Arthritis Treatment

There are many types of arthritis and many people self diagnoses the pains they may be experiencing as arthritis. The truth of the matter is the diagnosis should come from a doctor and may include examinations, x-rays, ultra-sounds and MRI’s.

The most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia.

~ Rheumatoid Arthritis ~

The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is still unknown and under constant study. It is believed that it is an autoimmune disease. This means that for some reason the body tissues are not recognized as part of the working body, but as a problem that the body has to rid itself of. You can compare it to putting two anti virus programs on your computer. Each sees the other as a virus and they fight to destroy each other. Your body attacks its own tissue.

This is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis affects both sides of the body. It is found most commonly in the joints. You may notice disfigurement in the wrists, arms, fingers, and legs. It can also affect some of your internal organs. It can attack the lungs, eyes and heart as well.

~ Osteoarthritis ~

Another name for this is degenerative joint disease. Our joints have shock absorbers built in our bodies in the form of cartilage. Cartilage covers the ends of the bones to reduce shock, prevent bone from rubbing on bone and assist in the movement of the joint. When this cartilage wears out and bone is rubbing on bone we have osteoarthritis. Sometime you can even hear the noise of the bones grating on each other.

~ Fibromyalgia ~

This form of rheumatism involves the ligaments, muscles, tendon and soft tissue as opposed to the joints. There are tender points under the skin and the pain is tremendous. This is a chronic and long-term illness.

Now let’s move to some less common forms of arthritis.

~ Gout ~

This form of arthritis is caused when the body overproduces uric acid. Normally uric acid is processed by the body and released through the urine. If it is not released in this manner it causes monourate crystals to form and collect in the joints. The joint becomes very stiff and painful.

There are many triggers that can cause an episode of gout.

*sudden severe illness

*eating foods rich in purines

*joint injuries

*extreme exercise

*stress

*surgery

~ Infectious Arthritis ~

This form of arthritis is usually caused by a bacterial infection. Some of the most common culprits are tuberculosis, gonococcus, salmonella, and staphylococcus.

Other cause may be viral infections. These are usually shorts bouts of a week or two in connection with an illness. It is sometimes described as “settling in your joints”.

Fungi are the least common kind of infectious arthritis. It develops over time with exposure to things like fungi found in bird dropping, some types of roses, and soils.

~ Lumbosacral Arthritis ~

This form of arthritis affects the discs located in the spine. Although the exact cause has not been defined it is believed that natural aging, injury to the spine and heavy lifting all contribute to the problem.

These are certainly all forms of arthritis, but it does give you a look at the diversity of the disease. As you can see for proper diagnosis and care you may need the help of your physician, who may recommend a specialist.

Thousands live with one form or another of arthritis. Research continues with the goal of improving the quality of life for those affected.

Reference:

www.allaboutarthritis.com

www.arthritis-treatment-guide. info

Related Posts:

• The different types of arthritis – Part 3
• Basic facts about arthritis – Part 4
• The different types of arthritis – Part 7
• Guide to effective arthritis treatment – Part 4
• Basic facts about arthritis – Part 5

I got rid of my arthritis and arthritis pain forever by doing one single thing – read on. There is a little-known natural solution to curing oneself of arthritis pain that I discovered several years ago.

Arthritic joints appear to be larger, are stiff and painful, and usually feel worse the more they are used. Arthritis is usually found in the joints of the fingers, feet, knees, hips, and spine. Unlike some other types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis is not systemic – it does not spread through the entire body.

Joints are designed for normal and painless movement and are primarily supplied by the synovium and cartilage. Cartilage contains chondrocytes, water, proteoglycans and collagen; chondrocytes are the basic cartilage cells and are necessary for balance and function. The combination of the collagen meshwork and high water content tightly bound by proteoglycans creates a resilient, slippery pad in the joint, which resists the compression between bones during muscle movement.

Aging cells may be a factor in the development of arthritis. It’s generally thought that inflammation plays a minor role in osteoarthritis and is more likely to be a result, not a cause, of arthritis. As chondrocytes (the cells that make up cartilage) age, they lose their ability to make repairs and produce more cartilage; this process may play an important role in the development and progression of osteoarthritis.

