Archive for the ‘arthritis’ Category
If you’re over 40 you know that as we age our body doesn’t feel or respond the same way as it used to when we were younger. It just doesn’t seem fair that as our mind appears to improve and become more “inventive,” our body seems to become less “cooperative.” We’re stiff in the morning; certain activities during the day make us sore at night; and, if we’re not cautious, even something as simple as turning too fast or bending over to pick up a dropped object, can send our back or some other muscle group into spasm. But, things don’t need to go from bad to worse because there are specialized techniques accessible that can not only slow down the aging process of the body, but help us to avoid some of those problems altogether.
For an example, arthritis. In point of fact, with the exception of pharmaceuticals, allopathic medicine doesn’t address this age-related condition. What is the reason? The answer is that most medical practitioners are only concerned with the symptoms of arthritis. The chiropractic method is to uncover the cause of the affliction and relieve the pain at its source. For more than a hundred years, chiropractors, like your Chiropractor in Santa Clara, have been treating individuals suffering from back pain and other conditions caused by arthritic changes in the musculoskeletal system.
Arthritic changes take place as your body ages because, over time, wear of particular joints takes place due to repetitive stresses, and years of incorrect gait, improper posture, and insufficient movement. Chiropractic treatment brings back motion into your joints and decreases pain, and it ameliorates any vertebral misalignment that may be causing irritation and restriction. In addition, did you know that misaligned vertebra, along with causing arthritic changes in the spine and escalating pain, can also lower your resistance and immunity? It’s true, and this could be one of the reasons why it may seem to you that as you get older you experience more health issues and that it frequently takes longer for you to feel better again. Studies have shown that older individuals who are under chiropractic care stay healthier. To put it another way, as you get older, chiropractic adjustments are good for what ails you!
Chiropractors are experts when it comes to the health of the musculoskeletal system, from the small, growing frame of an infant to the full-grown body of a mature adult. Your chiropractor is experienced in working with the aging process of the body and has special observational and diagnostic skills that aid in detecting spinal misalignments and joint problems. A chiropractic examination can, in fact, often reveal some age-related changes before they’ve begun to create noticeable pain. Furthermore, your Chiropractor in Santa Clara can check your posture and analyze your gait to identify inappropriate patterns that might cause more arthritic changes in the future.
So, if feeling your age has become a painful experience, make an appointment with your Santa Clara Chiropractor today!
There is a variety of treatment options to choose from when it comes to your back pain and pain in other parts of your body due to arthritic changes, including going to see a San Jose chiropractor. However, quite a few people who are experiencing painful arthritis and back pain still suppose that they should go to a medical doctor in order to find a cure for their problem. Even so, it may surprise you to know that only a small number medical doctors are actually educated in how to help individuals overcome the condition of back pain due to arthritis. Medical doctors are trained to treat symptoms through medication, instead of finding and treating the cause of the pain you are undergoing. And, while certain medications may soothe the symptoms of arthritis, there is a lot that you can do not just for pain relief, but to actually slow down arthritic changes in your body.
One of the actions you can take to ameliorate your arthritis and back pain is to go to see a San Jose chiropractor. Chiropractors are doctors who concentrate exclusively on treating the muscular and skeletal system, and arthritis is a joint affliction. Chiropractic care has assisted many people in slowing the process of arthritis by getting their joints moving. Movement is essential for joint health. A good chiropractor is extraordinarily competent in treating back pain, even when it is caused by arthritis
You feel a bit concerned about what to expect if you’ve never been to a chiropractor before. It might help to give a quick overview about what you can expect. You will be given the opportunity to discuss your medical history, which will likely include a family history of arthritis. The chiropractor will ask about your current lifestyle and may offer certain alterations that will be advantages in lessening the inflammation due to arthritis. And, finally, you will receive a detailed examination. After the examination takes place, the chiropractor will let you know if chiropractic management can help your back pain, as well as relieve your painful arthritic symptoms. At the end of your visit!Then you will be told about the exact treatment you will need.
