Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Natural Joint Support Products

Joint SupportEveryone old enough to walk appreciates the value of flexibility and ease of movement. Unfortunately many of us take such good things for granted. A famous folksinger sang, "You don't know what you've got till it's gone." That's certainly true for millions Americans who live with stiff and uncomfortable joints.
Fortunately there are a number of nutrients available that provide the vital components of healthy joint structure and function and ease of mobility. These nutrients are referred to as “chondroprotective agents,” and include glucosamine and chondroitin, which supply the raw material necessary to produce new cartilage, and may even help rebuild worn cartilage. Other chondroprotective nutrients and herbs, like Cetyl Myristoleate, MSM, and Boswellin, work synergistically with glucosamine and chondroitin and further support normal joint function.

To understand how chondroprotective agents work, one must first understand how joints work. The key element in human joints is articular cartilage, the shock-absorbing tissue that connects two bones together and allows pain-free movement. Articular cartilage is comprised of two different molecules, collagen and proteoglycans, with the remainder composed primarily of water (65-85%). Collagen, a protein that binds tissue together, provides elasticity. Proteoglycans, composed of sugars and protein, absorb water, which provides lubrication and resiliency, nature's shock absorber for your joints. Both compounds are produced by chondrocytes, caretaker cells responsible for the formation and maintenance of cartilage. A deficiency in any one of the above constituents will increase the likelihood of wear and tear on articular cartilage, which can eventually lead to compromised joint function. Glucosamine and chondroitin are safe, natural and effective nutrients that support healthy joint function by supplying the materials needed to produce collagen and proteoglycans.

Arnica Native to Europe and southern Russia, Arnica montana is a perennial plant with bright yellow, daisylike flowers. Some of its common names include leopard's bane, wolf's bane, and mountain tobacco. Arnica montana has a long history of use in herbal healing, as do other arnica species grown in the western part of North America. The dried flower heads and occasionally the underground stems and roots are the source of medicinal arnica.

Muscle strains and sprains. Arnica is widely applied to ease the inflammation and pain of muscle strains and sprains caused by overuse or injury. Although results have been contradictory, some studies concluded that for a short period immediately following a marathon run, arnica reduced muscle soreness. The effect was only temporary, however.

Arthritic joints. Inflamed and painful joints are said to benefit from arnica as well. Using the herb in a hot, moist compress may be helpful for arthritis pain, though it is not known whether it is simply the heat or the arnica that provides the relief.

Psoriasis and eczema. Numerous herbal formulas for these persistent skin disorders contain extracts of arnica, which may help given its anti-inflammatory and numbing qualities.

Insect bites. Because of its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects, topical arnica is believed to reduce the swelling and pain caused by insect bites. It may also help prevent infection.

Celadrin is a medically and clinically proven pain management compound developed through a proprietary process of esterifying oils. Celadrin is a novel, all natural ingredient which has been medically shown to reduce inflammation and pain with no side effects. Celadrin systematically enhances and lubricates cell membranes throughout the body providing youthful cell fluidity and elasticity. This includes the enhancement of fluids that cushions your bones and joints to maintain flexibility and mobility so that you can move with ease and pain free. Celadrin has been proven to provide cumulative (continuous and restorative) benefit. In a double blind clinical trial, oral Celadrin showed significant benefit beyond the arthritic medication the subjects were taking – with cumulative improvement shown throughout the study.

Chondroitin sulfate consists of repeating chains of molecules called glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Chondroitin sulfate is a major constituent of cartilage, providing structure, holding water and nutrients, and allowing other molecules to move through cartilage—an important property, as there is no blood supply to cartilage. The only significant food source of chondroitin sulfate is animal cartilage.
Glucosamine is composed of glucose (a sugar) and glutamine (an amino acid). It is utilized by chondrocytes to form glycosaminoglycans (GSG) and proteoglycans (PG). Both of these constituents attract and bind water into cartilage, increasing resiliency. Research indicates that glucosamine may actually help your body repair damaged or eroded cartilage. A number of studies have been conducted on glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride, with a preponderance of positive results. Glucosamine sulfate is considered the more effective of the two.