Nutrition experts say it takes a combination of supplements, that no one supplement can relieve arthritis pain, build cartilage, etc. Try massaging your fingers or other affected joints with coconut oil twice a day. One natural treatment method involves avoiding all inflammatory foods.

If your osteoarthritis is affecting your load-bearing joints, keeping your weight within a normal range is important. Make smoothies with fruit only using a base of two bananas, adding a cup of frozen or fresh blueberries and mango chunks or substitute any other fruit and add an energy boost of two tablespoons of coconut oil; add one or two leaves of kale for another highly nutritional boost — no one will ever know. Dried Montmorency tart cherries seem to be helpful for arthritis pain also.

A study in Great Britain touted the beneficial effects of cod liver oil on osteoarthritis; relieving pain and stiffness, and reversing the destruction of joint cartilage within 24 hours. Watch your diet closely – load-bearing joints are affected by excessive weight; they are the hips, knees, feet and spine.

I eat a diet of living foods (fruits, raw veggies, raw nuts and raw seeds) to relieve my arthritis pain and this should be tried for at least 30 days, thus eliminating any foods that might be culprits. If you’re not already doing so, make a big effort to watch your diet.

To be on the safe side always seek your doctor’s advice before starting or changing your exercise program. Whatever you do, keep moving; don’t sit when you can stand, don’t stand when you can walk. For arthritic fingers, a good exercise is to put your finger tips together and press hard and release, then repeat several times. Use Taiji health balls, with the chimes, to strengthen the finger joints: hold two balls, move in a clockwise circle with your fingers to rotate them, then try counterclockwise and do throughout the day.

Try to keep painful joint areas in motion, even in a limited manner. Keep a bedside basket of arthritic aids for arthritic hands (Theraputty, hand grips, Taiji chime balls, etc.) to be used at bedtime or while watching television. Stretching and warming up the joints should always be the first step in your exercise routine to make your joints more flexible.

Be aware that the use of NSAIDs or Cox-2 inhibitors do not halt the progress of osteoarthritis and may even hasten the onset. If you’re planning to take any of the non-prescription NSAIDS for arthritis, make sure you understand what bad effects they can have on the stomach, liver and/or kidneys and discuss this with your doctor. At the very least, understand what the side effects and adverse reactions are for any drug you take.

Knowing more about arthritis and how it works will ultimately help contribute to your relief of arthritis pain. One should not only search for relief of arthritis pain but work on preventing it. Your treatment plan should include an anti-arthritis diet, exercise, and a positive mental attitude.

Related Posts:

• Finding The Perfect Arthritis Pain Relief Treatment For You
• Important Arthritis Pain Relief Tips And Treatments For You
• Quick Guide To Arthritis Pain Relief
• Effective Natural Arthritis Pain Relief Treatments
• Arthritis Pain Relief – You Can Get Rid Of Your Arthritis Pain Naturally

What is this condition?

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is an ongoing process that breaks down cartilage around a bone, then causes new bone to grow around and under the affected joint. It usually occurs in the hips and knees. Osteoarthritis is widespread and affects both sexes after age 40. It can be disabling and usually gets worse as the person ages, ranging from minor dysfunction of the fingers to severe hip or knee problems.

What causes it?

Osteoarthritis, a normal part of aging, results from many metabolic, genetic, chemical, and mechanical factors. One form of osteoarthritis results from a specific event, such as a fall, an inherited deformity, or obesity that leads to degenerative changes.

What are its symptoms?

The most common symptom of osteoarthritis is deep, aching joint pain, which occurs particularly after exercise or other joint stress. The pain goes away when the person rests. Other symptoms include stiffness in the morning (again, relieved by rest), aching during changes in weather, “grating” of the joint during motion, and tight muscles that hamper movements. These symptoms are worse if the person has poor posture or job stress or is obese. When it affects the hands, osteoarthritis changes the shape of the joints and can eventually make them red, swollen, tender, and numb.

How is it diagnosed?

The doctor can assess obvious changes in the person’s joints and use X-rays to see such signs as joint deformity, bony deposits, and joint fusion. There is no lab test specific for osteoarthritis, but tests can rule out other inflammatory joint problems.

