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Archive for October, 2009

Arthritis Pain Relief – Getting Help Now Naturally

31 Oct

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who knew

I finally found relief from my arthritis pain, naturally, and you can too. Arthritis sufferers today are always seeking relief from their arthritis pain.

As a result of arthritis, the bone just beneath the cartilage undergoes changes that lead to a bony overgrowth and the tissue that lines the joint can become inflamed, the ligaments can loosen and the associated muscles can weaken. Osteoarthritis affects joints in a different way depending on their location in the body, causing various arthritis symptoms. Unlike some other types of arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis is not systemic – it does not spread throughout the entire body.

Proteoglycans are the large molecules that help to make up cartilage; they bond to water, which ensures a high-fluid content in cartilage. Cartilage contains a very high percentage of water, but it decreases with age. Cartilage is slippery tissue that coats the end of the bones.

Aging cells could be a factor in the development of arthritis and specifically osteoarthritis. Some possible causes of arthritis include lesser known: bleeding disorders, like hemophilia, that cause bleeding to occur in the joint; disorders such as avascular necrosis, that block the blood supply closest to the joint; and conditions like hemochromatosis, which causes iron to build-up in the joints. Genetic factors are thought to be involved in about 50 percent of osteoarthritis cases in the hands and hips and a somewhat lower percentage of cases in the knee.

A recent study in Great Britain touted the beneficial effects of cod liver oil in osteoarthritis; relieving pain and stiffness, and starting to reverse the destruction of joint cartilage within just 24 hours. Natural arthritis treatment is usually a better choice because it’s non-invasive and usually anti-inflammatory if living foods are consumed. Nutrition experts say it takes a combination of supplements, not just one supplement to relieve arthritis pain, build cartilage, etc.

Make all-fruit smoothies using a base of two bananas, add one cup of frozen or fresh blueberries and mango chunks or substitute any other fruit and add an energy boost of two tablespoons of organic virgin coconut oil if you like; add one or two leaves of kale for even more super nutrition. If you really want to get rid of your arthritis pain forever it may take a radical change in your diet and an ongoing commitment to it. I started eating a diet of living foods (fruits, raw veggies, raw nuts and raw seeds) which caused my arthritis to disappear and therefore relieve me of arthritis pain; this should be tried for at least 30 days; it would eliminate any foods that might be culprits.

With natural arthritis treatments there will be fewer, if any, side effects or adverse reactions. An acid diet, that is any foods that are not alive, is considered to be inflammatory to the joints.

Dried Montmorency tart cherries seem to be helpful as a natural treatment for arthritis pain for many people. For a natural approach and natural treatment for arthritis make an appointment with a naturopathic doctor – a naturopath; ask around for referrals in your area.

Keep a basket of arthritic treatment aids for arthritic hands (Thera-putty, hand grips, Taiji Chinese chime balls, etc.) to use at bedtime or while watching television. Exercise is good for any joint affected by osteoarthritis. Fight arthritis through plenty of movement and exercise! Your body has 147 joints that are in motion every day of your life; keep them moving!

A good exercise routine is the key to beating arthritis and keeping arthritis pain at bay; so keep moving as much as possible. Stretching and warming up the joints should always be the first step in your exercise routine to make your joints more flexible, but be careful in the morning; you may need an hour or more of moving around first; you can start by moving your limbs around in your bed a few minutes before you get out of bed. Whatever you do, keep moving; don’t sit when you can stand, don’t stand when you can walk or walk in place.

Drugs commonly used for arthritis pain can cause ulcers, heart disease, liver or kidney damage. Let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other drugs, herbs or other supplements you’re taking, to ward off any bad or adverse drug reactions that might occur from the combining of different drugs or supplements. If you’re planning to take any of the non-prescription NSAIDs for arthritis, make sure you understand what bad effects they can have on the stomach, liver and kidneys; discuss this with your family doctor or rheumatologist.

Knowing more about arthritis and osteoarthritis and how it works will ultimately help contribute to relief of your arthritis pain. And stopping the progression of arthritis as well as stopping your pain should be your number one goal. Once you understand the facts about arthritis and the possible causes and remedies and treatment approaches you can take, you’ll be on your way to recovery and pain will go away forever.

 
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Review of Alternative Treatments for Arthritis Pain Relief

30 Oct

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Introduction
My name is Rose Parker and like millions of other people throughout the world, I have been through the trauma of being diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. After the initial feelings of despair and helplessness, I resolved to find the best treatments possible in my attempt to understand this complex disease.
The market in alternative arthritis pain relief therapies is a minefield so beware!
There are many unscrupulous organisations who claim to have found a cure for rheumatoid arthritis however if this were true then it would be prescribed by conventional medicine. At the moment I do not believe that a cure exists, however there are many very effective treatments.
I have personally tried and tested all the arthritis pain relief treatments covered in this article.

Physical Treatments
For my birthday a good friend paid for a treatment of ‘Daoyin Tao’. The face, head and neck massage made me feel much more relaxed and it helped me release much of my stress. I also had a ‘Bowen Treatment’ on my whole body and knees. The first time it worked wonderfully and I was raving about it, but the second time it made both my knees swell up like balloons and thump with pain. I put flannels soaked in cider apple vinegar on my knees, holding them in place with cling film: alas! the pain remained. I even booked a ‘test drive’ on a vibrating bed. I found the vibrating noise disturbing and the vibrations had no effect on the pain in my cramp ridden leg, even when the salesman increased the frequency in a concentrated way on the bottom of my foot. Still, I saved myself 4.000. Instead I still have to use my electric blanket throughout the whole year to warm my muscles and I need a bath in Epsom Salts every morning in order to walk properly and to reduce some of the stiffness and pain.
I was beginning to realise that finding arthritis pain relief was not going to be easy!

