Rheumatoid Arthritis|Psoriatic Arthritis Symptoms|Arthritis Treatment

Though they have similar symptoms, it is not inevitable that a person with arthritis will develop gout, though one of the symptoms of gout is arthritic-like pain.The word "arthritis" actually describes a group of well-defined symptoms, usually disturbing the joints, all having associated indicators. These can include pain, stiffness and swelling of the joints and neighboring regions. The term "arthritis" literally means "inflammation of the joint".

What should a person know about arthritis symptoms?

Arthritis can assault many or just one joint gradually over time or suddenly; depending on the specific kind that one might have. Warning signs may come and go or be constant, but usually the results of arthritis are chronic. They will more likely than not remain with you for a long time, possibly for the remainder of your time on earth. A finding of arthritis does not equal being confined to a life of discomfort, however. There are many different treatments for arthritis symptoms. These tend not only to slow the progress of arthritis but to better your range of motion. Your personal physician can fill you in on your options.

But aren't gout symptoms just like arthritis symptoms?

Gout is a form of arthritis. As previously mentioned, just because you have arthritis, you are not automatically condemned to be a sufferer of gout. Though the pain from both is similar in terms of symptoms, and both have common treatments as well, they are not necessarily one in the same. The initial step in the care of gout is to identify the affliction through a blood test. These will ordinarily show an unusually steep level of uric acid. Your personal physician will more likely than not also ask you about other characteristics having to do with your health. Questions about topics such as the use of medications, smoking, consumption of alcohol and diet can be expected. A physician may even need to aspirate your joint to check for uric acid crystals.

Regardless of the cause of the symptoms, the use of cold or hot packs, a heated pool, a whirlpool, or even sitting in warm baths may encourage the recession of acute episodes. There are many numbers of treatments that can decrease the discomfort resulting from gout symptoms and symptoms of arthritis, encourage your range of motion, and possibly even discourage the progression of the disease. Maintaining a healthy outlook helps in the curative course of action.

The increasing amount of cat owners feeding highly processed commercial cat food is reported by many veterinary experts to be a contributing factor in the increasing amount of cat arthritis happening in cats.

It is certainly not coincidence that owners who feed their cats homemade and raw food see lower occurrence of degenerative arthritis in their cats.

Today, although there are no concrete proof to show that commercial cat food contribute to arthritis development in cats, it is widely believe that they play a big part, From there, we understand that your cat's diet would play a major effect in preventing this stressful cat disease.

Apart from diet, overweight older cats are also more likely to develop arthritis because of the extra pressure they put on their joints causing the cartilage and bones to wear off faster. Naturally, a cat who enjoys a healthy diet and who exercise regularly will be less likely to suffer from the same condition.

The symptoms of arthritis in cats would be that he will find it difficult to walk around and run. Moving around stiffly, he will not make jumps that he use to make and will have difficulty in climbing up stairs. Showing signs of depression, your cat would hide away and appear listless and even bad tempered. Not allowing you to touch and stroke him in areas where he is painful, he might cry out if you touch him on a painful joint.

To diagnose arthritis in cats, veterinary will observe, use blood test and most importantly the x-ray examination. The X-ray will show joint degeneration in areas of worn, irregular bone position and possible distortion of the joint and see if the bone is causing pain and forcing the cat to stand in an awkward position to compensate for the discomfort.

Arthritis treatment will include medication to help your cat ease the pain on his joints, to aid the regeneration process of cartilage and bone, to build up the fluid within the capsular joints to provide a cushion for the joint itself. Your veterinary will prepare dose of glucosamine and chondroitin that are use for the same purpose in humans for your cat.

You can help your cat to recover by encouraging him to walk whenever possible to prevent the joints from stiffening further. You should try to create a warmer environment for him to rest. A warm water bottle place under his bed might do the trick. The warmth will help your cat to ease pain and loosen his muscles which might be tense because of the constant pain that he is suffering.

Recovery from arthritis is possible with the right treatment and care. Although a hundred percent recovery is not possible, your cat will still be able to enjoy a high quality of life.

Identifying the common symptoms for rheumatoid arthritis is the first step in learning more about this disease. Rheumatoid Arthritis is an auto immune disease, which is characterized by inflammation in the lining of the joints and only affects 1 to 2 percent of the population. This disease often begins with middle aged individuals and is more common in women than men; however, don't be fooled... RA can also develop in children and young adults.

Early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can be difficult to assess, because the symptoms may go in and out of remission providing a challenge for your healthcare provider. Keeping a journal of symptoms may help your doctor to better diagnose the symptoms you are experiencing.

Symptoms for RA can differ from individual to individual, and there is no single test for diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis. The most common complaint heard by medical practitioners is the daily joint pain and the significant level of pain, both of which can adversely impact your quality of life and ability to take care of even the most basic daily tasks.

You may often experience significant stiffness in the morning, in and around the joints, lasting for more than thirty minutes, swelling in the wrists, knuckles, or the individual finger joints. You may also experience a feeling of warmth over the inflamed joints. RA can affect many other joints, such as the jaw, elbows, shoulders, feet and ankles.

RA occurs in a symmetrical pattern, for example if the right knee is affected, then the left knee will be affected also. Although it is quite common for an individual to be more inflamed and affected than another. Extreme fatigue, weight loss, fever, swollen, red and warm joints and an overall feeling of malaise are common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

There is no cure, however, the common goal is to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, stop or slow down joint damage and improve the ability to function on a daily basis. There are many exciting new advances in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

So there is simply no reason not to seek treatment. If you believe that you are experiencing some of the common symptoms of RA, then set up an appointment with your healthcare provider and discuss your symptoms. Early and aggressive treatment is the best plan of attack when attempting to get hold of this disease.

Learning more about the common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis is the most important step to take to learn more about this crippling disease. Cliché yes, but it is so true...knowledge is power!

Treatment for arthritis depends a lot on the type of arthritis that the person has and the stage it is in during diagnosis.

Early detection means better treatment for arthritis.

Unfortunately, not many people opt for early detection. In fact, there is a far larger number of people who consult their health care providers only when this joint-deteriorating disease is already well past its intermediary stage and on its way to the advanced stage. In other words, people typically flock to the clinics when the pains no longer respond to over-the-counter medications and eventually become unbearable. By this time, the doctors may take a longer time to figure out if the condition is hereditary or reactive (caused by other illnesses.)

So how can a person get the best treatment for arthritis? Here are some tips.

1. Look back on the family's medical history. If there is one person in the family tree that has had or currently suffers from arthritis, then there is a possibility that this person will have one too, or have one already. A series of tests can confirm if this is true, and this will also determine as to what type of arthritis he or she may be dealing with. If the person is suffering from little or no pain because of this disease, the doctor may simply recommend a better sustaining diet and exercise to slow down the crippling effects of arthritis.

Some changes in the diet would include, increasing vitamin and mineral supplements like: cobalamin, folate, omega 3 fatty acids and Vitamins C, D3 and E. As for exercise regimens, the health care provider would most likely advise the person to go on low-impact workout that would be kinder to the joints like swimming, fencing, yoga and walking.

2. Repetitive pains in the joints, particularly on the wrists, knees, hips, shoulder and ankles should warrant immediate consultation with the health care provider. It is a degenerative disease that escalates or becomes worse as time goes by. If the person finds himself or herself suffering from aches and pains in certain areas far too frequently to be of any comfort, then that person should go to the doctor immediately.

The doctor may ask that for blood tests and a series of x-rays to confirm the presence of arthritis.

3. Seek immediate assistance in case the person feels extreme bodily aches and weakness during a mild bout of illness. For example, a person lands with an upset stomach and a few rounds of vomiting after partaking of a friend's day old casserole. Deciding that he or she can take care of this, that person spends the weekend sleeping in. He or she makes a full recovery after a week, except that he or she is stuck with creaky knees. Eventually, those knees become too inflamed that it becomes very painful to walk.

