Arthritis

The Arthritis Symptom: An Overview

Saturday, June 13th, 2009
arthritis symptoms


Are your aches and pains just a natural part of growing older, or are they a sign there is something more serious wrong with your body? While some forms of arthritis are just the result of the aging process, some forms can wreak havoc on more than just the joints. Other forms actually result from the body’s immune system turning on itself. How can you tell if your joint pain is natural aging or if something else is wrong? Knowing the symptoms of different forms of arthritis can help you know if a pain reliever is all you need, or if your specific arthritis symptom is a sign there is more wrong than just joint pain.

The most common form of arthritis is known as osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the form of arthritis generally associated with growing older. This condition results from the natural aging process in which the cartilage, a rubbery substance that protects the joints, begins to wear down. The arthritis symptom most often associated with this form of the disease is joint pain. This joint pain can also be accompanied by fever and swelling in the affected joints as well as stiffness in the morning or after times of inactivity.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of arthritis that can strike the young and old alike. Like osteoarthritis, the main arthritis symptom associated with rheumatoid arthritis is joint pain. Unlike osteoarthritis, however, rheumatoid arthritis is caused when the body’s immune system turns on the body and begins to attack the joints. Those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis can also expect to experience joint fever and stiffness. In the long term, rheumatoid arthritis can cause deformity of the joints. The disease can also cause nodules, or raised lumps, to appear in places such as the hands. In addition to these symptoms, however, those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis can also have extreme fatigue, lack of appetite, and low grade fever throughout the body. Unlike those suffering from osteoarthritis, those who have rheumatoid arthritis can experience times of remission where they are basically symptom free.

Another form of arthritis characterized by the main arthritis symptom of joint pain is psoriatic arthritis. Other symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include raised, red, scaly areas of the skin. Unlike either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis can also affect major organ of the body such as the heart and lungs. Untreated, heart damage resulting from psoriatic arthritis can result in heart failure and ultimately, death. In this disease, arthritis strikes the cartridge and tendons as well as the joints of the body. The psoriasis associated with the disease generally precedes the arthritis symptoms by several months to several years.

As you can see, the main arthritis symptom associated with most forms of this debilitating condition is joint pain and stiffness. With varying forms of the disease, symptoms can range from fever, loss of appetite, psoriasis and fatigue. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor can decide what treatment options are best for you to keep your disease from becoming debilitating or life-threatening.


Arthritis Symptoms – Recognizing If You Have Arthritis Symptoms

Sunday, May 3rd, 2009
arthritis symptoms


Arthritis is a disease that affects people’s joints, which is the point where two bones are connected. Joints are important for the mobility of two linked bones and arthritis is a disease that paralyzes the functioning of joints. In fact, the literal meaning of arthritis is the inflammation of joints.

There are over a hundred kinds of arthritis and it is important to know the arthritis symptoms that you experience. Recognition of arthritis symptoms is vital for the diagnosis of the exact kind of arthritis that you are suffering from. Early evaluation of arthritis symptoms can prevent greater damage and further discomfort.

The most common arthritis symptoms include inflammation of joints which is characterized by joint stiffness, visible swelling and redness. The area affected is also warm and tender to touch. Pain and inflammation of tendons that surround the affected joint can be present.

Muscle ache is also a common symptom. These manifestations could result in less range of motion, rendering the patient unable to move freely. Loss of mobility hinders a person unable to perform simple daily functions like walking, writing, exercising, using the computer, etc. Even eating becomes an impossible task when arm joints display arthritis symptoms.

These symptoms may appear suddenly or could progress over a period of time. Constant pain, inflammation and stiffness are signs that you should consult a physician, especially if these symptoms have already persisted for more than a week. Early diagnosis of the type of arthritis you have is critical in order to begin the best course of treatment.

Some types of arthritis could be worse than others. The effects of other kinds of arthritis may not be limited to joints. Sometimes, arthritis affects various internal organs in the body, thereby resulting in other forms of symptoms like fever that is accompanied by chills, sudden weight loss, fatigue and swelling of the glands. Organs like the lungs, kidneys and the heart can display symptoms as well. These organs can begin functioning abnormally because of arthritis.

Arthritis can also hit young people. Juvenile arthritis affects some children and it is manifested by the usual symptoms like joint aches, swelling and warmth. Other symptoms include body rashes, particularly in the arms and in the legs, fever and anemia. Poor appetite can also be an indication of arthritis in children.

