Rheumatoid Arthritis|Psoriatic Arthritis Symptoms|Arthritis Treatment

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is the greatest problem of arthritis in children. Many kids who suffer form arthritis are usually affected by a particular type called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. What your child could be suffering from could be juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. If you suspect the symptoms, seek medical and professional help at once.

For many generations, the Chinese have used acupuncture for arthritis pain relief. Most countries have for ages been using acupuncture to get relief for arthritis. If you can employ the use of acupuncture on your arthritis, you could get the needed pain relief.

Don't be like those people who make the horrible mistake of treating arthritis with kid gloves. Arthritis is a serious condition that should be handled with all the seriousness you can muster. Apart from talking with your doctor immediately you suspect the symptoms, it's also very important for you to learn as much as you can about it, so that you will know what to do and what not to do to effectively control it.

If you think there's only one kind of arthritis, think again. There are different types of arthritis. It is not usually easy to uncover the kind of arthritis disturbing an individual due to the various types. But thanks to more advanced systems of dealing with arthritis, doctors have become better at identifying the type of arthritis a patient is suffering from.

The ankle can easily fall prey of arthritis because it is easily subjected to injury. That's why it's recommended that one takes very good care of the ankle. One common part of your leg that can be easily affected by arthritis is the ankle. In most cases arthritis in the ankle can be very common.

If you are suffering from arthritis, you should be aware that there are lots of very effective natural treatments that work. One of such is the treatment option with olive oil. Olive oil is one natural method for arthritis management that has proven effective over the years. Olive oil helps arthritis patients, especially when used with the right instructions.

Surgery is a medical method of dealing with arthritis pains. Surgery is usually considered the last medical solution to arthritis pain relief. When all methods of treating arthritis have failed, surgery is employed as the final solution. Yes, it has worked for more people all over the world and it can work for you as well, if all else has failed.

Gout arthritis is a kind of arthritis that can be treated and even prevented from re-occurring. When gout is diagnosed early, it can be permanently taken care of with the right kind of treatment. So, you shouldn't worry one bit when you notice you have gout arthritis, but make sure you stick to your doctor's advice and recommendation to get quick relief.

There are various types of medicines can help control the pain and swelling of joints in Rhumatoid arthritis (Rheumatoid). Doctors recommend medications depending on type of arthritis, the degree to which the joints have been affected and how much pain is experienced as well as other factors. There are various classes of medicines, most of them falling under one of the following

o Analgesics: They are drugs to relieve pain but not inflammation. They are generally used if there is allergy to aspirin. Acetaminophen is one example of an analgesic. It is available without a prescription.

o Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) : are used to combat joint pain, stiffness and swelling. NSAIDs work by blocking the production of prostaglandins in the body , which are substances that send pain messages to the brain. Examples of NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium. Other NSAIDs are available by prescription only. NSAIDs should be used under doctor supervision only and can cause the side effect of stomach upset.

o Glucocorticoids: are drugs that relieve pain by reducing swelling and inflammation in the affected joint. These drugs are related to a hormone found in the body à cortisol. Glucocorticoid injections must be monitored carefully; side effects can occur if you receive injections too frequently.

o Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) : The main function of DMARD's is to reduce inflammation, slow down and suppress the immune system, but these drugs also help relieve pain. The effects of these drugs may take several weeks or months to become tangible in nature. Examples of DMARDs include methotrexate, hydroxycholorquine, azulfdine and lefunomide.

o Biologic response modifiers (BRMs): These are also known as biologic agents and are used to suppress arthritis inflammation. Food and Drug Administration has approved two BRM's for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: etanercept (Enbrel) and infliximib (Remicade).

o Antidepressants are typically prescribed for the chronic pain of fibromyalgia rather than for arthritis. They work by blocking pain hormones in the brain. They are sometimes used with patients to break out of depression cycle. Antidepressants also can help improve sleep quality, which in turn may help reduce pain. The doses used to treat pain and sleep problems are usually lower than those used for depression.

o Topical pain relievers include creams, rubs and sprays that are applied to the skin over a painful muscle or joint. Some topical pain relievers contain combinations of salicylates , skin irritants and local anesthetics that relieve pain . Salicylates work by making nerve endings in the skin unresponsive to pain.

o Narcotics and other strong painkillers are sometimes prescribed for short-term and intense pain. Morphine and codeine reduce pain by blocking pain signals that are traveling to the brain.

o Tranquilizers can be helpful in reducing painful muscle tension and spasms in some types of arthritis or its related conditions. However, these drugs have to be used very carefully as they can be addictive if they are used for a long period of time.

o Nerve blocks are anesthetic drugs injections, administered directly into the nerves of the painful area. They can help relieve nerve, tendon, and ligament and muscle pain. Yet nerve blocks are not as effective for long-lasting pain because they work only for a limited period of time. They may also cause temporary muscle weakness and numbness near the painful area.

After reviewing many of these options, you may find it beneficial to also examine some natural options for dealing with your arthritis and a sufferer myself, I have found these to be a useful complement. With some trial and error they can begin to replace many of the more conventional approaches to your Rhumatoid arthritis pain relief.

If you have a horse suffering from arthritis or joint injury, there is no doubt you have tried just about everything to correct this serious situation. Your horse's overall health is important. Sometimes, though, surgery, exercise, and changes in diet are not enough to truly make a difference. For these problems, you may want to include horse supplements in the every day regimen of your horses.

How Horse Supplements Work

There are many different types of horse supplements on the market today. Those made specifically for joint care, however, are unique. They may serve a few different purposes:

• They may slow the amount of cartilage that is lost


• Help a horse's body develop new cartilage where the old has been lost


• Reduce the amount of damage caused by joint fluid by slowing the destruction down

Supplements have been found to be very effective for treating certain kinds of joint disease, like arthritis. They have also been shown to be very helpful when it comes to treating pain and inflammation associated with joint injuries and joint surgery.

What is Horse Arthritis and How is it Diagnosed?

Horse arthritis is a degenerative joint disease in which the cartilage around the joints changes and breaks down. This leaves the joints unprotected as the horse moves, cause many different symptoms, such as:

• Pain


• Inflammation


• Swollen joints


• Loss of range of motion


• Trouble with movement around the joint


• Stiffness


• Attitude changes

Most of the time, horse arthritis is diagnosed through x-rays, ultrasounds, medical history, and observation of how well a horse is walking. Veterinarians may determine whether the horse's gait is wrong or not. They may also take an analysis of the joint fluid to see whether it is playing a role in the deterioration of the cartilage around the joint.

