Tag: Ibuprofen

Arthritis Drugs – Is the Cure Worse Than the Disease?

Arthritis Drugs – Is the Cure Worse Than the Disease?
Wendy Owen

Copyright 2005 Wendy Owen

Research is always ongoing into new and better medications for
arthritis which is a very good thing. But where is all this
leading us?

Of course we need effective pain medication for arthritis to
enable sufferers to live normal lives. But are all these
expensive medications controlling the disease or simply masking
the symptoms?

Here’s a “quick and dirty” lowdown on what’s currently available
both “over the counter” (OTC) and on prescription only.

For mild cases of arthritis –

Some milder cases of arthritis never make it into the doctor’s
surgery. Indeed the sufferer might not even be aware that they
are suffering from arthritis at all. They may be feeling a few
“aches and pains” which they put down to old age or even the
cold damp weather.

That may be all well and good, but even OTC medications can be
dangerous if taken over a long period of time. The concept of
“more is better” can also happen if the pain gradually becomes
worse. This can lead to serious side effects.

OTC medications include aspirin and ibuprofen. These medications
can cause intestinal bleeding and kidney damage in large doses.
Aspirin also destroys vitamin C in the body leading to lower
immunity.

For More Advanced Arthritis-

By this stage most people have consulted their doctor.
Prescription medication at this stage normally consists of the
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDS. These do target
the pain and inflammation of arthritis symptoms but have a range
of side effects including stomach upset, abdominal pain, and
ulcers.

People with high blood pressure, those with kidney problems and
especially people who have heart problems are especially at risk
with NSAIDS.

Enter the COX-2 inhibitors. These have been designed for people
whose stomach problems cannot tolerate the above. Unfortunately
the risks remain for chest pain, heart attack and stroke victims.

For Advanced Arthritis-

For those suffering extreme pain and swelling the medical
profession brings out the heavy artillery – Corticosteroids.
These drugs contain man made cortisone and can be injected
directly into the affected joints or taken orally.

Long term use of these can produce sleep problems, weight gain,
osteoporosis and loss of immunity. Also available to those for
whom nothing else seems to work are Biologic Response Modifiers
(Biologics). Biologics are derived from live sources, plants and
animals and are not manufactured chemically. They are mainly
used for sufferers of Rheumatoid Arthritis and are given
intravenously or by injection. They can’t be taken in tablet
form.

Biologics suppress the immune system which leaves people prone
to infections. They are also very expensive and can’t be stored
without freezing.

Also available mainly to Rheumatoid Arthritis sufferers are
Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDS) These work by
stopping the immune system from attacking the joints. DMARDS may
take up to three months to reduce symptoms but they do help to
stop joint damage even though they can’t repair any previous
damage.

Although these drugs are a boon to many, they work mainly at
masking the symptoms of arthritis and can’t reverse the damage
already caused. Most people thinks this is impossible, it isn’t!

Natural treatments for arthritis do exist and can significantly
stop some cases of arthritis, relieve pain and inflammation and
in some cases, reverse joint damage.

Definitely worth a try!

About the author:
Find out about the healthy way to treat osteoarthritis,
rheumatoid arthritis, gout and fibromylagia. Visit:
http://www.natural-arthritis-medication.com and sign up for our
6 part course. Wendy Owen is a health researcher and author.

Arthritis cure

Arthritis cure
Robert Kokoska

Arthritis comes in different forms such as rheumatoid,
osteoarthritis or others. This condition affects many people
around the globe with 1 in 100 getting affected. People within
the age bracket of 30 – 50 are most likely to get this
condition. Unfortunately a cure for this condition has still not
been found. The current medication only provides temporary
relief. Therefore an arthritis patient needs to use medication
on a regular basis to get pain relief.

Arthritis involves pain, swelling and inflammation of the
joints. This pain can get worse during flare-ups. The aim is of
this article is to offer the reader several approaches that can
help provide pain relief in the short and long term.

Short term pain relief methods will involve
managing flare-ups and reducing pain. Medications are commonly
used to control pain and reduce inflammation. Some examples of
possible medications include aspirin, ibuprofen and other
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications NSAIDs.

Moist heat and coolness are other very common short term
pain relief methods often employed by arthritis patients. Your
physician will inform you about whether to choose hot or cold
methods to improve the position.

Moist heat can be obtained through warm baths and showers on the
joints which can provide temporary pain relief. Coolness can be
supplied by using ice or cold items such as vegetables wrapped
in a towel and placed on the inflamed spot. This can help in
cooling down the flaring effect and can provide relief for 10 –
15 minutes.

Joint immobilization is important in cases where the
joints are deeply affected by arthritis and putting more
pressure on the joints can be harmful. This method involves
using devices to aid in moving around such as crutches or
walking canes. This will help in avoiding putting much pressure
on the joints.

