Posted by herbmaster on Nov 30, 2009 in Uncategorized
Maybe pain occurs, like when trying to open a jar. What’s it all about? Let’s look at the basics and learn more.
Arthritis actually means “joint inflammation” and has over 100 related conditions or type / forms of disease. Left untreated, it can advance, resulting in joint damage that cannot be undone or reversed. So early detection and treatment are important.
The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although both have similar symptoms, both happen for different reasons. When joints are overused and misused, the results can be OA. What happens is that the cushioning cartilage that protects the joint breaks down, resulting in the bones rubbing together. This generally happens in the knees, but can be found in the hips, spine and hands often, too. And only in later stages will a person most often feel pain, after quite a bit of cartilage is lost.
The second type, RA, refers to the body’s immune system attacking joint tissue. Still not fully understood in the medical community, this condition most often starts in a person’s hands, wrists and feet. Then it advances to shoulders, elbows and hips.
Similar symptoms include pain, stiffness, fatigue, weakness, slight fever and inflamed tissue lumps under the skin. And both OA and RA generally develop symmetrically, i.e. affecting the same joints on both the left and right sides of the body.
A difference in OA and RA to note is with swelling. With RA, people report “soft and squishy” swelling. While with OA, people report “hard and bony” swelling. Another difference is that a person is more likely to develop RA if a sibling or parent had it. While a person with a history of joint damage, either an injury or chronic strain, runs a higher risk for developing OA.
There is no specific age for arthritis sufferers. While it can affect every age group, it seems to focus on those over 45 years of age.And while neither gender is immune, a reported 74 percent of OA cases (or just over 15 million) occur with women and a slightly lower percentage of RA cases occur with women. People with excess weight tend to develop OA, especially in the knees when reaching over 45 years of age. However, losing weight can turn the odds around almost by half. Regular activity combined with exercise also reduces risk, strengthening joint muscles and reducing joint wear.
Although there are no cure-alls for arthritis, there are a variety of pain relief treatment strategies. Aside from medications, remedies, replacement alternatives and other helpful treatment options and alternatives, the four main arthritis relief aids are gentle exercise, good nutrition, a positive attitude and rest. And each will be discussed further in subsequent sections, because education can play a huge role to dispel “old wives tales” and myths that “nothing can be done about arthritis.” Notable is that today, only a small percentage of those afflicted with arthritis become crippled. And most never need canes, wheelchairs, or other ambulatory devices.
Also note if you suspect you may have arthritis, it is advisable to seek medical advice. Because healthcare providers can help to determine if the symptoms are not something else like a virus or tendonitis or other similar problem that cold potentially worsen if left untreated.
Types Of Arthritis
There are many ways to effectively manage arthritic pain today to find relief. Available are arthritic diets, exercise programs, over-the-counter and prescription medications, relaxation and positive emotion coping techniques. Also available are surgeries, supplements, home remedies, natural and other alternative therapies. When arthritis is first suspected, it would be wise to seek a medical opinion first. Then as time and resources allow, check out the other options.
After osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), three other major types of arthritis are systemic lupus erythematosis, ankylosing spondylitis and gout. Let’s take a look at each:
Systemic Lupus Erythematosis (SLE) – This form of arthritis mainly affects women. It develops in the skin, internal organs and joints.
Ankylosing Spondylitis – This form or arthritis affects the spine and can also affect the ankles, knees, lungs, heart, shoulders and eyes.
Gout – This is a painful affliction mainly for men, about one million of them in the United States alone. Uric acid build up, due to an internal chemical malfunction, forms crystals that get stuck in a joint, generally the big toe, and become inflamed.
Science Of Arthritis
Joints can handle some heavy pressure. For example, knees handle a force of three to four times a person’s total body weight on average just talking a walk. The force of a deep knee bend during a squat can increase to nine times the body weight. So just imagine multiplying weight of more than 150 pounds times a minimum of three or four, and then even more. That can sure add up to a lot of heavy work on knee joints over time.
