Posted by herbmaster on Dec 19, 2009 in Uncategorized
Over time, many people will experience stiffness and pain in the joints. Joints that are affected include those that are frequently used. These include the knees, hips, hands, elbows and shoulders. The ability to move and function physically is greatly diminished when one or multiple joints are attacked by such symptoms.
Such is the case for people suffering from arthritis. Literally, the word arthritis means swelling of the joints. And such causes swelling, redness, pain, stiffness and limited range of motion. It affects hundreds of people and is one of the leading degenerative diseases known to man. While it usually strikes older people, just about anyone can suffer from it regardless of age.
There are more than a hundred known forms of arthritis. But the list keeps on going as newer ones are brought to medical attention. Classifications are based on causative factors and the signs and symptoms involved. But the most common type is osteoarthritis. This is due to the wear and tear of cartilage over time. Cartilage serves important roles in the joints. It acts like a cushion and lubricant to facilitate joint movement.
When afflicted with arthritis, joint pain and inflammation need to be eased to achieve normal physical functioning. People suffering from it scramble for arthritis remedies. Usually, the first defense is by taking analgesics – paracetamol, ibuprofen, NASIDs and others – to get rid of the pain and swelling. But of course they do come with side effects. For severe ones, cortisone injections or even surgery is done.
However, there are many natural means of dealing with arthritis. For repairing the wear and tear incurred by the joints, glucosamine is taken. Glucosamine is naturally produced by the body, but in minimal amounts. Supplements containing the substance are mainly derived from animal sources. These include crabs, oysters and other shellfish.
But what about those who have shellfish allergies and taking on a vegetarian diet? Well, there’s the so-called vegetarian glucosamine. It does the same thing as glucosamine from animal sources. Only this time, a fermenting process is done on vegetable sources to extract the substance.
The alkaline diet also helps in alleviating the signs and symptoms of arthritis. The diet involves consumption of only fruits and vegetables. Alkaline rich, they are able to offset excessive acidity in the body. You see, too much acid is linked to a variety of diseases. And it includes arthritis. The alkaline diet also helps in boosting your immune system, as the recommended foods are loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Tags: arthritis, glucosamine, joint pain, medication, water aerobics
Posted by herbmaster on Dec 19, 2009 in Uncategorized
It is estimated that over 46 million people in the US alone suffer from a form of arthritis. This debilitating joint disease forces into early retirement employee who cannot perform physically to the fullest. Even outside the workplace, it is nearly impossible to live normally. Pain restricts mobility so much, that one is forced to embrace a sedentary lifestyle instead.
To cope better with arthritis, it’s important that one knows what it is. Arthritis is actually a collection of joint diseases, the number of which amounting to more than 100 types. Causative factors and indicating signs are the basis for classifications. Although there are several different forms, it is said that there are two that are the most prevalent of all.
As we age, cartilage between joints goes through wearing and tearing. In severe cases, this could lead to osteoarthritis (OA). Obesity and repeated demanding physical activities also contribute to the development of OA. Joints that usually suffer from it are the weight bearing ones, like the knees and hips. But it may also attack other frequently used and abused joints, such as the shoulders, elbows and hands.
Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, on the other hand, is a form of an autoimmune disorder. For reasons unclear, your own immune system attacks your joints, thinking they are foreign bodies. RA can strike anyone at any age, even those in their early 20′s. A common indicator of RA is it attacks joints located on both sides of the body, in a symmetrical fashion. For instance, if your left knee is affected, it’s likely your right knee has RA too.
Pain is usually dealt with through medications. Analgesics such as ibuprofen or paracetamol are used for pain. But with inflammation around, NSAIDs (Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs) are administered to reduce swelling. Steroids are also being prescribed, but long-term use poses some side effects. Steroids injected directly to the joints, instead of orally taken, may limit such side effects.
Gentle exercise can help improve the mobility of the joints. However, during flare ups, this may not be possible at all. For instance, if you have leg arthritis, walking may help prevent stiffness, but not when it’s around accompanied by pain. During such time, mobility is greatly reduced.
Some people suffering from arthritis prefer to deal with the signs and symptoms the natural way. This is because either they’re looking for inexpensive treatments, or prescription drugs fail to deliver results. Supplements such as vegetarian glucosamine, chondroitin and fish oils help in repairing damage connective tissues, and lubricate the joints. A diet composed mainly of fruits and vegetables decreases the acidity of the body, which is linked to arthritis.
Tags: arthritis, autoimmune disorder, coping mechanisms, joint pain, osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis
