Rheumatoid Arthritis|Psoriatic Arthritis Symptoms|Arthritis Treatment

Some home remedies for osteoarthritis can work wonders.

A good one will strengthen the immune system, prevent the spread and severity of the disease and provide safe relief from painful inflammation.

Home remedies for osteoarthritis are particularly important since there are serious proven dangerous side effects when taking commercial painkillers like Celebrex, Vioxx, Bextra and Aleve.

When you consider the fact that most prescribed arthritis medications are not proven to be safe and don't strengthen the immune system or offer long-term pain relief, it only makes good sense to take a more holistic approach.

Plus, more and more evidence shows that lifestyle changes, diet and home remedies can both help prevent arthritis and provide relief from the painful symptoms. As a result, more and more people with osteoarthritis are living happier, healthier lives.

Although the cause is still unknown, most experts agree that arthritis is connected to a breakdown of the immune system.

This happens when the immune system is either too weak to prevent viruses from attacking the joints or it has lost the discretionary power to recognize the difference between healthy cells and viruses. Therefore, a faulty immune system destroys both.

If not managed, arthritis can grow progressively worse and cause very limited range of motion and permanent damage. For example, rheumatoid arthritis that starts in one joint can spread throughout the entire body, if it's not prevented.

Therefore, at the first sign of joint stiffness, pain or swelling, it's important to take action towards prevention. It's an even better idea to start before symptoms begin.

You want both safe relief from the pain and inflammation, plus a stronger immune system for controlling the spread of the disease.

The natural home remedy solution for osteoarthritis is basically the same as it is for any arthritis or degenerative disease.

The American Medical Association recommends supplements for everyone, especially people dealing with degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis. So begin improving your immune system with a healthy diet that includes whole food supplements - particularly fish oil.

Moderate exercise combined with a healthy diet can help you reach and maintain your optimum weight. Every extra pound puts additional stress on joints increasing the odds of painful arthritis.

Low impact exercise, such as walking, swimming or yoga, are also good low stress ways to strengthen bones, joints and muscles, improve flexibility and reduce depression, fatigue and stress.

You'll also need to cut back or eliminate red meat, since those who eat more red meat have twice the risk of arthritic pain compared to those who eat red meat no more than once a week.

For further building up of your immune system, replace non-nutritious foods in your diet with more whole grains, colorful fruits and vegetables and cold water omega 3 fish, such as salmon.

The most important of all home remedies for osteoarthritis is pure fish oil supplements. Fish oil is a natural anti-inflammatory pain reliever and has been proven to help protect people from arthritis.

Although arthritis won't really kill you, it can literally cripple you. Arthritis causes a lot of limitations and cuts back even the most undemanding activities such as bathing, walking or dressing up. Because of intense pain in the joints, arthritis can be quite debilitating. Added to that, it's also a recurring disease.

Arthritis affects many thousands of people every year and statistics show that one in every three adults over 40 suffer or will suffer from arthritis as they age. Arthritis has no specified age or gender parameter since arthritis can develop even in infants, but most sufferers begin to experience symptoms when they near their fifties, with more than 50% occurring before the age of 65. The sad thing about arthritis is that it can be debilitating both to the body and to one's finances. It is estimated that arthritis can cost a single person a whopping $150,000 in medical or support treatment and lost wages during his or her lifetime.

The two most common types of arthritis that afflict the greater percentage of the population are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a condition that results from normal wear and tear of the knees, hips, or ankles since they bear much of the weight in the body. Arthritis also invades the shoulders and other highly mobile joints in the cervical and lumbar spinal regions. Like grease on joints and gears in a mechanical structure, synovial fluid maintains lubrication and ease of movement within our joints. It is also responsible for the overall health of the cartilage surrounding the bone interface. Synovial fluid inevitably shrinks with age and cartilage undergoes wear and tear with heavy use, eventually causing the bones to grind against each other. This grinding action is what causes arthritis pain and the difficulty in movements.

Rheumatoid Arthritis on the other hand is a condition brought about by the assault of anti-bodies on the synovial lining of the joints. Although these anti-bodies are produced by our own immune system, genetics, certain infections or environmental factors can trigger immune system upsets and cause destruction of the synovial membrane and the cartilage. Inflammatory conditions such as swelling, stiffness and pain manifest as a result of this. Rheumatoid Arthritis affects any age group, and this type of immunologically induced arthritis is also prevalent in other systemic illnesses such as Lupus and Scleroderma.

Symptoms of arthritis are not permanent - the disease is said to be active when inflammation is present and that period is known as a "flare". When the symptoms go away, it is said that the disease is "in remission". Remission can be accomplished through treatment or may occur spontaneously and may last for months or even years.

Conventional treatments for arthritis include the use of anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids to relieve its painful effects. Typically, these come in the form of cortisone injections or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or what is commonly known as NSAIDs. These types of treatment bring pain relief, unfortunately they don't repair the damaged tissues - hence relief is said to be merely symptomatic.

NSAIDs and steroids are also known to produce adverse effects. Most prominent of these are osteoporosis and some thinning of the skin. NSAIDs are also observed to increase the incidence of stomach ulcers.

No cure for arthritis has been discovered yet, but there is growing evidence that tissue repair and replacement can delay disease progression. In fact, this has been the focus of controversial stem cell replacement studies over the years. Whether or not stem cell replacement will eventually emerge as the cure for arthritis, it is a welcome relief to know that natural substances are available to relieve arthritis pain and discomfort, and slow progression of the disease - without the side effects.