Believe it or not, this is a case of bacterial infection (mild food poisoning) that leads to reactive arthritis.

I finally found relief from arthritis pain, naturally, and you can do it too. It was just a few years ago that I accidentally discovered how to get rid of arthritis pain, naturally, with no conventional arthritis treatment.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis; when people refer to arthritis they usually mean osteoarthritis. The pain in arthritis can be mild, moderate or severe. Sometimes arthritis symptoms can occur in the wrist, elbows, shoulders, and jaw but generally you don't find it there.

The synovium is a membrane that surrounds the entire joint; it is filled with synovial fluid, a lubricating liquid that supplies nutrients and oxygen to the cartilage. Collagen is the essential protein that is found in cartilage; it forms a mesh to give support and flexibility to the joints. Proteoglycans are the large molecules that help to make up cartilage; they bond to water, which ensures the high-fluid content in the cartilage.

Sometimes injuries can be the start of the arthritic disease process; osteoarthritis can develop years later after a single traumatic injury to a joint or near a joint. When chondrocytes, which are the cells that make up cartilage age, they lose their ability to make repairs and produce more cartilage; this process may play an important part in the development and progression of osteoarthritis. Researchers report a higher incidence of osteoarthritis between parents and children and between siblings rather than husbands and wives.

One dietary natural treatment method involves avoiding all inflammatory foods. Make all-fruit smoothies using a base of two bananas, add a cup of frozen or fresh blueberries and mango chunks or substitute any other fruit and add an energy boost of two tablespoons of organic virgin coconut oil if you like; add one or two leaves of kale for even more super nutrition. Many arthritis sufferers who have changed their diets significantly have noticed major and even total improvement.

Many people have told me that going off dairy products and foods containing gluten, like wheat especially, relieved them of arthritis pain entirely. If arthritis is affecting your weight-bearing joints, keeping your weight within a normal range is important to get rid of any arthritis symptoms. Some of the foods and beverages to avoid that are inflammatory are: caffeine, salt, sugar, meat, dairy products, additives, soft drinks, white flour, white rice, alcoholic beverages, fast food, processed vegetable oils, and all refined, packaged and processed food.

Some people swear by a morning drink of pure filtered heated water with a teaspoon or so of raw apple cider vinegar (like Bragg's) and honey to keep them free of arthritis pain but vinegar is too harsh for many. If you're not already doing so, make a big effort to change your diet for the better.

Some of the supplements commonly reported for relieving arthritis pain (and I don't know if any of these work) are: cherry powder, glucosamine, chondroitin, bromelain, grapeseed extract, omega-3 and omega-6, cod liver oil, manganese ascorbate, MSM, boron, niacinamide, pantothenic acid, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E. For a natural approach and for natural treatment for arthritis make an appointment with a naturopathic doctor, called a naturopath; ask around for referrals in your area.

Make sure to exercise all your affected joints every day, to keep them flexible. Important exercises for arthritis include: range-of-motion exercises, isometric exercise, and some weight-bearing exercises. At bedtime you can try putting on a pair of stretch gloves to help reduce the pain and swelling in your fingers if you have arthritic hands. A good exercise routine is important to beat arthritis and keeping arthritis pain at bay; keep on moving.

Your body has 147 different joints in motion every day of your life; keep them moving! Yes, whatever you do, keep moving; don't sit when you can stand, don't stand when you can walk or walk in place. To be on the safe side always check with your doctor before starting or changing any exercise program.

At the very least, understand what the side effects and adverse reactions are for any arthritis medication you take; one rule of thumb is - don't take any medication that has been on the market for less than five years. For conventional treatment of arthritis - if you do choose to take drugs or medications, be careful, read the labels thoroughly and talk to your pharmacist about side effects and adverse reactions; make sure you know the name of them and if they'll react with any other medication you're taking. Once you become completely informed about arthritis you'll be able to plan an arthritis treatment program, natural or conventional or a combination.

Changing your diet to lots of raw fruits and raw veggies, like I did, can turn your arthritis pain around almost overnight. More and more doctors are investigating the benefits of natural arthritis treatments and alternative therapies and most don't object to their patients trying them. Relief of your arthritis pain and symptoms is the ultimate goal - understanding arthritis and arthritis treatments is a good way to get there.

Did you know that gout has often been labeled the most painful types of arthritis?
Unfortunately, you or either someone you know suffers from gout. Perhaps, you are grieving with the disease that makes sleep and life miserable. Heat, Pain, Redness, Stiffness, Swelling, Arthritis attacks are a common event in the life of gout suffers. But it doesn't have to be this way? You can prevent gout attacks be making some simple lifestyle changes, lowering your uric acid levels and you can also cure gout attacks in minutes with even simpler gout home remedies! However, most of these home remedies are unknown by most sufferers.

Simple Gout Prevention by Lowering Uric Acid Levels

1. Water has been known to be beneficial to almost every ailment, including gout. Drink 10-12 glasses of water each day will prevent uric acid crystals from forming and thus prevent gout!

2. Take Vitamin C tablets! Vitamin C as well as fruit also lowers uric acid levels in the body thus preventing gout.

3. Apple cider vinegar - both ingested and applied to swollen area can help treat your symptoms. As a mixture you drink, it is thought that apple cider vinegar actually changes the pH of your blood which lowers uric acid levels.

4. Maintain Healthy Weight! Every pound you shed gives you a better chance of leaving gout in the dust. Begin eating healthier with fruits, veggies, fresh foods, whole grains and low fat foods.

5. Take a hike! Literally, go for a walk or a hike to get some exercise. You would be surprised how much better you will about yourself and your body! And you will also shed some extra pounds.

But, I need immediate relief?

You can also naturally have immediate relief for your gout attacks in hours. Believe it or not, you can be relieved of gout pain in hours if you take specific foods (at every grocery store) whenever your gout attacks occur. Imagine, being able to fall back to sleep and NOT being awake the rest of the night. Learn how thousands are naturally treating their gout and learning how to take back their life from gout's symptoms. And finally, I want to urge you to consider a guaranteed natural remedy with no side-effects instead of the traditional medicinal approaches which carry numerous negative side effects. Besides having immediate relief, you will save hundreds from over-priced prescriptions and the hundred dollar hospital visit. Besides, with a 100% no-questions asked guarantee, what else could be stopping you? Please take some time to check out our website.

Cure Your Gout Website

Don't be so quick to self-diagnose. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome produces a variety of symptoms that range from mild to extreme. Usually the discomfort worsens over time.

But it's entirely possible that you have something else.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome(CTS) patients report numbness, tingling and burning sensations in their thumb and fingers. Pain also can develop in the arm and shoulder. Swelling of the hand increases at night.

However, diagnosis can be difficult since so many other conditions mimic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. One of the most common includes "Thoracic Outlet Syndrome," which is the compression of nerves or blood vessels in the brachial plexus - the nerve fibers running from the spine through the neck, armpit and into the arm.

Another is "Cubital Outlet Syndrome," the compression of a key nerve in the elbow. Also high on the list of conditions which mimic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome(CTS) ?are tendinitis and arthritis.

Then, there's "Guyon's Canal Syndrome," which is similar. It, too, results from overuse of the wrist from heavy gripping, twisting, and repeated wrist and hand motions. It can also happen from working with the hand constantly bent down and outward. It occurs in weight-lifters, jackhammer operators and people using crutches.

The symptoms should sound familiar.

The sufferer has the sensation of pins and needles in the ring and little fingers, often in the early morning. As the problem worsens, it may develop into a burning pain in the hand and wrist, followed by numbness in the affected fingers. The patient may become weak and clumsy when trying to pinch the thumb and forefinger or spread all five fingers.

Then there are rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and fiber myalgia. None of them should be ignored. Untreated lupus can lead to kidney failure. Untreated rheumatoid arthritis will worsen with serious damage to joints and bones.

Rheumatoid arthritis' symptoms include tenderness and swelling around the joints - as well as increasing pain, fever, redness, fatigue and weight loss.

