Arthritis Its Debilitating and Detrimental Effects

Arthritis Its Debilitating and Detrimental Effects
John Robben

Arthritis: Its Debilitating and Detrimental Effects

Did you know that Arthritis is one of the most disabling
diseases? It’s true! Arthritis currently affects more than 40
million Americans and that figure is expected to rise to 60
million by the year 2,020. It is imperative that you read this
article and find out what this devastating disease is truly
about.

Arthritis: What it Is

Basically, Arthritis is inflammation of the joints. There are
currently over 100 forms of Arthritis and remarkably, that
number continues to rise. The most common forms of Arthritis
include: Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Gout (see our
next article, “Symptoms of Arthritis” for more information).
Osteoarthritis is the result of degenerative joint disease, or
simply “wear and tear” on the joints. Rheumatoid Arthritis is
the result of an over active Immune System that results in
inflammation. Gout is the oldest form of Arthritis and is the
result of too much Uric Acid. The Uric Acid deposits crystals in
the joints, leading to “Gouty Arthritis”. The joint pain,
inherent to all Arthritis sufferers, is referred to as
“Arthralgia”. Not only are the joints susceptible to attack, but
the surrounding muscles, tissues, and organs are vulnerable to
the effects of Arthritis as well. In fact, Arthritis has been
known to attack the heart, kidneys, lungs, and liver.

Many people mistakenly believe that Arthritis is a disease that
only affects the elderly. This simply isn’t the case. Yes it’s
true that seniors, especially senior women, are effected the
greatest by Osteoarthritis, yet the average age for onset of
Arthritis is 47 years old, and sufferers are generally afflicted
between the ages of 20-50. Sadly, even infants have been
diagnosed with forms of Arthritis.

One of the most devastating effects of Arthritis has to be that
it is a chronic condition. Arthritis is so weakening that it
only grows worse with time. In fact, Arthritis is so detrimental
that of the diseases that instill chronic physical disabilities,
Arthritis is second only to Heart Disease.

The cost of Arthritis is not only measured in the loss of
quality of life, but it is also measured by dollars and cents as
well. It is estimated that over $150,000 is lost by an
individual over the course of a lifetime due to the debilitating
effects of Arthritis. This is totaled by lost wages, medical
treatments, and the cost of medically based needs and care.

The overall conclusion is that Arthritis is a seriously
unbearable condition that causes chronic pain and weakness. It
does not only affect seniors, but forms of Arthritis also
plagues children. There are over 100 forms of Arthritis and all
Arthritis sufferers share one thing in common, chronic joint
pain. The top three common forms of Arthritis include
Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Gout. We have seen
that Arthritis isn’t cured, but managed. Some steps
and treatment plans used by Arthritis sufferers include:

Losing Weight (thereby reducing stress and strain on the
joints)
Increasing their Nutritional
Intake
Reducing Stress (both physical and
emotional)
Participating in Gentle Stress Free
Exercises such as Stretching
Using both Hot and
Cold Therapies
Protecting Joints by use of
Splints and Braces
Drug Therapies
Surgery

If you suffer from Arthritis, don’t give up. There are many
people who are discovering that with the proper management and
health care provisions, they can live better, healthier, and
pain free lives.

Stay tuned for the next article in our series on Arthritis,
Symptoms of Arthritis”.

About the author:
Written by John
Robben of Ultimate Water Massage, Inc.

Providing Massage Services and Pain Relief products. Visit our
Arthritis Information
Center

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.

Arthritis and Joint Pain: Causes, Symptoms, Home Remedies

Arthritis and Joint Pain: Causes, Symptoms, Home Remedies
AyurvedicCure.com

Arthritis is an inflammation of one or more joints caused by the
wear and tear injury or any infection. This inflamed condition
of the joints is mostly seen in the elderly people. It comes
from two Greek words, athron meaning joints and itis meaning
inflammation. It affects almost half of the population of the
world. About 50 million people in the United States suffer from
one or the other type of arthritis. It is more common than
cancer and heart problems. In brief we can say that it is the
condition that affects the health of the bone joints in the body.