One of the best known natural substances for its anti-inflammatory properties is Aloe Vera. Aloe generally provides analgesic relief and it has demonstrated positive results at immune system stimulation to speed up cell replacement and growth. Aloe Vera contains basic sugars which are also found in every cell of the body - it is rich in nutrients that include vitamins E, C, and the B series, as well as iron, manganese, calcium and zinc. Aloe Vera also contains essential amino and fatty acids needed by the body.

Possibly more than its nutritional benefits is the ability of Aloe Vera to help the body regenerate cells and repair damaged tissue. A breakthrough formulation combines aloe with glucosamine and chondroitin, two joint supplements that are building blocks of cartilage found within joints. Glucosamine increases fluid maintenance in the cartilage, while chondroitin, an ingredient of cartilage tissue, takes charge of drawing in fluids and nutrients. As we age, the body's capacity to produce these natural elements of healthy cartilage is diminished, thus leading to painful joint conditions. Combined with Aloe Vera which aids in tissue repair and cell regeneration, natural relief for arthritis without the side effects may simply be found in a glass of naturally occurring substances!

What is arthritis?

The word arthritis originated from the Greek word arthro which means "joint" and itis which means "inflammation". Arthritis thus literally means inflammation of the joint. A joint is an area of our body where two or more bones meet. Joints connect the various bones within our skeleton. The ends of our joints are covered with cartilage, a soft and pliable material which acts as a cushion between the bones of the joints. When the cartilage breaks or wear and tear because of age, disease, injury and excessive activity, one may suffer arthritis.

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

Arthritis symptoms vary from person to person but generally, they include: joint pain, deformity, swelling, redness and warmth, limited function of the joint, muscle and joint stiffness, loss of appetite, fatigue or exhaustion, fever, unexplained weight loss and crepitus (also known as creaky joints, popping joints, snapping joints).

Persons afflicted with arthritis would experience pain usually in the joints of the hands, knees, hips and spine. They would have difficulty in writing, holding an object, getting up from a chair, walking, bending, or kneeling because of joint pain. The areas around their affected joints would become red, hot and swollen. Sometimes, their fingers and toes would look like sausages. Their joints also become stiff for hours. When they stand or get out of bed, a crackling noise would be heard. The creaking may occur with or without pain. Person with arthritis would experience weakness, fatigue and exhaustion because of their limited physical mobility. They would also lose appetite. When their condition worsens, they would contract fever.

What is the treatment for arthritis?

Arthritis treatment would depend largely upon the type of arthritis a person has. It is thus necessary to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and correct treatment.

Treatment for arthritis includes hot pack and cold pack application, lifestyle change, medication, physical and occupational therapy, dietary supplements, splinting, injections and surgical operations.

Cold pack is applied to an inflamed joint while hot compress is to used address joint pain and stiffness. Lifestyle change which includes weight loss and exercise is suggested to reduce stress on the joints and to improve joint function. Physical therapy is recommended as it has been shown to delay surgical operation in advance cases. Exercise helps improve muscle strength, endurance and flexibility. Occupational therapy teaches ways and techniques on how to minimize stress on the joint from everyday activities.

Medications used to treat arthritis include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (Ibuprofen, Aleva) and pain relievers (Celebrex, Tramadol). Medications usually start with drugs that have few side effects and shift to stronger ones as the disease advances. Dietary supplements like Glucosamine and Chondroitin are also used to treat arthritis. Such supplements ease pain of arthritis. Injection of hyaluronates (gel-like substance) into the knee joint to supplement the viscous properties of synovial fluid is prescribed in knee arthritis. Joint surgery is resorted to when the damage is severe and when all the other treatments failed.

Just as it is for humans, arthritis in cats treatment options have come a long way in the past few years. Not so long ago the options for treating your cat for arthritic pain and inflammation were very limited. Veterinarians relied upon NSAIDS and steroids to help to reduce the inflammation that the disease brings on.

This has had limited success as it could only be used for short periods of time to treat the animal and if the cat happened to have heart or kidney problems as well then it made them not very good candidates for the treatment. This meant that a cat with arthritis on top of an existing illness was left to suffer in agony.

Many owners have had to look to euthanize their pets because they could not bear to see them in pain any longer. Often this was thought to be the more humane way of treating the condition. Thankfully, modern medicine progresses at a rapid speed nowadays and with it has come some great breakthroughs in treating the condition of arthritis in cats. The great thing is that both traditional medicine and modern medicine are now working together to provide better treatment options for pet owners and getting some good solid results.

Glucosamine and chondroitin have both been found to be an effective preventative measure in the battle to slow arthritis down. Both of these properties are evident in the cartilage. Arthritis in cats is essentially the breakdown or deterioration of cartilage around the joint. When this occurs, the joint rubs against hard bone and it proves to be an incredibly painful existence for the sufferer.

Omega-3 fatty acid is also found to be a positive factor for arthritis in cats treatment. This can be found in a high quality cat food, usually canned or wet food, or can be found in particularly high concentrations in the green-lipped mussel from New Zealand. This is a product that is now shipped world-wide and can be purchased dry and ground up and added to your pet's meal.

NSAIDS have been modern medicines answer to pain relief and inflammation problems. However, they have been very unpopular for some time along with the use of corticosteroids as they have very negative side effects which essentially can negate the reason for using them.

There has been a development of a long-term arthritis treatment medication that has had limited effect on cats. This is not due to the medication's efficacy, but due to the fact that cats have a unique metabolism and one of the side effects of this drug is nausea and vomiting. Unfortunately, this counteracts the drugs efficiency in treating and relieving pain from the arthritis.