For a long time, glucosamine dominated the market among supplements used to ease joint pain. Now, many practitioners prefer to use a combination of both glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. Many have found this combination to be effective, particularly for runners, who tend to develop problems with their knees. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are well absorbed by the molecules that make up cartilage. They are not available from food. It is not uncommon to have to take these supplements indefinitely to continue to experience relief.
MSM Methyl-sulfonyl-methane is a naturally occurring sulfur compound found in our bodies as well as in many common beverages and foods, including milk, coffee, tea and green vegetables. In its purified chemical form, it is an odorless, essentially tasteless, white, water-soluble crystalline solid. It is one of the safest substances in biology, similar in toxicity to water.
Recent research has shown that the results of arthroscopic surgery for osteoarthritis in the knee is no different than that of placebo. This gives people further reason to at least give supplements, such as chondroitin sulfate, a try before enduring more invasive, expensive approaches.

Benefits of Joint Support Formulas

  • helps rebuild and repair worn cartilage
  • support healthy joint function by supplying the materials needed to produce collagen and proteoglycans
  • eases joint pain

Support Healthy Joint Function With Discount Vitamins

Joint SupportThe joints are very important to your mobility and it is essential that you support health joint function with discount vitamins. The reason for discounted vitamins is that there is no need for you to pay more than you have to, and good healthy bones and joints need a good supply of several vitamins, minerals and other substances to remain healthy throughout your lifetime.

Vitamins C and D, and calcium and magnesium are the more common supplements that help to promote joint health, but glucosamine, chondroitin and gelatine also play a large part. Although the strength of the bone is important, it is disorders of the connective tissue that are mostly responsible for joint problems. Connective tissue holds the joint together and prevents excessive friction between bones.

Arthritis in both its forms – osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis – is characterized by a reduction in the cartilage tissue that provides a lining between the bones that make up the joint. As the cartilage becomes worn or its structure destroyed, the bones are exposed to each other and this causes the frictional damage that is osteoarthritis. With rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, the connective tissue and cartilage are attacked by the body’s immune system, causing inflammation. The reason for this is still unknown, but the inflammation leads to swelling of the joint and severe pain.

Both of these conditions can be helped by the use of glucosamine, a natural substance produced by the body to form cartilage and stimulate the formation of connective tissue. Normally taken in the form of the sulfate, glucosamine reduces arthritic pain, and over time can start to rebuild the lost cartilage. It is best taken in conjunction with chondroitin sulfate which is a substance also contained in cartilage and connective tissue.

A discount vitamin supplement containing glucosamine and chondroitin can help to avoid these conditions from occurring. Rheumatoid arthritis also responds well to anti-inflammatories and antioxidants. Much of the damage to the joint tissues can be caused by the action of free radicals that are aggressively destructive molecules created by the effects of pollution such as smoking, pesticides, heavy metals, alcohol and they are also produced by many of the processes occurring inside our bodies. The immune system itself creates free radicals to use as a weapon against invaders.

A free radical is a molecule that has lost an electron, especially an oxygenated molecule. The objective of such a molecule is to get back its electron, and it will do that by oxidizing any molecules it comes across: oxidation is the removal of an electron from a substance. Oxidation can destroy cell molecules which is why the aging process occurs through the destruction of body cells through the effect of oxidation by free radicals. They can also destroy the synovial fluid that lubricates the joints.

The molecules that can prevent this are caused antioxidants, and include some of the well known vitamins such as A, C and E, and also other substances such as Coenzyme Q10, fatty acids such as those in Omega 3 fish oils, beta carotene and the minerals zinc and copper are also effective at reducing the inflammation cause by free radical oxidation. These vitamins and minerals will not reduce the pain in your joints, but will relieve other symptoms such as the inflammation, and help the joint to recover.

Vitamin D is another that can help to cause arthritis and joint problems if you are deficient in it. Vitamin D deficiency is not uncommon, especially in those who live in northern climates where they do not get much sunlight. This vitamin helps to build cartilage and to maintain healthy bone density. Vitamin D is found in oily fish and eggs, but the majority of people suffer a deficiency, if only slight in many cases. Discount vitamin supplements containing all of these vitamins and minerals will help to maintain healthy joints. Vitamin A is available naturally from eggs yolks, oily fish and dairy products, and most people know that vitamin C is obtained from fresh fruit and vegetables, especially the highly colored foods that are also rich in other antioxidants such as anthocyanins and carotenoids.

