Rheumatoid Arthritis|Psoriatic Arthritis Symptoms|Arthritis Treatment

Cortisone is a part of medicines categorized as corticosteroids which is described as medicines that can reduce tumor growths, stimulate appetite for food, and treat skin rashes, nausea and vomiting, inflammation, allergic reactions, autoimmune diseases, and the accumulation of fluids in the brain. Cortisone is a white crystalline powder that can be naturally formed in the cortex of the adrenal gland but may also be produced synthetically. This substance is insoluble in water, stable in gas, and is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

Cortisone is primarily used because of its powerful anti-inflammatory effects in various organs and systems of the body. It is also able to be of great help in improving the body's immune system against many stimuli. All in all, cortisone is used in treating the following conditions:

1. Endocrine disorders-Cortisone, along with hydrocortisone is always the first choice in treating primary or secondary adrenocortical insufficiencies, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, non-suppurative thyroiditis, and hypercalcemia which is a condition associated with cancer.

2. Rheumatic disorders-Cortisone is used to prevent the patient from having acute episodes or exacerbation during rheumatic disorders such as: psoriatic arthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute and subacute bursitis, acute non-specific tenosynovitis, acute gouty arthritis, post-traumatic osteoarthritis, synovitis of osteoarthritis, and epicondylitis.

3. Collagen diseases-Cortisone is used during exacerbation and also as a maintenance medicine in cases such as: systemic lupus erythematosus, acute rheumatic carditis, systemic dermatomyositis.

4. Dermatologic conditions-Cortisone is also used in conditions of the skin such as pemphigus, bullous dermatitis herpetiformis, severe erythema multiforme (Stevens-Johnson syndrome), exfoliative dermatitis, mycosis fungoides. severe psoriasis, severe seborrheic dermatitis.

5. Allergic reactions-Cortisone may also be used to control allergic states such as: seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma, contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, serum sickness, drug hypersensitivity reactions.

6. Respiratory diseases-Cortisone may also be taken by people with Loeffler's syndrome not manageable by other means, berylliosis, pulmonary tuberculosis, aspiration pneumonitis.

These conditions, among others are usually prescribed with cortisone, and can be in pills or tablets. This list does not include all conditions where in cortisone might help. It is still best to consult your health care provider before consumption.

It's important to note that cortisone is a drug and therefore can have side effects. These can become especially prevalent when it is used for lengthy periods of time. Risks include constipation, a weakening of blood vessels and a lowering of bone density. It's recommended that you consult a doctor to ensure you are fully informed about the risks.

Adults aren't the only ones that suffer from arthritis and are seeking treatment for arthritis. Believe it or not, our four legged loyal companions also suffer from chronic arthritis pain that develop from their regular day to day activities of fetching balls, running in the park, jumping after that Frisbee.

Dogs develop arthritis in their joints mainly in their front and hind legs. Some common joint problems are chronic shoulder pain, in dogs it is referred to as Osteochonritis Dissecans. This is caused by a piece of bone becoming loose when they are young and also decreased blood flow to the shoulder joint. It is best to ask your veterinarian for the best shoulder pain treatment for your pet. The other sensitive area for arthritis in dogs are their elbow joints and wrist joints. Common elbow joints problem is elbow Dysplasia which is when bone fragments are in the joint and they fail to join. Those of us who suffer from carpal tunnel pain would be able to sympathize with our canine friends. Their wrist arthritis is caused by deterioration of ligaments that support the back of the wrist, also called carpal hyper-extension. As a result they don't put weight on the wrist, which lead to dog arthritis pain.

The lower part of dogs' limbs, the hip, knee, and ankle and ligament problems can develop into arthritis pain and require treatment for arthritis. A hip joint deformity called hip Dysplasia happens during your pets' growth. With hip Dysplasia the femur, or thigh bone, does not sit properly in the pelvic bone and over time causes pain that lead to arthritis and will require treatment for arthritis. The knee joint, actually similar anatomically to the human knee joint, undergoes similar health problems such as cranial cruciate ligament injury. Only in dogs it is called Caudal Cruciate Ligament Injury. It is a very common condition in dogs. Osteochondritis Dissecans is a common problem in the ankle joint, or hock joint as it is referred to in dogs. This is similar to the shoulder condition where a small piece of bone came loose in a small dog and now causes pain and inflammation.

