Arthritis | Health And Wellness Tips

Bextra and Vioxx — Tips for Arthritis Relief Without Them

Bextra and Vioxx — Tips for Arthritis Relief Without Them
Charles Essmeier

The recent withdrawal of Vioxx and Bextra from the marketplace, due to concerns over unwanted side effects, has many arthritis sufferers concerned. These drugs, which belong to a powerful class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs known as COX-2 inhibitors, are quite effective at fighting the pain and inflammation of arthritis. Unfortunately, they have been linked to increased risk of strokes and heart attacks. Their manufacturers have voluntarily withdrawn them from the market. There are still alternative medications available, such as Celebrex, and traditional medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Aspirin and ibuprofen may not be suitable for everyone, as they can cause stomach discomfort in some people. While a good anti-inflammatory can certainly provide more comfort for arthritis pain, there are some non-medicinal steps that patients can take that may provide some relief from their pain.

Get plenty of rest. Your body works best when its well-rested, and its a well-known fact that most Americans fail to get the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep each night.

Exercise. Joints and muscles work best when theyre well toned, and that is true for arthritis sufferers as well as the public at large. Not all exercises will be appropriate, however. A patient with arthritic knees will probably not benefit from playing basketball or tennis. Low impact exercise like walking or water aerobics may help, however. Patients with arthritis are advised to discuss exercise options with their physician.

Watch your weight. Arthritic joints work best when they arent overly burdened. If you are overweight, you are making a bad situation worse by forcing your joints to work harder than they otherwise might. A loss of just a few pounds could make a huge difference, especially if you suffer from arthritic knees.

These tips are certainly not intended to be a substitute for medication, but with a chronic condition like arthritis, every little bit that you can do to ease the stress on your aching joints can provide a bit more relief. About the Author
Copyright 2005 by Retro Marketing. Charles Essmeier is the owner of Retro Marketing, a firm devoted to informational Websites, including Bextra-Info.net, a site devoted to the withdrawn drug Bextra and StructuredSettlementHelp.com, a site devoted to structured settlements.

Arthritis Treatment, The Good And The Bad

Arthritis Treatment, The Good And The Bad
Yvonne Loubet

We use this title because not all arthritis treatments are, shall we say, enjoyable. If you suffer from the painful effects of this debilitating condition though, very little can seem worse. The pain is often so severe that the simplest movements can cause anguish and even tears. But, there are treatments to help arthritis. Can they cure it? That is still to be seen, but many have shown to be effective in fighting off the pain. First, there are many different types of arthritis. The causes of each will help to determine the treatment. But, here, we will talk mainly of the treatment options available and then those that are quite possibly the best at treating rheumatoid arthritis. The symptoms of any arthritis start with pain. There is pain in the joints in a way that limits the amount of movement a person has. Now, remember, as well, that arthritis can strike any individual, not necessarily just older people. So, if a child stops using a limb complaining of pain, a doctor should be seen. On top of this, if symptoms of pain are accompanied with fever a doctor should be seen immediately as this can be a sign of a deadlier arthritis known as septic arthritis. In all cases, arthritis is an inflammation in the joints. The problem in rheumatoid arthritis is that, in trying to deal with the inflammation, the immune system ends up attacking the cartilage in the joints. The end result is pain and lessened use of the effected joint. In order to stop this process, arthritis treatments can be anything from surgery to medications. There are some good notes about medications, but in the end, they can not resolve the entire problem, only mask the pain for a while. Surgery is invasive and costly. Physical treatment is available and has shown good progress in helping some patients. There are also herbal remedies that have shown good signs of helping as well. There is one product that we would like to mention in a little more detail. What is so unique about this product, though, is that it is a natural treatment that can be taken.In the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in particular, collagen type II can be just as good as a cure to some individuals. This natural substance is actually a main component of cartilage itself. But, no injections are needed because this is an oral treatment. You will take a pill, in other words. There are many reasons why this medication works including the fact that it has an absorption rate of 70 to 90 percent. This means more of it is used and fewer doses are needed. There are other reasons why it works so well. For instance, the immune system has a component of cells in the intestine called the GALT. This is where proteins are recognized as food or friend and therefore not treated as allergies or sensitivities by the digestive system. When collagen type II is ingested, the GALT recognizes this amino acid as a friendly protein. This action switches off the immune systems attack on collagen elsewhere in the body as in arthritic joints. Instead of the immune system fighting the inflammation and destroying the remaining good material, the Galt simply tells it to stop. And, probably the most important aspect of this natural arthritis treatment is that it can also help to rebuild the damaged and destroyed cartilage. The combination of these two factors can help to restore a normal way of life.No matter which method proves to be more beneficial to you, youll find that talking with your doctor about the type of arthritis you have and arthritis treatments can get you on the right track to overcoming this pain. You can regain your life! About the Author
Yvonne Loubet is a Natural Therapeutic Specialist who retired from her 20-year massage therapy practice because of arthritis. She operates a website http://www.arthritispainsolution.com which provides information on an alternative arthritis treatment. More information can be found at http://www.arthritispainsolution.com/arthritis-treatment/rheumatoid-arthritis.html

