by Michael Rusell

Arthritis is an extremely painful and potentially debilitating condition, which now affects over one in ten people in the developed world. It can lead to a reduced ability to carry out many of the essential tasks of daily life and often impair the sufferer’s ability to do their job of work. There are many different types of arthritis, with varying symptoms, but most types involve some kind of inflammation of the joints, making movement difficult and often painful. It is very important to make a correct diagnosis, in order for the proper treatment to be carried out.

The first step you need to take if you suspect you may have arthritis is to visit a qualified medical practitioner. Usually this will involve referral to a hospital where X ray and blood tests will be performed. Sometimes there will be a specialist on site who will be able to administer more advanced forms of tests and give advice on the spot. Once a diagnosis has been made, there are various treatments that can be applied. The most obvious and crude, of these treatments is the simple pain killing drug, such as aspirin or paracetamol. Aspirin is preferred in many cases as it has anti-inflammatory properties. Many of these basic painkillers are available without prescription, so it vitally important to inform your physician if you intend to take these on top of any prescribed medicine.

Anti inflammatory drugs are vitally important as they not only reduce pain, but also lessen the irreversible damage which is often done to joints when arthritis flares up. These are the most common form of treatment prescribed for arthritis and come in two basic types. NSAIDs, Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are very common, but it takes a prolonged period of use for them to become effective. There have also been serious concerns expressed about the side effects of these drugs and the potential stomach problems that they can cause. Steroids are synthetic hormones, which mirror natural substances found in the body, but in artificial form the body tolerates them poorly. Steroids are extremely powerful medicines and are usually used in the initial stages of treatment, before other, less overpowering, treatments are employed.

As arthritis is a condition which affects the joints, it is important to consider different forms of exercise and forms of rest between exercise and how they will affect your specific condition. Arthritis sufferers are usually best advised to exercise daily, in order to prevent joints from seizing up and becoming stiff. As a form of general exercise, swimming is especially beneficial to the arthritis sufferer - as the weight of the body is distributed throughout the water, rather than being concentrated on the limbs and joints, as it is with so many other forms of exercise. This makes the movement of the joints a lot easier and reduces the pressure on points, which can be very painful if overburdened.

Exercises done in water are now routinely available at hospitals. Water is a great help for many arthritis sufferers, as the warmth of the water helps stiff joints to move. It is even possible to perform muscle-strengthening exercises under water. This a good idea as strong muscles help joints to move more smoothly, reducing the pain from arthritis naturally and with only positive side effects. These kinds of water-based treatments are highly recommended and may reduce the arthritis patient’s need for powerful synthetic drugs with severe side effects.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Arthritis

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By Atul Bahl

Arthritis is a broad term applied to any kind of joint disease. There are more than 100 disorders that can cause arthritis- some of the arthritic illnesses affect not only the joints but also the skin and other internal organs.It is also essential to distinguish arthritic illnesses from various other disorders like fibromyalgia that can present with Musculoskeletal and joint symptoms.

A joint consists of a joint capsule which surrounds a layer of lining cells (termed synovial membrane), lubricating fluid (synovial fluid), a slippery smooth substance (cartilage) which covers most of the surface of the articulating bones to ensure smooth painless movement across a joint. Arthritis results in various manifestations and more importantly serious irreversible damage to the joint structures. Of the different manifestations of arthritis the most important are pain, stiffness, inflammation, limitation of movement and deformity of joints.

A common question often raised is about the efficacy of alternative drugs for the management of arthritides. The question raises a few complex issues and hence certain important considerations need to be addressed. Most of the alternative drugs have not been adequately tested in properly designed studies.

Another common misconception about arthritic illnesses is that it is caused by poor diet or can be aggravated by eating curd, rice or the so-called cold things. However there is no scientific basis to this belief. Apart from gout & celiac disease there is no proven connection between a particular food source and arthritis.However the importance of a balanced diet cannot be overemphasized irrespective of whether you are suffering from arthritis or not. Weight control is especially important for people with arthritis, because being overweight puts added stress on your arthritic joints.

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By Sandra Kim Leong

Many now are willing to consider herbal remedies for arthritis as they wish to reduce their reliance on using drugs. Herbal remedies for arthritis have been highly recommended by natural health experts.

Some of the herbs which are said to be effective for reducing inflammation and for pain relief include Chinese Thunder God Vine, feverfew, cat’s claw, willow bark extract,and stinging nettle.

