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While many people assume the term “arthritis” describes a single condition, there are actually hundreds of different medical conditions commonly referred to as arthritis. Trademarked by swelling, stiffness, and pain in the affected area, arthritis is caused by an inflammation of the affected joint.

Two of the most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is commonly referred to as degenerative joint disease. It’s often brought about by the general wear that our bodies endure throughout life. Osteoarthritis most commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, or the spine. Symptoms include pain, tenderness of the area, decreased functionality of the area, and swelling. Your risk of developing osteoarthritis increases with age, and the condition usually causes some form of debilitation over time.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a very different type of arthritis; it’s a disease in which the human immune system mistakes the cell linings of the affected joint as an invader, and attacks them. It’s a chronic disease that can potentially cause a complete disability of the affected joint. Those with rheumatoid arthritis often face symptoms of joint pain, stiffness, loss of function and a swelling of the afflicted area.

There are many other types of arthritis, including juvenile arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia, gout, pseudogout, and scleroderma. These different sub-classifications of the disease can be caused by numerous factors, and they all relate to inflammation of a joint in one way or another. The treatments used to aid these diseases vary according to the type of arthritis faced. In addition, different degrees of severity of the diseases merit different forms of treatment. Medicine, physiotherapy, exercise programs, and surgery are all recommended treatments for various types of arthritis.

In order to properly diagnose arthritis, health care professionals will often employ the use of blood and urine tests, as well as reviewing your past medical history and family history of arthritis. In addition, the use of x-rays and magnetic resonance imaging may be called upon.

Arthritis is a disease that is quite unpredictable. Those who are afflicted with it often experience few symptoms until they encounter completely unexpected ‘flares’ of pain. For this reason, when arthritis is diagnosed, doctors often set up a treatment plan based upon your pain experiences over an extended period of time. Just because the symptoms of the disease may have tapered off for awhile does NOT mean that the problem is disappearing. Arthritic pain ebbs and flows, and it’s important to realize that even small amounts of pain should be properly treated.

As with any serious health issue, if you suspect you may have arthritis, it’s important to speak to your doctor to discuss possible treatments.

Arthritis refers to joint inflammation, which may cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in joints and other supporting structures of the body such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones. Some rheumatic diseases are described as connective tissue diseases because they affect the body’s connective tissues — the supporting framework of the body and its internal organs. Others are known as autoimmune diseases because they are caused by a problem in which the immune system harms the body’s own healthy tissues.

Examples of Rheumatic Diseases

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, primarily affects cartilage, which is the tissue that cushions the ends of bones within the joint. Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage begins to fray, wear, and decay. In extreme cases, the cartilage may wear away entirely, leaving a bone-on-bone joint. Bony spurs (pointy bulges of bone) may form at the edges of the joint. Osteoarthritis can cause joint pain, reduced joint motion, loss of function, and disability. Disability results most often when the disease affects the spine and the weight-bearing joints (the knees and hips).

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the synovium, or lining of the joint, that results in pain, stiffness, swelling, deformity, and loss of function in the joints. Inflammation most often affects joints of the hands and feet and tends to be symmetrical (occurring equally on both sides of the body).

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that causes pain and stiffness throughout the tissues that support and move the bones and joints. Pain and localized tender spots occur in the muscles and tendons, particularly those of the neck, spine, shoulders, and hips. Patients may experience widespread pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (also known as lupus and SLE) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system harms the body’s own healthy cells and tissues. In SLE, this can result in inflammation of and damage to the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels, and brain.

Scleroderma, also known as systemic sclerosis, refers to several diseases that almost always affect the skin, blood vessels, and joints. A more serious form also affects internal organs such as the lungs and kidneys. In scleroderma, there is an abnormal and excessive production of collagen (a fiber-like protein) in the skin or internal organs.

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is the most common form of arthritis in childhood, causing pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of function in the joints. The arthritis may be associated with rashes or fevers, or may affect other parts of the body.

Ankylosing spondylitis primarily affects the spine, but may also cause arthritis in the hips, shoulders, and knees. The tendons and ligaments around the bones and joints in the spine become inflamed, resulting in pain and stiffness, especially in the lower back. Ankylosing spondylitis tends to affect people in late adolescence or early adulthood.

Gout results from deposits of needle-like crystals of uric acid in the connective tissue, joint spaces, or both. These needle-like crystals cause inflammation, swelling, and pain in the affected joint. The joint most commonly affected is the big toe.

Infectious arthritis is a general term used to describe forms of arthritis that are caused by infectious agents, such as bacteria or viruses. Parvovirus arthritis, gonococcal arthritis, and Lyme disease are examples of infectious arthritis. In those cases caused by bacteria, early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics relieve the arthritis symptoms and cure the disease.

Reactive arthritis develops after an infection involving the lower urinary tract, bowel, or other organs. It’s commonly associated with eye problems, skin rashes, and mouth sores.

Psoriatic arthritis occurs in some patients with psoriasis, a common scaling skin disorder. Psoriatic arthritis often affects the joints at the ends of the fingers and is accompanied by changes in the fingernails and toenails. Some people also have spinal involvement.

Bursitis involves inflammation of the bursae … small, fluid-filled sacs that help reduce friction between bones and other moving structures in the joints. The inflammation may result from arthritis in the joint or injury or infection of the bursae. Bursitis produces pain and tenderness and may limit the movement of nearby joints.

Tendinitis refers to inflammation of tendons (tough cords of tissue that connect muscle to bone) caused by overuse, injury, or related rheumatic conditions. Tendinitis produces pain and tenderness and may restrict movement of nearby joints.

Joint pain can be caused by any number of things. It can be the result of an injury or overuse of the joint. If your joint pain is caused by arthritis, you will need to begin your search for an effective way to treat it. But, in order to do that, you need to know the symptoms of arthritis. All forms of arthritis share the common symptoms of severe pain, loss of range of motion, and a diminished quality of life. What you will find is that this painful, life altering condition can be found in any individual at any time of their lives. But, there are joint pain treatments that can be effective.

