Exercise is an essential part of rheumatoid arthritis management.
Archive for the ‘Arthritis’ Category
Exercise and Rheumatoid Arthritis – How It Can Help
26
Nov
Inflammatory Arthritis – Types, Causes and Symptoms
25
Nov
What is Inflammatory Arthritis?
There are many forms of arthritis. Inflammatory arthritis is any form of arthritis that involves the immune system and inflammation. The characteristic symptoms of inflammation are swelling, heat, redness of skin, pain, and loss of function. There are different types of inflammatory arthritis.
Autoimmune Disorders
The body treats it own tissues as a foreign object and reacts to this foreign object with inflammation Rheumatoid arthritis – antibodies produced by the body attack the synovial membrane that encloses each joint Lupus – systematically affects connective tissues and organs Ankylosing Spondylitis – a progressive form of arthritis that causes inflammation of the spine and large joints Reiter’s Syndrome – a chronic, progressive disease that can affect the joints, tendon attachments, skeleton, and the eye’s conjunctiva and mucous membranes Psoriatic arthritis – causes inflammation of the skin and joints Inflammatory bowel disease – inflammatory arthritis can be associated with this disease
Other Causes of Inflammatory Arthritis
Inflammatory arthritis can be caused by other conditions, as well. Reactive arthritis is caused by certain types of bacteria and can develop from an infection in another part of your body. The deposit of crystalline structures in the joints causes gout and pseudogout. Elevated blood levels of uric acid, which is a waste product, can form in the joints when the kidney does not properly dispose of the waste.
Symptoms of Inflammatory Arthritis
The symptoms of inflammatory arthritis can include the following:
Pain in one or more joints Swelling in one or more joints The affected joint is usually warmer than other joints Stiffness and decrease of ability to move affected joints Symptoms may appear after a minor illness or emotional stress Skin around joints may become red and tender
Treatment of Inflammatory Arthritis
The symptoms of inflammatory arthritis can be treated with medicines or natural remedies. However, it is very important to find the cause of the arthritis so that the root problem can be treated as well. Medications can be used to treat the pain and inflammation, but there are many natural remedies that have been more successful in treating the cause of the inflammatory arthritis. If you use medications to relieve the symptoms of inflammatory arthritis, be sure to learn of any side effects or reactions to other medications or food.
Some natural remedies for the treatment of inflammatory arthritis include:
Exercise – a regular exercise regimen helps to avoid stiffness of the joints associated with inflammatory arthritis Water aerobics – endorphins produced in the brain during water aerobics can help ease the pain of inflammatory arthritis Valerian – this can be used to treat the pain of inflammatory arthritis. This natural medication is a known sedative and caution should be used – some people have experienced withdrawal symptoms when stopping abruptly. Comfrey – a comfrey salve can be used to reduce the inflammation of the affected joints Mangosteen – this fruit has been shown to relieve both the inflammation and pain associated with inflammatory arthritis Omega-3 fatty acids – can be found in foods such as cold-water fish, walnut, and flaxseeds.
Diet for Inflammatory Arthritis
Diet is also another way that you can prevent or lessen the symptoms associated with inflammatory arthritis. A healthy diet is important for overall health. There are some foods that can trigger the onset of inflammation in the joints and some foods that decrease the onset of inflammation. If you suffer from inflammatory arthritis, you should eliminate milk and milk products. You should avoid polyunsaturated fats and products that are made with partially hydrogenated oils. The best kind of diet for those who suffer from inflammatory arthritis is low in protein and high in carbohydrates. Some of the common foods that can trigger the symptoms of arthritis are milk and dairy products, beef, corn, and wheat. Avoiding these foods can help you to avoid triggering the symptoms. In general, a healthy diet and regular exercise can help you to avoid many of the symptoms of inflammatory arthritis.
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inflammatory arthritis skinPsoriatic Arthritis Treatment – Start As Soon As You Can
22
Nov
One important figure to keep in mind is that up to two percent of Americans suffer from psoriatic arthritis. Research into the disease has also found that psoriatic arthritis is contracted by ten percent of all psoriasis patients. Since psoriatic arthritis is a serious, chronic, and destructive disease, it needs to be treated as soon as it possibly can be in order to prevent total joint destruction.