Remedies for Horse Arthritis and Other Joint Problems

There are several ways to treat horse arthritis and other joint problems.

• Oral and topical anti-inflammatory medications. These types of medicines will help to reduce the inflammation around the horse's joints. They can also reduce some of the pain your horse experiences.


• Medicines may also be injected directly into the joint to help with pain and swelling.


• Ice packs can be used to lessen the amount of inflammation a horse has around the joints.


• In the most severe cases, where the joint is torn and decomposed beyond repair, surgery may be needed. During the surgery, the joints will be fused together.


• Horse supplements are a natural remedy for joint problems. They can work well for arthritis, joint damage due to exercise or strain, joint deterioration, or joints that are injured before, during, or after a surgery.

If your horse is suffering from arthritis or any other type of joint problem, consider using horse supplements to help with the many symptoms associated with these joint diseases. Your horse may experience a longer, happier, and healthier life because of the use of these supplements.

Arthritis is a disorder causing joint inflammation. Joint inflammation includes inflammation of joint lining or synovium, surrounding tissues, eroding of bones and cartilages. Arthritis is a very common ailment, and chronic in nature. Once attacked by arthritis, it is not possible to eradicate the disorder completely, but remission of the disorder is possible through medications, changing of lifestyle and habits, simple home remedies involving natural herbal massage oil and herbal supplements.

Pain is the most torturing symptom of arthritis. Pain is often accompanied by swelling, joint stiffness, tenderness, redness of skin around joint, crepitus or crunching sound while moving affected joints, deformity, anemia, constipation, colitis, limited range of motion, fatigue. Many symptoms occur together making the disease debilitating, and the patient almost crippled. Life activities and mobility becomes quite difficult. Ankles, wrists, neck, back, shoulder, knee and hip are the joints commonly invaded by arthritis. Arthritis can inflict people of all ages. Osteoarthritis is noticeable in elderly people while rheumatoid arthritis is common among youths. Of the many forms of arthritis, the above two forms are the most widespread.

Causes of Arthritis

1. Age is one factor causing arthritis. With advancing age, the bone protecting cartilages become weak and brittle. The fluid content in the cartilages rise, the protein make up starts breaking up, leaving crevasses on the cartilages, the cartilages start flaking, and in no time are lost exposing the bones to friction. The result is arthritis.

2. Obesity also causes arthritis. The extra load on joints due to weight gain causes the wearing out of cartilages and rubbing of one bone against the other.

3. High impact sports and activities like wrestling, boxing, gymnastic, ballet dancing etc cause much wear and tear of cartilages, and often lead to arthritis in future.

4. Certain occupations trigger arthritis. Occupations like cotton processing, carpentry, shipyard work, the work of a construction worker etc involve frequent kneeling and squatting. Such occupations easily wear out joints, thereby leading to arthritis.

5. Arthritis is an inherited disorder, and seems to run in the family. In other words, heredity or genes is an arthritis causing factor.

6. Tobacco smoking and stress also may initiate or aggravate arthritic conditions.

7. Infection by viruses or bacteria may also lead to arthritis. For instance, the bacterium that causes gonorrhea or Lyme disease or the bacterium causing diarrhea is also responsible for causing arthritis.

8. High levels of urate or uric acid in blood lead to an arthritis called gout. Alcohol intakes, high blood pressure, fasting, over eating, taking diuretic medications are risk factors in case of this form of arthritis.

9. Previous history of traumatic joint injury or bone fracture may in future cause arthritis.

10. Also past history of septic joint may later cause arthritis.

11. Immune system abnormalities also cause arthritis.

12. Preponderance of calcium pyrophosphate in the body also causes arthritis.

The Link Between Raw Foods and Arthritis

Do you suffer from the aches and pains of arthritis? Arthritis is used to refer to numerous rheumatism ailments which symptoms include: pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints, although other parts of the body can be affected as well. Internal organs, muscles, ligaments and tendons are other parts of the body within the illnesses reach.

Arthritis is not to be taken lightly. According to some statistics, arthritis is now second only to heart disease as a leading cause of work disability. According to Arthritis.com, the disease affected 46 million Americans in 2006.

There are two forms of arthritis that are dreaded for causing so much pain to their victims. These are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The former is the more common type that is prevalent among older people. It affects the cartilage, that spongy tissue between two bones that is responsible for shock absorption. The bones rub against each other and this is what causes swelling and pain. Some shards of bones may break off in the long run, lodging themselves inside the joint space, and thereby causing more pain. The latter type of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, affects other body parts, but will still cause inflammation in the joints and a general feeling of fatigue. The symptoms appear in a symmetric manner, which means that if one joint is affected, the other corresponding joint will be affected too.

What Causes Arthritis?

There are several factors that may contribute to arthritis development, and these may include:

1. Age - Cartilage wears out with age and it becomes harder for it to be replaced naturally. Thus as people become older they also become more susceptible to arthritis.

2. Weight - The more pressure applied to knee and hip joints by accounts of body mass, the faster the cartilage is likely to wear out.

3. Other ailments or infections - Individuals who have suffered a joint infection like gout may later develop arthritis in that joint.

4. Daily occupation - Some types of occupations seem to carry inherently higher risk of developing arthritis than others. And these are those that typically involve a lot of lifting of heavy materials especially in heavy construction industry.

5. Genetics - It is possible that there can be genetic variations that contribute to higher incidences of arthritis development though the exact contribution of the genes to the disease development is not exactly clear.

How Can I Prevent Arthritis?

Some of the causes outlined above may themselves help in identifying the correct measures that can be taken to prevent arthritis. Some of these measures may apply before as a preventative measure and after as an ameliorating measure. These measures include:

1. Reducing weight

2. Simple exercises regularly

3. Massage

Unleash the Power of Raw Foods to Help with Arthritis

These raw foods have been very powerful at reducing the effects of arthritis on your body:

* Oranges

* Lemons

* Strawberries

* Tomatoes

* Bell peppers

* Kiwifruit

* Sweet red peppers

* Papapaya

* Guava

* Dalanghita

* Anonas

* Kasuy

You also need calcium rich food, but don't reach out for that glass of milk yet. Instead reach out for spinach, collard greens, and broccoli they are great source of calcium. Vitamin B rich food is also recommended, and this would include delicacies such as cauliflower.

