Posts Tagged ‘arthritis’
Monday, January 4th, 2010
Arthritis is one of the foremost common chronic diseases in the world. In line with Ayurveda arthritis is primarily a vata (air) disease that is due to accumulation of toxins in the joints and is known as amavata.This could be caused by poor digestion and a weakened colon, ensuing in the buildup of undigested food and also the buildup of waste matter. Poor digestion permits toxins to accumulate in the body, and issues with the colon permit the toxins to achieve the joints.
Symptoms:
Fever Immense pain & stiffness in affected muscles in case of chronic muscular rheumatism. Pain or tenderness in an exceedingly joint which is aggravated by any movement or activity, such as walking, getting up from a chair, writing, typing, holding an object, throwing a ball, turning a key. Excruciating pain and stiffness within the joints in case of chronic articular rheumatism.
The subsequent are some simple cures which may simply facilitate relieve you from the pain of arthritis. Attempt any of them to determine what works for you.
2 teaspoons of lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey mixed in a very cup of heat water taken twice daily is good for curing arthritis. 2 teaspoons of juice from recent leaves of bathua, drink every day on an empty stomach for 2-3 months. 0.5 a teaspoon of turmeric powder with warm water helps cure arthritis. Taking alfalfa tea twice every day makes a sensible cure. Two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and a couple of teaspoons of honey dissolved in an exceedingly little glass of heat water taken a few times daily brings relief. Rub the aching joints with hot vinegar to urge some relief from pain. 2 elements pure olive oil and one half kerosene makes an exquisite liniment to wash afflicted joints. Add one tablespoon cod liver oil to the juice of 1 orange, whip and drink before sleeping. One raw clove of garlic each day is terribly beneficial. This clove will be fried in ghee (clarified butter) or castor oil. Take for 2 months. Guggulu is terribly useful in curing arthritis. Eat [*fr1] a teaspoon twice every day after meals with warm water. Exercise the afflicted joints during a tub filled with hot water. Drink carrot juice, cucumber juice, eat cooked vegetables and/or vegetable soups, and drink coconut water for a healthy body & massage your joints daily to cure arthritis. On an empty abdomen eat 2-three walnuts or some coconut. Avoid mental tensions that cause stress. Lose weight, if necessary, to induce shut to your ideal weight. If you weigh less, there’s less weight on your joints and less pain.
Effetive and Proven Results For – Arthcare Oil (Anti Inflammatory and Muscle Relaxant Herbal Massage Oil):
Arthcare Oil is the best natural answer for your drawback, manufactured underneath the steerage of renowned MD Ayurveda Specialist doctor. Arthcare is an anti-arthritic herbal oil that not solely offers a certain relief in rheumatic arthritis however also strengthens the bone tissues, the skeletal and therefore the neuromuscular systems, giving a comfy movements of joints and muscles. It is a robust antioxidant and increases the energy level. Arthcare penetrates the body tissue faster than any different ointment because of its strong anti-inflammatory action. It removes stiffness and improves mobility of limbs. It brings relief from backaches, muscular strains, rheumatic pains, joint pains etc. Body massage with Arthcare oil, relaxes an asthmatic person. Arthcare is scientifically proven Ayurvedic formulation containing the herbal combination of well known traditional herbs described above. Inside couple of minutes of application you will feel relaxed from pain. For Best Results Take two Arthcare Capsules twice each day and massage the affected area with Arthcare Oil two-three times a day.
Herbal Remedies:
The employment of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. The following are used traditionally to treat rheumatoid arthritis:
Shallaki conjointly referred to as boswellia (Boswellia serrata), comes from a tree that yields gum when its bark is peeled away. In clinical trials, promising results were observed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, chronic colitis, Crohn’s disease. Researchers found that standardized Boswellia extract considerably reduced swelling and pain and typically reduced morning stiffness for folks with rheumatoid arthritis.
Ashvagandha (Withania somniferum) is an Asian plant of the potato family. Its roots have long been used to treat “rheumatism,” high blood pressure, immune dysfunctions, erection problems and also to ease inflammation. As a result of of all this, it’s generally referred to as the “Indian ginseng.”
