Rheumatoid Arthritis Facts Blog

Feb

Assessing the Prognosis For Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

What is the prognosis for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis for my child?

The difference between juvenile rheumatoid arthritis from other types of arthritis is that it occurs in children fifteen years old and below. Parents of these children are understandably concerned for the child’s future. So what is the prognosis for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis?

The eventual outcome for a child with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis can depend on many things. The severity of the disease, the means by which it is treated and the mental outlook of the child are all issues that can affect the prognosis for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

It is a common belief that arthritis among children are easier to treat, unlike those in adults. The body of a child is prone to different sicknesses that every parent should be concerned about. Providing your children with the right food and vitamins is essential to bolster their immune system and provide good general health benefits.

In juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system of a child is hyperactive so that it tends to deplete vitamins and minerals that the body needs. For adults, there is no exact cure for rheumatoid arthritis. But in children, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis responds to medication, and the illness can be treated. Parents should start with a sensible diet and a healthy diet program that is packed with vitamins and essential nutrients to keep children healthy.

If a child shows symptoms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, like inflammation that results in soreness or pain in the joints, it is important to bring the child to the doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Your doctor can provide you with the basic guidelines on how to treat and handle juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Children who have fewer joints affected by the disease tend to have less flare-ups and the prognosis for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in these children tends to be better. The chance of remission is quite high.

However, even children with a positive rheumatoid factor, or who have the more severe form can expect to see improvement over time with proper medication and therapy. Most children who are affected with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis go on to lead normal active lives in adulthood.

Children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis feel severe joint pain due to inflammation. Others also experience having rashes and fever, soreness and redness, depending on the severity of the attack. Parents need to assure their children that juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is curable and can be prevented from recurring. Words of encouragement from parents will enable a child to become more receptive in taking medication and soldiering through home remedies and treatment.

To conclude, the prognosis for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is mainly positive. Being an auto immune disease, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is unpredictable, but with vigilance, parents can learn to anticipate when an attack is about to occur. Help your child know about what juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is all about, so he can be aware of what to look out for. Always encourage your child to keep a positive attitude.

Posted on February 21st, 2012
Posted by arthritis writer
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Tags: prognosis for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

Feb

Why We Should Exercise For Arthritis

The benefits of exercise for arthritis

Doctors have always recommended exercise for arthritis because it keeps weight down, keeps the joints from becomming too stiff and strengthens muscles. Not only that, but exercise can create endorphins in the brain which can lead to happier moods. All great reasons to exercise for arthritis.

Investing a short time in developing a good weight-bearing low-impact exercise and stretching plan can add up to excellent results when it comes to staving off arthritis discomfort. Robust muscles aid in protecting the joints from damage, and the movement keeps joints flexible.

That is why the quest for fitness is necessary even if you’re 50 years and over. Nonetheless most US citizens over 50 are still right where they usually were, sitting back and watching others jog by. Many of them say that that is just for folks who have been athletic all their life, or some say exercise is for younger people and engaging into exercise will do them more harm than good.

There are still some that insist strongly upon excusing themselves from exercise routines because they don’t just have some time or they have less energy than ever before. These are all lame excuses. Hence, it’s time to begin to get rid of those pains. Begin to exercise.

Consequently, stopping arthritis is not an exact science, but physicians have discovered 1 or 2 ways to lower your risk. Here is how:

1. Do not gain weight

The single most significant measure any person can take to prevent osteoarthritis of the knee is to shed pounds if they’re overweight. Extra weight puts additional stress on your knees. If you’re 10 pounds overweight, for example, you put 60 pounds per square inch of extra strain on your knees each time you take a step. That additional pressure can relentlessly corrode the cartilage in your knees, leading to arthritis.

A study has distictily supported the speculation that weight loss weighs in on the side of prevention. In the study, overweight girls who lost 11 pounds or even more over a 10-year period decreased their chance of developing osteoarthritis of the knee by 50%.

2. Stretch those muscles

Any kind of stretching is good as long as you do not bounce, which can cause a muscle pull. This is in the opinion of some of the professors of clinical medicine in N. Y City.

Try to hold a slow, steady stretch for 15 to 20 seconds, then relax and repeat. It’s best to flex up by stretching before any exercise, especially running and walking. But it’s also a brilliant idea to stretch every day. Ask your doctor to teach you stretches that concentrate on potential arthritis difficulty spots,eg the knees or the lower back.