Arthritis can cause such a lot of discomfort in so many ways when you get older. It was one thing when mum started to lose her sight a bit as she got older; she still managed to knit things for all her grandchildren, and could do most of it from a good memory. However once arthritis started to cause her the discomfort that it typically does, her knitting needles became something which caused her pain and not pleasure.

Mum has knitted things since she was younger than me. She knitted my school jumpers and I always had some striped something or other from socks to scarves from remnants! Her hands have always been nimble. Arthritis is strange because it makes your fingers painful but they can also swell and become stiff. It is very frustrating to watch somebody try to accomplish something that used to be so easy.

That is when we starting trying some remedies to see if we could help her. I am the one in the family that is more inclined to try natural treatments so I looked into some of the remedies available. There are all different types of arthritis but two of the main ones are rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. Not knowing which one mum had, as there is also another type which appears more with age which is degenerative arthritis, we thought we would try something which has helped many people with the symptoms, so I bought her some omega 3 fish oil. Most people do not get enough of this type of oil in their diet anyway so it was worth a try. Sure enough, it has helped her immensely.

Now? Well she is no longer with us, but I know that she managed to knit right up until she couldn't sit up. The good part was, her quality of life was helped by a natural arthritis treatment. Who would have thought that a natural arthritis treatment using an oil supplement could bring somebody so much more pleasure and quality of life by relieving some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis? I didn't, but now I endorse the use of natural products to all the people I care about who suffer from arthritis.

Gout attacks affect an estimated two million people in the United States alone. At least 75- 90% of the victims are men and the remainder is women who are post-menopausal or hypertensive. Many of these individuals live unhealthy life- styles and are not prepared for the sudden attacks of gout. The sudden attacks of gout arthritis are extremely painful and affect a singular joint, tendon or other bodily tissue.

Gout is the oldest form of inflammatory arthritis; closely related to rheumatic arthritis. The medical condition initially and predominately affects the joints and must be treated accordingly. 'Gouty arthritis' is potentially damaging if left untreated. Chronic gout damages major tissues and/or organs, yet it is unlike most types of arthritis which are innately chronic.

Generally, gout arthritis is characterized by painful sudden attacks that last days to weeks proceeded by long periods with no symptoms. The 'gouty arthritis' may be acute or chronic. The best way to control the onset or progression of gout is to avoid things that may trigger these symptoms.

During a gout attack, the victims suffer with several vital symptoms. Such symptoms include:

1. sharp pain
2. redness
3. swelling
4. warmth
5. tenderness
6. tightness
7. skin lump

These symptoms generally occur during the night and is particular unexpected. The most common area affected is the big toe. However, gout attacks have been known to also attack other joints such as the finger, ankle, elbow, knee, or foot. The condition is caused by a buildup of uric acid that has lodged in these joints. More so, the kidney no longer has the ability to flush away this excess uric acid. The disease may develop in men or women with:

1. Diabetes
2. Kidney Disease
3. Obesity
4. Sickle Cell Anemia

Gout arthritis occurs in 4 stages:

Asymptomatic: There are no symptoms
Specifically, an illness/condition is present with symptoms or the individual has recovered from the illness/condition and no longer has symptoms. It also indicates that the person is actually healthy. Lastly, the particular illness/condition does not produce any symptoms.

Acute: Sudden pain attack in the joints
The pain occurs especially in the feet and legs. This is a result of uric acid buildup or hyperuricemia.

Intercritical: Requiring immediate/reoccurring treatment
Condition is progressing quickly. The condition is on the way to critical or chronic gout/ permanent damage.

Chronic: Long- lasting or persisting condition
Chronic gout arthritis suggests repeated episodes of gout attacks or joint pain.

About six months ago I began to experience severe joint pain and suspected that I was developing arthritis. Right then I knew I needed to learn the symptoms of arthritis

Eventually I went to a physician who confirmed my suspicions but prior to that I did a bit of research and this is what I found. These are the questions I learned that you need to ask to discover if you have symptoms of arthritis.

Does physical exercise and increased activity exacerbate the pain in your joints?

Is your pain symmetric? When I first went to the doctor complaining about pain in my elbow, the doctor dismissed it out of hand, as a repetitive strain disorder. But when I told him that the pain was bilateral, and that I rarely used my left arm in my repetitive activities, he then began to share my concern about arthritis.

Does your joint hurt when you bend the limb in a normal way? Does the joint pop or creek?

Is there swelling in the joint? Is this skin around the joint becoming shiny and tight? Both osteoarthritis, which is a degeneration of the joints and rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammation of the joints will produce joint swelling.

An early sign of arthritis is stiffness upon waking. If you're experiencing morning stiffness which tends to subside somewhat after the first half hour so of movement, it could be a sign of arthritis

In osteoarthritis, cartilage and bone rub together and a person can often hear, what is been described as a grating sound. If your bones and joints seem to crackle or make an unusual noises when moving, or if you experience a gritty sensation in your joints, it may be an indication of arthritis.

A temperature test can be helpful in determining whether the symptoms are experiencing arthritis. Place a hand on each of your joints, for instance one hand on your right knee and another on your left knee. Is there a noticeable temperature difference? If your joints feel unusually warm, it may be a sign of a rheumatoid arthritis. It could also be an indication of gout, or an infection of the joint. If you experience coldness, if your joints are unusually cool it may well be a sign of osteoarthritis

Is the onset of your joint pain concurrent with swelling or fever? This symptom could be a sign of rheumatoid arthritis or an infection of the joint.