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) might be among the most effective-studied of the four. Research suggests ginger root inhibits production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, that are involved in pain and inflammation. In an uncontrolled 1992 Danish study, 56 patients who had either RA, OA or muscular discomfort took powdered ginger. All of those with musculoskeletal pain and 3-fourths of those with OA or RA reported varying degrees of pain relief and no aspect effects, even among those who took the ginger for a lot of than two years.
Herbal oils are applied to the arthritis to loosen stiff joints, restore mobility, take away pain, inflammation or swelling, nourish tissues and relieve pain. The experienced hands dipped in the pleasantly warmed oil will travel all over the body with pressure. Arthcare not solely increases blood circulation however conjointly offers a positive relief for rheumatic arthritis, spondylosis, paralysis, muscular disorder, slipped disc, asthma and tuberculosis. Brings in relief from stress, strain and tensions. It’s conjointly very smart for tonning of 1’s muscles and nerves. Get instant relief among minutes of application of oil. For a lot of info please browse at
Epsom Salt (magnesium sulfate): Magnesium has each anti-inflammatory and anti- arthritic properties and it will be absorbed through the skin. Magnesium is one in every of the most important of the essential minerals within the body, and it is commonly deficient in the Yank diet. A New England remedy for arthritis could be a hot tub of Epsom salts. The heat of the bathtub can increase circulation and reduce the swelling of arthritis.
Dosage and Directions:
Fill a tub with water as hot as you’ll stand. Add a pair of cups of Epsom salts. Bathe for thirty minutes, adding hot water as necessary to keep the temperature warm. Do that daily as often as you’d like.
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Wednesday, December 30th, 2009
Know your Pain Relief Options
The term “arthritis” refers generally to an inflammation of the joints and is typically associated with stiffness and joint pain. The different forms of arthritis vary in terms of cause, severity and potential pain relief treatments.
Management of arthritis pain depends not only upon the specific condition, but also upon your age, lifestyle, and unique response to different treatment methods.
Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
The two most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Together these conditions affect approximately 40 million people in the United States alone.
* Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition involving deterioration of the cartilage in the joints, resulting in joint pain or stiffness.
* Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease affecting the lining of the joints. While osteoarthritis is far more common, rheumatoid arthritis is often a much more severe form of the disease.
Before assessing your arthritis pain relief options, it is important to consult with a physician to determine whether you have arthritis, and if so, which type since treatment options differ.
Common Causes of Arthritis Pain
The joint pain associated with arthritis may be caused by a variety of factors. Most commonly, arthritis pain originates from:
* Inflammation of the tendons, ligaments or lining of the joints. This inflammation may be accompanied by swelling or redness, which results in joint pain.
* Joint tissue damage, which may be related to an injury or excess pressure on the joints.
* Fatigue, which is sometimes a result of arthritis and can make the joint pain seem more intense and the condition more difficult to cope with.
Arthritis Pain Treatment Options
There are a variety of ways to treat arthritis pain and other joint pain. It’s essential to be aware that people respond differently to different treatments. An individual’s response to pain and pain relief treatments is affected by the particular disease or condition he/she suffers from, the severity of the pain, and a range of psychological and emotional factors.
Short Term Pain Relief
One of the most important considerations when evaluating arthritis pain relief treatment options is to be clear about whether you are focusing on short or long term pain relief.
For short term relief from arthritis pain, many people use hot or cold therapy, depending on the type of pain and the specific condition. Cold therapy in the form of an ice pack can sometimes provide pain relief by reducing swelling, but may not be a good option for patients with poor circulation. Heat therapy, either moist or dry, acts as a muscle relaxant, and can also provide short term pain relief.
Certain drugs can also give quick, short term relief from the joint pain associated with arthritis. Depending on the amount of inflammation, doctors will often recommend a pain relief medication such as acetaminophen or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like aspirin or ibuprofen.