The inflammatory arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are common in people and less so in dogs. Nevertheless, just like in people joint pain should be taken seriously and a cause of pain should be identified. Your veterinarian will be able to diagnose the problem and provide treatment for arthritis if it is needed.

Arthritis is one of the leading causes of disability in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every three Americans (an estimated 70 million people) is affected. Acupuncture offers a natural treatment for arthritis.

Traditional Chinese Medicine aims to treat the specific symptoms that are unique to each individual using a variety of techniques such as acupuncture, Chinese herbs, lifestyle/dietary recommendations, and energetic exercises to restore imbalances found in the body. Each patient receives a unique, customized treatment with different acupuncture points, different herbs, and different lifestyle and diet recommendations.

Your acupuncturist will discuss your condition from a broader perspective to determine overall imbalances then choose the appropriate treatment plan.

The Acupuncture Treatment

Acupuncture points for arthritis treatment are located throughout the body, not just directly over the affected area. During your treatment, tiny needles could be placed along your legs, arms, shoulders, and perhaps even your little toe!

Acupuncture needles are very thin; several can go into the middle of a hypodermic needle. Once the needles are in place, most people relax and even fall asleep for the duration of the treatment. The length, number, and frequency of treatments will vary. Typical treatments tend to last 20 to 30 minutes, with the patient being treated once or twice a week. Some symptoms are relieved after the first treatment, while more severe or chronic ailments often require multiple treatments.

Lifestyle and Nutritional Therapy

Your diet plays a critical role in helping you prevent or control arthritis. The first objective is to help you lose weight if you are overweight because added weight adds additional stress to your joints.

The second way is to make sure you are absorbing the right mix of vitamins and minerals that will keep your joints healthy and reduce inflammation. It's often recommended that you avoid "damp" foods such as dairy products and greasy or spicy foods. Damp foods can trigger inflammation. If you have arthritis or knee or hip pain, vitamins C and D can help prevent bone and cartilage destruction. And a multivitamin can help ensure that you always get the nutrition you need.

Here are some other healthy choices to include in your diet and naturally help arthritis:

• Ginger
• Cherries
• Fish
• Turmeric

Chinese Herbs for Arthritis

There are many effective Chinese herbs that specifically address individual issues related to arthritis and/or chronic inflammation. Your acupuncturist will evaluate your current diet and medications, then learn more about your signs and symptoms to determine which herbs are best suited for you.

The most important thing to remember when looking for treatment options for your health is to communicate openly with your healthcare providers. Don't edit your communications. You may feel that certain information isn't relevant whereas your health care team may see a direct connection. Take the time to think clearly about all your symptoms and keep your dialogues open.

穢Debi Farley 2012

Rheumatoid Arthritis may have you in its grip, but you don't have to stay there. You are the CEO of your Arthritis and your own health, with several strategies available to manage your Rheumatoid Arthritis pain.

You need a doctor on your pain management team

The biggest symptom separating Rheumatoid Arthritis from other forms of arthritis is inflammation. You might be tough and want to fight for your health, but you need a doctor on your team. Without a proper diagnosis and medical treatment to control inflammation, your Rheumatoid Arthritis will progress further. With other forms of arthritis you can be a great self-care manager of pain and even be able to alleviate many of the symptoms, but if the inflammation isn't controlled degeneration of the joint affected will continue. A doctor is vital when dealing with Rheumatoid Arthritis and after being diagnosed, you should see a rheumatologist who specializes in arthritis.

You can still self-manage your Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms

To manage your pain is tricky, takes a lot of experimenting with both medications for pain and inflammation and balancing activity that will keep your joint as healthy as possible. Joint care with Rheumatoid Arthritis becomes a delicate balance between resting and moving. It's healthy to keep your affected joints moving; both strengthening and stretching, but also important to know the limitations and messages your body is sending you with pain.