Vitamins and any antioxidants can really you with your Arthritis as they decrease the damage to the joints, thus reducing the pain. Organic vegetables grown in your own garden can also inspire you to consume more raw foods. Give it a try!

To your health,

Omid

Millions of people suffer from arthritis, but can Arthmender - the ancient Ayurvedic formula - hold the key to a natural cure for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and other types of joint problems?

When we are born, we have 300 bones and as we grow older, the bones fuse together and we are left with 206 bones as an adult.

Our bones or the skeletal mainframe is the support system that keeps us afloat over the years, till we go old and our bones turn brittle and we die a natural death. But when we are here and still can, it is essential to maintain good bone health.

Arthritis or joint inflammation is a serious health issue because the bone inflammation keeps on damaging healthy tissues and this damage can adversely affect the joints by making movement hard and painful. Over 100 kinds of arthritic problem can affect different areas of the body and research studies show that children and adults alike are susceptible to this disease.

Health officials in USA estimate that by 2030, 294,000 children and 67,000,000 adults will suffer from arthritis. In such a situation, it is common sense to take preventive measures and not let arthritis affect you. Apart from conventional health medicines, the Ayurvedic formula in Arthmender is a supplement that promotes healing, reduction of joint inflammation and maintains long term joint health.

The benefits of Arthmender can be visible only after four to six months of regular consumption. Along with this arthritis cure, you need to follow a diet, exercise and lifestyle guidance plan for joint care. To bring your body back into equilibrium, you must lead a healthy lifestyle. The Singapore Health Services Authority, and the FDA of India and USA have certified that the botanicals used in arthritis supplement are not known to have any side effects. Further, the supplement works to prevent blood clotting in your body so if you are presently having any anti-coagulants, you should use Arthmender with caution. Even better - consult with your physician before adding Art mender.

Proven Benefits of Arthmender Supplement:

• Makes your joints supple and protect against sudden injuries. In other words, you become more agile.


• Reduces pain and inflammation from your joints, making you relax with relief


• Ayurvedic herbs remove harmful free radicals from the system and detoxify your body. With detoxification, pain and inflammation subsides too.


• Helps to build bone and muscle strength so that it is able to withstand pressure


• Arthritis means you are bound to have broken tissues; the supplements accelerates tissue repair


• Arthritis reduces your immunity level to a large extent and the Arthmender supplements counteracts this autoimmunity

The Arthmender proprietary supplement is made with 12 potent Ayurvedic herbal extracts that directly works on the musculoskeletal system and helps to regain your joint health. It consists of 269 natural phytonutrients that exert 514 synergistic activities on your skeletal system to reduce toxins, control free radical activity, prevent blood clotting, smooth the joint structures, relax the muscles, tone the muscles and improves calcium absorption in the body. Ayurvedic doctors suggest that the supplements should be taken twice a day and as said earlier, the dosage should continue for at least 6 months, if you want long term permanent benefits.

Apart from consuming this supplement, you can reverse the damage by increasing and decreasing the intake of Omega - 3 and Omega - 6 respectively. You should increase fiber concentration in your food and eat as many fruits rich in Vitamin C as possible. Always remember that prevention is better than cure!

Osteoarthritis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and giant cell arthritis are some of the common forms of joint pain that Arthmender helps you find relief from. Thousands of people all over the globe find Arthmender to be very helpful in preventing and even curing these conditions.

Gouty arthritis can cause a sudden attack of stiffness, burning pain and joint swelling. These sudden attacks can occur repeatedly unless gouty arthritis is treated. Eventually, this condition can be harmful to your tendons, tissues and joints.

Gouty arthritis is caused by excessive uric acid in the blood. People with high levels of uric acid in the blood do not usually get gout but when the levels of uric acid gets too high, it may create hard crystals in the joints.

Individuals drinking too much alcohol, who are overweight or eat too much fish and meat rich in purines are more prone to getting gouty. In addition, some medications such as water pills can bring gout as well.

Some of the common signs of gout are sudden attacks of tenderness, redness, swelling and intense pain in the big toe. It is also possible to experience attacks in the ankle, foot and knees. These attacks usually last for a few days or several weeks and another attack may happen after months or even years. It is necessary to see a doctor even you are no longer experiencing pains from gout because the uric acid buildup can still be harmful to the joints.

In order to diagnose the condition, the doctor asks questions regarding the symptoms and performs a physical examination. In addition, the doctor may take fluid samples from the joints to look for crystals formed by uric acid. It is also required to do a blood test in order to measure the uric acid amount in the blood.

To stop the attack of gout, the doctor can prescribe corticosteroids or a large dose of one or more medications in a daily basis. Effects of the medications usually start within twenty-four hours.

To lessen the pain of gout attack, it is best to rest the joints. Taking anti-inflammatory medicine or ibuprofen can help ease the pain. However, do not take aspirin for it may worsen the gout as it may increase the level of uric acid in the blood.

In order to prevent gout attacks in the future, there are prescribed medications to help lessen the buildup of uric acid in the blood. Make sure to follow the doctor's advice to lower uric acid levels. Many people continue taking the medicine for the rest of their lives to experience permanent effects.

It is important to pay attention to what kinds of food you eat in order to manage the condition. Eating moderate amounts of healthy foods to control weight is essential. Prevent eating too much seafood, meat and alcohol. It is also recommended to drink a lot of water and other fluids.

Resting the affected area for twenty-four hours can ease the pain caused by the attack. In addition, you need to control your weight and having a low-fat diet can help. However, prevent fasting or diets that have very low calories because these diets tend to increase the uric acid amount produced by the body.

In the past, gouty arthritis was believed to be because of too much alcohol intake and eating too much rich foods. Though drinking alcohol and eating certain foods can trigger gout attacks, these factors may not be the major causes of gout. The condition is actually caused by an excessive production of uric acid in the blood.

There are many types of arthritis with gout being the most painful type. Gout attacks happen when uric acid deposits accumulate in and around a body joint like the big toe. There are genetic factors that play a role in gout attacks but a person's diet and medications can have a great impact in the causing of gout attacks in both men and women. The homeopathic remedies can be helpful in relieving the painful joint and swelling during an attack of gout.