The first thing to do when you have joint pain is to go to a doctor. Symptoms of arthritis include severe pain in the joints and other factors as mentioned above. If your pain is accompanied with fever, the advice of a doctor is urgent because this specific type of arthritis can be deadly. Arthritis can be brought on by any number of things including overuse of the joint, sports, injury, and degeneration of the joints through time. In any case, it is important to relay to your doctor when it was first noticed, any related injuries you may have had, and what types of activities you perform on a regular basis. Your doctor will determine if the pain is arthritis through x-rays and blood tests. Once the doctor knows which type you have, treatments can begin.

For instance, the joint pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis is a function of the immune system destroying the cartilage in the joints affected. Cartilage is what keeps the bones from grinding against each other. As your immune system eats away at your joint cartilage, pain is brought on by the formation of nerve endings in the affected area. Eventually, the pain is so sever that mobility in those joints is virtually impossible.

But, again, there are treatments that can help or reverse the damage and pain. Your doctor can lead your treatment and some things you might expect could include surgery, pain medication, physical therapy, and even loss of use of the joint. But, there are other forms of medication as well. In fact, one of the most beneficial medications is a simple natural food supplement that is not even medicine at all. It is a natural treatment that is called collagen type II. When taken, this product can stop the pain by stopping the immune system’s battle against your joints. It can then help to repair damage. In some cases, patients saw results within days, in others it took up to a few months. There are no known side effects of this treatment.

No matter what your joint pain is caused from or how you will treat it, the most important thing to remember is that you can find treatment. You can find it in a number of ways, which gives everyone a solution to try. Joint pain can effectively change and ruin your life if you let it. Or, you can fight back and regain your body’s well being.

About The Author
Yvonne Loubet is a Natural Therapeutic Specialist who retired from her 20-year massage therapy practice because of arthritis. She operates a website http://www.arthritispainsolution.com which provides information on an alternative arthritis treatment. More information can be found at http://www.arthritispainsolution.com/arthritis-treatment/rheumatoid-arthritis.html

Let me begin by stating upfront that I realize that a great many people suffer from much more serious arthritic conditions than I. This article is not to trivialize their conditions in any way. My intent is to explain how this disease manifested itself in me and the treatment that I have undertaken.

Being an avid golfer, I like many other men can hardly wait for spring to arrive. In 2004 spring came early. My first round I walked 18 holes with a push cart as I usually do. I did not feel any abnormal pain at this point. The next day I went to the driving range to work some of the kinks out of my swing, and hit a large bucket of balls. Later that evening my left knee was in so much pain that I could not stand with any pressure on it, walking was very painful. This persisted for 2-3 weeks, it did finally start to get better, but only marginally, golf had been degraded to using a power cart, there was just no way I could walk 9 holes, let alone 18. Making any full swing was painful from the pressure put on my left knee.

I finally went to an Orthopedist, and after x-rays of both knees and a range of motion exam, was told that I had Osteoarthritis. The doctor showed me the small space left between the bones of my left knee, and told me that the meniscus (a pad of cartilage that cushions the joint and prevents bone to bone contact) was thinning and was in all likelihood torn. He told me that a few years ago, the standard treatment was to surgically repair the meniscus. However this type of repair was only effective at relieving pain about 50% of the time.

The more accepted treatment now, was to prescribe a series of exercises designed to strengthen the muscles around the knee joint, and a pain reliever to control the pain, so that I could exercise. He also suggested that I investigate and take glucosamine which is a natural healing product not regulated by the FDA. He stated that recent large scale studies had shown that glucosamine was effective in slowing down the loss of cartilage and may even contribute to regeneration of damaged cartilage.

Because I had previously had problems using Ibuprofen, he prescribed “Bextra” (a cox 2 inhibitor drug) that seemed very effective. Of course 2 weeks later came the scare about “Vioxx” also a cox 2 inhibitor drug, and I stopped taking “Bextra”, which is now not prescribed by many doctors. I started taking Ibuprofen again, however only in great moderation, I have had no ill effects. I continued with the exercises, some gradual improvement was noticed. I also continued taking glucosamine.

All of these measures have contributed to effective pain relief, however even more relief was noticed after losing about 10 lbs. This reinforces the notion that excess weight plays a large role in knee pain.

As of now (going into spring of 2005) the pain seems to be under control, my activity with the possible exception of running, is not restricted in any way. And my golf swing, once again needs work!

Resources for more information:

- Arthritis and Glucosamine Information Center – http://www.glucosamine-arthritis.org/
- Flexicose Homepage
- Arthritis Foundation
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
- Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center Arthritis National Research Foundation
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Arthritis Insight

About The Author
Jimmie Newell is the webmaster for http://www.ToYourHealth101.com, a health & wellness website, featuring editorials, tips, information and links addressing many of the health issues of today.

Although the idea of magnetic therapy has been around for centuries, the use of magnetic bracelets to ease pain is a hot topic in medical news today.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that damages and eventually destroys joints. What many people don’t realize is that this disease may affect children… not just adults!

Though inflammation is a normal response of the body’s immune system, in arthritis, the inflammation is excessive and targets normal tissue leading to damage and destruction. The inflammation in the joints causes pain, stiffness, and swelling as well as many other symptoms. The inflammation often affects other organs and systems of the body as well. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is not one disease, but a group of diseases. What they all have in common is chronic joint inflammation. Besides this common feature, these diseases are very different in their symptoms, their treatments, and their outcomes.

• Pauciarticular disease affects only a few joints, fewer than 5. The large joints, such as the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee, are most likely to be affected. This type of JRA is most common in children younger than 8 years of age. Children who develop this disease have a 20-30% chance of developing inflammatory eye problems and need frequent eye examinations. Children who develop this disease when older than 8 years have a higher-than-normal risk of developing an adult form of arthritis. About 50% of all children with JRA have this type.