Chiropractic treatment is not only painless, but relieves pain gently and naturally. And, the most wonderful part of going to a chiropractor for your back pain and arthritis is that you can feel confident that the origin of your pain is being addressed, and that the ease you experience is not covering up the symptom of pain, but actually treating the origin of your problem.
I would like to know #1 what causes arthritis and #2 is it something that just shows up after a bad auto accident?
Thanks.
Arthritis (from Greek arthro-, joint + -itis, inflammation; plural: arthritides) is a group of conditions where there is damage caused to the joints of the body. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in people over the age of 55.
There are many different forms of arthritis, each of which has a different cause. Rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis are autoimmune diseases in which the body is attacking itself. Septic arthritis is caused by joint infection. Gouty arthritis is caused by deposition of uric acid crystals in the joint that results in subsequent inflammation. Additionally, there is a less common form of gout that is caused by the formation of rhomboidal shaped crystals of calcium pyrophosphate. This form of gout is known as pseudogout. The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative joint disease and occurs following trauma to the joint, following an infection of the joint or simply as a result of aging. There is emerging evidence that abnormal anatomy may contribute to early development of osteoarthritis.
All arthritides feature pain. Patterns of pain differ among the arthritides and the location. Osteoarthritis is classically worse at night or following rest. Rheumatoid arthritis is generally worse in the morning; in the early stages, patients often do not have symptoms following their morning shower. In elderly people and children, pain may not be the main feature, and the patient simply moves less (elderly) or refuses to use the affected limb (children).
Elements of the history of the pain (onset, number of joints and which involved, duration, aggravating and relieving factors) all guide diagnosis. Physical examination typically confirms diagnosis. Radiographs are often used to follow progression or assess severity in a more quantitative manner.
Blood tests and X-rays of the affected joints often are performed to make the diagnosis.
Screening blood tests may be indicated if certain arthritides are suspected. This may include: rheumatoid factor, antinuclear factor (ANF), extractable nuclear antigen and specific antibodies.
Treatment options vary depending on the type of arthritis and include physical and occupational therapy, lifestyle changes (including exercise and weight control), and medications (symptomatic or targeted at the disease process causing the arthritis). Arthroplasty (joint replacement surgery) may be required in eroding forms of arthritis.
My fiance has rheumatiod arthritis in his feet and ankles and in the back. He tosses and turns almost every night to where it keeps him up and also me. We are going to look for a mattress this week. Should we look more deeply into firm or soft mattress’?
I think you should get a memory foam mattress. Most people sleep restlessly on their sides instead of sleeping soundly on their backs. Memory foam mattresses will solve this problem because the memory foam supports the whole body weight distribution that sleeping on your back is meant to provide.
See memoryfoammattress101.com for more info
I have inflamatory oesteo arthritis and it is very painful. Any suggestions for some natural remedies?
I’m not sure where you are from, but here in Canada they have an all natural medicine called "Lakota." It has been a best-seller for years and years here. I tried Glucosamine but it did nothing for myself, personally. Within 2 days of going on Lakota "Rheumatoid Formula" I was virtually pain-free, it was unbelievable. I stopped taking it the past few weeks to see if it really was the Lakota that was making a difference, and the pain has returned so I am going back out to purchase some more at the local drugstore. If you are a non-Canadian resident, I would still ask your local Pharmacist and check out their website. I know how terrible it is to have an auto-immune disease, especially on a bad flare-up day, and I wish you nothing but the best of luck and best of health.
My mom has really bad arthritis in her legs and is making her life miserable. Does anyone know of any kind of medication, natural remedies or exercises that could help?
Arthritis: How to Stay Active and Independent
What is arthritis?
Arthritis means inflammation of the joints. It causes pain and usually also limits movement of the joints that are affected. There are many kinds of arthritis. A type called osteoarthritis (also called degenerative joint disease) is the most common.
What causes osteoarthritis?
The exact cause isn’t known. A person may be at increased risk of osteoarthritis because it runs in the family. Osteoarthritis seems to be related to the wear and tear put on joints over the years in most people. But wear and tear alone don’t cause osteoarthritis.