Rich sources of vitamin E include nuts, seeds, vegetable oils and wheat germ. Taking Omega 3 oil supplements will not prevent arthritis, but will help to relieve the inflammation and hence the pain. However, in spite of all of this, the only vitamin that has been extensively tested on patients suffering from osteoarthritis has been vitamin E. It has been established that significant improvements in the condition of patients were achieved by administering from 400-600 International Units (I.U.) of vitamin E daily for two weeks.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Osteoarthritis - Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Joint SupportOsteoarthritis is also called degenerative joint disease or osteoarthrosis. It is the most common form of arthritis. People with osteoarthritis usually have joint pain and some movement limitations. Unlike some other forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis affects only joint function and does not affect skin tissue, the lungs, the eyes, or the blood vessels as many think about this illness. Among the over 100 different types of arthritis conditions, osteoarthritis is the most common, affecting over 20 million people in the United States. The risk of developing the condition increases with age. It mainly affects people over the age of 40, and is most common among those over the age of 65.

Causes
It is caused by the breakdown of cartilage. Cartilage is the tough elastic material that covers and protects the ends of bones. Bits of cartilage may break off and cause pain and swelling in the joint between bones. This pain and swelling is called inflammation. People with diabetes may be prone to osteoarthritis. Other endocrine problems also may promote development, including acromegaly, hypothyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, and obesity. A major injury or operation on a joint may lead to osteoarthritis at that site in later life. There are some abnormalities of the joint that you can be born with or which develop when you are a child, such as Perthes' disease of the hips, which also lead to osteoarthritis in later life.

Symptoms
The symptoms of OA can vary significantly from person to person, and can range from mild and barely noticeable, to severe and disabling. Without cartilage, bones rub directly against each other when you move, causing pain and inflammation. Joint pain usually develops gradually and may feel dull or aching. Pain may be worse in the morning and feel better with activity. Vigorous activity may cause pain to flare up. As osteoarthritis becomes more severe, symptoms may include a total loss of function in the affected joints.

Treatment
There is no blood test for osteoarthritis, but blood may be taken to exclude to check for other types of arthritis. The most useful test for osteoarthritis is an X-ray. This can show the narrowed space between the bones in a joint that is due to cartilage loss. It can also identify any calcification.

If you are overweight, try to lose some weight as the extra burden placed on back, hips, and knees can make symptoms worse. Even a modest amount of weight loss can make quite a difference.
Other treatment choices for osteoarthritis are the dietary supplements glucosamine and chondroitin. Glucosamine may decrease pain in some people with mild to moderate symptoms.
Some hyaluronic acid is already in the fluid in your joints. In people with osteoarthritis, the hyaluronic acid gets thinner. When this happens, there isn't enough hyaluronic acid to protect the joint. Injections can put more hyaluronic acid into your knee joint to help protect it.

Joint Pain Products

Joint SupportJoint pain is the most common symptom of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, both of which are chronic diseases that can affect the person afflicted over a long period of time. Arthritis cannot be cured, but the symptoms can be treated through a variety of products and methods. Sports-related activities as well as falls and other trauma can injure the cartilage within a joint and, if it is not provided sufficient time to heal, chronic pain and persistent disability can follow. Additionally, damage to the bone surface can start a biological process that results in joint degeneration. This, in turn, often leads to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. This is a brief overview of some of the Joint Painproducts currently available, through both prescription and over-the-counter, to treat the symptoms of arthritis, specifically joint pain.

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever but does not reduce swelling, which is a common symptom associated with some types of arthritis, specifically rheumatoid arthritis. As such acetaminophen, the best known of which is Tylenol, may be effective for people afflicted with osteoarthritis which often times have very little inflammation. In addition, acetaminophen does not cause stomach irritation and is less likely than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), described later, to cause long-term side effects. Research has shown that acetaminophen relieves pain as effectively as NSAIDs for many patients with osteoarthritis. People with liver disease, people who drink alcohol heavily, and those taking blood - thinning medicines or NSAIDs should use acetaminophen with caution.

Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is a pain reliever that combines anti-inflammatory properties with pain relief. People afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis generally have pain caused by inflammation and often benefit from aspirin or ibuprofen, the best know of which are Motrin and Advil. Unfortunately, ibuprofen products and aspirin typically cause some stomach discomfort if taken without food and have been linked to ulcers with long-term use.

What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Scientists are studying risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing a rheumatic disease. Some of these factors have been identified. For example, in osteoarthritis, inherited cartilage weakness or excessive stress on the joint from repeated injury may play a role. In rheumatoid arthritis, the combination of genetic factors that determine susceptibility and environmental triggers are believed to be important.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
This class of drugs includes aspirin and ibuprofen as well as Vioxx (rofecoxib), Celebrex (celecoxib), and Bextra (valdecoxib), which are classified as COX-2 inhibitors. Aspirin and ibuprofen are used to reduce pain and inflammation, as noted above, and may be used for both short-term and long-term relief in people with osteoarthritis but are more commonly used to treat symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. The other drugs under NSAIDs are COX-2 inhibitors that work by blocking an enzyme known to cause an inflammatory response. COX-2 inhibitors had been approved for short-term use in the treatment of pain, and for longer-term use to treat the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Side effects associated with NSAIDs include stomach irritation, negative impact on kidney functions, and are often associated with serious gastrointestinal problems, including ulcers, bleeding, and perforation of the stomach or intestine. As such, people over age 65 and those with any history of ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding should use NSAIDs with caution. As with most medications, the longer a person uses NSAIDs, the more likely he or she is to have side effects. In addition, because of the way NSAIDs alter the way the body uses or eliminates other drugs, many other drugs cannot be taken when a patient is being treated with NSAIDs. It is important to check with your health care provider or pharmacist before you take NSAIDs in addition to other medications.
Looking for a safe, natural product to promote healthy joint function? Synotrex Advanced Joint Formula is a safe, effective product available now without a prescription. Synotrex's patented ingredients help support, ease, and rebuild joints, without the dangerous side effects recently discovered in many prescription medications. Order Synotrex risk-free, and discover the all-natural solution for healthy joints.

Monday, January 14, 2008

Knee Arthritis And How It Affects You

Joint SupportArthritis, any of more than 100 different diseases causing pain, stiffness, and in most cases, swelling in the joints.Arthritis affects people of both sexes and of all races, socioeconomic levels, and geographic areas.Osteoarthritis is the most common type of knee arthritis.
Also called wear-and-tear arthritis or degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis is characterized by progressive wearing away of the cartilage of the joint. As the protective cartilage is worn away by knee arthritis, bare bone is exposed within the joint.

Knee arthritis symptoms tend to progress as the condition worsens. What is interesting about knee arthritis is that symptoms do not always progress steadily with time. Often patients report good months and bad months or symptom changes with weather changes.
This is important to understand because comparing the symptoms of arthritis on one particular day may not accurately represent the overall progression of the condition.The most common symptoms of knee arthritis are:pain with activities, limited range of motion, stiffness of the knee, swelling of the joint, tenderness along the joint, a feeling the joint may "give out", deformity of the joint (knock-knees or bow-legs).

Rheumatologists, physicians who diagnose and treat arthritis and related conditions, use a variety of diagnostic techniques. The first step is a thorough history and physical examination, during which the doctor questions the patient about symptoms and medical history to learn about potential exposure to infectious agents or a family history of arthritis.
The patient is examined to determine the pattern of joints affected. With this information, rheumatologists are usually able to make a diagnosis. Laboratory tests are used to help diagnose inflammatory arthritis.

For example, a blood test called erythrocyte sedimentation rate measures how quickly red blood cells cling together and fall to the bottom of a test tube. When there is inflammation in the body, red blood cells sink faster.
This test lets physicians evaluate how severe the inflammation is. Rheumatologists also test a patient’s blood or synovial fluid for the presence of specific antibodies—disease-fighting agents activated in the body by infections.