How is it treated?

The doctor will prescribe medications to relieve pain and minimize stiffness. Medications include aspirin (or other nonnarcotic pain relievers), Butazolidin, lndocin, Nalfon, Advil or Motrin, or Darvon and, in some cases, injections of corticosteroids. Such injections, given every 4 to 6 months, may delay the development of new deposits in the person’s hands. The person will also be taught specific exercises to promote flexibility.

Other treatments

The doctor may put the person in a brace or traction, suggest a cane or crutches for walking, and encourage other supportive measures such as massage, steam baths, paraffin (wax) dips for the hands, and exercise. Surgery is reserved for people who have severe disability or uncontrollable pain.

What can a person with osteoarthritis do?

Pace yourself. Plan rest periods during the day and be protective about getting a good night’s sleep. Because osteoarthritis is not a disease of your whole body, concentrate on therapy that improves your flexibility and comfort.

Specific treatments

Hand: Hot soaks and paraffin dips can relieve pain.

Lower and middle back: Use a firm mattress (or bed board) to decrease morning pain.

Neck: Check the tightness of your cervical collar; watch for redness after prolonged use.

Hip: Use moist heat pads to relieve pain (usually with prescribed antispasmodic drugs) and do stretching and strengthening exercises. You may need to inspect your braces or a walker for proper fit.

Knee: Regularly exercise to maintain flexibility, muscle tone, and strength. Consider a brace or an elastic wrap for support.

More good moves

Take your medication exactly as prescribed, and report side effects immediately.

Avoid overexertion, and learn to stand and walk without stressing joints. Be especially careful when stooping or picking up objects.

Wear well-fitting supportive shoes; don’t allow the heels to become too worn down.

Install safety devices at home, such as hand rails in the bathroom .

Maintain your proper weight to lessen stress on joints.

Related Posts:

• Basic facts about arthritis – Part 5
• Arthritis – Symptoms, Risks, Treatments
• Degenerative Arthritis is also known as Osteoarthritis. Arthritis is a debilitating disease that affects the joints. There are over 100 forms of Arthritis known to man and Degenerative Arthritis is the most common form. It is called Degenerative because the amount of cartilage in the joints is deterioration and becoming permanently lost. It is said that over 20 million Americans suffer from Degenerative Arthritis.
• Arthritis: Symptoms and treatment – Part 4
• The different types of arthritis – Part 3

Jacuzzi is one of the most recognized hot tub, whirlpool and spa manufacturers in the world, and in fact its brand name has become synonymous with whirlpools and hot tubs. The Jacuzzi brand specializes in whirlpools, which are basically large bathtubs, or pool-like structures that are electrically equipped to sprout jets of water and air bubbles into the water from different points of the tub.If you are looking into purchasing a Jacuzzi, you need to start by deciding on your budget. You also need to assess how much space you have available for the installation. Having something like a jetted Jacuzzi whirlpool tub in your home is definitely worth the cost and trouble. You will find that there are great prices on many high quality Jacuzzi whirlpool and Jacuzzi tubs available in the stores.Jacuzzi whirlpool jet system produces a hydro-massage effect by pulling water from the bath and pumping the water, mixed with air, from the jets back into the tub at high pressure. This hydro-massage or hydrotherapy has wonderful therapeutic benefits as it helps the muscles relax. It is especially beneficial to those suffering from arthritis and rheumatism as it helps soothe away the pain.

A Jacuzzi spa is a wonderful way to entertain friends and family as well. With a Jacuzzi spa you can relax with a glass of wine or a nice chilled beer and unwind to start off the weekend. Or you could soak in your Jacuzzi on a Sunday night to get rested and prepared for the busy week to come. Your Jacuzzi spa can also provide wonderful entertainment whenever you hold parties or small get-togethers.

Related Posts:

• Jacuzzi the King of Whirlpools and Hot Tubs
• Jacuzzi – The King Of Whirlpools And Hot Tubs
• Hot Tub Arthritis Pain Relief
• Arthritis And Rheumatism
• Arthritis Causes And Symptoms