Massage is another popular method, used for a whole range
of purposes including arthritis treatment. Massaging can help
increase blood flow. This can also help bring additional warmth
to muscles.

Long term pain relief methods are employed when
the extent of the damage caused by arthritis is very deep and
management of the disease in the long term is essential.

Similar to short term relief, there are medications for long
term relief as well. NSAIDs such as aspiring and ibuprofen can
be used to decrease inflammation and pain in the joints.

Disease-modifying Anti-rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) such as
methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine can be used to slow down the
effect of the disease and correcting abnormalities in the body
caused by it.

Corticosteroids are another way to control flare-ups in
the joints. They are more powerful then NSAIDs and therefore
contains strong side effects if used for an extended period of
time. These include weight gain, easy bruising and making the
body more vulnerable to infection.

Also, in the long term it is essential to lose some weight.
Simply put it, more weight will put more pressure on the joints
causing more pain.

Exercise can help reduce some body weight and therefore
reducing the overall pressure exerted on the inflamed joints. As
mentioned earlier, exercises are vital to improving the
flexibility and mobility of the joints. Patients can choose from
a whole range of exercises available to them such as swimming,
walking, jogging and other low impact exercises. However
patients will need to establish their condition and take part in
exercises that is least physically imposing.

In extreme cases where the damage caused to joints is
irreparable or very deep, it is advisable to undergo a
surgery. Patients with pediatric arthritis and other
rheumatic diseases can undergo either a repair or replace
surgery. A repair surgery will involves correcting a deformity
and removing fragments in the joints. If the joints are damaged
beyond repair, then the joints can be replaced with artificial
joints.

It is important to see a physician before carrying out any of
the methods. The physician will provide specific approaches that
will be best suited to the condition of the patient. To improve
the effectiveness of the medication, it is important to be
constant with each method and establish a good routine.
Additionally, you must contact your doctor or physician on a
regular basis to keep him/her fully informed.

About the author:
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Arthritis: Causes, Treatments and Prevention

Arthritis: Causes, Treatments and Prevention
Natalie Katsman

Arthritis: Causes, Treatments and PreventionBy Natalie Katsman http://www.natural-aid.comArthritis affects about 40% of Americans and about 50% of people worldwide. This ailment is more common than cancer and heart problems and dates back thousands years. It is believed that the famous Roman baths were created not only for hygiene purposes, but to help ancient people ease the aches and pains in the joints. What is happening and why?There are two most common forms of arthritis: Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis. RA is an autoimmune disorder when the body attacks its own cells, which often results in joint destruction. OA is wear and tear arthritis that comes with age or because of improper diet or lifestyle. Cartilage, the joint lining, that acts as a shock absorber consists of water and though protein fibers, collagen. Collagen matrix, that gives cartilage its strength and shape, is insulated by a net of proteglucans. They are filled with water to protect and nourish the cartilage. Proteglucans are long molecular chains that include glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate – two important building blocks. Glucosamine is essential to production of water-binding proteins in cartilage, and chondroitin sulfates draw fluids that provide the ease of movement and attract nutrients for cartilage repair. Injury, wear, corrosive enzymes can damage this protection, and cartilage loses the ability to repair itself. It gradually deteriorates and forms clefs and crevices that impede movement and cause pain.Traditional approach to treating joint pain is well known: the pain is suppressed with NASDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.). Calming the symptoms, these drugs simply mask the problem, while the joints keep deteriorating.Luckily, there are other ways to deal with arthritis. Research shows that supplementing your body with the two important cartilage building elements – Glucosamine and Chondroitin – can aid in joint restoration. Another useful nutrient is MSM (methyl-sulfonyl-methane) – a form of sulfur found in many common foods: fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, milk and eggs. MSM helps to relieve pain and inflammation in joints and muscles. In addition, it boosts blood supply, lessens muscle spasms and softens scar tissue.Capsium – cayenne pepper extract (Yes! That hot spice!) has been found to be helpful in arthritis pain relief. Emu Oil – due to its small molecular weight, Emu Oil easily penetrates skin membrane and delivers its soothing relief to sore joints. Its anti-inflammatory properties make preparations with Emu Oil more and more popular among health professionals and sportsmen. Last but not least, your lifestyle and habits can help you avoid the discomfort. Folks who maintain their body in shape and enjoy an active lifestyle have much smaller risk to develop osteoarthritis. OA hits weight-bearing joints first. If joints have to manage extra weight, the cartilage is worn out faster than it can repair itself.Despite the belief that osteoarthritis sufferers should not exercise, research proves the opposite. Moderate exercise helps to keep joints healthy. Even if they are already affected by arthritis, making them work stimulates the restoration process. Here is a small exercise you can do to keep your knee joints in shape: Bend your knees as if you were going to do at sit-up. Keeping your knees close together, move them in circular motions clockwise and then in reverse direction.You might not feel like moving when your arthritis reminds of itself with burning pain, but a combination of diet, moderate exercise, supplements and topical preparations can prevent it and allow you to enjoy your favorite activities. Disclaimer: The above statements were not evaluated by the FDA. Always consult your doctor for professional advice. (C) Natalie Katsman, 2003 About the Author
Natalie Katsman is a co-founder of http://www.natural-aid.com, where you can find fine quality aloe vera products for beauty and well-being and subscribe to HealthySkin Newsletter filled with beauty tips, recipes and information on herbal healing, skin care and cosmetic chemistry.

