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No Pain, No Gain Isn’t True of Arthritis, But Exercise

No Pain, No Gain Isn’t True of Arthritis, But Exercise Is Still Important
David Silva

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin DiseasesRecent studies have shown that exercise may acually help people with arthritis in a number of ways. It can reduce joint pain and stiffness. It can increase flexibility, muscle strength, and endurance. And it can also help with weight reduction and contribute to an improved sense of well-being.Most comprehensive arthritis treatment plans should include an exercise regiment. Rest and relaxation, proper diet, medication, and instruction about proper use of joints and ways to conserve energy (that is, not to waste motion), as well as the use of pain relief methods should also be included in treatment plans.What types of exercises are best for people with arthritis? Try these three:Range-of-motion exercises to help maintain normal joint movement, relieve stiffness, and increase flexibility.Strengthening exercises to help keep or increase muscle strength. Strong muscles help support and protect joints affected by arthritis.Aerobic or endurance exercises to improve cardiovascular fitness, help control weight, and improve overall function. Weight control can be important to people who have arthritis because extra weight puts extra pressure on joints. As always, people with arthritis should discuss their options with their doctors before starting on an exercise program. Easy, range-of-motion exercises and low-impact aerobics are gennerally a good way to get started. And make sure to ask your doctor about any sports or exercise programs in which you currently participate. Some programs may do more harm than good.You should also be aware that your doctor may decide to refer you to a physical therapist. A therapist with experience in arthritis can design an appropriate home exercise program and teach you about pain-relief methods, proper body mechanics, joint protection, and conserving energy.So what’s the best way to get going? First, always first, discuss your exercise plans with your doctor.Next, start with supervision from a physical therapist or a qualified athletic trainer.Apply heat to sore joints.Stretch and warm up with range-of-motion exercises.Start strengthening exercises slowly with small weights (a 1 or 2 pound weight can make a big difference).Progress slowly.Use cold packs after exercising.Add aerobic exercise.Ease off if joints become painful, inflamed, or red and work with your doctor to find the cause and eliminate it.Like any exercise program, choose a program you enjoy and make it a habit.Range-of-motion exercises should be done at least every other day. Strengthening exercises also should be done at least every other day unless you have severe pain or swelling in your joints. Endurance exercises should be done for 20 to 30 minutes three times a week unless you have severe pain or swelling in your joints.Additional information on arthritis and exercise can be found at the following resources:Arthritis FoundationThe Foundation publishes a free pamphlet on exercise and arthritis and a monthly magazine for members that provides up-to-date information on all forms of arthritis. http://www.arthritis.orgAbout Arthritis TodayInformation on the causes, symptoms, and treatments of arthritis.http://www.aboutarthritistoday.com/arthritisexercise/Spondylitis Association of America (SAA)SAA sells books, posters, videotapes, and audiotapes about exercises for people who have arthritis of the spine.http://www.spondylitis.orgAmerican College of Rheumatology/Association of Rheumatology Health ProfessionalsThis association provides referrals to physical therapists who have experience designing exercise programs for people with arthritis. The organization also provides exercise guidelines developed by the American College of Rheumatology.http://www.rheumatology.org About the Author
About Arthritis Todayhttp://aboutarthritistoday.com

Natural Relief From Arthritis Pain Using Alternatives To Medications

Natural Relief From Arthritis Pain Using Alternatives To Medications
Mike Herman

For individuals suffering from arthritis, the simplest tasks can
be both difficult and painful.

This condition inflames the tissues around the joint, creating
pain and stiffness that can limit both your mobility and your
daily life.

Instead of allowing the pain to rule your life and abandon your
favorite activities and hobbies, look to natural relief from
arthritis pain by using alternatives, including exercise and
Eastern practices such as acupuncture.

This alternative of finding natural relief from arthritis pain
is excellent for individuals who are interested in using methods
instead of medications or who are unable to take medications due
to drug interactions.

If you are interested in seeking natural relief from arthritis
pain and stiffness, speak with your primary healthcare provider.

He or she will be able to offer you a variety of options that
may be able to regain your mobility and lessen your pain.

A Chiropractor

Consider seeking the help of a licensed chiropractor who may be
able to help your condition along with special techniques,
including a spine alignment for individuals who suffer from
chronic back or neck pain due to arthritis.

Additionally, look to other cultures for different techniques in
controlling your condition, including popular activities like
Tai Chi, Pilates, and even acupuncture.

Another source of finding great activities that will enable you
to control and monitor your pain and stiffness is your local
library.

Explore different treatment options by checking out the latest
information in medical journals.

Also check out chiropractor publications in order to determine
what new or renewed treatment options are available to you.

About the author:
Learn More and Get the Type of Alternative Arthritis Pain Reliever is
Right for You .

Natural Relief for Arthritis

Natural Relief for Arthritis
Nestler

Many arthritis sufferers do not like the idea of conventional
medicine as a means of treating their ailment. They want natural arthritis
relief.

There are those who claim that, if a pill comes from ingredients
from a plant, it is therefore “natural” and suitable for human
consumption. They ignore the fact that extracts of plants and
herbs are chemicals – and some chemicals can kill!

