Archive for the ‘arthritis’ Category
Arthritis pain relief is what’s available when it comes to taking care of this severe disease. Occasional liberation from this ailment is accessible. The longer you can stay pain free, obviously the better off you will be.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis affecting up to 20 million people in the United States alone. Osteoarthritis (OA) begins with the decomposition of cartilage in joints, resulting in joint pain, throbbing, and stiffness. An arthritis pain relief sure comes in handy for this type of the disease.
Rheumatoid arthritis, one of the more common types, occurs when synovial membrane gets inflamed and joint swells up. If it is allowed to increase it can affect the cartilage and cause severe pain. In its more advances stage it can affect other parts of the body such as lungs, heart and eyes. This disease is three times more common in women than in men.
Psoriatic Arthritis is not as well known as the preceding two, but actually eats away at the joints and can also manifest as psoriasis on the skin.
The motives, why patients change their arthritis pain relief therapies are numerous. Here are a few. Do any of these make sense for you to alter your arthritis pain relief?
Their current medication is not doing the job any more. While it may have worked in the past this arthritis pain relief solution is just not effective now.
Moving away from chemical healing to some natural arthritis pain relief is much more appealing.
With the costs of medications on the rise, some sufferers are looking for alternative arthritis pain relief.
Some people are worried. The arthritis pain relief they are taking may be doing some damage to other areas of their bodies.
The mental game. Rise above the pain:
You must continually focus on what you can do, rather than what you cannot do. Devise strategies and set goals in order to continue living your life to the fullest potential. You must focus on remaining active and maintaining as much independence as possible
Some useful solutions
By using fatty acids which provide lubrication for the joints, the joints will not wear down as much as a result less inflammation and less pain. Some recommend oils are: – Borage Oil – Primrose Oil and – NKO Oil
Vitamin C, E and beta-carotenes are powerful antioxidants that help to neutralize free radicals. These oxygen-reactive free radical molecules are thought to contribute significantly to disease and tissue damage. It has been found that cells from damaged knee cartilage can release great amounts of free radicals. In fact, studies have shown that those who have a high Vitamin C intake have a two-thirds reduction in the risk of further damage to their knees. Well-known scientist Dr. Linus Pauling recommends 18 grams of V-C per day as an arthritis preventative measure.
Selenium deficiency can cause a particular type of arthritis called Kashin-Bek disease, but it is more common where the soil is deficient in selenium, though sufferers of RA have less in their blood than others. Fish, organ meats, whole grains, nuts and beans will provide selenium.
Zinc may help reduce pain, stiffness and swelling. Some trials showed this was true, though others gave conflicting results. Oysters, cheese and tofu are all good sources of zinc.
More arthritis pain relief treatments.
Acupuncture
Animal foods: avoid them. Arachidonic acid found in meat provokes joint inflammation.
Bee/snake venom: Little scientific backing, real chance for allergic reaction.
Chondroitin: helps draw fluid into cartilage, improving shock-absorbing ability.
Elimination diets/weight control: more weight equals more joint pressure. It is debatable if fasting reduces symptoms or not.
Fish oils: controls inflammation in the body. Examples of other oils also used for the same purpose: flax, borage, sesame, sunflower and pumpkin.
Food allergies: linked to many causes for arthritis. Common foods to look out for: wheat, corn, dairy, citrus, salt, caffeine, tomatoes, white potatoes, eggplant and peppers. (Does not include black peppers).
Resources
NutraSanus
Essortmant
Arthritis Foundation
Please send to people you want to lend a hand to.
Aron Wallad
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/some-natural-arthritis-pain-relief-remedies-89555.html
Older dogs are like newborn babies. When these lovely creatures are feeling pain, they cannot tell anyone. The poor old dog gets slower and less active on a daily basis. Though they can not tell anyone, sometimes you can visibly see that they are in pain. Often this pain is the result of arthritis. Arthritis is quite common in older dogs, and it appears more frequently in larger dogs than it does in smaller ones. The larger dogs also have a more difficult time moving around when affected by arthritis than the smaller ones do.