Alternative Treatments For Arthritis Pain Relief

Alternative Treatments For Arthritis Pain Relief
Priya Shah

Copyright 2005 Priya ShahNatural, herbal remedies can help arthritis sufferers who have tried traditional pain medications without success. Many natural remedies and supplements have been found to actually reduce cartilage deterioration and even rebuild a patient’s lost cartilage. Many people are also seeking natural remedies because of the increasing cost of prescription medication. Conventional over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, can be very helpful in decreasing joint pain, but they do produce side effects and can cause problems in long-term users.Before adding any supplements to your daily routine, check with your healthcare advisor, as supplements can cause adverse reactions and may not be right for your situation. Before discontinuing a prescription medication, consult a physician. However, with a doctor’s approval, there are many natural solutions, which may aid in managing arthritis. Acupuncture – This is a popular alternative to medication for pain relief. Although the pain-relieving effects may be temporary, these sessions can be very beneficial for those who find that drugs or supplements are insufficient or have unacceptable side effects Aromatherapy – Aromatherapy focuses on using pleasurable aromatic botanical oils by either massaging them into the skin, adding them to the bath water, inhaling them directly or diffusing their scents into the surrounding environment. The oils have been known to affect moods, help with relaxation, lessen or end fatigue and anxiety, and help the brain and nervous system via olfactory nerves stimulation when inhaled. It is another holistic treatment used by some arthritic sufferers for pain relief and stress management.Cayenne Cream – Cayenne peppers contain an substance called capsaicin which is responsible for their spicy effect. This also causes a burning sensation when it comes in contact with skin, and inhibits the body’s production of substance P which is heavily involved the relaying signals of pain to the brain. You may need to apply the cayenne cream to painful areas two to three times per day for at least one week before you find relief.Chondroitin – The most popular dietary supplements for arthritis sufferers are chondroitin, fish oil and glucosamine. Chondroitin can draw fluid into the cartilage, improving shock-absorbing ability and weight control, as more weight equals more joint pressure. Fish Oil – Fish oils help with controlling inflammation in the body and may provide relief when arthritis is caused by an immune system dysfunction as in lupus. A vegetarian alternative to fish oil is flax seed or borage oil. More information can be found at http://www.omega3fats.comGlucosamine – Recent studies have shown that the cartilage-building substance called glucosamine is effective for the long-term relief of osteoarthritis pain. In some people, glucosamine appears to even slow the deterioration of joints over time and reinforce joint cartilage. Whether or not it can actually reverse the disease is still unclear. GlutathioneGlutathione – Glutathione is an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties and can be safely boosted by consuming its precursors available in the supplements, N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) or undenatured whey protein. You can find out more about it here http://www.1whey2health.comMagnets – Although magnets that are worn as jewelry or placed on bed linens have been reported by some to be effective pain relievers, results are still preliminary; doctors claim that these magnets are not strong enough. MSM – Methyl-Sulfonyl-Methane is an organic sulfur supplement that appears to slow down the degeneration but is not yet proven and approved. It is used in the reduction of inflammation and can be used in conjunction with glucosamine, in some instances.Nettle leaf – Nettles can reduce a patient’s need for NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) by up to 70 percent.Vitamin B – It is an effective pain reliever. It works best on the knee and can help stop degeneration that is caused by free-radical molecules, not only in the joints but in other areas of the body as well. Vitamin E – This antioxidant is used primarily for osteoarthritis.Ginger – Ginger is an antioxidant that acts as an inflammatory with no major side effects.These are merely a few examples of what an arthritis sufferer can use when seeking pain relief from natural remedies. Due to the lack of scientific study and testing on many of these alternate treatments, there is no proof of their effectiveness. Nothing can cure osteoarthritis, but nutritional supplements, the application of heat or cold to affected joints, exercise, and weight loss can improve the function and flexibility of your joints, and perhaps even slow the progress of the disease.For a comprehensive report on arthritis, visit Arthritis Remedieshttp://www.arthritisremedies.org About the Author
Priya Shah is the editor of The Glutathione Report andHealth Naturale. This article may be reprinted as long as the resource box is left intact and all links are hyperlinked.