Author: John Hilaire

Neck arthritis, which is also known as cervical spondylosis, is a type of arthritis which is caused by degenerative changes in the bones and the intervertebral disks of the neck. It is primarily due to aging, as although there are other contributing factors as well, the condition usually presents itself after the age of 40 and then continues to process on from there.

With neck arthritis, the bones in the neck, as with the rest of the body, progressively degenerate as your body ages, and over time, arthritis of the neck may result from bony spurs and problems with ligaments and disks. As well, the spinal cord may end up narrowing and compressing the spinal cord and nerves, and injuries from neck arthritis can in fact cause full spinal cord compression.

Symptoms

There are a number of signs and symptoms that you are likely to notice from the onset of neck arthritis, and this includes: neck pain and stiffness that is usually worse with upright activity, you may have numbness and weakness in the arms, legs, hands and fingers and have trouble walking due to all over weakness, you may feel or hear grinding noises or popping in the neck when you move, and you may experience muscle spasms or headaches which will typically originate in the neck area.

Treatment

When it comes to the treatment of neck arthritis, most of the time, if your symptoms are mild, your doctor will most likely recommend a variety of non-surgical treatments such as rest and medication. However if your arthritis is very advanced or incredibly painful, they may opt to go with further and more serious forms of treatment for you.

Remember that different forms of treatment work differently from one person to the next, and so what works great for one person may not have any affect at all on you. This is why you may have to try out a few different options before you can settle on one specific one.

The most important thing is that you keep on top of your health and that you make sure to watch out for any signs or symptoms of arthritis, not only in your neck but over your entire body. Arthritis is, after all, one of the most common diseases worldwide, and although it can be treated, the pain and discomfort that is caused by it is incredibly severe.

Make sure that you get in for regular checkups with your doctor, so that together you can make sure that you are always top notch when it comes to your health.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/

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Septic Arthritis Information

by unknown | 8:21 PM in | comments (0)

Author: Juliet Cohen

Septic arthritis
is an inflammation of a joint caused by a bacteria infection other than gonorrhea. It may also occur when the joint is directly infected with bacteria during injury or surgery. Septic arthritis can occur at any age. When considering children, it occurs at a higher rate in those under 3 years of age, with the hip, knee and ankle being the most common joints affected. Septic arthritis may affect any joint but is most frequently found in the knee, hip, shoulder, wrist, elbow, and finger joints. Approximately 20,000 cases of suppurative arthritis occur in the United States each year. From age 3 to adolescence, Septic arthritis is uncommon, at which point incidence will increase again. Septic arthritis is often seen in the elderly, immunosuppressed and those with chronic inflammatory arthritides.

The onset of the symptoms is usually rapid with joint swelling, intense joint pain, and low-grade fever. Septic arthritis in the hip may be experienced as pain in the groin area that becomes much worse if the patient tries to walk. In the majority of cases, there is some leakage of tissue fluid into the affected joint. Risk factors for Septic arthritis include a simultaneous bacterial infection, chronic illness, diseases or medications that operate on suppression of the immune system, intravenous drug abuse, rheumatoid arthritis, sickle cell disease, artificial joints, recent damage to a joint leading to bruising/inflammation, or recent joint arthroscopy or other invasive surgery. Septic arthritis should be suspected when one joint (monoarthritis) is affected and the patient is febrile.

Septic arthritis must be diagnosed quickly and treated with antibiotics. The antibibiotics are continued orally (usually two antibiotics for six weeks and then one for a further six weeks). In immunosuppressed, gentamicin and flucloxacillin is used Rest, immobilization, elevation, and warm compresses may help relieve pain. Performing exercises for the affected joint aids the recovery process. Prophylactic (preventive) antibiotics may be helpful for high-risk people. Empirical Antibiotics - Discuss with microbiologist. Intravenous flucloxacillin and fusidic acid for at least a week. Drainage of the joint and arthroscopic washouts are helpful in relieving pain. Immobilize joint and then physiotherapy started earlyu to prevent stiffness and muscle wasting.

Septic Arthritis Treatment Tips

1. Antibiotics are used to treat the infection.

2. Rest, immobilization, elevation, and warm compresses may help relieve pain.

3. Prophylactic (preventive) antibiotics may be helpful for high-risk people.

4. Fluid is usually aspirated from the affected joint to relieve pressure.

5. Aspiration may need to be done several times to relieve pressure.

Juliet Cohen writes articles for http://www.healingremedies.org/, http://www.healthatoz.info/http://www.health-disease.org/ . and

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Pericarditis Information

by unknown | 8:24 PM in | comments (0)

by JULIET COHEN

Pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium (the fibrous sac surrounding the heart). Pericarditis often causes chest pain and sometimes other symptoms. Pericarditis may be acute or chronic. The sharp chest pain associated with acute pericarditis occurs when the pericardium rubs against the heart's outer layer. Pericarditis can be caused by infection, heart attack, autoimmune disorders, chest trauma, cancer, kidney failure, or drugs. Infections that can cause pericarditis include viral infections, bacterial infections, tuberculosis, and fungal infections. Autoimmune disorders that can cause pericarditis include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and scleroderma. Pericarditis occurs in up to 15% of patients who have acute myocardial infarctions (heart attacks).

Pericarditis is more common in males than in females. Pericarditis most often affects men aged 20-50, usually following respiratory infections. In children, it is most commonly caused by adenovirus or coxsackie virus. Pericarditis can be misdiagnosed as myocardial infarction, and vice versa. The most common symptom of pericarditis is chest pain. The pain is predominantly felt below the breastbone (sternum) and/or below the ribs on the left side of the chest and, occasionally, in the upper back or neck. Changes in position can increase or decrease pressure on and irritation of the inflamed pericardium. Acute pericarditis is treated by a) identifying the underlying cause, b) treating the underlying cause, c) giving anti-inflammatory drugs , and d) giving analgesics to control the pain.