Lupus has many of the same warning signs, particularly joint pain. However, lupus patients also experience facial rashes, mouth sores, bruising, chest pain and breathing difficulty. Other diseases that mimic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include tendonitis, bursitis, sprains, dislocations and gout.

The cervical spine- the neck- consists of seven vertebrae which are stacked on top of each other and separated from each other up front by rubbery discs and in back by a pair- one on each side- of what are called uncovertebral joints. These are true joints which are covered with a thin layer of hyaline cartilage.

Right next to these joints, again on either side, are small holes or foramina, where nerve roots from the spinal cord exit. The spinal cord, originating in the brain, runs down a central canal or tunnel, formed by the various elements of the spine. The head weighs about 6-8 pounds depending on a person's intelligence (that's a joke, by the way) and is balanced on this cervical spine column.

Because of the complexity of the structures involved, it is no secret that neck pain can arise as a result of a variety of different causes. Arthritis can develop in the uncovertebral joints thereby narrowing the neural foramina. Since the nerve roots occupy 25 per cent of the volume of the foramina to start, further narrowing can lead to pinching of the nerves. In addition, disc hernation or the flattening of the discs that occurs with aging also can lead to narrowing of the neural foramina as well.

It has been estimated that more than 50 per cent of individuals beyond the age of 45 years have experienced at least one episode of neck pain.

With advancing age, neck pain tends to become more radicular, meaning there is an element of nerve pinching involved.

Pain coming from the cervical spine may be accompanied by pain in the shoulder. A pinched nerve in the neck, particularly a pinched nerve in the upper neck, often presents as shoulder pain. It may also cause pain to radiate down from the neck to between the shoulder blades.

Myofascial pain, pain arising from ligament strain or muscle spasm, can also be a source of discomfort.
Since conditions that cause neck pain and conditions that cause shoulder pain may coexist, it is often difficult to distinguish what problem is most responsible for the symptoms.

Diagnosis is made using a careful history and physical examination. Often times, though, even that can be unrewarding as far as providing an exact diagnosis. Imaging procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging and computerized tomography can be very helpful in sorting things out.

The choice of treatment obviously depends on diagnosis.

Physical therapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), brief use of a cervical collar, gentle stretching and strengthening exercises, and injections may be useful.

For soft tissue causes, prolotherapy or injections with platelet rich plasma may be useful. Only in cases where there is significant nerve root impingement with progressive loss of function, or significant pressure on the spinal cord is there a need for a surgical solution.

In simplest terms, osteoarthritis is nothing but failure of joint pattern. It is certainly a degenerative joint disease, characterized by degeneration of articular cartilage and proliferation of new bone, cartilage, and connective tissue at the same time. Often secondary inflammatory changes are observed in the synovium.
?
Sadly the incidence of osteoarthritis seems to be on rise according to global surveys. The age onset of OA is reducing drastically over the period of last few years. Now the incidence is stated to start at the age of 30 years and by the age of 65, more than 80% people have degenerative changes in their joints. Older women are peculiarly affected more and certain geological variations are found too.
?
Causative and Risk Factors of Osteoarthirits-
?
(1) The primary etiology of OA is termed as idiopathic where no known cause can be determined.
?
(2) Secondary OA results due to some or the other systemic or local factors as below-
- intra-articular fracture
- trauma of any type
- occupational (elbows in pneumatic drill operators)
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Gout
- Tabes dorsalis
- Diabetes mellitus
- Peripheral nerve lesions
- Metabolic diseases like Wilson's disease
- Hip dysplasia
- Paget's disease etc
?
(3) Sedentary habits, improper diet habits, sports injuries, absolute lack of exercise or overt exercise regimes, etc can be called as some of the modifiable risk factors of OA
?
Signs and Symptoms of OA-

1. In most cases, joints of spine, hands, knees, and hips are involved


2. At least initially, only one or a few joints are affected


3. Knee and hand involvement is peculiar


4. Characteristically the first few joints to be involved are distal and proximal interphalangeal joints, carpo-metacarpal joints of thumb, etc.


5. Gradual onset of symptoms


6. Intermittent pain and aching in joints typically is aggravated by movement of that joint and is better by resting it


7. With the advancement of the disease process, limited movement of joints is noticed. Initially this restriction of movement is attributed to pain and spasm of muscles but later capsular fibrosis, osteophyte formation, and remodeling of bone set in.


8. After minor sprains or twists, there are usually effusions into the joints when crepitus may be felt or even heard.


9. Associated muscular wasting is noted, because of which there is loss of muscle control over the joint, resulting in recurrent injury.


10. Due to hyperaemia of subchondral bone, there is usually nocturnal aching in bones


11. Deformities like Heberden's or Bouchard's node formation, and finally osteoarthritis deformans may set in.

How Homeopathy Can Help in the Patients of Osteoarthritis?
?
Homeopathy is not a magic. It is a full-proof science and art of applying the nature's principle while treating any disease with the natural drug substances aptly potentized to extract their curative properties. Therefore homeopathic principle is the most important one to be considered while treating any disease condition or the patient (more aptly).
?
The most important thing to remember while treating a case of OA homeopathically is that "Pay ample attention to characteristic symptoms of the disease and not to the common ones!"
?
It happens many times that a homeopath puts a common symptom of the disease as his priority while choosing the drug and as can be well judged, it leads to failure. Also paying good attention to the mental picture of the patient prior to catching the disease, during the disease process, and while on regime is one of the topmost priority while treating OA. You will observe that the "mind" is the organ that gives you good hint for appropriate remedial diagnosis in osteoarthritis patient.
?
Here we are listing top 10 remedies that may be of use during acute treatment phase of chronic osteoarthritis. Remember again that there is no alternative to constitutional therapy to be formulated individually for every patient, to help him find relief on all planes, while reducing his OA successfully.
?
Homeopathic Remedies for OA-
?
(1)Calcarea fluor-
- Indurated feeling of joints with stiffness
- Stony hardness of joints
- Nodal swelling in fingers that are hard on palpation
- Chronic synovitis and bursitis affecting hip and knee joint
- Sluggish temperament
- Coldness about wrists and ankles
- May be associated with varicose veins
- Pain usually begins on left side
- Worse in cold wet weather and while beginning to move
- Acute attack of pain in joint usually sets after a sprain
?
(2)Sticta-
- Stiff, rheumatic diathesis
- Rheumatism usually beginning in upper extremities
- Diagonal pains
- Soreness and stiffness in joints of neck extending to shoulders
- Old-maid's OA of knee
- Red spot on the affected joint
- Associated with restlessness of hands and feet and profuse sweats on hands
- Bursitis with cold moist limbs
- Incessant talking
- Worse by change in temperature, movement, night
- Better in open air
?
(3)Ruta-
- Bruised sore aching in all bones
- Nodal osteoarthritis
- Paralytic rigidity of joints
- Weak paretic feeling in the mornings in hip, small of back, lower limbs etc
- Deep felt pains in long bones
- Osteoporotic changes in bones in elderly women with frequent bone fractures attributed to brittleness of bones
- Affections of wrists and ankles
- Feeling of heat on skin face etc
- Sometimes burning neuralgic pains about the joints
- Worse by over-exertion, sprains, cold wind
- Better by motion, lying on back and warmth
?
(4)Bryonia-
- Right-sided complaints
- Slowly advancing osteoarthritis
- Stitching pains in joints
- Irritable constitutions
- Inflammatory joint diseases affecting knee, shoulder, hips, etc
- Associated with absolute constipation, no desire
- Dry heat aggravates all complaints including joint pathology
- Congestive synovitis
- Worse by motion, stooping, exertion, morning
- Better by rest, cool open air, bandaging, damp days, lying on painful part
?
(5)Belladona-
- Acute inflammation of joints
- Marked redness and heat over the affected joint
- Congestive constrictive pain in joints
- Excessive restlessness with incessant talking
- Joint pains with spasms of muscles
- OA starting at young age
- Worse by heat, checked sweats, pressure, touch, movement
- Better by light covering, rest in bed
?
(6)Rhus tox-
- Paretic weakness in and around joints
- Recurrent sensation of dislocation of joints
- Sore, bruised or stiff pains about joints
- Swelling in joints with burning pains
- Principally left side is affected or the pain goes from left to right
- OA set after recurrent sprain of a joint or after overexertion
- Paralytic pains in elbows and knees
- Legs feel as if made of wood
- Wakes up with pain in limbs
- Edematous swelling of limbs
- Worse by wet, cold, beginning motion, rest, sprains, etc
- Better by continued motion, wrapping the joint, rubbing, and fomentation
?
(7)Rhododendron-
- Fibrous tissues are affected
- Small joints of hands are principally affected, also those of forearm and lower limbs
- Extreme sensitivity to windy stormy and wet weather
- Rapidly changing pains, zigzag variety
- Descending pains
- Confused stupid feeling prevails
- Affections of wrists
- Worse before storms, rough windy weather, night, rest
- Better by heat, in sun, motion, wrapping up
?
(8)Pulsatilla-
- Venous constitutions
- Swollen joints with dull aching
- Associated with numbness of extremities
- Acute periostitis
- Pains down the limbs alternate sides, with heaviness of legs
- Sticking pains in tibia with heaviness and cold sweat on legs
- Associated with foul foot sweat
- Chilly patient, yet averse to heat in any form
- Associated with digestive disturbances
- Worse by warmth, rest, beginning motion, evening, lying down, in bed
- Better by moving about slowly, cold, open air, after a good cry
?
(9)Ledum pal-
- Affection of small joints
- Tendons, ankles affected
- Left-sided affection of joints
- Ascending type of arthritis
- Purple, swollen (puffy) joints
- Shifting tearing pains
- Cold and edematous joints
- Gout
- OA resulting from recurrent sprains, especially of ankle joint
- Pain associated with coldness of joints
- Profuse night sweats
- Worse by injury, motion, night
- Better by cool air, cold bathing
?
(10)Actea spicata-
- Affection of small joints, especially wrist and finger joints
- Tingling pains with numbness and weakness
- Paralytic weakness in all joints
- OA set in old age, in people with debilitated states
- Swollen joints that cannot be moved
- Deformed joints
- Extremely sensitive joints to cold in any form
- Worse by cold, slight exertion, night, and touch
?
Auxiliary Line of Treatment-
?
In any case of osteoarthritis, one must suggest certain exercise regimen for early recovery. Rather, any regime without it is of no use in the long run. Also it is stressed that unless the pain is lessened, one should not exert the affected joint beyond certain limits. Therefore, seeking professional advice before you embark on any exercise regime is must!