Now for the science of this scenario. Where two bones meet, called the joint, the bone ends are covered with cartilage, also known as gristl
This cartilage is sturdy, elastic and spongy or compressible, and keeps the bones from moving against each other at the joint. The cells of this cartilage, called chondrocytes, are thought to be the longest living cells of the body. Surrounding the bones and cartilage is strong, fibrous capsule lined with synovium, a thin membrane that lubricates the joint area with fluid. The end result is less friction or smoother rubbing together of the bones. This fluid also feds the cartilage cells, keeping them healthy, and is “pumped” into them during joint movement. Thus lack of movement (activity / exercise) can be unhealthy.
Other parts of the body features involved with this arthritic scenario include muscles, tendons, ligaments, bursea and mental activity. Muscles, attached to bones with tendons and ligaments, move bones by contracting. They also cushion movement, absorbing impact or shock. Throughout the muscle and tendon areas are bursae or sacs filled with fluid. These also help cushion movement. And throughout all the coordination of these parts during movement, the brain is a part. The brain communicates via nerves throughout the body, in particular the muscles for this scenario, to prepare joints for activity.
The exact science of what actually causes arthritis is still being researched. For most of the 100-plus forms of arthritis, the causes are unknown. Injury, overuse of joints and mechanical issues with joints (like skeletal abnormalities, worn out joint muscles) can lead to arthritis. And many point to issues relating to bacteria and germs as some of the problem. Heredity, stress, drugs, food allergies and viruses have also been linked to some forms of arthritis. So have diet, poor circulation and lack of movement.
INFLAMMATION
Arthritic joints can be affected with inflammation when bacteria or a virus (or other undesirable element) enters the joint area or when an injury occurs. What happens is when foreign matter enters this area or the area sustains injury, white blood cells, antibodies and other natural “fighting” mechanisms automatically kick in internally to help. These fighters cause swelling, redness and heat as the body fluid moves around. Symptoms of inflammation, one of the uncomfortable issues associated with arthritis, are redness, swelling and tender joints.
Aching joints runing your life? Are you looking for joint pain relief? Visit our site: joint pain. Our joint pain site will help you to find the best natural supplements and lubrication for your joints. Get the most up-to-date joint health information, articles, and products at our site: joint pain.
Tags: arthritis, body, cure of arthritis, health, prevention of arthritis, Treatment of Arthritis
Posted by herbmaster on Nov 30, 2009 in Uncategorized
Arthritis is one of the most debilitating conditions affecting mostly people over the age of 55. It doesn’t only affect that specific age group, but also a percentage of young adults. It’s not just a simple disease but a group of conditions that may cause damage not only to your bones but also to other organs in the body.
Different forms of arthritis manifest different symptoms. Common symptoms of arthritis include: persistent joint pain; tenderness in a joint which is aggravated by movement; inflammation indicated by joint swelling, stiffness, redness, and/or warmth; pain and stiffness in the body, especially around the joints; joint deformity; loss of range of motion or flexibility in a joint; unexplained weight loss; non-specific fever; and crepitus (weird crackling sound in the joints.)
There are over 100 different types of arthritis affect approximately 46 million Americans today. The three most common types are: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout.
Osteoarthritis is more commonly called as degenerative arthritis. This develops from a simple breakdown to an eventual loss of cartilages of one or joints. Cartilages are protein-based mass that serve as cushions in between joints. This type of arthritis usually attacks weight-bearing joints such as the hands, feet, and spine. It is mostly related to aging and it progresses further as the years pass. It usually occurs at the age range of 45-60. Men are at higher risk for osteoarthritis before age 45. Women, however, are more prone to it around age 55 specifically around the hand, foot and knee joints. Severe cases of degenerative arthritis require total joint replacement, mostly of the hip and knee joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis may also affect different joints, and as previously mentioned, it may affect some body organs and even our blood. It mainly affects the synovial lining of the joint. The synovium is a soft tissue that lines the non-cartilaginous surfaces within joints. This issue comes as a secondary effect of infections. In this case, the body’s autoimmune system malfunctions and attacks healthy joint tissue, causing inflammation and joint damage. Although it is not as degenerative as osteoarthritis, it may cause joint deformity in a mild level.
Gout is caused by displacement of uric acid crystal to the joints. Also known as hyperuricemia, which literally translates high uric acid content in the blood, it is a metabolic ailment wherein uric acid builds up in the blood and crystallize in the joints of other parts of the body. Chronic gout attacks may lead to hard lumps of uric acid deposits around the joints, and in the process decrease kidney functions and form kidney stones.
