Tag: Rheumatoid Arthritis

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

Arthritis – The Inflammatory Disease

Arthritis – The Inflammatory Disease
Amanda Baker

One of the most common conditions in the United States today is a debilitating inflammatory disease that affects our joints. It is estimated that there are over 100 different forms of this disease and over 40 million people suffer from one form or another.
Though typically thought to be an affliction of the aging, arthritis can affect anyone at any time, and with all of the different forms, each with their own symptoms, it could be hard to determine just what type of arthritis an individual is suffering from.
The signs and symptoms of arthritis are varied, though some of the first symptoms are familiar and easy to recognize. Symptoms such as general pain or swelling around the joints, an increased stiffness in the joints in the morning, a cracking sound in the knees when standing, and joints with a red appearance that feel warm to the touch are all signs of arthritis.
However, before you rush to purchase an over-the-counter arthritis treatment, you should talk to your doctor. Your doctor is the only one who will be able to tell you what form of arthritis you may have and how to treat it.
Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis that plagues sufferers. It affects the joints and is a systemic disease that can affect other organs. Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms tend to disappear after sometime, but the problem is still there. The true cause of rheumatoid arthritis is presently unknown, though many suggest that things such as infections, fungi, or bacteria are the culprits. However, there are also those that believe that rheumatoid arthritis is hereditary. Painful and swollen joints are a common warning sign of rheumatoid arthritis, followed by muscle pain, extreme fatigue, redness and warmth at the joints, even a low grade fever and appetite loss.
Next to rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis is a common affliction, caused by breaking down of joint cartilage. Osteoarthritis commonly begins in one joint and typically only affects the one joint. It does not move to internal organs. Osteoarthritis commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine. By the time the pain starts setting in for an osteoarthritis sufferer, the damage to the affected joint cartilage could be considerable.
Relieving pain from a form of arthritis can be as simple as over-the-counter or prescription medication. However, in the most severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Being overweight can also play a role in arthritis. Some physicians believe that a change in diet can also ease the pain of arthritis, though there is a lot of debate on the topic. Regardless, you should speak to your doctor who can tell you just what form of arthritis you may have, and what treatment options may work best for you.

About The Author

Amanda Baker writes for http://tobeinformed.com – a website for health, fitness and wellness.

Arthritis Symptoms May be Alleviated by Fruits and Vegetables

Arthritis Symptoms May be Alleviated by Fruits and Vegetables
Joe Serpico

If you or someone you know suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, you know how painful and debilitating it can be. If you haven’t walked a mile in those shoes, you can’t imagine how frustrating it can be. Your doctor may say try this medication, try that. Don’t do this, do that. But sometimes, to no avail. The disease is caused by a misguided immune system attack on the body’s own joint tissue, which leads to swelling, pain, stiffness and in some cases deformity. Rheumatoid arthritis is more common among women than men. Perhaps what you’re eating, or more specifically what you’re not eating can be causing some of your soreness. Recent findings suggest that a diet high in fruits, vegetables, legumes and certain oils aids in relieving symptoms in people with rheumatoid arthritis. After following a diet rich in fruits and veggies for three months, people with rheumatoid arthritis experienced a number of improvements not seen in people following a typical American diet high in processed foods. Some of the improvements shown include a decrease in pain, inflammation, disease activity and in the number of swollen joints. Further, previous research suggested that more olive oil and cooked vegetables help protect people from the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. The current results suggest that “patients with (rheumatoid arthritis) can obtain better physical function and increase their vitality” from eating a fruit, vegetables, legumes and some oils diet for three months, write Dr. Lars Skoldstam of Visby Hospital in Sweden and colleagues. This plan is similar to that of people who live in the Mediterranean. They also tend to eat a lot of fruit, vegetables, and legumes, more fish and less red meat. Moreover, they drink a moderate amount of wine, and rely on olive oil as their main source of dietary fat. Earlier research has suggested that followers of this diet enjoy a wide range of benefits, such as a lower risk of heart disease, cancer and memory loss. Additional studies have shown that citrus fruit and zinc may also cut rheumatoid arthritis risk. Citrus can be helpful because of the antioxidants they contain. Findings are not conclusive, yet promising. In the study, the doctors found that women getting less than 40 micrograms of beta-cryptoxanthin, a component found in citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruit were at a somewhat elevated danger of developing rheumatoid arthritis than women who consumed more than that amount. Although thus far it has only been proven that genetics is the culprit behind rheumatoid arthritis, if there have been some findings as to the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables, wouldn’t it make sense for suffers to up their intake? It certainly can’t hurt… and may actually help. Now please pass the broccoli with a side of grapefruit! About the Author
Joe Serpico is webmaster at aa-fitness-guide.com. For much more information regarding exercise, health, nutrition, and fitness, visit http://www.aa-fitness-guide.com

