|
What is Arthritis?
The word ‘arthritis’ means ‘inflammation of joints’. It comes from two Greek words, athron meaning joints and its meaning inflammation. It is a chronic disease process. In the early stages, the whole body is usually involved and one or two joints may become completely deformed, leaving the patient handicapped and somewhat weakened. Arthritis assumes various forms, the most frequent being osteroarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Inflammation is the main feature of arthritis, which is a reaction of the joint tissues to some form of damage or injury. Arthritis signals people in a variety of ways. Joints might crack suddenly, like knees upon standing. Other joints may be stiff and creak. Maybe pain occurs, like when trying to open a jar. Arthritis actually means “joint inflammation” and has over 100 related conditions or type / forms of disease. Left untreated, it can advance, resulting in joint damage that cannot be undone or reversed. So early detection and treatment are important.
Signs & Symptoms
Arthritis symptoms can vary depending on what type of arthritis you have. Arthritis can affect several part of the body and can be caused by several different factors. Although many of the arthritis symptoms may be similar, there are also some differences. Here are a few examples of arthritis symptoms.
Ankylosing spondylitis is arthritis of the joints in the spine. It is also known as Marie-Strumpell disease and rheumatoid spondylitis. This disorder affects multiple organs such as eyes, heart, lungs, skin, and gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms of this arthritis include: low back and hip pain and stiffness; difficulty expanding the chest; pain in neck, shoulders, knees, and ankles; low-grade fever; fatigue; weight loss. Initial arthritis symptoms are uncommon after the age of 30, although patient may not be diagnosed until after then. Bursitis is another form of arthritis. Bursitis usually affects the hip, shoulder, and elbow. But it can also affect the knee, heel, or base of big toe. Usually this affects athletes, golfers, baseball players, or people who are out of shape and have poor posture. This arthritis’ symptoms are pain and stiffness in the joint. Arthritis symptoms become worse when joint is used. The joint may also be swollen and warm to the touch. Juvenile arthritis symptoms are similar to the adult symptoms. There is pain, swelling, and joint stiffness. Symptoms can come and go. Young children especially do not complain about their arthritis symptoms. Parents may not notice until they see their child limping, avoiding physical activity, or acting unusually clumsy. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease which usually occurs in the older age-group. It is brought on partly by long-term everyday use. It results from structural changes in the articular cartilage in the joints, usually those which are weight-bearing such as the spine and knees. Depending on which part of the body is affected, arthritis symptoms may vary. Most people with osteoarthritis in their fingers don’t even know about it unless an x-ray reveals deterioration in the cartilage. Arthritis symptoms are standard with pain and swelling. With osteoarthritis though, even though the arthritis never goes away, the pain fades over time.
The chief symptoms of oesteroarthritis are pain and stiffness in the joints. The pain usually increases after exercise. Other symptoms include watery eyes, dry neck, leg cramps, allergies, arterisclerosis, impairment in the functioning of the gall-bladder and liver disturbances. The possible causes include malnutrition, continuous physical stress, obesity, glandular insufficiency, calcium deficiency and shortage of hydrochloric acid.
Gout is a form of arthritis where the body has too much uric acid. The symptoms of gout arthritis are intense pain in the joint (usually the big toe). It may also become red, swollen, and warm to the touch. This is a painful affliction mainly for men, about one million of them in the United States alone. Uric acid build up, due to an internal chemical malfunction, forms crystals that get stuck in a joint and become inflamed. At times, gout can occur in the wrists, ankles, and knees. Arthritis symptoms may not come back for several years. But if crystals formed by the uric acid are left untreated, it can destroy part of the bone. Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an overactive immune system. Arthritis symptoms usually start out as minor stiffness and pain. It may come and go, but eventually the arthritis systems get worse and more frequent. Treatment for this is most effective if caught within the first few months. Rheumatoid arthritis is a serious disease which affects not only the joints of the fingers, wrists, hips, knees and feet but also the muscles, tendons and other tissues of the body. The disease is due to an inflammatory process of the synovium or lining of the joints accompanied by swelling and eventual deformity. Rheumatoid arthritis is often called the "cooked food disease" . It usually develops gradually over several months with persistent pain and stiffness in one or more joints. Ultimately the whole body is affected. Symptoms include anaemia, colitis, constipation, gall-bladder disturbances, low blood pressure, deformed hands and feet. The condition may be caused by hormonal imbalance, physical and emotional stress, infection, severe fright, shock and injury. Hereditary factors may also be responsible for the onset of this disease.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosis (SLE) - This form of arthritis mainly affects women. It develops in the skin, internal organs and joints.
If you have some arthritis symptoms, contact your doctor. Treatments are always more effective if they are caught in the early stages. You can also get more information on arthritis symptoms from the Arthritis Foundation.
Types of Arthritis
The word ‘arthritis’ means ‘inflammation of joints’. It comes from two Greek words, athron meaning joints and its meaning inflammation. It is a chronic disease process. In the early stages, the whole body is usually involved and one or two joints may become completely deformed, leaving the patient handicapped and somewhat weakened.
And doctors believe there are over 100 different forms of arthritis, all sharing one main characteristic: all forms cause joint inflammation.
The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although both have similar symptoms, both happen for different reasons. When joints are overused and misused, the results can be OA. What happens is that the cushioning cartilage that protects the joint breaks down, resulting in the bones rubbing together. This generally happens in the knees, but can be found in the hips, spine and hands often, too. And only in later stages will a person most often feel pain, after quite a bit of cartilage is lost.
The second type, RA, refers to the body’s immune system attacking joint tissue. Still not fully understood in the medical community, this condition most often starts in a person’s hands, wrists and feet. Then it advances to shoulders, elbows and hips. Similar symptoms include pain, stiffness, fatigue, weakness, slight fever and inflamed tissue lumps under the skin. And both OA and RA generally develop symmetrically, i.e. affecting the same joints on both the left and right sides of the body. A difference in OA and RA to note is with swelling. With RA, people report “soft and squishy” swelling. While with OA, people report “hard and bony” swelling.
