Posted by herbmaster on Jul 12, 2010 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.
On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder. This means that your own body is responsible for the joint disease. Your immune system, for unknown reasons, attacks you joints. This chronic and painful inflammatory disease can affect people at any age, even those in their early 20′s. Also, RA affects both sides of the body in a symmetrical fashion. For example, if the fingers on your right hand got RA, those on your left hand also suffers from it.
Doctors prescribe analgesic to help with alleviating the pain. Persons suffering from arthritis usually take acetaminophen or ibuprofen. But with inflammation involved, NSAIDs or Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs are prescribed. Steroids are also being used for swelling. However, oral intake is accompanied by some side effects, especially in long-term use. Steroids directly injected into the joint help minimize 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.
There are also natural means of coping with the signs and symptoms of arthritis. Some people who aren’t satisfied with the results of prescribed medications resort to such alternatives. Many swear by the alkaline diet – a diet composed of mainly fruits and vegetables. This diet is great for offsetting excessive acidity in the body, which is linked to arthritis. Also, there are supplements like fish oils, vegetarian glucosamine and chondroitin that help repair worn cartilages and lubricate the joints.
Tags: arthritis, autoimmune disorder, coping mechanisms, joint pain, osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis
Posted by herbmaster on Jul 12, 2010 in Uncategorized
Seems like the older we get, the more illnesses we have to worry about. We used to laugh when our parents called their recitation of problems ‘the organ recital, ‘ but that’s what it seems like for us younger folk today as well.
At least our athletic friend has a somewhat lesser problem to manage that our brother-in-law. A few months back he was diagnosed with the form of diabetes called Type 2, which often affects older people. It means that his body has become resistant to the effects of insulin, which regulates blood sugar. Consequently he’s had to start taking extra insulin to compensate for this change, and things aren’t going very well with getting the dosage accurate. He read recently that some patients with Type 2 diabetes have begun to take a supplement made from an extract of the agaricus brazil mushroom. It seems this extract has the ability to increase the body’s acceptance of insulin when taken along with it, so that the dosage can be stabilized.
That brings us back to our friend the ice hockey player. Since his joints bother him when he plays, he’s been looking around for something to help.
He’s started taking a supplement as well, kirkland glucosamine. He swears that it helps build up the cartilage in his joints so that he can play better. He recognizes that it may be all in his mind, but he’s convinced that the supplement helps his body grow stronger tissue to cushion and protect his bones, so he takes the supplement every day.
Our sister-in-law has trouble with osteoarthritis in her hands. It’s very frustrating for her to have her hands achy and swollen because of her hobby. Whenever the arthritis in her hands flares up, she tries a new round of arthritis remedies, looking for relief. She crochets all kinds of lovely baby blankets and little caps for newborns. A local charity gives her creations, and those of many other generous women, to the public hospital where many low-income mothers have their babies.
Of course, one of the best ways to deal with any of the problems related to aging is to keep active in body and mind. We’re so envious of our friends who’ve been able to keep up with activities such as running and tennis, even if they do occasionally need some therapy for knees and elbows. At best some of us can manage a nice brisk walk around the park or a neighborhood, but at least that’s something.
As far as we’re concerned, we’ve been convinced by the many scientific studies of recent years that growing older can be managed better if we keep our minds active. Maybe we’re just playful kids at heart, but we feel good about playing board and video games and working on number puzzles and crosswords. Physically we might be able to keep up with gardening or walk the dog daily, but that’s quite an accomplishment for former ‘couch potatoes’ like us!
Tags: arthritis, diabetes, illnesses, joint pain, osteoarthritis, remedies
Posted by herbmaster on Mar 14, 2010 in Uncategorized
Although arthritis won't really kill you, it can literally cripple you. Arthritis causes so much restriction and cuts back even the most undemanding activities such as bathing, walking or dressing. Arthritis can be rather debilitating because of extreme pain on the joints Added to that, it's also a recurring disease.
