Help for Arthritis

Help for Arthritis
Nestler

Arthritis tortures and disables more Americans than any other
chronic disease. No wonder there is such a call for arthritis help.

Unfortunately, “quack” remedies are common. 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. By determining when
symptoms pop up, it may be possible to manage some of the
suffering. Pain in a joint may be felt during or after use, or
after a period of inactivity. Discomfort may signal a change in
the weather or be felt during it.

There’s no cure for arthritis but available treatments can
relieve pain and help one remain active. Treatment should begin
at the first signs of the illness. Rest and easy exercise such
as swimming can ease stress on the joints.

Over the counter medications may help to ease the pain and
improve joint functioning. A physician should be consulted early
in the disease to establish a plan of dealing with it.

Perhaps the first point to consider is the importance of
reducing excess weight. Excess weight puts a serious burden on
already inflamed or damaged joints. The sufferer can ease the
load by using a cane to take weight off the arthritic hip or
knee. Crutches or a walker can be helpful around the house.

Moist heat is helpful in reducing pain and increasing ease of
movement. A simple hot bath or shower can be effective in easing
early-morning stiffness. Local heat can do much to relieve
discomfort and stiffness. Heat lamps can be used to apply heat
to one or two stiff, aching joints. An electric heating pad is
good for a large area such as the back or a hip. Twenty minutes
is an adequate time period.

In severe cases, surgical procedures may be necessary;
artificial joints may be implanted to replace those damaged
beyond repair.

Attitude can be a major factor in helping deal with this
frustrating ailment. It is important not to concentrate on the
disease but rather expand your horizons away from your body. Do
interesting things; try meditation and relaxation techniques.
Don’t concentrate on your disease. You are not your disease, but
a person who happens to have arthritis.

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Have You Looked Into Natural Arthritis Treatments?

Have You Looked Into Natural Arthritis Treatments?
Mike Herman

There are 100 different forms of arthritis identified by the
AMA, and there are almost as many natural arthritis treatments
for those who desire to treat arthritis naturally.

The name arthritis means “joint inflammation” – and this can
come from wear and tear as in osteoarthritis, or from immune
deficiencies as in rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthritis affects approximately 3 million Americans in different
degrees of severity and there are a number of ways to treat the
symptoms.

Natural arthritis treatments are treatments which come 100% from
the environment, and they are virtually free of side effects
unless you happen to be allergic to the particular plant.

Check with your physician whenever trying a new product, just to
be safe.

Natural arthritis treatments include plants, minerals and
vitamins.

Within the past 20 years, natural remedies have become more
widespread as the public discovers alternatives to prescription
medication.

For many years people have treated arthritis, as well as many
other diseases, with natural remedies and ingredients found in
the house.

Some natural arthritis treatments that are easily obtained and
have been proven to work both recently and over the years.

You can try one or all of them until you reach the results that
you desire. There is no hazard in mixing natural arthritis
treatments.

* Alternate cold packs for 20-minute intervals.

* Soak affected joint in Epsom salts and warm water for 20
minutes.

* Take antioxidants – Vitamin C and E, lipoic-acid to improve
immune system and circulation and to fight free radicals that
occur.

* Take Omega – 3’s to support cardiovascular system and
circulation.

* Use glucosamine and chondriton to promote joint and cartilage
growth.

* Shark cartilage has also been associated with cartilage
growth.

* Exercise keeps joints loose and improves circulation.

* Get plenty of rest for joints to recover.

* Herbs to reduce pain are cat’s claw, ginger, cinnamon,
cayenne.

* Herbs to promote rest and calm are valerian root and
melatonin.

More remedies can be found on the Internet for treating
arthritis with natural treatments.

About the author:
Discover treatment options and see how you DON’T have to give up
and just ‘live with pain and discomfort ‘find some Natural Remedies for Arthritis

Have You Bought Into These Arthritis Myths?

