Archive for September 26th, 2009

Psoriasis History

Saturday, September 26th, 2009
Jane Robinson Said:

Form the beginning of humankind hundreds of thousands of human beings – from common people to stars, from kings to important modern politicians – suffered and do still suffer from psoriasis today.

Psoriasis is even cited in the writings of ancient healing. Back in the late classic times there was a known disease, which was realized by the peeling and itchiness of skin.

The problem of Ancient Greek medical expressions led to the fact that in the functions of Hippocrates, leprosy and psoriasis were collectively under one name, which was -leprosy. Psoriasis was known in the times of Hippocrates under the names of lepra and psora, as well as alphos and leichen. In the times of Hippocrates a dermatological expressions was introduced, utilized sometimes even at present, some of the terms of which had a group meaning. So, under the term “psoriasis” they united the diseases, which are accompanied by tuberosity, by the formation of scale, spots and by keratosis, such as eczema, lichens (micose, red flat lichen, tubercular lupus, leprosy, etc).

Each of these terms had their really unique elements; for example, the term “leprosy” was used with the determination of the assortment of the diseases, which are manifested by a thick skin, by its peeling and itchiness, which in some way tells us about psoriasis in today’s idea of psoriasis.

At the start of our era a distinguished Greek physician named Claudius Galen was first to use the term “psoriasis” to label the scaly changes in the skin with an extreme itchiness; however, clinically this condition little resembled the present manifestations of psoriasis.

In the writings of the past hundreds of years psoriasis itself was sometimes mistaken to be leprosy, mange, Vitiligo, which usually needed a strict segregation and other subsequent consequences: people with psoriasis didn’t get any health care; they had to wear a really unusual outfit and bell.

With the term “psora” (ancient name of psoriasis) it was called the variety of diseases of the skin, for which was known for it’s peeling, dry skin and itchiness. 

The first visible description of the clinical manifestations of psoriasis belongs to a 2nd century Greek philosopher named Celsus.

Only the start of the 19th Century an English physician named Willan and his students clearly offered the idea of psoriasis as an illness, its manifestations and problems. They differentiated it from leprosy and fungus diseases.They secluded the usual and uncommon surge of psoriasis (changes in the palms, feet, etc. ). Willan described two diseases: discoid psoriasis, which he called Lepra Graecorum and Psora Leprosa. Willan in 1801 gave a description of the ailment taking into account variations in the clinical make-up of psoriasis.

A key role in the course of the probe into psoriasis was done by a Russian dermatologists of the 19th century , which considered this dermatosis as a system ailment,”psoriatic disease”, capturing into account the connection of psoriasis with the pathology of the interior organs, metabolism, and the condition of the nervous system. The physicians of various countries (Gebr, H.Koebner and others) have also later pointed out the connection of psoriatic disease with the circumstance of the nervous system, and the diseases of the interior organs.

Later dermatology was enriched by new facts about the zest of the disease. All the cumulated evidence lets us at present call psoriasis a “system disease”.

New evidence about the essence and the mechanism of the course of the illness was obtained in the last 40 years; the new modern methods for the therapy were envisioned and used: PUVA- treatment, corticosteroids, retinoids, cytostatics in the therapy of severe forms, Selective Ultraviolet Phototherapy, acupuncture, hemosorption etc.

During the latter part of the 20th century it was obvious by a truly immense approach to the dilemma of psoriasis. Only in the last 10 years or so, around the globe there have been published more than ten-thousand pieces, devoted to psoriatic dermatosis, which makes it one of the most examined. However, none of the possibilities or the theories show a complete essence of the illness, and the same problems of treatment and preventive maintenance stands in front of the latest dermatologists as vivid as it did a century ago.

Currently, many Researchers and educational institutions deal with the exploration of the root, manifestations, and with the refinement of new ways to treat and use preventive maintenance measures for psoriasis. In the United States the key scientific focal point for psoriasis is Stanford University, which has 35 different countries from around the world in the form of an international association on the studies of psoriasis. The association publishes the only one on the entire planet the American Journal of Psoriasis. It deals with the inquiries about psoriasis from dermatologist all around the globe.

