Tag: lupus

Relief From Arthritis: A Who’s Who in Arthritis Treatment for

Relief From Arthritis: A Who’s Who in Arthritis Treatment for Newly Diagnosed Patients
John Robben

Newly diagnosed arthritis patients can easily become overwhelmed
with the myriad of information, treatment options, help and
professionals available to them, while still trying to find
relief from their disease. In an effort to demystify who does
what, this article will point out each of the people you’ll most
likely be interacting with during your arthritis treatment and
explain their role in helping you find relief from arthritis.

Arthritis Treatment Specialist: Acupuncturist

Considered foreign to most Americans, acupuncture has become a
beacon in the arthritis treatment sphere. By placing small,
sterile needles into very specific points on the body,
acupuncture is said to relieve stress, increase endorphins and
remove blockages that are pain-causing, thus providing relief
from arthritis. For a list of fully trained osteopaths who are
also acupuncturists, visit the American Academy of Medical
Acupuncture for more information.

Arthritis Treatment Specialist: Chiropractor

Chiropractors are the hands-on, trained manipulators that
actually realign the joints, muscles and tendons that may be out
of whack. Although they are not medical doctors, chiropractors
may refer their findings to your family doctor or rheumatologist
for further investigation. The American Chiropractic Association
can give you a better idea as to what exact these professionals
can do to help you find relief from arthritis.

Arthritis Treatment Specialist: Massage Therapist (LMT,
CMT)

Relief from arthritis isn’t only found in the bottom of a
medicine bottle or at the hands of a surgeon; many arthritis
treatment plans strongly suggest a massage therapist as an aide
to reduce muscle tension or to increase one’s range of motion.
However, not all massage therapists are trained the same: check
with the American Massage Therapy Association for certified
arthritis treatment specialists in your area.

Arthritis Treatment Specialist: Orthopaedic Surgeon (MD)

Specializing in the evaluation and treatment of the bones,
joints and tissues, orthopedic surgeons usually work on a
referral-based system from your family doctor. These types of
doctors will determine whether or not your arthritis treatment
will focus on surgery, non-surgical options or a combination
thereof. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons can answer
most of your general questions about surgical arthritis
treatment options that can bring relief from arthritis symptoms.

Arthritis Treatment Specialist: Physical Therapist

Sometimes known as occupational therapists as well, physical
therapists help with the daily management of the disease by
showing patients practical, hands on tactics to find relief from
arthritis. This can include heat/cold therapy, assistive
techniques (different ways of doing the same thing so that there
is less pain but with no reduction of mobility), introducing
tools that can help with day-to-day living and exercises that
increase flexibility and mobility. Contact the American Physical
Therapy Association for more information.

Arthritis Treatment Specialist: Rheumatologist (MD)

A rheumatologist is a doctor who specializes in the treatment of
muscle and skeletal problems, such as lupus, osteoporosis and
gout. Rheumatologists work closely with your family doctor to
ensure your arthritis treatment is specific and specialized. The
American College of Rheumatology provides “professional
education” to its members and publishes several journals related
to arthritis treatment and the relief from arthritis symptoms.

About the author:
John Robben is the owner/operator of Ultimate Water Massage
(est. 2000), a Washington-based company that offers over 2000
products to ease your pain and your life. Visit for more
information, tools, supplies and tips for relief from arthritis
pain at http://www.ultimatewatermassage.com/.

Constipation in Children

Constipation is a condition of improper bowel movement. Usually the child experiences pain and has a hard time passing dry and hard stool. In normal condition there is no pain while passing the stool and it has a soft texture. The bowel movement is also regular. A child having constipation not only finds it difficult to pass stool, but at times will feel the urge to pass and when he goes to the toilet, he cannot relive himself.

The digestive system is responsible from the intake of the food to the smooth passage of waste. The food or fluids are consumed from the mouth, which heads towards the stomach via the food pipe. After the stomach treats the food with acid, it passes on to the small intestines and then to the large intestines, also known as bowels. The final stage of food digestion is the outlet through of the waste through the anus and rectum. During the whole processing, the body parts absorb nutrients and water from the food supplied to them. The left over matter comes out as waste.

