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Posts Tagged ‘Arthritis Pain’

Natural Arthritis Remedies

30 Dec



Many people are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis every day. The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown; however, the illness can be hereditary. Rheumatoid arthritis causes the tissues which line the joints to become stiff, swollen, and inflamed. The result is a great deal of pain. Many people who suffer from the illness try different remedies in order to ease the pain. Some remedies include: heat, rest, diet, exercise, acupuncture, nutritional supplements and herbs.

Some people rely on heat and rest during a painful flare up. Heat is often effective for joint swelling. You can apply hot compresses to the affected area in order to ease the pain. Rest is also beneficial during a flare-up. Other people rely more on natural supplements and herbs. One great natural supplement which aids in rheumatoid arthritis is fish oil. Fish oil is known to reduce inflammation and decrease joint stiffness. Some experts believe that a diet low in dairy and animal fat can also reduce inflammation and decrease joint stiffness. Herbs are also a vital aid in reducing pain and swelling. Many people make hot compresses out of herbs in order to decrease the swelling during a flare up. Some popular herbs include powdered ginger, borage seed oil, and devil’s claw.

Another way to ease some of the arthritis pain is through exercise. If you suffer from arthritis you can plan a healthy exercise regimen with your physician. Keeping the joints mobile is very important. Exercise is especially important if you are overweight. Being overweight and suffering from arthritis in your lower back, knees and legs could intensify the pain. In that situation, a healthy exercise regimen is a must.

Another way to reduce arthritis pain is through acupuncture. Acupuncture is said to reduce pain and increase flexibility. When you reduce pain through acupuncture, you reduce your dependency on painkillers. These are just a few methods for reducing the pain associated with arthritis. You can try some of these remedies and you just might find something that will ease your pain and your mind.

 
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Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis – Defined

16 Dec



Arthritis pain and the options for relieving pain can be very frustrating. According to Gene Hunder, M.D., rheumatology specialist at Mayo Clinic, if joint damage is already evident, the arthritis pain worsens with stressful or repetitive activities to the joints affected. However, if mild joint pain exists a gentle exercise program may be beneficial.

Ankylosing Spondylitis – This arthritis affects the spine, hips, heart, lungs and heels, which is chronic, painful and progressive. Ankylosing spondylitis can eventually cause fusion of the spine in those of genetic predisposition. Typical symptoms affect males between the ages of 15-30 consisting of chronic pain and stiffness in the lower back and fatigue. Children as young as three may experience knee pain often misinterpreted as rheumatisms. Generally, X-ray tests will show indications of any spinal changes and sacroilitiis characteristic to ankylosing spondylitis. Ankylosing spondylitis is classified as a systematic rheumatic autoimmune disease, with no known cure available. However, medication, physical therapy and exercise are available to reduce pain, inflammation and symptoms.

Juvenile Arthritis – This arthritis affects children between the ages of 6 months to 16 years. Many of the symptoms are the same as rheumatoid arthritis (see below) and usually the child outgrows juvenile rheumatoid arthritis before reaching adulthood. Medications are available to improve symptoms, which might include a variable fever.

Osteoarthritis – Degenerative arthritis, another name for osteoarthritis affects the joints. The wearing of the cartilage, which acts as a cushion for the joints, causes inflammation and pain. Because the bone surfaces have less protection from the cartilage, walking and standing, or any other weight bearing activity creates pain, but little if any inflammation. Currently this arthritis affects 21 million people within the United States. Because it is, so far anyway, impossible to replace cartilage, there is no cure for Osteoarthritis. The type of pain usually associated with osteoarthritis is described as a sharp ache, or burning sensation in the muscles and tendons associated with the bone. Occasionally when the joint moves or is touched, it will make a crackling noise. Other symptoms noted include muscle spasms, tendon contractions and fluid in the joint. Areas affected by Osteoarthritis are hands, feet, spine, hips, knees and in theory any joint in the body. When knees are affected, they tend to curve outward and usually feel worse the more they are used during the day. This separates osteoarthritis apart from rheumatoid arthritis. On fingers nodes form, but usually are not painful. Bunion formation that may become red or swollen is a common form on the toes. There are two causes of osteoarthritis; Primary, caused by aging where the water content of the cartilage increases and loss of protein composition; Secondary, other diseases or conditions including, but not limited to, obesity, repeated trauma, hormonal disorders, surgery and inflammatory diseases. Because 60% of the population has family members affected by osteoarthritis, this indicates a hereditary condition. X-rays and MRIs, in addition to a physical examination, are the most common techniques used to diagnose osteoarthritis. No matter how severe the osteoarthritis condition, weight control, appropriate rest and exercise and support devices, if necessary are the most beneficial treatments. To relieve pain associated with exercise, apply heat before and cold after for 10-20 minutes each, along with mild pain relievers, if necessary. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove fragments, reposition bones, or bone fusion, which will increase stability.