Dog arthritis is a common condition that is seen most often in animals that are older, overweight and relatively inactive, but younger animals can also suffer from this condition. Some cases are hereditary and occur in animals with hip dysplasia. There is no cure for degenerative joint disease but there are options available to veterinarians for treatment which will improve quality of life.

Osteoarthritis is a disease that attacks the joints and is mainly caused by wear and tear. The cartilage cushioning the affected joints becomes worn down and the bones start to grind against each other. As the bones become deformed, it is more painful to move. The joint becomes inflamed and the animal will struggle to stand up or lay down and show signs of restricted mobility. A traumatic injury to the joints can cause similar symptoms and there is a chance that it can lead to osteoarthritis down the road.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that occurs when the immune system is compromised. The joints will become swollen and painful. Stiffness and pain results in a loss of function.

Symptoms of joint disease are usually more apparent after the animals wakes up. Cold weather and damp conditions will increase the stiffness and pain. The progressive nature of this disease makes it more and more difficult for the animal to get around comfortably.

X-rays of the joint will reveal bone spurs developing at the attachment between the bones, ligaments and joints. The space between the bone and joint narrows while bone density increases.

Early intervention has been shown to be effective in treating the symptoms. Dogs are prone to developing this condition and one way to prevent its onset is to feed the animal a balanced diet. Overweight animals will experience more pain in the joints. Good joint care will reduce the effects of this condition. Regular exercise is also important for joint health.

This condition is often treated with glucosamine and chondritin. These substances work to develop healthy cartilage rather than just mask the symptoms. Animals that are predisposed to the condition can be treated ahead of time to reduce loss of function.

Glucosamine extracted from the exoskeleton of shellfish including shrimp, lobster and crab. It acts to stimulate cartilage cells to produce collagen, a substance that acts to reinforce all joints. It is also used to make hyaluronic acid, an ingredient found in synovial fluid.

Chondroitin is a substance that works in conjunction with glucosamine to produce a greater effect than either substance used alone. It inhibits the production of enzymes that destroy the joints. These agents work together to repair cartilage and prevent additional damage.

Corticosteroids and analgesics may be prescribed to manage the pain and make it easier for the animal to function normally.

Regardless of cause, veterinarians have the tools necessary to help relieve the symptoms of dog arthritis. Treatment methods are designed to help the animal get around easier and improve quality of life. Diet and exercise, combined with medication, will eliminate or ease most symptoms and allow the pet to live a long, happy life.

It literally means joint inflammation. But the word arthritis does not even begin to describe the agonizing disease that affects the lives of millions each and every year. The word arthritis defines a group of over 100 varying arthritic or rheumatic conditions, all with a variety of signs and symptoms, as well as different treatment courses.

These varying rheumatic diseases impacting the connective tissues, the muscles and the joints attack the body and in some cases can ravage the body with pain, limitations and deformities. With arthritis, the joints and surrounding tissues such as tendons and muscles become inflamed which can cause pain. You may also see redness or swelling at the joints as the body reacts and inflammation sets.

Some of the more serious forms of arthritis are autoimmune related diseases in which the body literally attacks itself because the autoimmune systems seemingly short circuits and goes a bit haywire!

Many forms of arthritis are chronic diseases impacting the lives of those they affect throughout their lifetime. Currently there is no known cure for arthritis and this is where research is currently focused. Researchers are currently focused on getting to the bottom of the root cause of arthritis and if they can truly identify the cause then we can only hope a cure is not far behind.

However, even though arthritis is a chronic disease that you must face each and every day, it does not mean that you must simply accept the pain and agony which its symptoms can bring.

Fortunately, for most diagnosed with arthritis, there are times in which the symptoms flare and are more painful while other times the symptoms are quieter and recede. These periods of quiet are the ones for which patients with arthritis long to reside and it is during these periods of quiet that most folks feel better.

Just because you suffer from arthritis it does not mean that you must give up your active lifestyle or the things that you hold dear. While it is rather probable that you will have to make lifestyle adjustments, such as built up handles on toothbrushes or pens or even your car keys, having arthritis certainly does not mean that you must hole up in your bed curled in a fetal position grieving for all the things you feel you have lost.

Yes, acknowledging the lifestyle changes to which you must adjust is important but it is equally as important to learn how to make the changes necessary and then to get on with the glorious gift of life!

Living with arthritis is definitely a challenge that can challenge even the most stoic. But you certainly can learn to make adaptations to your life as you learn to live with a diagnosis of arthritis.

When you partner with your physician to develop the most aggressive and holistic treatment plan available and one that has been designed just for you, then you have the best opportunity to effectively manage your arthritis.

After all, isn't managing your arthritis worth your attention?

What I love about living in today's world is that there are so many advancements going on. If you have ever had a cat that was diagnosed with arthritis or you think your cat is displaying signs of arthritis, then the good news is that you have a greater variety of options when it comes to treatment for arthritis in cats. It seems that modern medicine has found that it can work in harmony and with success when it comes to combining with the natural remedies and more traditional medicines. There have been some major breakthroughs when it comes to treatment for arthritis in cats.