• Polyarticular disease affects 5 joints or more, sometimes many more. The small joints such as those in the hands and feet are most likely to be affected. This type can begin at any age. In some cases, the disease is identical to adult-type RA. This type accounts for about 30% of cases of JRA.

• Systemic disease affects many systems of the body. Children may have high fevers, skin rashes, and problems caused by inflammation of the internal organs such as the heart, spleen, liver, and other parts of the digestive tract. It usually, but not always, begins in early childhood. Physicians sometime call this Still’s disease. This type accounts for about 20% of cases of JRA.

Children with JRA may experience complications specific to their type of JRA.

The most common complications in children with JRA relate to adverse effects of medications taken to treat the disease, particularly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). When taken chronically, these drugs can cause irritation, pain, and bleeding in the stomach and upper intestine. They also can cause problems in the liver and kidneys that often produce no symptoms until they are very severe. In some cases, the child must undergo frequent blood tests to screen for these problems.

Eye inflammation- iritis- occurs in about 30 per cent of children. It must be treated aggressively in order to prevent blindness.

Some children with JRA have emotional or psychological problems. Bouts of depression and problems functioning in school are the most common.

The mortality (death) rate in children with JRA is somewhat higher than in healthy children. The highest death rate in children with JRA occurs among patients with systemic JRA who develop systemic symptoms (eg, pleural and pericardial disease- disease affecting the lining of the lungs and heart). JRA can also evolve into other diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or scleroderma, which have higher death rates than pauciarticular or polyarticular JRA.

Treatment for JRA, like that for adult-type rheumatoid arthritis, has improved dramatically in the last 30 years, thanks mainly to the development of new medications.

These include the use of sulfasalazine, methotrexate, and biologic medications such as etanercept (Enbrel).

About The Author
Dr. Wei (pronounced “way”) is a board-certified rheumatologist and Clinical Director of the nationally respected Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center of Maryland. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and has served as a consultant to the Arthritis Branch of the National Institutes of Health. He is a Fellow of the American College of Rheumatology and the American College of Physicians. For more information on arthritis and related conditions, go to: http://www.arthritis-treatment-and-relief.com

Cherries have been receiving a lot of attention of late due to their beneficial effects on something that affects millions of people: arthritis. According to researchers, cherries contain anti-inflammatory properties that may work even better than over-the-counter drugs.

The Arthritis Foundation says that “drinking tart cherry juice mixed with water three times a day may be beneficial for some people with arthritis … Cherries also contain varied antioxidants, including kaempferol and quercetin. These compounds, particularly quercetin, may have anti-inflammatory effects that are similar to those of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen …”

Researchers have focused their attention on tart cherry juice. According to a 1999 study by Michigan State University researchers, tart cherries contain something called anthocyanins that prevent free radical damage and inhibit cyclooxygenase enzymes better than some anti-inflammatory drugs that work as Cox inhibitors.

In order to inhibit Cox-2 enzymes, many anti-inflammatory drugs have to attack both Cox-1 and Cox-2 enzymes. Unfortunately, Cox-1 protects the lining of the stomach. This is why so many people who take anti-inflammatories on a regular basis develop stomach problems.

It turns out that cherries contain flavanoids and antioxidants that have a protective effect on the stomach, minimizing the deleterious effects of inhibiting Cox-1 enzymes.

While there haven’t been any studies done on humans, researchers believe there’s strong enough evidence to add cherries to your daily diet. They certainly won’t hurt you and they might provide outstanding relief from the pain of arthritis.

About The Author
Rachel Williamson is a contributing writer for Eat This! where she has written about the health benefits of cherry juice

Did you know that we all have the ability to enhance self-healing, increase comfort and improve nutrition, exercise, communication and flexibility? This article explains clinical hypnosis and how it can bring relief to clients suffering from arthritis. Hypnosis is easy to learn, you can do it on your own and it empowers you to take an active role in your healthy well-being.

The subconscious mind has many jobs. It quietly and effectively regulates our bodily functions and stores all of our values, beliefs and memories. It also balances our blood pressure, heart rate and co-ordinates each step we take everyday of our life. The negative effects of arthritis extend into many areas of a client’s life, as does the positive resolve and relief of hypnosis. Hypnotherapy is the simple process of accessing and directing the subconscious mind to support certain positive changes. It is the language of the mind, it access the most powerful level of awareness and down loads new applications of freedom and relief.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It causes a deterioration of the protective lining of cartilage in our joints. This deterioration occurs due to a breakdown of the chondrocytes that form cartilage. Osteoarthritis affects men and women equally. Most people over 30 years of age have some features of early osteoarthritis. The degree of limitation depends on the location of the inflammation. The major areas of concern are hips, knees and spine. The development of osteoarthritis may be related to trauma, aging or heredity.

The symptoms of stress play a big role in exacerbating the situation. Communication with family and friends plays a key role in managing stress and hypnosis makes this a lot easier. Suggestions offered to a client during a hypnosis session encourage them to share what’s on their mind enabling them to offload concern and frustration, giving them more time doing things they enjoy.

It takes energy to deal with any physical or emotional burden. Hypnosis creates ideal sedation allowing for sound sleep. We all follow the path of our most dominant thoughts and if the last thoughts a client has at bedtime involve deep restful sleep, they are in a much better position to recharge their body and mind for tomorrow’s challenges.

For those suffering with arthritis it’s often difficult just keeping up with the fast pace of day-to-day life. Hypnosis helps individuals adjust to a more appropriate pace and also to release the frustrations and anxiety associated with any limitation. Clients who routinely relax with hypnosis are more centered, balanced and less affected by things they can not control.

Increasing muscle tone reduces stress to affected joints, which increases mobility and comfort. Low impact activities like swimming; walking and range of motion exercises are commonly recommended to clients with arthritis. With hypnosis it’s easier to integrate new regimes and to establish positive subconscious connections between healthy activity and improved mobility, comfort and freedom.