Aromatherapy Oils
I decided to continue searching within a field I know well: aromatherapy. I picked up my aromatherapy book: The Fragrant Pharmacy by Valerie Ann Worwood and read the whole section on arthritis pain relief treatments, twice. I decided to give it a go. I ordered all the oils and a few others just to make sure. A horsey friend had told me about the miracle of Neem oil, so I ordered some of that as well. The Neem oil definitely helped but, it does stink a bit! It claims to help many problems, including Thrush, Gingevitis and bone disease which causes your teeth to fall out. I found that it definitely helped with my arthritis pain relief and I now take a capsule of Neem every day. The variety of aromatherapy oils have also helped significantly to reduce the pain in my knees.

Diet
I had heard that diet can have an enormous impact on rheumatoid arthritis. There is so much conflicting evidence in this area. I decided to embark on a whole diet change: I gave up coffee, sugar, red meat, root vegetables and citrus fruits. When I had my body stats measured in 1998, I was diagnosed as dehydrated so I decided to drink lots of water. I also tried Green Lipped Mussel extract at great expense bought on the Internet. It claimed miracles, but it did not give me any arthritis pain relief. I did get something else from it though: extremely bad breath!
There is scientific research which states that Rheumatoid Arthritis is one of the symptoms of too high acid levels in the blood and body. The blood has a very narrow temperature range and also a very narrow acidic range, and the body does all it can to compensate. Much of my problems come from an over acidic body and I am trying to stick to alkali raising food in order for my body to heal itself. I paid 20 for Dr Gillian McKeith’s Living Food Energy which tasted horrible, but it did give me more energy and it was not acid forming. I also did Gillian McKeith’s detox, over 24 hours, but I had not been eating very much prior to that. It did have an effect. I had several bouts of diarrhoea, producing liquid black slurry and a stomping headache. I felt better the next day, so can only assume my body had been full of toxins. The diet did make me feel better and overall I experienced more arthritis pain relief. I continue to follow the principles above but I also do allow occasional excesses: All diet and no fun makes Rose a dull girl!

Footwear
Specialist clothing and in particular footwear have provided me with some arthritis pain relief. Soon after being diagnosed my legs were so swollen that some riding boots I had made to measure were causing me pain. I had worn these boots every day since 1989 and now they no longer fitted round my calves. What’s more, after wearing my Celtic sheepskin boots (that help by supporting my feet) my legs had a ridge in them half way down due to water retention and poor circulation. I then bought some Masai Barefoot Technology trainers to take the stress off my joints and they too have had a positive impact. They help with arthritis pain relief through the curved soles which even out the jarring on your knees when walking.

Magnets
During my desperate state I tried another avenue I had heard about and went round to see a friend who sold magnet products. I was totally sceptical. I didn’t feel a thing from the bracelet. But WOW!, when I went to bed on a magnetic pad I could feel my body pulsing. Almost like someone massaging you. It was amazing! From that day on I could cut down my painkillers. I was still stiff and sore in the morning and it continued to take me a long time to actually stand up, but the agonising cramp that lasted ALL DAY had suddenly disappeared. My husband who has chronic back pain raves about the magnets continuously and there are cases of people who say that their arthritis pain has disappeared completely.
I will try to explain how it works in simple terms (which is all I can do because I am simple too!). The blood needs a certain level of electrolytes, which are liquids that can carry electric charges. The electrolytes’ charges can be swapped around to keep the acid level of the blood within a certain range as explained earlier. There are nutritional products available which can supplement these electrolytes. The specially designed magnets influence the charges in the electrolytes increasing their effectiveness. This improves the circulation of the blood (the blood is less ‘sticky’) and it can flow more easily around the body, including the problem areas of the joints. This in turn reduces the pain.

Summary
In summary, there are many different arthritis pain relief treatments some which work and some which do not. Also, remember that everyone is different and will respond to treatments in different ways. I have found that some of the nutrients, oils and magnetic products described in this article have helped me considerably.

Please respond or visit my website guest book if you know of a product that has helped you. Also please feel free to visit my website, Rheumor, where there is much more information on the arthritis pain relief treatments covered in this article.
Article by Rose Parker 2007. Website: http://www.rheumor.co.uk

 
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I Have Osteoarthritis Of The Knee… What Does The Future Hold For Me?

24 Oct

Ginger

One of the most common afflictions of the baby boomer generation is osteoarthritis of the knee (OAK). Up to 20 million Americans may suffer from this condition.

OAK develops as a result of degradation of the articular cartilage. Articular cartilage is the smooth lining or gristle that covers the ends of the leg bones where they meet to form the knee joint. The cartilage provides a smooth surface for the joint to move and also functions to cushion the knee with impact.

The layer of bone underlying the articular cartilage is called subchondral bone.