The presence of rheumatoid factor antibodies, for example, is an indication of rheumatoid arthritis, and antinuclear antibodies can be an indication of lupus. The presence of these antibodies along with clinical symptoms help establish the diagnosis. Physicians may also elect to test for the presence of specific genes, such as the HLA-B27 gene.
The primary goal of treatment is to reduce joint pain and inflammation and to maximize joint mobility. To this end, rheumatologists work closely with patients and their families to develop a treatment regimen incorporating exercise and rest as well as pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory drugs, and in some types of arthritis, drugs that slow the progress of the disease.

Low impact, regular exercise is very important in maintaining muscle strength and joint mobility. One of the best forms of exercise for people with arthritis is swimming, an activity that lets participants use muscles with minimal joint strain.
Arthritis sufferers benefit from physical therapy programs specially tailored to their age level and degree of mobility. Stretching and hot showers before exercise and applying ice packs to muscles and joints after exercise minimize discomfort related to exercise.

Rest is another crucial element of arthritis treatment. In addition to recommending at least eight hours of sleep a night, rheumatologists may also advise patients to use a cane, splint, sling, or special footwear to rest or stabilize affected joints periodically during the day.
Almost all drugs used to treat arthritis can have side effects and may not work for all patients with arthritis. Researchers are investigating alternatives to traditional drug therapy and other treatment approaches.
If joint damage is severe, patients with arthritis may need to have surgical treatment. Total hip and total knee replacements can significantly relieve pain and improve joint function. In some cases, surgeons replace damaged or deteriorating joints with artificial stainless steel or plastic components in a procedure called arthroplasty.

Protect Your Joints And Reduce Arthritis With Glucosamine / Chondroitin Sulfate

Joint SupportOsteoarthritis is perhaps the fastest growing form of arthritis in the United States. According to the Arthritis Foundation, one third of all adult Americans have x-ray evidence of osteoarthritis. Last year over 7 million visits to the doctor were osteoarthritis related which is second to cardiovascular disease in America. As we age this number is going to increase unless we take steps to stop arthritis. Over the years researchers have developed medications to help relieve pain but none have actually addressed the underlying cause of joint destruction. In this article we will take a look at the characteristics of osteoarthritis and the current treatments available. Also, we will look at natural alternatives that can help improve quality of life.

Osteoarthritis is a disorder that involves certain bones and joints in the body. A joint is where two bones are connected and made up of cartilage which is surrounded by muscles and tendons. Some joints have a limited range of motion such as a rib in the rib cage and others have a much wider range of movement like hips, knees, elbows, wrists, and thumbs. The wider ranges of motion joints are called synovial joints. (1) Synovial joints have a unique structure. The bones that are connected to synovial joints are cover in a tough fibrous tissue call cartilage. This tough cartilage tissue between the bones is called the joint capsule. The joint capsule has an inner cavity which is lined with an inner membrane called the synovial membrane. With in this membrane there is fluid called synovial fluid which is a thick, slippery fluid that fills the small places in between and around the two bones connecting. The fluid is filled with a substance that lubricates the joints and eases movement.

This joint cartilage serves two purposes. First, it allows for a smooth surface to bear heavy weight and ease joint movement when in motion. Secondly, the joint cartilage absorbs shock and distributes the forces and mechanical stresses out to the bones connected to the joint.
Joint function is under continual mechanical stress while in motion and the joints ability to resist the stress reflects its health. If the mechanical stress becomes to much for the joint, some physical changes occur in the joint cartilage covering the bones. (1,2)

Cartilage is tough and some what elastic in nature comprised of water, collagen and complex proteins called proteoglycans. (3) When osteoarthritis has been diagnosed in a patient, the cartilage has started to weaken and become frayed. Over time the cartilage breaks down exposing the two bones of the joint. When two bones rub together all sorts of damage can happen. Bits of bone and cartilage break off and float around in the joint space. When the joint is bent, one usually experiences a gritty grinding feeling which is painful. Over time tiny bone spurs can grow into the cartilage and surrounding tissue causing a great deal of pain and decrease range of motion in the joint. As the arthritis progresses, the pain and discomfort will increase creating sleepless nights and miserable days.

