What your joints need

The term ‘Arthritis’ is derived from the Greek words ‘arthron’ meaning ‘joint’ and ‘itis’ meaning inflammation. It refers to more than 100 different types of arthritis conditions. The common denominator for all these conditions is joint and musculoskeletal (bones and muscle) pain. Arthritis is not just a disease of the old though many older people do have arthritis.

Arthritis is a joint (the area of the body where two different bones meet) disorder. Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, pseudogout, psoriatic arthritis, and fibromyalgia are some common types. As a degenerative joint disease, it is the major cause of disability in older people. So it is better to consult physician as early as possible if any of the following symptoms persists. Let’s discuss the symptoms, diagnosis, and cure for arthritis.

Causes of Arthritis:

1] Old age is the most common reason for arthritis. As one ages, the cartilage on his joints wear off. Too much damage sustained by the joints would lead to arthritis. Throughout the years, the cartilage in the joints would begin to thin out.

2] Obesity and too much physical activities are the other common causes.

3] Genetics has a major role to play in all families and often diseases can be found even before they start showing signs, simply by looking at your family history.

4] The onset of childhood arthritis may follow an infection or injury, but these events do not cause the arthritis. With childhood arthritis, the body’s immune system stops working properly.

Arthritis Symptoms:

-Pain and limited functionality of joints

-Inflammation of joints

Types of Arthritis:

Rheumatoid Arthritis: This type of arthritis is not restricted to any particular age. It can happen to you at any age.

Osteoarthritis: This is the most common of the types of arthritis. It has been discovered to be the cause of severe strain and the wearing away of the cartilage in the joints of the foot.

Gout: This type of arthritis is associated with foot complications. It affects the big toe most of the time.

Juvenile arthritis: Unfortunately, children are not left out of this deadly disease known as arthritis. Juvenile arthritis affects mostly children before the age of sixteen, which is why it is called Juvenile arthritis.

Treatment of Arthritis:

1] Physical therapy

2] Splinting

3] Cold pack application

4] Paraffin wax dips

5] Anti- inflammation medications

6] Immune-altering medication

7] Surgical operations

8] Cheese – It is an excellent source of calcium for bones, and protein for muscles and other joint-supporting tissues.

9] Banana – It is perhaps a rich source of potassium, but has also good sources of arthritis-fighting vitamin B6, folate, and vitamin C.

10] Green tea – It contains hundreds of powerful antioxidant chemicals called polyphenols and may help prevent or ease symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

11] Salmon – It is among the richest sources of healthy fats, making it an ideal source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Surgical operations are the best solution for long-term treatment. Joint replacement surgery is one of the most popular surgeries these days. Medications along with proper diet & exercise are fruitful in controlling the pain, but they can’t cure arthritis.

Read About Home Remedies also Read about Home Remedies for Arthritis and Home Remedies for Asthma

Arthritis is an inflammatory and painful condition of joints that most people suffer from across the globe. Most people are under a notion that there is no treatment for arthritis once it has occurred.

Even medical experts have claimed that there is no effective treatment available for arthritis once it strikes. There are several medications topical creams and oils available for relieving the symptoms of arthritis.

However, a recent research and medical claims have proved that arthritis can be effectively treated. In fact, there are several exercises and medicines available on the market, these days for treating arthritis.

If you are not aware of the treatment options available for arthritis, here is detailed information on all types of treatment options that can be opted for treating different types of arthritis.

Most of the medications for arthritis aim towards reducing the arthritis symptoms, delaying the progression of the disease, preventing joint damage, reducing deformities, preserving mobility, reducing deforming chances and preserving range of motion.

People who observe early symptoms of arthritis usually like to go for over the counter or not prescription medication such as topical creams, traditional methods such as massages, ice, heat and pain relief medicines without consulting a medical expert.

Medical experts feel that if a joint pain, swelling or stiffness persists for more than two weeks, you must rush for medical help. It is only a doctor who will diagnose arthritis. Remember that an accurate diagnosis it is very important to initiate the right treatment.