Homeopathy is a medicine society that believes in administering non-toxic treatments for many illnesses and diseases. This type of treatment can be used to relieve pain for many conditions. There are licensed doctors in the field of homeopathy that prescribe homeopathic remedies for gout attacks. So lets look at some homeopathic remedies for gout attacks and their use.

The herb Belladonna can be used for the sudden attack. It is also a good remedy for relieving the swelling, warm, and throbbing pain. The joint with gout may appear red and shiny. Touching the joint will result in a sharp intense pain.

Colchicum is known as a very effective homeopathic remedy for the attack of gout. It is a very good remedy for when the gout is in the big toe and when the affected area is red, swollen, and hot. Excruciating pain will occur when the area is touched or when you try to move it. The pain in the big toe even increases at night or when the weather changes.

Rhododendron and Ledum Palustre are also good homeopathic remedies when the big toe is affected with gout. Ledum Plaustre is good for pain throughout the leg which includes both the ankle and knee. When joints on the right side of the body are swollen and painful Rhododendron will provide relief. Rhododendron is also a good remedy when the pain is worse in the morning or after you have rested for a long period of time.

Other homeopathic remedies for treating gout attacks consist of Calcarea Fluorica, Arnica, Sulphur, Berberis Vulgaris, and Bryonia. Consult your homoeopathist about these remedies and their benefits. You could try treating yourself with some of these homeopathic remedies when you suffer from an attack of gout. But you may want to consult with your doctor for advice.

You want to carefully evaluate the remedy and match it to the symptoms to ensure you choose the right herb or plant remedy for your symptoms. For treating gout attacks yourself remember that a low potency of homeopathic remedies will be just fine. Make sure you carefully read the instructions for usage and before selecting and applying.

Getting dressed is not a problem for everyone with arthritis, but even those little aches and pains can interfere with certain daily tasks on a regular basis. Regardless of how severe your arthritis is, you may find yourself needing to make some changes in the way you dress to accommodate your arthritis. Here are a few tips to follow to make those changes smooth and easy.

First, analyze which joints are causing you the most difficulty with dressing, especially in the morning. Remember that arthritis stiffness can take over an hour to go away after you get out of bed, and you might not want to wait that long to get dressed. Adapting how you get dressed to work around those particular stiff joints will make sure you don't get thrown off schedule.

Next, decide if an easy adaptation will fix the problem. It could be that your hips and knees are stiff in the morning and you can't bend to put on your socks and shoes. If this is the case, try sitting on the bed or in a chair with a footstool in front of you. Use your hands to help lift each leg on to the footstool, and then bend the shorter distance to put on the sock and shoe. Another common problem (for women) is that your shoulders are too stiff to reach around behind your back to hook your bra. In this case, place your bra behind your back, hook it in front, then slide it around and place your arms in the straps. These are just two examples of simple adaptations you can do at home with the clothing you have and items you already have around the house.

If your stiffness is a little more severe in the morning, you may need to purchase different types of clothing. This does not mean you have to buy adaptive clothing. You just need to think a little bit about the clothes you buy. If you have a hard time lifting your arms due to shoulder stiffness, buy front closing shirts or blouses. Avoid pull-overs or, if you must have them, make sure they are large and loose. If your fingers don't want to move in the morning, avoid clothing with small buttons or hooks. Make sure zippers have large tabs. Buy pants with elastic waistbands. If you have a hard time bending due to back or hip pain, wear slip on shoes or shoes with Velcro closures. Make sure your socks stretch easily. Avoid heels.

Adaptive devices can also make dressing easier without having to buy special clothing. These devices have been around for many years. Before the internet, you used to have to purchase these items with the assistance of occupational therapists that had access to the medical suppliers that distributed this type of equipment. Now anyone can purchase these devices directly. If you have trouble bending, elastic shoe laces and a long shoe horn will help you slip your shoes on and off. If your fingers are too stiff to pinch those tiny zipper tabs, use a zipper pull to hook the tab and pull the zipper closed. There are dozens of devices available to accommodate just about any problem. A good source for adaptive devices for arthritis is The Wright Stuff Inc. Arthritis Supplies at http://www.arthritissupplies.com

Many of the devices listed above were actually invented by occupational therapists. If you don't understand how to use them, or if you need some help solving your problems with dressing at home, you might want to consult with an occupational therapist in your area. Check with your health insurance plan for a list of occupational therapists that provide outpatient services. If you would like to know more about occupational therapy, please visit The American Occupational Therapy Association at http://www.aota.org/Consumers.aspx

There are over 80 types of arthritis and each one has different cause. Causes of arthritis may include joint inflammation, infection, aging, malfunctions in the immune and nervous systems, metabolic disorders, hypothermia, injuries and so on.

Infectious Arthritis
The most common cause for inflammation of joints and consequent lesion is infection. When body is attacked by various kinds of harmful bacteria, virus or fungus, a natural protective system takes care of our body and it is called immune system. The immune system starts producing immune complexes, but when immunity of person is disturbed, too many substances are produced for protection, and they start destroying not only the harmful bacteria but the beneficial bacteria, and similarly joints also come under attack. This leads to infectious arthritis.

Traumatic Arthritis
Traumatic arthritis occurs and develops mainly due to injury with damage to the joint. This may also occur because of constant or excessive strain on the joints, resulting in forced motion of joints. In case of inflammation of joints, trauma can lead to the development of arthritis or its aggravation. Constant and small traumas of joints can also result in the development of occupational arthritis. Mechanical factors also play an important role in causing degenerative damage to joints. People who work as tailors, barbers, and masseurs, for example, are more likely to suffer from arthritis of fingers. The laborers are very much prone to the arthritis of spine. Arthritis in obese people is very common because of the high stress on joints. Abnormalities arising as a result of congenital hip dislocation, intra-articular or periarticular fractures, and chronic inflammation, result in permanent traumas thereby leading to development of arthritis.

Endocrine Arthritis
Disturbance in the functioning of endocrine glands can also lead to so-called endocrine arthritis. The most common example is the appearance of rheumatoid or degenerative arthritis in women during menopause, when hormonal changes take place in the reproductive system of women.

Osteoarthritis
Causes of the most common type of arthritis i.e. osteoarthritis can be many such as prolonged physical loads, which can be related to the work, sports, body overweight, injury of joints or genetic predisposition. Permanent loads can lead to the weakening of cartilages and ultimately they may collapse.

Gouty Arthritis
Gouty arthritis develops as a result of genetic predisposition, obesity, malnutrition, consumption of large amounts of proteins and alcohol.

Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which can be caused by the changes in the immune mechanisms of the patient due to viral infections, mental and physical stress.

Prevention of arthritis should be aimed at by addressing the causes of the disease.

What is Inflammatory Arthritis?

There are many forms of arthritis. Inflammatory arthritis is any form of arthritis that involves the immune system and inflammation. The characteristic symptoms of inflammation are swelling, heat, redness of skin, pain, and loss of function. There are different types of inflammatory arthritis.

Autoimmune Disorders

• The body treats it own tissues as a foreign object and reacts to this foreign object with inflammation
  


• 
  Rheumatoid arthritis - antibodies produced by the body attack the synovial membrane that encloses each joint
  


• 
  Lupus - systematically affects connective tissues and organs
  


• 
  Ankylosing Spondylitis - a progressive form of arthritis that causes inflammation of the spine and large joints
  


• 
  Reiter's Syndrome - a chronic, progressive disease that can affect the joints, tendon attachments, skeleton, and the eye's conjunctiva and mucous membranes
  


• 
  Psoriatic arthritis - causes inflammation of the skin and joints
  


• 
  Inflammatory bowel disease - inflammatory arthritis can be associated with this disease

Other Causes of Inflammatory Arthritis

Inflammatory arthritis can be caused by other conditions, as well. Reactive arthritis is caused by certain types of bacteria and can develop from an infection in another part of your body. The deposit of crystalline structures in the joints causes gout and pseudogout. Elevated blood levels of uric acid, which is a waste product, can form in the joints when the kidney does not properly dispose of the waste.

Symptoms of Inflammatory Arthritis

The symptoms of inflammatory arthritis can include the following:

• Pain in one or more joints


• Swelling in one or more joints


• The affected joint is usually warmer than other joints


• Stiffness and decrease of ability to move affected joints


• Symptoms may appear after a minor illness or emotional stress


• Skin around joints may become red and tender

Treatment of Inflammatory Arthritis

The symptoms of inflammatory arthritis can be treated with medicines or natural remedies. However, it is very important to find the cause of the arthritis so that the root problem can be treated as well. Medications can be used to treat the pain and inflammation, but there are many natural remedies that have been more successful in treating the cause of the inflammatory arthritis. If you use medications to relieve the symptoms of inflammatory arthritis, be sure to learn of any side effects or reactions to other medications or food.

Some natural remedies for the treatment of inflammatory arthritis include:

• Exercise - a regular exercise regimen helps to avoid stiffness of the joints associated with inflammatory arthritis


• Water aerobics - endorphins produced in the brain during water aerobics can help ease the pain of inflammatory arthritis
  


• Valerian - this can be used to treat the pain of inflammatory arthritis. This natural medication is a known sedative and caution should be used - some people have experienced withdrawal symptoms when stopping abruptly.


• Comfrey - a comfrey salve can be used to reduce the inflammation of the affected joints


• Mangosteen - this fruit has been shown to relieve both the inflammation and pain associated with inflammatory arthritis
  


• Omega-3 fatty acids - can be found in foods such as cold-water fish, walnut, and flaxseeds.

Diet for Inflammatory Arthritis

Diet is also another way that you can prevent or lessen the symptoms associated with inflammatory arthritis. A healthy diet is important for overall health. There are some foods that can trigger the onset of inflammation in the joints and some foods that decrease the onset of inflammation. If you suffer from inflammatory arthritis, you should eliminate milk and milk products. You should avoid polyunsaturated fats and products that are made with partially hydrogenated oils. The best kind of diet for those who suffer from inflammatory arthritis is low in protein and high in carbohydrates. Some of the common foods that can trigger the symptoms of arthritis are milk and dairy products, beef, corn, and wheat. Avoiding these foods can help you to avoid triggering the symptoms. In general, a healthy diet and regular exercise can help you to avoid many of the symptoms of inflammatory arthritis.

In the US, over 10 million people suffer from arthritis in the knee known as osteoarthritis, which is the wear and tear type of arthritis. Treatments for arthritis of the knee are designed to avoid the last resort which is a knee replacement. Why? A knee replacement is one of the most successful procedures in surgery today with regards to improving quality of life. However, it is not designed to last forever, so if it can be delayed that is best.

It is not a good idea to just stop doing activities. That may help a bit, but the knee actually needs activity to help promote cartilage health. Our joints are designed for being used, not ignored!

One of the methods that are used non-operatively for knee arthritis includes knee bracing. There are three areas of the knee, called compartments, where arthritis develops. There is one on the inside, called the medial compartment, and the outside one is called the lateral compartment. The third one sits between the kneecap and the joint, known as the patello-femoral compartment.

Typically, knee arthritis involves one compartment more than others. This is known as uni-compartmental arthritis.

The most affected compartment with arthritis is the medial compartment. There is a specific kind of brace known as an unloading knee brace which is designed to take pressure off the arthritic region. Other names for the brace are an "offloader" or "offloading" or "unloading" brace.

Unloading braces are custom designed and made of a combination of plastic, foam, and steel struts. They work on three pressure points to unload the arthritic area from stress on the inside of the knee to the outside part where arthritis is not as severe.

Studies looking at offloading braces have shown that they do help considerably with decreasing pain and improving function. The unloading braces are often covered by insurance and need to be custom fitted. That way they can be tailored to the individual patient's anatomy and needs.

The braces serve a "load sharing" purpose by absorbing the stresses during the realignment. They can be slightly bulky, so consideration is necessary of whether to wear the brace outside the pants or under loose clothing.

A treatment program consisting of physical therapy, medications such as NSAIDS, injections into the joint, along with the bracing can put patients into a new realm of a pain free existence.

Undergoing a total knee replacement is a quality of life procedure and is typically very successful. There are risks associated with the procedure and it is not designed to last forever. It should be considered a last resort, however, and bracing fits nicely into a non-operative regimen designed to keep patients out of the operating room.

Arthritis joint pain is related with chronic pain conditions. Millions of people suffer from this painful condition of arthritis. This condition of arthritis includes swelling, inflammation, redness, pain and stiffness. Literally there are more than hundred types of arthritis but the three of them are most common. They are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout. This problem can be treated with the help of medications, yoga, exercises, diet, with the help of natural remedies, herbal remedies, home remedies etc. and finally with the help of joint replacement.

Though the exact cause of arthritis joint pain is unknown but according to most of the scientist heredity and lifestyle plays a major role.