Another difference is that a person is more likely to develop RA if a sibling or parent had it. While a person with a history of joint damage, either an injury or chronic strain, runs a higher risk for developing OA.
What Causes Arthritis? INFLAMMATION Arthritic joints can be affected with inflammation when bacteria or a virus (or other undesirable element) enters the joint area or when an injury occurs. What happens is when foreign matter enters this area or the area sustains injury, white blood cells, antibodies and other natural “fighting” mechanisms automatically kick in internally to help. These fighters cause swelling, redness and heat as the body fluid moves around. Symptoms of inflammation, one of the uncomfortable issues associated with arthritis, are redness, swelling and tender joints.
Risk Factors: Arthritis generally afflicts people between the ages of 20 and 50, but can affect all ages, even infants. The average age of onset is 47 and about three out of every five people with arthritis are under 65 years of age.
There is no specific age for arthritis sufferers. While it can affect every age group, it seems to focus on those over 45 years of age. And while neither gender is immune, a reported 74 percent of OA cases (or just over 15 million) occur with women and a slightly lower percentage of RA cases occur with women. People with excess weight tend to develop OA, especially in the knees when reaching over 45 years of age. However, losing weight can turn the odds around almost by half. Regular activity combined with exercise also reduces risk, strengthening joint muscles and reducing joint wear.
Arthritic Prevention & Self Care:
To help with the prevention and relief of arthritis, prescribe a proactive plan for yourself. Take charge of your lifestyle and see where improvements can be made, like with regards to any of the following, listed in no particular order of importance or affect. Acupuncture / Acupressure - Acupuncture or therapeutic 'needle piercing" is the insertion of fine needles into the skin in order to stimulate targeted places in the body, referred to as acupoints. Along with the needles, the acupuncture practitioner also generally applies any of the following to stimulate the points; suction, friction, heat, pressure or electromagnetic energy impulses. The treatment goal is to stimulate the acupoints in order to balance the body’s movement of energy (qi) and restore health. Ask your healthcare provider for practitioner referrals or look in directories under holistic services. Acupressure, also referred to as Relief with Fingertips, is similar to acupuncture, but uses the hands for healing technique instead of needles and other devices. Depending upon the afflicted area and type of arthritic condition, a combination of knuckles, fingers, thumbs and palm massage techniques are use in the surrounding areas. Note that traditional Chinese described four types of arthritic conditions that work alone or in combinations; wind, cold, heat and damp: Wind - Presents itself in the body with moving aches and pains that are worsened by the wind. Cold - Presents itself with swollen and painful joints sensitive to fog, rain and high humidity conditions. Heat - Presents itself in areas reddish in color and inflamed; may feel hot when touched. Damp - Presents itself with aches during colder, decreasing temperatures and storms, i.e. extreme weather changes. Consult your healthcare provider for practitioner referrals or look in directories under holistic services for charts and more information. Aromatherapy - Aromatherapy or "treatment using scents," is another holistic treatment used by some arthritic sufferers for pain relief, skincare and revival, rejuvenation and stress management. Treatment focuses on using pleasurable aromatic botanical oils by either massaging them into the skin, adding them to the bath water, inhaling them directly or diffusing their scents into the surrounding environment. The oils have been known to affect moods, help with relaxation, lessen or end fatigue and anxiety, and help the brain and nervous system via olfactory nerves stimulation when inhaled. Aromatherapy is reportedly one of the fastest growing fields in alternative
medicine, used in home, clinical and hospital environments for pain and stress relief.
Aromatherapy treatments for arthritis vary and essential oils used can include:
• Cinnamomum Camphora (Camphor) Recipe for Arthritis Aromatherapy: Add six drops each of rosemary and chamomile oils to four ounces of a base oil like almond, avocado, sesame or soybean. Massage oil into sore arthritic joints. For added pain relief, relax for about 10 minutes in a warm tub of water in which ten drops each of rosemary and chamomile oils are added. Other Aromatherapy Oil Applications:
Dietary & Exercise Planning - Consult your healthcare provider for guidelines, recipes and menus to help establish a tailor-made diet and exercise plan. If there are other family members with you, make sure to include them in your plans so that there is less stress regarding food decision-making at mealtime. Ask about any vitamins and other supplementary items as well. Activity - Plan regular physical activity on a daily basis. This is for the rest of your life, too, not just to lose 10 lbs, then stop. So plan accordingly, keeping in mind your monthly budget, seasonal weather changes, any equipment and attire needs, etc. Planning ahead avoids the stress of the unexpected; for example, on rainy days when you can’t go jogging or walking. Instead, with advanced preparation, you can simply pop in an exercise video or cassette, borrowed from the public library for that month. Keep a journal and note your progress and see which type activities you like best, which make you feel better and which help you with your overall health plans that may include weight loss or maintenance, and just getting out for some fresh air and sunshine. Heat / Cold - Alternate with hot and cold packs to help with any pain and stiffness that tries to pop up. (When alternating, allow body temperature to return to normal before switching pack treatments.) And nice hot showers or baths in the morning go a long way in helping loosen up those morning muscles and joints. Pain Relievers - Check with your healthcare provider for any over-the-counter and prescription pain relief medications and ointments that may be available to you. Then have supplies on hand. Search online for discounted rates, coupons and specials. Better an ounce of prevention than… running to the store while suffering painful joint problems on a cold, snowy morning for some Tylenol. Ultrasounds - Check into the possibility of having an ultrasound via your healthcare provider or a physical therapist. An ultrasound is a recommended method of helping with pain reduction in an easy, painless manner. Sound waves are sent or generated into the area joint region in pain. TENS Treatment - Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation or TENS for short, is another pain-free alternative to pain relief. In a nutshell, light electrical pulses travel via a tiny TENS unit or device, resulting in a vibrating or tapping sensation, to nerves in the painful joint area. Ask your healthcare provider for more information. Fashion - Forget about focusing on fashion and leaving safety behind. Instead opt for comfortable shoes like a tennis shoe that offers good support. Focus on comfort; so that you can move your toes around a little; rubber soles to help from slips and falls; and low heels to prevent undue stress on knees. Journal - Keep a journal. Don’t be afraid of misspelling words or lousy handwriting. Just