Prescription medicines have undergone numerous tests, following
rigid procedures until there is evidence that any drug or
treatment really does work. Most natural products have not
undergone such testing.

Many so-called “quack” remedies fall in the “natural” category;
their acceptance depends on the fact that, for some unknown
reason, the pain of arthritis tends to flare up and then
subside. Frequently the symptoms subside while the patient is
taking a particular “miracle cure” and the arthritis sufferer
believes he or she is cured. However, it is not uncommon for the
symptoms to return, worse than ever. The fact is, virtually any
new treatment, effective or not, often seems to help at first,
simply because the sufferer wants it to so desperately.

Willow Bark is an example of how “natural” remedies can gain
their reputation. Willow Bark is used in treating arthritis but
its’ effect is a result of the salicylates or everyday aspirin
it contains. Devil’s Claw is also used to treat arthritis – and
it is an analgesic (pain killer)that makes people consider it a
“natural” remedy.

A product prepared from freeze-dried extract of green-lipped New
Zealand mussels was touted as being effective in relieving the
painful swelling and stiffness of arthritis; a variety of
gold-based compounds make up a variety of drugs which
temporarily banish the painful symptoms of arthritis; relief
from arthritic pain is sought by many, especially sportsmen,
wearing magnetic bracelets. Does it matter if these products
actually work – or if the individuals just believe they do?

Actually it does matter: many of the untested products can cause
serious side-effects – especially over the long term.

And what of our diets? Numerous theories have come and gone,
including a “No Nightshade” diet et which eliminates members of
the nightshade family of plants. Another theory “advised
sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis to eat like the Eskimos!”
Current advice follows along the lines of that given for
sufferers of heart problems: eat lots of fish, cut back on
animal fats, include plenty of fruits and vegetables. Experiment
with eliminating dairy products. Does it make a difference in
joint pain or stiffness?

Some of the most natural ways of dealing with arthritis may be
just plain common sense: losing excess weight, mild exercise,
reasonable rest, using moist and local heat to give the joint
flexibility.

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About the author:
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My Rude Introduction to Arthritis and how I am Coping

My Rude Introduction to Arthritis and how I am Coping with It
Jimmie Newell

Let me begin by stating upfront that I realize that a great many people suffer from much more serious arthritic conditions than I. This article is not to trivialize their conditions in any way. My intent is to explain how this disease manifested itself in me and the treatment that I have undertaken.Being an avid golfer, I like many other men can hardly wait for spring to arrive. In 2004 spring came early. My first round I walked 18 holes with a push cart as I usually do. I did not feel any abnormal pain at this point. The next day I went to the driving range to work some of the kinks out of my swing, and hit a large bucket of balls. Later that evening my left knee was in so much pain that I could not stand with any pressure on it, walking was very painful. This persisted for 2-3 weeks, it did finally start to get better, but only marginally, golf had been degraded to using a power cart, there was just no way I could walk 9 holes, let alone 18. Making any full swing was painful from the pressure put on my left knee.I finally went to an Orthopedist, and after x-rays of both knees and a range of motion exam, was told that I had Osteoarthritis. The doctor showed me the small space left between the bones of my left knee, and told me that the meniscus (a pad of cartilage that cushions the joint and prevents bone to bone contact) was thinning and was in all likelihood torn. He told me that a few years ago, the standard treatment was to surgically repair the meniscus . however this type of repair was only effective at relieving pain about 50% of the time.The more accepted treatment now, was to prescribe a series of exercises designed to strengthen the muscles around the knee joint, and a pain reliever to control the pain, so that I could exercise. He also suggested that I investigate and take glucosamine which is a natural healing product not regulated by the FDA. He stated that recent large scale studies had shown that glucosamine was effective in slowing down the loss of cartilage and may even contribute to regeneration of damaged cartilage.Because I had previously had problems using Ibuprofen, he prescribed “Bextra” (a cox 2 inhibitor drug) that seemed very effective. Of course 2 weeks later came the scare about “Vioxx” also a cox 2 inhibitor drug, and I stopped taking “Bextra”, which is now not prescribed by many doctors. I started taking Ibuprofen again, however only in great moderation, I have had no ill effects. I continued with the exercises, some gradual improvement was noticed. I also continued taking glucosamine.All of these measures have contributed to effective pain relief, however even more relief was noticed after losing about 10 lbs. This reinforces the notion that excess weight plays a large role in knee pain.As of now (going into spring of 2005) the pain seems to be under control, my activity with the possible exception of running, is not restricted in any way. And my golf swing, once again needs work!Resources for more information:Arthritis and Glucosamine Information Center – http://www.glucosamine-arthritis.org/Flexicose HomepageArthritis FoundationNational Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin DiseasesJohns Hopkins Arthritis Center Arthritis National Research FoundationCenters for Disease Control and Prevention Arthritis InsightTo Your Health,Jim Newell About the Author
Jimmie Newell is the webmaster for http://www.ToYourHealth101.com, a health & wellness website, featuring editorials, tips, information and links addressing many of the health issues of today.