The Care of Rheumatoid Arthritis

The Care of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Leroy Gastering

There are different forms of arthritis each painful and possibly debilitating. Often attributed to those of advanced age, arthritis can afflict anyone and can develop for a number of reasons, depending upon the type. Since this particular disease affects the joints, the agility and mobility of the patient can be significantly impacted as it progresses sometimes to the extent of physical deformity.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease of the immune system which often targets the hands of the patient. In addition to great pain and inflammation of the joints, those who suffer from this form of arthritis will often experience a deformity of the hands and fingers. The disease typically affects both hands simultaneously and can cause exquisite pain, swelling and loss of normal function, in addition to severe deformity.
In broad terms, arthritis refers to inflammation of the joints. Where rheumatoid arthritis is concerned, the actual linings of the joints is what becomes inflamed. This causes the cartilage in the joints to grow and swell, which over long term erodes the joints. This is what causes the very characteristic crippling deformities that occur in the fingers and hands of rheumatoid arthritis sufferers.
People diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis comprise only 1% of the population. (Vast numbers of people who suffer from other types of arthritis.) This disease affects women much more frequently than men. So far, there is no known cure for rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, the only recognized treatment at this point, is to manage the pain. Doctors prescribe various remedies which depend upon the patient’s medical history, overall profile and other related factors.
Of the many types of pain control, oral medications are often used to control the swelling and pain thats associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Other options include braces and splints which gird weakened joints and remove excessive pressure from them and surgery, in more critical cases. The latter option not only aids in reducing pain, but also provides greater mobility and improves the appearance of the hands. These surgeries may consist of a synovectomy, osteomoty or joint replacement.
When diagnosed early enough, there are many steps that can be used to reduce pain and the other consequences of this type of arthritis. So, even though theres no known cure, if one experiences pain, swelling, or diminished use of the hands, one should contact a doctor immediately. A plan can be outlined to reduce pain, and prepare for future surgery.
No-one should have to live with pain of arthritis, now that so much progress has been made in the field of pain management. The first steps in managing the pain may be as simple as common aspirin or other medications. If they do not work, a doctor will then prescribe medication that specifically targets arthritis pain. But before that can happen,there has to be open communication between the doctor and the patient regarding the pain early in the treatment. So, it is not advisable to suffer quietly in this case.

About The Author

Leroy Gastering is the owner of Arthritis Biz, inc. which is a complete resource center for anything and everything related to Arthritis. For more details please visit http://www.arthritisbiz.com.

Arthritis, The Pain And The Reasons

Arthritis, The Pain And The Reasons
Yvonne Loubet

Many fear the pain of arthritis as they age. But, it can attack anyone at any time. For those who it does strike, the pain is unbearable. It is a group of diseases of the bone joints. Each time a person moves, joints move with them. But, when arthritis lurks in the joints, pain is also lurking. Many people have mistakenly come to believe that it is a sign of growing old. In fact, it is not. There are different types of arthritis, and many ways that it can begin to consume your life.As we stated, arthritis is actually a common name for a group of diseases of the bone joints. These diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease and certain other types of arthritis, which are caused by a bad injury, repetitive use, sports, or overexertion. Septic arthritis is caused by a joint infection. And, the most common of all is osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative disease. In this particular disease, older people are mainly the target. Their joint cartilage is simply deteriorating over time. In any of these cases, arthritis can be profoundly painful and at times, unbearable. For those who are elderly, the worst of the pain comes in the morning or after sitting for long periods. This is due to the fact that joints become stiff. Once they begin to move and keep moving, though, the pain can be mild. When arthritis strikes a young child, he or she may just stop using the limb. Weather changes can also cause increased pain in the effected area. The pain of the disease comes from the joints developing extra nerve endings. They do this to protect the joint from more damage. If it hurts more, you likely wont use it more for fear of it getting worse. However, the stiffness sets in from lack of use and the vicious cycle continues. What can you do if you think you may have arthritis? The first course of action is to see a doctor. The doctor will ask you questions regarding any other symptoms you may have besides the obvious pain and limited use of the joint. Fever can be a cause for septic arthritis. In this specific cause, you should seek a medical emergency team right away as it can be life threatening. In any case, the doctor will most likely have blood work done as well as x-rays. Once the type of arthritis is diagnosed, your doctor will have a better idea how to treat it. For some this may include surgery, prescription drugs, physical therapy, or a reduction in the use of the effected joints. There are other products being used as well. One of these is a collagen injection. Other treatments that have been shown to ease the pain include herbal remedies. In the end, arthritis can be helped, and may be cured if treatment is sought and given in the right manner. If you suspect that you or someone you love is being affected by this disease, you should speak to your doctor as it can be an unnecessary pain that you or they face day in and day out. Unfortunately, arthritis cant heal itself and does require treatment. It is simply a wise choice to get it taken care of. About the Author
Yvonne Loubet is a Natural Therapeutic Specialist who retired from her 20-year massage therapy practice because of arthritis. She operates a website http://www.arthritispainsolution.com which provides information on an alternative arthritis treatment. More information can be found at http://www.arthritispainsolution.com/arthritis-treatment/rheumatoid-arthritis.html