be free to jot down your feelings, progress, thoughts, good days and bad. Add stickers and use colored markers or pencils to be more creative. And note any questions you may have, maybe list them at the end of the journal, so that you can take the journal along on medical appointments and ask your healthcare provider. Safety - Don’t worry what others think or say here. If you need and can have safety bars installed and other safety equipment in your home, bathroom areas especially, good for you. Focal points include: safety bars for tub and shower areas, stairways (indoor and out), walkways / driveways that ice up during wintertime and any swimming areas. Network - Team up with a fellow arthritis sufferer or two and meet for walks, chat breaks and fun. Cyber-buddies are great, too. With your favorite search engine, surf for arthritis forums and reach out to meet new people, find new resources to share and more. Get up and Garden - Multiple rewards here! You enjoy this fun outdoor activity and benefit from healthy sunshine and exercise. You’ll harvest plant, fruit and /or vegetable crops to enjoy, share, sell for extra income, donate and leave for local wildlife. Take Breaks - Especially if your job involves a lot of sitting, get up and stretch your legs every 30 minutes or so. Shake out the stiffness. Wrist Aids - If you’re at a keyboard all day, check out the latest wrist rests for your keyboard. Massage - Treat yourself to a massage to relief painful stress. Arthritic patients have found that massage therapy and gentle stretching helps to relieve pain, relax muscles, reduce swelling and aid in range of motion in joints. No funds available? Check out a library book on how to give yourself a message. Here are some basic guidelines. For osteoarthritis: Gently massage around the painful area with a little vegetable oil or massage oil on your fingertips, making small, gentle circles with your fingertips. Avoid massaging directly on the joint. Instead, work right above and below it with your fingertips. Repeat daily for three to five minutes each time. For rheumatoid arthritis: Apply oil or cream to your fingers and use a rhythmic or effleurage massage on the muscle and tissue around the afflicted joint. Repeat daily for five to 10 minutes each time.
Yoga - Yoga has helped arthritic patients with improving confidence, mood, selfawareness, range of motion, relaxation, blood circulation, concentration, stress and pain reduction, health of bones, tendons, muscles and joint ligaments. Classes and instruction are often offered at health and fitness centers; check out public library resources, too (books, videos, audio cassettes, DVDs, etc.) Not much is required to
begin: pillows and a mat, some type of blanket or carpet piece for padding and comfort.
“Let’s Do Yoga,” an article by Christina DiMartino published in Arthritis Today, mentions
six basic yoga positions that offer a wide range of benefits (don’t perform any that
cause strain and remember to confirm with healthcare provider):
CONTINUED HERE: Physical Therapy - Check with your healthcare provider about finding a physical therapist to help with various exercises based upon your diagnosis. Stress Management Techniques - Regardless of arthritis, 70- to 90-percent of the general population reports being stressed, which can sure add to pain and ill health issues. So prevention and self-care are in order. Here are many ways to deal with stress: Assertiveness Training - For some reason, especially if others are older than you, at the mention of arthritis, people can try to minimize what you’re going through, thinking they are older and you shouldn’t be complaining about your “aches and pains.” Well, tough. Age has nothing to do with arthritis or your pain. And others may get caught up in their own lives too much from time to time to notice, but you are important. And so is your health and your pain relief. So take charge and take care of yourself. Learn to say “no” to unhealthy activities that strain your joints. Slow down and use aids where you to need to like grips in the stairways, a walking cane or athletic shoes instead of heeled dress shoes. Your health and pain relief is very important. Coping Skills Training - Learn to cope better by improving three areas: your thinking, behavior and lifestyle. Thought-wise, start thinking more about the positives instead of negatives. For example, there are many more treatment options available today for arthritis. And that’s a very positive ideology to focus on. For help with more, check our positive thinking inspirational nonfiction from the library. And be a volunteer for those less fortunate than you are to get a different perspective on life. Behavior-wise, get more organized. Allow time to plan, shop for and prepare your meals and menus. Allow time for activities, exercises and other self-care necessities. Use a planner or notebook and pencil to jot down daily goals and things to do so that they get done. And do allow time for venting and sharing your frustrations with a close friend. Work in humor whenever possible to lighten the load and make life more enjoyable. And Plan fun things into your life; trips, hikes, etc. And lifestyle-wise, shuffle some of these into your routine: - Pet Therapy - get an animal companion
When to seek Medical Advice:
Basic Science Of Arthritis Joints can handle some heavy pressure. For example, knees handle a force of three to four times a person’s total body weight on average just talking a walk. The force of a deep knee bend during a squat can increase to nine times the body weight.
So just imagine multiplying weight of more than 150 pounds times a minimum of three or four, and then even more. That can sure add up to a lot of heavy work on knee joints over time. Now for the science of this scenario. Where two bones meet, called the joint, the bone ends are covered with cartilage, also known as gristle. This cartilage is sturdy, elastic and spongy or compressible, and keeps the bones from moving against each other at the joint. The cells of this cartilage, called chondrocytes, are thought to be the longest living cells of the body. Surrounding the bones and cartilage is strong, fibrous capsule lined with synovium, a thin membrane that lubricates the joint area with fluid. The end result is less friction or smoother rubbing together of the bones. This fluid also feds the cartilage cells, keeping them healthy, and is “pumped” into them during joint movement. Thus lack of movement (activity / exercise) can be unhealthy. Other parts of the body features involved with this arthritic scenario include muscles, tendons, ligaments, bursea and mental activity. Muscles, attached to bones with tendons and ligaments, move bones by contracting. They also cushion movement, absorbing impact or shock. Throughout the muscle and tendon areas are bursae or sacs filled with fluid. These also help cushion movement. And throughout all the coordination of these parts during movement, the brain is a part. The brain communicates via nerves throughout the body, in particular the muscles for this scenario, to prepare joints for activity. The exact science of what actually causes arthritis is still being researched. For most of the 100-plus forms of arthritis, the causes are unknown. Injury, overuse of joints and mechanical issues with joints (like skeletal abnormalities, worn out joint muscles) can lead to arthritis. And many point to issues relating to bacteria and germs as some of the problem. Heredity, stress, drugs, food allergies and viruses have also been linked to some forms of arthritis. So have diet, poor circulation and lack of movement.