Another non-drug alternative that provides some patients with short term relief from arthritis pain is TENS, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. A TENS unit delivers electrical pulses to nerves in the affected area. The pulses block pain messages that the nerves would normally deliver to the brain, thereby bringing pain relief to the patient.
TENS therapy may also raise the level of endorphins produced by the brain. Endorphins are substances that are produced naturally in the body and contribute to feelings of well-being and pain relief.
Long Term Pain Relief
Because both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are chronic conditions, sufferers often need to look for long term options to deal with their joint pain.
Drugs such as NSAIDs provide some level of pain relief. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) target the immune system and are helpful for some patients. Corticosteroids are hormones that are sometimes prescribed for treatment of the joint pain and inflammation that typically accompany arthritis.
For many people with arthritis pain, exercise and physical therapy can help reduce stiffness and joint pain. Depending on the severity of the condition, walking, swimming, and a variety of strengthening and/or aerobic activities may be helpful, not only in pain relief but also from the standpoint of improving patients’ self-confidence and psychological and emotional well-being.
Overweight people suffering from arthritis pain are frequently advised to lose weight, since additional weight places an added burden on the joints.
In a small minority of cases, medication and lifestyle changes do not provide the desired pain relief and doctors may recommend surgery. Surgical procedures can remove tissue within the joint, or else realign or replace the joint.
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Monday, December 14th, 2009
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory disorder that causes widespread muscle aching and stiffness, primarily in your neck, shoulders, upper arms, thighs and hips.
Although some people develop these symptoms gradually, polymyalgia rheumatica can literally appear overnight. People with polymyalgia rheumatica may go to bed feeling fine, only to awaken with stiffness and pain the next morning.
Just what triggers polymyalgia rheumatica isn’t known, but the cause may be a problem with the immune system, perhaps involving both genetic and environmental factors. Aging also appears to play a role.
Polymyalgia rheumatica usually goes away on its own in a year or two. But you don’t have to endure polymyalgia rheumatica for months or years. Medications and self-care measures can improve your symptoms.
Polymyalgia rheumatica symptoms may include:
* Moderate to severe aching and stiffness in the muscles in your hips, thighs, shoulders, upper arms and neck
* Fatigue
* Unintentional weight loss
* Weakness or a general feeling of being unwell
* Sometimes, a slight fever
* Anemia — low red blood cell count
Initially, you may have pain on just one side of your body, but as the disease progresses, symptoms are likely to occur on both sides.
Stiffness is usually worse in the morning or after sitting or lying down for long periods. At times, the discomfort may also be severe enough to wake you at night.
The aching and stiffness of polymyalgia rheumatica often occur suddenly, but sometimes may develop gradually.
Between 10 percent and 20 percent of people with polymyalgia rheumatica have a related condition called giant cell arteritis, which causes the arteries in your temples and sometimes in your neck and arms to become swollen and inflamed.
Polymyalgia rheumatica is an arthritic syndrome that causes your muscles to feel achy and stiff due to mild inflammation in your joints and surrounding tissues. Most of the inflammation occurs in the hip and shoulder joints, but it may develop elsewhere in your body as well. In general, the inflammation isn’t as severe as that in inflammatory types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
In polymyalgia rheumatica, inflammation occurs when white blood cells — which normally protect your body from invading viruses and bacteria — attack the lining of your joints (synovium). Researchers aren’t sure what causes this abnormal immune system response, but they suspect that as with many disorders, both genetic and environmental factors are involved.
There may be a link between polymyalgia rheumatica and certain viruses, such as adenovirus, which causes respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to pneumonia; human parvovirus B19, the source of an infection that primarily affects children; and human parainfluenza virus.
Although the exact causes of polymyalgia rheumatica are unknown, certain factors may increase your risk of developing the disease, including:
* Age. Polymyalgia rheumatica affects older adults almost exclusively — the average age at onset of the disease is 70.
* Sex. Women are twice as likely to develop the condition as men are.
* Race. Although polymyalgia rheumatica can affect people of any race, the vast majority are white. People of Northern European and Scandinavian origin are particularly at risk.