The more protection in your joints, the more comfort and mobility you create. Since the subconscious controls the multitude of our bodily function, hypnosis can direct it to increase the production of chondrocytes, which increases the growth of healthy new cartilage. Pain is often the biggest issue with arthritis. Some pain, however, is necessary; it acts as a warning system telling us that something isn’t right. The responsible approach with hypnosis is to only reduce unnecessary pain, leaving intact the body’s ability to signal us and protect us from further complications.

Hypnosis can also be used to regulate the flow and distribution of endorphins, which are the ‘feel good’ chemicals the body uses to create comfort and relaxation. Using hypnosis to regulate endorphin production plays a big role in putting the client in control. Hypnosis can also alter the perception of where the pain is located. By redirecting sensitivity away from key areas such as hips, knees and vertebrae to a less critical part of the anatomy like a finger tip, the client has much more control.

The same approach can be used to attach a different quality to pain. A sharp pain can be perceived as dull; burning pain can be perceived as cool. Involving other senses is one of the distinct advantages hypnosis offers in managing the symptoms of arthritis. Another technique involves using one color to represent pain and another to represent comfort, and then blending the two offering instant relief.

Lastly, by attaching a number value to pain creates the option of change. By imagining a yardstick during hypnosis a client can pick the number that best reflects their current level of pain, and then they are directed to different numbers which changes their perceived level of discomfort.

With hypnosis arthritis sufferers gain a distinct advantage in managing and even reversing the limitations of arthritis. Hypnosis is simple, empowering and extremely effective. A few sessions with a hypnotherapist gets you started and with a little practice you begin to effect healthy positive changes in your life. We all have remarkable self-healing abilities and hypnosis is an excellent way to jumpstart a return to a healthier more active life.

About The Author
Paul Gustafson RN, BSN, CH runs HealthyHypnosis.com of Burlington, Massachusetts. His 11 years of acute cardiac and hospice experience offer a solid foundation supporting his clinical approach to hypnotherapy. Visit HealthyHypnosis.com or call toll free at 888-290-3972.

If you read these chronicles, you know that I have constantly warned about the dangers of using NSAID’s to tackle arthritis pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can cause serious problems and ulcers are one of them.

When we talk about NSAID’s, we can include products like aspirin, Advil, Aleve, Motrin and many more. The newer group of NSAID’s is also implicated. I am talking about Vioxx, Celebrex and Bextra.

The risk factor for ulcer complications is lower with the last group of prescription drugs but as most of you know, Vioxx was recently pulled from the market because of possible cardiac implications. Of course, the drug companies and the government are taking a closer look at the other two drugs in that category.

Ulcers: No Fun and They can be Yours - Our stomachs have natural bicarbonate that protects us from ulcers. However, the amount of bicarbonate is controlled by prostaglandins and in some parts of your body, they can cause inflammatory responses. When you listen to television commercials, they talk about Cox-I and Cox-II inhibitors. I am referring to ads for products like Celebrex and Bextra. Now, these two enzymes are in charge of manufacturing prostaglandins. The one that protect your stomach is of the Cox-I type. They control the amount of bicarbonate released into your stomach. The Cox-II type deals with inflammation through prostaglandin production.

The Bextra and Celebrex Connection - This is what I call “high-end” NSAID’s. They are prescription drugs and very expensive. Supposedly, these drugs control inflammation with less stomach irritation or complications. Of course if they follow the course of Vioxx, they will not be on the market much longer either. The point is, these drugs were touted for their ability to control inflammation from arthritis with less stomach complications.

The Use of NSAID’s and the Stomach - When you are using an NSAID of any kind, it holds back the ability of your body to produce prostaglandins that protect both your stomach and inflammation. In short, it inhibits your body’s ability to offer this protection. So, do you have to suffer with arthritis pain or risk the ulcer?

You have Two Options Available - If you feel you must use an NSAID, and I caution against them, then you should use a product like Prilosec (an over-the-counter antacid); or, Prevacid or Nexium (prescription). These drugs reduce the production of acids and if taken at the same time as an NSAID, reduce the ulcer risk.

Frankly, I am a strong advocate of using a pharmaceutical quality liquid glucosamine. Most osteoarthritis sufferers get great results and there is absolutely no ulcer risk involved. Certainly, there is no risk of cardiac problems associated with using liquid glucosamine.

The choice seems easy to me.

About The Author
JR Rogers is the owner of Synflex America Inc. makers of Syn-flex, a premium glucosamine arthritis formula for humans and household pets. The author’s statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not provided to diagnose or to suggest that liquid glucosamine and chondroitin will treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

We use this title because not all arthritis treatments are, shall we say, enjoyable. If you suffer from the painful effects of this debilitating condition though, very little can seem worse. The pain is often so severe that the simplest movements can cause anguish and even tears. But, there are treatments to help arthritis. Can they cure it? That is still to be seen, but many have shown to be effective in fighting off the pain. First, there are many different types of arthritis. The causes of each will help to determine the treatment. But, here, we will talk mainly of the treatment options available and then those that are quite possibly the best at treating rheumatoid arthritis.

The symptoms of any arthritis start with pain. There is pain in the joints in a way that limits the amount of movement a person has. Now, remember, as well, that arthritis can strike any individual, not necessarily just older people. So, if a child stops using a limb complaining of pain, a doctor should be seen. On top of this, if symptoms of pain are accompanied with fever a doctor should be seen immediately as this can be a sign of a deadlier arthritis known as septic arthritis. In all cases, arthritis is an inflammation in the joints. The problem in rheumatoid arthritis is that, in trying to deal with the inflammation, the immune system ends up attacking the cartilage in the joints. The end result is pain and lessened use of the effected joint.

In order to stop this process, arthritis treatments can be anything from surgery to medications. There are some good notes about medications, but in the end, they can not resolve the entire problem, only mask the pain for a while. Surgery is invasive and costly. Physical treatment is available and has shown good progress in helping some patients. There are also herbal remedies that have shown good signs of helping as well. There is one product that we would like to mention in a little more detail. What is so unique about this product, though, is that it is a natural treatment that can be taken.