Even though the exact cause of osteoarthritis is not known, researchers do know that it is not age related. Researchers have observed the disease having the same destructive changes in younger patients diagnosed which haven’t been observed in older individuals who don’t have the disease. (2,4,5) Researchers have observed that certain conditions do seem to trigger the disease or make it worse.
Families who have frequent occurrences of osteoarthritis tend to lean on the idea that it could be a genetic factor. Osteoarthritis of the hands is often seen as genetic. (2) People who are extremely active or have physically demanding jobs have a higher occurrence of developing osteoarthritis. Also, individuals who have certain bone disorders are prone to osteoarthritis as well. Individuals who are over weight are at risk. Because of the excess pounds, these individuals usually develop osteoarthritis in the knees and feet. Over weight individuals usually have denser bones which do not absorb as much shock as thinner bones might causing more damage to joint cartilage.

Currently there is no sure way to prevent osteoarthritis, but slowing the progression may help with some lifestyle changes. The arthritis foundation suggests individuals who are prone to osteoarthritis should maintain a healthy weight and loose weight if needed. They also suggest that these individuals should exercise on a regular basis as a preventative measure. (4) Consumption of Calcium and other vitamins such as vitamin A, C, D, and E can help as well. (6-8)

Treatment of osteoarthritis is usually focused around reducing or relieving the pain an individual experiences and maintain or improve the movement so to reduce any permanent disability. (2) Your Medical practitioner normally prescribes a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen which is only effective in pain management. Sadly these NSAIDs have side effects which can be serious. NSAID induced gastrointestinal complications cause more than 100,000 hospitalizations and nearly 16,500 deaths each year in the United States. Long term use of NSAIDs can cause ulcers in the stomach and intestinal tract which product heartburn and abdominal pain. NSAIDs can interfere with blood clotting and even cause kidney damage. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is some times prescribed for pain relief, but acetaminophen does not reduce inflammation and have the same side effects as NSAIDs plus in large doses can cause liver damage.

Newer medications released to the public are called COX-2 inhibitors which provide pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects with out the side effects of other NSAIDs. (11,12) In some cases, COX-2 inhibitors can cause stomach damage and bleeding. (13,14) All of these medications may help with the pain but does nothing to slow down or stop the osteoarthritis. This medication has no effect on the disease itself.

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Ease The Pain Of Osteoarthritis With Massage

Joint SupportOne in 10 people have osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis mainly seen in older adults. In osteoarthritis, joints are damaged as cartilage, the joints' shock absorbers, wears down.
While there's no cure for osteoarthritis, treatments are available that can relieve pain and help you remain active. If you actively manage your osteoarthritis, you can gain control over pain.

The good news: A new study shows that massage may reduce pain and improve joint function. Massage therapy is safe and effective in adults with osteoarthritis of the knee, reported researchers at the Yale Prevention Research Center and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.
Many people report significant benefits in terms of pain reduction and relaxation, the reason why many doctors recommend massage therapy for their patients. Although there are many forms of massage, the type most people are familiar with is Swedish massage, a full-body treatment that involves stroking or kneading the top layers of muscles with oils or lotions.

Massage therapy can soothe pain, relax stiff muscles, and reduce the swelling that accompany arthritis. Massage and gentle stretching help maintain a joint's range of motion. Research confirms that after eight weeks of massage, patients with osteoarthritis reported less knee pain and stiffness and better knee function.
Massage therapy seems to be a viable option in addition to other treatments for osteoarthritis of the knee. Treatments to date cannot reverse the disease although massage and a good joint supplement may halt its progression.

Weight loss can significantly benefit overweight patients. Relaxation programs and moderate exercise, good nutrition, and education can all help relieve suffering in arthritis patients. Caring family and healthcare professionals can help reduce worries and enable the patient to achieve realistic goals.
Devices such as canes, supports, and braces can take some stress off the affected joint. Avoid aggravating factors such as trauma, excessive weight gain or overly strenuous exercise. Other analgesic therapies, such as heating pads or ice packs, also alleviate suffering. Naturally, care should be taken as in all pain-related illnesses.
If you or your loved one is suffering from osteoarthritis, get a massage and a complete joint health supplement like Phosoplex.