For many years now, NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) have been used to curb the inflammation and pain that arthritis brings. It has had limited success due to the harsh side effects that it causes, especially to cats. However, many veterinarians believe that they can effectively combine the traditional NSAIDS with more herbal or natural remedies to combine and be an effective defense against the onset of feline arthritis. The NSAIDS would be used in far lesser quantities and therefore tolerance should be more acceptable.

The combination of the NSAIDS would be with a group of known safe natural drugs that have been called DMOAAs (Disease Modifying Osteoarthritic Agents). There have already been studies that suggest that these drugs have been successful in the treatment and can be a good preventative measure in the onset of arthritis. The most encouraging aspect of these tests is that they have not shown to have incurred any side effects and indeed will require the animal take a lower dosage of the NSAIDS. It is believed that they are just as successful as the use of NSAIDS on their own.

This is great news for the felines of the world. With a delicate metabolism and a propensity to be sensitive to medication, any drug that delivers zero side effects would be most welcomed. These drugs have also been found to aid in other ailments such as itchy flaky skin (pruritis) and also have some anti-cancer effects as well as being able to prevent an Alzheimer-like condition.

In addition to those breakthroughs, the DMOAAs have proven to be a very effective treatment for arthritis in cats. They can remove free radicals, which are responsible for joint damage, as well as rebuild cartilage and halt the breakdown of the surface of the joint. Clearly, this is a very exciting time in medicine and when it comes to finding a successful and effective treatment for arthritis in cats, then the combination of traditional and modern medicine is a welcomed partnership for many.

Obviously, preventative measures to ensure that your cat gets the best chance at health and life without the risk of arthritis is of optimum importance. While you cannot prevent many types of arthritis, you can certainly treat your cat before the symptoms show. This would therefore enable your pet to live comfortably for as long as possible without the prospect of pain and until there is the next medical breakthrough.

Aromatherapy is helpful with the treatment of arthritis because it can reduce pain and inflammation. Many people with arthritis are looking to natural alternative to expensive prescription drugs that can have serious side effects. Using aromatherapy can naturally relieve the swollen and aching joints that come with arthritis. In addition, it is a great way to improve your mood and relieve the anxiety that many people with arthritis suffer.

Aromatherapy uses the essential oils in plants contain healthful enzymes, vitamins, minerals and hormones. These can easily be absorbed by the body. Diffusers are used to spread the essential oil particles into the air. The part of the brain that controls blood pressure, heart rate, memory, breathing and other functions is affected by inhaling these oils.

You can add to their therapeutic value by putting the oils in your shower, bath, or sauna. Get maximum benefit by applying them to a warm compress wrapped around a sore joint. The skin easily absorbs the healing oils. True essential oils should be diluted with a carrier oil, such as almond or sesame oil. They are strong and may irritate your skin otherwise.

Let's look at which oils are particularly helpful for arthritis:

o Angelica root : Acts as an anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxant and pain reliever.
o Rosemary : Is an anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant.
o Wintergreen, camphor, and menthol: Cooling and anti-inflammatory benefits. You can apply topically

to sore joints.
o Clove, thyme, and cinnamon: Warming and anti-inflammatory. Beneficial if your arthritis is worse

when it's cold and damp out.
o Cedarwood: Helps elimination through mucous membranes. Also as a sedative and an antiseptic.
o Rose: An anti-depressant. Stimulates function of the stomach and liver.
o Tea Tree: Enhances skin function and also used as an antibiotic and antifungal treatment.
o Ginger: Use as a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory.
o Lemon: Acts as an antiseptic and increases flow of urine.

Aromatherapy helps with relaxation and decreasing muscle tension. It is important to note that you need to purchase oil that is 100% pure. Some oils marked as essences or perfumes have synthetic chemicals added.

You will need to keep essential oils in dark containers and out of warm, damp and moist conditions. They are adversely compromised by heat and the sun. Oxidation can occur if they are exposed to air, so you need to keep the bottles tightly sealed. You should be able to keep them fresh for about a year, if you store them properly.

Aromatherapy is a wonderful and calming way to treat your arthritis naturally. Be aware that it can be addictive!

This article is written for information purposes only and not meant to diagnose or treat medical problems. The advice and care of a physician is recommended for your health concerns.

There are many orthopedic diseases that people suffer from today in the world and one of the most common of these is Arthritis. But unlike other forms of bone disease this one doesn't affect just the elderly some young people can suffer from it also. However, before this disease can be treated the symptoms of arthritis need to be confirmed.

In that there are many different types of arthritis that one can suffer from one need to understand that there are different symptoms associated with them. There are some symptoms that are common to all forms of arthritis and these are what are often used in helping doctors to diagnose exactly what form of this disease a person is suffering from.

So what are the most common symptoms of arthritis that a sufferer may have? Below we take a brief look at them.

1. Often a person suffering from any form of arthritis will complain that their joints feel stiff and they also feel swollen. But it isn't just the joints where these symptoms will occur it will also happen to other parts of the body that are close to the affected joint such as the cartilage, the joints connective tissue and the linings. Plus in some cases the surrounding muscles may also be affected.

2. Another symptom that is associated with the various forms of arthritis that one can suffer from includes the area affected feeling tender and sometimes warm to the touch. Plus the area affected may also look red. Again these symptoms of arthritis may not only affect the area concerned by some of the surrounding area as well.

3. Along with the symptoms of arthritis we have mentioned above there are others that some sufferers may have to deal with. In some cases they may find themselves feeling tired often, they suffer from fevers or rashes and in some cases sufferers find themselves losing weight as a result of them losing their appetite. Certainly in younger people they may the form of arthritis they develop causes rashes to appear on their legs and arms or they suffer from anemia.

The term 'arthritis' describes a wide range of diseases that affect the joints. Osteoarthritis, also referred to as degenerative arthritis, is by far the most common form. Inflammatory arthritis is a general term for many different arthritic diseases in which the specific joints are inflamed.

Generally, all forms of arthritis, which in addition to osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis caused by gout or infection, septic arthritis, reactive arthritis and Reiter's syndrome, are characterized by joint pain, swelling and stiffness, and a reduced range of motion in a joint. Chronic dietary deficiencies in which such vital nutrients as vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and omega 3 fatty acids inhibit the body's ability to repair the damage caused by stress in the joints, injuries, repetitive motions or the relentlessness of aging. Being overweight also contributes to the problem, as it puts inordinate stresses on the weight-bearing joints. Lack of exercise is another problem.

Because of the great number of people afflicted by this condition - over 40 million Americans alone - there is always a number of ongoing clinical laboratory trials, and continuous research by drug companies, hospitals, and universities to find ways of curing the disease or ameliorating its effects. There are also any number of companies selling cures of all kinds. It can be a daunting task to separate fact from hype. Where lies the truth?

We'll take a look at the benefits of fish oil supplements, one of the more well-tested and proven remedies which works to relieve the pain of arthritis by reducing the inflammation that causes the flare-ups. For sufferers, there is some encouraging evidence from a number of independent laboratory studies, animal studies, and clinical trials about the potential usefulness of fish oil, or omega-3 supplements, for various aspects of arthritis and the joint pain that characterizes it.

Fish Oil - Its Potential

The pain of, for example, Rheumatoid arthritis is thought to result, at least in part, from an over activity of the inflammatory agents found in Arachidonic Acid. Arachidonic acid is an unsaturated fatty acid that the body uses to synthesize regulatory molecules. It is a form of Omega 6 fatty acid, which is a good fat and is essential to good overall health. It does, however, play a central role in the inflammation related to many chronic conditions. Individuals suffering from joint pains or active inflammatory disease may find that increased consumption of arachidonic acid (various vegetable oils are excellent sources of it) exacerbates their symptoms, the likely reason being that more of it is readily converted into inflammatory compounds.