Tamponade is treated by draining the fluid from the pericardial sac, usually via a tiny catheter. Bacterial pericarditis must be treated with antibiotics. Fungal pericarditis is treated with antifungal agents. Excessive pericardial effusion can compress the heart muscle, the fluid can be removed by needle aspiration (pericardiocentesis) or surgery. Idiopathic pericarditis and pericarditis following heart surgery usually respond to nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin), or indomethacin (Indocin). Pericarditis due to uremia may respond to increased frequency of hemodialysis, aspiration, or systemic or intrapericardial adrenal corticosteroids. Bacterial pericarditis must be treated with antibiotics. Fungal pericarditis is treated with antifungal agents.

Pericarditis Treatment and Prevention Tips

1. Corticosteroids are particularly useful in acute pericarditis due to uremia.

2. Cutting or removing part of the pericardium may be recommended.

3. Acute pericarditis is treated by anti-inflammatory drugs to control the pain.

4. Congestion in chronic constrictive pericarditis may be alleviated with bed rest, salt restriction, and diuretics.

5. Removing the fluid relieves the pressure on the heart, and restores normal cardiac function almost immediately.

Juliet Cohen writes articles for http://www.healingremedies.org/, http://www.healthatoz.info/ and http://www.health-disease.org/ .


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Detailed Information on Gout

by unknown | 8:25 PM in | comments (0)

by JULIET COHEN

Gout is sometimes called the "disease of kings" because it has long been associated with the wrong kind of excess in food and wine, only the rich and powerful could afford. Gout is one of the most common forms of arthritis (inflammation). Gout is the state resulting from uric acid crystals in the filing of body tissues. Gout is characterized by an overload of uric acid in the body and recurring attacks of inflammation (arthritis). The chronic gout can lead to hard nodule deposits of uric acid in and around the joints, decreased renal function and kidney stones. Gout affects about 1 in 100 people and less than 6 to 7 per cent of older men. Men are more likely to find that women are the drop, but women are becoming more sensitive to the drop after menopause.

It occurs more frequently in countries that have a high standard of living. Mostly male over the age of 40. Gout affects up to 500000 (1 to 30) of Canadians. Gout attacks usually the big toe (about 75 percent of initial attacks), but it can also affect other joints such as the ankle, heel, foot, knee, wrist, elbow, fingers, and the spine. The most common sign of gout is a nighttime attack of the swelling, tenderness, redness and pain in your big toe. Gout is strongly associated with obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. Due to genetic factors, the drop tends to run in some families. Gout can be inherited or occur as a complication of another condition. The use of thiazide diuretics used to treat high blood pressure and low dose aspirin may also raise levels of uric acid.

Left untreated can cause permanent joint gout and kidney damage. You can treat gout with drugs. The first line of treatment should be pain relief. NSAIDs may control inflammation and pain in patients with gout. NSAIDs include over-the-counter options such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) and naproxen (Aleve, others), as well as the most powerful prescription NSAIDs. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, given in short courses, are powerful anti-inflammatory agents for the treatment of acute gout. The ice can be applied for 20-30 minutes several times a day. Weight reduction may help to lower the risk of recurrent attacks of gout. The best solution is to reduce dietary fat and calorie intake combined with a programme of regular aerobic exercise. Alcohol consumption should be reduced or stopped.

Gout Treatment and Prevention Tips

1. Drinking alcohol should be reduced or stopped.

2. Try to keep your weight down.

3. Use helpful devices such as a cart to carry your grocery bags.

4. Applying heat helps relax aching muscles, and reduces joint pain and soreness.

5. Applying cold helps to lessen the pain and swelling in a joint.

6. Vitamin C, taken in high doses, can help decrease blood uric acid levels.

7 NSAIDS such as indomethacin (Indocin) and naproxen (Naprosyn) are effective anti-inflammatory medications for acute gout.

Juliet Cohen writes articles for http://www.healingremedies.org/, http://www.healthatoz.info/ and http://www.health-disease.org/ .


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by KIETH T

There has been a promising outcome based on a study using home-based neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to enhance quadriceps fitness in older people suffering from Osteoarthritis of the knee.

Symptoms of this “wear-and-tear” arthritis can be alleviated by strengthening the muscle around the affected joint or joints. Exercise is known to lessen the symptoms, severity and impairment resulting from this disease. In some cases where sufferers are normally sedentary, exercise may result in muscle damage, particularly in women.

The NMES Study


Laura Talbot of The Johns Hopkins University engineered the study using neuromuscular electrical stimulation as another method of treatment for Osteoarthritis of the knee. This process is undertaken by spurring small electrical currents through the skin, allowing them to travel to the nerves and muscles to enable involuntary muscle contraction. A total of 34 adults diagnosed radiographically (through x-rays) to have Osteoarthritis of the knee participated in the study. The 34 participants were randomly chosen to undergo a 12-week

Arthritis Self-Management Course on standard
arthritis education, with or without NMES. The group subjected to NMES was provided with portable electrical muscle stimulators to be used 3 days a week to train and strengthen their quadriceps. Over a 12-week period, the isometric contractions were amplified by increments of 30 to 40% of the maximum.

The main outcome was isometric quadriceps femoris (QF) torque.

Secondary outcomes included: ->daily step counts ->total activity vector magnitude ->100-foot walk-turn-walk ->timed stair climb ->chair rise ->pain level

The results point towards: ->An increase of 9.1% in 120 degree QF peak torque with the use of the stimulated-knee extensor contrasting with a 7% loss in the education only group. ->Timed chair rise was cut by 11% in the NMES group, while the education only group showed a mere 7% decrease. ->Both groups exhibited a 7% faster walk time ->Pain levels in both groups remained the same despite intervention. Researchers of this study came to the conclusion that applying the home-based NMES treatment method may hold some promise in enhancing quadriceps strength among adult sufferers of Osteoarthritis of the knee, without worsening arthritic symptoms.