In the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in particular, collagen type II can be just as good as a cure to some individuals. This natural substance is actually a main component of cartilage itself. But, no injections are needed because this is an oral treatment. You will take a pill, in other words. There are many reasons why this medication works including the fact that it has an absorption rate of 70 to 90 percent. This means more of it is used and fewer doses are needed. There are other reasons why it works so well.

For instance, the immune system has a component of cells in the intestine called the GALT. This is where proteins are recognized as food or “friend” and therefore not treated as allergies or sensitivities by the digestive system. When collagen type II is ingested, the GALT recognizes this amino acid as a friendly protein. This action switches off the immune system’s attack on collagen elsewhere in the body as in arthritic joints. Instead of the immune system fighting the inflammation and destroying the remaining good material, the Galt simply tells it to stop. And, probably the most important aspect of this natural arthritis treatment is that it can also help to rebuild the damaged and destroyed cartilage. The combination of these two factors can help to restore a normal way of life.

No matter which method proves to be more beneficial to you, you’ll find that talking with your doctor about the type of arthritis you have and arthritis treatments can get you on the right track to overcoming this pain. You can regain your life!

About The Author
Yvonne Loubet is a Natural Therapeutic Specialist who retired from her 20-year massage therapy practice because of arthritis. She operates a website http://www.arthritispainsolution.com which provides information on an alternative arthritis treatment. More information can be found at http://www.arthritispainsolution.com/arthritis-treatment/rheumatoid-arthritis.html

Many people have arthritis symptoms and don’t realize it. It takes a while to get full blown arthritis. It’s something that gradually builds up and before you know it, you have arthritis and are seeing your doctor for medication. Any medication you take does not address the cause of arthritis and will not improve your condition.

If you show any arthritis symptoms, then expect to have arthritis 4-10 year down the road. Typically when people have symptoms, they just ignore them and actual don’t recognize them as arthritis symptoms.

Here is a list of arthritis symptoms that you need to look out for. Each person will show different symptom because of the nutritional make up will be different.

·Dry scalp with dandruff
· Dry skin which shows a whitish in different parts of the body
· Ear has no ear wax
· Fingernails that are brittle or splitting
· Premature color change to gray
· Skin wrinkles in the neck area
· Ringing in the ears ·Complexion color is pale
· Stretch mark which appear after losing weight
· Rectum itching
· Accumulation of dried flakes at the corners of the eyes
· Nose is constantly itching
· Feeling stiffness when getting up in the morning
· Hands and legs get cold and clammy
· Bleeding gums
· Teeth have etch lines
· Varicose veins in the legs
· Being sterile

From this list of arthritis symptoms, you can see that many symptoms relate to your body being dry. One of the causes of arthritis is the lack of essential oils. If you lack oil in your body, you will have dryness throughout your body. You will lack the oil that provides the lubrication to the body joints.

You can have one or many of these arthritis symptoms. If you do, you can start at any age using the oils good for preventing arthritis. You can start eliminating those foods that are detrimental to your joints and health. Some times it takes awhile to eliminate specific foods from you eating habits. So the sooner you start the better.

Without the proper oil reaching your joints, your joints will slowly degrade. The cartilage of your joints will be dry and this causes friction. This friction causes heat that will help in the slow degradation of your joints. Because the cartilage has no blood vessels, nutritional oils cannot be directly delivered its cells. Oils have to be absorbed into the cartilage by osmosis.

Look over this list of arthritis symptoms and decide if you have one or more. Remember, arthritis takes many years to appear after the symptom does.

About The Author
Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid ebooks. He writes a newsletter called “Natural Remedies Thatwork.com”. For more information on arthritis go to: http://www.arthritis-remedies.for–you.info

Arthritis refers to joint inflammation, which may cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in joints and other supporting structures of the body such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones. Some rheumatic diseases are described as connective tissue diseases because they affect the body’s connective tissues — the supporting framework of the body and its internal organs. Others are known as autoimmune diseases because they are caused by a problem in which the immune system harms the body’s own healthy tissues.

Examples of Rheumatic Diseases

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, primarily affects cartilage, which is the tissue that cushions the ends of bones within the joint. Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage begins to fray, wear, and decay. In extreme cases, the cartilage may wear away entirely, leaving a bone-on-bone joint. Bony spurs (pointy bulges of bone) may form at the edges of the joint. Osteoarthritis can cause joint pain, reduced joint motion, loss of function, and disability. Disability results most often when the disease affects the spine and the weight-bearing joints (the knees and hips).

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the synovium, or lining of the joint, that results in pain, stiffness, swelling, deformity, and loss of function in the joints. Inflammation most often affects joints of the hands and feet and tends to be symmetrical (occurring equally on both sides of the body).

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that causes pain and stiffness throughout the tissues that support and move the bones and joints. Pain and localized tender spots occur in the muscles and tendons, particularly those of the neck, spine, shoulders, and hips. Patients may experience widespread pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (also known as lupus and SLE) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system harms the body’s own healthy cells and tissues. In SLE, this can result in inflammation of and damage to the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels, and brain.

Scleroderma, also known as systemic sclerosis, refers to several diseases that almost always affect the skin, blood vessels, and joints. A more serious form also affects internal organs such as the lungs and kidneys. In scleroderma, there is an abnormal and excessive production of collagen (a fiber-like protein) in the skin or internal organs.

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is the most common form of arthritis in childhood, causing pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of function in the joints. The arthritis may be associated with rashes or fevers, or may affect other parts of the body.

Ankylosing spondylitis primarily affects the spine, but may also cause arthritis in the hips, shoulders, and knees. The tendons and ligaments around the bones and joints in the spine become inflamed, resulting in pain and stiffness, especially in the lower back. Ankylosing spondylitis tends to affect people in late adolescence or early adulthood.