Like arthritis in people, arthritis in dogs can appear in different forms with differing amounts of pain and symptoms. Dog arthritis, like the disease in people, is often caused by the inflammation of the joints. Dogs get the disease, and then it continues to get worse over the course of time. The joints that were once cushioned have lost this comfort, and the dog begins to have trouble getting around. The nerve endings are affected, and this adds to the pain of the aging animal. The dog will just not be the same frisky dog that it used to be.
What The Dog Owner Can Do To Help
The pain in the dog’s joints is caused by the deterioration, and this impedes the dog from getting around. The owner will notice that the dog begins sleeping more and becomes less active. The dog that went running up the stairs before will no longer want to do this. The old dog with arthritis will also have trouble jumping into the car. The owner will probably find themselves doing a lot more for the dog than they had to previously. A good vet will be able to determine the problem, and then make suggestions for the care of the dog.
There is help for canine arthritis from a vet and the pharmacy. There are medications including some that will start to make the dog feel better right away. These will help the way the dog feels, but they will not necessarily eliminate the disease. Some of the drugs for a dog with arthritis are expensive, and some may cause unwanted side effects. For this reason, all natural herbal and homeopathic remedies have become quite popular. Each dog lover should work carefully with their vet to make the dog as comfortable as possible. The vet will be able to give plenty of advice to help the dog. Each owner should remember that dogs do not live as long as people so dogs are much older than their years.
John Wollitz
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/older-dogs-can-suffer-from-arthritis-129027.html
It is a condition that afflicts nearly one in five adults, and is the leading cause of disability in Americans over the age of fifteen. Perhaps at one time or another you have heard an elder relative complain of the “rheumatiz” or something similar. Some may suffer this condition more seriously than others, but the fact remains that arthritis is no laughing matter.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a condition where the joints are inflamed, thereby causing stiffness, swelling, and pain. According to the Arthritis Foundation, there are over one hundred arthritic diseases names for various afflictions in the body, including:
Gout: brought on by a defect in the body chemistry, gout can cause pain in smaller joints like in the hands and feet
Lupus: a severe illness that can inflame and damage the connective tissue between joints.
Paget’s Disease: a disorder affecting bone growth and strength
Arthritis is the second leading cause of work disability among adult Americans, and more severe cases, including fibromyalgia, lyme disease, rheumatoid arthritis can render a person unable to walk with ease.
What causes Arthritis?
As there are many types of arthritis, so there is no one set cause for the illness. Some types of arthritis may be genetic, while a person’s age, weight, or history of illness and injury may contribute to certain cases. Anyone with a relative suffering from any kind of arthritis may want to consult a physician with regards to genetic possibilities. As such, people experiencing arthritic symptoms will also want a check-up to rule out the possibility of ailment.
Temporary Relief from Arthritis
Various treatments are available for certain types of arthritis, only a physician may prescribe the proper medication depending upon the type of ailment. While a person may never be completely cured, arthritis patients, too, may want to consider alternative therapies to ease the pain. These may include specialized exercises designed to help with blood circulation, changes in diet to combat various affects the body might have on the joints, and use of ergonomic products for work and home. A special seat cushion or chair, for example, may be used to promote good posture, and in turn improve blood flow to the joints and ease stiffness and aches.
Whether you or somebody you love suffers from arthritis, no matter how severe the condition, it is important to remain apprised of the situation. Consult a physician for the best possible treatment, and investigate life changes that can help ease the everyday pain and make work and play possible.
Kathryn Lively
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/arthritis-and-relief-90785.html
If you take paracetemol or an anti-inflammatory drug when you suffer from pain, you’re not alone. A 2005 study, reported in the American Journal of Therapy, showed paracetemol was the most acceptable form of analgesic drug for two-thirds of patients with osteoarthritis pain.
