Tag: surgery

Arthritis cure

Arthritis cure
Robert Kokoska

Arthritis comes in different forms such as rheumatoid,
osteoarthritis or others. This condition affects many people
around the globe with 1 in 100 getting affected. People within
the age bracket of 30 – 50 are most likely to get this
condition. Unfortunately a cure for this condition has still not
been found. The current medication only provides temporary
relief. Therefore an arthritis patient needs to use medication
on a regular basis to get pain relief.

Arthritis involves pain, swelling and inflammation of the
joints. This pain can get worse during flare-ups. The aim is of
this article is to offer the reader several approaches that can
help provide pain relief in the short and long term.

Short term pain relief methods will involve
managing flare-ups and reducing pain. Medications are commonly
used to control pain and reduce inflammation. Some examples of
possible medications include aspirin, ibuprofen and other
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications NSAIDs.

Moist heat and coolness are other very common short term
pain relief methods often employed by arthritis patients. Your
physician will inform you about whether to choose hot or cold
methods to improve the position.

Moist heat can be obtained through warm baths and showers on the
joints which can provide temporary pain relief. Coolness can be
supplied by using ice or cold items such as vegetables wrapped
in a towel and placed on the inflamed spot. This can help in
cooling down the flaring effect and can provide relief for 10 –
15 minutes.

Joint immobilization is important in cases where the
joints are deeply affected by arthritis and putting more
pressure on the joints can be harmful. This method involves
using devices to aid in moving around such as crutches or
walking canes. This will help in avoiding putting much pressure
on the joints.

Massage is another popular method, used for a whole range
of purposes including arthritis treatment. Massaging can help
increase blood flow. This can also help bring additional warmth
to muscles.

Long term pain relief methods are employed when
the extent of the damage caused by arthritis is very deep and
management of the disease in the long term is essential.

Similar to short term relief, there are medications for long
term relief as well. NSAIDs such as aspiring and ibuprofen can
be used to decrease inflammation and pain in the joints.

Disease-modifying Anti-rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) such as
methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine can be used to slow down the
effect of the disease and correcting abnormalities in the body
caused by it.

Corticosteroids are another way to control flare-ups in
the joints. They are more powerful then NSAIDs and therefore
contains strong side effects if used for an extended period of
time. These include weight gain, easy bruising and making the
body more vulnerable to infection.

Also, in the long term it is essential to lose some weight.
Simply put it, more weight will put more pressure on the joints
causing more pain.

Exercise can help reduce some body weight and therefore
reducing the overall pressure exerted on the inflamed joints. As
mentioned earlier, exercises are vital to improving the
flexibility and mobility of the joints. Patients can choose from
a whole range of exercises available to them such as swimming,
walking, jogging and other low impact exercises. However
patients will need to establish their condition and take part in
exercises that is least physically imposing.

In extreme cases where the damage caused to joints is
irreparable or very deep, it is advisable to undergo a
surgery. Patients with pediatric arthritis and other
rheumatic diseases can undergo either a repair or replace
surgery. A repair surgery will involves correcting a deformity
and removing fragments in the joints. If the joints are damaged
beyond repair, then the joints can be replaced with artificial
joints.

It is important to see a physician before carrying out any of
the methods. The physician will provide specific approaches that
will be best suited to the condition of the patient. To improve
the effectiveness of the medication, it is important to be
constant with each method and establish a good routine.
Additionally, you must contact your doctor or physician on a
regular basis to keep him/her fully informed.

About the author:
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Aleve, Vioxx, Celebrex, and Bextra: What You Need to Know

Aleve, Vioxx, Celebrex, and Bextra: What You Need to Know About Arthritis Pain Medications
R.L. Fielding

