Tag: Degenerative Joint Disease

Searching for Osteoarthritis Pain Relief?

Searching for Osteoarthritis Pain Relief?
Kristy Haugen

Osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease is a wear and tear disease of the joints typically seen in the older adult (usually over 60 years of age). Cartilage within the joints breaks down causing pain as the bones rub against each other. Osteoarthritis is commonly found in the knees, hips, hands, spine, and feet.
Obesity is a risk factor for developing osteoarthritis in the knees and hips. These weight bearing joints carry much of the weight causing increased wear and tear. Weight loss can significantly reduce the chance of developing osteoarthritis and can alleviate pain in people who currently have osteoarthritis.
Currently osteoarthritis treatment is limited because no medications are capable of preventing or retarding the disease process. Osteoarthritis treatment involves focusing on pain relief, the maintenance of quality of life, and functional independence. Let us take a look at some of the treatments that currently exist for osteoarthritis.
Many doctors recommend acetaminophen (Tylenol) as the initial analgesic (pain medication) of choice for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Acetaminophen has very few side effects. When using acetaminophen as a pain reliever, remember to follow the directions correctly. Acetaminophen is commonly overused by patients. You are recommended to not exceed 4,000 mg of acetaminophen in a twenty-four hour period. Acetaminophen is metabolized or processed by the liver. Excess acetaminophen can cause damage to the liver. Acetaminophen is also found in other pain medications such as Darvocet, Percocet, and Tylenol Cold. In fact, acetaminophen is found in quite a few prescription pain medications.
Traditionally NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) have been useful in the treatment of osteoarthritis associated pain. One major concern with the use of NSAIDs is irritation to the stomach lining. In more severe cases, gastrointestinal bleeds or ulcers may form. NSAIDs can affect the bodys blood clotting ability and interfere with kidney function. NSAIDs should always be taken with food to decrease stomach irritation or upset. Do not drink alcohol while taking NSAIDs. However, these drugs should not be taken for extended periods of time unless directed otherwise by a qualified medical provider. Some common types of NSAIDs are ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), and aspirin.
Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors (COX-2 inhibitors) are a class of NSAIDs. COX-2 inhibitors suppress arthritis pain much the same way but with less stomach irritation. Many of us know of COX-2 inhibitors but not by this name. Vioxx (refecoxib), Celebrex (celecoxib), and Bextra (valdecoxib) are COX-2 inhibitors. Vioxx and Bextra have been removed from the market. These drugs can significantly increase the risk for stroke and heart attack. Celebrex remains on the market but does have a black box warning stipulating this drug also can increase the risk for cardiovascular events and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Capsaicin (Capsagel, Zostrix) which is derived from chili peppers can be applied topically for the treatment of osteoarthritis pain. Capsaicin will cause vasodilation, itching, and burning to the skin but after repeated applications desensitization will occur, decreasing ones pain. Methyl salicylate creams such as Ben-gay can also be used for osteoarthritis pain. Studies have shown that oral glucosamine and chondroitin supplements have a mild to moderate analgesic effect with arthritis.
For osteoarthritis patients who cannot tolerate their pain, glucocorticoid injections may be done. Glucocorticoids are similar to the hormone cortisol in the body. Glucocorticoids help alleviate pain by decreasing inflammation and swelling within the joint. Side effects are typically seen if you receive these injections too frequently.
Hyaluronan (viscosupplementation) injections can be injected directly into the joint for treatment of osteoarthritis. This medication helps supplement the synovial fluid. The synovial fluid is a lubricating fluid allowing the bones to move smoothly within the joint. This injection should relieve pain and improve your mobility of the joint. This treatment involves 3-5 shots within 5 weeks. You may experience pain and swelling after the injections but this should dissipate. Reduced osteoarthritis pain may last up to 6 months.
For patients that have decreased function and mobility of the joint, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgical involvement should also be considered in patients whose pain has progressed to unacceptable levels. However, good surgical candidates are usually considered ideal for surgery. Certain health conditions can affect post-operative rehabilitation and healing. Surgery can hold just as much of a health risk as medications have side effects.
Osteoarthritis is not curable but there is hope for the future with advancements in medicine. Along with the above treatments for pain management, it is also important to remain active and healthy. Exercising regularly can help maintain mobility of the joint. Exercise also creates natural pain relievers such as endorphins. Pain may be a part of osteoarthritis, but pain doesnt have to be a part of your life!
Copyright 2006 Kristy Haugen

About The Author

Kristy Haugen is a mother working to finish her second bachelor degree in Chemical Engineering. She is also a Licensed Practical Nurse with a current bachelor degree in Biology and Chemistry. She writes to inform consumers about nutrition and health topics. Learn more about weight loss supplements at http://weightlosssupplements.vitaminmaniac.com. Learn more about vitamins and your health at http://blog.vitaminmaniac.com.