Another study on behalf of the International Arthritis Action Group, found 47 percent of Australians in pain do not use medication because they’re worried about side effects, or feel they don’t know enough about the risks and benefits of treatment. Some do try medication but if it doesn’t work they’re reluctant to discuss an alternative with their GP or specialist. Often they give up searching for help and assume they have to live with soreness and pain. Not so.
Paracetemol may be effective for a first line of defence, but for long term relief it may be worth considering these 7 natural food and supplement options.
OMEGA 3 FISH OIL.
Fish oils are derived from deep sea fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, anchovies and tuna. They provide a rich source of the omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. According to Dr Ronald Klatz, president of American Academy of Anti-aging Medicine, omega 3s are excellent anti inflammatories, which may be beneficial in the pain relief of rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.
Omega 3 fatty acids may also be taken in capsule form and can be beneficial when combined with glucosamine sulfate. One helps to build and support cartilage, the other works to ease inflammation.
COOKED VEGETABLES AND OLIVE OIL.
A diet loaded with cooked vegetables and olive oil, may help reduce the pain, swelling and discomfort of rheumatoid arthritis, according to a study from Harvard School of Public Health and reported in American School of Clinical Nutrition.
Your body makes bad prostoglandins that cause swelling and pain and good prostoglandins that prevent swelling and pain. Aspirin and other arthritis pain medicines contain drugs that block the bad prostoglandins.
Cooked vegetables and olive oils contain polyunsaturated and monounsaturated oils that are used by your body to make the good prostoglandins that block pain and swelling. They are also loaded with antioxidants.
ASHWAGHANDA ROOT.
This herb is used extensively in Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India. It stimulates immunity and as an antioxidant, reduces cell damaging free radicals.
Its anti inflammatory properties have been shown to be helpful for the pain of arthritis.
LEMON BALM.
An important antioxidant containing a high concentration of phenols, chemicals that fight cell damaging toxins. It can help decrease the pain of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.
EVENING PRIMROSE OIL.
The active ingredient in this plant is gamma linoleic acid [GLA] an omega 6 fatty acid. Supplementing with evening primrose oil may help in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis pain. Taken by many women to relieve period pain, it could also cut the chances of women with breast cancer having a relapse, according to an American study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
SULPHUR RICH FOODS.
Sulphur is vital for the repair and rebuilding of bones, cartilage and connective tissue. Sulphur rich foods include cabbage, onion, broccoli, garlic, leak and eggs.
Sulphur can be taken in supplement form as MSM {Methyl sulfonyl methane} and is often included in formulas that include glucosamine and chondroitin. According to Dr Ronald M. Lawrence, of the UCLA School of Medicine and Founding Member of the American Association for the Study of Pain, people with joint issues often lack the proper amount of sulphur to let the body heal itself.
WILLOW BARK.
White willow bark is a natural aspirin. According to naturopath Ron Gellatley, it reduces swelling and pain without any side effects. Try drinking away stiffness and pain with a cup of hot willow bark tea. To brew the tea, add one teaspoon of dried willow bark to a cup of boiled water. Steep for 5 minutes, then strain before drinking.
Graeme Lanham
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/is-there-a-cure-for-arthritis-pain-91186.html
Holistic medicine for treatment of arthritis is becoming more and more popular.
Arthritis is a disease which causes inflammation of the joints. If left untreated joint damage, joint limitations and deformities can occur.
Holistic medicine for treatment of arthritis offers arthritis suffers lasting relief from pain and inflammation. The holistic medicine approach states that arthritis is a disease that results from multiple causes. Contributing to all forms of arthritis is a number of underlying imbalances with physical, mental and environmental factors.
Holistic medicine believes that the cause of arthritis develops from a combination of several causes. It is important to understand the factors that went into creating arthritis in each person to properly treat the disease.
Holistic medicine employs a battery of diagnostic tools such as physical examination, dietary assessment, emotional evaluation, and test for immune/digestive function to help build an individual picture of the patient’s condition. Holistic medicine physicians take the time to find the root cause of arthritis and the patient is actively involved with their treatment.