Nearly one out of three persons in the United States suffers from a joint disease. The more common type of arthritis that afflicts persons is rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a disabling joint disease where chemical changes in the blood caused by inflammation have been found to take place. The inflammation is believed to be produced by the body's auto-immune immune system attacking itself. It damages the surrounding tissues like blood vessels, nerves, skin, heart, muscles and lungs when the inflammation is left without immediate treatment.

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms may start showing at an early age such as those seen in children suffering Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. Most often, the symptom begins with sudden fever accompanied by a light rash that immediately disappears. And similar to adults, persistent joint swelling, stiffness of the affected area especially in the morning or after a day's rest are also felt.

Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis symptoms may show before the age of 45 among adults. It may start as part of a severe illness usually with high fever. Sometimes the disease also develops in a subtle way without the patient noticing its occurrence until it is too late.

This happens when there is no amount of discomfort felt except the apparent loss of appetite, decrease in weight and probably a mild fever. Often, without immediate treatment deformities have developed before the disease could be pointed out as the cause. Tenderness, redness and excessive warmth on the areas affected also indicate the presence of the disease.

The inflammation of the joint usually lasts to as short as a few minutes or continue to a number of years depending on the treatment. At the onset of the disease, the tendons become shortened and the normal balance of the muscles is hampered. When the muscles are weakened they lose their strength. This is most evident in the inability to grip or make a tight fist among patients with rheumatoid arthritis in the hands.

The stiffening of some parts of the body that build up during time of rests or a night's sleep which gradually disappears when the patient starts moving, is one of the most common rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. The stiffness results from the muscular weakness caused by the disease.

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms are most obvious in the hands and feet. It also appears in other body joints such as elbows, shoulders, hips, knees, spine and ankles. Sometimes the jawbones are involved. Among patients, the involvement of both joints on the two sides of the body and usually with the same pattern of development is due to the fact that the disease is symmetric. The symptoms may not come often to some people but they generally appear and heighten at periods of severe stress.

It is also possible that one might show symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis but may actually be suffering from other specific types of arthritis. A related but separate disease is the Ankylosing Spondylitis which shows symptoms similar to it. Sometimes, the presence of the disease predisposes the patient to other types of joint disease like cervical arthritis.

Key Facts About Arthritis Pain Relief

Anyone who experiences the daily joint pain, stiffness and inflammation that accompanies arthritis needs to know what steps to take to achieve quick and effective arthritis pain relief. Daily choices in self-care and activity can definitely affect the intensity of arthritis symptoms, so arthritis sufferers will be helped by knowing the best choices that lead to arthritis pain relief.

Balance Movement with Rest

Even though it may initially hurt to move and stretch the body, gentle exercises done preferably at the end of the day, can eliminate some of the aches and stiffness of arthritis. Don't stand or sit in the same position for too long a time while doing daily activities. Any activity that gentle increases circulation in the body is beneficial toward relief.

Gentle Self-Care

Topical ointments that contain cayenne pepper have proven very effective when applied to painful joints. Applying ice packs onto painful arms, legs, knees and joints can also provide temporary relief from arthritis. Over the counter remedies that contain anti-inflammatory drugs are also useful when taken daily to relieve the pain that accompanies arthritis.

Proven Joint Pain Relief

Many products may promise relief, but Synotrex has developed an Advanced Joint Formula that is proven to not only eliminate the pain and swelling that accompanies arthritis but also works to repair damaged joints and promote ongoing healthy joint function when taken on a regular basis. Because the Synotrex formula is comprised of such all natural ingredients as COX-2 inhibitors, vitamins and minerals, it is much safer and less expensive to take for relief than dangerous prescription medications that cause numerous unwanted and hazardous side effects. Synotrex is not only safe, it is extremely effective in the fight against arthritis pain relief.

Thousands of arthritis sufferers have discovered quick and easy relief through Synotrex, which extends a risk free offer to try its proven scientific pain relief formula. Our risk free trial guarantees that arthritis sufferers will lose nothing but their pain when using Synotrex as part of an arthritis pain relief program.

There are several types of arthritis, the most common of which are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is also sometimes called degenerative joint disease, and it is associated with aging. The primary underlying cause of osteoarthritis is wear and tear on the joints, which naturally occurs with the aging process.Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of and damage to the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis commonly appears in middle age, and is far more prevalent in women than in men. There is no correlation between certain ethnic or racial groups and the prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis, and it can also affect children and young adults.Clearly, the most common identifiable sign of arthritis is chronic pain in the affected region. Arthritis is frequently associated with pain and stiffness in joints, especially joints that have been injured in the past. Pain and stiffness may be most noticeable after being immobile for a period of time, such as after sleeping.

Swelling is also a very common symptom of all forms of arthritis.Arthritis frequently causes hip pain, knee pain, wrist pain, and pain, stiffness, and swelling in the finger joints. Another common symptom that can aid in the proper diagnosis of arthritis is a warm sensation around the affected area. A key indicator is the presence of symptoms in the same joints on both the left and right sides of the body. For example, if the same symptoms are affecting both wrists, it is a likely indication that arthritis may be the cause. A decreased ability to move the joint may occur in relation to the pain and stiffness caused by arthritis. Arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis, may also cause a general feeling of fatigue throughout the entire body. In some cases, a fever may be present.In severe cases, joint deformity may occur. With advanced progression of arthritis, a patient's range of motion can be significantly affected, possibly leading to the necessary use of a mobility aid, such as a cane. Symptoms associated with this degenerative disease that are persistent over a period of several months should be evaluated immediately.