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by JAMES KRONEFIELD

Rheumatoid arthritis affects millions of people around the world and is considered to be a very common disease. Different people are affected at different degrees and knowing how to recognize rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can help you determine if you have it. It can be difficult to determine these symptoms sometimes because they can seem so random. This is because it affects each person differently. Some people have pain in their smaller joints such as the fingers, toes, hands, ankles, elbows and knees. Others feel pain in their hips and shoulders plus, it can affect several joints at any given time. Here are some signs you can look for.

Other symptoms include a stiff feeling in the joints after being inactive for awhile. Normally this is when you first wake up in the mornings. After you get up and move around for awhile the stiffness seems to work itself out. Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation of the joints. This will cause the area to swell and the skin to turn red. Out of all the symptoms the pain that many people experience is the main symptom that is the easiest to detect. This condition can be very painful for many and hurt so much that it completely interrupts their life.

The amount of pain will depend on the degree this disease has progressed. For some people, it can be so bad that it disrupts their lives and makes it very difficult for them to get through a day. Many others find that they feel pain the most when they have overused their joints and muscles. Overworking the joints causes them to swell and inflammation to set in. This disease can progress to the point where nodules, which are small bumps, will appear on the joint that has been affected. These can also be very painful. Even running a high fever and fatigue re symptoms of this disease.

Some will experience a loss of appetite which can cause them to loss to much weight. This in turn can cause other health concerns. For most people the symptoms will appear slowly over a period of time and you may not even realize what is happening at first. It is possible for this disease to go into remission for awhile and then appear again later, which is one reason many people don't realize they actually have rheumatoid arthritis for a long time. It is important for you to know that this disease can do a lot of damage to your joints and so if you are experiencing any of these rheumatoid arthritis symptoms you should see what health care physician right away.

Looking for an arthritis care & treatment product that's guaranteed to work? Find out how you can be pain free without the use of drugs by using a natural rheumatoid arthritis treatment. Start living pain-free by visiting http://www.arthritis-care.net for complete details.

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by FRANCIS ADAM
Pain may occur in part or all of the leg, including the hip, thigh, knee, calf, and foot. When pain is felt within the joint area itself (where two bones join) and is accompanied by swelling, heat, or stiffness, there may be an underlying condition, such as arthritis, or a musculoskeletal dysfunction of the joint. When pain spreads diffusely into the leg, it may be spinal or pelvic dysfunction or "referred" from the back.

Hip Complaints

Hip complaints are generally felt as pain in the groin, hip, or in the buttock, although it may spread into the thigh and knee. Pain is usually worse when walking, rising from a chair, and lying on the affected side and can be exacerbated by warmth.

The causes of hip complaints and associated pain are manifold and include arthritis and previous joint distortion. Mechanical dysfunction of the pelvis, lower back, or knees can also cause hip problems, and occasionally infection may be at the root.

Treatment

It is vital to get sufficient rest, since strain exacerbates the condition. Avoid sitting with your legs crossed.

Hydrotherapy Cold compresses may be used.

Consult a qualified practitioner/therapist for:

Acupressure This will reduce pain.

Acupuncture Treatment will aim at balancing the energies.

Alexander Technique Postural awareness exercises will be taught.

Chiropractic Spinal, hip, and pelvic adjustments are common methods of treatent. A practitioner will look at the problem of the whole person.

Homeopathy The following specific remedies may be suggested: Arnica 6c and Rhus tox. 6c.

Osteopathy Specific work into the hip and its surrounding structures, as well as the pelvis and spine, are the best forms of treatment.

Rolfing Treatment consists of expansion of the pelvis and postural integration.

Massage This should be firm and deep with Ruta grav and Arnica creams, and camphor and ginger oils.

Housemaid's Knee

Bursitis of the knee, or Housemaid's knee as it is commonly called, is the inflammation of, and excess fluid over, the kneecap, caused by repeated rubbing or pressure on the knees from kneeling. The inflammation and fluid prevent the free movement of the joint, causing pain, swelling, and heat.

Treatment

Knee pads should be worn while kneeling, or a foam rubber mat used to reduce pressure on the kneecaps. After the swelling subsides, exercise, within the limits of pain, is recommended in order to strengthen the thighs.

Diet and Nutrition Vitamins A, C, and B complex may be supplemented to reduce the severity of the condition and encourage the body's healing processes.

Hydrotherapy Cold compresses should be applied to the affected area when it becomes inflamed.

Consult a qualified practitioner/therapist for:

Acupressure and Acupuncture A practitioner will address specific points.

Chiropractic Specific joint adjustment, as well as adjustment of the spine and pelvis.

Herbal Medicine Comfrey and slippery elm (used as poultices on the affected area) and infusions of camomile and passionflower, taken internally.

Homeopathy Specific remedies include Ruta grav. 6c, Arnica 6c, and Bryonia 6c.

Massage Local massage with Ruta grav. cream, tiger balm, and ginger and lavender oils is recommended.

Osteopathy This is useful for specific work into the knee and its surrounding structures. Read out for herbal medicines. Check out herbal supplements and skin disorders

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by FRANCIS ADAM

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease that begins with severe pain in the small joints of hands and feet, spreading to the wrists, knees, shoulders, ankles, and elbows. Overlying skin appears red and shiny. This condition affects mostly women, often beginning between the ages of 20 and 40, although it can occur at any time. Symptoms include joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, accompanied by fatigue, low-grade fever, and poor appetite.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune reaction resulting in a chronic, inflammatory condition affecting the joints and the tissues around them. The joints them­selves become painful, swollen, unstable, and then greatly deformed. It varies in severity.