3. Walking is always the best exercise

Take a good long walk at least three times each week or take part in a step-aerobics or low impact exercise routine maximum results. There is not any evidence that running is not good for the joints, but realize, it may aggravate an injury if you already have one. Just remember to check with your GP before starting a new exercise program.

The bottom line is that of all of the healthful habits, exercise is the most significant. This is because folk are designed to be active. Hence, it is vital for folks to exercise so as to keep healthy and keep those joints free from damage.

Just remember that the unexercised body, even if free from the symptoms of sickness or problems like arthritis, is not at its full potential. Therefore, start exercising now!

Deb Younkin is a long while analyst and promoter of healthful living. Find out more about working your core muscle as a very important side of healthful living. Deb loves sharing information in articles on her blog aboutIsagenix Nutritional Cleaning.

Posted on February 11th, 2012
Posted by healthwriter
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Filed under: Arthritis exercise
Tags: Arthritis, exercise, exercise for arthritis, lose weight

Jan

What is the Difference Between Dry Needling and Acupuncture For Pain?

This is a common query that is generally raised in medical practice and outside of the clinic. There are some similarities and some variations between dry needling and acupuncture for pain.

Both dry needling and acupuncture are effective for pain, but their actions on the body are quite different. Dry needling – sometimes known as Intramuscular Stimulation can relax tight or hypertonic muscles by direct stimulation. This can help in the area of myofascial pain.

Acupuncture for pain uses the same type of needles, but concentrates more on the energy levels of the body. It allows the release of endorphins which act as pain relievers and also have an anti inflammatory effect. Acupuncture, therefor is more useful for inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Dry needling

This utilizes fine needles that are put into the skin, fascia (tissue that surrounds the muscles and separates muscle compartments), deep muscles, tendons, and occasionally the joints and bones¹.

When your practitioner inserts the needle, a twitch may be observed, or a feeling sensed in that distinct area which may radiate to a different place (but do not fear, this is not hazardous – it is part of the solution!). The length of time the needles are left in may differ from individual to individual depending on how quickly the client’s body responds. The period is also based on the one examining the treated area of muscle and looking at its tone.

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The primary aim of dry needling is to relax the muscle from increased tone, which is often the most} typical complaint observed in the clinic.

Acupuncture

This also uses fine needles that are put into the skin, but they are put into specific meridians (channels). A part of Chinese traditional ancient medicine, these channels are thought to relate to certain organs in the body. Needles are put to around 1mm deep, which is not too deep, unlike dry needling. Typically customers may feel a feeling as the needle passes through the skin, but this is usually no more than a small sting¹.

The major aim is to encourage the flow of chi (power) around the body. It is considered by the Chinese tradition that blockage of the chi pathways can provoke discomfort and problems¹.

The main reason why you feel the sting

A specialist will look for the area in the muscle that is agonizing (typically caused by a myofascial trigger point – a stressed muscle which forms a knot, that in turn causes discomfort). In the muscles, there are particular receptors named nociceptors (no-c-cep-tors). There are various kinds of these nociceptors and the one which is connected with this particular pain is the polymodal sort. These kinds of receptor become turned on once the needle enters that specific painful spot on the muscle and sensitises it².

What does it do to the muscle?

When these polymodal-type receptors get turned on with the application of an acupuncture/dry needle, the receptors should get turned on, so brief discomfort may be sensed in the area. Nevertheless, by inserting these needles into myofascial trigger points or tender areas of a muscle, pain increase can cause the person increasing their pain threshold, resulting in a decrease in discomfort. The muscle alone will reduce in tone as a result².

What is a myofascial trigger point?

Myofascial trigger points/myofascial discomfort is a common trigger of musculoskeletal pain and research leads to a hypersensitive area in the tissue³.

A myofascial trigger point is described as a hyperirritable, localised, palpable nodule which rests on a taught band of muscle. The literature suggests that dry needling can minimize short-term discomfort sensitivity³.

Overall, the major effect of acupuncture or dry needle therapy is to lower the resting tone of the muscle, to relax it, and increase your pain threshold so to lessen the pain sensed. It is an efficient solution for myofascial trigger points or general musculoskeletal discomfort. It assists in the decrease of hard symptoms. It can also aid osteopathic and/or other manual treatments and, with an additional exercise prescription set by your specialist, improve to get you prepared to challenge the world again!