Early diagnosis and treatment are helpful in slowing the progression of arthritis and ensuring a better, longer lasting fulfilled life for patients.Physical therapy and other natural and homeopathic remedies can greatly improve the symptoms of arthritis and help to slow the progression of the disease. Because arthritis affects the joints of the body, which are made up of ligaments and cartilage, certain herbal and mineral formulations can help to improve the elasticity of the ligaments and lubrication of the joint, improving comfort and reducing pain caused by damage to the area.Visit your health professional at your first concern that you may be suffering from arthritis. A proper diagnosis is the first step to formulating a treatment plan that will have you living life to the fullest, free of pain, for as long as possible.

Each hand is made up of 25 bones involving joints in fingers as well as the wrist. Any ailment of the hands leads to difficulty in performing routine functions such as gripping, holding etc. and could also lead to deformity.

Arthritis in hands causes inflammation, swelling, stiffness, pain etc. The two main types of arthritis are:

Osteoarthritis - This occurs generally in older people and pain gradually increases over a period of time. The padding or the natural shock absorbers of the hands - the cartilage is affected, causing pain, restricting movements and reducing strength.

Rheumatoid Arthritis - This is a more severe form and unlike Osteo, the location of pain in the body cannot be predicted. The effect is not only on joints but also on muscles, tendons and other tissues of the body.

Symptoms -

1- Pain - Initial symptoms include pain in hands with a burning sensation. It increases when the hands are stressed with activities like lifting weight, writing, knitting or any continuous and regular movement. Pain becomes so severe that at times, one cannot even sleep at night. Pain increases in humid weather and even small activities such as opening a lock or opening a jar in the kitchen are also hampered.

2- Swelling- with pain, if stress continues for a longer period of time, swelling is caused and restricts

further joint movement.

3- Stiffness- With persistent pain, the stiffness increases. Also, it is more in the mornings and in colder climate.

4- Warmth- The affected joint may feel warm when touched.

5- Increased mobility of other hands- The hands surrounding the affected one may feel more mobile than normal.

6- Cysts - Small cysts may form on the knuckles especially at the end.

7- Deformity- In advanced stages, continuous swelling may cause shape change. Also, the joint may feel loose and crippled. The basic structure of the joint may become weak.

If you have joint pain due to rheumatoid arthritis, relief may be closer than you think.

Many people see rheumatoid arthritis as a disease of aging, while others believe it "runs in the family". But often, arthritis symptoms can flare as a result of food allergies.

Nightshades in particular are well known to cause flare-ups of arthritis pain. Potatoes, tomatoes, zucchini, peppers and eggplants are among the foods that can trigger an allergic reaction causing joint pain and swelling. Luckily, there's an easy way to find out if this family of plant foods is problematic for you.

If you have arthritis pain, finding out whether your symptoms are due to food allergies is a simple process. First, avoid all nightshades for several days--at least four. Then, add one particular food item--potatoes, for instance--back into your diet. Eat a portion daily for several days and note any symptoms. Then eliminate all nightshades for another few days, and test another of the foods.

You may be surprised by the results. You may find that you can tolerate one particular food for several days before developing symptoms, while another food will cause symptoms almost immediately. Once you've analyzed the results, you can plan to either avoid certain foods completely or control the portions and frequency of these foods in your diet.

If you are taking prescription medication for your arthritis, be sure you discuss your results and ask questions of your physician before stopping any meds; they may have positive results beyond pain relief, and stopping them cold may have a negative effect. Also, be sure to monitor your condition with your physician, even if you manage to control the symptoms with diet. Arthritis is a complex auto-immune disease, and bears watching, whether you're symptom-free or not.

When a patient complains of pain in a joint, the arthritis specialist needs to figure out the exact location of the pain source. Is it due to something happening within the joint itself or is it due to adjacent structures such as the bone, ligaments, tendon, or bursa. Another possibility is that the pain could be referred meaning that the site that is causing the pain is not where the pain is.

An example of this latter situation is osteoarthritis of the hip that often causes pain in the knee. Also, a pinched nerve in the low back can also cause pain in the leg.

Arthritis pain is often accompanied by stiffness in the joint, pain with use, reduced range of motion, and occasionally swelling due to inflammation or fluid accumulation. The joint can be stiff after inactivity. For example, patients with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis will often get stiff if they sit for a long time. They can then loosen up by moving around.

Patients with an arthritic condition involving a joint have the "quartet" of arthritis: swelling, heat, redness, and pain.

The presence of fluid inside the joint (called an "effusion") can help establish the diagnosis.

Bone pain is most often due to fracture but may also occur due to infection (this is called "osteomyelitis"), or irritation of the bone surface, the periosteum. Periosteal problems can occur as a result of malignancy or conditions such as Paget's disease of bone, an unusual metabolic disease that causes bone deformity as well as bone pain.

Patients with tendonitis or bursitis usually have localized pain. Pain is aggravated by activity and relieved by rest. Getting a detailed history can provide clues to recent overuse that could be the trigger for the problem. Knowledge of anatomy can often pinpoint the source. Physical examination is critical because certain maneuvers can provoke or reproduce the pain thereby narrowing the diagnostic focus.

With bursitis, if there is significant inflammation, there will be swelling as well as pain and redness localized to the affected bursa.