Treatment

Diet and Nutrition It is sensible to increase your intake of wholefoods, vegetables, and fiber. Reduce intake of meat, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fats. A qualified nutritional therapist will check for food allergies or intolerance, such as dairy, wheat, corn, and so on, and will, perhaps, suggest daily supplementation with vitamins C (2g), E (400iu), and B complex, along with calcium pantothenate, selenium (100mg), and zinc (30mg).

Hydrotherapy Cold compresses are useful when the joints are acutely inflamed, followed by alternating hot and cold compresses.

Massage Joints can be massaged with tiger balm, lavender, and camomile oils, and Ruta graveolens cream.

Consult a qualified practitioner/therapist for:

Acupuncture This will be aimed at energy balance, and pain relief.

Herbal Medicine Useful herbs include black cohosh, wild yam, willow bark, and licorice.

Homeopathy Specific remedies include Arnica 6c, Bryonia 30c, Rhus tox. 6c, and Ruta grav. 6c, but treatment should always be constitutional.

Osteopathy Treatment will be to address the maintenance of body mechanics.

Healing This therapy can be beneficial.

Gout

Gout is caused by the buildup of crystalized uric acid around the joints, causing severe pain, swelling, and redness around them. It affects mainly the big toe, knuckles, knees, and elbows. An attack may be accompanied by a high fever, and repeated attacks damage bones. Gout is usually an indication that the body is not processing and removing uric acid efficiently.

Treatment

Diet and Nutrition Avoid shellfish, sardines, kidneys, and beans, and increase your intake of water. Biochemic tissue salts include Nat. phos and Nat. sulf.

Massage Oils of peppermint, lavender, camomile and geranium may be massaged into the affected area. Ruta graveolens cream may also be used. Self-mobilize the toe by gently pulling it and moving it around.

Acupressure Massage of points relating to the feet will be useful.

Consult a qualified practitioner/therapist for:

Herbal Medicine Celery seeds, and wintergreen teas; bladderwrack may be taken internally, or seaweed can be eaten or added to the bath. Burdock and nettle neutralize and eliminate poisons from the body. A poultice of comfrey and marigold may be useful.

Chiropractic and Osteopathy Both provide foot mobilization maneuvers to help the condition. Read out for home remedies. Check out hoodia diet pills and constipation

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3 Tips for Arthritis Treatment

by unknown | 9:23 PM in | comments (0)

By Loraine DeJona

Doctors have known for a long time that diet can help with treatment of Arthritis. If it's a specific type of condition. However what is unclear are the affects on other common types of such as rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. Eating foods that contain sodium nitrate or tartrazine can worsen the inflammation of the problem, while ingesting foods containing a substance called hydrazine can contribute to systemic lupus erythematosus, a condition connected to lupus, Eating black walnuts can cause flare-ups in people with a rare type called Behcet's Disease. Simply put, arthritis is defined as any inflammation of the joint and could either be chronic or short term in duration.

While in a normal case the patient complains of just inflammation of joints, it also damages and deforms the joint, disabling its functions, especially its ability to move. A symptom will vary from one person to the next, however, everyone will experience one common symptom, and this is stiffness and joint pain that is caused by the swelling and rubbing together of the bones. It is not uncommon to hear of people talking about pain and stiffness when the weather changes, this is in fact a symptom that most people suffer with that have this disease.

One of the best treatments people say are the most effective form of pain relief is to eat well and adopt a healthy way of living. Getting through the day and living with the pain can be a hard and heartbreaking task for you and the people around you. If you don't like the idea of taking any drugs, but would like to stay with standard medicine, then you can try a couple different ones to see if it works on your joints.

One of the main ways to relieve it is to take some type of anti-inflammatory medicine to relive the swelling and pain associated with it. You can alleviate the suffering with the right treatment whether it be creams, packs or pills.

Loraine DeJona is an expert in this area and has posted more free tips, articles and solutions at http://www.arthritispainreliefreviews.com/Arthritis-Treatment.php

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by DAVID NEEHLY

The first thing to be aware of with any arthritic pain relief treatment is that you are simply 'relieving' the pain, and not actually treating or curing the underlying cause of that pain. The arthritis condition may be, and in most cases probably is, worsening in spite of the pain relief being administered. That said, in the absence of a cure for arthritis having being discovered as yet, pain relief is the only viable option for the millions of people inflicted with this cruel disease.

Arthritis is a debilitating and usually progressive disease that can affect any part of the body, including the bones, joints, and even the muscles. Suffers can experience anything from mild symptoms right through to agonising pain in severe cases. It's a little know fact that there are more than 100 know varieties of arthritis, with more being discovered all the time.

Medical science has so far failed to discover one single cause of arthritis, with each for of the disease appearing to have its own trigger. Some of the more common symptoms of arthritis are joint stiffness and soreness which is often accompanied by a redness and pain in the affected area. The levels of pain experienced can vary widely, so it's important to be aware of the various pain relief measures available to sufferers.

Arthritis Pain Relief Options

There are a wide range of pain relief options to look at. However the most common and effective treatments are the arthritis pain relief creams and gels. These are a topical medication that is applied directly to the area on and around the affected joints. The best selling treatments in recent times have been the 'cooling' creams and gels.

Most of the more popular topical arthritis pain relief products contain menthol and/or peppermint. These products work on the basis of causing a gentle soothing sensation on the skin that disguises the pain coming from your arthritis. These products are quite effective for treating mild to moderate arthritic conditions.

Another popular pain relief option is the salicylates based products. These are similar in nature to aspirin, and therefore offer the added benefit of acting as an anti-inflammatory as well as providing pain relief. As always with any medication, you should seek appropriate medical advice before using these products to ensure that there are not undesirable side affects or medical conflicts that might put you at risk.

If your arthritic problem has progressed to the stage where the topical treatments are not providing enough relief then your doctor will likely start you on a prescribed oral medication. These treatments are usually taken at least daily, and offer much stronger options for treating the pain and other symptoms.