Pain is your body's signal that something is wrong

"No Pain, No Gain," may work to sell runners, but ignoring pain with Rheumatoid Arthritis is not good for your joint health. Discuss Pain management and inflammation with your rheumatologist to come up with a medication strategy that works best for you. Every person and their arthritis is a little bit different, so it will take some experimenting and time to get the balance between medications right. Your doctors will help you find not just pain medication; which could bring some short-term relief, but also medications for inflammation which will slow the diseases progress.

Rest is good for inflamed joints, but so is activity

Resting the area affected by Rheumatoid Arthritis is very important and is proven to reduce inflammation, but too much rest can lead to stiff and weak muscles and joint structures. Not enough activity can also lead to softer bone structures and poor circulation to the joint, creating more opportunity for inflammation to attack the affected joints. The key is balancing activity and rest. Be active; keep moving and if pain comes, know when to stop. There may always be some pain from your arthritis that comes with activity. Our body usually knows the kind of pain response we need to slow down. If pain is sharp and stops you in your tracks and the result is days of inflammation and pain, you've pushed your activity too far. If your pain is dull or achy, doesn't last longer than about two hours after activity and leaves your affected joint feeling better, then you know you are making progress. Inflammation from activity can also be treated with ice, elevation and rest.

Dealing with Rheumatoid Arthritis takes a common sense approach

• Don't try to do it all yourself


• Get a doctor on your pain management team, and eventually a rheumatologist


• Find the right medications to treat inflammation


• Find the right medications to treat pain


• Create a healthy balance between rest and activity for your joints health


• Understand that you may never be completely pain free


• Be patient with yourself as you find your arthritis pain management balance

For more information on Rheumatoid Arthritis pain management strategies click some of the many resources available through The Arthritis Society or the Joints in Motion Program

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthrosis, is the most common form of arthritis. It occurs when cartilage in your joints wears down over time. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in your body, although it is most commonly affects the hands, hips, knees and spine. It typically affects just one joint, though in some cases several joints can be affected, such as with finger arthritis.

There is no cure for osteoarthritis and it gradually worsens with time, but treatments can relieve pain and help you remain active. Actively managing your osteoarthritis may help you gain control over your osteoarthritis pain.

For mild osteoarthritis pain that is bothersome, but not enough to have a great impact on your daily activities, your doctor may recommend the following:

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  Rest. If you are experiencing pain or inflammation in your joint, rest it for 12 to 24 hours. Find activities that don't require you to use your joint repetitively. Take a 10-minute break every hour.
  
  


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  Exercise. With your doctor's approval, exercise regularly when you feel up to it. Stick to gentle exercises, such as walking, biking or swimming. Exercise can increase your endurance and strengthen the muscles around your joint, making your joint more stable. Avoid exercising tender, injured or swollen joints. Stop if you feel new joint pain. New pain that lasts more than two hours after you exercise probably means you have overdone it.
  
  


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  Weight loss. Being overweight or obese increases the stress on your weight-bearing joints, such as on your knees and your hips. Even a small amount of weight loss can relieve some pressure and reduce your pain. Talk to your doctor about healthy ways to lose weight. Most people combine changes in their diet with increased exercise.
  
  


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  Heat and cold. Both heat and cold can relieve pain in your joint. Heat relieves stiffness and cold relieves muscle spasms. Use a heating pad, hot water bottle, or a warm bath. Heat should be warm, not hot. Apply heat for 20 minutes several times a day. Cool the pain in your joint with cold treatments, such as with ice packs. You can use cold treatments several times a day, but don't use cold treatments if you have poor circulation or numbness.
  
  


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  Physical therapy. Ask your doctor for a referral to a physical therapist. A physical therapist can work with you to create an individualized exercise plan that will strengthen the muscles around your joint, increase your range of motion in your joint and reduce your pain.
  