* Giant cell arteritis. Also at risk are people with giant cell arteritis, a condition that causes arteries in your temples or sometimes other parts of your body to become swollen and inflamed. As many as half the people with giant cell arteritis also have polymyalgia rheumatica.
See your doctor if you suspect you have polymyalgia rheumatica. Some people delay getting medical care because they think it’s normal to have aching and stiffness as they grow older. But persistent pain is never normal. And because doctors can successfully treat polymyalgia rheumatica, you can be spared months or even years of unnecessary discomfort and disability.
If you’ve been diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica and experience new intense headaches, scalp tenderness, vision problems or achiness in your jaw, tell your doctor, as these may be symptoms of giant cell arteritis.
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Monday, October 26th, 2009
* Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks joints.
* People usually begin to develop RA between the ages of 30 and 50.
* About 2.1 million Americans have RA (about 0.5 to 1 percent of the U.S. adult population), according to the National Institutes of Health. More than 70 percent of them are women.
* The cause of this autoimmune disease is unknown.
* RA begins when immune system cells attack normal body cells in the joints. This causes inflammation, pain and damage in the joints, frequently in the same joint on both sides of the body.
* The first symptoms of RA are often pain, swelling or stiffness in a few joints.
* Depending on the individual, these symptoms may stay the same for many years or progress to include other joints and areas of your body, such as the heart. Severe cases of RA can cause tendons and bones in the joints to become deformed and difficult, if not impossible, to use.
* Many people with RA experience periods of severe inflammation called flare-ups, followed by remission for long periods of time. It is also possible, though less likely, that you may experience one flare-up followed by remission.
* There is no definitive test for RA. However, a physician may use blood tests, a physical examination and a synovial fluid analysis to permit a diagnosis.
* Rheumatologists use four separate classes to classify your RA status, with each based on your ability to function. Class I indicates that you are completely able to perform usual activities of daily living. Class II means you are able to perform usual self-care and work activities but are limited in other activities, such as sports. Class III: able to perform self-care activities but limited in work and other activities. Class IV: limited in your ability to perform usual self-care, work and other activities.
* There is no known cure for RA. Treatment primarily focuses on relieving pain and other symptoms, maximizing function and slowing the progression of the disease.
* Your RA will most likely be treated with basic pain relievers such as acetaminophen or anti-inflammatory drugs. Other drugs modify the disease’s progress or work on parts of the immune system that malfunction to trigger RA.
* The course of RA is different for each patient, and different drug combinations may provide relief for individuals.
* No drugs can reverse damage inflicted on the joints, but there are drugs that can stop the progression of the disease. Some surgical procedures can remove parts of damaged joints or even replace an entire joint.
* There is a great deal of research being conducted about the causes of RA and possible ways to cure it.
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Friday, October 23rd, 2009
Arthritis is nothing new: even dinosaurs had it. So did primitive man. The Latin word arthritis means “inflammation of the joint” but actually refers to many different forms of the disease. Osteoarthritis (also called degenerative arthritis), the most common type, usually results either from injury or from normal wear and tear on the cartilage of frequently used joints. The condition called rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease and is more severe.
Early Americans called any disorder involving pain and stiffness in the joints rheumatism. Aching joints were often rubbed with warm chicken fat, goose grease, or skunk oil, sometimes mixed with wintergreen oil. The oil, at least, is still prescribed today for its pain-relieving properties.
Non-weight-bearing exercise is an important component of combating arthritis. When one is in pain, there is a natural tendency to minimize movement, but inactivity only weakens the muscles that stabilize the joints. Specialized stretching and strengthening exercises can help maintain flexibility. Swimming (preferably in a heated pool) and walking, as opposed to high-impact sports like tennis and running, are good ways to maintain overall fitness.
Arthritis is most easily treated when it is discovered early. See a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms: persistent early-morning pain and stiffness in the joints; swelling; recurrent pain in any joint, especially joints on both sides of the body; loss of strength in association with joint pain; unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and fever accompanied by joint pain.
