What your joints need

A recent study has shown that the use of a combination of a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor along with methotrexate therapy in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was associated with a reduction in heart attack risk of 80 percent compared with patients using methotrexate alone, according to research presented recently at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting in Boston, Mass.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, systemic, autoimmune disease that not only causes pain, stiffness, swelling, and limitation of function in joints, but also damages internal organs as well.

Approximately, 2.1 million Americans are afflicted with RA, most of them women. As mentioned above, while joints are the principal areas affected by RA, inflammation can develop in other organs as well. Heart attacks, resulting from inflammation of the coronary vessels, are more common in RA sufferers.

Researchers recently studied the risk of heart attack in patients using a TNF-inhibitor (a drug that blocks cytokines and can turn off the chronic inflammation that causes destruction in RA), methotrexate (a drug used to treat RA by blocking the metabolism of cells) and other disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), which are a category of drugs used in RA to slow down the disease progression, in a large population of patients with RA-many of whom were also taking aspirin.

Using information obtained from MediCal, California’s Medicaid program, researchers studied patients over the age of 18, suffering from RA, who were treated with TNF-inhibitors, methotrexate, or other DMARDs, over a six-and-a-half year period.

A total of 19,233 patients with RA were identified. The patients’ mean age was 55 years.

Approximately 79 percent were women. Of these patients, 13,383 took methotrexate; 14,958 took other DMARDS; and 4,943 took TNF-inhibitors. Exposure of one group of patients to TNF-inhibitors (taken alone or in combination with methotrexate) was compared to that of the other group taking methotrexate alone.

During the study period, 441 patients suffered heart attacks, of which eight percent were fatal.

Researchers found that patients on a combination of TNF-inhibitors with methotrexate treatment had a heart attack risk of only 20 percent of the risk compared to patients taking methotrexate alone.

However, there was no statistical difference seen among patients who were taking TNF-inhibitors alone, TNF-inhibitors with other DMARDs, other DMARD therapies without methotrexate, or a combination of DMARDs and methotrexate. Therefore, this reduction in cardiovascular events appears to be a function of the combination of methotrexate and TNF-inhibitors.

“TNF-inhibitor therapy, in combination with methotrexate, dramatically reduces the risk of heart attacks in patients with RA and should be seriously considered- especially in high-risk patients,” said Gurkirpal Singh, MD, clinical professor of medicine in the division of gastroenterology at Stanford University School of Medicine, and an investigator in the study.

The notion that RA is a potentially crippling disorder is widely accepted. However, what is not generally known is that it is a potentially lethal disease leading to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

It is imperative that patients with RA understand the systemic nature of this condition and the need for aggressive intervention. This study lends more ammunition to the argument that patients with RA need to be treated with a combination of methotrexate and biologic therapy to not only reduce the chances for crippling deformity but also to reduce the likelihood of cardiovascular death.

Arthritis is a condition that can cause stiffness, pain and swelling in joints and other supporting structures of the body such as bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Some forms of arthritis may affect other parts of the body, including various internal organs. There are many different types of arthritis including osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease), rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gouty arthritis, and septic arthritis. Arthritis can affect anyone at any age. Arthritis treatment often includes physical therapy and exercise. Physical therapy and exercise can help arthritis sufferers in many ways. The primary goal is to improve functional capacity to help reduce pain and fatigue associated with daily activities. Increasing the range of motion of a joint is the primary focus of physical therapy.

Physical therapy and exercise for arthritis focuses on pain relief, and in restoring function and movement. Physical therapy programs may provide therapeutic methods, including physical techniques and activity modifications. A physical therapy program consisting of manual therapy and exercise benefits patients with arthritis.

Gentle exercise helps to prevent bone loss and osteoporosis. Lifting weights is a beneficial exercise for arthritis and for joint support. Physical therapy and exercise reduces joint pain and stiffness, builds strong muscle around the joints, and increases flexibility, muscle strength, cardiac fitness, and endurance.

Some of the exercises prescribed for people with arthritis:

•    Range-of-motion exercises (stretching or flexibility exercises)

•    Strengthening exercises

•    Water exercises

•    Recreational exercises

•    Endurance or aerobic exercises

Physical therapy and exercise helps to:

•    Maintain normal joint movement

•    Strengthen muscles around the joints

•    Strengthen and maintain bone and cartilage tissue

•    Improve overall ability to do everyday activities

•    Maintain weight to reduce pressure on joints

•    Keep bone and cartilage tissue strong and healthy

Depending on the severity of arthritis, a physical therapist may suggest either isometric or isotonic exercises. A combination of manual physical therapy and exercise is more effective to reduce pain, dysfunction and stiffness in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.

Reviews the common causes of neck and arm pain with current technology for treatment. Treatment options including non suurgical and surgical options are reviewed in detail. The risks and benefits of surgery are discussed. Before watching this video, review the anatomy of the neck through our cervical anatomy series.