The Body’s Autoimmune Function
Doctors currently believe that psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune function of the body. That means that the body actually turns against itself and uses its immune system to fight itself. This leads to both inflammation of and damage to the joints. Due to the seriousness of this condition, people need to inform themselves about the symptoms related to it and look out for them.
One of the first damaging effects that psoriatic arthritis has on the body is joint impairment, especially to the larger joints of the body such as those in the feet and arms. This does not mean that smaller joints in the hands, for example, will not be affected. Once the joints of the fingers begin to be effected and the fingers swell up, the condition is almost certainly psoriatic arthritis. The disease can also affect the fingernails, thickening and discoloring them.
The above mentioned symptoms of psoriatic arthritis tend to come and go, having times when they flare up and are especially bad followed by periods of light to moderate symptoms. In some rare cases, the spine is also affected by psoriatic arthritis. The pain and discomfort associated with this disease can be anywhere from mild to chronic.
Understanding the causes of psoriatic arthritis would help in understanding exactly what it is. Up to this point, however, medical research has been unable to find a conclusive cause for psoriatic arthritis. Some doctors have found that instable genes and exposure to certain bugs could be responsible for the formation of the disease.
Both men and women can contract psoriatic arthritis; there is no bias on the part of the disease. When the known symptoms of psoriatic arthritis such as joint pain and joint swelling are seen, a doctor may be able to diagnose it.
Treatment of psoriatic arthritis is only possible during the time when symptoms are being experienced. It is still important to begin to treat this disease as soon as possible after it has been diagnosed.
Causes Of Body Joint Pain And Ways To Deal With It
21
Nov
In the human body, one or more joints can be affected by joint pain and contradictory to the common fallacy, joint pain can affect a person of any age group.
In fact, joint pains are afflicting an increasing number of young people these days and the causes of body joint pain are diverse.
The most common causes of body joint pain include injury to the ligaments, bursae or the tendons of the concerned joint.
Injury not only affects the ligaments but can also impact the cartilage and bones of the joint. Pain is one of the strongest symptoms of joint inflammation and joint infection.
Pain can also signal the presence of a tumor within the joint. Joint pain has many variations to its name, the medical term being Arthralgia.
Injury or swelling of joints is one of the main causes of body joint pain. Joint pain can be subdivided into two general categories namely, acute joint pain and chronic joint pain.
Acute joint pain affects the joints temporarily. It generally lasts for a few passing seconds or longer, but sooner or later it will decline as the healing process takes place.
Chronic joint pain varies from mild to severe, and usually lasts for a relatively longer period of time.
Causes Of Joint Pain
Joint pain can be caused due to a variety of reasons. Some of the most common reasons for joint pain include:
Arthritis
Aseptic Necrosis
Bursitis
Osteochondritis Dissecans
Sickle Cell Disease or Sickle Cell Anemia
Steroid Withdrawal
Tearing of cartilage
Bone fracture
Septic arthritis
Sprain
Synovial sarcoma
Tendonitis
The other causes of body joint pain include rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that leads to stiffness and pain in the joints.
On the other hand, osteoarthritis involves deterioration of the cartilage surrounding the joint. Osteoarthritis is fairly common among people in their mid forties and above.
Another common cause for joint pain is bursitis. Bursitis means the inflammation or the swelling of the bursae.
Similarly, there are further causes for joint pain, which include septic arthritis, tendonitis and infectious diseases like influenza, rheumatic fever and hepatitis. External damage like fractures and sprains are also one of the main causes of body joint pain.
Remedial measures for joint pain
Home remedies can be effective, but before using them it is advisable to get the cause and type of the joint pain diagnosed. This can be done with the help of a few inexpensive medical tests. There are many easy-to-do and natural methods of achieving relief from joint pain.
Devil’s claw has proved to be effective in the treatment of body joint pain. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor before attempting this method. There are many people who swear by its effectiveness, and its ability to cure painful joints, making mobility easier.
Glucosamine has been well tested, and is considered to be an extremely effective method of easing arthritis pain. However, in some cases, side effects do occur.