Gout results from deposits of needle-like crystals of uric acid in the connective tissue, joint spaces, or both. These needle-like crystals cause inflammation, swelling, and pain in the affected joint. The joint most commonly affected is the big toe.

Infectious arthritis is a general term used to describe forms of arthritis that are caused by infectious agents, such as bacteria or viruses. Parvovirus arthritis, gonococcal arthritis, and Lyme disease are examples of infectious arthritis. In those cases caused by bacteria, early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics relieve the arthritis symptoms and cure the disease.

Reactive arthritis develops after an infection involving the lower urinary tract, bowel, or other organs. It’s commonly associated with eye problems, skin rashes, and mouth sores.

Psoriatic arthritis occurs in some patients with psoriasis, a common scaling skin disorder. Psoriatic arthritis often affects the joints at the ends of the fingers and is accompanied by changes in the fingernails and toenails. Some people also have spinal involvement.

Bursitis involves inflammation of the bursae … small, fluid-filled sacs that help reduce friction between bones and other moving structures in the joints. The inflammation may result from arthritis in the joint or injury or infection of the bursae. Bursitis produces pain and tenderness and may limit the movement of nearby joints.

Tendinitis refers to inflammation of tendons (tough cords of tissue that connect muscle to bone) caused by overuse, injury, or related rheumatic conditions. Tendinitis produces pain and tenderness and may restrict movement of nearby joints.

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Myth 1: Exercise does not help arthritis, and in fact makes the condition worse.

Fact: Proper exercise performed on a regular basis is an important part of arthritis treatment, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Twenty years ago, doctors advised exactly the opposite, fearing that activity would cause more damage and inflammation. However, not exercising causes weak muscles, stiff joints, reduced mobility, and lost vitality, say rheumatologists, who now routinely advise a balance of physical activity and rest.

Three main types of exercises are recommended:

Range-of-motion … moving a joint as far as it will comfortably go and then stretching it a little further to increase and maintain joint mobility, decrease pain, and improve joint function. These can be done at least every other day.

Strengthening … using muscles without moving joints to help increase muscle strength and stabilize weak joints. These can be done at least every other day, unless there is severe pain or swelling.

Endurance … aerobic exercises such as walking, swimming and bicycling to strengthen the heart and lungs and increase stamina. These should be done for 20 to 30 minutes, three times a week, unless there is severe pain or swelling.

Myth 2: Arthritis only affects older people.

Fact: While it is true that arthritis becomes more common as people age, arthritis may begin at any age, including childhood. Nearly three of every five sufferers are under age 65. Conversely, some elderly people never develop arthritis.

Myth 3: Arthritis is nothing more than minor aches and pains.

Fact: Arthritis can be permanently debilitating. Many forms of arthritis or musculoskeletal conditions are self-limited and get better without specific treatment. Others, however, such as rheumatoid arthritis, may be quite serious and may affect the body’s internal organs as well as the joints.

Arthritis already affects more than 42 million Americans in its chronic form, including 300,000 children. By 2020, CDC estimates that 60 million people will be affected, and that more than 11 million will be disabled.

Myth 4: A warm climate will cure arthritis.

Fact: Arthritis occurs in all parts of the world. Many people do notice that a difference in the weather can cause their arthritis to flare, but for most people, moving to a different climate does not make a big enough difference to justify moving.

Myth 5: Knuckle cracking will give you arthritis.

Fact: There is no clinical evidence that knuckle cracking causes arthritis in the fingers or the hand. Studies of people with osteoarthritis in their knuckles show they are no more likely to have cracked their knuckles earlier in life than people who did not develop the condition. However, the bad news is that there is some evidence that people who habitually crack their knuckles have decreased hand function, such as reduced ability to grip tightly.

Myth 6: Drinking milk prevents arthritis.

Fact: Drinking milk does not prevent arthritis. This myth is often attributed to confusing osteoarthritis with osteoporosis, a condition that can be reduced by drinking milk and taking regular weight-bearing exercise. A person with osteoporosis gradually loses bone material so that his or her bones become more fragile. Osteoarthritis results from the wear and tear of life. The pressure of gravity causes physical damage to the joints and surrounding tissues, leading to pain, tenderness, swelling, and decreased function.

For More Information:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Mail Stop K-45 4770 Buford Highway, N.E. Atlanta, GA 30341-3717 770-488-5131 http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/

National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Clearinghouse 1 AMS Circle Bethesda, MD 20892-3675 301-226-4267 1-877-22-NIAMS (toll-free) http://www.nih.gov/niams/

Arthritis Foundation P.O. Box 7669 Atlanta, GA 30359-0669 1-800-283-7800 http://www.arthritis.org

American College of Rheumatology Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals 1800 Century Place, Suite 250 Atlanta, GA 30345 http://www.rheumatology.org/index.asp

About The Author
Discover everything you need to know about arthritis at: About Arthritis Today

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Your joints feel stiff, and your muscles ache. You find yourself unable to do simple everyday tasks without a little discomfort. You suspect you have some form of arthritis, and maybe you are right. But to be absolutely certain, only your doctor or another health professional can make the official diagnosis. If you are planning to visit your doctor, here is what you can probably expect.

During your initial appointment, your doctor will begin by performing a visual inspection of your body. Your doctor will check for signs of swelling and test your joints for reduced range of movement. Even if all the common signs of arthritis are present, making an official arthritis diagnosis is not always easy, and may involve several tests before a conclusive diagnosis. Unfortunately, there is no single test that can confirm the presence of arthritis. Most doctors use three pieces of information before making a final diagnosis. These include their visual examination, any laboratory test that may be taken, and the patient’s own background history.

What sort of tests might your doctor take to make a diagnosis?

