RSS
 

Archive for the ‘Arthritis’ Category

Causes of Ankle Arthritis

04 Sep



There are a lot of people with ankle arthritis. It does not have a specific term called ankle arthritis. It is really a fallout of osteoarthritis and even rheumatoid arthritis. The ankle is the main joint that supports the whole body’s weight. When arthritis sets in to the ankle and the foot, this pain is usually aggravated by the double impact that it receives from the weight of the body and the movement of the joint. You have to remember that the ankle joint moves in all directions. So when arthritis sets in you can have rapid deterioration of the cartilage.

Not All Ankle Pain is Equal

Just because you have pain in your foot does not mean that you have arthritis in your ankles. Sometimes it can be the hip and lower back that are the problems. You need an examination to determine if the harm is caused by the ankle or another health issue. You could rule out rheumatoid arthritis having a blood test. If the arthritis foot pain is osteoarthritis, you have to have a focused and intense treatment over time, maybe even for life.

You could just have a normal sprain in your ankle, which can seem as painful as a fracture. Physicians have a normal procedure called “RICE”. It is an acronym for rest, ice, compression and elevation.

Rest – give the cartilage and tissues time to repair and heal.

Ice Compression – helps to reduce the pain and inflammation.

Elevation – reduces the swelling and pain.

Ankle arthritis can be identified by very peculiar characteristics:

Recurrent pains for no reason

Pain has sudden swelling and stiffness of ankle

Pain and stiffness does not go with regular medicines

Big toe hurts the most and can turn to one side

Bunions develop and are painful

The treatment for foot arthritis and arthritis in ankles is pretty symptomatic. The doctor gives the standard drugs to control the pain and inflammation that is caused by arthritis. This will manage the pain well over time. The problem is the patient is going to have to take the medications for their life.

There are chronic arthritis patients that find relief in the natural or alternative medicines. These are not endorsed by the FDA or even doctors so it is difficult to recommend anything in particular. But the herbal medicines and yoga have been found effective in putting the arthritis in check or even reversing it.

For more information on arthritis pain relief visit: Ankle Arthritis

 
No Comments

Posted in Arthritis

 

How Can Water Exercises Help My Arthritis

03 Sep



The use of water in the forms of spas, hot springs has been used to treat arthritis for centuries. More recently it has been discovered that specific exercises done in a pool can help patients with arthritis improve their range of motion and strength. Exercising in a pool is non-impact, so there is no shock to the joints. Also, the buoyancy of the water eliminates the risk of falling. Studies have demonstrated better quality of life scores in arthritis patients who participated in a water-based exercise program.

One of my patients was seen at Johns Hopkins and she brought back an outline of some great hydrotherapy exercises.

Here are a few exercises to consider:

High step: Stand in chest deep water. Walk back and forth across the pool lifting your knees high. Do 2 sets of 4 laps to start.

Lumbar rotation: prop your arms up on the pool ledge with your back to the wall. Bend your knees and bring them up to your chest. Rotate your legs from right to left. Then return your legs to the center and straighten them with your feet pointed down. Repeat while rotating your legs from left to right. Do 2 sets of 4 repetitions.

Knee flex/extend: Prop your arms on the pool ledge with your back to the wall. Bend and straighten your knees fully (extending). Repeat while alternating legs. Do 2 sets of 10 repetitions for each knee.

Quad stretch: Sit on the pool steps at the shallow end of the pool. Put your right foot on the next step down with your foot flat. Put your left foot straight out and rest it on the step below your right foot or the floor of the pool, whichever is next. Gently slide your hips forward until you feel a stretch across the top of the right thigh. Hold it for 20 seconds. Relax and repeat the stretch with your left foot. Do 2 repetitions each foot.

Knee squat: Stand in chest deep water with your feet shoulder-width apart. Slowly and gently squat while keeping your heels flat on the floor of the pool. Stand back up. Do 2 sets of 4 repetitions.

Calf raises: Stand in chest deep water with your hands resting on the pool ledge for support. Stand up on your tip toes, then lower your heels until your feet are flat on the pool bottom. Repeat. Do 2 sets of 15 repetitions.

Hip and leg figure 8′s: Stand in waist deep water. Spread your arms apart and hold onto the pool ledge with the hand closest to the edge. With your knees straight, move your right leg in a clockwise figure 8 motion. Then reverse, moving your leg in a counterclockwise figure 8. Repeat with your left leg. Do 2 sets of 4 repetitions each leg.

Shoulder towards: Stand in shoulder deep water with your left arm out and down at a 45 degree angle to your side. Move your arm up and in across your body toward the surface of the water. Return your arm to the starting position and repeat. Do 2 sets of 9 repetitions. Then do the same with the right arm.