Sometimes, though, it is difficult to separate a tendon issue from a bursal issue because the structures lie in such close proximity. Examples would be tendonitis/bursitis involving the shoulder or hip where this problem can be a difficult one to differentiate. Occasionally both the tendons and bursae can be affected.

Ligament problems are almost always due to trauma and the history as well as physical examination can establish the diagnosis. Confirmatory imaging studies such as magnetic resonance imaging and diagnostic ultrasound can be helpful here.

Arthritis is medically defined as inflammation of the joints. Arthritis can occur in any joint of the body, including most commonly the fingers and knees, which are typically hard-used joints. Inflammation is the primary feature of arthritis, which is the body's natural reaction of joint tissues that have endured some sort of damage or injury, either through overuse due to physical abuse or excessive weight gain or in some cases hormonal or environmental factors.

Nutritional factors, including dangerously low levels of calcium, magnesium and essential fatty acids can also cause temporary arthritis, but these are probably the most easily solved once they are identified as the culprits.

What are some of the best natural remedies for arthritis pain?
Along with a host of prescription medications and medical options, those suffering form the arthritis neck pain who want to avoid potential side effects of over-the-counter medicines as well as prescription anti-inflammatory drugs have a variety of natural remedies that have proven quite effective.

One of the most commonly recommended home remedies for arthritis pain is to wrap the painful joint in heat. Heat causes the muscles around the joint to relax, which in turn releases the pressure and strain on the joint and eases the arthritic pain. In general cold-water treatments should be avoided by the patient suffering arthritis as this causes additional tension and can inflame the joints again.

Additional natural remedies for arthritis neck pain depend on the cause of the patient's arthritis, including a careful and structured loss of weight to ease the strain on the joints. In many cases, arthritic pain caused by weight gain can be completely eliminated when patients lose the extra weight and incorporate joint-healthy exercise into their daily lives.
Arthritis neck pain can also be eased and even eliminated through therapeutic massage. Massage therapy has been shown to ease arthritic pain at any age and with regular massage therapy, many arthritis sufferers can return to pain-free, normal functioning again.

What are the best natural supplements to relieve arthritis?
Some of the natural remedies for arthritis include dietary supplements and some of the most effective supplements are as follows:

Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate - in a recent National Institute of Health (NIH) study, glucosamine combined with chondroitin sulfate provided statistically significant pain relief compared with placebo. Approximately 79 percent of those studied had a 20 percent or greater reduction in pain versus about 54 percent for those taking the placebo.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) - which is a naturally occurring source of sulfur in the health food industry that has proven to have anti-inflammatory effects on the human body. Some of those suffering osteoarthritis have experience significant reduction in their daily pain and improved physical function without major side effects.

Manganese - which is a trace mineral that participates in many enzyme processes within the human body has been shown to be helpful in the utilization of key nutrients, such as thiamine and abscorbic acid. While not specifically used to treat arthritis symptoms, manganese has been shown effective in helping the human body properly absorb and distribute nutrients that can be effective at easing arthritis symptoms. In that regard, manganese is more properly defined as a helper remedy.

Holistic medicine for treatment of arthritis is becoming more and more popular.

Arthritis is a disease which causes inflammation of the joints. If left untreated joint damage, joint limitations and deformities can occur.

Holistic medicine for treatment of arthritis offers arthritis suffers lasting relief from pain and inflammation. This approach states that arthritis is a disease that results from multiple causes. Contributing to all forms of arthritis is a number of underlying imbalances with physical, mental and environmental factors.

Holistic medicine believes that the cause of arthritis develops from a combination of several causes. It is important to understand the factors that went into creating arthritis in each person to properly treat the disease.

Holistic medicine employs a battery of diagnostic tools such as physical examination, dietary assessment, emotional evaluation, and test for immune/digestive function to help build an individual picture of the patient's condition. Physicians take the time to find the root cause of arthritis and the patient is actively involved with their treatment.

Holistic approaches for the treatment of arthritis draws upon a wide range of therapies to help treat and possibly prevent arthritis.

The primary factors to this treatment is through Chinese herbal medicine, proper diet and nutrition, stress reduction, detoxification and the repair of nerves and muscles with the use of acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage and exercise.

The belief of the Chinese medicine is that disease occurs when obstructions impede the flow of energy to the organs. Chinese herbs are used to restore energy and function to the system so that balance and health can be achieved. With holistic medicine it is also believed that diet and nutrition has a significant impact on pain and inflammation.

A vegetarian diet is believed to greatly reduce arthritis symptoms. Herbs, minerals, vitamins and other natural supplements can provide effective relief without the side effects of conventional drugs. Mind and body techniques such as meditation can also help to reduce stress. The removal of toxins in the body has also shown to be remarkably therapeutic for arthritis patients.

Holistic medicine for treatment of arthritis helps to restore health to the whole patient, rather than simply providing superficial symptom relief. The tests to detect any imbalance will focus on a physical and emotional evaluation, dietary assessment, immune response, and digestive and detoxification function.

Seeing your canine pal struggling to walk is difficult for any pet owner. You'll likely have a lot of questions: it is hip dysplasia? Is it ever going to go away? In many canines, the answer is quite different. Dog arthritis is a common problem, one that strikes young and old alike, causing painful movement due to inflammation in the joints.

What Causes It?

Veterinarians are not entirely sure what creates the problem in the first place. It can appear very differently, and often without warning. It can be slow-onset and grow worse over time in gradual increments, or it can suddenly appear in full force. It can occur in young dogs and old alike. Injuries to legs/joints are common predictors, but don't guarantee that it will appear.