Symptoms and Natural Cure for Acid Reflux

How would a person know if he or she has acid reflux? How does acid reflux feel like? It is a burning sensation that affects the upper abdomen after a heavy meal when a person is already relaxing. Later, the pain goes up to the breastbone and to the chest. From this discomfort, it can lead to the inflammation of the esophagus, indigestion, hoarseness and many other symptoms.

Acid reflux disease is the condition that gives uneasiness to many adults including infants by causing sudden pains and burning in the chest. Its most common symptom is called heartburn. The condition is characterized by refluxing or backing up of the stomach acid into the esophagus. While heartburn can normally take place sometimes, it cannot be always rated as acid reflux disease. But if heartburn occurs twice to thrice a week, it is more probably a symptom of acid reflux.

In many cases, the symptoms of acid reflux disease occur after a fatty meal, when drinking liquor or beverages which contains caffeine, when lying down right after meal and worse when smoking. And because of these unpleasant sensations brought about by acid reflux, it can severely affect your health and your lifestyle. A number of people who suffered from this disease also suffered in the quality of lifestyle. Who would be enjoying life if there were a constant reminder of pain? The symptoms are so obvious that you do not need a doctor to diagnose it.

For this particular disease, there could be a variety of treatments that you can choose from. Symptoms which occur less than five times in a month can easily be treated by over the counter medicines. The doctor can give you pieces of advice on the kind of medicine appropriate for you. However, if your body does not work well with the prescribed medicines, it would be best to shift to a new one or seek for another option. Medicines formulated from natural herbs have less or no side effects.

For cases of acute acid reflux, surgical treatment may already be recommended to you. The standard treatment that has been preferred for a long time is called nissen fundoplication. In this surgical procedure, the stomach is wrapped to reinforce the sphincter and thereby preventing the stomach acid from refluxing.

In any manner, the effective way of finding relief from acid reflux symptoms is the natural way. Some simple steps that can work together with your medications will effectively cast away your suffering from this disease. A modified lifestyle will help you make things better. Things to be changed include your dietary habits, refraining from smoking and minimizing the alcohol intake. Salty foods have been found out to aggravate acid reflux disease as much as the fatty foods. Taking extra table salts in your meal can expose you to graver risks.

Obesity doesn’t only harm the heart but can worsen acid reflux disease as well. The excess fat in the abdomen amplifies the pressure in it causing the stomach acid to rise up to the gullet. So diet must be intensively watched out so as to avoid the symptoms and the discomfort they caused.

Natural cure of this disease also includes exercise. Proper stretching can help reduce the pressure on your stomach and subsequently helping you fight the symptoms of acid reflux disease.

If you can follow the preventive measures against acid reflux disease, then you are on your way to beating acid reflux without turning to medications.