Visit a rheumatologist or an arthritis specialist who will prescribe you the best treatment options after analyzing your condition.

Some common drugs used to treat arthritis:

- COX-2 Inhibitors

- NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

- Pain medication or analgesics

- Corticosteroids

- DMARDs (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs)

- Biologic response modifiers or biologies

It is important to ask your doctor for prescriptions of medication for arthritis rather than deciding one on your own.

- Other treatment options for arthritis:

a) Injections into a joint

This is also a common procedure for treating arthritis. You would find a wide variety of injections that can be giving to the joint locally. The five common types of injections available include Synvisc, Supartz, Hyalgan, Orthovisc and Euflexxa.

b) Natural Treatments

These are really common and popular among people because there are no side effects. The treatment options include Biofeedback, Tai Chi, Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Acupressure, Massage, yoga, meditation, magnets and supplements such as chondroitin, fish oil, MSM, glucosamine etc.

c) Complimentary medications

These are alternative medications that can be used interchangeably. These include regular work out, stress management and eating a nutritious diet.

d) Surgical options

A joint surgery is considered a last option when it comes to arthritis treatment. There are several options available under this treatment category such as resection, partial knee replacement, arthrodesis, osteotomy, synovectomy, and revision joint replacement.

e) Pain relief

Arthritis pain can be really troubling. It can even interfere in our daily life. Several pain relief techniques and medications are available these days to help people with arthritis.

Arthritis is one of the most chronic joint diseases of the world. The word arthritis is derived from two Greek words – athron, meaning joints; and itis, meaning inflammation.

Thus, arthritis is defined as the inflammation of one or more joints. Any part of the body can become inflamed or painful from arthritis. Some rheumatic conditions can result in weakening, even life-threatening complications or may affect other parts of the body including muscles, bones and internal organs.

Arthritis can affect anyone at any age, including children. Women are more prone as compared to men.

Types of arthritis:

There are more than 100 known types of arthritis. The following are the most commonly occurring types and account for 90 per cent of arthritis cases:

1) Rheumatoid arthritis

2) Osteoarthritis – a degenerative disorder that mainly occurs in women after menopause, but it may occur in young age also.

3) Ankylosing sponndylitis – affects the spine

4) Systemic lupus erythematosus – affects the sun exposed areas of the skin, such as the cheeks; internal organs can also be affected by inflammation.

5) Juvenile arthritis

6) Fibromyalgia – sleep dysfunction and irritable bowel symptoms

7) Gout – severe acute attacks of joint pain and swelling, in the big toe, the ankle, knee and elbow. This is caused due to deposition of uric acid crystals.

What causes arthritis?

Exact cause of the arthritis is not known.

1) Triggering agents, such as germs, which cause tuberculosis, pneumonia can affect the joints, causing arthritis.

2) Structural changes in the articular cartilage in the joints, usually those that are weight bearing, such as the spine and knees – main cause of osteoarthritis.

3) Deposition of uric acid in the joints.

4) Hereditary

5) Hormonal imbalance, physical or emotional stress causes rheumatoid arthritis.

6) If suffering from syphilis and gonorrhea, can be another possible cause for arthritis.

7) Climatic conditions such as cold and moisture can aggravate discomfort.

Symptoms:

Different types of arthritis have different symptoms. In general, arthritis is associated with pain and stiffness in the joints for atleast 3 days in a week over the last two months.

Some common symptoms include:

1) Mild swelling, pain and tenderness in the joints of the fingers, wrists, knees and feet.

2) Pain gets aggravated by any sort of movement in the joint.

3) Fever and stress

4) Anaemia

5) Weight loss

6) Joints feel red and warm.

7) Inflammation of the heart, lungs, eyes, nerves, blood vessels and lymph glands

Arthritis Treatment:

Unfortunately, there is no cure for arthritis. There are various treatment options, which help with managing pain and reducing deformity and disability. Early diagnosis is very important in getting arthritis under control.