Rheumatoid Arthritis – This chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disorder allows the immune system to attacks joints, which is both painful and destructive and may create loss of mobility. Rheumatoid arthritis differs from other forms of arthritis because it attacks the soft-tissue of many joints at the same time and stiffness and pain are worse in the morning, improving with use. Rheumatoid arthritis may lead to joint deformity should joint surfaces erode or become destroyed, such as fingers and assume unnatural shapes. This disorder is more common among women and is genetic. Common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are morning stiffness, soft-tissue swelling in three or more joints, arthritis of hand joints, symmetric arthritis, subcutaneous nodules in specific places, radiological changes that suggest joint changes. Blood tests are used to determine if a patient suffers from Rheumatoid arthritis. Scientists do not know what causes rheumatoid arthritis, but suspicions lead to an offending organism causes an immune response that leaves behind antibodies specific to that organism. Though this disease is progressive, regular diet and exercise can ease the symptoms of pain and stiffness associated.

Arthritis dates back as far a 4500 BC when the remains of Indians were found in Tennessee. The first text written is dated 123 AD noting symptoms similar to rheumatoid arthritis.

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Arthritis in Dogs – Helping Through Natural Remedies

04 Oct



I would like to discuss a common affliction of the aging pet: Arthritis which results in pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited movement in varying degrees, caused by inflammation. It can occur as a crippling condition or simply a slowing down attributed to aging. Though the severity differs with each individual animal, arthritis is not a localized problem but a systemic disorder associated with a metabolic deficiency, which results in inflammation.

When the body’s organs are not functioning properly due to nutritional deficiencies, the metabolism suffers. When the body cannot metabolize nutrients, it leads to an accumulation of minerals and calcium in the joints. Pain increases as the cartilage becomes brittle and dry and ligaments lose flexibility and tone.

Viral and bacterial problems can also lead to arthritis. The most common factors that cause arthritis include; faulty nutrition, improper diet, supplement deficiencies, stress, buildup of toxins, obesity, aging, lack of exercise, environmental factors, genetics and infection. Beginning with prevention, avoid commercial kibbles, pouched and canned foods and treats that are loaded with chemicals. These products are the culprits that cause many health problems for your pet, including the perfect environment to induce arthritic inflammation.

The following products help to relieve the symptoms of arthritis pain and prevent further damage to the joints.