Although there are no cure-alls for arthritis, there are a variety of pain relief treatment strategies. Aside from medications, remedies, replacement alternatives and other helpful treatment options and alternatives, the four main arthritis relief aids are gentle exercise, good nutrition, a positive attitude and rest. And each will be discussed further in subsequent sections, because education can play a huge role to dispel “old wives tales” and myths that “nothing can be done about arthritis.” Notable is that today, only a small percentage of those afflicted with arthritis become crippled. And most never need canes, wheelchairs, or other ambulatory devices. Also note if you suspect you may have arthritis, it is advisable to seek medical advice. Because healthcare providers can help to determine if the symptoms are not something else like a virus or tendonitis or other similar problem that cold potentially worsen if left untreated.
Treatment/Therapy:
Arthritic Options Today There are many ways to effectively manage arthritic pain today to find relief. Available are arthritic diets, exercise programs, over-the-counter and prescription medications, relaxation and positive emotion coping techniques. Also available are surgeries, supplements, home remedies, natural and other alternative therapies. When arthritis is first suspected, it would be wise to seek a medical opinion first. Then as time and resources allow, check out the other options. The basics of each follow. Arthritic Diets & Nutritional Healing There is a great deal of debate in the medical world about the effects of overall diet on arthritis and using diet toward alleviating the condition. Doctors have known for a long time that diet affects gout, a specific type of arthritic condition, however the jury remained out for a long time on other common types of arthritis such as rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. However, overall dietary health is important and does come into play. Being overweight can affect certain arthritic conditions, forcing some joints to carry more of a load. This added weight stresses the joints, causing overuse or more wear to components, and pain, especially in the knees. So making sure arthritic sufferers eat god foods and get help from healthcare providers to create and follow a well-balanced dietary plan is advised. To begin, here is a look at some vitamins, minerals, nutrients / foods and some herbal applications to consider. VITAMINS Vitamin B5 - When grouped and tanked together, B vitamins work at their peak. They, and B5 specifically, are good for reducing swelling. Vitamin B3 - This vitamin reduces tissue swelling and dilates small arteries, increasing blood flow. Note that Vitamin B3 is NOT advised for persons with high blood pressure, gout or sliver disorders. Vitamin B6 - Another B that reduces tissue swelling. Vitamin B12 - This vitamin aids in multiple functions. It helps with cell formation, digestion, myelin production, nerve protection. Vitamin C - This vitamin acts as an anti-inflammatory, relieving pain, and rids the body of free radicals. Vitamin E - This is a strong antioxidant that protects joints from free radicals while increases joint flexibility. Vitamin K - This vitamin assists with mineral deposit into the bone matrix. MINERALS Boron - This trace mineral aids in bone health. Calcium - This is a much-needed mineral for bone health. Magnesium - Magnesium helps keep calcium in balance within the system. Zinc - This mineral is necessary for bone growth, but is often lacking in arthritic patients. Manganese - Manganese is also necessary for bone growth. However, do not ingest manganese with calcium because they can work against each other. Copper - Copper helps to strengthen connective tissue. Germanium - This antioxidant helps with pain relief. Sulfur - A lack of sulfur can result in deterioration of ligaments, cartilage, collagen and tendons. NUTRIENT COMBOS Chondroitin Sulfate - This lubrication in joints, joint fluid and connective tissue, can be found in the sea cucumber. Gelatin - Help with raw cartilage replenishing with this cheap source. Glucosamine Sulfate - This combo is necessary for tendon, ligament, bone, cartilage, and synovial (joint) fluid formation. Quercetin - This helps with inflammation reduction. Type II Collagen - Use this for growth and repair of joints, articular cartilage and connective tissue. Specific product recommendations are available at the bottom of this article OTHER FACTORS There are many factors to consider with regards to arthritic diets and nutritional healing, and each factor may not apply to each individual. For example, certain people are allergic to specific foods, and these allergies can indeed worsen arthritic conditions. Ingesting foods that contain sodium nitrate or tartrazine can inflame rheumatoid arthritis, while ingesting foods containing a substance called hydrazine can contribute to systemic lupus erythematosus, an arthritic condition connected to lupus. There is a rare type of arthritis called Behcet's Disease, and eating black walnuts can cause flare-ups in people with this rare condition. So as you see, there is a variety of arthritic conditions and along with them a variety of foods that may trigger them. The best way to approach the situation is to examine each arthritic condition and tailor one’s approach based upon the specifics. The term arthritis covers over 100 different diseases and conditions. Since it would be impossible to cover all of them in a work such as this, we will look at the most common conditions: rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and gout. There is a prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis sufferers that have an abnormally low blood zinc level. Several independent studies have been conducted where rheumatoid arthritis patients have been given increased doses of zinc and showed marginal improvement, yet the tests were not extensive enough to be conclusive. The effects of copper on rheumatoid arthritis have been studied for a long time, and although results vary there seems to be some case for using copper to improve the condition, although this therapy has been dismissed by most of the medical profession as relatively ineffective. Copper therapy is not discouraged however when approached from food sources, and may work on some individuals.
It is suggested that if you do attempt copper therapy, that copper-rich foods are utilized instead of copper supplements, because copper supplements can cause side effects which include change in sense of taste and smell, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abnormal blood clots, increased joint pain, chills, anemia and kidney problems, and excess copper can cause cirrhosis of the liver in patients prone to Wilson’s Disease. Check with your doctor to be sure you are not prone to storing excess copper in your body. There is an extensive choice of foods you can enjoy in order to increase your copper intake: lamb; pork; pheasant quail; duck; goose; squid; salmon; organ meats including liver, heart, kidney, brain; shellfish including oysters, scallops, shrimp, lobster, clams, and crab; meat gelatin; soy protein meat substitutes; tofu; nuts and seeds; chocolate milk; soy milk; cocoa are just a few of the foods that are rich in copper.