What happens when a joint is affected?
Normally, a smooth layer of cartilage acts as a pad between the bones of a joint. Cartilage helps the joint move easily and comfortably. In some people, the cartilage thins as the joints are used. This is the start of osteoarthritis. Over time, the cartilage wears away and the bones may rub against one another.
Bones may even start to grow too thick on the ends where they meet to make a joint, and bits of cartilage and bone may loosen and get in the way of movement. This can cause pain, joint swelling and stiffness.
Who gets osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is more common in older people because they have been using their joints longer. Using the joints to do the same task over and over or simply using them over time can make osteoarthritis worse.
Younger people can also get osteoarthritis. Athletes are at risk because they use their joints so much. People who have jobs that require the same movement over and over are also at risk. Injuries to a joint can increase the risk of arthritis in the joint later on. Excess weight also can accelerate arthritis in the knees, hips and spine.
Is there a treatment?
No cure for osteoarthritis has been found. But the right plan can help you stay active, protect your joints from damage, limit injury and control pain. Your doctor will help you create the right plan for you.
Tips on staying active
Lose weight if you’re overweight.
Exercise regularly for short periods.
Go to a physical therapist if you can.
Use canes and other special devices to protect your joints.
Avoid lifting heavy things.
Avoid overusing your joints.
Don’t pull on objects to move them–push them instead.
Take your medicine the way your doctor suggests.
Use heat and/or cold to reduce pain or stiffness.
Will my arthritis get worse?
Osteoarthritis does tend to get worse over time. But you can do many things to help yourself.
It’s important to stay as active as possible. When joints hurt, people tend not to use them and the muscles get weak. This can cause contractures (stiff muscles), and it can make it harder to get around. This causes more pain and the cycle begins again. Ask your doctor to discuss pain control with you so that you can stay active and avoid this problem.
Will medicine help?
Medicines you can buy without a prescription that reduce inflammation, such as aspirin, ibuprofen (one brand name: Motrin), ketoprofen (brand name: Orudis) or naproxen (brand name: Aleve), or pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (one brand name: Tylenol), can help you feel better. Your doctor can also prescribe medicine for you, such as prescription pain relievers or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to treat certain types of arthritis. NSAIDs can help by reducing inflammation, swelling and pain in the joints, but not everyone can take them.
Medicine should be used wisely. You only need the amount that makes you feel good enough to keep moving. Using too much medicine may increase the risk of side effects.
Can special devices really help?
Yes. Special devices (see box below) and different ways of doing things can help people with arthritis stay independent for as long as possible. These devices help protect your joints and keep you moving. For example, if you learn to use a cane the right way, you can help reduce the amount of pressure your weight puts on your hip joint when you walk by up to 60%. Talk to your doctor if you think a special device may help your arthritis.
Special devices for people with arthritis
Canes, walkers and splints
Shoe inserts, wedges or pads
Special fasteners (such as Velcro) on clothing
Large grips for tools and utensils (wrap foam or fabric around items with narrow handles, like pens)
Wall-mounted jar openers
Electric appliances, such as can openers and knives
Mobile shower heads
Bath seats and grab bars for the bathtub
Will special exercises really help?
Yes. Exercise keeps your muscles strong and helps you stay flexible. Exercises that don’t strain your joints are best. To avoid pain and injury, choose exercises that can be done in small amounts with rest time in between. Dancing, weight lifting and bike riding are good exercises for people with arthritis.
Try tightening your muscles and then relaxing them a number of times. You can do this with all of your major muscle groups. You could also try an "aquacise" program available through your local swimming pool or community center. These programs involve special movements in the pool, with much of your body’s weight held up by water.
Talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise program.
Should I use heat to ease pain?
Using heat may reduce your pain and stiffness. Heat can be applied through warm baths, hot towels, hot water bottles or heating pads. Try alternating heat with ice packs.
Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff.