References

1. Swan, J. (2011) The Difference Between Acupuncture and Dry Needling, Wakefield Sports Clinic, p. 1.

2. Itoh, K., Minakawa, Y., Kitakoji, H. (2011) Effect of Acupuncture Depth on Muscle Pain, Chinese Medicine, vol. 6, no. 24, pp. 1–5.

3. Srbely, J.Z., Dickey, J.P., et al. (2010) Dry Needle Stimulation of Myofascial Trigger Point Evoke Segmental Anti-nociceptive Effects, Journal of rehabilitation Medicine, vol. 42, no. 5, pp. 463–468.

4. http://www.lifestorytherapeuticcentre.com/services/treatment/acupuncture.aspx Accessed 23 October 2011.

Posted on January 28th, 2012
Posted by arthritis writer
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Filed under: Natural Remedies
Tags: acupuncture for pain, dry needling

Jan

Using A Natural Anti Inflammatory to Reduce Inflammation and Pain

Natural anti-inflammatory medication – does it work?

People are sometimes wary of taking a natural anti inflammatory to relieve their pain. This may be for a few reasons. Natural pain relief is not instant; it can take some time for the body to adjust to the ingredients. It is far easier to swallow a chemical pain reliever, but at what cost? Drugs do have side effects, especially over the long term. Your doctor may have told you that drugs are your only option, but are they?

So if pain is your daily companion, what do you do about it? Pain can severely restrict your lifestyle as far as your work and social life is concerned. You have to do something to allow you to function and enjoy life. Read below for some pain relief alternatives.

Natural anti-inflammatory medication, is a better choice than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications if you suffer from chronic pain or inflammation-related diseases. Natural anti-inflammatory medications are made without animal products, have no known adverse side effects, and are safe for almost everyone to take. Unless you have a serious health problem or are pregnant, you probably can safely change the natural natural remedy.

You can reduce inflammation safely with systemic proteolytic enzymes and herbal remedies consist of boswellia, ginger, papain, bromelain, rutin, turmeric, devil’s claw, and L-glutathione, and many more. These remedies can be taken everyday like a multi-vitamin, and are best used on an empty stomach to maximize their medicinal qualities.

Natural anti-inflammatory medications have been made with these ingredients for thousands of years in cultures around the world, and finally this knowledge has come to Western civilizations.

With the technological advances of today, we were able to mix the most effective of these natural remedies natural to produce a new and powerful fight towards pain medication that rival the most common prescription anti-inflammatory. These natural formulation have helped thousands of people to dump their prescription painkillers and start enjoying life.

If you have chronic pain or inflammation, so do not be troubled, there is a safe and natural answer for your anti-inflammatory medicines and narcotic analgesics. You do not need to damage your body just to live without pain. It’s time you returned to your life and live the way it was meant to be lived, content, comfortable and without pain, without the use of dangerous prescription drugs!

The most common sorts of pain are caused by inflammation. Inflammation is the response of the tissues that were damaged and is in fact a process that helps the body heal by itself. However, inflammation can cause a great deal of pain. To minimize most types of pain caused by inflammation, we are usually advised to take anti-inflammatory prescription drugs like ibuprofen. Nevertheless, getting these painkillers on a common foundation can cause stomach upset, nausea and, in some circumstances long-term damage, kidney or liver disease. For people with chronic pain, it is advisable to find a natural anti-inflammatory to help manage pain.

Minimize the inflammation with ice

Ice is a very efficient and calm inflammation, and it’s easy to find. Many people do not even think twice to implement ice to prevent bruising as soon as the damage occurs. If you ever wondered why people do this, is because the ice acts as a natural anti inflammatory and assists to soothe inflammation and reduce swelling. This helps to reduce pain and is immediately therapeutic as it has a numbing effect to help relieve the pain almost instantly. When ice is used to reduce inflammation, it should be applied until the area is numb (usually 20 minutes) and then wait to apply again as soon as the area has returned to it’s normal temperature.

Natural anti-inflammatory herbs

There are a number of plants that can be taken as an natural health supplement to fight inflammation and pain. By getting these herbal treatments as a dietary supplement, you should take it on a daily basis. The effects may not be noticed until 1-2 months. Here’s a look at some of the most common and most effective anti-inflammatory natural natural supplements:

Ginger should be taken 1-2 times everyday with a meal. The capsule should contain 500 1000 mg of ginger.