1- Glucosamine-Glucosamine is a compound found naturally in the body, made from glucose and the amino acid glutamine. Glucosamine is needed to produce glycosaminoglycan, a molecule used in the formation and repair of cartilage and other body tissues. Production of glucosamine slows with age.
2- Chondroitan Sulfate-Glycosaminoglycans are found in the lubricating fluid of the joints and as components in cartilage. Five kinds of glycosaminoglycans have been found in the tissues and fluids of vertebrates: chondroitin sulfates, keratin sulfates, dermatan sulfates, hyaluronic acid, heparin and heparin sulfate.
3- Chuchuhuasi (trembling bark) reduces inflammation and relaxes muscles resulting in pain relief; it inhibits protein kinase C which is believed to be responsible for many diseases. Good for adrenal glands.
4- Green Lipped Mussel (Perna): Green Lipped Mussels contain five kinds of Omega-3 (EPA, DHA, ETA, OTA, etc) all of which are necessary for the body. Green lipped mussel extract contains a rich blend of natural proteins, minerals, and mucopolysaccharides. These naturally occurring mussel extract substances are gaining attention for their ability to help joint mobility, cartilage maintenance, and overall health. Although some inflammation is normal under certain conditions, consistent or excessive inflammation can result in pain and damage to the body, including the joints. Green lipped mussel inhibits overall inflammation.
5- Celery Seeds- Celery seed is included in formulas for treating arthritis and gout, because it helps to subdue muscle spasms, calm the nerves, and reduce inflammation.
6- Devils Claw- Its anti-inflammatory properties are said to ease aches and stiffness in joints as well as relieve pain. A study in France that compared devil’s claw to a prescription medication for arthritis showed that both the herb and the prescription remedy had equal abilities to relieve pain.
7- Bamboo- This plant contains over 70% organic silica extract and is the richest known source of natural silica. It plays an important role in the integrity of skin, ligaments, tendons, bone, teeth, hair, nails and gums. Another benefit of bamboo is to support bone growth, heal bones and to relieve joint pain by increasing flexibility.
8- Coral Bean Bark- opens up meridian channels, and is used for relaxing striated muscles.
9- Tumeric- aids circulation, pain relief, anti-inflammatory
10- Ginger- stimulates circulation, reduces spasms, enhances other herbs
11- Pyrola- increases durability of muscles and tendons.
12- Guaco- Guaco is a significant source of the natural plant chemical, coumarin (as high as 11% in some guaco plants).
13- Iporuru- anti-inflammatory, pain relief, anti-tumor, aids flexibility
14- Chamomile- calmative, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant
15- Magnesium- assists in calcium & potassium uptake. Prevents calcification of soft tissue, fights acid buildup, neutralizes toxins
16- Charcoal- eliminates toxins in joints, aids mobility http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=30857&clcid=0×409
17- Fruit X- composed of calcium, fructose and important element boron. Boron has a long standing relationship with the safeguarding of healthy bones and joints with improved joint mobility
18- Krill Oil- pain reduction, high source of omega 3 oils, stiffness relief, anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, protects cellular damage
19- Collagen- is a type of protein and is the primary protein of connective tissue with approx. 25% of the body consisting of collagen . Collagen interacts with bone, skin, ligaments (main component), tendons (main component), muscle and cartilage. Collagen has strong tensile strength.

 
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Exercise For Shoulder Arthritis Pain

12 Sep



Exercise for shoulder arthritis pain is helpful, as long as you’re sure nothing in the shoulder is torn. Arthritis is kind of general term, meaning “inflammation of the joint.” There are many types of arthritis and the term is used to cover a lot of conditions.

Some people seem to think only of rheumatoid arthritis when they hear the term, but that’s significantly more complicated than just inflammation. You’re not going to exercise your way out of that type of arthritis. So that’s not the type of arthritis we’ll be discussing here.

Exercise for shoulder arthritis pain doesn’t usually involve a lot of heavy weights, but you will want to strengthen the rotator cuff and help stabilize the shoulder joint. The shoulder has a lot of directions it can move, so increasing the muscle strength to improve stability is key.

Since the shoulder joint is the most mobile joint (moves in the most directions) in the entire body, it is also the least stable. Strengthening the muscles that move the shoulder will take some of the pressure and strain off the shoulder joint.

Exercises for your rotator cuff can be done using resistance bands (or resistance tubing) and small hand weights to minimize the use of heavy weights and straining any of the surround tissues.

If you aggravate your shoulder, this will only increase the inflammation in the joint, leading to more “arthritis.” The goal will be to improve stability and strength, which will significantly reduce the amount of strain on the joint itself. The wear and tear of your joints will be reduced, and that alone will feel a lot better.

Follow a program that includes posture improving exercises carefully and you shouldn’t have any problems. If you experience sharp pain, stop immediately and consult with a qualified healthcare professional.

 
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From A Nurse: Get Rid Of Your Arthritis Pain Now

18 Aug



Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. Osteoarthritis affects joints in a different way depending on their location in the body, causing various symptoms. Arthritis is usually found in the joints of the fingers, feet, knees, hips, and spine.

There’s a little-known natural solution to curing oneself of arthritis pain that I discovered several years ago. I know the secret to getting rid of arthritis pain and it’s not taking drugs.

Joints are designed for normal and painless movement and are primarily supplied by the synovium and cartilage. The ability to make repairs to cartilage becomes limited as cartilage cells age. Cartilage contains chondrocytes, water, proteoglycans and collagen; chondrocytes are the basic cartilage cells and are necessary for balance and function.