Different types of arthritis require various methods of preparation of glucosamine. Studies have shown that this product can be effective.
Nevertheless, it is strongly recommended to first consult with your doctor before trying out this potent product.
Water therapy is another popular remedy for joint pain.
It is also known as water aerobics as it involves performing different types of aerobics exercises in a pool.
Joint pain is certainly not life threatening, but it can definitely cause a lot of suffering and discomfort, making it amongst one of the most debilitating conditions ever encountered by man.
Arthritis: Causes and Treatment
19
Nov
Arthritis is defined as joint inflammation and is also used to describe dozens of other rheumatic diseases. The term ‘Arthritis’ covers osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, gout and fibromyalgia, to name but a few. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis and usually affects older people as it is a degenerative condition. However it can affect younger people, particularly if a joint has been injured or is deformed. There is no known cure for osteoarthritis but general wear and tear on the joints is a factor in developing the disease.
Osteoarthritis affects cartilage which covers bone between the joints and acts as a shock absorber. When the cartilage wears out bones rub against each other which can cause excruciating pain. Osteoarthritis attacks people in different ways. It generally develops slowly over the years but in some people it can develop extremely quickly. Sometimes the disease can be quite mild whereas in other cases it can produce a lot of pain and disability. Osteoarthritis frequently occurs in the hands, spine (including the neck and lower back) plus the knees and hips. Symptoms involve pain and stiffness in the joint. In the very early stages of the disease people may only suffer pain after exercise which quickly disappears after rest. As time goes on the pain can become constant and prove particularly debilitating. In its worst form, mobility may be lost. Fortunately, the majority of people are not crippled by osteoarthritis. When treated properly, millions of people live full and active lives for years.
Correct management of the disease is vital. Obviously, in order to treat the disease, doctors need to ascertain that symptoms are, in fact, those of osteoarthritis and not some other illness. In order to diagnose osteoarthritis, as there is no simple test which indicates the presence of the disease, doctors usually carry out several tests. These include a clinical history of the patient, a physical examination, X-rays and often MRI or Magnetic Resonance Imaging. If the test results prove positive, the doctor will then embark on a programme of pain management. This will vary from person to person, depending on the severity of the pain.
There are many treatments which help to control and lower the pain, plus helping to restore mobility. Good nutrition and rest are an essential part of the treatment in addition to exercise and weight loss. If people are carrying too much weight, then weight loss is crucial as osteoarthritis will aggravate weight-bearing joints such as the hips, knees and spine. Before taking up any form of exercise it is advisable for the patient to discuss the subject with a doctor. The wrong sort of exercise could result in more damage to the joints. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen are usually prescribed for pain relief. The use of heat cushions or ice packs will also often help to reduce pain. Never take alternative or herbal medicines for arthritis without a doctor’s approval. When treating knee joints, a series of injections may be prescribed to reduce pain, under the careful supervision of a doctor. This treatment may not be suitable for all people suffering from painful knee joints. The decision will be made by a doctor. Finally, surgery may be an option in some cases, particularly those concerning the hip as well as other joints. Joint replacement techniques have improved tremendously over the years and, for people suffering constant pain, surgery can provide them with a new lease of life.
Review of Simple Qigong Exercises For Arthritis Relief With Dr Yang, Jwing-Ming
16
Nov
“Simple Qigong Exercises for Arthritis Relief” with Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming is one of many instructional Qigong DVDs by this 2003 Kung Fu Artist of the Year by Black Belt magazine. While this is a very good instructional DVD, there is a companion book that goes into greater detail of the theory behind the techniques shown in this DVD. Like all of the DVDs I’ve watched from YMAA, this DVD is extremely well done in regards to sound, picture quality, close-ups, etc. There is an excellent menu system allowing the viewer to select which exercise or massage technique they wish to view, and like other YMAA DVDs, it includes the catalog and video previews in the extras.
There is a brief introduction that briefly shares some of the benefits of Qigong practice, such as strengthening organs, immune system, and raising the spirit of vitality; all important for health. The DVD then teaches some basic Qigong exercises to help strengthen the internal organs. Dr. Yang demonstrates the movements while a voice over narrates and describes in the movements Dr. Yang performs. One thing I really like is that the movements are shown with a split screen. You get to see Dr. Yang from the front and from the side as he demonstrates the movements.
Qigong massage techniques, including self-massage, to help strengthen your internal organs, such as abdomen massages, are also taught. Some of these are done laying down, while others are done standing. Some are shown for self-massage, and others are partner massages. The massage techniques shown cover various areas of the body including neck, back and various joints. Technique and the reason why is illustrated.
The DVD then teaches specific qigong exercises, including comments on breathing and the mental state while doing them, for arthritis. A brief explanation of the differences between qigong and western exercises introduces this part of the program. There is also a short segment of tips to assist you with your qigong practice. The areas covered include: Neck, Spine, Waist, Hands/Wrist, Elbows, Shoulders, and Legs/Feet/Hips.
The movements in this DVD are simple, gradual, and can be done without exerting much effort. This is important since many who suffer from arthritis cannot engage in strenuous exercise due to the disease. The simple exercises in this program can help an arthritis sufferer move and regains some of the mobility of the joints. However, I also believe this program would benefit the elderly who may not have arthritis, but desire a low impact easy movement type of exercise. Lastly, I think anyone could include some of these into their daily exercise routine to feel better and maintain health. I do a variety of qigong and stretching exercises daily, and I’m incorporating some of the movements from this program into my morning routine.
This is a very good simple qigong exercise program. Rather than a series of movements, like Tai Chi or some of the other qigong forms, it is a collection of simple exercises that can benefit arthritis sufferers as well as others who wish to incorporate such exercises and massage into their daily practice for increased health and longevity. This is an introductory qigong program that does not take a lot of skill to do the exercises and massages to gain benefit. That makes it a great program for beginners and those that wish to try some qigong exercises too. Over all, a great addition to a qigong library.
Arthritis Copper Bracelets – Can They Really Make A Difference?
14
Nov
Copper is an element of metal characteristics distinguished for its reddish brown color. This type of metal is often use for electrical purposes due to its conducting abilities. It is also utilized for coin production because of its abundance and uncomplicated molding traits compared to other metals. But there is also another use for copper that people often inquire about. It is the use of copper bracelets for arthritis.
This other use for copper has been around for generations. Some attest to its healing capabilities while others just shrug off the idea. Whatever your opinion may be it is still best to learn first where this notion of wearing copper bracelets to relieve arthritic pain came from and to determine whether it is for you. Who knows, it may even turn a skeptic into a believer.
Are There Studies Proving the Effectiveness of Copper Bracelet?
Because there is no medical study relating to the use of copper bracelets in directly improving arthritis, wearing of such is a matter of preference. No studies have proven that this type of home remedy works. In the same way that none have refuted the idea quite entirely.
This type of therapy has been around for decades. Some say it started with the early Greeks who used copper in relieving aches on certain areas of the body. The belief of wearing these bracelets has been passed on between generations.
Some studies suggest that arthritic patients may have copper deficiency on their systems but none has proven that orally taking copper supplements might relieve a person of his arthritis.
The wearing of copper bracelets, rings, or anklets are the suggested therapy of believers and of course, copper bracelet-producing companies. Whether to accept this or not, it is recommended that you buy from legitimate companies that sell rings or bracelets in close to a 100% copper concentration. Beware of knock-offs that could be just about any other type of cheaper metals covered in a bronze color.
Is it Safe?
This is the major selling point of copper bracelets to those with arthritis, wearing it wouldn’t really hurt. It could be seen as just another fashion accessory, especially with the abundance of different designs that are now available in the market.
This may be so, but people should still be aware of what they are getting into. Those with history of allergies should be aware that this may cause a reaction that might give you rashes or something else that could manifest in other forms. People who have nickel allergies should try to avoid this as it is already evident that this may not be for you.
But for those who are dealing with excruciating pain, wearing this in bracelets for elbows or wrists, toe rings for your toes, anklets, or plain rings may be of substantial help. If you are seriously considering this try asking other people who have used it if it worked for them. Getting firsthand information from people you know will greatly help you in making that decision.
Believers claim that wearing it lets the copper from the bracelet seep in through your dermis directly targeting the part where there is pain. They also suggest that due to the conducting aspect of copper the direction of energy traveling through one’s system is amplified.
Professionals may just regard these things as a little peculiar, given that there is no medical study to support such claims. Magnets are also another type of these treatments, others in bracelet forms while others even have them in their mattresses.
The presented claim that copper bracelets relieve the pain of arthritis is enough to make patients jump up on the idea but remember to always make sure there is an inkling of evidence before stacking your house with copper bracelets.
Because it has virtually no complications or any reported adverse effects, copper bracelet-wearing for arthritis is a considerable option in dealing with arthritic pain. Just always make sure that you are buying authentic products so that you may not be inadvertently missing out on its offered therapeutic value.
Arthritis of the Foot
12
Nov
Unfortunately, there are more than 100 different kinds of arthritis that can affect the human body. The most common form, however, is known as osteoarthritis. This form develops as we all get older and is known as the wear and tear style of arthritis. What happens essentially is that the cartilage that covers the end of the bones wears out.
The result is some of the worst pain you can experience, as well as swelling and inflammation in the joint. The tough thing about arthritis, it can develop in a joint that was injured, even if the injury happened years, or even decades before. This is known as traumatic arthritis and has the same symptoms as osteoarthritis.
Since there are so many bones and joints in the foot, it is a prime spot for the development of arthritis. If it does develop in the foot, it can alter the way you walk, therefore putting strain and pressure on parts of the foot where there was none before and that can bring on a whole host of other problems.
The parts of the foot that are most commonly affected by arthritis are the ankle joint, the heel, the arch and the big toe. The big toe is also a prime spot for the development of painful bunions.
The symptoms of arthritis in the foot is pretty straight forward. If you’re experiencing stiffness, nagging, throbbing pain, tenderness, swelling and reduced motion, you might have arthritis. Also, not being able to walk for long distances is another sign of possible arthritic problems.
Getting your arthritis diagnosed isn’t a difficult process, but you can help your doctor out a bunch by keeping a pain journal. Once the pain becomes chronic and its apparent that it’s not going away by it’s self, sit down and write everything you remember about the pain: when did it start, how long does it hurt for, does it hurt during exercise or after, does it hurt at night when you sleep, does it get worse when you walk or run and does it migrate to different parts of the foot and ankle?
When you get to the doctors office, you can expect to give the doctor your medical history and the contents of your pain diary. He or she will then give you a physical exam to try to detect the cause of the pain you’re feeling.
The doctor may also do what is called a gait analysis. This is a test so that the doctor can see how you walk and see how your leg and foot line up. If the doctor isn’t able to make a proper diagnosis based on the information so far, he may request a series of x-rays to be done to see if the bones have degraded at all in the foot. Other tests, such as a CT scan or an MRI might be used as well.
Treating your arthritis is difficult. There is no cure and often the damage suffered isn’t reversible.
Treatment is geared towards relieving pain more than anything. A doctor will usually prescribe the use of over-the-counter pain killers, such as Tylenol or Advil to kill pain.
Supports in the shoes are another common treatment that can cut down on pain. Using a brace or a cane might be necessary as the arthritis gets worse. For severe cases, surgery is common.
Overall, arthritis isn’t a fun process. It can be debilitating and extremely painful. But if you take care of your feet over time, watch your weight and wear properly fitted shoes, you should be able to avoid it.
Natural Arthritis Treatment & Information
09
Nov
Arthritis can affect the joints in number of forms like osteoarthritis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, reactive arthritis, temporomandibular joint arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and Ankylosing spondolysis. Though certain forms arthritis affect only particulars joints some forms can affect almost all body joints. Prolonged and untreated arthritis conditions can even lead to swollen skin in some cases.
Usually, almost all types of arthritis are chronic in nature. Though the initial symptoms of arthritis may not show serious complications, prolonged existence of arthritis symptoms and improper treatment or negligence can lead to gradual damage of the joints.
Swelling, persistent pain, stiffness of joints is the most common symptoms of arthritis. However, some forms of arthritis may produce additional symptoms like feeling of pain and tenderness (when touched), redness and warmth surrounding joints and difficulty in movement of joints.