Turmeric can be found in mustard and curry. It works good to ease inflammation and is recommended for a number of chronic diseases such as arthritis and tendonitis. It can be taken three times a day for 400 to 600 mg.

White Willow Bark has been compared to aspirin, and it works fine for fighting inflammation. The recommended dosage is 50 mg three times a day.

Boswellia is another natural anti-inflammatory herb that can be taken two times a day. It ‘very useful in treating the pain of fibromyalgia.

Note that the dose of the above amounts are generally the most recommended by health care professionals. You are strongly suggested to read the labels to see the health supplement you buy the correct dosage of that particular brand.

Natural anti-inflammatory Foods

People with chronic pain may feel relief from their daily pain right after adding some of these natural anti-inflammatory foods to their diet:

Foods that are rich in omega-3 such as fish, nuts and seeds (flax seeds in particular) were known to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Oils such as avocado oil or further virgin olive oil can also help with the pain caused by inflammation.

The tastiest foods are known to help with inflammation would be papaya and blueberries.

Green tea can also help with inflammation as well as all the other health benefits it offers.

A natural anti inflammatory like those suggested above are the safest answer to pain relief, but do allow them time to do their job.

Posted on January 21st, 2012
Posted by arthritis writer
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Filed under: Natural Remedies
Tags: natural anti inflammatory, proteolytic enzymes

Jan

Need Help With Your Arthritis? Here’s Some Rheumatoid Arthritis Tips

Rheumatoid arthritis tips

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Every year there are millions of men and women who find themselves faced with the difficult task of coping with rheumatoid or osteoarthritis. While the symptoms can be overwhelming at times, the information in these handpicked tips and tricks, will surely provide you with insight on how to manage and live with this disease.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Diet

Take the time to have your family educated about your rheumatoid arthritis and the different challenges that will occur while you live with this condition. There are classes available through The Arthritis Foundation, and there are many books available that can be used to teach your family about the condition.

If your child has juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, be consistent in pursuing physical therapy and exercise, as well as administering pain relief medications. It is very important that young people with rheumatoid arthritis remain active and keep flexible, while still being careful to protect the joints from further pain and damage.

Historically, rheumatoid arthritis sufferers have a tendency to lose weight. This is caused by the irritating pain of the disease working in concert with chemical changes it causes in the body. People suffering from RA should keep its weight-loss effects in mind and make sure they maintain a sufficiently nutritious diet.

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Try using walking aids when you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis flare ups. Walking aids will help relieve the pain and stress on your joints. Every step you take can cause intense pain, so use crutches, a cane, or knee braces to help relieve the pressure and increase your mobility.

If you are overweight, be sure to lose your extra weight to help relieve your arthritis pain and improve your overall health. By eating a reasonable, healthy, anti-inflammatory diet, you can reduce the stress on your joints as well as the amount of inflammation your joints experience. This is especially helpful with rheumatoid arthritis.

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis may go into remission for years and may seem to be cured; however, it can come back in full force at any time. For this reason, it is very important for young people with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis to continue exercising and following a proper, anti-inflammatory, weight control diet. This will help control pain and symptoms if/when the disease returns.

Protect your joints. Someone with rheumatoid arthritis should avoid unnecessary stress on their joints, as this will only make the pain worse. That being said, you should try to maintain motion in your joints, but don’t overdo it. If you find yourself still in pain an hour after any activity – that’s a sign that you have overdone things.

Buy your children’s clothing with zippers and loose fitting clothing if you are a parent dealing with rheumatoid arthritis. Trying to handle a button or a snap can be a nightmare when you have rheumatoid arthritis. Don’t suffer just to get your child the cutest outfit in the store.

Do not neglect yourself and your needs, if you are a parent with rheumatoid arthritis. Make sure you make time to stretch and exercise to keep yourself strong and your symptoms under control. It is easy to forget yourself when you are taking care of children, but make sure you set aside some time that is just for you, so that you can take care of your body’s needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis fatigue can be difficult to overcome, but if you’ve tried everything and are still lethargic you should consider other problems you might have. Visit a sleep clinic to get an assessment and you might find you’re actually battling sleep apnea, a condition where you literally stop breathing overnight.