The cause of arthritis (osteoarthritis) and the factors leading to the deterioration of cartilage in osteoarthritis is still not understood. One possible cause of arthritis is the inflammatory response due to the over-reaction of the immune system to an injury or other assault in the body, like an infection. As chondrocytes (the cells that make up cartilage) age, they lose their ability to make repairs and produce more cartilage; this process may play an important role in the development and progression of osteoarthritis.

Natural treatment for arthritis is usually a better choice because it’s non-invasive to the body. Many arthritis sufferers have changed their diets and noticed significant or total improvement. Gluten may be a culprit in arthritic diseases including fibromyalgia; avoid wheat, barley, rye, spelt, triticale, kamut and oats (although not a gluten grain it gets contaminated at the wheat mills).

Make smoothies with fruit only using a base of two bananas, adding a cup of frozen or fresh blueberries and mango chunks or substitute any other fruit and add an energy boost of two tablespoons of coconut oil; add one or two leaves of kale for another highly nutritional boost — no one will ever know. Some foods and beverages to avoid that are inflammatory are: caffeine, salt, sugar, meat, dairy products, additives, soft drinks, white flour, white rice, alcoholic beverages, fast food, processed vegetable oils, refined, packaged and processed food.

Make highly nutritious raw applesauce using a food processor and put in 3-4 cored pesticide-free apples, with the skin on, and mix for a minute; so much better for you than canned highly processed applesauce and add 1/4 tsp. cinnamon or two tablespoons of freshly ground flaxseed for another boost.

The first step in managing your arthritis is to change your diet; I think all experts would agree on this. Keep in mind, if you take a joint supplement it should help do three things — build cartilage, relieve everyday joint pain, and enhance your flexibility and movement.

I know quite a few people who are drinking tart cherry juice to relieve their arthritis pain; has to the tart kind though.

I eat a diet of living foods (fruits, raw veggies, raw nuts and raw seeds) to relieve my arthritis pain and this should be tried for at least 30 days, thus eliminating any foods that might be culprits.

A good exercise routine is the key to beating arthritis and arthritis pain. Exercise is good for joints affected by osteoarthritis. If you have pain and swelling in your fingers, try squeezing Thera-putty made for this purpose or exercising with two Chinese chime balls. Don’t just sit there, keep moving.

Keep a bedside basket of arthritic aids for arthritic hands (Theraputty, hand grips, Taiji chime balls, etc.) to be used at bedtime or while watching television. Whatever you do, keep moving; don’t sit when you can stand, don’t stand when you can walk. Even the lightest exercise can go a long way to maintaining your joint mobility and overall health.

Drugs commonly used for arthritis pain can cause ulcers, heart disease and liver or kidney damage. Once you become more informed about arthritis you’ll be able to plan an arthritis treatment program, natural or conventional or a combination of both. If you’re planning to take any of the non-prescription NSAIDS for arthritis, make sure you understand what bad effects they can have on the stomach, liver and/or kidneys and discuss this with your doctor.

Arthritis pain relief is the ultimate goal – understanding arthritis is a good way to get there. Following these suggestions can help you get back in the swing of things and allow you to spend your days enjoying life once more. I got rid of my arthritis pain years ago when I stopped eating dead food and changed my diet to all living foods; you can do it too.

 
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Even You Can Do Relaxing Rheumatoid Arthritis Exercises

08 Jul



Practicing rheumatoid arthritis exercise is considered as a stressful activity. An individual is not required to worry about rheumatoid arthritis, as exercises are now formulated to relieve from severe arthritis pain. It is believed that worrying about exercise really increases rheumatoid arthritis indications and lowers the body’s usual healing process. Although pain is experienced, it is essential to carry out such rheumatoid arthritis exercise every day for better benefits. Individuals can practice the rheumatoid arthritis exercise by themselves while warming up in the morning or prior to the usual every day activities.

Stretching And Yawning:

Cats are regarded as masters of yawning, because while yawning they stretch themselves. Therefore, it is suggested to imitate them while carrying out rheumatoid arthritis exercise. Luxuriously and slowly stretch forth one after the other. If possible, lift the legs in stretch out. Yawning not only stretch outs an individual’s neck and face muscles, but offer a deep inhalation of oxygen, which can assist the body to relax unconsciously.