Thousands are afflicted with arthritis each year and statistics show that one in every three adults over 40 suffer or will suffer from arthritis as they move on to the retirement years. There is no specific age or gender for susceptibility since arthritis can develop even in infants, but most sufferers begin to experience symptoms when they near their fifties, with more than 50% occurring before the age of 65. The sad thing about arthritis is that it can be debilitating both to the body and to one's finances. It is estimated that an average person will spend close to USD 150,000 in medical expenses and lost wages just coping with arthritis during his or her lifetime.
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two most common forms that afflict the greater majority. Osteoarthritis is a condition that results from normal wear and tear of the knees, hips, or ankles since they bear much of the weight in the body. Arthritis also invades the shoulders and other highly mobile joints in the cervical and lumbar spinal regions. Like grease on joints and gears in a mechanical structure, synovial fluid maintains lubrication and ease of movement within our joints. It is also responsible for overall health and maintenance of the cartilage. Synovial fluid inevitably shrinks with age and cartilage undergoes wear and tear with heavy use, eventually causing the bones to grind against each other. Pain and difficulty associated with arthritis are caused by this grinding action on the bones.
Rheumatoid Arthritis on the other hand is caused by anti-bodies attacking the synovial lining of the joints. These anti-bodies are produced by the body's immune system but genetics, certain infections or environmental factors can trigger a misdirected immune system and cause destruction of the synovial membrane and the cartilage. This results in inflammatory conditions which include soreness, pain and tenderness in the joints. Rheumatoid Arthritis affects any age group, and this type of immunologically induced arthritis is also prevalent in other systemic illnesses such as Lupus and Scleroderma.
Symptoms of arthritis are not permanent – when inflammation is present, the disease is active and that period is known as a “flare”. As the symptoms subside, it is said that the disease is “in remission”. Remission can be accomplished through treatment or may occur spontaneously and may last for months or even years.
Arthritis has long been successfully treated with the use of anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids. Typically, these come in the form of cortisone injections or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or what is commonly known as NSAIDs. These types of treatment bring pain relief, unfortunately they don't repair the damaged tissues – hence relief is said to be merely symptomatic.
NSAIDs and steroids are also known to produce adverse effects. Osteoporosis and skin thinning are two of the most common side effects, and NSAIDs also tend to irritate the digestive tract and cause stomach ulcers.
No cure for arthritis has been discovered yet, but there is growing evidence that tissue repair and replacement can arrest disease progress. In fact, this has been the focus of controversial stem cell replacement studies over the years. Whether or not stem cell replacement will eventually emerge as the cure for arthritis, it is a welcome relief to know that natural substances are available to relieve arthritis pain and discomfort, and slow progression of the disease – without the side effects.
One of the best known natural substances for its anti-inflammatory properties is Aloe Vera. Aloe generally provides analgesic relief but it has also been observed to stimulate the immune system and speed up cell growth and replacement. Aloe Vera contains basic sugars which are also found in every cell of the body – it is rich in nutrients that include vitamins E, C, and the B series, as well as iron, manganese, calcium and zinc. Aloe Vera also contains essential amino and fatty acids needed by the body.
Possibly more than its nutritional benefits is the ability of Aloe Vera to assist the body in repairing damaged tissue by regenerating cells. A breakthrough formulation combines aloe with glucosamine and chondroitin, two joint supplements that are building blocks of cartilage found within joints. Glucosamine increases fluid maintenance in the cartilage, while chondroitin, an ingredient of cartilage tissue, takes charge of drawing in fluids and nutrients. As the body ages, its capacity to produce these natural elements of healthy cartilage is diminished, thus leading to painful joint conditions. Naturally occurring substances combined with Aloe Vera may work best for arthritis pain relief, tissue repair and cell regeneration without the nasty side effects!
Learn more about breakthrough aloe formulations that relieve arthritis symptoms and help to rebuild healthy cells in your joints at Forever Freedom.
Tags: aloe and arthritis, arthritis, arthritis pain relief, chondriotin, glucosamine, joint pain, natural arthritis pain relief, osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis
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
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