Osteoarthritis is a complex process that involves both inflammatory as well as mechanical factors. Initial joint inflammation leads to chemical changes within the cartilage that leads to premature wearing away. When the articular cartilage wears away, the bone underneath is uncovered and rubs against bone. Small bone spurs or osteophytes may form in the joint as a result of mechanical factors.

The primary symptoms of OAK include pain, stiffness, and swelling. Patients may complain of stiffness in the knees with prolonged sitting. They may also experience pain in the knees at night. Occasionally clicking or short term locking may occur.

So what treatments are available now and what is going to be available in the future?

Unfortunately, at the present, most of our treatments currently are aimed at symptom control because we do not yet have therapies that reliably and convincingly slow down or reverse cartilage deterioration.

Physicians may prescribe medicine to help control. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a mild analgesic (pain reliever) with few side effects if the drug is not taken on a chronic basis. Some people may also get relief of pain with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen and aspirin.

Other anti-inflammatory medicines such as COX-2 inhibitors don’t cause as much stomach upset and other intestinal problems like standard anti-inflammatory drugs do. Insurance companies, though, are reluctant to pay for these since they are more expensive than standard anti-inflammatory drugs.

Medical studies have shown that glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate can also help people with knee OA. These supplements seem to have nearly the same benefits as anti-inflammatory medicine with fewer side effects. While the research results are mixed, many people find relief with these supplements.

A corticosteroid injection may be prescribed. Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory medicines and work very well and very quickly to relieve pain. However, they do have potential side effects and should be used sparingly and cautiously.

Multiple injections of corticosteroids worsens the process of degeneration.

Another potential problem is the invasive nature of corticosteroid injections. Any time a joint is entered with a needle, there is the possibility of an infection. Most physicians use corticosteroid injections sparingly, and avoid multiple injections unless the joint is already in the end stages of osteoarthritis, and the next step is knee replacement.

Another type of injectable medication is hyaluronic acid. Doctors inject five doses into the joint at weekly intervals for a total of five weeks. The medicine helps lubricate the joint, ease pain, and improve a person’s ability to get back to the activities they enjoy. Some people have had good results for up to one year after getting these treatments.

Physical therapy plays an important role in the nonsurgical treatment of OAK. Physical therapists teach their patients how to protect the arthritic knee joint. This starts with tips on choosing activities that minimize impact and twisting forces on the knee. People who modify their activities can reduce pain and perhaps slow down the rate of deterioration of knee OA.

Shock-absorbing insoles placed inside shoes can also reduce impact and protect the joint. A cane or walker may be recommended to ease joint pressure when walking. People who walk regularly are encouraged to choose a soft walking surface, such as a cinder or grass track.

A type of knee brace, called a knee unloader brace, can help when OAK affects one side of the knee joint. For example, bowlegs occurs when the inside (medial) part of the knee joint is narrowed. The unloader brace pushes against the outer (lateral) surface of the knee, causing the medial side of the joint to open up. In this way, the brace relieves the pressure and unloads the medial side of the joint. A knee unloader brace can help relieve pain and allow people to do more of their usual activities.

For mild cases of knee OA, a heel wedge worn in the shoe tilts the heel. The wedge alters the way the knee lines up, which works like the unloader brace mentioned above to take pressure off the arthritic part of the knee.

Range-of-motion and stretching exercises can improve knee motion. Strengthening exercises for the hip and knee help steady the knee and give additional joint protection from shock and stress. People with knee OA who have strong leg muscles have fewer symptoms.

In some cases, surgical treatment of OA may be appropriate.

Surgeons can use an arthroscope to clean the joint by removing loose fragments of cartilage. People have reported relief when doctors simply flush the joint with saline solution. Removal of torn cartilage can also help with symptoms.

OAK in the medial compartment can lead to bowing of the knee. As mentioned earlier, a bowlegged posture places more pressure than normal on the medial compartment. The added pressure leads to more pain and faster degeneration where the cartilage is being squeezed together.

Surgery to realign the angles in the lower leg can help shift pressure to the other, healthier side of the knee. The goal is to reduce the pain and delay further degeneration of the medial compartment.

One procedure to realign the angles of the lower leg is called a proximal tibial osteotomy. In this procedure, the upper part of the shinbone (tibia) has a wedge cut out, and the angle of the joint is changed. This changes the leg from being bowlegged to straight. By correcting the joint deformity, pressure is taken off the cartilage.

A proximal tibial osteotomy buys some time before a total knee replacement becomes necessary. The benefits of the operation usually last for five to seven years if successful.

A novel alternative is the Orthoglide medial knee implant. Data representing the first complete year of enrollment in the OrthoGlide clinical study was presented at the American College of Rheumatology’s annual meeting in Boston, MA. The data was presented by William Arnold, M.D. “The OrthoGlide prospective clinical study has enrolled 92 patients with osteoarthritis of the medial compartment that met the inclusion criteria,” said Dr. Arnold. “These patients would have been candidates for an invasive Total Knee Replacement (TKR) procedure. The pain relief experienced by the patients enrolled in this study, along with the return of knee function at one year is similar to TKR results but with a much less invasive procedure.”

A total knee replacement is the final solution for advanced knee OA.

Surgeons prefer not to put a new knee joint in patients younger than 60. This is because younger patients are generally more active and might put too much stress on the joint, causing it to loosen or even crack. A revision surgery to replace a damaged prosthesis is harder to do, has more possible complications, and is usually less successful than a first-time joint replacement surgery.

Obviously, the best solution would be to find medications that can slow down or reverse cartilage damage early in the course of the illness.

Some research has focused on the area of cytokines. These are chemical messengers that aggravate inflammation. Evidence exists that blocking cytokines may slow down cartilage loss. In addition, enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases inhibitors may cause cartilage degradation.

What seem to play a key role in cartilage damage are free radicals. Free radicals literally chew away at cartilage.
A recent Japanese study has shown that a new compound, C60 fullerene, prevents the degeneration of articular cartilage in a rabbit model of osteoarthritis.

What this compound does is reduces the degradation of chondrocytes, the cells that make up cartilage. “C60 is characterized as a strong radical sponge and potential activity as a free radical scavenger,” said lead investigator Dr. Kazuo Yudoh.

Intra-articular injection (injection of the substance into the knee joint) in rabbits with OA significantly reduced articular cartilage degeneration. The effect was dose dependent and the results were superior to those achieved with hyaluronic acid. Moreover, the combination of hyaluronic acid and C60 provided results beyond that achieved with either agent alone.

The study, continued Dr. Yudoh, indicates that “C60 fullerene may be useful as a protective agent against the oxygen free radical-induced pathological features in a variety of diseases.” (Arthritis Rheum 2007;56:3307-3318).

Another area of interest is stem cells.

Chondrogen, is an investigational compound that consists of a preparation of adult stem cells that is injected into the knee. To date, in clinical trials, it appears to have produced a significant reduction in knee pain compared with other treatments.

 
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Arthritis Treatment: Arthritis Remedies and Causes

22 Oct

Arthritis is one of the most enveloping diseases in the United States and is the leading source of disability. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention one out of every three Americans is affected by one of the more than 100 sorts of arthritis. Arthritis merely means a aching condition of the joints. There are different kinds of the disease – many seditious and others more degenerative in nature. Across the world there are 350 million people bears from the constant joint inflammation of Arthritis. In US the number goes to the 37 to 40 million. All of us be familiar with that there must the joint pain that is accompanied by the arthritis

Arthritis symptoms

Ache and inflexibility in the joints, anaemia, colitis

The main symptoms of osteoarthritis are ache and firmness in the joints. The pain frequently increases after work out. Rheumatoid arthritis is often called the ‘cooked food ailment’. lt regularly develops gradually over several months, with persistent pain and stiffness in one or additional joints. Finally the whole body is affected. Symptoms contain anaemia, colitis, constipation, deformed hands and feet.

Root of Arthritis

Structural changes in articular cartilage in the joint

Osteoarthritis results from structural changes in the articular cartilage in the joints, frequently those which are weight-bearing, such as the spine and knees.

Hormonal disparity, physical and emotional strain

Rheumatoid arthritis is due to an soreness of the synovium or lining of the joints. This is accompanied by puffiness and eventually leads to irregularity. The situation may be caused by hormonal disparity, physical and emotional stress, infection, cruel fright, shock, and injury.

Genetics

Family factors may also be responsible for the onset of this disease

Home Remedies for Arthritis

1. Arthritis treatment by means of Potato Juice

The raw potato juice treatment is considered one of the most victorious biological treatments for rheumatic and arthritic situations. It has been used in folk medicine for over centuries. The conventional technique of preparing potato juice is to cut a medium-sized potato into thin slices, without peeling the skin, and put the slices overnight in a big glass filled with cold water. The water should be drunk in the sunrise on an empty stomach.. A medium-sized potato must be diluted with a cup of water and drunk first thing in the morning.

2. Arthritis treatment with Other Raw Juices

One cup of green juice, extracted from any green leafy vegetable, diverse in equal size with carrot, celery, and red beet juices is superior for arthritis. The alkaline action of raw juices dissolves the gathering of deposits around the joints and in extra tissues. A cup of fresh pineapple juice is also precious, as the enzyme bromelain in fresh pineapple juice reduces swelling and inflammation in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

3. Arthritis treatment via Sesame Seeds

A teaspoon of black sesame seeds, drenched in a quarter cup of water and kept overnight, has been found to be efficient in preventing frequent joint pains. The water in which the seeds are soaked must also be taken along with the seeds first thing in the morning

4. Arthritis treatment by means of Copper

Drinking water kept overnight in a copper container accumulates traces of copper, which is said to build up the muscular system. A copper ring or bracelet is worn for the same cause.

5. Arthritis treatment with Calcium

Studies have exposed that calcium can help arthritis. Several patients have discovered that joint pains have either been reassured or have disappeared entirely after taking calcium. This mineral must be taken in the form of calcium lactate. Two teaspoons of calcium lactate, each teaspoon providing 400 mg of absorbable calcium, may be taken three times each day in water, before meals for at least four months.

6. Arthritis treatment via Garlic

Garlic is an additional successful remedy for arthritis. It contains an anti-inflammatory property, which accounts for its efficiency in the treatment of this disease. Garlic may be taken raw or cooked according to person preference

7. Arthritis treatment via Bananas

Bananas, being a rich source of vitamin B6, have proved helpful in the treatment of arthritis. A diet of merely bananas for three or four days is advised in treating this situation. The patient may eat eight or nine bananas daily throughout this period and nothing else.