Arthritis refers to the more than 100 distinct diseases that
cause pain and swelling, and limit movement in joints and
connective tissue . The common types of arthritis are-

Osteoarthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis

Gout

Osteoarthritis results from the loss of bone tissue from the
joints and is also known as degenerative arthritis. It mostly
occurs with the preceding age. Rheumatoid arthritis affects the
people above the age of 40. It is more dangerous than
osteoarthritis as it affects the ligaments and tendons that join
the bones and muscles. Gout mostly affects men who are above the
age of 40 years and is caused by the excess accumulation of uric
acid in the spaces between the joints causing intense pain and
inflammation of the joints.

The various symptoms of arthritis are:

Joint pain

Swelling of joints

Limitation of movement

Swelling of joints

Stiffness of the joints

There are many types of arthritis and each of them has a
different cause of occurrence.

The common causes of arthritis are:

Obesity and overweight

Preceding age

Heredity factors

Hormonal changes

Weather changes

Excessive acid in the body

Nutrient deficiencies

Home remedies for Arthritis

Two teaspoons of lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey taken in a
cup of warm water twice daily is highly beneficial for the
treatment of arthritis.

Half teaspoon of turmeric powder taken with warm water twice a
day is also effective in curing arthritis.

Application of hot packs and ice packs for 10 minutes also
provides relief from joint pains.

Drinking alfalfa tea twice daily is also beneficial for the
treatment of arthritis.

Drink some radish juice with sugar added to it.

Soak Spiegel seeds in water, make a poultice and apply it on the
joints for immediate relief from pain.

Natural Solution: Arthcare Oil – An Anti-inflammatory Herbal
massage oil. http://www.ayurvediccure.com/arthcareoil.htm

Arthcare is an anti-inflammatory herbal oil which not only gives
relief from arthritis pain but also strengthens the bone
tissues, the skeletal and the neuromuscular systems, giving a
comfortable movements of joints and muscles.

JOINT PAIN

Joint pain is on of the symptoms of arthritis. It affects one or
more joints. Many types of injuries or conditions can cause it.
Joint pain can also be caused by the inflammation of the bursae
known as bursitis. The bursae are fluid-filled sacs that cushion
and pad bony prominences, allowing free movement of muscles and
tendons over the bone.

The other causes of joint pain are:

Joint injury

Infections like viral infections, bacterial infections etc.

Joint strains

Auto-immune diseases

Nervous system disorder

Home remedies for Joint Pain

Warm baths is the highly beneficial water treatment for the
joint pains.

Drink 15 grams of fresh bathu juice daily with an empty stomach
without adding any salt or sugar to it.

Massaging the affected area with any oil will provide relief
from the pain.

Drink a cup of papaya seed tea six or seven times daily for two
or three weeks for relief from joint pain.

Eat porridge of 2 teaspoonfuls of winter cherry with ghee and
molasses with an empty stomach for 15 days.

Diet also plays an important role in the treatment of arthritis
and joint pain. Improvement in the digestion and metabolism of
the body is very important for the treatment. Heavy meals, meat
and fish, sour fruits and fried foods should be avoided, as they
are difficult to digest. Consumption of rice during nighttime
should be avoided. Among fruits bananas are considered best as
they provide strength to the joints and grease them. Carrot
juice is highly beneficial as it strengthens the ligaments.
Besides diet rest is also important for the patients suffering
from arthritis and joint pain.

Natural Solution: Arthcare Oil – An Anti-inflammatory Herbal
massage oil.

Arthcare is an anti-inflammatory herbal oil which not only gives
a relief from joint pains but also strengthens the bone tissues,
the skeletal and the neuromuscular systems, giving a comfortable
movements of joints and muscles.

Visit http://www.ayurvediccure.com for Natural Home Remedies for
Various Ailments, Diet, Lifestyle, Causes and Symptoms, Natural
Herbal Remedies and Treatment by Herbs

Arthcare Oil – Within minutes it removes the terrible persistent
misery due to Arthritis and Joint Pain
http://www.ayurvediccure.com/arthcareoil.htm

Brings relief from backaches, muscular strains, rheumatic pains,
joint pains etc.

Read more about Arthritis at
http://www.ayurvediccure.com/arthritis.htm

About the author:
Visit
http://www.ayurvediccure.com for Natural Home Remedies for
Various Ailments, Diet, Lifestyle, Causes and Symptoms, Natural
Herbal Remedies and Treatment by Herbs

Arthcare Oil – Within minutes it removes the terrible persistent
misery due to Arthritis and Joint Pain
http://www.ayurvediccure.com/arthcareoil.htm

Brings relief from backaches, muscular strains, rheumatic pains,
joint pains etc.

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.