There are different kinds of treatment for the different forms of arthritis. There are medications available that aid in arthritis pain relief. Antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used as relieve pain and decrease inflammation on affected areas. It has to be paired with constant visits to a physical or occupational therapist to ensure that mobility and range of motion is maintained.
Arthritis isn’t just a simple joint pain that we can disregard. The pain alone is difficult to ignore, let alone the complications it will bring if it remains untreated. Nobody is safe from getting arthritis as there are forms that have causes yet to be defined. Bottom line is, take care of your body – be mindful of your diet and exercise constantly. You’ll never know when this sneaky disease will catch up with you.
Aching joints runing your life? Are you looking for rheumatoid arthritis or joint pain relief? Visit our site: rheumatoid arthritis. Our rheumatoid arthritis site will help you to find the best natural supplements and lubrication for your joints. Get the most up-to-date joint health information, articles, and products at our site: rheumatoid arthritis.
Tags: arthritis, body, cure of arthritis, health, prevention of arthritis, Treatment of Arthritis
Posted by herbmaster on Nov 30, 2009 in Uncategorized
The best way to approach the treatment of osteoarthritis pain is to work with your physician. After diagnosing your condition, he or she will advise appropriate treatment choices. This will make sure that the treatment plan addresses your personal needs. It will also offer correct relief from a medical point of view. Some underlying disorders that might affect osteoarthritis treatment include heart conditions, hypertension, renal disease and peptic ulcers.
Relieving Arthritis
Traditionally, treatment of osteoarthritis pain consists of making use of pain relievers and sometimes physical therapy to treat the aches and stiffness. Additionally, you can explore different physical activities and begin a more appropriate diet. Healthy diet and physical therapy are two options you should discuss with your health care provider to ease your problem. Also, a physical therapist can suggest specific aids and gadgets for use at home or at work. For starters, you might want to get a cane to help you walk, add railings to your shower or bath, and see if walking with crutches helps.
Weight control is another way to help control the pain. The burden on the knees and hips of an obese individual is frequently too much for the joints to contend with, and it’s known that the risk of developing this disease can be increased by obesity. Actually, women who are overweight have a higher chance of forming arthritis of the hip, so decreasing weight is an effective treatment approach.
Some physical activities might either be encouraged or discouraged by your physician in an attempt to treat osteoarthritis. Activities such as swimming, walking, and even aerobics may help slow the progression in some osteoarthritis conditions.
Many natural treatments are in fact quite effective for managing osteoarthritis and easing pain and swelling. Some treatments that are low cost but effective include heating pads, ointments or even hot water bottles applied to the painful area. There are also particular traditional methods such as a mud bath or copper bracelets that are still utilized to treat osteoarthritis. Furthermore, you can also use herbal remedies for your arthritis pain.
As previously noted, many osteoarthritis conditions are the result of being overweight, and following a special osteoarthritis diet is one approach to treatment of osteoarthritis pain that’s certain to bring some relief. A wholesome diet is the best way to stay in shape, as you are likely aware. As well, it aids your body in fighting off infections.
Tags: arthritis, osteoarthritis, osteoarthritis pain, osteoarthritis pain treatment, osteoarthritis treatment
Posted by herbmaster on Nov 29, 2009 in Uncategorized
Doctors have known for a long time that diet affects gout, a specific type of arthritic condition, however the jury remained out for a long time on other common types of arthritis such as rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. However, overall dietary health is important and does come into play.
Being overweight can affect certain arthritic conditions, forcing some joints to carry more of a load. This added weight stresses the joints, causing overuse or more wear to components, and pain, especially in the knees. So making sure arthritic sufferers eat god foods and get help from healthcare providers to create and follow a well-balanced dietary plan is advised.
To begin, here is a look at some vitamins, minerals, nutrients / foods and some herbal applications to consider.
VITAMINS
Vitamin B5 – When grouped and tanked together, B vitamins work at their peak. They, and B5 specifically, are good for reducing swelling.
Vitamin B3 – This vitamin reduces tissue swelling and dilates small arteries, increasing blood flow. Note that Vitamin B3 is NOT advised for persons with high blood pressure, gout or sliver disorders.