Arthritis, when it remains untreated, could render a person unable to move freely. Aside from the stopping a person from performing his tasks, arthritis could also result in joint deformity, which could be very aesthetically unpleasing. Arthritis could affect a person’s quality of life. It can stop him from doing the things he love and can even force him to stop working. Even the most basic tasks become impossible challenges with this disease.

This disease does not choose its victim. It is not gender-based and contrary to popular assumption, arthritis is not limited to a specific age group. Anybody can suffer from it – men, women and children. Thus, it is important for people to be aware of the symptoms that they are experiencing. Early diagnosis can save you a lifetime of pain.


Arthritis Treatment: Arthritis Remedies and Causes

Thursday, April 30th, 2009
arthritis treatment


Arthritis is one of the most enveloping diseases in the United States and is the leading source of disability. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention one out of every three Americans is affected by one of the more than 100 sorts of arthritis. Arthritis merely means a aching condition of the joints. There are different kinds of the disease – many seditious and others more degenerative in nature. Across the world there are 350 million people bears from the constant joint inflammation of Arthritis. In US the number goes to the 37 to 40 million. All of us be familiar with that there must the joint pain that is accompanied by the arthritis

Arthritis symptoms

Ache and inflexibility in the joints, anaemia, colitis

The main symptoms of osteoarthritis are ache and firmness in the joints. The pain frequently increases after work out. Rheumatoid arthritis is often called the ‘cooked food ailment’. lt regularly develops gradually over several months, with persistent pain and stiffness in one or additional joints. Finally the whole body is affected. Symptoms contain anaemia, colitis, constipation, deformed hands and feet.

Root of Arthritis

Structural changes in articular cartilage in the joint

Osteoarthritis results from structural changes in the articular cartilage in the joints, frequently those which are weight-bearing, such as the spine and knees.

Hormonal disparity, physical and emotional strain

Rheumatoid arthritis is due to an soreness of the synovium or lining of the joints. This is accompanied by puffiness and eventually leads to irregularity. The situation may be caused by hormonal disparity, physical and emotional stress, infection, cruel fright, shock, and injury.

Genetics

Family factors may also be responsible for the onset of this disease

Home Remedies for Arthritis

1. Arthritis treatment by means of Potato Juice

The raw potato juice treatment is considered one of the most victorious biological treatments for rheumatic and arthritic situations. It has been used in folk medicine for over centuries. The conventional technique of preparing potato juice is to cut a medium-sized potato into thin slices, without peeling the skin, and put the slices overnight in a big glass filled with cold water. The water should be drunk in the sunrise on an empty stomach.. A medium-sized potato must be diluted with a cup of water and drunk first thing in the morning.

2. Arthritis treatment with Other Raw Juices

One cup of green juice, extracted from any green leafy vegetable, diverse in equal size with carrot, celery, and red beet juices is superior for arthritis. The alkaline action of raw juices dissolves the gathering of deposits around the joints and in extra tissues. A cup of fresh pineapple juice is also precious, as the enzyme bromelain in fresh pineapple juice reduces swelling and inflammation in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

3. Arthritis treatment via Sesame Seeds

A teaspoon of black sesame seeds, drenched in a quarter cup of water and kept overnight, has been found to be efficient in preventing frequent joint pains. The water in which the seeds are soaked must also be taken along with the seeds first thing in the morning

4. Arthritis treatment by means of Copper

Drinking water kept overnight in a copper container accumulates traces of copper, which is said to build up the muscular system. A copper ring or bracelet is worn for the same cause.

5. Arthritis treatment with Calcium

Studies have exposed that calcium can help arthritis. Several patients have discovered that joint pains have either been reassured or have disappeared entirely after taking calcium. This mineral must be taken in the form of calcium lactate. Two teaspoons of calcium lactate, each teaspoon providing 400 mg of absorbable calcium, may be taken three times each day in water, before meals for at least four months.

6. Arthritis treatment via Garlic

Garlic is an additional successful remedy for arthritis. It contains an anti-inflammatory property, which accounts for its efficiency in the treatment of this disease. Garlic may be taken raw or cooked according to person preference

7. Arthritis treatment via Bananas

Bananas, being a rich source of vitamin B6, have proved helpful in the treatment of arthritis. A diet of merely bananas for three or four days is advised in treating this situation. The patient may eat eight or nine bananas daily throughout this period and nothing else.