Laughing:

This is considered as the one of the more pleasurable and often disregarded rheumatoid arthritis exercise. Even if an individual do not feel to laugh, it is suggested to just to pretend laughing for an instant, so that he will soon really tends to laugh. If it is very difficult to compel a person to laugh for rheumatoid arthritis exercise, in that case, it is suggested to watch a favorite comedy television program or remember the general giddiness of life. It is always nice to make a chat with somebody for any opportunity to laugh. The exercise will also assist in lowering the individuals stress levels.

Playing With Mud:

It is considered as playing in mud or with clay will be very beneficial in rheumatoid arthritis exercise. It helps by offering an exercise to individual’s joints, but it is suggested to do enough of such work out. It does not involve making any shapes or anything recognizable. Just mess around with mud or clay for just ten minutes. As an unusual and different rheumatoid arthritis exercise, it is beneficial for wrist and hand arthritis. It is not suggested to mess around with mud or clay with feet. However, before attempting such activity, it is advised to put down some newspaper or old towel. It sounds quite messy, but somewhat it may uplift in rheumatoid arthritis exercise.

These are just a few ideas of course there are many more.

 
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The Top Rated 10 Natural Arthritis Remedies

05 May



Organic and natural arthritis treatment plans are increasingly being used to minimize, and sometimes actually wipe out, arthritis signs and symptoms. If you are tired of taking arthritis pain prescription drugs and worry about their detrimental effects on the body, start thinking about adding effective natural treatment options to your arthritis treatment program. The following are the most effective arthritis super stars of holistic painfulness and inflammation assistance.

Glucosamine is one of the nation’s best selling dietary supplements and is a widely accepted natural supplement for arthritis. Glucosamine is a naturally developing amino sugar generated by the body and is a necessary building block of cartilage, joint fluid and other connective tissue. The quantity of glucosamine formulated by the body lessens with age. To avoid cartilage deterioration, it is preferred to supplement with glucosamine at the very first signs of arthritis.

Yucca is reputed to lessen harmful toxins around and within joints, thus reducing inflammation. One review revealed that yucca decreased joint problems and rigidity in fifty percent of the arthritic people. Other studies demonstrate that yucca can diminish head aches, improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure.

White willow holds the moniker “nature’s aspirin.” The pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory results of white willow remain for a longer period compared to aspirin and unlike over-the-counter aspirin, white willow does not cause stomach bleeding. One review established that, when compared to placebo, white willow effectively minimized arthritis pain.

Chondroitin, the second most commonly established arthritis supplementation, lowers inflammation and aids glucosamine in protecting cartilage material. Chondroitin, precursors of the material foundations of cartilage, prohibit enzymes which might hurt cartilage cells. Chondroitin is also thought to promote elasticity in joint cartilage.

Capsaicin is what adds spice to the cayenne pepper. The hot energy of this healthy ingredient is what knocks out pain. Capsaicin is regarded for its pain-reducing results and in the alternative medicine world, capsaicin is a top arthritis treatment.

Boswellia has been used for 100′s of years by conventional Indian healers of Ayurvedic for arthritis and rheumatism. This unique herb’s anti-inflammatory attributes help lower aching, rigidity and inflammation. Boswellia, additionally known as “Indian frankincense,” is thought to be as potent as OTC NSAIDs like ibuprofen and aspirin but does not trigger stomach discomfort.

Omega-3 essential fatty acids have been clinically proven in a number of scientific tests to act as anti-inflammatory materials. Research shows that Omega-3 essential fatty acids lessen inflammatory symptoms of arthritis and also hinders enzymes that break down joint cartilage. These extremely advantageous nutritional elements might additionally help reduce the associated risk of long-term diseases such as heart disease and cancer, and can boost mood and help with depression.

Feverfew escaped awareness for several years but because of new scientific curiosity is now getting a solid name as an anti-inflammatory. Feverfew got its name from its old fashioned use as a fever reducer. Modern herbalists work with this herb to treat intense head aches and migraine headaches, as well as joint pain and discomfort. Feverfew helps regulate the body’s inflammatory response and is found to imitate the anti-inflammatory effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroid cortisone.