Aleve, Vioxx, Celebrex and Bextra:What You Need To Know About Arthritis Pain MedicationsRecent controversy about the safety of pain medications for arthritis has left patients and health care professionals alike confused about which medications are safe to use. In fact, a recent survey by the Boston-based Rippe Lifestyle Institute indicated that many people with arthritis are suffering unnecessarily because they have stopped or reduced their use of pain relievers due to confusion about which drugs are considered safe.The survey also showed that now, more than ever, those with arthritis need to understand the benefits and possible side effects associated with all arthritis pain medications. In order to do so, people with arthritis, their caregivers and families must be familiar with recent news about the two types of drugs most commonly used to treat arthritis pain non-selective, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and another group of NSAIDs known as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) specific inhibitors. COX-2 specific inhibitors vs. Other NSAIDsCOX-2 specific inhibitors are the newest members of the NSAID class of medications. Available by prescription only, they became widely used in recent years to reduce joint pain and swelling. COX-2 specific inhibitors work by selectively blocking, or inhibiting, one of the two enzymes associated with inflammation. Some experts think that this selective inhibition may be one reason for some of the negative side effects currently associated with COX-2 specific inhibitors.Non-selective NSAIDs were developed earlier than COX-2 specific inhibitors and have been widely used to relieve arthritis pain and inflammation for many years. Unlike COX-2 specific inhibitors, non-selective NSAIDs inhibit both major enzymes involved in the inflammatory process, COX-1 and COX-2. The non-selective NSAID category includes a number of different medications that are available in both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) products.Timeline of EventsTo understand the current state of affairs, it is important to understand the sequence of events. The controversy started when a study published in the October 21, 2004, issue of the New England Journal of Medicine cited the COX-2 specific inhibitor, Vioxx as potentially causing major adverse events, including heart attack and stroke, among patients taking the drug. As a result, Merck (the drugs manufacturer) voluntarily withdrew Vioxx from the market. However, in the months following, the safety of the other available COX-2 specific inhibitors such as Celebrex and Bextra, as well as other arthritis pain medications in the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) class, were also called into question.Consequently, in February 2005, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) convened a special Advisory Committee, made up of members of the Arthritis and Drug Safety Advisory Committees, to review the cardiovascular safety of these arthritis pain medications.FDA Directive: Stronger Warning Labels for Some Pain MedicationsOn April 7, 2005, taking into account the recommendations of the Advisory Committee, the FDA issued the following directives: Bextra, a COX-2 specific inhibitor manufactured by Pfizer, was withdrawn from the market.All prescription NSAIDs must revise their labeling to include a black box warning that highlights the potential increased risk for cardiovascular (CV) events as well as the potentially life threatening gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding associated with these drugs. Celebrex, the only COX-2 specific inhibitor remaining on the US market, was included in this directive.All OTC NSAIDs (except aspirin) will be required to revise their labeling to include more specific information about the potential for GI and CV side effects, a stronger reminder to follow label instructions, as well as a warning about potential skin reactions.To further evaluate the potential for increased CV risk, the FDA also announced that all NSAIDs must conduct and submit to the FDA a comprehensive review and analysis of pertinent safety data from clinical trials. Aleve (naproxen sodium) is supported by clinical studies conducted to gain approval of naproxen as a prescription product and as OTC that do not provide any evidence of increased risk of cardiovascular events. Treatment Options: What Should Arthritis Patients Know?For some people who suffer from pain associated with arthritis, their symptoms can be managed with exercise, heat/cold therapy, joint protection, assistive devices, weight control, or in some severe cases, surgery. For others, medications are needed to help manage the symptoms associated with arthritis. When taken as directed OTC medications such as Aleve provide a safe and effective way to treat mild to moderate pain of minor arthritis. If patients have questions, they should consult their health care professional about which treatment option is most appropriate.Why Its Important to Treat ArthritisArthritis affects approximately 66 million Americans and is the nations leading cause of disability. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, and they all have different symptoms that vary in severity from person to person. The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis, is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage that causes the bones to rub together, resulting in pain, loss of movements and stiffness . Arthritis is usually a chronic condition. For more information on Aleve and naproxen, visit the Aleve website at www.aleve.com. For more information on arthritis pain relief, visit www.arthritis.org. About the Author
R.L. Fielding writes on a number of subjects.

A Look at Arthritis Pain Relief

A Look at Arthritis Pain Relief
Dave Lavinsky

In a recent survey on pain conducted by the Stanford University Medical Center, arthritis pain was cited as the chief complaint among Americas seniors, with thirty-two percent of the senior population listing arthritis as the specific cause of their suffering. Arthritis does strike children and young adults as well, although it afflicts the mature segment of the population more frequently. It is estimated that 15% of the American adult population suffer from arthritis, and this number is rising, increasing the demand for arthritis pain relief.

Arthritis is a general term encompassing over 100 different medical conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system, the three most common being osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. It causes inflammation in the joints, tendons and ligaments. It manifests in every part of the body, ranging from mild joint stiffness to crippling disability. Sufferers experience the pain of arthritis differently, too; for some, arthritis is at it is most severe upon waking up, while others report that their condition worsens throughout the day. No one knows exactly what causes arthritis, but it is among the oldest of human afflictions.

The type of arthritis and intensity of the condition determine the course of treatment. There is no cure for arthritis, but there are traditional and alternative treatments that can bring arthritis pain relief. Prescription and over-the-counter medications are popular for treating arthritis pain. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is often recommended for osteoarthritis patients with little or mild inflammation, while aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen work best for patients with inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis.