Living And Coping With Arthritis – How To Stay Active

Living And Coping With Arthritis – How To Stay Active And Independent
Richard Clement

Arthritis pain can be frustrating.Nagging and crippling
arthritis pain can continue day after day. How much happier
would you be if you could stop your arthritis pain right now and
feel great all day? Knowing the nature of the disease can really
bring you the right answers.

What is arthritis ?

Arthritis comprises over 100 different diseases and conditions.
The word arthritis means “joint inflammation”. When joints are
inflamed, it causes pain and usually also limits movement of the
joints that are affected. For many people, arthritis pain has a
large impact on their life. Arthritis is second only to heart
disease as a cause of work disability. Arthritis limits everyday
activities such as walking, dressing and bathing for more than
16 million Americans. Each year, arthritis results in 750,000
hospitalizations and 36 million outpatient visits. Arthritis is
not just an old person’s disease. Nearly two-thirds of people
with arthritis are younger than 65 years including nearly
300,000 children. Arthritis affects children and people of all
racial and ethnic groups but is more common among women and
older adults. The disease can affect different parts of the
body. Two of the most common forms are osteoarthritis and
rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the
joint lining becomes inflamed as part of the body’s immune
system activity. RA is one of the most serious and disabling
types, affecting mostly women. Rheumatoid arthritis is two to
three times more common in women than in men and generally
strikes between the ages of 20 and 50. Both sides of the body
are usually affected at the same time. Symptoms of RA differ
from person to person but can generally include:

Joint tenderness, warmth, and swelling.

Pain and stiffness lasting for more than 1 hour in the morning
or after a long rest.

Joint inflammation in the wrist and finger joints closest to
the hand .

Fatigue, an occasional fever, and a general sense of not
feeling well . Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of
arthritis. It is a degenerative joint disease in which the
cartilage that covers the ends of bones in the joint
deteriorates, causing pain and loss of movement as bone begins
to rub against bone. OA commonly affects the joints of the
fingers, knees, hips, and spine. Osteoarthritis is more common
in older people because they have been using their joints
longer. Using the joints to do the same task over and over or
simply using them over time can make osteoarthritis worse.
Younger people can also get osteoarthritis. Athletes are at risk
because they use their joints so much. People who have jobs that
require the same movement over and over are also at risk.
Injuries to a joint increase the risk of arthritis in the joint
later on. Excess weight can accelerate arthritis in the knees,
hips and spine. The most common symptom of Osteoarthritis is
pain in the affected joint(s) after repetitive use. Joint pain
is usually worse later in the day. There can be swelling,
warmth, and creaking of the affected joints. Symptoms of OA may
greatly vary. Some patients can be debilitated by their
symptoms. On the other hand, others may have remarkably few
symptoms in spite of dramatic degeneration of the joints
apparent on x-rays. Symptoms also can be intermittent. These 2
forms have very different causes, risk factors, and effects on
the body, yet they often share a common symptom—persistent
joint pain.

What are the causes of arthritis ? Primary OA is mostly
related to aging. With aging, the water content of the cartilage
increases and the protein makeup of cartilage degenerates.
Repetitive use of the joints over the years irritates and
inflames the cartilage, causing joint pain and swelling.
Eventually, cartilage begins to degenerate by flaking or forming
tiny crevasses. Inflammation of the cartilage can also stimulate
new bone outgrowths (spurs) to form around the joints. Sometimes
osteoarthritis follows an injury to a joint. For example, a
young person might hurt his knee badly playing soccer. Then,
years after the knee has apparently healed, he might get
arthritis in his knee joint. RA is an autoimmune disease. This
means the body’s natural immune system does not operate as it
should; it attacks healthy joint tissue, initiating a process of
inflammation and joint damage. RA is a type of chronic arthritis
that occurs in joints on both sides of the body (such as hands,
wrists or knees). This symmetry helps distinguish RA from other
types of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs most frequently
in the 30-50 age group, although can start at any age. It is
strongly associated with the HLA marker DR4 – hence Family
history is an important risk factor. The disease affects
Females:Males in a 4:1 ratio. Other conditions can also cause
arthritis. Some include:

Gout, in which crystals build up in the joints. It usually
affects the big toe.