Holistic medicine for the treatment of arthritis draws upon a wide range of therapies to help treat and possibly prevent arthritis.
The primary factors to this treatment is through Chinese herbal medicine, proper diet and nutrition, stress reduction, detoxification and the repair of nerves and muscles with the use of acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage and exercise.
The belief of the Chinese medicine is that disease occurs when obstructions impede the flow of energy to the organs. Chinese herbs are used to restore energy and function to the system so that balance and health can be achieved. With holistic medicine it is also believed that diet and nutrition has a significant impact on pain and inflammation.
A vegetarian diet is believed to greatly reduce arthritis symptoms. Herbs, minerals, vitamins and other natural supplements can provide effective relief without the side effects of conventional drugs. Mind and body techniques such as meditation can also help to reduce stress. The removal of toxins in the body has also shown to be remarkably therapeutic for arthritis patients.
Holistic medicine for treatment of arthritis helps to restore health to the whole patient, rather than simply providing superficial symptom relief. With holistic medicine the tests to detect any imbalance will focus on a physical and emotional evaluation, dietary assessment, immune response, and digestive and detoxification function.
Jeff Foster
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/holistic-medicine-for-treatment-of-arthritis-87991.html
Arthritis is a common condition affecting literally millions of people worldwide. For many, mainstream medical care brings relief. But are there any alternative remedies that are effective?
Firstly, a brief run-down of what arthritis actually is. The fact is that arthritis is a blanket term covering over one hundred different conditions, some common, some uncommon and some extremely rare. Arthritis means inflammation of one or more of the body’s joints, generally caused by infection, injury or just the plain wear and tear of life. It can also be a genetic condition.
The causes of arthritis are many and varied and its effects well-known. Pain, inflammation, mobility limitation and redness with swelling are all common symptoms. A strange fact is that people who show little joint damage may experience a great deal of pain, whilst others whose joints show terrible damage sometimes feel little pain, even none at all.
The most common form of arthritis are: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout.
Some other types include – systemic infectious arthritis, gouty arthritis, psoratic arthritis, bursitis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. As stated, there are many more less common forms.
Osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear arthritis) is the most common form of all, especially in elderly people. It is associated with loss of bone tissue in the joints and can limit mobility severely.
Rheumatoid arthritis (rheumatism) is more common in women than in men and usually effects the over-40’s. It tends to attack the hands, causing swelling in the knuckles, though it can affect any other part of the body, including the lungs and eyes.
Gout is much more common in men than in women, again usually in the over-40’s. It is caused by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood that form crystals in the joints. These are attacked by the body’s immune system, thinking them invaders, and inflammation results together with pain that can be localised but severe.
Unfortunately there is as yet no cure for arthritis, especially if the bone or cartilage has become damaged or has deteriorated badly. Conventional arthritis medications help many people and they should be regarded as standard treatment for someone experiencing the onset of the condition. However, it has to be pointed out that these treatments can have severe side effects, including depression, immune system suppression, diarrhea, headaches and elevated blood pressure, intestinal bleeding, nausea and abdominal pain.
Perhaps this is the reason why more and more people – especially those who have suffered from arthritis for some time – turn to alternative forms of treatment and remedies. Conventional medicine does prove effective in the majority of cases – despite the side-effects – but for some it just simply does not give the relief they need. Alternative treatments are many and varied and, whilst little scientific research seems to have been carried out on most of these remedies the fact remains that, at least for some, they work.
Alternative treatments include (alphabetically): Acupressure, Acupuncture, Aromatherapy, Ayurveda, Bach Flower Remedy, Chiropractic, Color Therapy, Food/Diet Therapy, Herbal Medicine, Homeopathy, Hydrotherapy, Hypnosis, Juice Therapy, Massage Therapy, Nutrition Therapy, Oriental Medicine, Reflexology, Tissue Salts, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Yoga.