Herbal Remedies
Red pepper Also called capsicum or cayenne pepper, red pepper has recently gained popularity as an arthritis remedy. It contains a substance called capsaicin, which reduces the levels of a chemical compound that transmits pain signals to the brain. Mix a few dashes of the ground pepper with 2 to 3 teaspoons olive oil. Apply with gauze several times a day. Allow a week or more of continued use for the desensitization to take place. The first few doses will cause a mild burning sensation. Alternatively, capsaicin ointment is available commercially. It is also an ingredient in several over-the-counter products. Cayenne is highly irritating. Keep it away from the mouth, eyes, and other mucous membranes, and avoid direct contact with the pepper’s seeds.
Wintergreen The oil from wintergreen leaves contains methyl salicylate, a close relative of aspirin. Modern-day herbal healers prescribe wintergreen oil in external preparations to reduce joint and muscle inflammation and pain. The number of applications should not exceed five per day. Wintergreen oil is toxic if taken internally.
Dandelion Studies in the 1980s found that dandelion root has moderate anti-inflammatory properties. The powdered root extract is available in capsule form. Liquid root extracts are also sold. To make tea from a plant, add 3 tablespoons finely chopped dandelion root and leaves to 2 cups cold water. Boil for 3 minutes. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before straining. Drink it three times a day. Some people may have allergic reactions after handling dandelion.
Chamomile This herb has long been used as a tea for digestive upset. More recently, it has been used as an external compress for arthritis because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Brew a strong infusion using 2 tablespoons dried flowers in 1/2 cup hot water. Steep, then strain. Soak a clean cloth in the liquid and apply. People allergic to pollen may experience an allergic reaction.
Evening primrose The gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) found in the oil of the seeds of evening primrose, a common wildflower, was shown in scientific tests to have an effect on pain and morning stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The oil is available in both capsule and extract form.
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Monday, August 3rd, 2009
Symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) may develop suddenly – even overnight, in some cases – or they may develop gradually over several weeks. Both sides of the body are typically affected equally. However, pain and stiffness may be more prominent on one side than the other, particularly at the earliest stages of development.
The characteristic symptoms of PMR are moderate to severe pain and stiffness in and around the neck, shoulders and hips. This pain and stiffness is typically worse in the morning and after periods of inactivity (e.g., long car rides, watching movies). Pain generally improves over the course of the day but lasts at least 30 minutes.
Pain and stiffness may decrease the ability to actively move the neck, shoulders and hips and may be severe enough to rouse a patient from sleep. PMR patients may have trouble with the following and similar actions because of pain and stiffness:
* Getting out of bed
* Getting dressed
* Rising from a chair
* Getting into or out of automobiles
* Lifting arms overhead
The symptoms of PMR are often difficult to pinpoint, but the pain is usually said to come from the muscles around the joints. Most of the pain and stiffness occurs around the neck, shoulders and hips, but joints in other areas of the body may also ache. The affected areas may be tender to the touch, but this does not always occur.
Although muscles feel stiff and painful, muscle strength is usually normal. PMR does not damage muscle tissue. When muscle weakness is present, it is usually a problem due to muscle atrophy (deterioration) from disuse because of pain.
Pain and stiffness are not the only symptoms of PMR. Other symptoms may include:
* Arthritis (joint inflammation). The small joints of the hands and feet of PMR patients may develop arthritis, which is typically mild. In contrast to other forms, arthritis related to PMR may be brief and responds well to treatment.
* Swelling (edema). An increase in fluids in the tissues of the hands, wrists, ankles and/or tops Carpal tunnel syndrome is a compression of the median nerve in the wrist that causes wrist pain.of the feet may cause swelling. Knee joints may also swell. The swelling in the wrists may lead to symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, such as numbness and tingling in the fingers. Carpal tunnel symptoms occur in less than a quarter of PMR cases.
* Pitting edema. This occurs when a depression remains in swollen tissue after it is pressed. It usually accompanies other signs of PMR but may be the first sign noticed.