It is a myth among some people who say that an individual is constipated if he or she doesnt pass stool on a daily basis. But the truth is that the bathroom habit differs from one individual to other. So if constipation is to be checked the regular pattern of bathroom habit of that particular individual must be checked and the comparisons must not be made with the other.

Other than not passing stool regularly, the child feels full most of the times and is a little uncomfortable. The belly can also feel stretched because of the full feeling. The child makes great effort to pass and the experience is very painful. Even after passing, the child may feel the urge of passing more stools. Because of the hard stool, it cause small tears in the anus skin and there will be little blood on the toilet paper. The child should immediately tell this to his parents, who can take care of the situation immediately. Some kids who have a worse condition will pass watery stool, something similar to diarrhea, and mucus along with the hard stool.

Constipation is becoming more and more widespread because of the unhealthy diet pattern followed by most of us today. With the trend of fast food, other fatty, starchy and sugary foods, children arent getting the required amount of fiber, which in turn slows down the bowels. It is the responsibility of the parents to make their children eat fiber enriched foods such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Along with eating food rich with fiber, it is also a must to drink enough fluids. Water is the best fluid for this condition. Fluids help to soften the stool and allow smooth passage within the intestine. Insufficient intake of fluids makes the stool dry and hard. Children are becoming more stagnant because of video games, internet and television, which are leaving them with little or no time for physical exercise. Exercise helps the food to move through the digestive system. Lesser active play time and physical activity is also a major cause of constipation. Medicines should be avoided and should be taken only when doctor recommends them.

Stress and anxiety can play havoc over the digestive system. School going kids are usually stressed out because of the homework, assignments, and exams. An adult can talk the kid out of the stress. Children, who have the irritable bowel syndrome or IBS, worsen their condition because of stress. Spicy and fatty foods can also act as triggers, along with the stress. Kids having this syndrome might even experience gas and belly pain. Sometimes children avoid going to the bathroom when they feel the need for. Usually unclean restrooms keep children away. But when the natures call is neglected, it becomes harder to go at a later time. In very rare cases, medical conditions such as lupus, diabetes and thyroid gland malfunctioning can also lead to constipation.

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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.

Am I a Good Candidate for Lasik?

So many people are interested in the Lasik vision correction procedure, and want to know the benefits, the risks, and how the Lasik procedure works. One of the first things to consider is what requirements a person should meet in order to have a successful Lasik procedure. Though each individual case should be discussed with a qualified Lasik physician, here are some guidelines to see if you are a good candidate for Lasik vision correction.

First, the eye should be properly matured. This means that anyone under the age of 18 really needs to wait before a Lasik procedure is done, for it is likely that the shape of their eye will continue to change for several years. If the eye shape changes after the Lasik operation is done, the clarity of vision will be affected. Some Lasik physicians recommend waiting until age 25 in some cases.

In addition to an age cutoff, the vision prescription for the Lasik candidate should be stable for at least one year, and preferably for longer than that. This is for the same reason as above, that the Lasik procedure will only continue to be effective if the eye shape remains constant after surgery.

One comment about age cutoffs should be made with regard to Lasik surgery. There is no maximum age, as many patients in their fifties to their eighties have had a very successful Lasik procedure. The main consideration in these cases is enough tear production for successful healing and lubrication after the Lasik vision correction.

The eyes of the Lasik candidate should be healthy. This means that any person undergoing a Lasik procedure should have had no eye infection or injury for at least a year, and must have no scarring on the cornea of the eye. In addition, they must not have any recurring eye problem, such as a history of herpes infection in the eyes.

The medical history of a prospective Lasik client also plays an important part. Some chronic conditions, such as autoimmune disorders like Lupus, will prevent some people from being able to schedule a Lasik procedure. You should be very clear about any and all medical conditions that are current, or even completed ones in the past. Also, women who are pregnant or nursing should wait to have a Lasik procedure scheduled.

A good Lasik physician will also not schedule people with dry eye syndrome for Lasik vision correction. Having sufficient tear production is important, though for minor problems this may be aided by medication during the healing process. In addition, those people with eyes that dilate very widely are not good candidates for Lasik.

These are most of the most common reasons that a person should look at some other eye improvement choice other than Lasik. Most generally healthy people with standard vision problems benefit greatly from a Lasik procedure done by a trained, professional Lasik physician. Look for a good Lasik center in your area and discuss your individual case in detail.