It is impossible to say which, if any, will work for a given individual – if indeed any will work at all for that person. Yet the fact remains that many sufferers experience relief from joint pain and other arthritic symptoms that they simply cannot find through conventional medicine and, given the nature of arthritis, any relief from pain, however small, is worth consideration.
I’m not suggesting for one minute that anyone should ignore their physician’s advice, throw away their medication and go over completely to alternative therapies. However, if you are one of the unlucky ones who find little relief from pain in taking accepted medication, or suffer unpleasant side-effects, it may be well worth considering these alternatives as a new path to pain relief and a better quality of life.
Steve Dempster
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/joint-pain-and-arthritis-what-are-the-alternatives-91089.html
If you suffer from arthritis pain, chances are you’ve heard of a relatively new over-the-counter remedy called Glucosamine, furthermore you have probably seen the brand Health Perception, who is credited for the introduction of Glucosamine to the market. But what is Glucosamine, and how does it work to relieve arthritis? In this article, I’ll introduce you to this new treatment and provide you with the pros and cons of its use. By the time you’ve finished reading this article, you’ll be able to make an informed decision on whether or not Glucosamine is right for you.
What is Glucosamine?
Glucosamine, together with a related ingredient called Chondroitin, are substances which exist naturally in your body. It is believed that glucosamine helps to build and repair cartilage (the soft, spongy material between your joints), while chondroitin lends to the elasticity and flexibility of joints. A deficiency of either one can lead to increased wear and tear on the joint, and cause redness, swelling and stiffness as a result. When used together, glucosamine and chondroitin act as a tag-team of arthritis fighters, improving flexibility, soothing inflammation and reducing swelling caused by achy joints.
Where Can I Buy Glucosamine and Chondroitin Supplements?
You can find these products in virtually any pharmacy, drug store or health goods store as well as the specialist online store www.health-perception-store.co.uk. The downside to this is, like other herbal and alternative medicines, supplements are not regulated by any governing body. That’s why you’ll need to do a little bit of research to find the best, most potent brand for your needs. Here’s what you need to know when comparison shopping for a glucosamine supplement.
• You should expect to pay anywhere from $1-3 per pill when taking glucosamine daily. Since insurance companies rarely cover supplements of any kind, you’ll most likely be paying for them out of pocket.
• Read the ingredients label on the bottle to determine the dosage. Approximately 1500mg of glucosamine and 1200mg of chondroitin have been safely used in clinical trials. Depending on your individual medication tolerances and the severity of your arthritis, you should consult your physician or rheumatologist to find the right dose for your individual needs.
• Select supplements manufactured by a well-known, reputable company. Recommended brands include: Health Perception, Solgar and Viridian.
Hopefully the information presented so far has been applicable. You might also want to consider the following:
Are There Any Side Effects I Should Know About?
As with any medication or supplements, there are a few warnings you should know:
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not use glucosamine/chondroitin supplements, as no long-term studies have been done to gage what materials (if any) are passed on to the baby either internally or through breast milk.
• If you are diabetic, chondroitin (a form of sugar) may cause your blood sugar to rise.
• Chondroitin also acts as a mild blood thinner. Therefore, if you are taking any heart medication or are taking an aspirin regimen, have your blood clotting time checked more frequently by your doctor.
• Glucosamine/Chondroitin supplements should not be taken by children since no studies have been done to determine their effect (if any) on the child’s development.
So now you know a little bit about Glucosamine. Even if you don’t know everything, you’ve done something worthwhile: you’ve expanded your knowledge.
(Please note: The information contained within this article is not intended to replace or substitute for that of an experienced physician. Remember to check with your doctor or rheumatologist before starting daily glucosamine/chondroitin supplements, and don’t stop or reduce any of your current medications (whether they’re for arthritis or not) without first talking with your doctor).
Keith Woolley
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/getting-relief-from-arthritis-using-the-power-of-glucosamine-89465.html
Nothing makes you feel old quite like the onset of arthritis. Painful joints that prevent you playing your favorite sport, taking long walks, or even simply getting out and about, can have a dramatic effect on your life. Taking a regular dose of liquid glucosamine can reduce the pain and swelling linked to arthritis, helping you to remain active and feel youthful and energetic.