8. Arthritis treatment with Lime

Lime has also been found useful as a home remedy for arthritis. The citric acid found in lime is a solvent of uric acid, which is the chief cause of some types of arthritis. The juice of one lime, diluted with water, may be taken once a day, if possible first thing in the morning.

9. Arthritis treatment with Alfalfa

A tea made from the herb alfalfa, particularly from its seeds, has shown useful results in the treatment of arthritis. One teaspoon of alfalfa seeds might be added to one cup of water. Three to four cups of this tea must be taken daily by arthritics for at least two weeks.

10. Arthritis treatment by means of Green Gram Soup

Another home remedy found helpful in relieving pains in the joints is the use of green gram soup. This soup must be prepared by mixing a tablespoon of green gram in a cup of water, with two crushed garlic cloves. It must be taken two times a day

11. Arthritis treatment via Castor Oil

Treatment with castor oil has been found helpful in arthritis. The process, as prescribed by a Spanish doctor, is to boil two tablespoons of castor oil over a stove burner. The oil must then be poured into a glass of fresh orange juice and taken before breakfast each day till the disease is cured. It was advised to patients to take it for three weeks, stay for another three weeks and then do it again for another three weeks. It is, though, essential that the patient must take an alkaline diet while adopting this form of treatment otherwise the value of the treatment will be gone.

12. Arthritis treatment via Coconut or Mustard Oil

Warm coconut oil or mustard oil, mixed with two or three pieces of camphor must be massaged on rigid and aching joints. It will amplify blood supply, and decrease inflammation and stiffness with the calm warmth produced while massaging

 
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Synvisc – Tried and Tested Medication for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis

19 Oct

Linda recounted the history of the infusion therapy room.

Synvisc is a gel-like mixture made up of hylan a fluid, hylan B gel, and salt water. Hylan A and hylan B are made from a substance called sodium hyaluronate that comes from chicken combs. This is a natural substance found in the body and is present in very high amounts in joints. The bodys own hyaluronan acts like a lubricant and a shock absorber in the joint and is needed for the joint to work properly. Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that involves the wearing down of cartilage. In osteoarthritis there may not be enough hyaluronan, and there may be a decrease in the quality of the hyaluronan in the joint. Synvisc comes in syringes containing 2 ml of product and is directly injected into the knee. Although it is most widely used in the knee joint, but it can also be effectively used for the treatment in other joints such as hips and shoulder joints. To avoid joint pain and get relieve from pain one can buy synvisc and take advantage of this medication.

Synvisc is a type of treatment called visco supplement, which lubricates and cushions the knee joint of the patients and relives pain. This further allows one to move freely for up to six months. In patient suffering from osteoarthritis synovial fluid breaks down and not provides the cushioning required by the knee. Synvisc supplements the knee fluid to relieve the pain and improve the knee joint’s shock absorbing abilities. It is made up of natural substance that is found in normal joint fluid. This medication has been used for osteoarthritis treatment since 1970′s. Without any doubt one can buy synvisc and see its effect in just few weeks. For best result, diseased osteoarthritic synovial fluid is typically removed from the knee before the first synvisc injection.

Synvisc is injected directly into the knee over the course of three weeks, where each course is injected once in a week. Its a simple procedure that takes just a few minutes. After the injection, one can resume his normal day-to-day activities but doctor may recommend avoiding any strenuous exercise for about 24-48 hours. It is one of the best methods for treating arthritis of the knee without performing surgery. This is an injectable medication containing a substance called hyaluronan that is secreted by cells in the cartilage of joints. It is the major components of the joint fluid that gives slippery quality to the synovial fluid. Synvisc is an FDA-approved treatment for OA of the knee. Since it is injected directly into the knee, it avoids the side effects of many pills, which are absorbed into the bloodstream.

 
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Arthritis Pain Relief – How To Get It

19 Oct

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I know the secret to getting rid of arthritis pain forever and it is not taking drugs. I found relief from my arthritis pain, naturally, and you can do it too. Arthritis is usually found in the joints of the fingers, feet, knees, hips, and spine.

Sometimes arthritis occurs in the wrist, elbows, shoulders, and jaw but you generally don’t find it there. Arthritis concentrates in one or several joints where deterioration occurs.

The synovium is a membrane that surrounds the whole joint; it’s filled with synovial fluid, a lubricating liquid that supplies nutrients and oxygen to the cartilage. Collagen is the main protein found in all connective tissues in the body, including the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The synovial fluid lubricates and provides oxygen and nutrients to the cartilage, which has no blood supply.

Although osteoarthritis generally accompanies aging, osteoarthritic cartilage is chemically different from normal aged cartilage. It’s generally thought that inflammation plays a minor role in osteoarthritis and is more likely to be a result, not a cause, of arthritis. Genetic factors are thought to be involved in about 50% of osteoarthritis cases in the hands and hips and a somewhat lower percentage of cases in the knee.

For natural treatment for arthritis make an appointment with a naturopathic doctor, called a naturopath; ask around for referrals. Many have told me that going off dairy products and gluten containing foods relieved their arthritis pain entirely. Watch your diet closely – load-bearing joints are affected by excessive weight; they are the hips, knees, feet and spine.