Some of the important risk factors which results into arthritis

1. Increased Age - With the increasing age as you grow older and older the risk of developing arthritis joint pain increases.

2. Gender - Females are at more risk of developing arthritis joint pain in comparison to male. Usually men are less susceptible to the condition of osteoarthritis and the conditions which are related with it.

3. Weight - More stress is put on joints, if you are heavier. So heavier person are more likely to develop the condition of arthritis joint pain. Whereas the persons with light weight are not responsible for putting as much pressure on his or her weight-bearing joints.

4. Life style/Work - If you lift heavy weight then it can stress joints and lead to joint pain and injury. So person involving in this types of job are at more risk of developing the problem of arthritis pain.

Different types of arthritis affect different joints

1. Osteoarthritis - It is the most common type of arthritis found in human. It affects the joints of hands, hips, knee and spine. The condition in osteoarthritis worsens with the growing age.

2. Rheumatoid arthritis - This condition is related with chronic joint disease. In this condition there is a swelling in the joint lining which leads to inflammation and gradually it spread to surrounding tissues. This condition result into cartilage as well as bone damage.

3. Gout - This condition is also very painful. Mostly it affects the joints of knees, toes and wrists.

The patients of arthritis joint pain consult some expert before going for any treatment. There may be some diet restrictions or some specific exercises may be recommended by an expert. Some traditional medications are also very beneficial in reducing the arthritis pain.

What are the signs you may need knee replacement surgery? Knee replacement surgery has a long recovery process and the physiotherapy can be extremely painful at times. Although, if the quality of life has deteriorated due to a lack of mobility, knee arthritis or knee pain, it may be time to consider surgery. The National Institutes of Health reported knee replacement improves the quality of life and mobility in over 90% of the patients. Knee joint replacement is the most performed joint replacement surgery done today. Many people continue to suffer knee arthritis because it is difficult to know if surgery is needed.

There are simple signs that may mean you need a knee replaced. One indication is if the pain in the knee keeps you awake at night, or causes you to wake up when you roll over. If the problem persists for more than a couple of days you should consult your doctor. The knee arthritis pain in your knee may limit your activities, particularly if walking half a mile can be too painful to bear. If the pain persists, even after other forms of treatment, then you speak to your doctor. Just stiffness in the knees or the occasional sharp pain does not mean you need full or partial knee joint replacement surgery. Try doing some light stretches and walking. If the symptoms ease than you probably just need some recovery time.

If you have knee arthritis, surgery might be a viable option. Arthritis is actually an inflamed joint. People think of arthritis as an abnormal growth of cartilage or when the cartilage has worn away, causing inflammation around the joint. There are many types of arthritis, but the most common is osteoarthritis. This results in the cartilage wearing away until the bare bone is exposed. This type of arthritis in the knee can definitely benefit from knee replacement.

The conditions that can be treated with full or partial knee replacement surgery are: severe osteoarthritis, Ligament damage, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, hemophilia, crystal deposition diseases, avascular necrosis and bone dysplasias. Some of these can be resolved with partial knee replacement, which is much less invasive and provides for a faster recovery. In the case of arthritis, crystal deposition, avascular necrosis and bone dysplasias, partial replacement would only be a stopgap measure. If you have any of the above-mentioned signs it may be time to speak to your doctor.

Arthritis is one of the biggest problem that has been faced by million of people worldwide. Arthritis is a general term that literally means pain and inflammation in joints. Though previously it was believed that only old people suffers from arthritis but now it has been seen that people of younger age group are also being affected by this disease. Arthritis is not a disease in itself. There is a general condition in which the joint becomes inflamed and causes great pain. Arthritis can be of many types but commonly three types are frequently seen. These are: -

(a) Rheumatoid arthritis

(b) Osteoarthritis

(c) Gout

(a) Rheumatoid arthritis - it is a kind of arthritis that is more associated autoimmune disorder that occurs due to attack of our immune system on the joints. It is also associated with the deformity in the body. It is commonly seen in people who are in their mid forties.

(b) Osteoarthritis - it is another form of arthritis that occurs due to age related changes. In this condition there is formation of osteophytes in the joints. The cartilaginous structure gets ossified and gets converted in the bone. This bone formation in the bone leads to the hindered movements and causes extremes pain whenever the joint is made to move.

(c) Gout - it is concerned with the formation of uric acid crystals in the joint. Due to any kind of deformity there is decreased in the serum uric acid metabolism thereby leads to the accumulation of uric acid in the joints. It is commonly called as the riches disease as it is more commonly seen in people who are well off.

Causes

· Ageing

· Over use of joints

· Hereditary factors

· Wrong feeding habits

· Infections

· Metabolic disorder

Symptoms

· Pain in joints

· Swellings in joints

· Restricted movements

· Redness over joint

· Deformity of the joint

· Cracking sound on movements.

Treatment

Though the anatomical changes are very difficult to be reversed but their have been certain ayurvedic preparations that are extremely helpful in suppressing pain and prevent any further damage to the joint. Belo are few ayurvedic herbs that are very effective in curbing arthritis.

· Ashwagandha (withinia somnifera) - it is one of the best herb that has the potential to suppress pain and inflammation. It has certain properties that are very helpful in reducing the vata dosha in the body that is solely responsible for causing all pains and inflammation in the body. Ashwagandha is a medium sized plant that is easily found in areas having warmer climatic conditions. The roots of Ashwagandha are the plant parts that are being used to make medicines. Generally Ashwagandha is taken in as powder form but it is now available in capsules and syrup forms also.

· Guggul (commiphora mukul) - Guggul is one of the most prestigious herbs that has been very popular among ayurvedic physicians. Guggul is vata suppressant and hence is widely used to treat vata related disorders. Guggul not only reduces pain in the body but is also responsible in suppressing any kind of inflammation and edema that occurs in the body. Various preparations like mahayogaraja Guggul, laxadi Guggul, rasnadi Guggul and gokshuradi Guggul that are being widely used to curb any kind of pain in the body.

· Rasna (pluchea lanceolata) - Rasna is an excellent analgesic and has excellent results in suppressing pain in the body. It is a small plant that can be used in preparing various forms of preparations. It is used as powder, decoction and oils. It has the potential to reduce the vata dosha in the body and is very successful in curbing its effect.