Osteoarthritis is an inflammation of your joints which is caused by a reduction in the amount of cartilage that naturally supports and protects them. Arthritis suffers tend to limit their movement to reduce the amount of pain they feel, but this can actually make their condition worse and cause muscle atrophy. For this reason, arthritis treatment focuses on pain control to keep us active and keep our muscles working.
Although one of the benefits of glucosamine is a reduction in the pain of arthritis, it also has properties that can slow the development of the disease. It is a natural derivative of cartilage and is necessary to build healthy joints. There is some evidence that taking a glucosamine supplement orally can help to rebuild cartilage to cushion your joints more effectively.
Taking glucosamine as a liquid vitamin has many advantages. It is easier to swallow than a vitamin pill, tastes batter, and will be absorbed more easily because your body will not need to break down the solid particles of a tablet. Easier absorption means that the effects of the glucosamine will be felt more quickly, bringing more rapid relief from joint pain. Fewer doses are required to achieve the same effect, and liquid vitamin supplements can work out considerably cheaper than their tablet counterparts.
Glucosamine is available in many liquid vitamin supplements such as ‘Drinkables Joint Care’ and ‘Flexicose’. In these liquid supplements glucosamine can be combined with other substances that can contribute to healthy, pain free joints including Chondroitin Sulfate and Omega 3 fatty acids.
Although glucosamine liquid supplements are now widely used, there is little regulation on the advised dose or the purity of the glucosamine in the liquid. As a guide, you should make sure any one dose of liquid glucosamine supplement contains 1500mg of glucosamine. This should be Glucosamine Hydrochloride, rather than Glucosamine Sulfate to get the highest concentration of beneficial glucosamine. If you are unsure which supplement you should choose, you may want to get a recommendation from your doctor.
Having arthritis doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the active way of life you are used to. Taking a regular dose of liquid glucosamine can ensure that arthritis has a very limited impact on your life and you can stay as active as ever. There is even a suitable liquid glucosamine supplement for dogs if you find Rover can’t keep up with the new active you!
Rebecca Prescott
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/benefit-of-glucosamine-liquid-vitamins-for-arthritis-127174.html
There is a little-known natural solution to curing oneself of arthritis pain, which I discovered several years ago. During my nursing career I was never able to find relief for my arthritis pain until I turned to the field considered natural or alternative medicine.
To get the arthritis pain relief you’re seeking it’s helpful to understand how arthritis works. Arthritic joints appear to be larger, are stiff and painful, and usually feel worse the more they are used as the day progresses. Arthritis pain can be experienced whenever a stiff or swollen joint is used.
The cartilage is slippery tissue that coats the ends of the bones. In young people, cartilage is about 85% water and in older folks about 70% of cartilage is water. The ability to make repairs to cartilage becomes limited as cartilage cells age.
Researchers report a higher incidence of osteoarthritis between parents and children or between siblings than between husbands and wives. The cause of arthritis (osteoarthritis) and the factors leading to the deterioration of cartilage in osteoarthritis is still not understood. Possible causes of arthritis include lesser known: bleeding disorders, like hemophilia, which causes bleeding to occur in the joint; disorders such as avascular necrosis, that block the blood supply closest to the joint; and conditions like hemochromatosis, that causes iron build-up in the joints.
Some people swear by morning drinks of raw apple cider vinegar and honey for arthritis pain relief. Try avoiding the eight most allergic foods, wheat being the most allergenic; they are wheat, corn, eggs, milk, peanuts, fish, shellfish and some nuts, not all. Some people swear by glucosamine and/or chondroitin and others say it didn’t help at all.
Many have told me that going off dairy products and gluten containing foods relieved their arthritis pain entirely. Making a ginger tea, by adding a thin slice or two of fresh gingerroot to hot water, is helpful to many people I know. For snacks, choose raw nuts without salt instead of lifeless roasted nuts.