With continuing advances in medicine, there may someday be a cure for arthritis. But until then, you should do what you can to minimize its effects on your life. The advice in this article may not be life changing, but it will help you to manage the main challenges of your disease. That alone can be an enormous help.

Posted on January 14th, 2012
Posted by healthwriter
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Tags: rheumatoid arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis Diet, Rheumatoid Arthritis Tips

Jan

Naturopathic Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Naturopathic treatment for rheumatoid arthritis can work wonders

Naturopathic treatment for rheumatoid arthritis works well because autoimmune diseases typically tend to respond well to naturopathic treatments. Rheumatoid arthritis affects around 1% if the population at the time of writing. Women sufferers outnumber men by more than double. These numbers are huge.

Any natural treatment (or any treatment for that matter) will work better after any bad health habits have been overcome. There is no point in implementing herbal or naturopathic treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, while you’re sucking in cigarette smoke or eating unhealthy processed foods. Any autoimmune disorder is triggered by something in a person’s environment that aggravates the immune system, causing it to turn on it’s own tissues. This may be chemicals or unhealthy preservatives in food. Any food that has potential to cause allergies, could trigger an immune disorder in susceptible people. Many people find that cutting red meat from their diet can provide substantial relief from inflammation.

If possible, detox your body before any naturopathic treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and before any radical dietary changes. This will let you start off with a “clean slate” and give any naturopathic remedies a chance to work better. Do remember though, if your naturopath prescribes any herbal or ayurvedic or even nutritional remedies, these will typically take longer to work than the prescribed drugs you may have become used to. This is because these remedies are producing bodily changes that will be long lasting, as opposed to the short term relief obtained from chemical medications. In can take up to four months for the immune system to renew itself, so be patient!

Improvement from joint pain and inflammation using naturopathic treatment for rheumatoid arthritis will take time and effort due to a lack of blood vessels in the joints themselves. However persistence will bring relief and enable you to either cut down your pain relief medication, or even bring on remission for some people. You may also experience more energy and a general feeling of better health before the joints respond to treatment. You may also find you are sleeping better and your mood may improve.

As a general rule, stick to a whole food diet. This means cutting out all processed foods (anything that comes in a cardboard box!) There is a saying “If God didn’t make it, don’t eat it.” This is a nice simple way to make your food choices. Cutting down on red meat may help as well as any food that you may be sensitive to. There are tests that can show you which foods that you are potentially sensitive to. Taking a quality probiotic daily can improve your digestion which is crucial to a healthy digestive system. Also make sure you take an omega 3 supplement daily if your diet is low on fish. If the above has nor effect on your condition within a few weeks, try eliminating gluten from your diet.

Attention to diet, cutting out bad habits together with naturopathic treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, can make a huge difference to the health of your immune system. Eventually you should notice your rheumatoid arthritis symptoms easing as well. Please run these suggestions past your health care practitioner before proceeding with any new treatments.

Posted on January 1st, 2012
Posted by arthritis writer
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Tags: naturopathic treatment for rheumatoid arthritis

Dec

Infrared Light Therapy For Pain Relief

Infrared light therapy for pain – safe and natural

Infrared light therapy for pain works because the infrared light is able to penetrate the skin to a depth of around three centimeters, enabling it to penetrate sore muscles, ligaments and joints and allowing the healing light to do it’s work. Infrared light therapy acts to stimulate the production of collagen, an elastic type of protein which can provide joint healing. At the same time it increases circulation, bringing healing oxygen an other nutrients to the area and releasing nitric oxide. Infrared light is safer than sunlight as it has no solar radiation and won’t burn the skin.

We have seen some recently published studies signifying infrared light therapy as a successful treatment to help in joint muscle pain relief. Studies indicate that correct applied infrared light treatment significantly reduces many cases of pain in the joints as well as the muscles that support them . Infrared light will increase circulation as it increases the formation of new capillaries. Capillaries hasten the healing process because they supply extra oxygen and nutrition necessary for joint muscle pain alleviation and healing.

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Infrared light can also stimulate the production of collagen, which is a protein found in the skin. This protein is necessary for repairing damaged tissue from the joints. Collagen holds cells together and is particularly highly elastic. If you are able to increase the production of collagen on an injured area, you will ultimately decrease the quantity of scar tissue (fibrin) in this specific area. Scar tissue will never stretch and can exacerbate pain.