There are two main types of tests that health professionals use to make a positive arthritis diagnosis. These include X-rays and blood tests. Most likely, you’ll take at least one of these tests, and sometimes both (depending on your specific situation). X-rays are used to reveal any trauma or damage in your joints that may reveal the presence of arthritis. X-rays are particularly helpful in cases where osteoarthritis is suspected, though they may not be as helpful in detecting other forms of arthritis. For instance, it can often be difficult to diagnose for rheumatoid arthritis using X-rays. This is because no substantial damage can be detected during the early stages of the disease.

The other test your health professional will probably use to make his diagnosis is a blood test. There are many types of blood tests, each measuring different types of chemicals and blood cells. Some blood tests, for instance, are used specifically for detecting anemia. Others can measure the level of inflammation in the body. The latter are the most helpful for detecting different types of arthritis.

X-rays and blood tests are also often used post-diagnosis to continue to track the progression of the disease, and to gauge the efficacy of different treatment therapies.

Most of the time, your regular doctor will present you with the official diagnosis. However, it’s not uncommon for patients to be referred to an arthritis specialist. An arthritis specialist may consist of an orthopedic surgeon or rheumatologist. Once a positive diagnosis has been made, your doctor or specialist will sit down with you to discuss the results. Your doctor will explain the different treatment options and together you’ll agree on the proper course of treatment. Never be afraid to ask for a second opinion if you’re not satisfied with your treatment options.

One of the most popular myths I hear from my patients is that eating golden raisins soaked in gin will cure arthritis. There is no good research to support this notion. Save your money.

A recent popular diet, the Dong diet, advocates the elimination of fruits, red meats, and dairy foods. Not only is there no scientific evidence to support this diet but there may be potential harm. By eliminating so many potentially nutritious foods, there is the danger of causing a deficiency of important nutrients. Elimination diets though, have their supporters and selective elimination under the strict supervision of a registered dietician may be something to explore if you’re absolutely convinced your symptoms are food-related.

Another diet advocates the removal of dairy products. There are some who claim that dairy products make arthritis worse. The concern here is that total purging of dairy foods can lead to severe calcium deficiency and subsequent weakening of bones.

For years, there has been a myth that states the elimination of nightshade vegetables such as tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, and peppers will cure arthritis. The theory is that these plants produce a harmful toxin that causes arthritis. To date there is no scientific data indicating that these foods produce the supposed destructive ingredient that is responsible for inducing arthritis. Nightshade vegetables actually are low-calorie and contain important nutrients that might help arthritis sufferers.

Another popular “tonic” is the combination of vinegar and honey. Again, no reliable concrete evidence backs this as a “cure” for arthritis.

The advice: Thoroughly check out any story you hear. Don’t be fooled. Talk with a reputable rheumatologist and dietician before embarking on a food “experiment.”

About The Author
Dr. Wei (pronounced “way”) is a board-certified rheumatologist and Clinical Director of the nationally respected Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center of Maryland. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and has served as a consultant to the Arthritis Branch of the National Institutes of Health. He is a Fellow of the American College of Rheumatology and the American College of Physicians. For more information on arthritis and related conditions, go to: http://www.arthritis-treatment-and-relief.com

If you suffer from a form of arthritis (there are over 100 different types of arthritis), you may be surprised to learn that you can find some relief from your symptoms and increase your health simply by changing the way you eat. Although there is no miracle food that will relieve you of all your arthritis symptoms, you can certainly enjoy better overall health simply by avoiding certain foods and augmenting your diet with nutrient rich foods.

But before you begin to make any changes, here are some general guidelines to consider first …

Arthritis sufferers should avoid any form of fad or crash diet. These diets are generally lacking in nutrients, which are crucial for maintaining healthy joints and muscles. Nutritionists recommend that arthritis sufferers also remain well hydrated by consuming plenty of non-alcoholic drinks each day. It’s also important to eat a healthy, well balanced diet that’s rich in plant-based foods. Also, supplementing your diet with calcium supplements can help reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis later in life. Finally, maintaining a healthy weight is particularly important for arthritis patients because extra weight can place excessive weight on the body’s joints and muscles, exacerbating the symptoms of arthritis.

If necessary, a weight loss plan may be prescribed for alleviating the symptoms of arthritis. Your doctor or occupational therapist may be able to recommend physical activities that are low impact and fun. Many arthritis patients find water exercises to be ideal since they provide a good workout without damaging fragile muscles or exacerbating joint stiffness and pain. Yoga is another low impact activity that can help you stay toned and increase your flexibility. And then there’s walking, which is an excellent low impact diet activity that can help you stay healthy and maintain a normal weight. Taking up a regular walking routine is a good way to maintain a normal weight limit, stay flexible, and stay healthy.

As for supplements that may help alleviate the symptoms of arthritis, several studies have determined that augmenting one’s diet with fish oils can be beneficial. Indeed, several studies have reported that fish oils can help reduce inflammation. It appears that the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil reduce the number of molecules responsible for creating inflammation in the joints. Fish oils with omega-3 fatty acids appear to be the most beneficial in patients with inflammation-based arthritic symptoms, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Moreover, several studies have shown that the benefits of consuming fish oils extend beyond arthritis. They also have beneficial effects on the heart, prostate cancer, asthma, and a range of other conditions.

Overview of Arthritis

Effective help is currently available for people to proactively manage arthritis and enjoy life to the fullest. But the actual prevention of arthritis itself is yet another story.

With rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the membranes or tissues lining the joints become inflamed. There is no known way to prevent any form of this disease, including osteoarthritis, adult-onset arthritis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. The exact causes of all these conditions are unknown.

It’s very important for people who fear they are at risk of rheumatoid arthritis to realize that at this time there are no medications to take or lifestyle modifications to make that can completely prevent this crippling disease. However, by making changes to your weight and diet and engaging in moderate exercise, you may be able to slow or even halt the disease’s onset and progress.

But you can only really take the measures needed to control arthritis after it is diagnosed. Until it is known for sure if certain bacteria or viruses trigger the disease, contact with people suffering from it will not change your risk of developing it.