Treatment options vary depending on the type of arthritis and include physical and occupational therapy, medications, Exercise of the joints is important in the case of arthritis, to help prevent the stiffness of muscles and joints.

There are several drugs that are used for the pain and inflammation of arthritis, but most of them are not very effective, because they cause lot of side effects. Side effects include gastrointestinal problems, such as, bleeding ulcers, stomach pain; which interfere with the synthesis of collagen, (fundamental for the formation of cartilage.

As a last resort, arthroplasty may be suggested. This, literally meaning “formation of joint” is an orthopadic surgical procedure, in which the arthritic or dysfunctional joint surface is replaced with something better.

Home remedies for arthritis:

* Intake of ample amounts of vitamin C in the form of citrus fruits, vegetables is a good home remedy for rheumatoid arthritis.

* Yoga is an effective ayurveda treatment to prevent and reduce joint stiffness, and increase their movement. This is useful in Arthritis pain relief

* Garlic contains anti-inflammatory properties, which is effective in the treatment of arthritis. Garlic may be taken raw or cooked.

* Lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey in a cup of warm water taken 2-3 times daily is effective for the treatment of arthritis. The citric acid found in lime is a solvent of uric acid which is the primary cause of some types of arthritis. This remedy is considered as effective Home Remedy For Arthritis

* Half teaspoon of turmeric powder taken with warm milk twice a day is beneficial in arthritis pain relief.

* Rubbing the aching joints with hot sesame oil before going to bed gives relief to the pain. Alternatively, warm coconut oil or mustard oil, mixed with two or three pieces of camphor should be massaged on stiff and aching joints. It will increase blood supply, and reduce inflammation and stiffness.

* Another herb known as Guggul is very helpful in curing arthritis. If available, eat half a teaspoon twice a day after meals with warm water.

* Raw potato juice therapy – Potatoes soaked in cold water – The water should be drunk in the morning on an empty stomach. Fresh juice can also be extracted from potatoes. This remedy is considered as useful Home Remedy For Arthritis

The chronic disease arthritis means joint inflammation. Pain relief is the main area of concern for the sufferers of arthritis. People have often tried traditional medications without success, they are often not eligible for surgery and as a result, they will see relieve through natural arthritis treatment.

Debilitating Arthritis is a disease that causes pain and loss of movement of the joints. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in people over the age of 55. Arthritis affects the movements you rely on for everyday activities. Arthritis refers to a group of more than 100 rheumatic diseases and other conditions that can cause pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints. These distinct conditions may require the special attention and the treatment for the arthritis symptoms and anxiety.

There are many forms of arthritis, each of which has a different cause. Inflammatory arthritis or the Osteoarthritis is characterized by inflammation of tissues of the cartilage associated with joints. Connective tissue diseases, crystal deposition diseases, infectious arthritis are examples of Osteoarthritis arthritis (OA). Rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis are autoimmune diseases in which the body is attacking itself. Septic arthritis is caused by joint infection. Gouty arthritis is caused by deposition of uric acid crystals in the joint that results in subsequent inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is traditionally considered a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the joints. It is a disabling and painful inflammatory condition, which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. Arthritis sufferers include men and women, children and adults.

Most type of the arthritis is the main cause of suffering for the people lasting life span. From the time of diagnosis, people must learn to manage arthritis pain and inflammation. Unfortunately, there is no cure treatment for arthritis pain relief, but some of the natural supplements, exercise, loosing weight and the application of the heat and cold therapy do prove good and improve the function and the flexibility of the joints and thus these ways are treated as the slowing down process of the disease arthritis.

The degenerative disease arthritis can be tackled by some the vitamin supplements. These vitamins are Vitamin B and Vitamin E. The vitamin E supplements are treated to be the antioxidant that is helpful in suppressing the Osteoarthritis joint pain. Vitamin B is also an effective pain reliever. It works best on the knee and can help stop degeneration that is caused by free-radical molecules, not only in the joints but in other areas of the body as well.