Certain medications are available for treating arthritis. The arthritis treatment is aimed at reducing inflammation and relieving pain. Some over the counter medications and tropical creams can be taken in consultation with health care provider for relieving arthritis symptoms. Combination of Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs are commonly prescribed for relieving arthritis symptoms.
Though proven effective, medications can produce certain unwanted side effects. Keeping in view this facilities researchers are making all efforts to develop a medication that could provide faster relief without producing any side effects. Arthritis sufferers also prefer alternative therapies over the medications. Certain specific physical exercises may help in easy joint movements.
Diet also plays a greater role in reducing arthritis symptoms. Adequate quantity of minerals, vitamins etc in the diet ensure strong body immune system. Deficiency of these essential nutritional values weakens the immune system and weak immune system makes the right condition of development of various abnormalities including arthritis. Liquid dietary supplements like colloidal gold, colloidal silver, colloidal copper etc can help you in enhancing immune system by making good deficiency of minerals. Colloidal silver has the property to regulate the body hormonal balances. Furthermore, silver has the property of killing bacteria, viruses and microorganisms.
Colloidal silver, being obtained from pure silver and manufactured through non-chemical process, does not produce any side effects. You must understand that colloidal silver is not a treatment for arthritis but can help you in prevention of arthritis and reducing arthritis symptoms. Usually, colloidal silver is used as a part of combination therapy.
What Food Types Cause Gout – and Why
06
Nov
Gout is a type of rheumatoid arthritis. It has been determined that this is caused when purines, found in food are broken down in the body and become uric acid. Usually the body will filter this chemical, which is not, in and by itself, harmful. The pain comes when the uric acid level is escalated to a medical state called hyperuricemia.
When the uric acid gets too high the body forms it into crystals. The common place for these to form is in the joints. This will cause inflammation in the joints. This is called gout. This condition is quite painful. In this state a person can find it most difficult to function and complete their daily tasks.
Foods That Cause Gout
Fat is a common ingredient in the foods that cause gout. That is why dairy products can cause gout. Typically dairy products such as whole milk, cheese, ice cream, and butter are high in fat.
Other foods that cause gout do so because of the high purine content. Those foods are fish, poultry, pork, beef and seafood. Quite often we find that organ meats can cause grout. Meats such as kidney, heart, and liver are very high in purines. That is where they are concentrated in the meat. Meat is the primary culprit, however, other foods can cause a reaction due to the content of meat derivatives, such as broths and fish roe.
Some vegetables can also cause gout. The guilty vegetables are spinach, mushrooms, cauliflower, peas, asparagus, lentils and beans. When someone adds butter to these vegetables they are just compounding the problem.
Yeast is another culprit. Yeast and yeast by products are found in a lot of foods, even beer. However, alcohol in any form seems to be on the list also. Remember, there are many prepared products that use yeast and yeast extract as ingredients. It is important to be a label reader if you want to avoid yeast.
When manufacturers create products, sometimes they begin with a natural food and then adulterate it. The food processing procedure will add some ingredients, such as yeast that we know has a negative affect on gout suffers, but they also add chemicals that have not been specifically tested for gout. It is advisable to avoid all prepared food as much as possible. Eating real food is much better for all of us but the gout sufferer has a lot more at stake if newly added chemicals are affecting their levels of uric acid.
It is also advisable to watch the quantity of food, as there seems to be some relationship with overeating and gout. Smaller quantities are advisable, for sure, and less overall intake for the day is also advisable.
After reading all these foods that cause gout, it almost seems that there is nothing left to eat. That is not really the case, however, it does seem that the foods we have mentioned are more of the common foods. Searching out the gourmet section of the grocery store where you will find vegetables that are not common choices might be just the food to satisfy without pain. Also, buying fresh rather than prepared is advisable because of some degree of unknown content in the prepared food.
(Disclaimer: *This article is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any kind of a health problem. The Food and Drug Administration have not evaluated the statements in this article. Always consult with your health care provider about any kind of a health problem and especially before beginning any kind of a diet modification or exercise routine.)