· Arthcare oil - arthcare oil is one of the prestigious ayurvedic preparations that have been found extremely helpful in treating various pain disorders like arthritis, musculoskeletal disorders, backache, joint pains, wounds etc. It has been empowered with the wonders of certain ayurvedic herbs like errand (ricinus communis), Rasna (pluchea lanceolata), devdaru (cedrus deodara), shuddha Guggul (commiphora mukul), rasone (garlic), marich (black pepper), nirgundi (vitex negundo), ajwain (trachyspermum) and til tail (seasum). These all herbs are famous for their activities in suppressing and curbing any kind of pain and inflammation that might occur in the body. The oil is gently massaged on the affected part and then hot fomentation is done. This is the simple procedure that is all you have to do to get relief from the pain and arthritis.

Arthritis is a condition that causes pain, inflammation, and stiffness of the joints. Approximately 40 million people in the United states are affected by arthritis. Some of those are adults and some are children. There are a number of reasons why people develop arthritis ranging from hereditary factors to old age. Less than half of the individuals affected by arthritis today are over the age of 65. Most are middle-aged or younger. It can strike at anytime, but luckily, it can also be prevented.

Arthritis can influence nearly all aspects of a person's life depending on how bad it is. Some people are unable to walk and work because of their condition. For some, the arthritis they suffer from only moderately limits them. For others, it is completely disabling. There are a number of different types of arthritis conditions - over 100 to be exact. A few of the different types of arthritis conditions are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Out of the total number of those affected by arthritis in the United States, 65% of them are women.

Other symptoms of various types of arthritis conditions include warmth, swelling, redness, tenderness of the joint, and inflammation. Symptoms will vary depending on how long the condition has been present, the cause, and type of arthritis. The good thing is that arthritis can be effectively treated and prevented if the right action is taken. One of the things that may help is to lose weight if an individual is overweight. Being overweight or obese increases a person's chances of developing arthritis due to increased pressure on the joints. Another way to prevent and treat arthritis is to stretch every single day, preferably twice per day.

People tend to complain of their symptoms usually first thing in the morning, so it is best if stretching is done at that time and then again right before going to bed at night. It is important to make sure that the stretches are basic, slow, and do not contain any bouncing or jerking movements. Be sure to perform a full movement. Ten minutes of slow, relaxed stretching along with some deep breathing is usually just enough to loosen the body up. A lot of people will develop arthritis from not getting enough physical activity. A simple 45-minute walk on most days of the week should be enough to help prevent arthritis.

Sitting and standing up straight are also great ways to take pressure off of the back and neck, two places where arthritis can develop rather quickly. If possible, it is recommended to also practice resistance training three days per week for at least 30 minutes at a time. It may seem like a lot, but it lowers the chances of develop some types of arthritis. When exercising, it is important to make sure that there is no discomfort or straining. Lifting too much can also increase a person's chances of developing arthritis.

Changing your mattress may also help, especially if you are suffering from arthritis in your back and neck areas. Getting the right amount of daily nutrients will help your body in a big way. Always make sure to get enough vitamin D for bone health. When it comes down to it, preventing arthritis is all about taking extra good care of yourself.

Every person, young or old alike should have a healthy diet. For arthritis patients, however, a healthy diet is also one way to decrease the frequency their arthritis attacks. Truly there is a connection between one's diet and arthritis. The type of arthritis diet suitable for a person with the disease is dependent on the type of arthritis or certain arthritis conditions being experienced by the individual. An example is a diet with low purine and alcoholic content results to a decrease in levels of blood uric acid thus lessening the likelihood of experiencing a gout attack.

Excess Body Weight and Arthritis

Excess body weight affects a person afflicted with arthritis negatively because it adds more strain on the joints, and according to medical experts, those who are more or less overweight by 20% will have more arthritis attacks as compared to those who have the right body weight. Aside from that fact, it is important to note that there are certain types of food that function as allergens, hence acting as triggers to arthritis and at the same time changes negatively the way the immune system functions.

The bottom line when speaking of the arthritis diet is that one should keep in mind that eating nutritiously and taking in well-balanced meals are vital to the well-being of an individual and that staying away from the so called fad diets and avoiding diet claims that are not proven will help in ensuring that the body is replenished with the nutrients it needs. Studies made which focus on the relationship between one's diet and arthritis state that high cholesterol and high fat found in one's diet contributes a lot to arthritis attacks. Thus, a diet plan for the disease should be designed in order to prevent the pain and even better, eliminate the occurrence of arthritis

In a proper arthritis diet, the foods to avoid are fast food meals and foods high in starch (e.g. potatoes). As for red meat, it can be eaten but only in little amounts and one should also watch out for meals with high saturated fat levels. On the other hand, in order to relieve pain, patients have the freedom to choose having an arthritis diet that consists mainly of fruits that are high in vitamin C like oranges, apples, strawberries, etc. Additional food that could help in the diet is oily fish since it contains a lot of vitamin E, and one should not forget that grains such as brown rice and wheat are also beneficial to the patients.

High fat Western diets should be avoided since they trigger arthritis, meaning they should not be part of an arthritis diet. Everyone who wants to be healthier should avoid that kind of diet. Instead, people should eat nutritious foods and should try a low fat diet or cholesterol lowering diets for weight maintenance to be long term.

If you are experiencing chronic knee pain and restricted knee mobility and you have tried all other treatments such as physiotherapy or steroid injections to get respite from pain and improve your knee mobility but to no avail, knee replacement may be the only option for you.

Knee replacement is a surgical procedure often recommended for patients with severe pain, stiffness and immobilization in their knee joint arising out of degenerative arthritis, osteoarthritis or some form of injury.

For severe cases where painful symptoms do not respond to conservative, non-operative treatments such as weight loss, activity modifications, anti-inflammatory medications or cortisone injections, replacement of the knee may only be helpful.

While performing the replacement surgery, the surgeon replaces the severely affected and destroyed part(s) of the arthritis knee with artificial metal or plastic devices called 'prostheses'.

Types
Depending on the severity of the damaged, worn or diseased knee, the replacement of the knee can either be partial or total.

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) is a highly successful surgical procedure which involves replacement of all three parts of the knee- inside, outside and the front of the knee.

While performing total knee replacement, the surgeon removes damaged cartilage and bone from the surface of your knee joint and replaces them with an artificial implant made of metal or plastic that functions similar to a normal knee.