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Types Of Arthritis

Joint SupportThere is not yet a cure for arthritis but much can be done to reduce pain and have a good joint function. Guggul is another ayurvedic herb that’s immensely used in treating the arthritis. There are a number of exercises that can benefit arthritis sufferers regardless of how much restriction of movement there is.
I found relief from my arthritis pain, naturally, and you can do it too. Other examples are: degenerative arthritis, high blood pressure, insomnia, kidney stones, bone and heel spurs, twitches and cramps, receding gums, tinnitus, spinal stenosis and prolonged clotting time. For example, what if you’ve just released a new program for arthritis sufferers.

Another painful disease caused by stress is Rheumatoid arthritis. But as someone with rheumatoid arthritis, as I stood during worship and grasped onto the pew in front of me to balance my knees that need joint replacements, I nearly laughed as the worship song said, “I will stand in spite of pain. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is more deadly than the Osteoarthritis.
If you suffer from arthritis, joint pain due to injury or tense shoulders from stress, you may find tremendous relief through a bath that won’t usually occur in a shower due to duration of time being too short. This is reckoned important when you have arthritis - as well as providing your body with essential nutrients it will help you maintain a healthy weight, thus reducing stress on your joints. Fish Oil - Fish oils help with controlling inflammation in the body and may provide relief when arthritis is caused by an immune system dysfunction as in lupus.

With that in mind, it is often beneficial to add using a spa to your regimen, perhaps after your workout, in order to provide some soothing jets of water to your muscles and even more help with increased circulation, which is always vital when dealing with arthritis. Cetyl Myristoleate is a cure for arthritis. They help the whole body function by boosting blood formation, tissue re-building, blood purification, reducing chronic health deceases, and preventing anemia, arthritis, fevers, liver spots, and muscular dysfunctions.

Friday, January 11, 2008

Which Arthritis Relief Treatment Is Best?

Joint SupportIn a lifetime, one person can get sick over and over with different diseases that can attack one’s body. Even the mildest illness can affect our overall functionality. We cannot do our tasks and duties very well, other times we just stay in bed and rest until we’re cured. Some of us even practice a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy, exercising, and taking multivitamin supplements just to avoid being sick. But what if you’re stricken with a painful disease with no known permanent cure? This is the reality of the arthritis disease, a chronic and dreadful condition that mainly affects joints, bones, and muscles. This condition immobilizes a patient because of pain, swelling, and stiffness of such parts. There is no way to eradicate this illness once a person is inflicted with it, only arthritis relief treatments can be done.

No Universal Remedy for Over a Hundred Arthritis Types
There are over a hundred identified arthritis types that differ in a number of factors. Each arthritis form has its own indications, affected body parts, severity, diversity, and variation of regularity. However, they all share some of the same symptoms like different levels of soreness, aches, and stiffness. Other common symptoms also include symptoms associated with influenza, fever, nodules formation (small inflammations), fatigue, and rashes.

Goals of Arthritis Relief Treatments
There are various arthritis relief products and treatments for these different arthritis types. They all offer temporary cure for symptoms associated with arthritis and they range from the mildest to the strongest. It is important, however, to determine the best suited arthritis relief treatment for your condition. You can consult your doctor about it or start off with the different kinds of products and treatments. If you’d rather begin treating yourself, you should consider the main goal of arthritis relief products. The best arthritis relief treatment for you should maintain your affected joint function, impede your condition’s development, enable motion and mobility, prevent or minimize damage of joints, and ease the symptoms of arthritis.

Different Arthritis Relief Treatments
One form of arthritis relief is through prescription drugs recommended by a physician. There are several medicines that can provide you relief like painkillers or analgesics, NSAIDs, Corticosteroids, DMARDs, and COX-2 Inhibitors. You should ask your doctor about these medicines’ efficiency, possible side effects, and advantages on your health condition.