Every five years there is carried out a World Congress specialized to the difficulty of psoriasis.

October 29th is dedicated as World Psoriasis Day. Every year it is devoted to persons with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

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Effective Arthritis Pain Relief — Tips And Treatments

Saturday, September 26th, 2009
Helen Hecker Said:

I got rid of my arthritis and arthritis pain forever by doing one single thing – read on. There is a little-known natural solution to curing oneself of arthritis pain that I discovered several years ago.

Arthritic joints appear to be larger, are stiff and painful, and usually feel worse the more they are used. Arthritis is usually found in the joints of the fingers, feet, knees, hips, and spine. Unlike some other types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis is not systemic – it does not spread through the entire body.

Joints are designed for normal and painless movement and are primarily supplied by the synovium and cartilage. Cartilage contains chondrocytes, water, proteoglycans and collagen; chondrocytes are the basic cartilage cells and are necessary for balance and function. The combination of the collagen meshwork and high water content tightly bound by proteoglycans creates a resilient, slippery pad in the joint, which resists the compression between bones during muscle movement.

Aging cells may be a factor in the development of arthritis. It’s generally thought that inflammation plays a minor role in osteoarthritis and is more likely to be a result, not a cause, of arthritis. As chondrocytes (the cells that make up cartilage) age, they lose their ability to make repairs and produce more cartilage; this process may play an important role in the development and progression of osteoarthritis.

Nutrition experts say it takes a combination of supplements, that no one supplement can relieve arthritis pain, build cartilage, etc. Try massaging your fingers or other affected joints with coconut oil twice a day. One natural treatment method involves avoiding all inflammatory foods.

If your osteoarthritis is affecting your load-bearing joints, keeping your weight within a normal range is important. 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. Dried Montmorency tart cherries seem to be helpful for arthritis pain also.

A study in Great Britain touted the beneficial effects of cod liver oil on osteoarthritis; relieving pain and stiffness, and reversing the destruction of joint cartilage within 24 hours. Watch your diet closely – load-bearing joints are affected by excessive weight; they are the hips, knees, feet and spine.

I eat a diet of living foods (fruits, raw veggies, raw nuts and raw seeds) to relieve my arthritis pain and this should be tried for at least 30 days, thus eliminating any foods that might be culprits. If you’re not already doing so, make a big effort to watch your diet.

To be on the safe side always seek your doctor’s advice before starting or changing your exercise program. Whatever you do, keep moving; don’t sit when you can stand, don’t stand when you can walk. For arthritic fingers, a good exercise is to put your finger tips together and press hard and release, then repeat several times. Use Taiji health balls, with the chimes, to strengthen the finger joints: hold two balls, move in a clockwise circle with your fingers to rotate them, then try counterclockwise and do throughout the day.

Try to keep painful joint areas in motion, even in a limited manner. 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. Stretching and warming up the joints should always be the first step in your exercise routine to make your joints more flexible.

Be aware that the use of NSAIDs or Cox-2 inhibitors do not halt the progress of osteoarthritis and may even hasten the onset. If you’re planning to take any of the non-prescription NSAIDS for arthritis, make sure you understand what bad effects they can have on the stomach, liver and/or kidneys and discuss this with your doctor. At the very least, understand what the side effects and adverse reactions are for any drug you take.

Knowing more about arthritis and how it works will ultimately help contribute to your relief of arthritis pain. One should not only search for relief of arthritis pain but work on preventing it. Your treatment plan should include an anti-arthritis diet, exercise, and a positive mental attitude.

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How To Take Control Of Your Arthritis

Saturday, September 26th, 2009
HealthDotCom Said:

In this video, Dr. S. Sam Lim, MD, a rheumatologist at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta explains how early diagnosis and treatment and working with your doctor can help you manage the pain of arthritis.