Topical arthritis pain relief methods such as the creams and gels are always the first treatments to try, and can usually be used alongside prescribed treatments, but they are not intended to be the single answer in anything more than moderate arthritic cases. It's important to realize that an over reliance on your topical medication may indicate that you need to seek out a stronger medication from your doctor.

David Neehly is the webmaster for the Arthritis information website Arthritis Secrets where you'll find all the latest arthritis news and updates, plus many more interesting Arthritis Articles


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By Robin Boddy

For someone suffering from arthritis, they know just how difficult it can be to perform everyday tasks. However, there are a variety of different treatments for arthritis that can make it easier to continue doing the things you love to do. It is important that you begin your treatment process with research of the disease. This will help you to better understand what will work for your special needs.

The main goal of arthritis treatment is to reduce the discomfort and pain associated with arthritis. This is most often done by reducing the inflammation around the various joints. The ideal treatment will allow you to continue to live a normal life, without interruption.

One of the first steps in treating arthritis is to educate yourself on what type of arthritis you have. This will help you to know what treatment methods will work best with the type of arthritis you have. Since there are a variety of different types of arthritis out there, it is important that you understand how each one reacts to the different treatments available.

Exercise is very important for anyone suffering from arthritis. By simply moving the various joints, you are helping to give them full range of motion. Stretching will also help to improve flexibility and keep the joints movable. Exercise helps to send waste and nutrients to and from the cartilage located around the bones. Water aerobics is great for someone suffering from arthritis. The water allows for easy movement with very low impact on joints. In order for the exercises to be affected, they should be done on a daily basis.

There are a variety of different herbal remedies that can help with the discomfort and pain of arthritis. Certain foods, such as cherries have been used to help reduce arthritis flare-ups. Cherries help to reduce the level of uric acid and prevent the crystallization of the uric acid in a person's blood stream. For some people, they have arthritis bumps located on their knuckles. The bumps can be reduced by the consumption of cherries. All herbal remedies should be consumed in moderation, as they can have adverse effects if used in mass quantities.

There are also a variety of different medications on the market that help with arthritis. Medicine such as Ibuprofen, Advil and Naproxen can help to reduce the inflammation associated with arthritis. It is important to note that certain medications should only be used for temporary relief. In some instances, certain types of medication can actually make arthritis worse when used over long periods of time.

There are a variety of different treatments for arthritis. It is important that you consult a professional in order to find out what treatment will work best for your particular type of arthritis. If one method doesn't work for you, don't give up. Continue trying different treatments until you find one that will allow you to live life without discomfort and pain. Arthritis does not have to change your quality of life. With the proper diagnosis and treatment you can live a happy, full life, without arthritis pain.

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Arthritis - The Life Long Disease

by unknown | 9:32 PM in | comments (0)

By Richard Ealom

Introduction

Arthritis is defined as the presence of swelling, the presence of effusion, or the presence of 2 or more of the following signs: limited range of motion (ROM), tenderness, pain on motion, or joint warmth. Arthritis is a chronic disease that will be with you for a long time and possibly for the rest of your life. Arthritis is diagnosed through a careful evaluation of symptoms and a physical examination.

Arthritis is one of the most rapidly growing chronic conditions in North America. Arthritis is a major cause of lost work time and serious disability for many people. Arthritis is not just an old person's disease. The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body's own immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium (cell lining inside the joint). Rheumatoid arthritis appears to have been described in paintings more than a century before the first detailed medical description of the condition in 1800 by Landre-Beauvais. Rheumatoid arthritis can be difficult to diagnose early because it can begin gradually with subtle symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis often starts in middle age and is most common in older people.

Treatment

Treatment options include medications, reduction of joint stress, physical and occupational therapy, and surgical intervention. Treatment decisions require careful consideration of the risks and benefits to the mother and fetus. Treatment can include patient education, self-management programs, and support groups that help people learn about: Treatments-How to exercise and relax-How to talk with their doctor-Problem solving.

Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis may involve:Lifestyle changes-Medicine-Surgery-Regular doctor visits-Alternative therapies. The goal of treatment in this chronic disease must be two-fold: to alleviate the suffering of the patient here and now, and to prevent the future destruction of the joints and resulting handicap if the disease is left unchecked.

Risk

The risk of first developing the disease (the disease incidence) appears to be greatest for women between 40 and 50 years of age, and for men somewhat later. It is important to recognize that patient with rheumatoid arthritis have an increased risk of developing lymphoma as a consequence of their autoimmune disease, independently from any potential medication effects. It is important to note that rheumatoid arthritis itself is a risk factor for non-Hodgkins lymphomas. A modest increase in the risk of serious infection was observed in rheumatoid arthritis patients in clinical trials treated with anakinra in combination with DMARDS other than TNF inhibitors, compared to placebo with DMARDs (2 % vs 1%).

Conclusion

Arthritis is a term that groups together over 100 rheumatic diseases and other related conditions that cause stiffness, swelling and pain in the joints of the body. Arthritis is exploding in an aging US population. Arthritis is one of the most rapidly growing chronic conditions in North America. Arthritis is a chronic disease that will be with you for a long time and possibly for the rest of your life.

Submitted by Richard H. Ealom Author of this article and the creator of "Free Articles On Diseases: How To Prevent and Cure Them" website. 93 Disease specific websites with extensive information on Alternative and Orthodox methods and products to increase your understanding of treatment and curing diseases. Please visit http://rainydrops.com/alternative-orthodox.php

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Author: Nathan Wei

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) have been the mainstay of treatment for arthritis symptoms. Physicians often advise patients to use over-the-counter preparations... or also use prescription NSAIDS for more severe problems.

Unfortunately, NSAIDS do have many potential side-effects including the potential for creating stomach and small bowel ulceration, kidney dysfunction, liver damage, fluid retention and a small but real increased incidence of cardiovascular events.