Dog arthritis occurs when, for whatever reason, the natural covering which prevents two bones from rubbing together at the joint begins to erode. This stops smooth functioning, and causes the bones to grate against each other. In normal situations, the covering would regenerate itself, but in some dogs (particularly those who are old or injured) it doesn't work. In fact, it tends to be a degenerative condition, meaning that once a pup is diagnosed they are likely to continue wearing down the covering and causing themselves even more pain.

Examining Symptoms

The most obvious symptoms are lameness or discomfort around a joint. The pain caused by the condition is typically exacerbated by movement, especially placing weight on the affected area. If your normally active pup becomes lethargic or refuses to get up, go up/down stairs, or jump for balls and toys, you should consider dog arthritis as a potential cause of the symptoms.

Can It Be Reversed?

Left completely untreated, dog arthritis will almost always degenerate. If your pup isn't replenishing the covering already, he's unlikely to do so in the future. However, there are several treatment options which can help restore this natural replenishment. Pet vitamins are one of the most popular because they don't involve giving your pup any drugs, have no side effects, and are less expensive than common vet medicines. Pet vitamins help support the immune system and encourage the body to return to health, which can re-start production of elements such as the joint covering.

Prognosis

As with all conditions, your pup's individual medical history and current situation will determine his or her individual outlook. However, in general, dog arthritis is not fatal. However, without proper treatment, it is likely to continue degenerating and causing a lot of pain. Ultimately, your pup may become unable to walk on the leg where the pain is concentrated. It can become quite extreme if not addressed, but with proper pet vitamins and the potential for intervention by your veterinarian to help make your canine pal more comfortable, it is very possible to have your pet live a long and happy life even with arthritis.

So your dog has a been diagnosed with dog arthritis. What do you do now? There are many things that can help in the treatment of arthritis. It is important to know all your options first so that you can make an educated decision about what would be best for your dog. There are 5 categories which to consider: Joint Supplements, Pharmaceutical Drugs, Alternative Therapies, Exercise and Weight Management.

In order to completely understand Joint Supplements you need to first understand the two main categories. They are Chondroprotectants ie. Cartilage Protectors and Natural Anti-inflammatories. As for chondroprotectants there are three main natural ingredients to consider. Glucosamine and chondroitin have for a long time been the forerunners when it comes to joint supplement ingredients. The newest molecule that is gaining tremendous popularity is hyaluronic acid. All of these are what is known as glycosaminoglycans. They are the precursors that are responsible for the formation and repair of healthy cartilage. As a dog get older or due to some traumatic damage the bodies own ability to supply adequate amounts of these ingredients is diminished, therefore it can be extremely beneficial to supply these ingredients via oral supplementation. In addition, it has been found that these compound work together therefore, finding a supplement that incorporates all three can prove to be more effective.

As for natural anti-inflammatories the list can be very long, but here a few that have been researched over the years and proven to be effective. MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane), Cetyl-M (Cetyl Myristoleate) and Omega 3 Fatty Acids, predominately fish oils. Though, recent research has shown incredible results with the oils extracted from the green lipped mussels of new zealand. This oil has been shown to be rich in an omega 3 fatty acid called eicosatetranoic acid or ETA and has proven to be an amazing natural anti-inflammatory when it comes to joint inflammation.

The problem often times is that consumers do not realize that not all joint supplements are created equal. The quality of the ingredients can vary dramatically when it comes to these products. Most of the time, the old saying "you get what you pay for" really is true when it comes to selecting the right supplement. Quality ingredient cost more and therefore the end product usually is more expensive.

There are also an number of pharmaceutical drugs that have been very effective in relieving the discomfort associated with dog arthritis. The most common drugs prescribed by veterinarians are class a drugs called the non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs). This class of drugs though very effective have meet some serious scrutiny due to there potential side effects. Most hospitals will check your dogs blood work initially and then at one week after prescription and then 4 weeks after. In addition to there potential life threatening side effects there is also controversy whether or not these drugs are over prescribed within the veterinary community before more natural and safe options are considered.

Another pharmaceutical drug that has been gaining tremendous popularity has been Adequan. This drug is in a class of drugs called disease modifying agents. Developed in the 70's for race horses, adequan has shown that it can be very effective as one form of arthritis treatment for dogs.

Lastly, there are the true neurologic pain medications such as tramadol and gabapentin which can be a true god send for the more severe cases of dog arthritis. These medicationa often give a debilitated dog a new lease on life by allowing them the comfort to get up and move around and therefore maintain vital muscle.

Alternative therapies have also been gaining tremendous popularity in recent years. Canine rehabilitation ie. dog physical therapy in the last 10 years has quickly become a very accepted treatment option amongst the veterinary community for dogs after surgery and for dogs suffering from arthritis, who have lost joint range of motion and muscle mass. Canine rehabilitation specialists utilize many of the same modalities that human physical therapist use such as electrical stimulation, therapeutic ultrasound, cold laser therapy and the very popular underwater treadmill. Acupuncture is another alternative therapy that has proven benefits and gained in popularity. Most recently stem cell therapy has been in the media spotlight.

Once you have established the right oral supplement for your dog and whether you dog needs prescription medication, your focus really needs to turn towards exercise and weight management. The majority of domestic dogs don't get the necessary exercise they need. In addition, the majority of dogs are overweight without the pet owners even knowing that their weight is a problem. It is important to speak with your veterinarian about what the ideal body weight is for your dog and therefore what the proper amount of food per day is ideal. For most pet owners it is shocking to find out how little their dogs daily requirement is. Most of the dog food labels over estimate daily quantities.