As for foods to avoid when suffering with rheumatoid arthritis, many nutritionists and naturopaths suggest avoiding dairy products all together, as they seem to exacerbate rheumatoid arthritis flare-ups. Because of the risk in overdosing, one should be discouraged from taking doses of vitamins that are higher than recommended without a physician’s direction. Some vitamins and minerals can actually worsen certain conditions, and the concentration that can be attained through vitamins can be dangerous. It is much better to approach any desired increase in vitamin or mineral intake through food therapy.
There has been some success with the food supplements glucosamine and chondroitin in relieving symptoms of pain and stiffness for some persons with osteoarthritis. These supplements can be found in pharmacies and health food stores, however the purity of the products or the dose of the active ingredients cannot be specified because the FDA does not monitor these supplements. The National Institutes of Health is studying glucosamine and chondroitin, so more should be known about the effectiveness of these products for osteoarthritis in the near future. Patients with osteoarthritis taking blood-thinners should be careful taking chondroitin as it can increase the blood-thinning and cause excessive bleeding. Fish oil supplements have been shown to have some anti-inflammation properties and increasing the dietary fish intake and/or fish oil capsules (omega 3 capsules) can sometimes reduce inflammation of arthritis. With osteoarthritis there is also the concern with deterioration of cartilage; therefore those with osteoarthritis should avoid large doses of Vitamin-A, since there is some evidence that it contributes to cartilage deterioration In the case of fibromyalgia, although clinical proof is once again sparse, there is a great deal of personal experiences of improvement of this condition when certain dietary practices are followed. Eliminating wheat, dairy, citrus, sugar, Aspertame, alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco seem to be universal in those that have had success with treating the illness through dietary means. According to Dr. Joseph Mercola, author of “The Total Health Program,” nine of ten sufferers of fibromyalgia are female, and 76% of those who followed suggested dietary rules experienced a significant reduction in pain. The thing to keep in mind with fibromyalgia is that, unlike the other common arthritis ailments, it is more of a syndrome than a disease, and much of it can be reversed. Making corrections to diet as well as reducing stress and getting plenty of rest can lead to a full recovery.
MEDICATIONS & OTCS (Over-The-Counter Meds) There are many over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications for arthritis pain sufferers that can be purchased without physicians’ prescriptions. Some are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - some are OTCs / some require a prescription, acetaminophen and various topical medications, covered in the very next section. Users need to be aware of possible risk from long term use or product abuse, though, and consult their medical advisors before and during use. The most common OTC NSAIDs are ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin. However, the misuse of some of these can cause blockage of an enzyme in the body that aids in the protection of the stomach lining and other areas. Misuse can lead to stomach ulcers and bleeding, and liver and kidney trouble. (The same drug abuse issues can result from prescription NSAIDs, too). Use the right way, these drugs can help with pain relief, inflammation and fever reduction, and blood clot prevention. Acetaminophen is the name of the active ingredient found in several well-known brand-name products; some Excedrin® products, Tylenol®, and Aspirin Free Anacin®. Although it does not help with arthritic inflammation and swelling, it can help with pain relief in mild cases. Use caution with dosages, however. Excess usage poses risk of liver damage, even death, especially for active drinkers (of alcoholic beverages). Topical Painkillers If your arthritis pain is mild and only affects on or two joints, you may find that a topical pain reliever or topical analgesic can be useful. Topical painkillers are available as creams, salves or gels. The active ingredients of topical painkillers include: Capsaicin. Found naturally in hot peppers, capsaicin is found in drug stores under the brand names of Capzasin-P, Zostrix, and other drugs. Capsaicin works by blocking the transmission of a pain-relaying substance called substance P to the brain. Camphor, eucalyptus oil and menthol are found in a variety of agents such as Arthricare, Eucalyptamint and Icy Hot amongst others. These substances are able to relieve pain by tricking the body to feel the coolness or heat of these agents. Salicylates is a substance available in Aspercreme, BenGay, and Flexall. Salicylates work by decreasing pain and inflammation RELAXATION & COPING TIPS The importance of relaxation in controlling and treating disease in general has only recently been recognized throughout the medical industry, yet its implementation still lags and the general public does still not understand its effectiveness. Relaxation techniques, especially those involving meditation, have been seen as a bunch of “mumbo jumbo” for many years, until the findings of scientists and doctors that showed immense benefits to this practice became more prevalent. Relaxation techniques have a definite place in the healing process of the body, and with arthritis the case is no different. With certain types of arthritis, the importance of relaxation is increased, since stress and emotional disposition play a large part in them. Prayer is a form of relaxation and meditation if you are spiritually or religiously inclined that also works wonders. Either following a minister or someone else leading prayer, or formulating your own inspirational prayer, you can pull upon the comfort of God as you see him taking your pain away. Again mental and physical benefits are realized from such a practice. You may also consider hypnosis as an option. Hypnosis is simply a guided meditation that allows you to access the power of your subconscious mind through a guide called a hypnotist, who is either a trained psychologist, psychiatrist, counselor, or social worker. Images of a man with a shiny gold stopwatch putting you under a trance to make you perform unusual acts or tell deep dark truths are more the scripts of Hollywood movies than what real-life hypnotism is. In the case of hypnosis for pain management, hypnosis is nothing more than an assisted guided imagery, such as described above. The only difference here is that you have someone to help you through the steps of relaxation and meditation on your image.