So... a real dilemma for many clinicians is how to control arthritis pain in patients for whom NSAIDS have already caused problems or for patients who have the potential for developing problems.

One drug that has been used primarily for pain control is tramadol (Ultram). This is a drug that is a mild centrally acting narcotic drug with little addictive potential.

Tramadol is increasingly used for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) because it does not produce gastrointestinal bleeding or kidney problems and does not adversely affect cartilage, a controversial but possible side effect associated with NSAIDS.

A recent study sought to determine the analgesic effectiveness, the effect on physical function, the duration of benefit, and the safety of oral tramadol in patients with OA.

(Cepeda MS, et al. J Rheumatol. 2007; 34:543-545)
The scientists searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Central), Medline, Embase, and Lilacs databases up to August 2005.

They included randomized controlled trials (RCT) that evaluated the effect of tramadol or tramadol plus paracetamol (equivalent to acetaminophen) on pain levels and/or physical function.

The researchers included 11 RCT with a total of 1019 participants who received tramadol or tramadol/paracetamol and 920 participants who received placebo or active control. Participants who received tramadol reported (1) less pain, a 12% relative decrease in pain intensity; (2) higher degree of global improvement: one of every 6 individuals taking tramadol or tramadol/paracetamol exhibited at least moderate global improvement; and (3) improvement in stiffness and function, than patients who received placebo. In terms of adverse events, one of every 5 participants who received tramadol or tramadol/paracetamol experienced minor adverse events and one of every eight stopped taking the medication because of adverse events compared to participants who received placebo.

Their conclusion was that tramadol or tramadol/paracetamol decreased pain intensity, produced symptom relief, and improved function in patients with OA, but these benefits were small.

In actual practice, tramadol is a drug that is often added to an NSAID for better pain control or used instead of an NSAID in high risk patients. As with most therapies, a patient's response is often dependent on the expectations of the physician.

Caution must be exercised when using tramadol.

First, particularly in older patients dosing must start at a low level, probably 25 mgs per day with a gradual increase as tolerated.

Second, there have been sporadic reports of increased risk of seizures in patients taking anti-depressant medicines such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Tramadol should also be tapered when discontinued.

There are some potential drug interactions and these need to be evaluated.

A sustained release form of tramadol (Ultram ER) is now available in the U.S and appears to have a good tolerability profile.


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By: Gloria Diaz

Arthritis is often associated with people in their 50s or older. But nowadays, more and more younger people are showing signs of this joint-related disease. What exactly are the causes of joint inflammation and what are the best arthritis treatment? Inflammation of the joints can result from previous injuries, like tibial plateau fracture, which affects certain sensitive cartilages and muscle tissues. A person can also develop joint swelling and pain if two or more of his or her family members have gout or any related illness. Needless to say, age is also one of the most significant factors in determining the onset of swelling of the joints. As a person gets older, his or her bones tend to be weaker and more fragile as one of the results of the natural laws of aging. But this doesn't necessarily mean teenagers or the twenty-somethings can be complacent. There are cases of brittle joints among younger age brackets because of extraneous determinants like weight and existing illness.

It is understandable that obese or overweight persons have greater tendencies of exhausting or wearing out their bones. Since weight is identified as a factor in causing joint inflammation, doctors suggest arthritis treatment can be in the form of improving one's diet. There are specific diets, like meals heavy in unsaturated fat and cholesterol, that make a person even more susceptible in experiencing joint pain and swelling. On the other hand, foods rich in certain minerals and vitamins are one's best ally in preventing early signs of bone inflammation. Choose foods with high nutritional value and specifically contain Vitamins K and E, which promote healthier bones. To alleviate inflammation, a person should boost his or her intake of vitamins B12 and B6. If beneficial minerals like zinc and copper are not usually found on your daily meal plan, take health supplements that offer these specific nutrients.

There are also certain medications supposedly aimed at combating arthritis. Some of these drugs don't come without hazardous side effects so it is still best to follow natural remedies to prevent or cure joint inflammation. Arthritis treatment need not cost someone a fortune. The safest and surest way is still through sticking to a healthy diet, or even particular exercise routines, or whatever a doctor advised a patient to do. One should not wait to get older before he starts to take care of his bones and joints. A person may not realize the importance of bone health until he experiences the premature tell-tale signs of joint swelling and inflammation.

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by unknown | 7:12 PM in | comments (0)

The term 'Arthritis' is derived from the Greek words 'arthron' meaning 'joint' and 'itis' meaning inflammation. It refers to more than 100 different types of arthritis conditions. The common denominator for all these conditions is joint and musculoskeletal (bones and muscle) pain. Arthritis is not just a disease of the old though many older people do have arthritis. Here are some common types of arthritis:

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: This is the most common serious inflammatory form of arthritis. It may do most of its damage in the first year, therefore early diagnosis and aggressive therapy is critical. If left untreated it may shorten life expectancy by as much as 18 years.

JUVENILE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: It is still unclear why children develop arthritis. It is different from adult in that children sometimes outgrow the illness and it tends to be difficult to diagnose because the regular tests are unreliable for children. It causes pain and inflammation in the joints of children.

PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS: It is a potentially serious inflammatory form that is often found in association with psoriasis. It can cause serious problems because it may begin and progress insidiously. Early diagnosis and aggressive intervention are recommended. OSTEOARTHRITIS: It is usually associated with aging. It affects weight bearing areas such as the spine, hips, knees, base of the thumbs and feet. Genetics and mechanical factors also play a big role. Research is being done on medications that will slow down the progression of this disease.

These are some of the various types of arthritis. It should be known that there is no known cure but there are many treatment options that target different aspects of arthritis condition. Remember to see your doctor to determine the appropriate treatment plan for you.