Fish oil for arthritis treatment is becoming more and more popular as we learn more about how it helps this and many other conditions like hypertension. Once we understand how it works we need to make sure we select the right oil to get the maximum benefits.

Fish oil arthritis treatment works due to the fact that the omega 3 fatty acids in the oil, namely DHA and EPA help to reduce inflammation. In fact no other natural substance has been shown to have such a remarkable effect.

Studies have shown that people with rheumatoid arthritis experience less joint swelling and stiffness when they take a fish oil supplement, with some even being able to come off their anti-inflammatory prescription drugs.

Fish oil for arthritis treatment is not the only benefit that omega 3 can give as it helps to reduce heart attacks and strokes, saving hundreds of thousands of lives as most people are unaware they are at risk.

To get the most from your supplement look for a pharmaceutical grade, molecularly distilled one, as this means all the impurities will have been removed and good sources of fish are cold water species like Tuna and Hoki.

You should be able to see the amounts of the omega 3 fatty acids it contains clearly, with DHA being the most important according to the latest research. A higher level of DHA also helps to promote brain health and proper functioning.

For truly remarkable fish oil for arthritis treatment it is essential to select the very best oil and if you follow this brief guide then you will be able to enjoy the maximum benefits.

If you would like to learn more about the high quality fish oil supplements I personally take, please visit my website.

Many individuals on a global scale are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis annually. For many, this is an extremely disheartening diagnosis. While it may be challenging to live with the complications of this form of arthritis, it is still quite possible to live a full and healthy life with this medical condition. In order to fully understand rheumatoid arthritis, it is important to first gain a basic knowledge of arthritis. Arthritis is the name that is issued to the condition in which the joints of an individual experiences consistent inflammation. Here, we will explore the condition of rheumatoid arthritis, and the overall impact it has on an individual’s health.

In most situations, basic arthritis will affect one specific location, or side, of the body. However, in individuals that experience rheumatoid arthritis, both sides or various areas, of the body are affected. This devastating condition is considered to be one of many autoimmune disorders. Not only does this type of arthritis affect the joints, but it also impacts the immune system. As a result of the immune system suppression that is experienced, other important areas of the body often suffer from the impact of arthritis that is considered to be rheumatoid.

This disheartening medical complication has been documented in affecting areas of the body, such as the cardiovascular system. This includes the heart, as well as the various blood vessels that supply blood to various areas of the body. It can also affect the central nervous system, affecting the nerves throughout the body. In many cases, the respiratory system has experienced effects from rheumatoid arthritis. The eyes and the skin of an individual may even experience issues once the diagnosis of this disease is made.

Rheumatoid arthritis has different impacts on every individual that experiences it. There are some that gradually suffer and experience the symptoms of RA. There are many who are quickly affected by this type of arthritis. Then, there are some people who are affected for short periods of time and then experience the symptoms of RA in intervals throughout the course of their lifetime. It is very important to know and understand that rheumatoid arthritis can affect any age group, any gender, and any race at any point in their lives.

There are many different explanations when it comes to the exact cause of this type of arthritis. However, most explanations lean toward the fact that this disease is inherited in one way or another. Many feel as if hormones have a huge impact on the development of RA. There are a number who believe that being exposed to certain environmental factors, such as different toxins, can produce the onset of rheumatoid arthritis. Then, there are those who firmly believe that rheumatoid arthritis is developed by a mixture of all the above listed elements.

Many prescription medications have been designated as an appropriate treatment for this type of arthritis. The medications help to soothe the symptoms that are associated with rheumatoid arthritis. There are medications that can assist in the elimination of inflammation and pain. However, many medical professionals are starting to believe that the toxicity of these prescription medications can actually worsen the symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis. This is why a large empathizes on natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis are being explored. This includes the use of over-the-counter natural supplements, nutrients, and topical creams.

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS STUDY

Arthritis is a group of conditions where there is damage caused to the joints of the body. Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints, which results in pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited movement. Arthritis is frequently accompanied by joint pain. There are over 100 different types of arthritis. Arthritis is classified as one of the rheumatic diseases. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is traditionally considered a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the joints. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is a form of the disease that happens in children. The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative joint disease. There is emerging evidence that abnormal anatomy may contribute to early development of osteoarthritis.Other types or cause of arthritis include

Treatment of arthritis depends on the particular cause, which joints are affected, severity, and how the condition affects your daily activities. Gout ,scleroderma ,psoriatic arthritis ,ankylosing spondylitis ,reiter’s syndrome (reactive arthritis) ,adult atill’s disease ,viral arthritis and gonococcal arthritis. Exercise for arthritis is necessary to maintain healthy joints, relieve stiffness, reduce pain and fatigue, and improve muscle and bone strength. Aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen — these nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs are often effective in combating arthritis pain. Second-line drugs used for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis include hydroxychloroquine, gold, penicillamine, azathioprine, sulfasalazine and methotrexate.