JUVENILE ARTHRITIS PROGNOSIS

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) there are three types of arthritis. Doctors classify juvenile arthritis based on the number of joints affected, the symptoms and the presence of antibodies in the blood.

1- Pauciarticular- is called this way because only one joint is usually affected.
Affect girls under the age of 8
The knee, ankle or wrist are most commonly affected
The fingers and toes are rarely affected
The symptoms are very mild
Occasionally three or four joints may be involved
The eyes have to be checked periodically to prevent blindness due to persistent eye inflammation

2- Polyarticular - four or five joints may be involved
About 30% of children suffer this type of arthritis
Girls are most commonly affected
Children with the IgM antibody have the most severe form of this disease

3- Systemic- a fever of at least a 102 degrees a day during two weeks suggest this type of juvenile arthritis.
Symptoms include joint pain swelling and stiffness
Inflammation of the heart,liver,lymph nodes and spleen
A few children develop adult arthritis

Cause
According to the AAOS juvenile arthritis is an autoimmune disease. No one knows exactly the cause. Juvenile Arthritis is not a hereditary disease.
The joint becomes inflamed
The joint stiffens
The joint's growth is changed

History
The first case of Juvenile Arthritis dates back to 1879 and it's considered a relatively modern disease.

Prognosis
The evolution of Juvenile Arthritis may be good if the following guidelines are followed.
The British Journal of Nutrition in the year 2000 reported a potential link between unhealthy fats and increased pain and stiffness in people with arthritis. They blamed it on a substance called nitrites used to cure and preserve various meats. Saturated fats are found in fatty red meats, dark meat poultry,whole milk,creme, cheese and tropical oils.

It's a well-known fact that there is no cure for arthritis. Professionals in the field of medicine often advise arthritis sufferers to control their diets as it is thought the diet arthritis sufferers choose to eat can have a significant impact on the symptoms that they suffer throughout their life. The quantity of food the individual consumes can also have a major impact on their arthritis symptoms. Doctors advise their patients to control what they eat so as not to carry excessive weight that will put pressure on their joints, which as we know are the main areas that feel the pain and swelling symptoms of arthritis.

Watch Out for certain food types to help control your Arthritis Diet

When somebody finds out that they have arthritis medical advisers will often inform them that their diet can play a major part in controlling their symptoms. Individual foods we eat acts as allergens and when you consume too much food and put on weight by eating too much starchy food, soft drinks, red meats etc... this can have a negative impact on your body and cause your arthritis symptoms to flare-up. So it is advised to avoid these types of food or at least have them on rare occasions. One thing to note for arthritis sufferers is that they shouldn't take antacids because this will neutralise the body's natural acid levels and cause low calcium absorption.

Choose the right foods for your Arthritis Diet

Controlling your diet can really help control your arthritis symptoms. There is no particular food that can stop the symptoms completely, but you can alleviate the pain and suffering by controlling your food intake and avoid specific foods that are not beneficial. When we look at the foods that we want to consume to help arthritis symptoms, make sure you eat plenty of vegetables and fruits that are high in vitamins E and C. Also, select whole-grain wheat's or brown rice as a replacement for starchy potatoes.

It is important that we consume enough calcium in our diets as calcium has been identified as one of the specific elements that can really help to alleviate arthritis symptoms. Hi calcium content foods include items such as oysters, nuts, beans and vegetables. These also provide good levels of magnesium which helps your body absorb calcium.

As with many other health issues, controlling your diet nearly always has a positive effect on you well-being because the food we is absorbed in our bodies and it is this food that gives our bodies the energy, vitamins and minerals that we need to carry out enjoyable and active lives. So if you are having trouble with your arthritis consider modifying your diet to control the types of food you consume to help alleviate your arthritis symptoms.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a debilitating disease. Its onset and symptoms vary from person to person, but the distinguishing feature is joint pain, particularly in the hands, wrists, and feet. Unfortunately, these symptoms can be a bit vague, so in the early stages, it can be difficult to determine whether or not you have arthritis, and/or what kind of arthritis you are suffering from.

It is important to recognize rheumatoid arthritis early symptoms so you can see a doctor quickly and form a plan of action before the disease has progressed too far.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Early Symptoms...

- Warmth, redness, and tenderness around the joints.
- Limited range of motion in one or more of your joints.
- Sudden onset of flu-like symptoms accompanied by joint pain. The flu will eventually go away but the pain persists and gradually gets worse.
- Feeling stiff upon getting up or rising in the morning. As the disease progresses, this stiffness will go from lasting a few minutes to lasting nearly all day.
- A period of chronic joint pain followed by remission. Often, symptoms will disappear entirely for weeks or months, only to return even worse than before. If you have been experiencing severe joint pain that suddenly disappears, don't simply forget about it! Seek medical help even if you're not in pain, because the symptoms may return soon.
- General fatigue and malaise. This is usually a precursor to joint pain. It does not go away and may worsen with time.
- Symmetrical joint pain. Instead of pain in one hand, you'll experience pain in both hands symmetrically. This is one of the rheumatoid arthritis early symptoms that distinguishes the illness from other arthritic ailments.
- Loss of appetite, weakness, muscle aches, anemia, and fever are some other common symptoms. These can lead to confusion and a possible misdiagnosis if other symptoms are not taken into consideration.