Infrared light therapy might also help to stimulate the body to release adenosine triphosphate, referred to as ATP, which carries energy into the cells. Extra APT will help your cells to higher absorb nutrition that can lead to joint muscle pain help.

One major reason that infrared light is useful for joint muscle pain relief is because it helps to increase lymphatic activity within the body. The lymphatic system is responsible for removing proteins that trigger swelling from injured body sections, including the joints. According to recent studies, infrared light therapies could very well double the processes belonging to the lymph system. This means swelling is more speedily reduced and joint muscle comfort is discovered more instantly.

Light therapy will likewise reduce nerve tissue excitability. Light energy photons enter our bodies as negative ions, requiring the system to compensate with constructive ions. These positive ions circulation to treated area, hence regulating nerves and reducing pain.

The list of added benefits for infrared light therapy goes on and on. If you’re experiencing joint muscle pain and also you’re seeking relief, consider adding infrared light therapy to your arsenal of pain therapy!

-Muscle and Joint Pain Relief

(THP-5510lv26)

Posted on December 22nd, 2011
Posted by arthritis writer
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Tags: Infrared light therapy, infrared light therapy for pain

Dec

Doing Chores With Arthritis Symptoms

Although this article was not written specifically for those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, it gives some valuable tips that we can learn from. There are various ways to make life easier when doing chores around the house and the following tips can save a lot of time, discomfort and frustration. We always have to find ways to make our lives easier when dealing with rheumatoid arthritis.

If you suffer from osteoarthritis symptoms, a degenerative condition in the joints, doing daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, or washing dishes can be so painful it stops you in your tracks. But these chores need to be done, so what are you going to do?

Some chores may be more difficult than others, depending on where you feel pain. One approach is to do the job in a way that saves effort and time. You can often find a variety of labor-saving tools at large stores such as Wal-Mart or the household aisle of your local grocery store. If you have back pain, chores like doing laundry, unloading the dishwasher and carrying groceries from the car can make pain worse. When doing repetitive tasks, try to avoid the “back and forth” motion of bending forward at your waist. instead use your knees to lower your body in an “up and down” motion. Leg muscles are a lot stronger than back muscles, and can take more force. Allow yourself time to complete each task slowly, taking breaks in between.

Chores like scrubbing the bathroom can put undue pressure on your knees, making kneeling painful. You can hire someone to clean for you or live with a dirty shower, but these options are impractical. One option is to get knee pads, which are available in sports and hardware stores. Be sure to put pressure on your stronger leg to lift yourself up. Take frequent breaks and apply an ice pack or bag of frozen peas for 20 minutes to reduce inflammation. Sit on a stool if you need to, especially when scrubbing the tub or gardening.

If you have shoulder pain, everyday tasks like putting on clothes and fixing your hair can be difficult. Keep items on lower shelves and on countertops for easier accessibility. Be sure to have a step stool in the kitchen to help you reduce your reach. Also trade in your heavy vaccum cleaner for a lighter model that’s easier to push, relieving pain in your arms and shoulders. Use a small push broom instead of a flat broom for sweeping.

For the full article, visit Lifescript.com, your resource for women’s health information.

The information contained in this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not, nor is it ever intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice or professional recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician(s) or other qualified healthcare provider(s).

Posted on December 12th, 2011
Posted by healthwriter
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Filed under: General
Tags: Arthritis, pain, women's health

Dec

Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Although we recommend natural treatments for rheumatoid arthritis on this site, it’s important to make sure you notify your health care advisor or rheumatologist before starting any new treatment, natural or otherwise. Some natural treatments for rheumatoid arthritis are contra-indicative with prescription medications, which may create a dangerous situation. Also don’t stop taking your prescription medication, as doing so could make your symptoms worse.

If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, you know what it feels like to live with stiffness and pain in your joints and muscles. Rheumatoid arthritis, also called RA, is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that causes pain and swelling. Rheumatoid arthritis tends to effect more men than women and the onset typically starts in middle age.. RA tends to target the wrist and fingers, although it can hinder the function of any joint in the body.

Most people with rheumatoid arthritis undergo a standard variety of treatments to ease pain and help restore joint function. Medications may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, biological response modifiers and corticosteroids. Patients with RA may also try physical therapy, modified exercise programs and therapeutic devices such as splints. Proper rest, diet and reducing emotional stress can also ease symptoms.