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Arthritis Back Pain Relief Products – An Insight

Saturday, September 26th, 2009
Krystyna Pritschmann Said:

Arthritis is considered to be one of the widely spread disease in North America. Don’t take arthritis easily, there are lot more, say hundreds and thousands of disease included in this one term called arthritis. Let us get on to more details about this in the coming paragraphs.

Arthritis, if developed once, it is not that easily curable. Arthritis may be with you even for your life time like how your shadow follows you throughout your life.

Arthritis, what it is? It is related to joint pains and swelling. There are hundreds and thousands forms of arthritis prevalent these days. In general, public is of the opinion that only old age people will get arthritis and younger generation need not worry about it. However, this is not true.

Fact about arthritis is that even small children are prone to arthritis. Arthritis can either be mild or severe. When mild, we will not be able to take notice of arthritis. When severe, it might even affect your daily chores.

Consult your doctor before you go in for arthritis back pain relief products. Self-medication is always dangerous. Use Internet to the maximum and do proper research before settling on to arthritis back pain relief product.

Loads of information is available in the Internet. All you have to know is how to effectively use the World Wide Web to gather the requisite information. Just type in arthritis back pain relief and see the amount of information that you get. Lots of arthritis pain relief creams and tablets are available to relieve yourself from the pain you are suffering.

Let me give you an insight about few arthritis back pain relief products among the many that are available in the market.

Remarkable Recovery:

Remarkable Recovery is considered to be the best online company that deals with arthritis back pain relief product. Main and exciting features about their products are that they are made of natural ingredients and are safe to use. They have their own range of powders, capsules and tablets.

You name a disease; they have a product for it. They have a wide range of natural products that cures from ailments like diabetes, gout, anti-aging, eczema to name a few.

Ayurvedic Care:

Ayurvedic care is another company that deals with natural arthritis back pain relief products. They have medicines for various forms of arthritis like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, sciatia disorders, cervical spondylosis, and much more.

If the pain is unmanageable, it is recommended that you visit the nearest medical practitioner as it may even lead to crippling. Don’t take medicines as you wish. Work closely with your doctor. Ensure that there is adequate improvement in the treatment. You should co-operate with the doctor if you wish to see good results. If your doctor asks you to take a particular medicine twice a day or tells you to go for a walk, ensure that you follow it. If not, desired results may not be achieved.

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An Overview Of Several Natural Arthritis Treatments

Saturday, September 26th, 2009
Robert Kokoska Said:

Feeling a little itchy, inflamed and stiff in the joints? If you feel that your condition adhere to the aforementioned characteristics, then it is possible that you may be suffering from arthritis. You are just one of the millions of people around the world who are infected with this condition. Arthritis involves pain, swelling, and inflammation of joints which results from infections, metabolic disturbances or other causes.

Fluctuating pain and stiffness follow and can get worse during occasional flare-ups. Many people who are affected by this condition regularly complain of flu- like symptoms such as tiredness and depression. Therefore it is essential to treat this condition before it gets onto the next stage and halt it in its tracks. This article aims to provide an insight into several methods that can be used to treat arthritis naturally, causing minimal side effects.

The technique of acupuncture has been used for centuries by the Chinese. It is based on the theory that inserting hair-fine needles along certain energy lines can help stimulate energy flow. It is believed by scientists that the insertion causes the nervous system to release endogenous, which acts as pain-relieving chemicals. This can therefore help in reducing pain.

Alexander technique involves analyzing whole body patterns, rather then a certain part of the body which contains the symptom. It is a way of teaching improved stance to help people stand and move more efficiently. It is designed to help us maneuver in a better way and eliminate tension which is responsible for many ailments in the body which rambles on to give a greater effect during old age.

Aromatherapy is a technique similar to that of massage. It involves the use of extracted oil from flowers, plants and trees, and using it in combination with massage, baths and steam inhalation. The right mixture of essential oils can provide a number of benefits. It helps in relaxation, pain relief and decreasing tiredness.

Chiropractic has long been used to give relief from symptoms of arthritis. This technique aims to increase the mobility and relieve the body of tension and stress by adjusting the joints of the spins and the limbs, which demonstrates constrained movement.