Fish oil is comprised of the Omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA which are well documented to have anti-inflammatory properties. Balancing Omega 6 fats with more Omega 3 fats will significantly reduce the amount of inflammation in your body. The main ingredients of fish oils are also reputed to reduce the chances of breast, colon and prostate cancer where the fatty acids may halt the development of a cancerous mass from healthy cells, inhibit cell growth and cause the death of cancer cells. Though less well studied, there is also evidence that fish oil may be instrumental in preventing certain types of depression including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and attention deficit disorder. It may also helpful in treatment of the Huntington's disease, inflammatory bowel disease, systemic lupus and other inflammatory conditions.

It is difficult to get therapeutic amounts of fish oil by eating fish alone. Most dietitians will recommend that the consumption of fish be limited to a maximum of two 3-ounce servings of fish a week. Fish is a very protein-rich food, and a high intake of proteins has been shown to cause high levels of uric acid - the prime culprit in the arthritis-like condition known as gout. Gout is a most painful condition which is specifically related to elevated levels of uric acid in the bloodstream which ultimately crystallize and get deposited in cartilage, joints, tendons and surrounding tissues. Eating some fresh fish, though, is definitely worthwhile since it is a healthy choice. Not surprisingly, the same types of fish which, when eaten fresh are also the best sources of the essential dietary fish oil, are also the best sources for making fish oil supplements. These include cold-water fish such as salmon, cod, mackerel, halibut, tuna, and herring. So, since diet alone is not the best source of getting the recommended amount of fish oil, other dietary steps and supplements that reduce uric acid should be considered because they provide the omega-3 without providing the protein. There are benefits of fish oil in treating all types of the disease, because it has natural anti-inflammatory properties.

Clinical trials (randomized) have demonstrated that patients with rheumatoid arthritis who include a daily omega-3 supplement in their regimen experience reduced pain, less morning stiffness and improved joint motility. They were also able to reduce the amount of NSAID drugs and anti-inflammatory drugs they were taking, thereby lessening the damaging effect on the liver that those drugs have been known to cause.

The Type of Fish Oil is Also Important

Many people are looking for an arthritis treatment that is both safe and also effective. Fish oil is worthy of attention, but with such a proliferation of different brands on the shelves, which types are worth consideration? Not just any fish oil will be effective. Make sure that any brand you purchase is ultra-refined to remove the impurities and toxins which are absorbed through fish skin such as mercury, PCBs, and lead. The product should also be rich in omega 3 fatty acids, particularly in ones called DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid). Research has shown that DHA and EPA have more anti-inflammatory properties than the other essential fatty acids.

Both DHA and EPA inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines. Cytokines are a vast classification of proteins, some good, some bad, that are produced by the body and serve as chemical messengers between cells. They interact with the cells of the immune system to regulate both inflammatory responses, such as seen in arthritis sufferers, as well as the body's response to infective agents and diseases. DHA and EPA inhibit the inflammatory function of the cytokines by binding themselves to the target immune cells to disrupt their harmful effects.

Several independent tests have shown that a dietary supplement of fish oils (DHA and EPA) rich in Omega 3 fatty acids can result in a significant lessening of chronic pain and joint pain in rheumatoid arthritis sufferers by markedly reducing interleukin-1 beta (which is one of the pro-inflammatory cytokines) creation. They have a positive effect on the immune system and do not foster unwanted side effects such as those seen with anti-inflammatory drugs.

Omega 3 fish oil is only an effective arthritis treatment if it has a high level of anti-inflammatory activity in the body. Consumers are able to find out from the manufacturers themselves what the level of anti-inflammatory is in their products, because the producers can have the level of anti-inflammatory ingredient accurately measured.

Besides being an effective anti-inflammatory, fish oils offer many other health benefits. We know that fish oil is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation. We also know that fish oil lowers blood trigylceride (fats that circulate in the blood stream, the 'bad cholesterol'), thereby protecting against heart disease and reducing high blood pressure. Fish oil may be valuable as well in the treatment of hardening of the arteries (atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease), which starts with inflammation of the artery wall. Fish oil, too, appears to stabilize certain arterial plaques that build up and can sometimes break loose to initiate heart attacks and strokes. Because persons afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis have a significantly increased risk for developing atherosclerosis, the potential benefit of fish oil is doubled.

Some rheumatoid arthritis sufferers using fish oil supplements may be able to use it as an effective alternative to the prescription drugs VIOXX and Celebrex without having a flare-up of joint pain in their disease. Researchers have shown that long-term supplementation with fish oils may really benefit rheumatoid arthritis patients and can, indeed, lessen their need for the aforementioned prescription arthritis treatments.

If you choose to use fish oil supplement for relief of arthritis pain, it is important to use a pharmaceutical grade of the product, since inferior grades of fish oil may have contaminants and lower levels of DHA, EPA and omega-3 fatty acids. Current research suggests that lower grade fish oils with high levels of chemicals like polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) may actually reduce or eliminate the positive effects of DHA, EPA and omega-3 fatty acids.

We know with great certainty that fish oil is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation. We know, too, that fish oil lowers blood trigylceride (fats that circulate in the blood stream), protecting against heart disease and reducing high blood pressure.

Dosage Recommendations

Although, as mentioned earlier, it's difficult to get a therapeutic dose of fish oil from food alone, for general health two 3-ounce servings of fish a week are recommended. To treat arthritis-related conditions, use fish oil capsules with at least 30 percent EPA/ DHA, the active ingredients. For rheumatoid arthritis, up to 2.6 g fish oil (1.6 g EPA) twice a day.

For mild pain, a supplement that provides 1000mg of omega3s per day should be effective. Hand pain, general stiffness or redness and inflammation, are signs that more help is needed and the dosage can be increased.

For severe pain, up to 3 grams of fish oil once per day can help to reduce joint inflammation. If, to that dosage you add a bit of olive oil, you may experience less morning stiffness. Fish oil comes in a variety of preparations. The most common is gel caps. Each gel cap should contain at least thirty per cent EPA/DHA, which are the active compounds.

For rheumatoid arthritis about 2.6 grams of fish oil containing 1.6 grams of EPA should be taken twice a day. Fish oil works by reducing inflammation and there is not, thus far, convincing evidence to suggest that fish oil can, in any significant way, retard the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. To the extent that it may help, the effect, if it exists, is relatively mild.

Still, there are those who rely on data from at least a few randomized double-controlled studies which have demonstrated a beneficial effect of dietary fish oil in rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. More than nine studies overall have shown statistically significant reductions which have relived symptoms of joints soreness.

In many of these studies, patients were able to lower the amount of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and corticosteroids. One study suggested that combining fish oil with olive oil may enhance the anti-inflammatory effects of fish oil. In some people, the high amounts of omega-3s that are present in fish oil can increase the risk of bleeding or can affect the time it takes blood to clot. If a person is taking drugs that affect bleeding or is going to have surgery, this is of special concern. Fish oil supplements interact with medicines for high blood pressure, so taking them together might lower a person's blood pressure too much.

Caveats

Certain species of fish can contain high levels of contaminants such as mercury due to environmental pollution. Using the oils from contaminated fish could pose a health risk, especially for pregnant or nursing women and for children. People fitting these descriptions may want to avoid eating cold water fish because of the danger of mercury toxicity. Shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish are the species of fish that the Federal Government has found to have the highest levels of mercury. Anyone who makes the decision to use fish oil in the treatment of arthritis symptoms should look for products made from species of fish with demonstrated lower levels of mercury. They should also only purchase pharmaceutical grade supplements, which are refined to remove impurities. Government information on this topic is available in the form of two Federal publications called "Mercury Levels in Commercial Fish and Shellfish" and "What You Need to Know About Mercury in Fish and Shellfish: Advice for Women Who Might Become Pregnant, Women Who Are Pregnant, Nursing Mothers, and Young Children." These tracts are available online and are co-published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

It is also a good idea to examine whether the manufacturer of the fish oil supplement does its own testing on the product for the presence of contaminating substances and to see whether the results of those tests are available.