Another arthritis relief treatment consists of undergoing several joint injections. A particular, painful joint can be injected with local steroids that can be done up to three times a year. Another type of injection called viscosupplementation allows doctors to insert a gel-like material into the joint to ease movement and prevent raking of joints.
Natural treatments or unconventional treatments can also be utilized to gain the arthritis relief a patient desires. Some examples of treatments that fall under this form are natural supplements, acupuncture, massage therapy, yoga exercise, biofeedback, and herbal medication. However, these kinds of treatments don’t guarantee safety and efficiency in arthritis sufferers. Only fractions of the total population of arthritis patients gain the satisfaction of these kinds of arthritis relief alternative treatments.

Complementary arthritis relief treatment can be used together with one of the aforementioned treatment options. It includes nutritious and healthy diets, stress management, and regular exercise.
Joint surgery is the last resort for any arthritis relief. Your doctor will recommend this kind of treatment for your condition if all else fails to give you relief. This procedure is ideal for severe joint damage and possible bone damage brought by the arthritis disease, making simple movement almost impossible.

Always remember that a single arthritis relief form is not a cure-all for the different arthritis types. To find the arthritis relief treatment for your condition, you can start by consulting your doctor and he in turn will guide you to the correct path of treatment.

How Physical Strain Affects The Body

Joint SupportFrequent working out, carrying heavy load and the early signs of aging are the common risk factors of arthritis. Overstretching, bending and straining the joints may have an impact on the bone structure of the body. As joints become inflamed, pain is felt usually in the hips, fingers, spine and knees.
Workers engaged in jobs involving physical strain like construction workers, assembly personnel, plumbers, carpenters, etc. are candidates for arthritis. When joints are overused without breaks in between strenuous activities, most likely the joints become injured. Because of this, you may be complaining of backaches, painful hips or stiffness in your fingers. Cases may vary whether these experiences are temporary or caused by fatigue. When they occur most of the time, it may be a sign of something serious. Probably, you have arthritis.

Arthritis is generally used to describe an inflamed joint. It has several types such as rheumatoid arthritis, gouty arthritis and infectious arthritis. The most common is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is popularly referred to as a degenerative joint disease or “wear-and-tear” arthritis affecting the cartilage of a joint. It may also be associated to complex active disease process accompanying the degeneration of joint use. Normally, the cartilage has a smooth layer covering but due to physical strain it wears away or degenerates, thus affecting the cartilage surface.

Defining osteoarthritis, we can say that it is a chronic joint disease which occurs when the joints begin to degenerate causing bone pains, decreased mobility and function. If you come from a family of arthritic people, you can inherit the disease when you age. Aging individuals usually have more brittle cartilage and repairing itself is gradual leading to the possibility of developing arthritis. Obesity is also a risk factor and joint damage may be partly attributed to the heavy body load that the joints support. Heavier patients have a tendency to have arthritis. Previous accidents or injuries can impact the joints and cause rough joint surface, particularly if you have suffered from a fracture.

If you are employed in highly demanding jobs like heavy construction or jobs requiring physical strength, you are assured of having early signs of osteoarthritis. These are a part of the hazards of the job. Although joining sport games is good for the health, when overdone, has detrimental effects to the body. Injuries that you may acquire from playing any sport can lead to arthritis. Joint infection, like septic joint, cases of gout and other medical conditions may somehow be associated to arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is present among older individuals; but it remains a mystery why others in their 40s or 50s remain healthy without any joint problems. One thing is for sure it is an inevitable part of the aging process, especially in women with more brittle bones, degenerated joints and decreased activities.
Since there are several types of arthritis, it is better to consult doctors to determine if what type you have so it can be remedied at once to reduce the possible pain that may be experienced.

Self-help books on osteoarthritis would suggest having a regimen of regular walking or simple exercises to lessen the joint pains and improve joint function. Having a good diet with fruits and vegetables would always be helpful. Using topical ointments may have temporary remedy on painful joints. Losing weight is another way of lessening the weight impact on the joints. If you have a good weight, you can move freely and enjoy more the activities that you do.
With right diet, exercise and an active lifestyle, you can also seek the help of supplements against osteoarthritis. The most complete bone and joint formula on the market today is Phosoplex. It helps reduce joint pains and stiffness with 100% natural and safe ingredients.