  


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  Occupational therapy. Find ways to manage daily tasks without stressing your joints. Speak with an occupational therapist for help managing tasks or work without putting extra stress on your already painful joint.
  
  


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  Pain creams. Over-the-counter pain creams and gels available at the drugstore may provide temporary relief from osteoarthritis pain. Some creams numb the pain by creating a hot or cool sensation. Other creams contain medications, such as aspirin-like compounds, that are absorbed into your skin. Read the label so you know what you are using. Pain creams work best on joints that are close the surface of your skin, such as your knees and fingers.
  
  


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  Braces or shoe inserts. Consider trying special splints, braces, shoe inserts or other medical devices that can help reduce your pain and immobilize or support your joint to help you keep pressure off it.
  
  


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  Chronic pain class. Ask your doctor about classes in your area, or check with the Arthritis Foundation, to find classes that help people with osteoarthritis or chronic pain. These classes teach skills to help manage your osteoarthritis pain. You'll meet other people with osteoarthritis and learn their tips for reducing joint pain or coping with your pain.

Arthritis is considered to be a chronic pain and the number of people who suffer from this pain is staggering. Over 40 million Americans suffer from this pain. Some people can function normally with the pain and then there are many people who are limited in their activity due to the pain. Arthritis is the inflammation of the joints such as the wrists, the shoulders, the elbows, feet and knees. There are two types of arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid. Each has different levels of pain. The rheumatoid arthritis is more of a chronic pain and rheumatoid arthritis is an acute and sometimes chronic pain. However, the literal definition and the medical one may differ. Arthritis can affect other parts of the body as well as the joints. It can affect the bones, ligaments, muscles and tendons.

While the cause of arthritis is still unknown, there are ways on how to reduce arthritic pain and the debilitating effects of the arthritic pain. It is important that you consult your doctor particularly an expert in arthritis and arthritic pain. You are most likely susceptible to develop arthritis if it is in your family history, where in the past, your family members have suffered from arthritis. Currently, the cause of arthritis is still a mystery, although, there are certain risk factors that may cause arthritis. There are some topical creams that may help the people with osteoarthritis and there are more severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis that require more of a stronger treatment.

The pain from arthritis is caused by many different sources. The pain can affect the way you do a lot of things such as drive, walk, sit and lay down. It can stem from the inflammation of the joints, or the tendons and ligament. There may be muscle strains and overall fatigue. There is also a certain amount of hypersensitivity in the area around the swelling. It tends to get worse when it affects the amount of pain the person is feeling around the swollen area. There are many factors that come into play with arthritis pain such as swelling in the joints and the time of day it is. There are individuals who develop their arthritic pain early in the morning and some experience pain on a later day.For example, rheumatoid arthritis suffers have more pain in the morning than any other time of the day. Each person has a different tolerance for pain and each has a different threshold for pain as well. Some people get so upset and so tired of living with the constant pain that they become depressed or they can suffer from anxiety.

Spinal arthritis can be extremely painful. The medications available for spinal arthritis can be purchased over the counter and there are some that you need a doctor's prescription. One common medication of spinal arthritis is Acetaminophen; medicines like Tylenol have Acetaminophen in them. This is only good for people who have a mild pain and don't have any inflammation of the spinal area. The Acetaminophen doesn't work to reduce any type of inflammation, so if that is one of your symptoms then this is not right for you. People who are taking blood thinners should not be taking acetaminophen for more than 10 days. Another type of medication is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. These are medications that can reduce both osteoarthritic pain and inflammation caused by spinal arthritis. Medications with Aspirin in them such as Bayer, Advil and Motrin help most people. Sometimes you can get some minor side effects such as an upset stomach, diarrhea, cramping and maybe some bleeding if used for a long period of time. Other types of medications that may help with spinal pain are cortisone injections. Oral cortisone can't help people who have osetoarthritis but the injection into the joint can alleviate the pain almost immediately. The injection will reduce the inflammation and help with the joint pain.