Another noteworthy point about the safety of fish oil products is that certain supplements may contain in their list of ingredients a product called fish liver oil. This substance may well contain a higher dosage of vitamin A than is recommended as a daily dosage. For some individuals this could be a potential source of problems. Also, some patients with blood disorders who have been prescribed an anticoagulant therapy with the drug warfarin may notice their clotting times will become erratic.

Generally though, for low doses of fish oil supplements, the side effects are mild and can include gastrointestinal symptoms including gas, belching, stomach disturbances, and nausea. Others have also reported diarrhea, spontaneous nosebleeds and sores in the nostrils. These symptoms are not common and may be indicative of other medical conditions unrelated to arthritis.

Final Notes

In addition to the obvious benefits of including a fish oil supplement in the diet to offset the symptoms of arthritis, there are lifestyle changes which could affect an even greater positive outcome in the treatment of the pain associated with swollen joints. Losing weight and performing any of a series of special exercises specifically designed to reduce joint stiffness and improve overall flexibility can be of great help. Addressing those lifestyle issues is a good first step. Just be aware that most of the conventional treatments for arthritis include taking pain relieving drugs, which do not actually address the root cause of the joint soreness problem and most of them have been proven to be detrimental to liver function. Certain pharmaceuticals such as VIOXX, Bextra, Celebrex and other COX-2 inhibitors negatively affect the heart, as well.

But, there is no doubt that omega 3 fish oil is highly beneficial to your overall health. At the very least, it should be considered as a complementary addition to any other arthritis treatment. It has been recommended as an essential component to a heart healthy diet for many years. Its omega 3 fatty acids can be absorbed easily and the EPA and DHA have proven to play a very crucial role in development of normal brain cell activity, proper functioning of nervous system, as a protection against heart diseases (by reducing the fatty deposits in arteries) and can even contribute to better eyesight, decrease dryness in the eyes and help to stop the inevitable decline in eyesight that comes with the increasing age.

Eating fresh fish is a great way for the body to get enough fatty acids, but to get the maximum advantage of its benefits, the concentrated fish oil available as a supplement represents the most efficient and easily digestible alternative.

In summary, choose a high quality pharmaceutical grade, preferably molecularly distilled fish oil supplement. Although a bit more expensive, you can be assured of receiving the most benefits from an already proven source of treatment for the effects of joint pain and stiffness.

When you get an ache in your knee, it's very easy to just assume it's arthritis. But what are the symptoms of arthritis? Your body can ache for lots of different reasons, so it's sensible to get any ongoing pain checked out. Arthritis symptoms are many and varied, so it's not always obvious that something is being caused by arthritis, if you have one or more less common symptoms.

The first step is to visit your doctor. It's important to let your doctor know if there's a history of arthritis in your family. Make sure you keep track of where and when the arthritis symptoms are occurring. It's also good to note what type of pain you are feeling - is it general stiffness in a joint? Or are you actually experiencing pain when you move the joint? Keep track of any obvious patterns to your arthritis symptoms, such as whether the pain gradually improves through the day, or whether it's worse right before wet weather. If your arthritis symptoms only last a day then disappear for weeks before returning, then tell your doctor that.

Initially, your arthritis symptoms may be so mild that there will be some doubt about whether it's actually arthritis at all. That's okay, and not unusual. You should still get it checked out by your doctor, just in case the problem is being caused by something entirely different. A whole range of problems can cause pain in various parts of your body, and it's important to make sure the cause is pinpointed, so that it can be dealt with more effectively.

If you find that you're getting arthritis symptoms in one particular joint, think back and try to remember whether that particular joint has recently suffered a knock or blow. Perhaps you've been undertaking a new activity, which could have caused those particular muscles to be feeling a bit sore and tender? The thing with arthritis symptoms is that over time, they recur. So if it's possible that your current pain has been caused by a recent event, it's quite possible you don't have arthritis at all. Again, visit your doctor so that you can discuss the situation and determine what the most likely cause could be.

It is not surprising that senior dogs develop arthritis in their joints just as their owners do. Dogs have no way to tell us they are in pain so it's up to the owner to watch for signs of discomfort in his pet and treat the pain with dog arthritis medicine.

Symptoms of Arthritis

* Stiffness in one or more legs
* Difficult standing from a down position
* Limping
* Reluctance to run or jump
* Swelling in one or more joints
* Joint dislocation

The symptoms of arthritis pain will seem to come and go. The dog may be stiff and slow after coming to his feet following a period of lying down or sleeping and then seems to limber up after walking a bit.

The weather may be a factor with damp days or extremely cold temperatures increasing the stiffness and pain for the animal.

Dog Pain Relief

For older dogs with arthritis pain, your vet may advise you to administer aspirin in low doses to ease the pain. Baby aspirin is effective in treating moderate painful joints as it reduces inflammation. Aspirin should not be used long term, however, as it can damaged the stomach lining and also acts as an anticoagulant.

Glucosamine and chondroitin products are useful for dog joint pain. The hip joint is the most common source of pain for dogs with osteoarthritis. In larger breeds, hip dysplasia in dogs is common where the cartilage in the joint can wear away. This creates pain due to bone contacting bone when the joint is flexed. Aging dogs normally lose some cartilage and may also develop arthritis in knees and shoulders.

Large breed dogs and those in middle to old age respond best to glucosamine and chondroitin therapy. Though buffered aspirin can relieve the pain of arthritis temporarily, that pain returns when the aspirin regimen is discontinued. Treating the problem with glucosamine and chondroitin can return normal function to the joint. This therapy is considered an alternative to using prescription dog meds to treat joint pain.

Deramaxx is used for chronic pain in dogs and given daily. One of five adult dogs suffers from arthritis and Deramaxx offers a solution for canine pain relief that is safe enough to use every day.

Rimadyl for dogs is a prescriptive medication for dogs that can provide amazing results. Owners often say their aging pet began romping like a puppy after taking Rimadyl. This medication is used for pain relief after surgery as well as pain from arthritis. It is an anti-inflammatory drug that does not contain steroids. Rimadyl is available only by prescription and can be purchased at discount pet medication sites online in caplet or chewable form. Injections of Rimadyl for dogs may be administered by your veterinarian before soft tissue surgery such as spaying to start pain management before the pain appears.

Any pet medicine may cause a reaction for some animals. Side effects of Rimadyl are usually observed within a few days of beginning treatment and may include:

* Vomiting
* Diarrhea
* Loss of appetite
* Change in bowel movements
* Change in behavior or activity level
* Yellow appearance of whites of the eyes, skin or gums
* Change in frequency or color of urine output
* Redness or scratching of skin

If these symptoms appear, discontinue use of Rimadyl or Deramaxx and contact your veterinarian. The symptoms may be a warning of more serious side effects involving kidneys, liver or the digestive tract. Rimadyl should not be given to dogs who have demonstrated an allergic reaction to aspirin. to carprofen, the active ingredient, or to dogs with an allergic response Rimadyl is for dogs only and cannot be tolerated by cats.

Canine Pain Medication and Safety

Remember that Rimadyl for dogs and other pain treatments are pet meds. The taste of Rimadyl is one your dog will like so medications should be kept where the dog cannot access them as treats. If your dog manages to eat a quantity of any medication such as aspirin or Rimadyl contact your vet immediately.

Before administering medicine to your dog, consult a veterinarian to find the best solution for your animal and to arrive at the proper dosage for his weight and age. Administer the dog arthritis medicine only to the pet that was diagnosed and prescribed the medication. Order online from a discount pet medication site for significant savings on pain medicines for your dog.

Our hands and wrists have a lot of small joints that work together when we move them. When a joint in these is affected by arthritis, is makes it hard for us to move the whole hand or wrist. That being mentioned, it also means that hand arthritis may occur in different and multiple areas.

While hand arthritis is commonly disregarded by many, it is America's leading condition that leads to disability. Arthritis is mostly common to people who are over the age of 40, however, it can also occur to those in their early twenties. Even the healthy ones have the possibility of suffering from hand arthritis.

Below are the symptoms of hand arthritis.