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Alternative therapies can be useful in treating pain and inflammation. Mind-body methods such as meditation, relaxation and tai chi are popular treatments. Patients may also try fish oil, which contains omega-3 fatty acids. Acupuncture and balneotherapy, bathing in heated tap or mineral water, may also be effective in easing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Some RA sufferers also try a special diet to help ease pain and inflammation. Vegetarian, vegan and Mediterranean diets are often the diets of choice, as well as fasting. However, people tend to burn out on the strictness of these diets over time, and can alsp put themselves at risk for nutritional deficiencies.

Patients should be careful not to abandon conventional medicine for alternate therapies. Alternate therapies could interfere or interact with one’s medical treatment. It’s important to consult your physician before starting any alternative remedies for rheumatoid arthritis.

For the full article, visit Lifescript.com, a women’s health web site.

Posted on December 5th, 2011
Posted by healthwriter
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Filed under: Rheumatoid arthritis medication
Tags: treatments for rhematoid arthritis

Nov

Arthritis Cures – Using Fish Oil For Arthritis

Fish oil for arthritis – the benefits

Fish oil is an unsaturated fatty acid that is proven to assist with the health challenges of arthritis. Many victims, who take a omega three usually find that it drastically helps with their joint pain. Research has shown and confirmed the advantages of omega three fatty acids and lots of doctors and health care specialists recommend it for arthritis sufferers.

The principle cause why fish oil actually helps relieve the symptoms of arthritis is because of the conversion course of it goes through when in the body. Research shows that the fatty acids, primarily DHA, contained in fish oil convert into a robust, and extremely efficient, anti-inflammatory chemical generally known as resolvin D2. Of course arthritis (significantly rheumatoid) is closely associated with inflammation of the joints so this may clearly help. This property of fish oil has made it very helpful in treating many diseases, from inflammation within the body to heart conditions.

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The figures present that the UK acknowledges the importance of fish oil and health advantages related to consuming it on a regular basis. The UK spends an estimated £63 million yearly on fish oil supplements.

This is because of analysis having shown that fish oil can be useful for the mind, bones, heart, eyes and even fights against cancer. The primary function of omega-3 fatty acids in preventing most cancers is because of the anti-inflammatory properties. In reality, high inflammation can lead to autoimmune disorders that are accountable for lots of health disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease and IBS.

Many medical practitioners even prescribe fish oil dietary supplements in severe instances of rheumatoid arthritis, which is an auto-immune dysfunction, as its advantages are so well-known and proven. The resolvin D2 anti-inflammatory chemical is alleged to be very highly effective and can significantly scale back the degree of irritation, so it’s effective in such diseases.

Arthritis can be a very painful and severe illness and requires that the drugs used to deal with it to typically be very strong. This can be quite dangerous in some cases, because the negative effects in consuming sturdy prescription medicines are fairly high.

Using good quality fish oil to control and treat the arthritis can reduce the quantity of medication that the affected person needs to use, thereby lowering the chance of adversarial side effects. After all, not every patient with arthritis will respond in the same way to fish oil supplements, however if you are taking a high quality fish oil supplement and the right dosage there is no situation where you will not see some positive change.

I have a friend who had high blood pressure and levels of cholesterol but his slim body really belied this problem. He began to make use of omega 3 supplements primarily for these health conditions. Over months of use, he says he has seen a considerable reduction in his levels of cholesterol however the change in his blood pressure ranges has been insignificant.

So as you see, some will really feel an improvement straight away and some will feel the same for prolonged durations of time. However research have shown its benefits are great for folks suffering from arthritis and it ought to undoubtedly be explored as an choice if you are a sufferer yourself or if you recognize anyone who is affected by it.

The advantage with trying omega three fatty acids is that, unlike medicines which might be prescribed, these dietary supplements shouldn’t have any adverse side effects. However, it’s at all times better to check in with your medical practitioner, before deciding on the dosage of the omega 3 capsules, should you plan to add them to your day by day diet.

It’s also essential that you choose omega 3 supplements which are pure and that they comprise the optimum quantity of DHA and EPA components. So be sure to verify the elements and dosage suggestions before you purchase them.

This post is written by John Lewis, who also always writes about other topics such as sterling silver jewelry, cz jewelry & Silver Jewelry.

Posted on November 29th, 2011
Posted by healthwriter
3 Comments »
Filed under: Natural Remedies
Tags: fish oil for arthritis