Some people don't like to take pills so they try alternative treatments. These types of medicine will work on arthritis. One such medicine is the topical kind. The creams are said to work very well. There are no side effects such as diarrhea or upset stomach because you do not ingest the topical creams. They may not be as strong as the pills but in some cases of arthritis it can help take the pain away. Some of the most popular brands that say they can help relieve the pain of arthritis are over the counter creams. Capsaicin is one of them; the way it works is that the cream is set to block the pain that is in transit to a substance called substance P to the brain. Capsaicin is also found naturally in hot peppers, which are said to help with some pain. Other forms of topical creams are brands like Camphor that contain menthol and eucalyptus, both of which are great for aches and pains of the body and can be found in such products as Icy Hot. These are good for pain but they don't work on severe arthritis pain.

For many severe pain sufferers of arthritis topical pain relievers are not the answer. The topical creams are for the people who have very mild arthritis and who don't have constant and severe pain. If you are one of those people who believe a topical cream can help, consult your doctor and see which product is best for you. There is no real cure for the pain of arthritis; the pain can be managed through medications and some physical therapy. For short-term relief there are medications, heat and cold applications, joint protection, TENS or Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, massage therapies, acupuncture may help. Acupuncture is great for people who are under a lot of stress and after they have a treatment they swear by it. The needles may throw you off because it looks like it hurts but they are trained professionals and they know how to insert the pins as not to hurt you.

Arthritis, in meticulous is rheumatoid arthritis (RA), has shocking results on the human body, reasoning a lot of devastating effects as well as leaving lots of patients motionless or not able to task normally. Nevertheless, there are moreover several additional things linked with the sickness which are less famous, but as hostile. A quantity of studies accessible at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology present new information on the hazards of cardiovascular illness for RA patients, in addition to a quantity of the dangers connected with the new treatments in the region, which are just opening to come into view.

Indications of rheumatoid arthritis are characteristically most horrible in the dawn with steady reduction of symptoms all the way throughout the day. This persistent deterioration of symptoms in the dawn, particularly of rigidity in the joints, is significant analytical clue in differentiating supplementary forms of arthritis, for instance osteoarthritis as well as gouty arthritis.

Amplified heart attack risks in arthritis patients regardless of alteration in diseases supervision As accepted by the investigators, people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) contain a reduced lifespan when weighed against to citizens with identical gender as well as similar age; furthermore current studies imply that this is mainly because of amplified humanity from early cardiovascular disease, in fastidious myocardial infarction. As the medical pasture has achieved an improved understanding of arthritis, the organization of it has altered considerably in terms of medical behavior as well as treatment.

This study furthermore highlights the want for more data on whether newer management selection, for example TNF inhibitors that were launched in Europe at the opening of the millennium as well as a result did not have a noteworthy part in this reading, will encompass an outcome on cardiovascular measures for arthritis patients in the prospect.

Bigger risk of severe diseases with TNF INHIBITOR TREATMENT

As accepted by the investigators of the reading, it is before now well known that TNF inhibitor enhances the threat for intracellular illness for example TB. The risk for to a large extent more common, so far still severe, infections remains not as much of clear. Studies from medical practice have revealed diverse results, as well as taken collectively; clinical test indicates the chance for a risk boost of medical implication.

So to stay away from the risks of arthritis one should take proper precautions and monthly checkups from a doctor and you should always remember that "precaution is better than cure".

If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis you may be interested to know that there is a connection between this and food intolerances, in particular, allergy to wheat or dairy foodstuffs.

In a report from the UK Medical Research Council in 2001, it was stated that there is evidence from both case reports and controlled studies that an individualised diet, where offending foods are identified and removed, can cause an improvement in rheumatoid arthritis.

What we are talking about here is an elimination diet: removing virtually all the foods which might be causing symptoms, to determine whether symptoms improve, and then re-introducing food one at a time to identify which are causing the symptoms.

An example of this is described by consultant rheumatologist Dr Gail Darlington in a study published in 1986. She undertook a controlled study of 6 weeks of dietary manipulation therapy in 53 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. During the first week the patients were only allowed to eat foods they were unlikely to be intolerant to. Other food items were then introduced one at a time to see whether any symptoms were elicited by the dietary challenge. Foods producing symptoms were then excluded from the diet. There were significant improvements in the exclusion diet group in comparison to the placebo diet group.