Shark cartilage is increasingly becoming a commonly recognized means for managing osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. A number of scientific tests demonstrate the helpfulness of shark cartilage for arthritis. One shark cartilage review revealed noticeable improvements in comfort in 75 % of arthritis patients researched over a 3 to 8 week time frame. A small-scale review involving bedridden individuals demonstrated that after merely 3 weeks of using shark cartilage, 8 of the ten people were able to get out of their beds and move about. Then in a much bigger review of 147 arthritis sufferers, the people using shark cartilage enjoyed an 85 % drop in discomfort scores, compared to the five % drop in discomfort scores described by the placebo group.

Devil’s Claw is an herb put to use worldwide for its analgesic, sedative, anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties. Devil’s claw has been used in Europe and Africa for more than 3 centuries and is said to lower joint painfulness while improving the physical condition of joints. A German review noted that devil’s claw demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects when comparable to the anti-arthritic drug phenylbutazone. Researchers additionally observed analgesic outcomes coupled with reductions in uric acid blood levels.

These herbs and nutrients have all been proven to aid in reducing the pains of arthritis. Will these products work for you? There is simply one way to find out. All of these arthritis possibilities are commonly regarded as low risk. All the same, you will want to double check with your healthcare professional or pharmacist for possible interactions if you are taking any other drugs.

 
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Living With Arthritis Joint Pain

16 Apr



Arthritis is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a condition that attacks the joints in the body, causing inflammation and pain. The inflammation could be caused by previous injury, age or by an infection. Arthritis joint pain can slow a person down and seriously affect one’s quality of life. Though the pain patterns and severity differ for each patient, doctors have several things arthritis sufferers can to do alleviate arthritis joint pain, stiffness and inflammation.

It is commonly recommended to exercise to reduce arthritis joint pain. Depending on the type and severity of the arthritis, exercise will have a profound effect on the pain one feels. Many with arthritis complain of worse symptoms in the early morning, just after waking up. This is because the body has been at rest for a long time and the joints are stiff and sore. Get your body in motion and it will tend to stay in motion. If you stop using it, you could lose it, and the longer you stay inert the easier it is to simply remain not moving. Of course, exercise may be painful for your joints, so it seems like a paradox; endure pain so you won’t have as much pain. But the more you move, the easier it will become. If you are overweight and have arthritis joint pain, it is even more important for you to exercise and lose weight. Think about the added pressure your joints suffer from even an extra five or ten pounds. Your joints and body will hurt less as you lose weight.

If exercising doesn’t seem like it is an option because of the severity of your arthritis symptoms, start small. Walking is an easy and excellent way to exercise. It is easy on your joints and can be done at your own pace. Consider using an at-home walking system if the cold weather or distance from a resting spot deters you from going out. Another joint-friendly exercise is swimming or water aerobics. Being in the water takes pressure from your joints can even feel therapeutic as you wade in the water. Studies have shown that exercise is one of the best ways to get relief from arthritis joint pain.

You may also consider taking a supplement for joint health in addition to moderate exercise. There are several supplements available on the market today that promote joint health and flexibility. When taken over a period of time, many arthritis sufferers claim to have noticeably less pain in their joints. Consider changes in your diet as well, which could lead to less pain as well. Marine oils have been linked to joint health. When you experience less pain, you are more able to exercise and rehabilitate your joints.

After you exercise, you may feel more stiffness. Warm baths, massage, ointments or over the counter anti-inflammatory medication can relieve this temporary soreness. The more you exercise the more you’ll notice the stiffness and pain ebbing quicker and with less help. Though it may seem counterintuitive, exercising and movement is what will keep you mobile for years to come, despite arthritis.

 
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What Are the Symptoms of Midfoot Arthritis?

04 Jan



Pain around the top and middle part of the foot is normally the first complaint when an individual develops midfoot arthritis. This pain may be described as sharp or burning and is typically worse when standing or walking. Patients often describe the worst pain as being first thing in the morning, or the first steps after sitting or lying for some time.

Physical examination may reveal swelling and there may be general tenderness in the midfoot area. Over time, it is common for a bony prominence called a tarsal boss to develop, which can cause irritation with shoe wear and difficulty finding comfortable footwear. Without treatment, midfoot arthritis can lead to flattening of the foot arches and cause the midfoot to turn outwards.