8. Arthritis treatment with Lime

Lime has also been found useful as a home remedy for arthritis. The citric acid found in lime is a solvent of uric acid, which is the chief cause of some types of arthritis. The juice of one lime, diluted with water, may be taken once a day, if possible first thing in the morning.

9. Arthritis treatment with Alfalfa

A tea made from the herb alfalfa, particularly from its seeds, has shown useful results in the treatment of arthritis. One teaspoon of alfalfa seeds might be added to one cup of water. Three to four cups of this tea must be taken daily by arthritics for at least two weeks.

10. Arthritis treatment by means of Green Gram Soup

Another home remedy found helpful in relieving pains in the joints is the use of green gram soup. This soup must be prepared by mixing a tablespoon of green gram in a cup of water, with two crushed garlic cloves. It must be taken two times a day

11. Arthritis treatment via Castor Oil

Treatment with castor oil has been found helpful in arthritis. The process, as prescribed by a Spanish doctor, is to boil two tablespoons of castor oil over a stove burner. The oil must then be poured into a glass of fresh orange juice and taken before breakfast each day till the disease is cured. It was advised to patients to take it for three weeks, stay for another three weeks and then do it again for another three weeks. It is, though, essential that the patient must take an alkaline diet while adopting this form of treatment otherwise the value of the treatment will be gone.

12. Arthritis treatment via Coconut or Mustard Oil

Warm coconut oil or mustard oil, mixed with two or three pieces of camphor must be massaged on rigid and aching joints. It will amplify blood supply, and decrease inflammation and stiffness with the calm warmth produced while massaging


What Everyone Ought to Know About Arthritis Treatment

Saturday, February 28th, 2009
arthritis treatment


There are various arthritis treatment options available. There are medications to keep the pain at the minimum.

There are also recommendations for dieting and exercises, joint replacement surgeries, physical therapies, and there are dietary supplements to take in order to slow down the degenerative process that is predominant with this kind of medical condition.

However, the general consensus is that the earlier it is detected, the better the arthritis treatment will be. In mild cases, the earliest arthritis treatment options may even limit the damage done by the disease on the affected joints, making it easier for the person to regain mobility and strength.

Unfortunately, there are no established ways or methods to prevent arthritis. This is due to that fact that there are multiple causes and types of this disease and there are also some unknown variables that trigger arthritis in otherwise healthy people. Additionally, some types of reactive arthritis only evolve weeks after the person has contracted infections that may subsequently inflame surrounding joints. In such cases, the best arthritis treatment is to start dealing first with the earlier infections. Once these recede, treatments for the crippled joints can be followed through. Again, treatment depends on the probably causes and types of arthritis.

For arthritis caused by infections and fractures, it would be best to treat these first before tackling the joints. Otherwise, both the initial illness and its consequences will only take longer to heal. As for specific types of arthritis, these would also need specific treatments.

For example: osteoarthritis or degenerative arthritis is the gradual degradation of joints, cartilage and even the surrounding bone; a condition that is usually brought about by old age and hereditary diseases. There are no treatments that can reverse the painful arthritic process, but there are ways to slow down the erosion, and thereby improving the person’s way of life.

Strong medicines are usually given only to suppress the pain caused by arthritis. Most of these include analgesics, paracetamols, and pain killers. Dieting and exercises are recommended treatment option as well, especially if the person who has osteoarthritis is on the heavy side. Managing the weight also means less strain on the larger joints like hips and the knees, making it easier for the person to move about with fewer joint aches.

Exercises help keep muscles limber despite the poor condition of the joints. Walking and swimming are both low-impact workouts that can eventually help the person regain mobility. Medical or surgical treatment options mean the installation of implants like chondrocytes into the affected area (arthroplasty.) This biodegradable and biocompatible material not only supports the bones and muscles surrounding the affected joint, but this also helps increase natural cartilage stimulation.

Any successful surgical treatment for arthritis eventually leads to physical therapy, so that the person can learn the extent and limitations of the joint movements with the installed implants. Some people eventually regain complete mobility just after 6 months of physical therapy.

As for dietary supplements for people with osteoarthritis, some of these include: chondroitin and glucosamine. Other health care providers would recommend increasing the person’s omega 3 fatty acid intake, as well as Vitamin B9 (folate,) Vitamin B12 (cobalamin,) Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, and Vitamin E.