Traditionally, medications and physical therapy have been used to manage the disease. A massive amount of nutrient research has also shown the effect diet and supplements have on the body’s healing processes. Lifestyle changes can also make a big difference.

Causes of the Disease

Joint injuries caused by accidents or overuse increase the occurrence of some types of arthritis. You can also inherit certain genes that may increase your risk. More research is needed to find out how to reduce the disease’s onset from these factors.

Some individuals have an inborn tendency to degenerative joint disease because they have changes in the structure of the important protein-building blocks of the articular cartilage which covers the surface of their joints. These seemingly small but significant abnormalities predispose their joints to wear and degeneration. In other cases, joint injuries may contribute to the development of DJD.

No foods have been definitively shown to cause or exacerbate arthritis in most individuals. A variety of diets and “hand-me-down” information exists about certain foods and arthritis, in particular the night shade plants, but none of it has been proven.

There is a rare form of arthritis called Spure which is caused by allergies to wheat products. Avoiding those will eliminate this disease. Associated features include weight loss, diarrhea and osteoporosis. Consult your health care provider if this is a concern.

There are things you can do to reduce your risk for getting certain types of arthritis or to reduce disability if you already have arthritis.

Overweight and obese people have a higher frequency of arthritis. Excess weight increases risk for developing osteoarthritis in the knees, and possibly in the hips and hands. Women are at special risk. In men, excess weight increases the risk for developing gout. It’s important to maintain your recommended weight, especially as you get older.

Arthritis Prevention Programs

The Center for Disease Control has implemented programs in several states to reduce the onset and consequences of arthritis. The National Arthritis Action Plan: A Public Health Strategy delineates the actions necessary to better understand the arthritis burden in the USA and helps to fully apply known and effective interventions.

This document represents the combined efforts of nearly 90 organizations, such as the Arthritis Foundation, government agencies and many other groups and individuals with an interest in arthritis prevention and control.

The NAAP proposes a nationally coordinated effort for reducing the occurrence of arthritis and its accompanying disability by focusing on these three areas:

1. Surveillance, epidemiology and prevention research to strengthen the science base.

2. Communications and education to increase awareness and provide accurate information about arthritis.

3. Programs, policies, and systems promoting increased quality of life for people with arthritis and facilitating arthritis prevention measures.

The CDC continues to accumulate scientific knowledge on the benefits of physical activity. Because healthy eating reduces a person’s risk of becoming overweight, good nutrition plays an important role in preventing knee osteoarthritis. In addition, moderate physical activity is essential for maintaining the health of joints.

About The Author
The information outlined in this article is originally from: HealingWithNutrition.com, Arthritis Facts, Disease Prevention and Treatment Strategies, http://www.healingwithnutrition.com; Center for Disease Control, Framework for Arthritis Prevention and Control, http://www.cdc.gov; Web MD Health, http://mywebmd.com; and the University of Washington Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, http://www.orthop.washington.edu, Frequently Asked Questions About arthritis.

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Arthritis can be helped by paying attention to your diet. Today let’s take a look at minerals and the role they play in bone, ligament and cartilage health.

Minerals Needed In The Diet:

Boron - This trace mineral aids in bone health.

Calcium - This is a much-needed mineral for bone health.

Magnesium - Magnesium helps keep calcium in balance within the system.

Zinc - This mineral is necessary for bone growth, but is often lacking in arthritic patients.

Manganese - Manganese is also necessary for bone growth. However, do not ingest manganese with calcium because they can work against each other.

Copper - Copper helps to strengthen connective tissue.

Germanium - This antioxidant helps with pain relief.

Sulfur - A lack of sulfur can result in deterioration of ligaments, cartilage, collagen and tendons.

Vegetables are a good source of minerals, especially the dark leafy greens such as swiss chard and kale. So it would be wise to make sure that you have 5 or more 1/2 cup survings of vegetables in your diet each day.

Don’t skimp on your vegetables or you may not get enough minerals to help with your arthritis.

About The Author
Jeannie Crabtree gives you health and wellness advice. Make sure you get her latest health tip updates by using her RSS feed reader: www.health-doc.com/blog/atom.xml or visit Health & Wellness Advice- www.health-doc.com

Many millions of people are affected by pain and suffering from Arthritis and research has shown that Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulphates combined have given these people new hope and relief from their painful ailments. Arthritis causes pain, stiffness and sometimes swelling in or around joints. This can make it hard to complete simple movements you rely on every day for work or taking care of your family. But you can take steps now to avoid arthritis or to reduce pain and resume normal daily activities.

There are more than 100 different types of arthritis and the cause of most types is unknown. Scientists are currently studying what roles three major factors play in certain types of arthritis. These include the genetic factors you inherit from your parents, events which occur during your life and how you live on a day-to-day basis. The importance of these factors varies by type of arthritis.

Even though there is a lot of mystery surrounding arthritic joint pain, there is also a tremendous amount of research that points to certain nutrients that help nutritionally support this condition.

Both short and long term studies have been performed with a nutrient called Glucosamine Sulfate. Glucosamine works to stimulate joint function and repair. It is most effective in treating osteoarthritis, the most prevalent form of arthritis. A number of studies over the last 20 years have shown this to be true. For example, a 1982 clinical study compared usage of the NSAID ibuprofen with glucosamine sulfate, for osteoarthritis of the knee. The over-all results showed that 44% of the glucosamine group had pain relief compared to 15% for ibuprofen.

A long-term effects study was done with glucosamine and arthritis reported in the Lancet. The authors concluded that, “Glucosamine sulfate prevents the progression of osteoarthritis of the knee, in addition to relieving the symptoms.” The health supplements carry by StarHerb for Arthritic and Joint Pain not only contain all of these nutrients; it utilizes the exact forms that were shown in the studies to be effective. The forms which are the best to look for are:

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It is hard to enjoy your family, friends, hobbies or even money without your health and joint pain is definitely one of the big contributing factors to a poor quality of life.

About The Author
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