The term arthritis is used to describe the loss of the cartilage which lines and cushions the surface of the joint. Normal, healthy cartilage allows the joints to move smoothly. If the cartilage becomes damaged, its surface becomes rough, causing pain and stiffness within the joint. It can affect any joints within the body and is commonly found in those that receive the most usage, including hands and wrists as well as knees and ankles.

Midfoot arthritis can develop following a major injury, such as a foot or ankle fracture, causing the cartilage to wear out with greater speed than it might do in normal conditions. More commonly, the condition develops due to daily wear and tear that our bodies undergo during a lifetime. This sort of problem is called osteoarthritis and may be linked to different factors such as heavy manual work, sport, being overweight and family history. However, for many people, the cause will not be known. Like all forms of osteoarthritis, or ‘wear and tear’, the condition becomes more common in the middle-aged and elderly.

The cause of midfoot arthritis can also be a different type of arthritis, called Rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Your immune system, which usually fights infection, attacks the lining of your joints, causing them to become inflamed and painful. The joints of the hands and the feet are the first to be affected.

Midfoot arthritis is sometimes overlooked by doctors who are not specialists in the foot and ankle because there are so many small joints in the midfoot. A careful clinical assessment needs to be combined with special x-ray views of the joints. Scans may be required as well to identify exactly which joints are involved. By being thorough in these initial stages arthritis is easier to diagnose and treatment can commence quicker; this of course will ensure that you don’t suffer any more pain or discomfort than is strictly necessary.

Treatment options include supportive orthotic devices, physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medicines and selective X-ray guided joint injections. If these treatments are unsuccessful, surgical fusion of midfoot joints can provide good, long-term pain relief. Midfoot fusion results in a relatively small degree of mobility loss, however the majority of patients report much improved pain relief and overall foot function.

 
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Arthritis Pain – Cold Laser Therapy & Chiropractic Can Reduce & Eliminate Joint Pain & Inflammation

22 Dec



As a chiropractor in the Plano, TX area, I treat patients for all types of arthritis. One of the most common types of arthritis is osteoarthritis. I’ve found that using Cold Laser Therapy provides tremendous benefit to my patients who have arthritic issues with their neck, back, shoulders, elbows, wrists, and knees. If you have a joint issue, this type of therapy can help.

Arthritis affects more than 50 million people living in the US, every year, and that number will only increase. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common types of arthritis I treat. This disease is degenerative in nature and causes cartilage to wear away along with giving you a lot of pain and discomfort. There are more forms of arthritis than I can count on my hand, but I’m guessing you’ve heard of bursitis, tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and so on.

All forms of arthritis have one common symptom, PAIN. Pain develops as a result of multiple factors including inflammation, joint deformity, and can lead to lack of mobility and partial disability. Chiropractic treatment with cold laser has great results but this is not to discount the possible need for medicines, injections, and surgery. Each has their place and value in helping with arthritis pain, but there is still a need for potentially useful adjunctive modalities that can accelerate the recovery and reduce pain faster.

Beyond arthritis, cold laser therapy is excellent for treating various forms of chronic and acute pain. Chiropractors also use laser therapy for patients suffering from back and neck pain, musculoskeletal pain, fibromyalgia, tendonitis, busiitis, neuropathy, achilles tendon pain, migraine headaches, sinus blockage, sprains and strains, carpal tunnel and other associated pains. Cold laser therapy also treats conditions such as TMJ, reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) and other inflammatory and scarring conditions.

Cold laser therapy is non-thermal and noninvasive. With the proper combination of cold laser and electric stimulation, laser therapy is one of the most effective healing therapies in the medical community today. Completed in ten to twelve sessions, laser therapy is not only significant in reducing treatment times, it is cost effective as well.

How Cold Laser Therapy Works:

The laser instrument is applied directly to the area needing treatment. By sending short burst of photon laser light into the skin, it blocks pain transmitted by nerve cells. This in turn reduces/eliminates inflammation preventing further swelling in the joint and stopping the pain. Another benefit of the laser is the ability to assist the body in releasing high levels of pain killing chemicals such as endorphins and enkephalins. The laser therapy also benefits your body by accelerating cellular reproduction and growth.

When the cell is damaged or injured, for instance in arthritis, it is not able to repair itself so the joint continues to deteriorate. This is why it is so important to help the cells repair themselves so that the deterioration stops and the regenerative cells of tendons, bone, ligaments and muscles repair faster.

 
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