The term arthritis actually describes over 100 related conditions, but among these the most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

There is a huge difference between these two diseases so we’ll go into the main ones here.

Osteoarthritis is mainly confined to people over the age of fifty. Exceptions to this are people who have put a large strain on their joints for a prolonged period of time, for example athletes, or those whose jobs demand a lot of repetitive physical movements, for example carpenters and even computer keyboard users.

Osteoarthritis then is a disease of wear and tear. The cartilage that supports the joints becomes broken down by excessive use, causing the joints to become stiff and sore. Osteoarthritis can be painful but it is not life threatening and there are many natural ways that we can help keep pain under control.

Those suffering with osteoarthritis are usually prescribed anti inflammatory pain killers, the disadvantage is that these can sometimes have a negative effect on our general health and at best only help the symptoms while doing nothing to arrest the progress of the disease.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a different disease altogether. It can attack any age group, even manifesting in children where it is commonly known as Juvenile Arthritis or JRA. Rheumatoid Arthritis is caused by an immune disorder, in which the immune system attacks parts of the body including joint tissue. Typical symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are pain, inflammation, swelling and heat. Rheumatoid arthritis can go into remission and then flare up again which can be very frustrating!

Why this happens is not clear, however rheumatoid arthritis can occur after a viral disease or after a period of intense stress. A person suffering with RA will have the ‘Tumor Necrosis Factor’ in their system which can be found using a simple testing

Mainstream medicine claims there is no known cure for either disease, however significant progress has been made in alternative medicine with sometimes amazing results.

Exercise has multiple benefits for arthritis sufferers. It prevents stiffening of the joints while strengthening the muscles. Exercise also releases endorphins (nature’s natural pain killers) into the system. Swimming is great as it puts no strain on sore joints. However a weight bearing exercise, such as walking helps to keep our bones strong.

A positive attitude is always a good idea. It takes practice but with patience we can train our thoughts to support us. This benefits our health as well as other areas of our lives.

And finally the modern enemy, stress, can exacerbate the symptoms of arthritis. A high level of stress can negatively affect out health in so many ways. Yoga can be very calming and also helps to stretch the muscles. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation will help a lot too.

In conclusion, no matter what form of arthritis is causing the problem, natural remedies go a long way to make us feel better. Light exercise, a good diet, a positive attitude and natural medication will make our lives easier. Give it a try!



Thanks to Wendy Owen for contributing this article to our Arthritis blog:

Hip Septic Arthritis

Description

Of the more than 100 types of arthritis, osteoarthritis is the most common, afflicting 16 million Americans. In fact, osteoarthritis is said to be the most common-and, longest historically recognized-disorder known to humankind.

Osteoarthritis can affect any joint of the body, but it most commonly occurs in the fingers and weight-bearing joints, such as the hips, ankles, and knees. The disease occurs when the cartilage, which covers the ends of the joints and acts as a cushion between bones, wears away, allowing the bones to rub against each other. For some people, this can be excruciatingly painful. On the other hand, many people with osteoarthritis experience no signs or symptoms of the condition.

Even though osteoarthritis is usually limited to a single location, the afflicted joint can affect the entire body. Sometimes the muscles surrounding the joint tighten in order to soften the pain or protect the affected joint, while unaffected joints are forced to work overtime to make up for the ailing joint. In cases of osteoarthritis of the knee, the entire lower leg may eventually become deformed.

Although the precise cause of osteoarthritis is not known, wear and tear appears to be the primary culprit. This is why osteoarthritis is also called wear-and-tear arthritis or degenerative joint disease. Thus, the college quarterback and the professional typist both of whose joints are taxed daily-are at heightened risk of developing osteoarthritis later in life. Osteoarthritis, especially in the hips and fingers, also tends to run in families.

The risk of developing arthritis of the hand increases with age. In fact, by age 75, 85 percent of the population have some symptom of the condition. Often, bony knobs-also called nodes develop on the knuckles, making fingers look gnarled. Nodes usually appear first on a single finger but can grow to involve all the fingers. While nodes can be tender or slightly painful, they rarely cause any disability. Nearly 90 percent of people with nodes are women over age 45.

Signs and Symptoms

Pain and tenderness in joints (typically, joints in one to three sites are affected, and the pain worsens after use and goes away with rest)

Discomfort in affected joint before or during a change in the weather

Swelling in affected joints

Weakness and loss of flexibility in affected joints

If the joints of the fingers are affected, bony knobs may be visible at the knuckles

Conventional Medical Treatment

An X-ray may be used to detect the presence of osteoarthritis. However, there is no cure for the ailment. Conventional treatment usually involves exercises and physical therapy to keep the surrounding muscles strong and flexible. Pain and stiffness can be relieved by analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, aspirin). Bed rest and immobilization of the affected joint may be needed for brief periods of time. When all other measures fail to provide relief, surgical joint replacements (knee or hip) have very high success rates.



