

Dr. Theron G. Randolph of Illinois was the founder of environmental medicine. Over the course of his research, he tested over 1000 arthritis patients with commonly eaten foods and chemical substances. He tested substances ranging from natural gas, auto exhaust, paints, perfume, hair spray, insecticides, tobacco and smoke to find out which of these substances caused their symptoms.

Various other studies have shown that numerous foods, food additives, as well as foreign invaders like protozoa, bacteria, yeast,and fungus can trigger or aggravate arthritic symptoms. In the case of food allergies, eating too much of a certain food too often is another problem. "Most people eat the same few foods over and over again, sometimes quite literally 'ad nauseam', wrote Doctor Randolph.

In addition, Dr. Marshall Mandell, the author of, Dr. Mandell's Allergy-Free Cookbook, tested over 6000 patients. He found that foods, chemicals, grasses, pollen, molds, and other airborne substances caused allergic reactions in the joints of nearly 85% of arthritics he tested.

The medical community has focused almost solely on treating arthritis with anti-inflammatory medications, either prescription or over-the-counter. These medications only offer temporary relief of the pain and swelling, but they never cure arthritis. Over the long term this type of treatment also comes with a host of side-effects.

Is It Possible to Eliminate the Inflammation Without Drugs?

Very often it is actually possible to eliminate the cause of the inflammation without resorting to drugs to suppress it. Inflammation is actually caused by the immune system. The important question is, "Why is the immune system creating inflammation?"

What Triggers the Immune System to Create Inflammation?璽?玲?/p>

Anything that triggers an immune response also triggers inflammation. This includes allergies, foods that are incorrectly identified by the immune system as not belonging in the body. Therefore an allergic reaction to a food can result in inflammation of the joints and pain.

What Foods Cause Arthritis?

The body can be allergic to any food, therefore any food allergy is capable of causing inflammation and arthritis. This includes RA, juvenile arthritis, and undefined joint pains.

This is why it can be so difficult for one to recognize the relationship between their diet and their symptoms. Many times, there is a delay between eating the suspect food and the associated pain.

What can be done?

If we can erase the faulty programming and replace it with a program that doesn't create inflammation, the pain will reduce and in many cases go away completely.

Programs like NAET have been very effective in treating joint pain and allergies. And if you don't have the time or money to investigate this very successful allergy elimination treatment.

The Allergy Kit is another and I think your best option to eliminate the pain of RA. It's a home treatment, similar to NAET and eliminates the allergic response permanently. It's easy to do and much less expensive than seeing a practitioner.

Arthritis Treatment: Psoriatic Arthritis - Diagnosis and Treatment Options

There are more than 100 different types of arthritis. The term arthritis is derived from the Greek, "arthron" meaning joint and "itis" meaning inflammation.

Despite the multiplicity of conditions encompassed by this term, there are some forms of arthritis which are much more common than others. Examples include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, pseudogout, and psoriatic arthritis (PA).

PA is a chronic, systemic, autoimmune-driven inflammatory form of arthritis that occurs with increased prevalence in patients who also have psoriasis, a skin condition. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, between 10% and 30% of people with psoriasis develop PA.

Symptoms of this condition may be mild. However, many patients develop severe arthritis with pronounced stiffness, joint swelling, pain and limited range of motion. One distinguishing feature of this disease is the extensive involvement of the ligaments and tendons adjacent to joints. The tendon and ligament involvement may be quantitatively greater than the joint involvement.

The tendons that appear to be involved most often are the Achilles, patellar tendon of the knee, tendons of the elbow, and the tendons of the fingers and toes.

Patients with PA can develop painful swelling of the fingers and toes. The swelling can be so profound that the digits look like sausages. They are sometimes referred to as "sausage digits." An unusual, but devastating form of PA can cause mutilation deformity of the fingers.

Skin involvement with psoriasis is not usually difficult to spot although it is important to examine all areas where the rash can occur including the scalp, behind and in the ears, armpits, belly button, gluteal crease, and inguinal region.