* The first symptom is a mild pain in the joint, experienced as a "dull" or "burning" feeling. The pain increases as one continues to move the affected joint. The pain becomes more and more distinguishable after a few days. The pain is mostly noticed in the mornings. The affected area shows stiffness in the mornings, too.

* The area affected may swell when the joint is moved as it used to be. These joints can no longer handle the same pressure and stress. Swellings indicate that they are being overexerted.

* The joint affected will feel warm. This is because of the inflammation inside.

* Joints near the arthritic joint may be affected, they may become move movable than normal, or they may also affected if the hand is not well taken care of.

* Crepitation, or the "grinding" kind of sensation in the joint affected may be experienced. Damaged cartilages, due to a trauma or disease, will rub against each other.

* There are also instances when the joint feels "loose". When this is experienced, it means that the arthritis is caused by damage in the ligaments.

* There are also advanced cases where the joints affected appear larger than their normal size. This condition is called hypertrophic, and is an advanced case of hand arthritis.

* Small cysts may start to develop when arthritis begins to affect the fingers' end joints.

When the above mentioned symptoms are noticed, visit a professional and seek help. The first treatments for hand arthritis may vary, according to age, or according to the stage of the condition. The following are some of the treatments that can be done as soon as any of the symptoms discussed above is noticed.

* Exercise your hands and wrists. You can ask a professional about this. Get two boxes of bolts or nuts. Fill one of the boxes and leave the other one empty. Grab a handful of bolts or nuts, whichever you prefer, carefully hold them, and transfer them to the other hand, making sure that you are neither gripping too tightly or too loose. Try this exercise until the other box is full. This helps in exercising the joints in the hands and wrists.

* Stop smoking. Smoking has been proven to increase one's risk in arthritis. A healthy diet will also help in decreasing the risks.

* Strengthen your body with exercise, without overexerting yourself.

* Herbal supplements that can make the cartilages healthy can be taken.

There are around 200 kinds of arthritis, the two most common being osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. If you are overweight you have an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis because of the increased stress on joints such as your hips and knees. Consequently reducing your weight with slimming or a low fat diet can help to reduce your chance of developing osteoarthritis or lessen your symptoms if you already have it. Therefore, maintaining a healthy balanced diet that is low in highly refined and processed foods, saturated animal fats, sugar and salt, but high in wholegrain cereals, fruits and vegetables will aid in minimising the discomfort of osteoarthritis. Unfortunately for slimming, diet alone is never enough and should be combined with sensible, regular, gentle exercise. Exercise will strengthen muscles that protect joints and help to prevent stiffness. Low weight bearing exercise such as swimming and using a cross trainer will help minimise the stress on joints whilst exercising. Be sensible though and respect your body's limits - overdoing it is never a good idea. Remember also that you should consult your doctor or health care practitioner before embarking on a new exercise regime.

Food allergies or intolerance are thought to play a part in causing some people to develop rheumatoid arthritis. As with diagnosis of all food allergies it can be difficult to identify which food is the culprit or indeed if there are more than one causing the problem. Following an elimination diet with subsequent re-introduction of new foods is one way to find out or you could get skin and blood tests done. You may already suspect you have a problem with certain foods and the main offenders are usually dairy products, eggs and cereals.

There is increasing scientific evidence to suggest that fish oils, in particular polyunsaturated fats such as omega-3 fatty acids, can have an anti-inflammatory effect on the joints of rheumatoid and osteoarthritis sufferers. Inflammation is the bodies natural reaction to arthritic diseases and causes the very uncomfortable symptoms of pain, swelling, redness and heat. If you find it difficult to eat fresh oily fish (e.g. salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines or trout) 2 to 3 times a week then fish oils are readily available in capsules or liquid form. Evening primrose oil has been shown to also have a beneficial anti-inflammatory effect - useful if you don't like fish...in fact a vegetarian diet has been shown in studies to reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Several studies have shown that glucosamine sulphate a compound needed to build and maintain cartilage alleviates osteoarthritis.

Helpful foods to include in your diet to alleviate the symptoms of your arthritis:
Salmon and other oily fish supply omega-3 oils - eat 3+ times a week
Greens source of beta-carotene, calcium, folate, iron and vitamin C - eat raw or lightly cooked every few days
Bananas provide a good source of potassium, fibre and vitamin C - eat 3+ times a week
Broccoli source of beta-carotene, vitamin C, folate, iron and potassium - eat raw or lightly cooked every few days
Carrots excellent source of beta-carotene - eat raw or lightly cooked as often as you like
Ginger anti-inflammatory agent - eat 5g incorporated into cooking, twice a week
Celery anti-inflammatory agent and source of potassium - eat raw 3 times weekly

A diet that contains plenty of wholegrain cereals, fresh fruit (especially fruits high in anti-oxidants such as beta-carotene and vitamins C and E e.g. blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, prunes, raspberries, strawberries, apples, sweet cherries, plums and bioflavenoids e.g. lemons, limes, oranges, cherries, and grapes) vegetables and oily fish and is supplemented with anti-inflammatories such as evening primrose oil, ginger or glucosamine phosphate will be beneficial for reducing the chance of developing arthritic conditions or for minimising the painful symptoms once the disease is established. Also, consider reducing your intake of refined and processed foods and those high in sugar, salt and saturated animal fats, as well as investigating the possibility of a food allergy or intolerance.

Glucosamine benefits have been studied closely in terms of treatment for symptoms of rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. Since the pain, stiffness and swelling caused by arthritis can be an ongoing concern for sufferers, new forms of treatment are always being considered and developed. In recent years, glucosamine and chondroitin have both been targeted as beneficial natural ingredients for the treatment and relief of arthritis symptoms.

As an answer to more invasive and less successful methods of treatment such as prescription medicines, manufacturers have begun to develop products which contain a balance of natural ingredients including glucosamine, manganese, turmeric, ginger root, vitamins and minerals. The main benefits of glucosamine and other natural ingredients are that they target the cause of symptoms rather than just treating the symptoms themselves. By addressing the cause, these products promote healing and provide long term relief.

Glucosamine Can Naturally Heal & Repair

As the protective layer of cartilage which surrounds the joints breaks down over time, the bones are left to rub against each other, causing pain and even malformation of the bones themselves. This condition is commonly known as arthritis. Glucosamine benefits deteriorating joints by stimulating the production of proteins which help the body to naturally replenish damaged cartilage. Since the body naturally wears down with age, it can actually slow the aging process and help the body to heal from within.

While some side effects can be experienced when taking glucosamine, they tend to be much more mild than those caused by prescription medicines. The main concern is for individuals who have shellfish allergies, as this helpful compound is derived from shellfish. But overall, the benefits far outweigh any potential side effects. It is generally proven to be a safe, gentle, healthy alternative for treatment of arthritis pain and stiffness.

Used in combination with other natural ingredients, glucosamine benefits the body by helping to repair damaged joints, removing harmful free radicals and combating the natural wear and tear of aging. These one-step treatments also reduce the need to take several different supplements, not only reducing side effects but reducing costs as well.

Diet & Exercise Can Also Have Enormous Benefits

As powerful as it may be, the benefits of glucosamine can only go so far. Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet and getting proper exercise are also important steps in treating arthritis and helping the body to heal itself naturally. Reducing fat intake and eating foods rich in sulfur, which helps to repair and rebuild cartilage, can help to reduce pain and stiffness safely and organically. And remaining active and taking off any excess weight can also help the body to look and feel younger and healthier.

While natural remedies offer an exciting alternative to prescription medicines, they should not be taken without first consulting your doctor. Since glucosamine benefits can differ for each individual, you need to carefully research each product and find the one which works best for you.

The symptoms of arthritis can be overwhelming, but glucosamine and other natural products can help you to manage them safely and gently. Pain and stiffness don't have to be a way of life, talk to your doctor today and find out which product works for you. Say goodbye to arthritis pain and feel better, naturally!