Thanks to Alien for contributing this article to our Arthritis blog:

Degenerative Arthritis Treatment

There are many types of Arthritis out there; one of these types of arthritis is Osteoarthritis. It is caused by the break down and loss of cartilage in one or more joints and is known as a degenerative condition. Cartilage serves as a cushion between the bones and joints. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common types of arthritis and affects over 20 million people in the US. The most common joints that osteoarthritis affects are hands, feet, spine, hips, and knees.

Primary osteoarthritis is mostly related to the aging process. When people age the water content in cartilage increases and the proteins in cartilage degenerate. Over time the cartilage will also degenerate forming tiny crevasses and flaking off. In severe cases of osteoarthritis the total loss of cartilage can happen and repetitive use of the joints that are worn down can irritate and cause inflammation in the cartilage. This creates joint pain and swelling. Inflammation of cartilage can cause bone spurs to form as well. It is mostly known to be a hereditary disease.

Secondary osteoarthritis is caused by other diseases or conditions. Conditions that can cause osteoarthritis are things like obesity, trauma, surgery of joint structures, abnormal defects in joints at birth, gout, diabetes, and some hormone disorders. Obesity creates stress on the cartilage that causes the arthritis. It mostly affects the knees. Some people that are born with deformities in joints can cause wear and tear on them because of the awkward positioning of them.

Some symptoms of osteoarthritis are joint pain that worsens through the day, stiffness in joints from inactivity, and limping if the arthritis resides in the knees. It is not uncommon for people who have osteoarthritis to go years with out pain and than when the degeneration becomes apparent the pain develops. Osteoarthritis that develops in joints at the base of the big toe can lead to formation of bunion. Bunions arevery common if you notice a bunion forming on your bgi toe you may want to see a doctor to get checked for osteoarthritis.

Losing weight if you are obese can help you prevent and curb your osteoarthritis. Avoiding activities that can cause a lot of stress to joint s can help as well. Making sure you have a healthy diet and plenty of mild exercise in your daily routine can help to prevent and treat osteoarthritis too. Physical therapy and occupational therapy may be needed for some people with osteoarthritis. There are mechanical support devices are also available to help aid in mobility and maneuverability. Practicing good posture can protect the joints in your hips, spine, neck, and knees.

Taking an herbal supplement may help as well. Alternative Health Supplements offers a number of products designed just for the care of joints and arthritis treatment. One of these products that I recommend is Joint Care. It is an all natural product that is safe to use. It contains ingredients such as MSM, shark cartilage, amino acids, vitamins A, D, and E, Co-Q10, and sulfate. This product is designed to relieve pain, inflammation, stimulate the immune system, formation of joint and cartilage, and eliminate toxins in the body.



Thanks to Steven A Johnson for contributing this article to our Arthritis blog:

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Hip Arthritis

What is the primary form of hip arthritis?

An average of 8 per cent of the population develops rheumatoid arthritis and 12 per cent from osteoarthritis, making arthritis in all its forms one of the most universal disorders in the West. Arthritis by itself is a $10 billion industry.

Osteoarthritis appears to be the most general type of arthritis affecting the hip? This is a degeneration of the joint which is called -wear-and-tear arthritis. This condition is recognized by progressive eroding of the hip joint cartilage. As the cartilage is impaired by the damaging effects of hip arthritis, the bone lay bare and is exposed inside the joint.

What are the common characteristics of hip arthritis?

Symptoms of hip arthritis seem to evolve as the disease worsens. An fascinating fact with arthritis affecting the hip is that not all symptoms get worse progressively over time. Quite often, patients report good episodes and bad episodes and that symptoms fluctuate with changes in the weather. This information is important to understand because evaluating the symptoms of hip arthritis from one day to the next cannot correctly represent the overall deterioration of the arthritic disease.

The common characteristics of hip arthritis include:

-Pain with mobility

-Limited field of motion

-Rigidity in the hip

-An apparent limp when walking



Who develops hip arthritis?

Hip arthritis often inflicts patients over 50 years of age. It is more common in women and men who are overweight. Weight reduction helps to diminish the symptoms connected with hip arthritis. There is also a inherited predisposition of this disease; meaning hip arthritis tends to run in families. Additional dynamics that may contribute to developing hip arthritis include stress to the hip and fractures to the bone surrounding the joint.

What treatment is available for hip arthritis?

Management for hip arthritis must start with the simplest procedures, and work towards the other more involved, maybe even including surgery. Not every treatment is suitable for all patients, and we recommend that you make an appointment with your health practitioner to determine which remedies are the best solution for your arthritic hip condition.

-Weight Loss

This is undoubltedly a very critical remedy, yet it is actually the least frequently prescribed treatments. When the joint sustains less weight, all activities will become less {{{painful|agonizing|unpleasant}}.