The first step in managing your arthritis is to change your diet; I think all experts would agree on this. Dried Montmorency tart cherries seem to be helpful for arthritis pain also.
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. Many arthritis sufferers have changed their diets and noticed significant or total improvement.
Even the lightest exercise can go a long way to maintaining your joint mobility and overall health. Sign up for water aerobics classes at your local community center. If weight is an issue, try to use exercises that will help you in losing weight such as walking. A good exercise routine is the key to beating arthritis and arthritis pain.
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. Fight arthritis through proper exercise! Stretching and warming up the joints should always be the first step in your exercise routine to make your joints more flexible.
Only you know which treatment option is best for you. Drugs commonly used for arthritis pain can cause ulcers, heart disease and liver or kidney damage.
Let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other drugs, herbs or other supplements you’re taking, to ward off any adverse drug reactions that might occur from the combining of different drugs or supplements.
Your treatment plan should include an anti-arthritis diet, exercise, and a positive mental attitude. 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. Begin your treatment program with a diet change, exercise and weight loss plan to see results and pain relief fast.
Helen Hecker
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/free-yourself-from-arthritis-pain-now-with-these-tips-133776.html
I got rid of my arthritis and arthritis pain forever by doing one single thing – read on. There is a little-known natural solution to curing oneself of arthritis pain that I discovered several years ago.
Arthritic joints appear to be larger, are stiff and painful, and usually feel worse the more they are used. Arthritis is usually found in the joints of the fingers, feet, knees, hips, and spine. Unlike some other types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis is not systemic – it does not spread through the entire body.
Joints are designed for normal and painless movement and are primarily supplied by the synovium and cartilage. Cartilage contains chondrocytes, water, proteoglycans and collagen; chondrocytes are the basic cartilage cells and are necessary for balance and function. The combination of the collagen meshwork and high water content tightly bound by proteoglycans creates a resilient, slippery pad in the joint, which resists the compression between bones during muscle movement.
Aging cells may be a factor in the development of arthritis. It’s generally thought that inflammation plays a minor role in osteoarthritis and is more likely to be a result, not a cause, of arthritis. 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.
Nutrition experts say it takes a combination of supplements, that no one supplement can relieve arthritis pain, build cartilage, etc. Try massaging your fingers or other affected joints with coconut oil twice a day. One natural treatment method involves avoiding all inflammatory foods.
If your osteoarthritis is affecting your load-bearing joints, keeping your weight within a normal range is important. 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. Dried Montmorency tart cherries seem to be helpful for arthritis pain also.
A study in Great Britain touted the beneficial effects of cod liver oil on osteoarthritis; relieving pain and stiffness, and reversing the destruction of joint cartilage within 24 hours. Watch your diet closely – load-bearing joints are affected by excessive weight; they are the hips, knees, feet and spine.
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. If you’re not already doing so, make a big effort to watch your diet.
To be on the safe side always seek your doctor’s advice before starting or changing your exercise program. Whatever you do, keep moving; don’t sit when you can stand, don’t stand when you can walk. For arthritic fingers, a good exercise is to put your finger tips together and press hard and release, then repeat several times. Use Taiji health balls, with the chimes, to strengthen the finger joints: hold two balls, move in a clockwise circle with your fingers to rotate them, then try counterclockwise and do throughout the day.
Try to keep painful joint areas in motion, even in a limited manner. 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. Stretching and warming up the joints should always be the first step in your exercise routine to make your joints more flexible.
Be aware that the use of NSAIDs or Cox-2 inhibitors do not halt the progress of osteoarthritis and may even hasten the onset. 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. At the very least, understand what the side effects and adverse reactions are for any drug you take.
Knowing more about arthritis and how it works will ultimately help contribute to your relief of arthritis pain. One should not only search for relief of arthritis pain but work on preventing it. Your treatment plan should include an anti-arthritis diet, exercise, and a positive mental attitude.
Helen Hecker
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/effective-arthritis-pain-relief-tips-and-treatments-133775.html