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By: Maureen Wright

Have you ever ridden on a roller coaster and felt like you were out of control? LIFE can be like a roller coaster for those of us with Arthritis. There are good days and bad days. It is what we do with what we have—that counts.

Arthritis affects nearly 70 million Americans. There are more than 100 types of arthritis including rheumatoid arthritis and degenerative arthritis. There are numerous arthritis treatments to help manage the pain as well. Arthritis is a major cause of chronic pain and leading cause of disability in the United States.

Did you know that the word arthritis literally means “joint inflammation?” Inflammation and pain are involved in most types of arthritis. Aching, throbbing, nagging, sometimes sharp pain – arthritis hurts!

It can make simple, daily activities like opening a pill bottle, getting out of a chair or even walking difficult. There is no cure for arthritis but there are things you can do to help manage arthritis pain symptoms.

See your doctor: Know what type of arthritis you have. Early diagnosis is important to proper treatment and prevention of permanent joint damage. Follow your doctor’s advice.

Keep a Positive Attitude: Make a plan for managing your arthritis. Take control. Arthritis is a condition that requires your participation in ongoing care.

Control your weight: Increased weight adds stress on joints in your back, hips, knees and feet. Less weight will reduce this stress.

Exercise: Stay fit! Exercise regularly to build muscles and keep joints moving well. Inactivity can increase your weight gain and your pain. Exercise (even walking 30 minutes a day or 10 minutes 3X a day) can increase strength and stability in weakened muscles and mobility in your joints. Remember the saying “Use it or lose it” – Then MOVE it!

Relax your muscles: Stress increases muscle tension, pain and feelings of helplessness and depression. Try relaxing by tensing and releasing muscle groups. Start at your head and work down to your toes. Deep breathing also helps to reduce stress.

Use assistive devices: Specially designed tools, called assistive devices, can help you perform basic activities. Long handled reachers, padded cooking utensils, etc., are available in stores, catalogs, and online.

Avoid improper positions: Using good posture and good body mechanics will help protect your joints. Don’t slouch in your chair; keep your head, neck and back straight, your legs uncrossed and your feet on the floor. This will help you reduce unnecessary pain.

Move around: Don’t stay in the same position too long. Taking frequent stretch breaks will reduce joint stiffness and pain.

Respect your Arthritis pain: Pain is a signal from your body that something is wrong. Arthritis causes some chronic pain, but when you have sudden excessive pain after an activity, you may have overexerted yourself or have been doing the activity incorrectly. Listen to your body, learn your limits and take extra care when you have pain.

Know your limits: Rest when you are tired. Arthritis can cause fatigue muscle weakness – a deep exhaustion that makes everything you do a great effort. Give yourself permission to rest. Pace yourself – don’t overexert yourself on one project. Break jobs down into smaller pieces that you can do over a period of time with rest breaks.

With proper attention to these items you can manage your arthritis pain.

About the Author:

Maureen Wright, RN, CRRN, CCM is the Out-Patient coordinator for Walton Rehabilitation Health System. (WRHS) is a leading not-for-profit comprehensive, multi-specialty, dedicated provider of physical medicine and rehabilitation. For more information visit http://www.wrh.org
Article Source: www.iSnare.com

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Submitted By: Frank Rom

It is amazing that the arthritis bracelet has become one of the most desirable methods of relief of arthritis pain. This considering the fact that there are a variety of ways to get this arthritis relief and the fact that not so very many people actually know of the arthritis bracelet and the benefits it can have on the alleviation of the arthritis symptoms.

Interesting Facts About the Arthritis Bracelet

There is an entire variety of facts to be known about the wondrous and sometimes misinterpreted arthritis bracelet. For one thing there is the fact that there is more than one kind of bracelet. One of the more popular types is the magnetic arthritis bracelet. In order to understand magnetic arthritis bracelets, you need to understand magnetic bracelets in general.

For a very long time using the magnetic bracelets did not have the reputation of being a bona fide method, but was rather looked upon as being folk medicine. People who used to use this method however were mostly satisfied with its capacities. Recent research has shown that in fact there is a place for the arthritis bracelet in the treatment of arthritis caused pain.

The growing success of alternative healing methods and alternative health care solutions in general has brought about it that many more people are consenting in trying out these alternative methods like magnetic therapy. The acceptance of the possibility that there is a beneficial effect in its use is now much greater than say 10 years ago.

So You Want An Arthritis Bracelet, Where to Find One?

Various places are at hand where one could go to find a magnetic arthritis bracelet or other forms of alternative arthritis therapy. One place I found to be a good call online would be the website of Witchcraft Supplies. Don't be put off by their name, they carry a broad and massive assortment of goods to cater to the need of people looking for alternative ways to treat arthritis pain.

There are of course cheaper ways to procure oneself an arthritis bracelet: go and take a look at Ebay for instance. And while purchasing a second hand one is not all bad, one might consider forking out a few bob more and get a brand new one, one that you can call your very own. Irrespective of what you choose: new or used, you are sure to recognize substantial amelioration very soon, sometimes even after just a day or two. It is well known that the effects of an arthritis magnetic bracelet are very fast to kick in.

To the sufferer of arthritis pains, many possible forms of treatment options are open with regard to the alleviation of arthritis. The arthritis bracelet is to be considered as one of the best options of them all.


About the Author:

Frank Rom runs and operates a natural vitamin supplements | herbal supplements | nutritional information site. For nutritional information you should also stop at Re-set your Metabolism

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By: Greg DBK Smith

Arthritis comes in many forms, such as gout, rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease or degenerative arthritis, and fibromyalgia. Anyone who lives with, or knows someone who has, this debilitating disease knows how painful and life-affecting it can be. They also know how costly it can be to “manage” arthritis with expensive medications, such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), some of which result in terrible side-effects, have known dangerous health risks, such as increased risk for heart attack and stroke, and which decrease in effectiveness over time, if they were even effective to begin with. Other expensive options include invasive surgeries and mobility devices, such as crutches, canes or wheelchairs. But, the sad truth is that none of these “treatments” do anything to stop the progress of this crippling disease.