Gluten may be a culprit in arthritic diseases including fibromyalgia; avoid wheat, barley, rye, spelt, triticale, kamut and oats (although not a gluten grain it gets contaminated at the wheat mills). Try avoiding the eight most allergic foods, wheat being the most allergenic; they are wheat, corn, eggs, milk, peanuts, fish, shellfish and some nuts, not all.

Some people swear by glucosamine and/or chondroitin and others say it didn’t help at all.

With natural treatments there will be fewer, if any, side effects or adverse reactions. Supplements that help any disease or ailment include vitamin B12 — the methylcobalamin type not cyanocobalamin, and has to be sub-lingual — dissolves slowly under the tongue; and vitamin D3 especially if you can’t get a daily dose of 15-20 minutes of sun on your arms and legs so you can make your own vitamin D3.

One natural treatment method involves avoiding all inflammatory foods. If you really want to get rid of your arthritis pain forever it may take a radical change in your diet and an ongoing commitment.

Whatever you do, keep moving; don’t sit when you can stand, don’t stand when you can walk. To be on the safe side always seek your doctor’s advice before starting or changing your exercise program. Sign up for water aerobics classes at your local community center. Try to keep painful joint areas in motion, even in a limited manner.

There are a number of exercises which can benefit arthritis sufferers regardless of how much restriction of movement there is. Stretching and warming up the joints should always be the first step in your exercise routine to make your joints more flexible. Keep a bedside basket of arthritic aids for arthritic hands (theraputty, hand grips, Taiji chime balls, etc.) to be used at bedtime or while watching television.

Be aware that the use of NSAIDs or Cox-2 inhibitors don’t halt the progress of osteoarthritis and may even hasten the onset. If you’re going to go the conventional treatment route and take medications, ask your pharmacist for drug inserts so you can read up on the drugs and understand any side effects or adverse reactions, before taking them.

Let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other drugs, herbs or other supplements you’re taking, to ward off any adverse drug reactions that might occur from the combining of different drugs or supplements.

Changing your diet to predominately fruits and raw veggies, like I did, can turn your arthritis pain around almost overnight. Begin your treatment program with a diet change, exercise and weight loss plan to see results and pain relief fast. Arthritis pain relief is the ultimate goal – understanding arthritis is a good way to get there.

 
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Arthritis treatment guide – Part 2

17 Oct

According to the CDC, it is estimated that 1 of every 3 Americans is affected by more than 100 types of arthritis. Arthritis is characterized by pain and inflammation particularly of the joints throughout the body. Location and pattern of pain differ among the arthritis patient. Osteoarthritis is usually worse at night or following rest and rheumatoid arthritis is classically worse in the morning. In elderly people and children, pain may not be the main feature but manifest itself as lesser movement in the elderly or the refusal to use the affected limb in children.

Arthritis Treatment Guide

Treatment of arthritis focus on eliminating the underlying cause of the arthritis. However, the cause is NOT necessarily curable as with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, most treatment aims at reducing pain and discomfort and preventing further disability.It is possible to improve symptoms from osteoarthritis and other long-term types of arthritis with medications and physical therapy.

MEDICATION

Non Prescription:

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) :- First-line treatment for osteoarthritis recommended by the American College of Rheumatology and the American Geriatrics Society as. A maximum dose of 4 grams a day can provide significant relief of arthritis pain without many of the side effects of prescription drugs. DO NOT exceed the recommended doses of acetaminophen or take the drug in combination with large amounts of alcohol. These actions may damage your liver.

NSAID (NonSteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) :- Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac are very effective in controlling the pain and swelling but long term usage is unsafe due to side effects such as stomach ulcers or bleeding from the digestive tract and kidney damage.

Prescription:

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors :- These drugs block an inflammation-promoting enzyme called COX-2. The mode of action is similar to NSAID but with a lower incidence of stomach ulcers and digestive tract bleeding. However, numerous reports of heart attacks and stroke have prompted the FDA to re-evaluate the risks and benefits of the COX-2s. To date, only Celecoxib (Celebrex) is still available, but labeled with strong warnings and recommendation that limits its long term use and usage in low risk patients only.

Corticosteroids (“steroids”) :- Prednisolone or dexamethasone are corticosteroids that are very effective in surpressing the immune system and symptoms of inflammation. They are

 
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Naturally Treat Osteoarthritis- 6 Tips to Cure Arthritis With No Medication

15 Oct

Dr. Paget is our 2008 Physician of the Year

In America alone, an estimated 70 million people suffer from the debilitating effects of some form of arthritis or joint pain. Most of the sufferers will seek out expensive medical treatment offering nothing more than harsh side-effects but millions will allow the disease to run its course and make life miserable. But living with arthritis does not have to leave you unable from doing the things you love. In fact, I have 70+ year old customers who write me every week and share how their arthritis is not a problem anymore. But just how did they do it and what’s their secret?

Osteoarthritis- Is it ruining your life?

There are many different forms of arthritis but the most common form is called osteoarthritis. The most common form of arthritis affects over 60 million Americans. Osteoarthritis typically effects people who are 35 years of age and older. As a person becomes older, the pain appears after years of wear and tear on the joints between the bones, which is why it is called the ‘degenerative joint disease’. Due to the repeated movement and weight upon the joint, the cartilage begins to break down causing inflammation and pain. Because of the nature of the problem, symptoms become worse and worse over time with use of joints. Normally, osteoarthritis begins at the knees and works its way up to the hips, fingers, spine and more (typically any joint bearing weight or strain).