Relaxation is especially effective for those suffering from fibromyalgia, because this condition is caused by a number of non-physical triggers. Fibromyalgia largely comes from stress, lack of proper sleep, depression, and other emotional duress, and does not involve degeneration of the bones or joints. With this in mind, it is easy to see why relaxation techniques help alleviate this condition so well. Yoga is very beneficial both for flexibility as well as relaxation. Forms of yoga such as Bhakta are devotional, and Raja is meditation-oriented. They can provide a great deal of healing toward all types of arthritis, but specifically fibromyalgia because of the emotional causes. SURGICAL SOLUTIONS Although medications are the first defense against arthritis pain and swelling, if they fail to solve the problem, many doctors will suggest a surgical measure. Whenever someone is considering a surgical procedure, he or she should consult a physician for expressing concerns and gathering information. During this time, he or she should discuss all of the any potential risks involved with the procedure as well as all of the alternative measures. However, a decision is made to continue with the surgery, the doctor will recommend a procedure that he feels is best suited for the patient’s condition and then will explain what that procedure entails. Note that sometimes before surgery, doctors prescribe blood-thinning medication and advise you to do various joint movement activities or exercises in order to increase circulation. Some benefits of going the surgery route can include the stabilization, improved alignment or replacement of a joint so that you can have greater mobility, flexibility, overall use and range-of-motion. Surgery may also be able to provide some level of pain relief where other treatment options might have failed. Be aware there are possible risks with surgery, though, like blood clots resulting. And your healthcare specialist may advise against surgery if, for example, you have existing health problems that could pose possible unwanted risks. Some of these problems could include sickness or infections that would need to be healed first, being over weight, which could cause more stress and delayed recovery, lung problems or heart disease. Common types of surgery used in the treatment of arthritis follow: Arthrodesis - This is the joining together or fusion of joint bones. Arthrodesis helps stop the progression of the disease at the point of fusion, ending the pain. Loss of the joint’s flexibility can result. However, the area will be better able to handle weight and offer general movement. In other words, the joint may not be 360-degree-flexible any longer, but there will be some lesser-degree of flexibility overall without pain. Arthroplasty - This is the replacement or rebuilding of an entire joint. And it is intended for those with high-level pain and movement impairment. It is discussed in much more detail in the section immediately following this one, offering a focus with regards to hip replacement. Arthroscopy - Growing more popular with the improved use of technology, this procedure is when specialized instruments are inserted into the joint by means of tiny incisions. During this surgery, the operating physician has helping staff members who aid the computerized monitoring and some handling of the instruments. The doctor can see the joint on closed-circuit television and make repairs to it, while talking through a microphone. Then not only are there physical results, but the patient has a video with audio record of the entire occurrence for insurance and other records. Arthroscopy is often performed on an outpatient basis. And recovery time is generally much less than with other “open” surgery. Osteotomy - This is a medical procedure that makes an actual cut in the bone, most generally to correct youth deformities like in the knee or hip. Osteotomy helps with realignment, stabilization, pain relief and the delaying of joint replacement alternatives for up to 10 years. Synovectomy - This procedure, generally done via arthroscopy, involves the removal of diseased joint tissue lining or synovium. Results can include swelling decrease, pain relief, improved but not completely healed joint health. Procedures for Joint Replacement Surgery (Hip) There are currently many options in orthopedic (bone) surgery for people with arthritis. Joint replacement is the most common option. According to the National Joint Replacement Foundation, (NJRF) over 435,000 Americans underwent this procedure last year. These numbers have boosted joint replacement to one of the most successful medical discoveries and the absolute most significant surgery in the field of arthritis treatment. Joint replacement is the process of removing one’s entire joint as well as any damaged tissue and replacing it with a metal prosthesis. This prosthesis provides the patient with much need relief from pain. This surgery most effective on the weight bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and ankles, however, it has been used for all joints with successful results. Hip replacement surgery consists of removing the entire hip joint and replacing it with artificial components. These components function in the same manner as the natural hip, with the same type of motion. When a patient elects to undergo hip replacement surgery, they have an option to use their own blood. There is a great loss of blood during the procedure, and patients are prepared for this ahead of time. They can elect to have their own blood taken and stored ahead of time so that when they need a transfusion, they can use blood from their own body, eliminating many of the risks associated with transfusions. This particular procedure begins with an initial incision. The surgeon will then proceed to remove the entire hip joint, including the ball, socket, and top of the femur. Once the joint, and all damaged tissue is removed, a metal cup is adhered to the pelvic bone. Then, a metal stem is inserted into the femur; leaving a portion exposed at the end for several inches. The doctors place a ball on the end of the exposed portion of the metal rod, and all of the exposed parts are lined with another antifriction material. The hip is reassembled, placing the ball joint into the socket and the incision is then closed. Fusion Arthrodesis, or bone fusion, is another optional procedure where the bones are fused together in order to prevent them from moving independently. This can be done two ways: 1. Bone Grafting is the method of stimulating fusion between two bones by placing a small piece of bone, from another region of the body, in between. This small piece of bone encourages growth for the surrounding bones, thus fusing them in place. 2. Implantation of a metal or ceramic piece, which is adhered to each of the two bones, using either screws or a special glue, thus preventing movement of the bones. Fusion is a common procedure and is used in conjunction with joint replacement surgery, which is more extreme of a procedure then bone fusion alone. During a procedure called Ostheo, doctors can evaluate the injured tissue and eliminate any loose material with the use of instruments that are inserted into the joint through little incisions in the skin. During the procedure, the surgeon can observe any damage to the joint on a closed-circuit television, and further remove any loose growths that could be the origin of pain. This sort of surgery can often be executed on an outpatient basis, and typically involves a shorter recovery stage than open/inpatient surgery. Rehabilitation times for joint replacement surgery vary from one person to the next. However, the average person has been shown to regain most functions within three weeks. A positive attitude can help to facilitate recovery. It is important for patients to participate in this by reassuring themselves as well as seeking support from support groups, family, and friends. Regardless of they type of surgery recommended, most people recommend getting at least one other opinion before proceeding. In addition, check out books, conduct your own online research, ask questions through health chat rooms, call your own local providers and learn all you can about your health condition. And if you do decide upon surgery, look and plan ahead, too. Will you need time off work? Someone to help around the house? Someone to run errands? Line up help with neighbors, friends, church members, family, co-workers and local services to pick up groceries, bring in the mail, clean house and basically keep things running in the interim. In short, take charge and reach out.