The healing touch of massage may stimulate the flow of blood, bringing heat and relief to stiff joints. Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, relaxation, yoga, and even emu oil are have proven effective for many arthritis sufferers.

Heat and cold can help alleviate pain too, but since moist heat, such as that from a bath, acts differently than the dry heat of a heating pad or the cold of an ice pack, this type of treatment needs to be discussed with a doctor or physical therapist. Doctors also often recommend patients wear splints or braces to relieve joint pressure and protect them from further injury.

Another technique, called transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), works by blocking nerve endings from sending pain messages to the brain, so that the pain is never felt! A small TENS device sends mild electrical pulses to the nerve endings of the painful area, which seem to scramble their message to the brain.

Medications top the list for long-term arthritis pain relief, and include several families of prescription drugs. Weight reduction, exercise, and stretching can all go a long way toward reducing stress on joints.

Surgery may be necessary for patients with severe arthritis. The operation may realign the joint or replace the damaged joint with an artificial one. Total joint replacement has resulted in dramatic arthritis pain relief and improved range of motion for many patients.

The most difficult but often the most effective pain reliever is establishing a healthy lifestyle – eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep at night, and daily exercise. All of these help ease the pain of chronic arthritis. Support groups, a good physician, and making the effort to stay informed about arthritis treatment often benefits of patients suffering from arthritis as well.
Pain Relief provides detailed information on arthritis, back, joint, lower back, natural, chronic, neck, sciatica, knee, fibromyalgia, and muscle pain relief. Pain Relief is the sister site of Acid Reflux Web.

A Look At Arthritis: America’s Leading Cause of Disability

A Look At Arthritis: America’s Leading Cause of Disability
Larry Denton

The word arthritis literally means joint inflammation, but it is often used to refer to a group of more than 100 rheumatic diseases that cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. The most common are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and gout. Most forms of arthritis are associated with pain that can be divided into two categories: acute and chronic. Acute pain is temporary. It can last a few seconds or a few minutes but diminishes as healing occurs. Acute pain is associated with burns, cuts and fractures. Chronic pain, such as that felt by people with arthritis, ranges from mild to severe and can last days, months, years or even a lifetime. Osteoarthritis is one of the most frequent causes of physical disability among adults. More than 20 million people in the United States, alone, have the disease. By 2030, according the National Institutes of Health (NIH), 20 percent of all Americans–about 70 million people–will have passed their 65th birthday and will be at a higher risk of osteoarthritis. Arthritis limits the everyday activity of 8 million Americans, and this disability creates huge burdens for the individuals, their families, and the nation as a whole. Each year, arthritis results in 9,500 deaths and 750,000 hospitalizations. According to the National Center for Chronic Disease Control, in 1997, medical care for arthritis (in the U.S.) was $51 billion. This disease affects each person quite differently. In some people it progresses quickly and in others the symptoms are much more serious and painful. Medical practitioners do not yet know what causes arthritis, but they suspect a combination of factors including: being overweight, the aging process, family history, joint injury, and stresses on the joints from work or sporting activities.There is no single treatment that applies to everyone who suffers from arthritis. With your personal input, a medical specialist will develop a management and treatment plan designed to minimize your specific pain and improve the function of your joints. A number of treatments can provide short-term relief. They include: medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, the use of hot and cold packs, using a splint or a brace to protect painful joints, or perhaps using muscle-relaxing massages.In the long-term, pain relief may be found with: new drugs, called biological response modifiers, which reduce inflammation in the joints; corticosteroids such as Prednisone; weight reduction; dietary changes; exercise (swimming, walking and low-impact aerobic exercise); and even surgery to replace a joint that has badly deteriorated. In some instances, nutritional supplements may be helpful. The long-term goal of pain management is to help you cope with this chronic, often disabling disease. You may be caught in a cycle of pain, depression, and stress. To break this cycle, you need to be an active participant in managing your pain. The role you play in planning your treatment is very important. You and your health care providers must work together closely to develop a personalized and effective treatment program. Research has shown that patients who are well informed and participate actively in their own care, experience less pain, make fewer visits to the doctor and lead a much more enjoyable life. About the Author
Larry Denton is a retired history teacher having taught 33 years at Hobson High in Hobson, Montana. He is currently Vice President of Elfin Enterprises, Inc. a business dedicated to providing information and resources on a variety of topics. For an therapy room full of information and valuable resources to assist you in dealing with arthritis, visit http://www.ArthritisAide.com