The finger nails and toe nails may show tiny pits or actually seem to lift off the nail bed. These changes are sometimes misdiagnosed as being due to fungus.

Systemic symptoms and signs may be present. A large percent of patients with psoriatic arthritis develop inflammatory eye disease. Significant morning stiffness, lasting an hour or more, and fatigue are also features of this disease.

PA can also attack the axial skeleton- the spine.

Treatment of PA resides in making the proper diagnosis and initiating aggressive therapy. The diagnosis is suspected clinically and may be confirmed using imaging procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs such as methotrexate and sulfasalazine can be helpful for the peripheral tendon and ligament inflammation. Usually though, patients require biologic therapy in order to obtain remission. Tumor necrosis inhibitors such as Enbrel, Humira, Remicade, and Simponi may be quite useful.

Fighting Crohn's and Arthritis Joint Pain Naturally

In the past, whenever people had a painful condition in their stomach or joints, their natural reaction was to go to the medicine chest for the best advertised over the counter or doctor recommend prescription drug of the day. Most folks just didn't know that there were any alternatives to drugs made in the lab, and the potential risks of harmful side effects from taking them. In fact studies show that even now, half the population doesn't think natural supplements are worth buying. The Federal Drug Administration doesn't even think they are important enough to try and regulate.

However, an increasing number of people are delighted with the positive results they are discovering by taking certain types of natural supplements derived from plant compounds found in fruits and vegetables and even certain kinds of tree bark...specifically pine bark or pycnogenol. These supplements called OPC's or (Oligomeric Proanthocyandidins) belong to a specific family called bioflavanoids...which are powerful antioxidants that encourage your body's own immune system to respond appropriately to inflammation, allergy and infections. Antioxidants are compounds that protect the body's cells and tissues from being damaged by free-radicals, which contribute to aging and illness. Free radicals are created by environmental pollution, food additives, high-fat diets, excessive alcohol, smoking and second hand smoke, burns, infection, stress, radiation and nutrient deficiencies. In short...everyone is exposed to free-radicals on a daily basis. But by giving our own bodies immune system the strength it needs to fight off free radicals and their effects, we can live healthier, longer and more active lives.

Besides the inflammation and pain in the intestines, most Crohn's sufferers, like Arthritis sufferers experience a great deal of pain and stiffness in their joints, mostly in the elbows, knees, wrists and ankles. While traditional medicines simply treat the pain symptom itself by blocking it out, antioxidant rich natural supplements like OPC's go straight to the root cause of the pain...namely the inflammation, and eliminate it naturally, without producing any harmful side effects in the body. If inflammation is the direct cause of pain, whether from an injury or a degenerative disease like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's, Colitis, etc., it seems only logical that the inflammation should be addressed functionally through immobilization and by antagonizing the chemical messengers (such as histamine and prostaglandins) that are responsible for the inflammatory response and subsequent pain to begin with. Bioflavanoids have been proven very successful in this pursuit. Actually, OPC's are not the only bioflavanoids available...there are literally thousands. For example Vitamins A, C, E, zinc, selenium and beta carotene (to name a few) are also known for their strong antioxidant properties. However, out of all the of antioxidant bioflavanoids available, only the grape seed extract and pine bark rich OPC's are considered to be the most powerful.

While OPC has not been proven to cure any disease or condition, reducing the amount of free-radicals in the body levels the playing field and allows it (your immune system) to heal itself amazingly well!

Common Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammation of the joints. This disease is categorized as an autoimmune disease because people suffering from this condition have antibodies in their blood that target their own body tissues. As a result, the joints are mistakenly attacked by the body's own immune system. The condition is likely to occur in people between the ages of 40 and 50. It is very common in the US and not less than 2 million Americans are diagnosed with this disease. In fact, it is the most common type of arthritis in the US. Women are more prone to rheumatoid arthritis than men at a ratio of 3:1.