Arthritis Pain Relief and Prevention Plan A great place to begin taking charge of you arthritis pain relief and prevention planning
is by making an appointment with your healthcare provider and finding out more about
your condition and treatment options. Make sure to jot down questions ahead of time,
and take them along in your journal or notebook, armed with a pencil to fill in his or her
replies. Some questions to begin with may be centered around these: 1. Do I have a form of arthritis? If not, what is wrong & what do I do next? When you take in your questions, also take in a description of your symptoms so that
your doctor can help better understand your situation and health. Make sure to note: - Where you have pain (same joint both limbs?)
So try the different options available for arthritis pain relief and prevention. Give your
joints a break as soon as possible from any excess weight they’re hauling around, even
if it’s the weight of excess stress. And lighten up and make pain relief and prevention
care part of your normal, everyday routine. What to Do About Painful or Swollen Fingers Over time, we can get calcium buildup on the joints and it can cause swelling and painful joints. If left unchecked, this can then develop into arthritis. Fortunately, there's two simple things we can do to help with arthritis. The first is to do a "finger joint massage." Finger joint massage sounds simple, and it works. Have a spouse or friend grab each joint and rotate the finger slowly and gently in a circular pattern. Start with the finger joint closest to the knuckle, slightly pull outward from the hand and rotate the finger around for 120 seconds. Then do the next joint on the same finger, also for 120 seconds. Do every finger in succession, even if only one finger is in pain. Do this entire procedure once per day. You'll find that with finger joint massage, it can be very painful at first and 120 seconds will seem like a long time. After a few days of this, from what I've seen, the pain will subside. What happens when you do this, is that the massage is breaking down those calcium buildups on the joints and will eventually help the body to cleanse itself in the finger joint area. Pretty soon those fingers can get back to moving around without all that extreme pain. The second thing to do is get a good "Joint Support” formula that needs to have have glucosamine, chondroitan and MSM. These work well, just be sure to start slowly by taking a pill or capsule once per day. If you experience a rash or other strange contraindications, it could be from the MSM, and if that happens, you'd have to get a formula with just the glucosamine and chondroitan. Click here to read all the specific instructions for Arthritis EXERCISES FOR ALL LEVELS Herbal & Other Natural & Home Remedies & Supplements Specific product recommendations are available at the bottom of this article For people who suffer from arthritis, dependable pain relief is a vital concern. The agonizing sensations of simply walking up the stairs are discouraging and can drive patients into depression. When someone cannot function properly, their body is not in balance and often; they will become victims of their pain, forcing them to seek alternatives. These people have often tried traditional medications without success, they are often no eligible for surgery and as a result, they will see relieve through natural remedies. Many people are also seeking natural remedies because of the increasing cost of prescription medication. Before discontinuing a prescription medication, consult a physician. However, with a doctor’s approval, there are many natural solutions, which may aid in managing arthritis. A popular alternative to medication for pain relief is acupuncture. Although the pain-relieving effects may be temporary, these sessions can be very beneficial for those who find that drugs or supplements are insufficient or have unacceptable side effects Cayenne Cream - apply the cayenne cream to painful areas. Cayenne peppers contain an substance called capsaicin which is responsible for their spicy effect. This also causes a burning sensation when it comes in contact with skin, and inhibits the body’s production of substance P which is heavily involved the relaying signals of pain to the brain. Apply the cream two to three times per day for at least one week before making a decision as to whether or not the cream is helping to reduce arthritis pain. It's understandable that many people experiencing pain and aching in a joint because of osteoarthritis reach for the aspirin or another conventional pain reliever. The problem is, these medications can be rough on your stomach, and they do nothing to slow the progress of your arthritis. Even the new COX-2 inhibitor drugs do not act to preserve the joint. [From the doctors of WholeHealthMD]. On the contrary, many natural remedies and supplements have been found to actually reduce cartilage deterioration and even rebuild a patient’s lost cartilage. However, before adding any to your daily routine, check with your healthcare advisor, as supplements can cause adverse reactions and may not be right for your situation. Note that dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration); i.e. do not need to be approved by them, and can include any of the following: plants, fats, proteins and animal organs and tissues as well as herbs, minerals and vitamins. So some supplements may be fine for arthritic patients; however some may not be. Note also that manufacturers may very well promote that their products work great, but they do not have to use standardized ingredients or recipes, disclose side effects that have been reported, nor prove that the products are indeed effective. Since supplements are not FDA approved they must be accompanied by a two-part disclaimer on the product label: that the statement has not been evaluated by FDA and that the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." So use caution. The most popular dietary supplements for arthritis sufferers are chondroitin, fish oil and glucosamine. Chondroitin can draw fluid into the cartilage, improving shock-absorbing ability and weight control, as more weight equals more joint pressure. Fish oils help with controlling inflammation in the body. And recent studies have shown that the cartilage-building substance called glucosamine is effective for the long-term relief of osteoarthritis pain. In some people, glucosamine appears to even slow the deterioration of joints over time and reinforce joint cartilage. Whether or not it
can actually reverse the disease is still unclear. In some instances, glucosamine can be
used in conjunction with MSM, a substance that appears to slow down the degeneration