Lupus , in which the body’s defense system can harm the
joints, the heart, the skin, the kidneys, and other organs.

Viral hepatitis ,in which an infection of the liver can cause
arthritis.

What can you do about it ?

Some people may worry that arthritis means they won’t be able to
work or take care of their children and their family. Others
think that you just have to accept things like arthritis. While
there is not yet a cure for arthritis, much can be done today to
reduce pain and boost joint function. Learning how to manage
pain over the long term is essential to maintaining a good
quality of life. There are things you can do to keep the damage
from getting worse. They might also make you feel better.Here
are some simple things to do:

Lose weight if you’re overweight

Exercise regularly for short periods. Going for a walk every
day will help, too.

Use canes and other special devices to protect your joints.

Avoid lifting heavy things.

Don’t pull on objects to move them-push them instead

Use heat or cold to reduce pain or stiffness.

The pain and disability that accompany arthritis can be
decreased through early diagnosis and appropriate management.So
if you have persistent symptoms lasting more than several days –
go see your doctor. The doctor will examine you and may take x
rays (pictures) of your bones or joints to decide if you have
arthritis and what kind you have.

After the doctor knows what kind of arthritis you have, he or
she will talk with you about the best way to treat it. The
doctor may give you a prescription for medicine that will help
with the pain, stiffness, and inflammation. The good news is
that now there is a way to stop your pain with a medication .
Celebrex is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID),
specifically a COX-2 inhibitor, which relieves pain and swelling
(inflammation). It represents a huge breakthrough in the
treatment of pain, inflammation, and stiffness of arthritis.
Celebrex is believed to fight pain and inflammation by
inhibiting the effect of a natural enzyme called COX-2. Unlike
the older medications, however, it does not interfere with a
similar substance, called COX-1, which exerts a protective
effect on the lining of the stomach.Celebrex doesn’t cause the
stomach bleeding and ulcers that traditional nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) might.

You always can visit my site
http://www.e-drugstore.ws/arthritis.html to find all the
information about coping with arthritis burden.

About the author:
Richard Clement is an online publisher dedicated in helping
online users getting appropriate and effective medical care.
Visit my site
http://www.e-drugstore.ws/arthritis.html for more info.

Experiencing Ache Knees and Back? You may have Osteoarthritis

Experiencing Ache Knees and Back? You may have Osteoarthritis
Kamau Austin

Are you noticing as you mature you are experiencing stiffness or
pain in your knees, ankles, back, and elbows? If you are 35 and
above symptoms like these may be the early signs of
Osteoarthritis.

What is Osteoarthritis?

According to the US government’s National Institute of Arthritis
and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases “Osteoarthritis is the
most common type of arthritis, especially among older people.
Sometimes it is called degenerative joint disease or
osteoarthrosis.”

Moreover Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that mostly affects
the cartilage. Cartilage is the slippery tissue that covers the
ends of bones in a joint.

Unlike other forms of arthritis which may affect internal organs
Osteoarthritis primarily causes problems between the cartilage
and joints.

Healthy cartilage allows bones to glide over one another. It
also absorbs energy from the shock of physical movement. In
osteoarthritis, the surface layer of cartilage breaks down and
wears away.

In other words as we mature you can start to experience
Osteoarthritis because the cartilage between you knees, back,
and other joints may begin to erode or wear away.

This allows bones under the cartilage to rub together, causing
pain, swelling, and loss of motion of the joint. Over time, the
joint may lose its normal shape. Also bone spurs, small growths
called entophytes, may grow on the edges of the joint. Bits of
bone or cartilage can break off and float inside the joint
space. This causes more pain and damage.

According to government studies Osteoarthritis affects about 20
million Americans. Over 50 % of Americans over 65 have
osteoarthritis in a least one joint. It is more common for men
than women to have osteoarthritis before 45. However after 45 it
is more common for women to experience the symptoms of this
condition. By 2030 70 million Americans will be over the age of
65 and may be at risk for osteoarthritis.