* Other symptoms, including:
- Slight fever
- Malaise (general weakness and unwell feeling)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Depression
- Night sweats
- Fatigue
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Thursday, July 16th, 2009
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an essentially benign (not life-threatening) inflammatory disease characterized by pain and stiffness in the muscles in and around the neck, shoulders and hips. It may develop rapidly but usually goes away over several years, even without treatment. With treatment, symptoms typically disappear in less than a week.
PMR may occur along with temporal arteritis, a condition that causes arteries, particularly those in the head, to swell. It is not known how or why PMR and temporal arteritis are connected, but temporal arteritis can potentially be life-threatening and is typically tested for along with PMR.
The cause of PMR has not been identified, but white women over the age of 50 are most commonly affected. Theories on the possible causes of PMR include links to genetics, aging, climate and viral infections.
Muscle pain and morning stiffness are the characteristic symptoms of PMR. Other symptoms include arthritis, joint swelling, edema (swollen tissue) and flu-like symptoms (e.g., general weakness, feeling of being unwell, loss of appetite).
PMR is a clinical diagnosis, mainly a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning other conditions should be ruled out. The only blood test found positive is the sedimentation rate (sed rate). Most physicians agree that the following criteria must be met for diagnosis of PMR:
* Patient over age 50.
* Aching and stiffness on both sides of the body that lasts at least 30 minutes and persists for at least one month.
* Sed rate over 40 millimeters per hour. This blood test detects inflammation by measuring the rate at which red blood cells fall in blood plasma.
Some physicians add another requirement – that symptoms respond quickly to corticosteroids. Also, other conditions that may cause the necessary criteria (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, polymyositis) must be ruled out.
PMR is typically treated with low-dose corticosteroids, which eliminate symptoms quickly. Once symptoms disappear, the dose is reduced to the lowest effective dose and treatment with this drug is eventually ended. However, if the dosage is reduced too quickly or treatment is ended too soon, a relapse may occur.
PMR affects less than 1 percent of the U.S. population over the age of 50, according to the National Institutes of Health.
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Tuesday, July 14th, 2009
Q: Are there any foods that have arthritis- or inflammation-fighting properties? I am 51 with severe joint pain in my hands and do not want to take cortisone shots. I have been using glucosamine chondroitin for 60 days along with acetaminophen, which seems to work better than ibuprofen for me.
I take a supplement that has betacarotene, bilerry, vitamin E, ascorbic acid, pine bark, ginkgo biloba, green tea, turmeric, zinc, yeast-free selenium, garlic, echinacea and goldenseal. This has controlled my severe sinus for the first time in my life.
Any foods that would add healthful anti-inflammatory benefits would be helpful.
A: Because you are suffering from inflammation, I am assuming that you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Osteoarthritis, the more common form, is not characterized by inflammation around the joints as RA is, but rather is due to wear and tear on the joints due to degeneration or injury.
Although evidence is not strong enough for many doctors to support the use of nutrition in the treatment of arthritis, there are some studies that show foods may help, or irritate it.
In some folks, RA may actually be an allergic reaction to certain foods. This form of arthritis may in fact be a different disease altogether than RA and is referred to as “allergic arthritis.” Perhaps you may want to eliminate to possibility of a food allergy being the cause of your problem.
Some foods may be worth giving up, even without an allergy. Meat contains a type of fat that stimulates the production of inflammatory agents in your body. Adopting a vegetarian diet may help. Patients with RA put on a vegetarian diet showed improvement within a month. A vegan diet may be the most helpful. For some people, giving up dairy products was helpful.
The exception to the vegan/vegetarian route, is to include oily fish, particularly salmon, sardines, mackerel or other fish rich in omeg-3 fatty acids. According to Jean Carper in Food: Your Miracle Medicine, marine oils act directly on the immune system, suppressing 40 to 55 percent of the release of compounds called cytokines that help destroy joints. Fish oil capsules may also help. However, eating fish purchased from a trustworthy market will better guarantee the purity of the oil you are getting.