Partial knee replacement (PKR) is a minimally invasive surgery that may be considered if pain is present in only one of the knee's 3 compartments. When you have a PKR, the surgeon replaces only the single affected knee compartment located underneath the kneecap with a metal and plastic implant.

Benefits
Knee replacement can significantly reduce knee pain, improve muscle strength and correct deformities.
Following the surgery, you can return to your daily routine activities with a healthy new knee.
It can significantly improve the quality of your life with improved movement of the knee joint
After getting your knee replaced, you can walk without a stick and can carry out household chores such as dusting and washing up
You get rid of instability, disability and limited mobility of the knee
Your problems like chronic knee stiffness and swelling that prior to the surgery prevented you from bending and straightening your knee are completely alleviated
With less pain and greater mobility, you'll be able to perform low-impact activities including climbing stairs and getting in and out of car without the use of a support.

Risks
As with any surgical procedure, knee replacement also has some potential risks. Although most knee replacement patients do not experience serious complications, there are possible risks associated with the surgery. These complications and risks include:
Blood clots or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the veins in lower leg
Pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in your lung) is a possibility
Excessive bleeding and scarring at the site of incision
Damage to nearby blood vessels, bones or nerves, is also possible
Possibility of primary infection as well as a superficial infection
Urinary tract infection is likely
Adverse reactions to anesthesia
Failure/loosening of the knee implant may occur
Fracture in the bone around the replaced joint during or after the surgery

There are several other possible post-surgery complications, so it is vital to educate yourself about the knee replacement surgery before undergoing the procedure. Fortunately, majority of knee replacement surgeries are performed successfully and go without any major complications whatsoever. If performed by a skilled surgeon and if the new knee is cared for properly, it can last for many years.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is inflammation of the joints. It can occur anywhere in the body and, based on that, there are several types of arthritis. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis which is the common ailment of pain in the joints observed in elderly people. Other common types of arthritic ailments are rheumatoid arthritis and gout.

The word arthritis is derived from two root Greek words - arthros meaning 'joint' and it is meaning 'inflammation'. Hence, arthritis literally translates as inflammation of the joints.

Arthritis is an auto-immune disease, which means, it is a disease in which the human body attacks itself. It begins in one or two joints where an acute pain is felt. This is the most miserable phase of arthritis. Over time, this pain may disappear, but it could cause permanent deformities in the bones and joints.

Why is Arthritis caused?

Different types of arthritis are caused due to different reasons.

(1) Osteoarthritis - Osteoarthritis is a common old-age problem, which affects several people who have crossed the age of 40 years. In people with osteoarthritis, the bones may increase in size at their articulating points. As a result the spaces between them in the joints become less. When moving about, there is a high probability that different bones will rub against each other. This is the cause of osteoarthritis.

(2) Rheumatoid Arthritis - Rheumatoid arthritis is a more serious problem than osteoarthritis because it can occur at any age. In people with rheumatoid arthritis, the ligaments and tendons between the joints undergo degeneration. This causes severe pain where the degeneration has taken place. Common rheumatoid arthritis pains are felt in the fingers; but other places like the wrists, hip and knees are also affected. Rheumatoid arthritis is responsible for deformation of the fingers.

(3) Septic Arthritis - Septic arthritis is a special type of arthritis which is caused when the joints get infected.

(4) Gout - Gout is common old-age arthritis. It is caused when crystals of uric acid are deposited in the spaces between the joints. This type of arthritis is linked with faulty digestion.

What are the Symptoms of Arthritis?

In all types of arthritis, the following symptoms are observed:-

How can Arthritis be avoided?

Arthritis cannot be avoided effectively as it is a common ailment that occurs with advancing age. One must learn to live with the problem. But there are various things which can be avoided in order to keep arthritis at bay.

The following foods must be avoided if you have continuous arthritic pains:

Simple yogic asanas and light exercise helps proper digestion of the body and also protects it from autoimmune problems. Hence, these are beneficial in arthritis.

If you have recurrent pains in the joints, then do not keep the joint covered. As far as possible, keep the joint exposed to the air. For example, if you have pain in the knee joints, then do not wear tight denim clothing; shorts would be a good idea. This will provide freer circulation of blood in the joint and reduce the pains.

How can Arthritis be controlled with Simple Home Remedies?

Some household remedies are known to provide relief from arthritic pains. The following are some of the more benefiting ones:-

You may not know this but there are over 100 different types of Arthritis. It is a condition that affects millions every year, worldwide. As each type of arthritis is different, so must the treatments that are used to help ease the pain and discomfort caused by this condition. Symptoms can be vastly different between each type, so it is vitally important that you see your local GP, so that correct diagnosis can be made and the right treatments can begin.

So what are the most common types of arthritis?

There are two main types of arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis. This article will look at both, and explore causes, symptoms and possible treatments. You should however always refer to your GP for help, advice and guidance.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is caused by the malfunction of the body's immune system. This basically means that the immune system attacks parts of the body, for reasons that are not quite clear, the joints are the main areas affected.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is caused when the body's cells confuse one of its own proteins as a foreign intruder. This in return causes the immune system to start attacking the normal joint tissues. As a result there is a release of Cytokines which trigger more inflammation and destruction.

Rheumatoid Arthritis can start gradually or attack very suddenly. Symptoms can be rather severe causing pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, stiffness and fever. Most common symptoms include the pain, stiffness and swelling of the joints affected, which can include hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, knees, ankles and the neck. Another common symptom is the development of Rheumatoid Nodules, which are lumps that appear on the skin over the affected joint.

In terms of treatments, there are a few drugs that can be administered in order to reduce pain and inflammation. These can be prescribed by your local GP.

The other main type of Arthritis is Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is not as severe as Rheumatoid Arthritis and is a common condition among those over 40. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, most commonly caused by the over use of certain joints, and those that bear weight.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis include deep aching pain within a joint, difficulty gripping objects, fatigue, warm joints, joint stiffness in the morning, pain when walking and the swelling of joints.

Unlike Rheumatoid Arthritis, there are a few Osteoarthritis treatment options. These can be as simple as more exercise and a better healthier diet, pain relief medication and inflammatory drugs to, in more severe cases, Hyaluronic Acid injections straight to the effected joint.

If you think that you may be developing or have developed some form of Arthritis then you must first make an appointment with your local GP. A common mistake is to leave or ignore any symptoms and allow the condition to further develop. Pain and discomfort need not rule your life; there are treatments that can be given to help you maintain your life as normal.