-Walking Aids

If you use either a cane or one crutch in the opposite hand of the affected hip, it will help cut back the demand on the affected joint.

-Physical Therapy

Strengthening and toning muscles surrounding hip joints might help decrease the extra weight on the hip. Protecting against atrophy involving the muscles is a vital aspect in maintaining functional flexibility of the hip joint.

-Activity Modification

Limiting certain activities may be required, and learning new exercise methods may be helpful. Aquatic exercise is an excellent option for patients who have difficulty with mobility.

-Anti-Inflammatory Medications Anti-inflammatory remedies (NSAIDs) are usually prescribed. Nonprescription drugs help in pain treatment, and reduce inflammation.

-Joint Supplements (Glucosamine)

Glucosamine seems to be non-toxic and may be successful in management of arthritis. Unfortunately, study involving joint supplements has been rather insufficient.

-Complete Hip Replacement Surgery

During this surgical procedure, the cartilage will be removed, then a metal and plastic implant is inserted in the hip area.

Evaluation of a patient with hip arthritis must begin with a physical assessment and X-Rays. These can serve as a theory to assess further examinations and determine deterioration of this condition.

What is the solution for Arthritis Pain? Recovery? is a nutritional breakthrough that provides all natural wholefood support and is designed to heal at the root of the problem. The secret ingredient Nutricol?, removes everyday aches and pains. It supports joint health and enhances flexibility. For further information on this remarkable product visit: www.Remarkable-Recovery.com



Thanks to Maureen Fontaine for contributing this article to our Arthritis blog:

Arthritis Homeopathic Remedies

The Meaning of Arthritis

Joint inflammation is what arthritis means. Arthritis encompasses a wide variety of diseases and is not a single disease.

There are more than 100 rheumatic diseases and other conditions, that can cause pain, stiffness in the body and also swelling of the joints.

When one of these conditions damages the joints of the body this is when it is referred to as arthritis. Arthritis effect and disables our seniors and people 65 and older. There are many different forms of arthritis and they each have there own cause.

What do they have in common, 100 different diseases

We have a hundred different forms of arthritis, so what is common with all of them? The answer to this question is without a doubt pain. The arthritis pain will be different among all of the individuals suffering from arthritis, and the location of the pain will also be different.

Some symptoms of arthritis to warn you of possible problems

Swelling of your joints and stiffness are some of the signs and symptoms that you may be suffering from arthritis.

Are you feeling stiffness and swelling in one or more of your joints and have you been feeling this for a couple weeks or more? If you answered yes to the above then you need to visit your physician and have these warning signs diagnosed and treated.

Listing all the different types of arthritis would become quite extensive and I am not about to do that here. I will do another article explaining them, but for now here is a list of some of the most common types and the symptoms that are associated with each type of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis - what you will find is that the pain is worse at night or after rest. Osteo arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that results from wear and tear. Some of the symptoms of this are:

pain tenderness swelling decreased function

The onset of osteo arthritis is very subtle and gradual, usually involving one or only a few joints. Some of the joints most affected by this are:

knees hips hands spine

Rheumatoid - pain is felt in the morning. Sometimes in the elderly and children the pain may not be as pronounced, but some limbs may not want to function.

When you are suffering from Rheumatoid arthritis you are suffering from an auto immune disease. What is happening is the body is attacking itself. This can be a chronic and a disabling problem and can cause the following:

stiffness joint pain swelling loss of joint function

The cause of rheumatoid arthritis remains elusive. Doctors believe that there could be something genetic involved with this. Rheumatoid arthritis in the beginning stages can be difficult to diagnose because again this is gradual and has subtle symptoms.

There are many different types of arthritis and I am going to list some of them now. There is rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, gout and pseudogout, septic, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and many more.

The advances in medicine today have made treating the different types of arthritis many. You can use medicine prescribed by your doctor or even over the counter drugs and also arthroplasty and this is only a couple of ways to treat arthritis symptoms.

When joint pain is so severe that there may come a time when prosthetic joint replacement may become necessary. The people who have had this done are very satisfied with the results.

Arthritis has been around a long time. The first traces of arthritis dates back to 4500 B.C.

Dinosaurs have even had evidence to have had ankle osteoarthritis. The skeletal remains of Native Americans of Tennessee were noticed to have arthritis.

As time and technology advances may be in the future there will be a cure for arthritis. But only time will tell. Right now we try to treat the symptoms of pain and stiffness the best that we can.

There are other treatments besides the couple listed above and I will talk about them in another article.

Today many people struggle because of some form of arthritis, so learn of some Arthritis Prevention Tips now and you can also discover how some of the Celebrities with Rheumatoid Arthritis get by.



Thanks to Steve A Madigan for contributing this article to our Arthritis blog:

Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain Relief