Simultaneously, keep your intake of omega-6 fatty acids low since they may counter the effects of the fish oils. Do this by avoiding polyunsaturated fats such as safflower and sunflower oils and margarines made from them. Stick to olive oil and other monounsaturates.
Ginger is an anti-inflammatory agent. Try including fresh ginger in vegetable stir-fries, eating food containing ground ginger or dissolving ground ginger in your herb tea.
In summary, eliminate the possibility of a food allergy, avoid meat (better yet, go vegetarian/vegan), get plenty of fish oils and include ginger in your diet. Hopefully these suggestions will give you some relief.
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Friday, July 10th, 2009
Being told that you have osteoarthritis (OA) can be troubling. After all, no one wants to deal with arthritis pain. The pain and stiffness caused by the condition prohibit many people from engaging in physical activities if they do not manage their condition properly. Fortunately, there are ways to manage your pain and stay active.
Remember that having OA, though at times inconvenient and painful, does not mean that you can’t live a productive and fulfilling life. Here are some tips that may help you deal more effectively with osteoarthritis.
1. Learn about your condition
Many people suffer unnecessarily from the pain of OA because they are uninformed. Learn everything you can about OA from reliable sources of information. It’s a good idea to write down questions questions as you think of them and ask your doctor later. Remember not to be shy about asking them; doctors are professionals trained to deal with all sorts of conditions and diseases that many people are embarrassed to talk about. Get a second opinion if you think you could benefit from one.
Because OA is characterized by continual “wear and tear” of the cartilage in your joints, you should be aware that your pain and stiffness might worsen over time if left untreated. Being informed about how your particular case of OA is progressing will help you to better manage your condition, as well as prepare for what difficulties you may have to face in the future .
2. Identify your risk factors and take steps to minimize them
Factors such as age, heredity, weight, prior joint injury and certain medical conditions can increase your chance of getting OA. Be sure to identify what puts you at the most risk for the condition and act accordingly to minimize those risks you can control.
If you are starting to approach middle age and you don’t feel as limber as you once did, it may simply be a sign of age. However, an unusual amount of pain or stiffness that occurs more frequently or lasts longer than you are accustomed to may be an indicator of osteoarthritic damage to your joints. The same goes for if an old injury to your joints bothers you more than it used to, or if your joints feel more stressed than they when you weighed less.
Talk to your doctor about activities that cause you joint pain and what you can do to minimize the discomfort you feel.
3. Modify your exercise routine
Though it may be disheartening to realize that OA may keep you from engaging in certain activities that never previously gave you any trouble, modifying your exercise/activity routine in light of OA can keep you fit and healthy while reducing joint pain and damage. For example, those weekend basketball games may be more trouble than they’re worth if your knee is stiff and in pain for several days afterward.
If you have a routine of exercise or physical activity that is difficult to maintain because of OA, you might want to consider seeking out new activities that place less stress on the affected joints. You may want to try walking or riding a bike instead of jogging. Sure, it may take you a while to adjust to the difference in routine. But your joints will thank you for it later by not being as inflamed.
Swimming is known to be one of the most beneficial of all exercises for a number of reasons. Chief among these for people with OA is that there is no impact on the joints. Swimming and pool training have long been practiced by people looking for a challenging workout without negatively impacting their joints. Specially designed aquatic fitness programs benefit many people with arthritis. Just don’t forget the sunscreen if your pool is outdoors!
4. Know which treatments work best for you and utilize them
Knowing which treatments work best for treating your OA is critical to minimizing the pain and inflammation caused by the condition. Obviously, you wouldn’t consider surgery for your OA if your condition isn’t that serious. Likewise, a treatment such as a hot or cold pack may offer some relief but is not going to resolve severely debilitating pain.
Many patients, particularly elderly individuals, underreport pain for a variety of reasons. Some patients fear complaints will not be taken seriously. Others believe that adequate pain remedies are simply not available or worry about becoming hooked on painkillers. Though it is true that some physicians do not treat pain sufficiently because they fear that patients will become addicted to pain medications, this shouldn’t hold you back from talking to your doctor about what treatments are most appropriate for you and your situation. Injection into the joint with a corticosteroid can also help to reduce pain and improve mobility.