Does this sound like you and your experience? If so, there is hope to treat it and actually rebuild the cartilage between the joints.

Stop Taking Medication

Medication and treatment varies from patient to patient, and is often a band-aid for the ailment. Let me explain! Doctors often prescribe expensive medications for the sufferer to hide the pain. The problem with hiding the pain is that the degeneration of the joint cartilage continues to occur even if the brain does not register the pain because of the meds. As the pain is hidden, the joint becomes more and more damaged and disfigured. The band-aid of medication is simply a remedy for disaster.

But you can start to naturally treat osteoarthritis with your nutrition, vitamins, supplementation and simple exercises. And you can save hundreds to thousands of dollars each year in the process.

Naturally Treat Osteoarthritis with 6 tips!

Researchers have been studying numerous primitive tribes who live solely off the land. Perplexed by their extraordinary health, researchers are studying why these tribes have better health than developed countries? These tribes have documented no heart disease as well as arthritis being unheard of. In fact, members of these communities will work right up to the day of their death (usually around 100 years of age). How could this be? Could it be because members of the community have never eaten a bite of processed food? These natives have NOT eaten one additive in any of their meals. (An average American eats hundreds of additives each day.) In fact, all of their meals are fresh and spoil in weeks if not eaten. And finally, they live an active life. And you can do the same thing even if you are 70 years YOUNG!

Here is a list of tips to naturally treat osteoarthritis!

1. Did you know that 80% of the world’s population is walking around dehydrated? Instead of drinking water we have become consumers of soda, tea, coffee, juices or anything with flavor. Unfortunately, most of these drinks (containing caffeine) cause your body to lose water and create a vicious cycle of dehydration and poor health. As water drains the toxin and impurities of your body, it will also begin to naturally treat the symptoms of osteoarthritis. You should start drinking at least 10-12 tall glasses of water a day.

2. A body flush! Did you know that fasting and flushing the body is biblical. It is actually commanded to routinely fast for spiritual and physical purposes in the Bible. And it will also greatly help you in your struggle with arthritis. It would be recommended to take a monthly fast (drinking only water or natural juices) to naturally flush the body of arthritic causing alkalines. Your body will thank you!

3. Your nutrition! Your diet is the biggest factor contributing to whether you will struggle or be free of arthritis. A good rule of thumb is to always eat fresh, raw foods with as little of processing as possible. You should be eating as much water-soluble fiber as possible which includes: fresh fruits and raw vegetables.

4. Foods that Hurt! These types of foods will create havoc to your arthritis pain and inflammation. Stay away from fast foods, processed foods, sugars and desserts. Do your best at finding healthy foods and you will notice a difference in 2 weeks.

5. Breathing! I know it sounds goofy to focus on your breathing but oxygen heals. And unfortunately, most people are not getting enough of it because of improper posture and stress. To learn some simple breathing exercises you can do at work, please check out our website which will lead you to our step-by-step report.

6. And exercise! If you are serious about treating arthritis; we guarantee that you will be feeling good enough to start exercising in three weeks. And exercise will eventually take stress off of joints by building muscle mass.

What is Your Choice?

Are you serious about treating your osteoarthritis? Do you want to feel like you are 30 again? Do you want to know what supplement can actually rebuild your joint cartilage so you feel like a 20 year old?

If you are ready to naturally treat osteoarthritis, please visit our website to see how our step-by-step natural treatment might be a right solution for you. And if you are in the least bit hesitant, we will also guarantee our treatment to treat your arthritis or you do not pay a cent. So stop paying hundreds to the multi-billion dollar pharmaceutical industry which gives you a band-aid. Start curing your arthritis naturally by visiting our website and joining the thousands who have discovered the cure!

 
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Tactics To Acne Proactive Treatment

14 Oct

CreakyJoints thanks Linda for taking part in our video.

The most important key to effective acne treatment and prevention is a clean and healthy skin. Some treatments for acne scars may cause temporary lightening of dark skin. Aggressive acne treatments to reduce oiliness of the skin can result in the flaking associated with seborrheic dermatitis. Positive acne skin care can lessen the need for harsh, aggressive, and sometimes dangerous acne treatment medication.

While harsh scrubbing is not recommended for acne prone skin, mild exfoliants may allow acne treatments to effectively penetrate the problem areas. Exfoliation allows other products, like acne treatments and moisturizers, to penetrate the skin. Refresh Acne Treatment provides antioxidents that can help eliminate the free radicals that are dangerous to skin and promote infections. Specialized skin care for scars, acne, wrinkles and facial treatments on all skin types. How oral contraceptives compare to other acne treatments, such as antibiotics taken by mouth or applied to the skin, is unclear. Botanical extracts in the formulas leave skin soft and supple without the redness that accompanies most other acne treatments. This is because the best acne treatment is determined by the type of skin a person has and the skin reaction on that treatment. Depending on the skin type of the person, a doctor will prescribe the appropriate effective acne treatment. These medications are often subject to testing first before one could really consider them as effective acne treatments for their skin problem.