Rheumatoid arthritis can attack various organs and tissues in the human body. However, it mainly attacks synovial joints in the hands, wrists, ankles, and knees. Common arthritis symptoms include fever, weight loss, malaise, as well as muscle ache and pain. People suffering from arthritis are also likely to experience the feeling of tiredness, lack of sleep, the inability to use the hand or walk properly, and difficulty in moving their joints especially in the morning.

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms include the ones mentioned previously as well as other specific signs which differentiate this type of arthritis from other types such as osteoarthritis and gouty arthritis. Besides the above mentioned symptoms, people with this disease will suffer from joint pain, joint stiffness, joint swelling and joint tenderness. They will also feel warmness around the affected joints. The pains are likely to occur symmetrically. For example, if you feel pain in one knee, you will also feel pain in the other. The sufferers can also find lumps under their skin, usually on the hands or elbows, which are called the rheumatoid nodules. This type of arthritis can also cause joint space narrowing and bone erosion as well. Other rheumatoid arthritis symptoms also include anemia, increasing ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), ulnar deviation, rheumatoid factor, swan neck, and hand deformity.

Hand deformity is a common occurrence in people suffering from this condition. Hand deformities in people with this disease occur when ulnar deviation happens. Ulnar deviation is the condition when the fingers deviate towards the ulna (the inner bone of the forearm). The disease can also prevent the fingers from functioning properly due to ruptured tendons. As mentioned before, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, meaning that it can't be cured. However, surgery may be helpful to correct deformities caused by this disease.

Recognising The Symptoms Of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most widespread diseases in the world and it affects male and female, young and old. It is estimated that three in every hundred people develop rheumatoid arthritis.

Although it affects both sexes, more women than men are likely to develop this debilitating condition. The disease generally occurs between the ages of 30 and 60, but it can strike at any age.

Currently no direct cause for rheumatoid arthritis has been determined. There are a number of factors that may trigger the condition which include, predisposing genetic factors, bacterial or viral infections, chemicals in foods, sporting injuries and even stress. It's also possible that it may take a one or more of these to trigger the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

What we do know is that rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. This basically means our immune system is faulty and doesn't behave in the way it should behave.

The key role of the body's immune system is to protect it from outside invaders and repair the damage when things go wrong. When the immune system is working normally it knows which particles, cells and bacteria that is good or bad. In order to protect our body the immune system will attack the foreign invaders that don' belong in our bodies.

Inflammation and swelling is the natural process of the body healing itself. For example if you break a bone in your body it will soon be followed by swelling and inflammation. This is a result of our immune system repairing the broken bone.

Unfortunately, when the immune system is faulty it cannot tell the difference between which particles are foreign to the body and which are not. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) the malfunctioning immune system attacks the joints.

To understand how RA affects the joints and its common symptoms causes it is better to have an understanding of how the joints work. Your joints are a lot more than just than two bones moving together. They also include a complex network of tendons, ligaments, joint capsules, cartilage and synovial fluid.

The edges of the two opposing bones are lined with a soft substance called cartilage. In between the joint is a capsule which contains synovial fluid. The cartilage and the fluid act as shock absorbers between the joints which also helps to protect them.

When a flare-up occurs the joints synovial fluid becomes inflamed. The inflammation results in too much fluid being produced which leads to swelling. The swelling also makes the joint lining thicker and this begins to destroy the protective layer of cartilage.

As pointed out earlier the cartilage acts as a shock absorber, but if the condition is left untreated the exposed cause severe pain when they rub together. In severe cases of RA the bones can actually fuse together and the person can lose all movement and mobility in the joint.

It's important to spot the symptoms of RA as soon as possible before the condition progresses and gets worse. The early symptoms are discomfort and pain in the fingers and the feet.

Another early warning sign is morning stiffness when moving your joints can feel heavy and sluggish especially after getting out of bed or up after a long period of rest. In the early stages the stiffness can easily be reduced with gentle movement and stretching of the joints.

With RA the joints will swell up and feel warm due to the inflammation. As well as joint pain the inflammation may spread to other organs of the body. With RA people can also suffer from chronic fatigue both physically and mentally.