I personally know of a woman who has experienced the tremendous pain and suffering caused by rheumatoid arthritis in her elbows and wrists since she was 35 years old; she is now 43. I witnessed first-hand the enormous difficulty she had with the simple task of drying and brushing her hair; motions that any healthy woman takes for granted. The disease has damaged her wrists and elbows so badly that she currently has no cartilage remaining in one of her wrists and, consequently, has no movement in that wrist. In addition, both of her elbows are severely deformed; both elbows look swollen and are slightly bent. Since lifting, pushing, or pulling an object usually causes her pain, she rarely uses her arms and, as a result, her arm muscles have atrophied. Her arms look like those of an elderly woman; her muscles sag and look shriveled.

During the last eight years, this woman has made countless trips to the doctor and pharmacies and spent a tremendous amount of money and time trying to find relief from her suffering. However, nothing helped and her condition worsened to the point she was willing to try anything, including participating in experimental studies. Unfortunately, these experimental treatments did not help her either. On the contrary, they may have actually caused her cancer, which she is currently battling with now.

I am writing this letter for her and for the millions of people around the world that are needlessly suffering from this horrible, life-affecting disease known, in general terms, as arthritis. Contrary to what the medical establishment might have you believe, such as “arthritis is just a part of life…there is no cure…learn to live with it”, every disease is curable, naturally, including arthritis; all that is required is the knowledge. In the case of arthritis, a few special individuals outside the medical establishment have discovered that knowledge on their own through years of in-depth research and testing; testing they actually performed on themselves. You see, these people too once suffered the horrible pains of arthritis but, after discovering and applying what they learned, they were able to cure themselves of this disease naturally. To further validate what they learned, they would revert back to their old ways and, without exception, the arthritis pain would return. They would then, of course, go back to applying what they learned and, again, without exception, the arthritis would “disappear”. In fact, by applying this knowledge, one woman, after suffering for 43 years, has been free from the pains of arthritis for over 29 years now; another woman applied what she learned and has been arthritis-free for over 16 years.

The point I want to get across is that ARTHRITIS IS CURABLE NATURALLY; real people have proven that it is. The details of what these people discovered to cure themselves of arthritis naturally are beyond the scope of this article. However, if you’d like to learn these details, simply visit http://www.databaseofknowledge.com/illness/arthritis.php. Here, for example, you can learn, in addition to so much more, the “gout remedy”, or rather, “gout diet” that explains what “gout food” to avoid in order to get rid of gout symptoms.

One last point: your health is ultimately your responsibility. As such, take an active stance and discover what your body needs to maintain optimum health. Do NOT simply leave your health in the hands of someone else. Do NOT assume that a highly-educated, licensed medical practitioner knows everything. They do NOT! No one person can know everything. Please do not misunderstand me, definitely work with a licensed medical professional when it comes to your health. However, if you find that what he/she is prescribing is not helping you, it is your responsibility to take further action and look for other solutions. Keep in mind that THERE IS A SOLUTION TO EVERY PROBLEM. You only need to seek it out. Remember the old adage: “seek and you shall find” .

Wishing you a healthy, happy and prosperous life,

Greg Smith
Founder/President
The Database of Knowledge: The Source for Enhancing Our Lives
databaseofknowledge.com

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Author: Nathan Wei

While the most obvious symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis have to do with joint swelling and pain, there are multiple other problems that may occur that an arthritis specialist has to be constantly vigilant for.

For instance, rheumatoid arthritis can cause damage to the lungs and heart and be associated with significant damage to the skin and nerves. Also, it can cause serious problems with the eyes.

There a number of eye conditions that can be associated with rheumatoid arthritis... and its treatment. These include:

• Dry eyes. This condition is often a tip-off that Sjogren's disease, a common autoimmune condition coexists with the rheumatoid arthritis. Generally, patients with rheumatoid arthritis who also have Sjogren's disease have a more severe course of disease and prognosis.

• Inflammation of the inner part of the eye (uveitis). This condition often causes symptoms such as eye redness, eye pain, and tearing. If not treated it can lead to blindness.

• Inflammation of the episclera (episcleritis), the surface membrane covering the white part (sclera) of the eye. This condition shows up as a red eye. Sometimes tearing and irritation can occur. While not as severe as uveitis, it must also be treated aggressively.

• Cataracts. These often develop as a result of chronic steroid therapy. The treatment is the same as for routine cataracts. Steroid dose should be minimized when possible.

• Maculopathy. This is damage to the retina of the eye. Most often associated with anti-malarial therapy for rheumatoid arthritis, it is exceedingly rare nowadays. Still... patients who receive either hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine for their rheumatoid arthritis need to be evaluated on a regular basis (usually every six months) by an eye physician to check for this side-effect.

Treatment of dry eyes may include artificial tears and other eye lubricants. Patients who also have dry mouth can be treated with artificial saliva and mouth moisturizing agents. In addition, pilocarpine can be used. This drug should not be used in patients who also have glaucoma. Sometimes patients who are unresponsive to more conservative measures may require surgery.

Treatment of uveitis and episcleritis may include corticosteroid eye drops, cyclopegics (dilating drops), and anti-inflammatory medications. Often more aggressive systemic therapies are needed. In fact, the presence of significant eye inflammation in the form of uveitis, episcleritis, or Sjogren's disease should be a warning signal that a more aggressive approach is needed.

Patients who have rheumatoid arthritis and experience dry eyes, eye pain or redness, blurred vision, excessive tearing, or light sensitivity, should see an ophthalmologist for evaluation immediately. Close and careful consultation with a rheumatologist is strongly advised.

Tags: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Eye, Arthritis Treatment

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/

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