Vitamin B6 – Another B that reduces tissue swelling.
Vitamin B12 – This vitamin aids in multiple functions. It helps with cell formation, digestion, myelin production, nerve protection.
Vitamin C – This vitamin acts as an anti-inflammatory, relieving pain, and rids the body of free radicals.
Vitamin E – This is a strong antioxidant that protects joints from free radicals while increases joint flexibility.
Vitamin K – This vitamin assists with mineral deposit into the bone matrix.
MINERALS
Boron – This trace mineral aids in bone health.
Calcium – This is a much-needed mineral for bone health.
Magnesium – Magnesium helps keep calcium in balance within the system.
Zinc – This mineral is necessary for bone growth, but is often lacking in arthritic patients.
Manganese – Manganese is also necessary for bone growth. However, do not ingest manganese with calcium because they can work against each other.
Copper – Copper helps to strengthen connective tissue.
Germanium – This antioxidant helps with pain relief.
Sulfur – A lack of sulfur can result in deterioration of ligaments, cartilage, collagen and tendons.
NUTRIENT COMBOS
Chondroitin Sulfate – This lubrication in joints, joint fluid and connective tissue, can be found in the sea cucumber.
Gelatin – Help with raw cartilage replenishing with this cheap source.
Glucosamine Sulfate – This combo is necessary for tendon, ligament, bone, cartilage, and synovial (joint) fluid formation.
Quercetin – This helps with inflammation reduction.
Type II Collagen – Use this for growth and repair of joints, articular cartilage and connective tissue.
Arthritic Diets And Nutritional Healing
There are many factors to consider with regards to arthritic diets and nutritional healing, and each factor may not apply to each individual. For example, certain people are allergic to specific foods, and these allergies can indeed worsen arthritic conditions. Ingesting foods that contain sodium nitrate or tartrazine can inflame rheumatoid arthritis, while ingesting foods containing a substance called hydrazine can contribute to systemic lupus erythematosus, an arthritic condition connected to lupus.
There is a rare type of arthritis called Behcet’s Disease, and eating black walnuts can cause flare-ups in people with this rare condition. So as you see, there is a variety of arthritic conditions and along with them a variety of foods that may trigger them. The best way to approach the situation is to examine each arthritic condition and tailor one’s approach based upon the specifics.
The term arthritis covers over 100 different diseases and conditions. Since it would be impossible to cover all of them in a work such as this, we will look at the most common conditions: rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and gout. There is a prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis sufferers that have an abnormally low blood zinc level. Several independent studies have been conducted where rheumatoid arthritis patients have been given increased doses of zinc and showed marginal improvement, yet the tests were not extensive enough to be conclusive.
The effects of copper on rheumatoid arthritis have been studied for a long time, and although results vary there seems to be some case for using copper to improve the condition, although this therapy has been dismissed by most of the medical profession as relatively ineffective. Copper therapy is not discouraged however when approached from food sources, and may work on some individuals. It is suggested that if you do attempt copper therapy, that copper-rich foods are utilized instead of copper supplements, because copper supplements can cause side effects which include change in sense of taste and smell, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abnormal blood clots, increased joint pain, chills, anemia and kidney problems, and excess copper can cause cirrhosis of the liver in patients prone to Wilson’s Disease.
Check with your doctor to be sure you are not prone to storing excess copper in your body. There is an extensive choice of foods you can enjoy in order to increase your copper intake: lamb; pork; pheasant quail; duck; goose; squid; salmon; organ meats including liver, heart, kidney, brain; shellfish including oysters, scallops, shrimp, lobster, clams, and crab; meat gelatin; soy protein meat substitutes; tofu; nuts and seeds; chocolate milk; soy milk; cocoa are just a few of the foods that are rich in copper.
As for foods to avoid when suffering with rheumatoid arthritis, many nutritionists and naturopaths suggest avoiding dairy products all together, as they seem to exacerbate rheumatoid arthritis flare-ups. Because of the risk in overdosing, one should be discouraged from taking doses of vitamins that are higher than recommended without a physician’s direction. Some vitamins and minerals can actually worsen certain conditions, and the concentration that can be attained through vitamins can be dangerous. It is much better to approach any desired increase in vitamin or mineral intake through food therapy.