Reports also show that ginger and willow bark extract are effective herbal remedies for arthritis. Their only drawback is that they contain chemicals that are similar to conventional NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-Inflammatory compounds). The NSAIDs as drug compunds produce a few side effects. For example, they may cause inflammation of the stomach lining and intestines. If you ingest a substantial amount, they can also interfere with blood clotting or cause fluid retention.

Because of these reasons, they are considered harmful for those with high blood pressure or with heart diseases. In comparison to ginger and willow bark extract, Chinese Thunder God Vine seems to be better herbal remedies for arthritis as they can also relieve pain and joint inflammation quite well. However, it is best that they are not used over a prolonged period. Consuming too much may lead to osteoporosis.

Herbal remedies for arthritis can be brewed in the form of cleansing teas or soups. For the herbs, you can get them at a herbal store. Ask the herbalist to mix a concoction for you. Herbs come in different grades. You should always choose the best quality ones for your arthritis.

Traditional Chinese Medicine or Ayurveda Medicine also recommends boiling herbal remedies for arthritis to serve as a tonic soup or drink. You will need to consult a practitioner as he can then examine you and prescribe a preparation based on your specific condition. You will need to consume herbal remedies for arthritis over a period of time before you can feel any positive effects from them.

Herbal remedies for arthritis can also be consumed as a supplement. Just visit any vitamin supplement store to get them. Do ensure that you stick to recommended dosage instructions.

Herbal remedies for arthritis are worth considering especially if you wish to explore alternative methods to finding pain relief. Do ensure that your herbs do not interfere with drugs that you are taking for other medical conditions as well. Be sure to check with your doctor first.

Sandra Kim Leong writes on common symptoms for rheumatoid arthritis. Her site contains information and resources on arthritis treatment, arthritis symptoms and diet for arthritis. Please visit her blog at http://www.rheumatoid-arthritis-relief.com for more updates.

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Tags herbal | remedies | pain relief | NSAIDs | supplement

by Michael Rusell

Many people would associate arthritis with the onset of old age. Although old people may suffer from arthritis, it isn’t only the elderly who are affected by arthritis. Many younger people, including some in their teens suffer from some kind of arthritis. Dictionaries define arthritis as being an inflammation of the joints due to infectious, metabolic, or constitutional causes. Obviously that can include a large number of different causes of this illness.

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints and the cartilage of the joints; furthermore it is an ongoing, degenerative disease. This is probably one of the most difficult aspects of the disease to cope with: although today may be painful, the future will possibly only be worse.

There are more than one hundred different types of arthritis. Two of the most common types are osteoarthritis, caused by the wear and tear exerted on the joints through a lifetime and rheumatoid arthritis, caused by an autoimmune response in the body. Osteoarthritis is the arthritis associated with getting older. This is the version of arthritis that most people think of when talking about arthritis. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, the body is tricked into acting as though there were an infection in the joint. As a result there is swelling, inflammation and pain in that joint as the body endeavors to fight the phantom infection.

The most common medical treatment offered to arthritis patients are NSAID’s or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These include aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. The drawback with these drugs is that they can cause irritation in the intestinal tract and some researchers believe may even make the deterioration of the joints worse.

Alternative treatments for arthritis include the use of Glucosamine Sulfate, turmeric and fish oils. Studies have suggested that glucosamine helps to build cartilage and therefore rebuild the damage done to joints both from wear and tear as well as arthritis. Turmeric, a yellow spice used in curries and prepared mustard, has anti-inflammatory qualities. One of the compounds in turmeric that is so helpful, called curcumin, can be bought in capsule form. Fish oils, particularly EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid), help to fight inflammation. In addition, as omega-3 fatty acids, they contribute to general health in the body.

Coping with arthritis is an ongoing process, given that arthritis tends to get worse over time. Obviously two priorities exist in this coping effort; to help the patient deal with the pain and to aid them in living as independently as possible. The issue of coping with pain will be part of the therapeutic process, using either pain medication and/or alternative methods. Some arthritis gets so bad that surgery is used to affect repair to the joints involved. As far as maintaining independence is concerned, successful therapy will help. If attempts to control the arthritis don’t work, then a plan to adjust to limited mobility is called for.

Any degenerative illness like arthritis is a real challenge to the health of the person suffering from it. Not only is the arthritis a painful and crippling disease in the first place; but exercise, something that is necessary for maintaining a healthy weight as well cardiovascular health, can become all but impossible. Although seeking a cure to an arthritic condition may be laudable, a far more effective strategy may be to aim at reducing the pain, healing what can be healed and planning to maintain independent living as long as possible. A cure would be wonderful, but learning to cope with arthritis in the meantime is a good idea.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Arthritis

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Tags arthritis | degenerative | swelling | inflammation | joints