Other minor procedures which can be used to supplement prescription acne treatments are peels. The most common prescription acne treatments are listed below. Seven (50%) respondents reported viewing an advertisement for prescription acne treatment before taking isotretinoin. Some prescription topical medicines are also effective acne treatments. The problems with traditional at home treatment of acne has led many people to seek prescription medications. After 17 years of trying every prescription, over-the-counter and department store acne treatments, this was the only product, aside from Accutane, that actually worked! We also discuss all of the available over-the-counter treatments, prescription, and alternative treatments for acne. Potent acne treatment without a prescription! There are a number of acne treatments available these days, many of them prescription only medications and others that are available over the counter. Zeno Acne Treatment is more effective on active acne lesions than any current OTC or prescription treatment with none of the potential side effects.

Some acne treatments, such as topical retinoids and azelaic acid, may also help fade the discoloration. For example, some fatty acid levels are decreased in acne lesions, and the levels ormalize after successful treatment with isotretinoin. Recommended vitamins and supplements to support at home acne treatments linoleic acid – People with acne are often deficient in linoleic acid. Burn treatment it diabetes treatment acne best treatment system treatment or acid reflux treatment. System treatment acne Acid reflux treatment proactive treatment, osteoarthritis treatment, alcoholism treatment. After the acne began responding to treatment, the levels of the acid were lowered to a daily dose of between 1 and 5 grams.

Often the treatment of acne and seborrheic dermatitis irritates or worsens the rosacea. Medications used in the treatment of acne can be too harsh or aggressive leading to the onset of rosacea or acne rosacea. The information on acne, acne treatment, and acne-related lifestyles on this web site can help in the treatment of acne and acne rosacea. This combination is approved for treatment of acne, seborrheic dermatitis and rosacea. The use of the sodium sulfacetamide 10% sulfur 5% cleanser is advantageous for the treatment of rosacea, acne and seborrheic dermatitis or combinations thereof. ALA/PDT treatments also have the ability to minimize pores and reduce oil glands, effectively treating stubborn acne vulgaris, acne rosacea.

These drugs are often used for the treatment of a form of acne known as acne fulminans, which occurs mostly among adolescent males. Sulphur, as an effective acne treatment, has no known major side effects. The indication is for the treatment of moderate acne vulgaris in women with no known contraindications to oral contraceptive therapy. What is known as an anti-inflammatory treatment for acne is embracing a certain lifestyle.

Samples of effective acne treatments in the form of oral antibiotics are tetracycline, minocycline, isotretinoin, doxicycline and erythromycin. Severe Acne: Antibiotics given by mouth, including tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, and erythromycin, are reserved for the treatment of severe acne. Abstract Background Minocycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that is commonly used in the treatment of moderate to severe acne vulgaris. Objectives To collate and evaluate the evidence on the clinical efficacy of minocycline in the treatment of inflammatory acne vulgaris. The review found that there was no reliable evidence that minocycline was better than any other acne treatment and that more research is needed.
http://www.acne-proactive-treatment.com/

 
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Conventional Medical Treatment for Osteoarthritis

11 Oct

Seth Ginsberg, Dr. Stephen Paget and Paul Ginsberg

Description

Of the more than 100 types of arthritis, osteoarthritis is the most common, afflicting 16 million Americans. In fact, osteoarthritis is said to be the most common-and, longest historically recognized-disorder known to humankind.

Osteoarthritis can affect any joint of the body, but it most commonly occurs in the fingers and weight-bearing joints, such as the hips, ankles, and knees. The disease occurs when the cartilage, which covers the ends of the joints and acts as a cushion between bones, wears away, allowing the bones to rub against each other. For some people, this can be excruciatingly painful. On the other hand, many people with osteoarthritis experience no signs or symptoms of the condition.

Even though osteoarthritis is usually limited to a single location, the afflicted joint can affect the entire body. Sometimes the muscles surrounding the joint tighten in order to soften the pain or protect the affected joint, while unaffected joints are forced to work overtime to make up for the ailing joint. In cases of osteoarthritis of the knee, the entire lower leg may eventually become deformed.

Although the precise cause of osteoarthritis is not known, wear and tear appears to be the primary culprit. This is why osteoarthritis is also called wear-and-tear arthritis or degenerative joint disease. Thus, the college quarterback and the professional typist both of whose joints are taxed daily-are at heightened risk of developing osteoarthritis later in life. Osteoarthritis, especially in the hips and fingers, also tends to run in families.

The risk of developing arthritis of the hand increases with age. In fact, by age 75, 85 percent of the population have some symptom of the condition. Often, bony knobs-also called nodes develop on the knuckles, making fingers look gnarled. Nodes usually appear first on a single finger but can grow to involve all the fingers. While nodes can be tender or slightly painful, they rarely cause any disability. Nearly 90 percent of people with nodes are women over age 45.

Signs and Symptoms

Pain and tenderness in joints (typically, joints in one to three sites are affected, and the pain worsens after use and goes away with rest)

Discomfort in affected joint before or during a change in the weather

Swelling in affected joints

Weakness and loss of flexibility in affected joints

If the joints of the fingers are affected, bony knobs may be visible at the knuckles

Conventional Medical Treatment

An X-ray may be used to detect the presence of osteoarthritis. However, there is no cure for the ailment. Conventional treatment usually involves exercises and physical therapy to keep the surrounding muscles strong and flexible. Pain and stiffness can be relieved by analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, aspirin). Bed rest and immobilization of the affected joint may be needed for brief periods of time. When all other measures fail to provide relief, surgical joint replacements (knee or hip) have very high success rates.

 
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