Homeopathy has its roots in history. Developed in the 18 century, its a system of remedies based on the belief that taking tiny amount of natural substances to stimulate body own defenses against arthritis. It basically involves taking the whole body into account rather then a specific region.

Osteopathy is a method to treat arthritis which includes the manipulation of the body to restore normal action and decrease pain. This methods cant reverse profound damage done to the joints but can help in improving mobility. However this treatment is not recommended for those suffering from osteoporosis or inflamed joints.

Reflexology has been an ancient technique used by the early Egyptians and Chinese. It involves massage to the feet and the palm of the hand to help improve the state of the rest of the body. When massage will be applied to the feet or palm of the hand, it will generate a warm and comforting sensation. This is an ideal method for stress management and overall health maintenance; factors that cause arthritis.

The practice of yoga has been used for a variety of conditions. It involves a combination of breathing exercises and relaxation to cope with daily stress and help in circulation and movement of joints.

The aforementioned techniques have been the most common natural arthritis treatments. However before any of theses techniques are implemented, it is essential to see your nearest doctor to analyze your state and then use these techniques. This is because each arthritis patient will have requirements that need to be addressed individually.

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Arthritis Explained

Saturday, September 26th, 2009
Lambert Klein Said:

Arthritis can be grouped into two main categories based upon the “localized” or “generalized” areas of the body or joints that are affected and then into sub-categories.

Localized Conditions: The arthritis that affects the soft tissue surrounding the joints or bones is considered soft tissue localized conditions, such as bursitis or tendonitis. Another sub-category of the localized conditions only affects one or only a few joints, such as a knee or hip.

Generalized Conditions: The first sub-category for generalized conditions are for those that affect the muscle and soft tissue where there is no evidence of swelling or inflammation. The condition is not associated with joint damage. Fibromyalgia is a common type of arthritis that is placed under this category.

The second sub-category of conditions includes arthritis conditions that involve inflammation that affects the entire body. Rheumatoid arthritis is an example of a condition under this category, as well as gout, and psoriatic arthritis. Other generalized arthritis conditions are polymyositis (muscles); systemic lupus erythematosus (skin, kidneys, or other organs); and vasculitis (any organ).

All arthritis conditions affect the musculoskeletal system and joints. Arthritis affecting the joint conditions causes pain, stiffness, inflammation, and damage to the joint cartilage. Cartilage is the tissue that covers the ends of the bones that protect them as they rub together. Cartilage is living tissue. Therefore, it has the same needs as other organs and glands. Cartilage cells are called chondrocytes. All chondrocytes will die and are usually replaced by new cartilage cells. However, over time inflammation can kill more cartilage cells than the body can replace. This is especially true if there has been an injury or there is not enough proper nutrients in the body to repair the joint. Damage from arthritis can also cause joint weakness, instability and deformities and interrupt daily activities. Typically, arthritis is treated with medication, physical therapy, and changes to the person’s lifestyle. Joint replacement surgery is a last resort after healthcare providers have tried other less intrusive interventions to relieve the discomfort.

A person can have more than one type of arthritis. Arthritis includes more than 100 medical conditions that affect approximately 46 million adults and 300,000 children in the United States. Arthritis can start as early as infancy, while it is most common among adults over 60, primarily in the form of osteoarthritis. As the American population ages, the number of people with arthritis is increasing. Arthritis and related illnesses are the cause of major disability in the U.S. and costs over $124 billion a year in medical care and indirect expenses. Individuals can help prevent osteoarthritis by following a few simple steps:

- Maintain appropriate weight

- Consume fresh fruits and vegetables as a good source of vitamins c and d

- Make sure you are getting enough calcium (adults: 1000-1500mg per day)

- Exercise

- Avoid sports injuries

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Battling Rheumatoid Arthritis

Saturday, September 26th, 2009
ArthritisFdn Said:

Arthritis Foundation

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Exercise For Arthritis Sufferers

Saturday, September 26th, 2009
better Said:

Try these exercises to relieve the pain of arthritis and find out why staying in shape will help fight the symptoms.

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