Arthritis, The Pain And The Reasons

Arthritis, The Pain And The Reasons
Yvonne Loubet

Many fear the pain of arthritis as they age. But, it can attack anyone at any time. For those who it does strike, the pain is unbearable. It is a group of diseases of the bone joints. Each time a person moves, joints move with them. But, when arthritis lurks in the joints, pain is also lurking. Many people have mistakenly come to believe that it is a sign of growing old. In fact, it is not. There are different types of arthritis, and many ways that it can begin to consume your life.As we stated, arthritis is actually a common name for a group of diseases of the bone joints. These diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease and certain other types of arthritis, which are caused by a bad injury, repetitive use, sports, or overexertion. Septic arthritis is caused by a joint infection. And, the most common of all is osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative disease. In this particular disease, older people are mainly the target. Their joint cartilage is simply deteriorating over time. In any of these cases, arthritis can be profoundly painful and at times, unbearable. For those who are elderly, the worst of the pain comes in the morning or after sitting for long periods. This is due to the fact that joints become stiff. Once they begin to move and keep moving, though, the pain can be mild. When arthritis strikes a young child, he or she may just stop using the limb. Weather changes can also cause increased pain in the effected area. The pain of the disease comes from the joints developing extra nerve endings. They do this to protect the joint from more damage. If it hurts more, you likely wont use it more for fear of it getting worse. However, the stiffness sets in from lack of use and the vicious cycle continues. What can you do if you think you may have arthritis? The first course of action is to see a doctor. The doctor will ask you questions regarding any other symptoms you may have besides the obvious pain and limited use of the joint. Fever can be a cause for septic arthritis. In this specific cause, you should seek a medical emergency team right away as it can be life threatening. In any case, the doctor will most likely have blood work done as well as x-rays. Once the type of arthritis is diagnosed, your doctor will have a better idea how to treat it. For some this may include surgery, prescription drugs, physical therapy, or a reduction in the use of the effected joints. There are other products being used as well. One of these is a collagen injection. Other treatments that have been shown to ease the pain include herbal remedies. In the end, arthritis can be helped, and may be cured if treatment is sought and given in the right manner. If you suspect that you or someone you love is being affected by this disease, you should speak to your doctor as it can be an unnecessary pain that you or they face day in and day out. Unfortunately, arthritis cant heal itself and does require treatment. It is simply a wise choice to get it taken care of. About the Author
Yvonne Loubet is a Natural Therapeutic Specialist who retired from her 20-year massage therapy practice because of arthritis. She operates a website http://www.arthritispainsolution.com which provides information on an alternative arthritis treatment. More information can be found at http://www.arthritispainsolution.com/arthritis-treatment/rheumatoid-arthritis.html

Arthritis – The Inflammatory Disease

Arthritis – The Inflammatory Disease
Amanda Baker

One of the most common conditions in the United States today is a debilitating inflammatory disease that affects our joints. It is estimated that there are over 100 different forms of this disease and over 40 million people suffer from one form or another.
Though typically thought to be an affliction of the aging, arthritis can affect anyone at any time, and with all of the different forms, each with their own symptoms, it could be hard to determine just what type of arthritis an individual is suffering from.
The signs and symptoms of arthritis are varied, though some of the first symptoms are familiar and easy to recognize. Symptoms such as general pain or swelling around the joints, an increased stiffness in the joints in the morning, a cracking sound in the knees when standing, and joints with a red appearance that feel warm to the touch are all signs of arthritis.
However, before you rush to purchase an over-the-counter arthritis treatment, you should talk to your doctor. Your doctor is the only one who will be able to tell you what form of arthritis you may have and how to treat it.
Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis that plagues sufferers. It affects the joints and is a systemic disease that can affect other organs. Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms tend to disappear after sometime, but the problem is still there. The true cause of rheumatoid arthritis is presently unknown, though many suggest that things such as infections, fungi, or bacteria are the culprits. However, there are also those that believe that rheumatoid arthritis is hereditary. Painful and swollen joints are a common warning sign of rheumatoid arthritis, followed by muscle pain, extreme fatigue, redness and warmth at the joints, even a low grade fever and appetite loss.
Next to rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis is a common affliction, caused by breaking down of joint cartilage. Osteoarthritis commonly begins in one joint and typically only affects the one joint. It does not move to internal organs. Osteoarthritis commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine. By the time the pain starts setting in for an osteoarthritis sufferer, the damage to the affected joint cartilage could be considerable.
Relieving pain from a form of arthritis can be as simple as over-the-counter or prescription medication. However, in the most severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Being overweight can also play a role in arthritis. Some physicians believe that a change in diet can also ease the pain of arthritis, though there is a lot of debate on the topic. Regardless, you should speak to your doctor who can tell you just what form of arthritis you may have, and what treatment options may work best for you.

About The Author

Amanda Baker writes for http://tobeinformed.com – a website for health, fitness and wellness.