Have You Bought Into These Arthritis Myths?
David Silva

Myth 1: Exercise doesn’t help arthritis, and in fact makes the condition worse. Fact: Proper exercise performed on a regular basis is an important part of arthritis treatment, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Twenty years ago, doctors advised exactly the opposite, fearing that activity would cause more damage and inflammation. However, not exercising causes weak muscles, stiff joints, reduced mobility, and lost vitality, say rheumatologists, who now routinely advise a balance of physical activity and rest.Three main types of exercises are recommended:Range-of-motion … moving a joint as far as it will comfortably go and then stretching it a little further to increase and maintain joint mobility, decrease pain, and improve joint function. These can be done at least every other day.Strengthening … using muscles without moving joints to help increase muscle strength and stabilize weak joints. These can be done at least every other day, unless there is severe pain or swelling.Endurance … aerobic exercises such as walking, swimming and bicycling to strengthen the heart and lungs and increase stamina. These should be done for 20 to 30 minutes, three times a week, unless there is severe pain or swelling.Myth 2: Arthritis only affects older people.Fact: While it is true that arthritis becomes more common as people age, arthritis may begin at any age, including childhood. Nearly three of every five sufferers are under age 65. Conversely, some elderly people never develop arthritis. Myth 3: Arthritis is nothing more than minor aches and pains.Fact: Arthritis can be permanently debilitating. Many forms of arthritis or musculoskeletal conditions are self-limited and get better without specific treatment. Others, however, such as rheumatoid arthritis, may be quite serious and may affect the body’s internal organs as well as the joints. Arthritis already affects more than 42 million Americans in its chronic form, including 300,000 children. By 2020, CDC estimates that 60 million people will be affected, and that more than 11 million will be disabled.Myth 4: A warm climate will cure arthritis.Fact: Arthritis occurs in all parts of the world. Many people do notice that a difference in the weather can cause their arthritis to flare, but for most people, moving to a different climate does not make a big enough difference to justify moving.Myth 5: Knuckle cracking will give you arthritis.Fact: There is no clinical evidence that knuckle cracking causes arthritis in the fingers or the hand. Studies of people with osteoarthritis in their knuckles show they are no more likely to have cracked their knuckles earlier in life than people who did not develop the condition. However, the bad news is that there is some evidence that people who habitually crack their knuckles have decreased hand function, such as reduced ability to grip tightly.Myth 6: Drinking milk prevents arthritis.Fact: Drinking milk does not prevent arthritis. This myth is often attributed to confusing osteoarthritis with osteoporosis, a condition that can be reduced by drinking milk and taking regular weight-bearing exercise. A person with osteoporosis gradually loses bone material so that his or her bones become more fragile. Osteoarthritis results from the wear and tear of life. The pressure of gravity causes physical damage to the joints and surrounding tissues, leading to pain, tenderness, swelling, and decreased function.For More Information:Centers for Disease Control and PreventionCenter for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health PromotionMail Stop K-454770 Buford Highway, N.E.Atlanta, GA 30341-3717770-488-5131http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Clearinghouse1 AMS CircleBethesda, MD 20892-3675301-226-42671-877-22-NIAMS (toll-free)http://www.nih.gov/niams/Arthritis FoundationP.O. Box 7669Atlanta, GA 30359-06691-800-283-7800http://www.arthritis.orgAmerican College of RheumatologyAssociation of Rheumatology Health Professionals1800 Century Place, Suite 250Atlanta, GA 30345http://www.rheumatology.org/index.asp About the Author
About Arthritis Today
http://aboutarthritistoday.com

Menstrual Disorders in Adolescent Girls

Adolescence is the time when there is sudden transformation in the body and many questions arises in the minds of the adolescents. Firstly they are not able to cope with the changes and secondly the changes bring along problems with them. The most challenging problems are related to menses, in girls. Menstrual conditions are many that may require physicians attention or any other healthcare professionals attention. The most common of the menstrual disorders are premenstrual syndrome, dysmenorrheal and amenorrhea.

Before the onset of the menses, females face many uncomfortable symptoms which last for a short period, stretching from few hours to few days. But some of them can be very intense and can disturb the normal functioning of the person. These symptoms are grouped as premenstrual syndrome. In usual cases, the symptoms come to a halt when the menses begin, but for some they may last even after the menstrual periods are over. Eighty five percent of the females experience some of the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome at one time or the other. Nearly forty percent experience the symptoms so intensely that their daily chores are affected by it and ten percent are disabled by it.

There are many premenstrual syndrome symptoms which can be broadly classified as neurologic & vascular symptoms, psychological symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, fluid retention, eye problems and respiratory problems. The cause of premenstrual syndrome are fluctuations in the levels of progesterone & estrogen, hypoglycemia, hyperprolactinemia, psychogenic factors, changes in carbohydrate metabolism, excessive aldosterone, progesterone allergy and water retention by kidneys. The good thing is that premenstrual syndrome can be prevented by exercising regularly, eating balanced diet and sleeping adequately.

Dysmenorrhea is feeling intense menstrual pain and cramps. Depending on the severity, dysmenorrhea is stated as primary dysmenorrhea or secondary dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea symptoms are felt from the onset of the menstrual periods and are felt life-long. Because of abnormal uterine contractions due to chemical imbalance, severe menstrual cramping is experienced. Secondary dysmenorrhea starts in the later stages. The causes are different for primary and secondary dysmenorrhea. Secondary dysmenorrhea can be blamed on medical conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, tumors, infections, and abnormal pregnancy.

Dysmenorrhea symptoms are lower abdomen cramping & pain, lower back pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue, fainting, weakness and headaches. Females who are overweight, smoke, and have started to menstruate before turning eleven are at a higher risk of developing dysmenorrheal. Females who drink alcohol during menstrual period experience prolonged pain. After studying the health conditions, age, cause of dysmenorrhea, and extent of condition of the individual, corresponding treatment will be recommended. Regular exercise, abdominal massage, hot bath, vitamin supplements, and dietary modifications can help overcome dysmenorrhea.

Amenorrhea is the condition in which the female skips her menses for more than three consecutive menstrual cycles. Amenorrhea is also classified as primary amenorrhea and secondary amenorrhea. Primary amenorrhea develops from the onset of menstrual periods. In this condition, the adolescent might not get periods when she enters puberty. Secondary amenorrhea is a condition where periods become irregular after a period of time and not from the start.

There are many causes of amenorrhea such as ovulation abnormality, eating disorders, birth defects, anatomical abnormalities, malnourishment, anorexia, bulimia, pregnancy, over exercising, thyroid disorder, obesity and other medical conditions. Out of these ovulation abnormalities are a common cause for absent or irregular periods. It is a must that an adolescent start getting menses at least by the age of sixteen. If not, anatomical abnormality, birth defect and other medical conditions are the cause. Adolescents who participate in sports actively and are athletic have a lower body fat content because of which they have absent menses. Even because of malnourishment, the body is incapable of sustaining pregnancy. So in turn the body itself shuts down the reproductive system and menses. Extra fat cells in the body interfere with ovulation and that is the reason why obese female have irregular menses. Amenorrhea is treated by dietary modifications, ovulation inhibitors and hormone treatment.

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