Nutritional supplements helpful in treating rheumatic diseases. Cold therapy can involve cold packs, ice massage, soaking in cold water, or over-the-counter sprays and healing salve that cool the skin and joints. Aerobic or endurance exercises (e.g., walking, bicycle riding) to improve cardiovascular fitness, help control weight, and improve overall well-being. Relaxation therapy helps reduce pain by teaching people various ways to release muscle tension throughout the body. Heat therapy increases blood flow, tolerance for pain, and flexibility. Cold therapy numbs the nerves around the joint (which reduces pain) and may relieve inflammation and muscle spasms. Capsaicin cream is a preparation put on the skin to relieve joint or muscle pain when only one or two joints are involved.

Arthritis Remedies Tips

1. Chamomilla – Useful when the person is angry and restless.

2. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, is a mild painkiller and strengthens connective tissue between joints.

3. Ginger is anti-inflammatory and can be used internally and externally.

4. Nettle strengthens and supports the whole body and improves elimination of waste via the kidneys.

5. Boswellia has been used for thousands of years as a natural anti-inflammatory.

6. 1 tbs juice of fresh leaves of bathua, drink every day on an empty stomach for 2-3 months.

7. Devil’s claw is useful for a wide range of joint and muscular problems as it’s an anti-inflammatory herb.

8. Hepar sulphurls calcareum: 6, four d when suppuration has taken place.

There is a little-known natural solution to curing oneself of arthritis pain, which I discovered several years ago. During my nursing career I was never able to find relief for my arthritis pain until I turned to the field considered natural or alternative medicine.

To get the arthritis pain relief you’re seeking it’s helpful to understand how arthritis works. Arthritic joints appear to be larger, are stiff and painful, and usually feel worse the more they are used as the day progresses. Arthritis pain can be experienced whenever a stiff or swollen joint is used.

The cartilage is slippery tissue that coats the ends of the bones. In young people, cartilage is about 85% water and in older folks about 70% of cartilage is water. The ability to make repairs to cartilage becomes limited as cartilage cells age.

Researchers report a higher incidence of osteoarthritis between parents and children or between siblings than between husbands and wives. The cause of arthritis (osteoarthritis) and the factors leading to the deterioration of cartilage in osteoarthritis is still not understood. Possible causes of arthritis include lesser known: bleeding disorders, like hemophilia, which causes bleeding to occur in the joint; disorders such as avascular necrosis, that block the blood supply closest to the joint; and conditions like hemochromatosis, that causes iron build-up in the joints.

Some people swear by morning drinks of raw apple cider vinegar and honey for arthritis pain relief. Try avoiding the eight most allergic foods, wheat being the most allergenic; they are wheat, corn, eggs, milk, peanuts, fish, shellfish and some nuts, not all. Some people swear by glucosamine and/or chondroitin and others say it didn’t help at all.

Many have told me that going off dairy products and gluten containing foods relieved their arthritis pain entirely. Making a ginger tea, by adding a thin slice or two of fresh gingerroot to hot water, is helpful to many people I know. For snacks, choose raw nuts without salt instead of lifeless roasted nuts.

The first step in managing your arthritis is to change your diet; I think all experts would agree on this. Dried Montmorency tart cherries seem to be helpful for arthritis pain also.

Make smoothies with fruit only using a base of two bananas, adding a cup of frozen or fresh blueberries and mango chunks or substitute any other fruit and add an energy boost of two tablespoons of coconut oil; add one or two leaves of kale for another highly nutritional boost — no one will ever know. Many arthritis sufferers have changed their diets and noticed significant or total improvement.

Even the lightest exercise can go a long way to maintaining your joint mobility and overall health. Sign up for water aerobics classes at your local community center. If weight is an issue, try to use exercises that will help you in losing weight such as walking. A good exercise routine is the key to beating arthritis and arthritis pain.

Keep a bedside basket of arthritic aids for arthritic hands (theraputty, hand grips, Taiji chime balls, etc.) to be used at bedtime or while watching television. Fight arthritis through proper exercise! Stretching and warming up the joints should always be the first step in your exercise routine to make your joints more flexible.

Only you know which treatment option is best for you. Drugs commonly used for arthritis pain can cause ulcers, heart disease and liver or kidney damage.

Let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other drugs, herbs or other supplements you’re taking, to ward off any adverse drug reactions that might occur from the combining of different drugs or supplements.

Your treatment plan should include an anti-arthritis diet, exercise, and a positive mental attitude. I got rid of my arthritis pain years ago when I stopped eating dead food and changed my diet to all living foods; you can do it too. Begin your treatment program with a diet change, exercise and weight loss plan to see results and pain relief fast.