but is not yet proven and approved. In a nutshell: • Chondroitin - Helps draw fluid into cartilage, improving shock-absorbing ability. These are merely a few examples of what an arthritis sufferer can use when seeking pain relief from natural remedies. However, due to the lack of scientific study and testing on many of these alternate treatments, there is no proof of their effectiveness. Nothing can cure osteoarthritis, but nutritional supplements, the application of heat or cold to affected joints, exercise, and weight loss can improve the function and flexibility of your joints, and perhaps even slow the progress of the disease. Conventional over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, can be very helpful in decreasing joint pain, but they do produce side effects and can cause problems in long-term users. Unfortunately, there is no way to cure arthritis. However, you can delay the onset by maintaining a healthy weight. Exercise regularly and eat a healthy and avoid repetitious movements that cause you pain. The diet of the arthritis patient should be planned along alkaline lines and should include fruits and vegetables for protection and proteins and carbohydrates for energy. It may consist of a couple of fresh raw vegetables in the form of a salad and at least two cooked vegetables. Cabbage, carrot, celery, cucumber, endive, lettuce, onion, radishes, tomatoes and watercress may be used for a raw salad. The cooked vegetables may include asparagus, beets, cauliflower, cabbage, carrots, celery, brinjal, mushroom, onions, peas, beans, spinach, tomatoes, squash and turnips. In severe cases, it will be advisable to put the patient on raw vegetables juice therapy for about a week. Green juice, extracted from any green leafy vegetable, mixed with carrot, celery and red beet juice, is specific for arthritis. The alkaline action of raw juices dissolves the accumulation of deposits around the joints and in other tissues. Fresh pineapple is also valuable as the enzyme in fresh pineapple juice, bromelain reduces swelling and inflammation inosteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Repeated juice fasts are recommended at intervals of every two months. The raw potato juice therapy is considered one of the most successful biological treatment for rheumatic and arthritic conditions. It has been used in folk medicine for centuries. The old method of preparing potato juice was to cut the potato into thin slices, without peeling the skin, and place them overnight in a large glass filled with cold water. The water should be drunk in the morning on an empty stomach. Fresh juice can also be extracted from potatoes and drunk diluted with water on 50 : 50 basis, first thing in the morning. Black gingerly seeds, soaked overnight in water, have been found to be effective in preventing frequent joint pains. The water in which the seeds are soaked should also be taken along with the seeds the first thing in the morning. Drinking water kept overnight in a copper container also serves the same purpose. This water has traces of copper which helps strengthen the muscular system. For the same reason wearing a copper ring or bracelet will also help. Sea bathing is traditionally considered beneficial in the treatment of arthritis. The natural iodine in the sea water is said to relieve arthritis pain. As is well-known, iodine regulates the acid-alkaline balance in the blood and tissues, helps to repair and regenerate worn out tissues and nourishes the skeletal structure. It enters into the thyroid gland’s secretion. The hormone uses this iodine to nullify germs in the bloodstream and to create a self- cleansing of internal toxemia. If sea bathing is not possible, the patient should relax for 30 minutes every night in a tub of warm water in which a cupful of sea salt has been mixed. The minerals in the sea salt, especially iodine, can be absorbed through the skin pores. This will help correct an internal imbalance. The body should be kept warm at all times. Joints should not be bandaged tightly as this limits movement and interferes with the free circulation of blood. There should be plenty of indirect ventilation in the bedroom. Rest is of greatest importance to arthritis, who should not overdo their work, exercise or recreation activities. Constipation should be avoided as it poisons the system and adds to the irritation and inflammation of the joints. Light exercises such as walking, hiking and swimming are beneficial. Maintaining a normal body weight is also an important factor in preventing arthritis. Obesity places excess stress on weight-bearing joints and interferes with the smooth functioning of tendons, ligaments and muscles.
Diet change strategies:
Arthritis affects more than 40 million Americans of all ages. It is the stiffening or inflammation of the joints, and can occur in any joint, but it commonly starts in the hips, fingers and knees. There are two main types of arthritis, with osteoarthritis being the most common form. It is simply the breaking down or wearing down of the joints with age and worsens over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and distortion of the joints. There is no cure for arthritis, and doctors prescribe medication to help keep inflammation and pain down. Herbal remedies include both internal and external mixtures. • Cayenne – Cayenne and other peppers contain analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents called capsaicin. This is often used in creams and other topical mixtures to help relieve pain. Creams come in different strengths. • Evening Primrose – Taken internally, Evening Primrose helps combat inflammation. It can also help with the pain associated in particular with rheumatoid arthritis. Taken in capsule form, take up to 12 capsules per day. It can also be taken as an oil, and you should take only ½ teaspoon of oil per day. Be aware that this oil can be expensive.
• Green Tea – Green tea has compounds that help the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. You’ll find green tea products widely available now, and you may drink several cups of green tea per day, and black tea is also beneficial • Yucca - Native Americans have used Yucca for centuries as food and as a remedy, and recent studies have confirmed its effectiveness as a remedy for arthritis. Yucca reduces the swelling and pain of arthritis as well as helps prevent stiffness in the joints. It can be applied topically to affected joints, and can also be taken internally. Capsules are available and you may take up to four 490-milligram capsules per day.
• Turmeric – Turmeric is a common Indian spice that is helpful in the treatment of arthritis, because it has anti-inflammatory properties. It can be ingested as well as used topically on affected areas. You can take 250 – 300 milligram capsules up to three times per day or up to one teaspoon per day in food. It is also available as a tincture.
Vitamin & Nutrient Associations
Further reading through our articles on health issues will give you a body of information that will help you decide what options you have to deal with the underlying causes of your problem through giving your body the nutrition products that will assist you body to heal from the inside out. We wish you well in your search for solutions to this problem and your movement towards better health in all areas.
More Resources available about Arthritis : What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Exercises For All Levels Of Arthritis Before starting any exercise program, it is vital
that one speak to their doctor to ensure there are no unseen risks, however you will find
that most doctors recommend exercise for their arthritis patients either on their own
initiative or when asked.
We also feature new health articles & self care solutions every month in “Your Health Success” our FREE Health Magazine, so subscribe today to stay up-to-date!
 to “Your Health Success” our monthly F’R’E’E’ Newsletter
If you are interested in products mentioned on this site and want to check pricing and availability in your country, then please click back to the home page of the person who referred you here.
Back to Top of your health online Arthritis page *** GENERAL RELEASE AND ASSIGNMENT I understand that in submitting my material for publication I am granting the rights to reproduce this material on the internet or in other form and I have read the conditions above
============================================================
|