Darlington went on to complete further clinical trials and in 1993 published a table of foods most likely to cause intolerance in patients with RA. The top five were corn, wheat, bacon/pork, oranges and milk.

None of this would have been surprising to Charles de Coti-Marsh, who undertook pioneering research into the causes and treatment of arthritis in the 1940s and 1950s. His findings convinced him that 'disease begins in the bowel', in other words, what we eat plays a major part in the development of many chronic conditions, including arthritis.

De Coti-Marsh treated patients by using what he called the 'Sanocell System.'' Judging the amount of toxic compounds (or food antigen) he believed to be present within that food, based on observation and case histories, he gave each food a value of 1-200, 200 being the most toxic to the body. His patients were given a Home Treatment Programme to follow, and at each stage of progress they were allowed to include in the diet all the foods below a certain number. Foods categorised by a higher number were not allowed. This was the elimination phase. As patients progressed, the Sanocell System allowed for the re-introduction of certain foods. It was an individualised diet, supervised by de Coti-Marsh himself.

Since the death of Charles de Coti-Marsh his Home Treatment for arthritis continues to be promoted by The Arthritic Association.

As scientific knowledge has progressed, so The Arthritic Association has presented its Home Treatment Programme for Arthritis in the context of scientific literature; investigated and ratified by the medical profession. As such, the charity's health programme has now been acknowledged to be a largely self-administered intervention based on the three areas of diet, supplementation and physical therapy.

If you would like to know how the Home Treatment programme can help you, please visit our website or call our Freephone number 0800 652 3188.

Elizabeth Hartland,
Nutritional Therapist,
The Arthritic Association

Commonly referred to as the "inflammation of a joint," arthritis is one of those conditions that can be long-tern and can lead to disability if not given proper medical attention.

There are two main types of arthritis: the most common form called "Osteoarthritis" characterized by a mild yet painful aches that occurs to aging people and the "Rheumatoid Arthritis" (RA) characterized by pains in the joints that lead to fever, weakness, and deformity and affects people of all ages.

Studies show that about two percent of the people around the world are suffering from this systemic inflammatory disease. In this percentage, women become more prone to having the disease. RA is characterized by the inflammation and swelling of the joints affected, stiffness of the affected especially in the morning, exhaustion, fatigue, depression, swelling, bulging, and inflammation of patient's eyes and noticeable lumps or nodules beneath the person's skin.

RA is hard to cure because its cause is not yet determined. Researchers say that RA is attacks like a culprit because it starts with destroying innocent tissues in the body especially those located in the cartilage and joints.

From this attack, numerous joints suddenly turn swollen, red, and hot and will create a symmetrical sequence of inflammation that occurs on body's both sides.

Remedies for the "culprit" disease

Rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed by matching a specific pattern of symptoms with a certain laboratory result. After the diagnosis, treatment would be recommended to the patient. Today, the most common means of treating RA is through medical treatment that is categorized into two types of drugs that include drugs that are "anti-inflammatory" that only relieve the symptoms of the disease but does not affect its progression, and drugs that belong to the "disease-modifying antirheumatic" or DMARDs group that greatly affects RA itself.

Sadly, these drugs used to treat RA are said to change the route of the disease and they can cause harsh side effects to patient. Because of the severity of the side effects, experts tried looking for a milder approach in treating the disease like natural treatments and alternatives especially in the early stages of RA.

Fish oils as a powerful preventive alternative remedy

For people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, it is indeed a challenging and tiring disease to battle with. Aside from trying medical treatments, more and more people who have RA are now looking for other options to somehow lessen the burden of the disease. Aside from anti-inflammatory drugs, people who suffer from RA are now more open to trying other alternative options such as different programs or sets of exercises, diet programs that include the consumption of fish oil, adequate rest, and proper exposure to heat.