Arthritis Pain Relief! Weighing Over the Counter Medications and Supplements

Arthritis Pain Relief! Weighing Over the Counter Medications and Supplements in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis
John Robben

Chronic arthritis pain isn’t something to ignore: not only can
it affect your quality of life, it can also deplete your
emotional stores (leading to anxiety and/or depression) and
muscle fitness (leading to weakness or complete muscle
breakdown).

But whether you suffer from osteoarthritis (“wear and tear” of
the joints), rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation in the joints)
or gout (excess uric acid that accumulate in the joints), relief
from your arthritis pain is available. This article will discuss
the pros and cons of over the counter (OTC) medications and
supplements for osteoarthritis, focusing on managing arthritis
pain and maintaining the ability to use the joint in question.

Arthritis Pain Relief: Acetaminophen

Of the drugs in our list of arthritis pain relievers,
acetaminophen is widely accepted as the OTC with the least
amount of undesirable side effects and the lowest long-term
costs. However, acetaminophen does nothing to reduce
inflammation associated with arthritis pain, normally can only
treat mild to moderate cases of osteoarthritis and can easily
become toxic if mixed with alcohol.

Arthritis Pain Relief: NSAIDs

NSAIDs help sufferers with both arthritis pain and inflammation
and are quite inexpensive (like acetaminophen). However, long
term usage has been shown to cause upset stomach and other, more
serious side effects (such as skin rashes or speeding up the
progression of osteoarthritis by interfering with cartilage
repair and promoting cartilage destruction).

Arthritis Pain Relief: Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate

Combined together, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are
excellent supplements in the fight against arthritis pain: they
are said to increase mobility, reduce osteoarthritis pain and
form the building blocks for cartilage growth. However, those
allergic to shellfish must avoid glucosamine at all costs (since
it’s derived from the shells of shrimp, lobster and crab).

Arthritis Pain Relief: MSM

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) has been studied extensively (for
over twenty years) as an arthritis pain relieving supplement. By
blocking pain transmitters in the affected nerve, MSM users find
similar arthritis pain relief to acetaminophen, but without the
potential liver toxicity. Some osteoarthritis sufferers have
also noticed a reduction in inflammation of the joints also,
since MSM reduces histamine levels (linked to allergy-related
inflammation).

Arthritis Pain Relief: SAMe

SAMe (S-adenosyl-L-methionine) has been shown to reduce
inflammation in osteoarthritis sufferers as much as NSAIDs.
However, SAMe takes a longer time to see symptom reduction, but
offers less gastrointestinal discomfort than NSAIDs in general.
Arthritis pain sufferers should ensure enough B vitamins are
ingested along with SAMe to feel the full effects, and expect
slow but steady arthritis pain relief.

Arthritis Pain Relief: Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA)

Found in evening primrose and borage oils, GLA is an omega-6
fatty acid said to help lessen arthritis pain, stiffness and
swelling. Few side effects have been recorded, however all
omega-6’s are blood thinners and may increase the risk of
bleeding if taken with NSAIDs.

As with all OTC supplements and drugs, check with your doctor
first before starting any arthritis pain reducing regimen on
your own. You may also want to monitor your liver and kidney
function for most of the medications discussed above since
almost all have a slight risk of side effects. Start with the
lowest dosage possible to see how your body and your illness
tolerate the item, and be patient: you’ll never be sure if a new
supplement or medication is actually working if you don’t take
adequate time to test.

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 arthritis pain. Visit for more information,
tools, supplies and tips for living with arthritis at
http://www.ultimatewatermassage.com/.