Source
American Academy of Family Physicians
I got rid of my arthritis and arthritis pain forever by doing one single thing – read on. Yes I finally found complete relief from my arthritis pain naturally, and you can do it too.
To get the arthritis pain relief you’re seeking it’s helpful to understand how arthritis works. Sometimes arthritis occurs in the wrist, elbows, shoulders, and jaw but you generally don’t find it there. In osteoarthritis, any one or more affected joints experience a progressive loss of cartilage, which is the slippery material that cushions the ends of bones.
It’s important to learn plenty of facts about joints and arthritis to help you understand how to treat arthritis better. Collagen is the main protein found in all connective tissues in the body, including the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Damaged joints cause pain and sufferers are constantly looking for ways to relieve the pain.
Researchers report a higher incidence of osteoarthritis between parents and children or between siblings than between husbands and wives. Injuries sometimes can be the start in the arthritic disease process; osteoarthritis can develop years later even after a single traumatic injury to a joint or near a joint. Possible causes of arthritis include lesser known: bleeding disorders, like hemophilia that causes bleeding to occur in the joint; disorders such as avascular necrosis, that block the blood supply closest to the joint; and conditions like hemochromatosis, which causes iron build-up in the joints.
Many arthritis sufferers have changed their diets, like I did, and noticed significant or total improvement. An acidic diet, that is any foods that are not alive, is considered to be inflammatory to the joints. One natural treatment method involves avoiding all inflammatory foods. I learned to eat and enjoy all living foods. Living foods are foods that are alive, like fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds. There are plenty of raw food cookbooks out there with great recipes, too.
If you’re not already doing so, make a big effort to change your diet. Many have told me that going off dairy products and gluten-containing foods relieved their arthritis pain entirely.
Make smoothies with fruit only using a base of two bananas, adding a cup of frozen or fresh blueberries and mango chunks or substitute any other fruit and add an energy boost of two tablespoons of coconut oil; add one or two leaves of kale for another highly nutritional boost — no one will ever know.
Studies done on antioxidant vitamins question the value of these supplements; it’s clearly better to consume these antioxidants in living foods because they may also need to work with other nutrients present in the foods to work properly. Keep in mind, if you take a joint supplement it should help do three things — build cartilage, relieve everyday joint pain, and enhance your flexibility and movement.
Some people swear by morning drinks of raw apple cider vinegar and honey for arthritis pain relief. If your osteoarthritis is affecting your load-bearing joints, keeping your weight within a normal range is important.
Even the lightest exercise can go a long way to maintaining your joint mobility and overall health. At bedtime try putting on a pair of stretch gloves to help reduce the pain and swelling in your fingers for those who have arthritic hands. To be on the safe side always seek your doctor’s advice before starting or changing your exercise program. Stretching and warming up the joints should always be the first step in your exercise routine to make your joints more flexible.
For arthritic fingers, a good exercise is to put your finger tips together and press hard and release, then repeat several times. Even if you don’t think you can exercise, you can do some movements. Use Taiji health balls, with the chimes, to strengthen the finger joints: hold two balls, move in a clockwise circle with your fingers to rotate them, then try counterclockwise and do throughout the day.
If you’re going to go the conventional treatment route and take medications, ask your pharmacist for drug inserts so you can read up on the drugs and understand any side effects or adverse reactions, before taking them. If you’re planning to take any of the non-prescription NSAIDS for arthritis, make sure you understand what bad effects they can have on the stomach, liver and/or kidneys and discuss this with your doctor. Once you become more informed about arthritis you’ll be able to plan an arthritis treatment program, natural or conventional or a combination of both.
More and more doctors are investigating the benefits of alternative therapies and most don’t object to patients trying them. One should not only search for relief of arthritis pain but work on preventing it. Knowing more about arthritis and how it works will ultimately help contribute to your relief of arthritis pain. Changing the diet to a diet of mostly living foods is the fastest way to get rid of arthritis pain – I did it, you can too.
Helen Hecker
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/arthritis-pain-relief-natural-tips-and-treatments-that-work-fast-126183.html