While younger people may get osteoarthritis from sports related
knee and joint injuries osteoarthritis is primarily a condition
more mature people experience. If you experience symptoms like
the ones described above talk to you doctor to see if you have
osteoarthritis or some other condition.

The symptoms of osteoarthritis seem to appear in the knee, lower
back, ends of the fingers, back of the neck, thumbs and hips.

Some of the treatments the doctor may prescribe are:

1. – Exercise is inexpensive and may help with a number of
health problems including certain forms of osteoarthritis. As
you may know exercise can help improve your attitude,
disposition, mood and overall outlook, decrease pain, increase
flexibility, improve the heart and blood flow, maintain weight,
and promote general physical fitness.

Reports have shown if done correctly, it has few negative side
effects. The amount and form of exercise will depend on which
joints are involved, how stable the joints are, and whether a
joint replacement has already been done.

The proper exercise may help you recapture some range of
movement in stiff joints.

2. – Weight control: Osteoarthritis patients who are overweight
or obese need to lose weight. Weight loss can reduce stress on
weight-bearing joints and limit further injury. A dietitian can
help patients develop healthy eating habits. A healthy diet and
regular exercise help reduce weight.

3. Medicines: Doctors prescribe medicines to eliminate or reduce
pain and to improve functioning. Doctors consider a number of
factors when choosing medicines for their patients with
osteoarthritis. Two important factors are the intensity of the
pain and the potential side effects of the medicine. Patients
must use medicines carefully and tell their doctors about any
changes that occur.

4 – Surgery : As a last resort a surgery to replace a joint may
be in order from your doctor.

For many people, surgery helps relieve the pain and disability
of osteoarthritis. Surgery may be performed to remove loose
pieces of bone and cartilage from the joint if they are causing
mechanical symptoms of buckling or locking Resurface (smooth
out) bones Reposition bones Replace joints. Surgeons may replace
affected joints with artificial joints called prostheses. These
joints can be made from metal alloys, high-density plastic, and
ceramic material.

Before undertaking expensive surgery or investing in pricey
medicines perhaps you should consider taking a health supplement
called Phosoplex. Phosoplex a product of Optimal Therapeutics,
boasts some of the best ingredients available to help alleviate
pain associated with Osteoarthritis.

I have used Phosoplex when training in fitness activity to help
rid myself of knee and back pain. I would strongly recommend you
investigating this quality product if you seek relief from
Osteoarthritis.

About the author:
Kamau Austin is a health and fitness enthusiast and advocate. He
is also the publisher of … www.healthandfitnessvitality.com .
He writes on a regular basis on timeless health and fitness tips
at the Fit After Forty Blog. See more useful health and fitness
news and tips at…
http://www.healthandfitnessvitality.com/blogs/fitnessblog.htm

Causes and Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis

Causes and Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis
James Hunt

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease. It is one
of the oldest and most commonly known types of arthritis. When a
person suffers from OA there is a breakdown of the joint’s
cartilage. Since cartilage itself is there to act as a cushion
between the bones, when this breakdown and wears away the bones
will begin rubbing together and this can cause some serious pain
as well as limitations in movement and in some cases loss of
movement completely.

What Causes Osteoartritis?

There are many factors affecting the onset of osteoarthritis.
Since it is more commonly found in middle to older aged people,
medical professionals had made the mistake of thinking that age
was a contributing factor. However, research has shown that age
is not a leading factor to the onset of Osteoarthritis. However,
doctors and medical professionals have found that being
overweight does have some effect. When a person is overweight or
obese, they are more likely to experience some pain in the knees
and in most cases will develop OA in these areas. People who
have experienced some kind of injury in the joints, either due
to playing sports or through work are more likely to develop OA.

There have been incidences of OA in people who have been born
with some kind of genetic condition that affects the joints in
some way. OA is most commonly found in the hands.

Treatment Options

Exercises to keep joints flexible and improve muscle strength

Many different medications are used to control pain, including
corticosteroids and NSAIDs. Glucocorticoids injected into joints
that are inflamed and not responsive to NSAIDS. For mild pain
without inflammation, acetaminophen may be used.

Heat/cold therapy for temporary pain relief

Joint protection to prevent strain or stress on painful joints

Surgery (sometimes) to relieve chronic pain in damaged joints

About the author:
James Hunt has spent 15 years as a professional writer and
researcher covering stories that cover a whole spectrum of
interest. Read more at www.osteoarthritis-
central.info