Taking such steps will help you learn what to expect from your condition, the limitations that may result, and what you can do to ease your OA. It may also help to remember that OA won’t be as likely to keep you inactive and away from doing what you love if you treat symptoms of OA in the most effective manner possible .
5. Involve family and friends
Many people are unaware that they may be at risk for developing OA as they age. You may choose to involve your spouse in your new routine to minimize OA. Having a companion will also make those walks or bike rides more meaningful and enjoyable than they would be otherwise. Plus you’ll both be doing something to help yourselves look and feel better.
6. Don’t get frustrated
If the pain and inconvenience of OA has gotten you down, don’t blame yourself. There are many disorders over which the individual has little or no control. Consider yourself lucky that OA is not one of them. Though OA can be a pain at times, most individuals with the condition are able to live full, healthy lives with little or no compromise. By working with your doctor, sticking with treatments that work best for you and keeping a positive attitude, you should be able to overcome the obstacles OA throws your way.
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Monday, July 6th, 2009
A disease as common as arthritis is bound to spawn some myths. Here, a look at the reality behind some commonly held beliefs:
Myth 1: Arthritis happens only to old people.
The truth: Some forms of arthritis do mainly affect elderly people, including the most common, osteoarthritis. Yet many types can affect younger people, and joint injuries at any age can lead to osteoarthritis. Currently more than half of the population with arthritis is under 65. Juvenile arthritis can begin in children as young as infants and toddlers and affects an estimated 294,000 Americans under age 18. Other forms of arthritis, mainly autoimmune conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, Reiter’s syndrome and ankylosing spondylitis, usually strike in middle or early adulthood.
Myth 2: It’s an inevitable part of aging.
The truth: Thirty percent of people older than age 70 have no x-ray evidence of osteoarthritis, the common “wear and tear” form of the disease, according to the American College of Rheumatology. For the 70 percent of people who do show the joint deterioration of osteoarthritis in x-rays, half of them never develop symptoms.
Myth 3: Weather affects symptoms.
The truth: Many people with arthritis believe that cold and dampness can set off joint symptoms. Indeed, according to the Arthritis Foundation, nearly half of arthritis patients think they can predict the weather! Yet the studies have been inconclusive. But don’t cancel your Florida vacation plans yet; milder weather may encourage people with arthritis to be more active, and that has been shown to help.
Myth 4: Exercise makes arthritis worse.
The truth: Regular moderate exercise can help prevent and treat arthritis. Exercise promotes function and mobility, controls weight and strengthens the muscles that support the joints. Though you may want to avoid high-impact exercises (like running) if your knees bother you, low-impact exercises such as walking, tai chi or aquatics are all beneficial. Talk to your physician about the best exercise regimen for you. Pool (aqua) therapy has been shown to cause improvement in mobility in arthritic joints.
Myth 5: “Nightshade” vegetables should be avoided.
The truth: Some people claim that vegetables in the “nightshade” family (potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant and peppers) cause arthritis to flare up. However, none about these associations have been proven. If a certain food seems to negatively affect you or your family, try to avoid it and see if that helps. Otherwise, follow the Arthritis Foundation recommendations for a diet rich in vegetables and fruits, including tomatoes.
Myth 6: Diet can’t help or hurt arthritis.
The truth: The Arthritis Foundation recommends a diet low in calories and saturated fats, rich in “good” fats found in fish and olive oil and nuts, and full of vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Some research suggests that carotenoids (found in orange and yellow vegetables and fruits) and cruciferous vegetables (the broccoli and cabbage family) may be particularly effective at protecting joints. Gout, which causes painful arthritis attacks, has multiple dietary triggers, including many types of meat and seafood and alcohol.
Myth 7: Cracking your knuckles causes arthritis.
The truth: Despite this urban legend, several studies over the years have found no association between knuckle cracking and arthritis. Persistent knuckle cracking may eventually affect your grip strength or, at the very least, annoy your coworkers.
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