There has been some success with the food supplements glucosamine and chondroitin in relieving symptoms of pain and stiffness for some persons with osteoarthritis. These supplements can be found in pharmacies and health food stores, however the purity of the products or the dose of the active ingredients cannot be specified because the FDA does not monitor these supplements. The National Institutes of Health is studying glucosamine and chondroitin, so more should be known about the effectiveness of these products for osteoarthritis in the near future. Patients with osteoarthritis taking blood-thinners should be careful taking chondroitin as it can increase the blood-thinning and cause excessive bleeding.
Fish oil supplements have been shown to have some anti-inflammation properties and increasing the dietary fish intake and/or fish oil capsules (omega 3 capsules) can sometimes reduce inflammation of arthritis. With osteoarthritis there is also the concern with deterioration of cartilage; therefore those with osteoarthritis should avoid large doses of Vitamin-A, since there is some evidence that it contributes to cartilage deterioration.
In the case of fibromyalgia, although clinical proof is once again sparse, there is a great deal of personal experiences of improvement of this condition when certain dietary practices are followed. Eliminating wheat, dairy, citrus, sugar, Aspertame, alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco seem to be universal in those that have had success with treating the illness through dietary means. According to Dr. Joseph Mercola, author of “The Total Health Program,” nine of ten sufferers of fibromyalgia are female, and 76% of those who followed suggested dietary rules experienced a significant reduction in pain.
The thing to keep in mind with fibromyalgia is that, unlike the other common arthritis ailments, it is more of a syndrome than a disease, and much of it can be reversed. Making corrections to diet as well as reducing stress and getting plenty of rest can lead to a full recovery.
Tags: arthritis, body, cure of arthritis, health, prevention of arthritis, Treatment of Arthritis
Posted by herbmaster on Nov 29, 2009 in Uncategorized
Most people already understand how different humanistic therapy is these days from what therapy was many years before, but a little bit of the community shame still remains. Sand Tray Therapy can help people reconnect to who they really are. Emotional and psychological health is art and parcel of a person’s holistic health, and one cannot be truly healthy without considering both aspects. In a supreme world, a person can feel that he does not need any help in the emotions department; unfortunately, not every hurt has a medication.
Some people respond to burdens in their life very negatively, or have been exposed to a traumatic event in their life that has changed the way that they do their normal activities, or the way that they see themselves and their life. The role of therapy in people’s lives is very extensive and distinct, and it can’t really just be categorized as something only crazy people do.
There’s also something comforting about talking to an expert who knows what you are complaining and who doesn’t have anything to do with you. Sometimes it’s challenging to truly open up to the people you know because of the fear of being misinterpreted, and that’s understandable. It’s just more effortless to believe a doctor about things that you can’t let know other people.
Children have specific therapies like play therapy to help them out with their issues while keeping in mind the restrictions that they have in communicating with other people. Adults have better capabilities of figuring out themselves than children do; play therapy works best for children because the therapist can make interpretations depending on their performance while playing. While children aren’t exactly large on talk, adults are more competent of communicating their feelings. Adults are more able to translate and take in| what is causing them to feel melancholic or discontented with their life.
Talking is also enormously remedial for adults; a lot of adults wish for the experience of being able to tell to another person. One is the obvious benefit of being skilled to drop off one’s baggage to a professional. There have probably been times in your life when you feel so bad about something but then the feeling gradually drives away when you are able to get it out of your system by talking about your feelings sincerely and explicitly.
The target of your therapist is to help you; and to help you out, he or she would probably ask you to do things, not to do things, or to alter things in your life that would help you recover more rapidly. It’s like you won’t be humiliated to display your cavities to dentists who’ve seen worse.
What therapists can’t work out, then again, is to help you out if your problem has something to do with your physical health; so it’s significant to consult your physician first and take several tests to certify that you are physically fit. For example, if you have a thyroid problem, hormonal imbalances may be giving you the feeling that you are depressed; needless to say, the right person to see in times like this is your family physician so that he or she can prescribe the right kind of treatment.
Once your physician offers you a clean bill of health, then you can go ahead and consult with a therapist on the things that are troubling you.
Tags: Humanistic Sandtray Therapy, Humanistic therapy, psychological health, psychotherpay, Sandtray Therapy