The symptoms of RA will come and go. This means that between flare-ups there will be periods of remission where the pain and inflammation will reduce or even disappear. However, RA is unpredictable as it can re-occur even after long periods of no symptoms at all.

Will Anatrin Help in Dealing With Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia Syndrome is a musculoskeletal pain and fatigue disorder often confused with arthritis and chronic fatigue syndrome. There is no universally accepted cure for fibromyalgia, although some physicians have claimed success in finding cures. Improvements in the treatment of fibromyalgia have resulted from a continued focus on the condition, and these treatments range from addressing symptoms with the use of prescription drugs to alternative and complementary medicine.

This article reviews Anatrin, a natural supplement that can be used to help in addressing some of issues confronting Fibromyalgia patients. This deals with the nutritional deficiencies commonly seen in fibromyalgia patients, effectively replacing the critical nutrients lost by the many physical and psychological stressors caused by this syndrome.

Over time, many supplements, including Anatrin, have been developed to help treat diseases which arise out of, or result in, a deficiency in the diet, or are a result of stress on the body.

Fibromyalgia Symptoms

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by muscle pain, tenderness and fatigue. It is considered to be an arthritis related condition in some quarters, however it is important to note that while arthritis causes inflammation and damage to joints and other body tissues, fibromyalgia does not. Its cause is as yet unknown, which means properly targeted treatment with drugs is not yet possible.

Given that, it could be that the best approach is to supplement a balanced diet with Anatrin. This can help in heal muscles weakened by the syndrome while providing much needed respite.

The primary signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia often resemble those of another condition, rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Like arthritis, fibromyalgia also presents with pain, stiffness, fatigue. However, fibromyalgia sufferers usually present secondary symptoms that are not muscle or joint related. Listed below are the most typical primary and secondary symptoms:

• sleep disturbances,





• morning stiffness,





• headaches,





• irritable bowel syndrome,





• painful menstrual periods,





• numbness or tingling of the extremities,





• restless legs syndrome,





• temperature sensitivity,





• cognitive and memory problems (sometimes referred to as "fibro fog"), or





• a variety of other symptoms.

What is inside Anatrin

Anatrin is rich in a many minerals and salts which can assist the bodyin dealing with fibromyalgia. Magnesium is a key component of Anatrin, and this is to restores levels reduced by the condition. Also in Anatrin is ginger root extract which can help the muscles affected to heal. Melatonin helps in restoring sleep cycles to enable the patient to rest more easily.

Each capsule of Anatrin contains:

• Magnesium for the resolution of common fibromyalgia symptoms.





• Ascorbigen and Broccoli Powder: Ascorbigen is one of the most common medicinal compounds, called indoles, released when cruciferous vegetables are cooked. These types of indoles can induce Phase I detoxification in the liver. As well, these chemical constituents promote significant reductions of physical impairment.





• Rhodiola rosea Extract for treating functional fatigue and mild cognitive decline. The compounds in this plant have also been shown to increase ATP production





• Ginger root Extract for the relief of pain. Ginger is considered equally effective as an adjunct treatment, showing additional relief over conventional medication alone





• A number of clinical studies have supported 5-HTP's role in the production of serotonin in patients with fibromyalgia





• Melatonin is a naturally produced biochemical that is secreted from the pineal gland at the base of the brain, which controls circadian rhythms and plays a major role in sleep cycles. Numerous studies have shown a link between melatonin levels in patients with fibromyalgia





• Malic acid is a naturally occurring chemical found most notably in apple juice. It helps improve absorption of some nutrients like magnesium, as well working to reduce pain and tenderness of pressure points

Please check with the manufacturer on exact details of components details and references.

Need to have this supplement

Dietary supplements such as Anatrin have emerged as a real treatment option. Because the cause is unknown the best anyone can do is treat the symptoms. Tests using Anatrin have shown improvements of muscles and joints can be achieved. This is potentially a real fillip for fibromyalgia sufferers, as Anatrin could offer a ray of hope in the treatment of fibromyalgia. If you are at all unsure please consult your health professional.