Among all these alternative options, using fish oil is becoming more popular. Many studies are finding out how fish oil may help arthritis-especially rheumatoid arthritis. The following are just some of the reasons why many people are trying this breakthrough approach for an arthritis remedy.

1. Fish oil helps in the reduction of inflammatory compounds in the affected area. Studies show that adequate supplementation of fish oil in the affected area-such as joints or tissues-helps reduce the discharge of inflammatory composites from attacking the tissues.

2. Fish oil helps relieve some arthritis symptoms. With regular and proper use of fish oil, it helps relieve various symptoms of arthritis that include stiffness of the affected area especially in the morning.

3. Fish oil helps diminish joint pains. By using an average of three to six grams of fish oils everyday, it can lessen the inflammation and pain of joints especially those that are already tender.

4. Fish oil also helps in the reduction of heart disease risks especially in arthritis patients. Because of the Omega 3-fatty acids found in fish oils, the possibility of RA patients to develop various cardiovascular diseases is lessened.

5. Fish oil helps patients to save money. Compared to the price of drugs used in the medical treatments, RA patients are provided with what might be a cheaper and safer option for treating arthritis by using fish oils.

Natural Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Although the major pharmaceutical companies would prefer you not know this, there are natural means to alleviate the aches of arthritis without the use of dangerous drugs.

This page will give you a broad overview on these alternatives.

First, one of the natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis that is often overlooked is simply exercise. Obviously, when you are suffering from joint pain and fatigue, you often do not want to exercise. But, if you can begin a doctor supervised regular exercise program, you will find that you have more energy and less pain.

Water aerobics is particularly popular for those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. Pain relief is experienced because exercise stimulates the production of endorphins in the brain. Endorphins block pain and help improve one's mood. Other natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis pain relief include a variety of herbs and botanicals that are naturally analgesic (pain relieving) and/or anti-inflammatory (reduces swelling).

One of the natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis pain relief is valerian. Valerian is sometimes recommended by herbalists for rheumatoid arthritis pain relief and, indeed, was used traditionally by Native Americans to treat pain. However, the phyto-chemical compounds found in valerian have not been studied for anti-inflammatory effects. In addition to providing rheumatoid arthritis pain relief, it may help those who suffer from the disease to get a good night's sleep. It is a known sedative and is one of the oldest known medicinal plants. Those with liver disease should not use valerian. Withdrawal symptoms have been experienced by people who abruptly stop using it.

Natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis should be purchased from an herbalist or doctor of naturopathic medicine; plants and herbs can have side effects, and it is important to be aware of these before use. Another of the natural remedies is mullein. It is believed to be an anti-inflammatory and was used traditionally by Native Americans for pain relief. Only the flowers and leaves are used. The seeds contain a toxin that may cause skin irritations or rash.

Among the oldest known natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis pain relief is comfrey. Salves composed of comfrey root were used historically by native peoples throughout the world to reduce swelling, promote healing of broken bones, and for arthritis. Today it is still recommended by herbalists and naturalists to reduce inflammation. In order to provide rheumatoid arthritis pain relief, reducing inflammation is the key.

Comfrey should not be used by pregnant women and there may be other side effects. As previously mentioned, it is important to consult an herbalist or other expert schooled in herbal and natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis pain relief, before you begin use. One of the most exciting natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis pain relief comes to us from the rainforests of Thailand. This remedy may also be the safest for rheumatoid arthritis pain relief, since it is a fruit.

Known as the mangosteen -- sometimes referred to as "Queen of Fruits" -- it was used in traditional Asian folk medicine to treat a wide array of ailments, but was particularly effective as a pain reliever. According to Dr. J. Frederic Templeton, a primary care physician, "The mangosteen's benefits spans a wide range of effects: anti-inflammatory (stronger than indomethacin)..."

Indomethacin is a powerful non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug, prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis pain relief and a variety of other conditions. Dr. Templeton's statements are supported by scientific research from around the world. A puree of the mangosteen is taken as a health or dietary supplement and is not known to have any side effects.