Shoulder away: Stand in shoulder deep water with your left arm across the body and placed down at the opposite hip. Move your arm up and out away from your body to the surface of the water. Return to the starting position and repeat. Do 2 sets of 9 repetitions. Repeat with your right arm.

Side bends: Stand in waist deep water with your legs shoulder width apart. Raise your right arm over your head. Lean at the waist to the left and hold for 10 seconds. Return to the starting position and repeat. Do 2 sets of 5 repetitions. Do the same with the left arm up leaning to the right.

As with any exercise program, get clearance from your rheumatologist and primary care physician before embarking on a program like this.

 
No Comments

Posted in Arthritis

 

Natural Arthritis Remedies

29 Aug



All over the world people are affected by the pain of Arthritis. As the body ages it becomes harder to maintain a good balance of nutrients, therefore, the body loses tissue and bone density because of those deficiencies. The two main forms are Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis and these forms can be treated with prescription medication or natural herbal remedies.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a disease where the immune system attacks the joints in the body causing severe joint inflammation. The joint issues and cartilage are destroyed and as a result sufferers have extreme pain, deformation of joints, swelling and mobility limitations.

Osteoarthritis is the wearing away of the cartilage that pads and protects the joints because of trauma to the area. As the bone ends rub together due to lack of padding the pain can be excruciating. This pain causes many sufferers to limit their movement and because of this the muscles and other tissue in the body start to deteriorate causing them to lose weight.

Arthritis in humans is said to date back to early BC and it is rumored that willow tree bark was used to ease the pain. Today there are many herbal remedies available that are actually considered as pain relief and treatment for arthritis. Raw fruit and vegetable juices are recommended to gain nutrients that the body needs to rebuild and maintain tissue. There are also several herbs that have been proven to replenish and rejuvenate cartilage as well as easy joint inflammation and treat pain. Always consult your doctor before starting any herbal route as some prescriptions and herbs are harmful to the body when combined.

 
No Comments

Posted in Arthritis

 

Treating Arthritis With Cinnamon Essential Oil

22 Aug



If you suffer from arthritis, then chronic pain in the day and often the night is unfortunately nothing new to you. To date there is no known cure for arthritis but pain relief is something every sufferer wants. Aromatherapy using essential oils has been known to help with arthritis pain.
Aromatherapy is a holistic approach, to help treat various ailments and conditions by helping to heal imbalances in your body – arthritis pain definitely being one. These essential oils come from all over the plant kingdom and is in effect the ‘essence’ of the particular plant, tree, flower or bush. Most importantly, these essential oils also make you feel good! An aroma therapist can choose which oils are best for you.

Various essential oils have been associated with relieving arthritis pain:

Cinnamon essential oil is definitely good for arthritis pain because it is anti inflammatory and helps removing the stiffness and pain of muscles It can help with rheumatism, achy muscles, cold hands and feet (if due to poor circulation) but also for colds, coughs and the flu. It can also help with recovery from an illness. A few drops of cinnamon essential oil can be used in your bath, also as a compress as detailed below.

Hot compresses are one of the most effective ways to relieve pain and reduce inflammation of joints.

Put 3 to 6 drops of essential oil into a bowl of hot water (not boiling as this is going on your skin!). Soak a cotton cloth in the mixture then wring until it stops dripping. Put the cloth onto the affected area. Wrap a towel over the cloth to keep in the warmth. When it cools, just repeat two to three times.

You can also rub diluted essential oils onto your skin. Mix two to three drops into vegetable oil or a skin cream. 3% essential oils in 97% vegetable oil or cream is generally considered safe and effective. Remember that essential oils are very potent so treat them with care and do your research before putting them on your skin. Rub a diluted version of one or more of the above essential oils onto affected areas as well as pulse points (inside wrists, for example) during the day to help alleviate pain.

It is important to buy high grade pure essential oils. Most health food stores carry a wide range of essential oils.

Also the use of cinnamon bark (as in the spice that you can buy at your local supermarket) taken with honey in hot water as a drink can also do wonders for arthritis. You should not drink cinnamon essential oil! See my article “Relieve Arthritis Pain with Honey and Cinnamon” for further information.

From the above, you can see that consulting an expert (aroma therapist) is a good idea as s/he can guide you as to which essential oils are best for your individual condition.

 
No Comments

Posted in Arthritis

 

Verseo Detox Foot Patches Review

18 Aug



Verseo detox foot patches are one of the best ways to clear you body of pains and toxins. If you are looking for a way to cleanse your system, improve your sleep, relieve pain and reduce anxiety you’ll want to read this.

Detoxification foot patches (or pads) dramatically improve your health while you’re asleep.

The patches draw harmful toxins through the bottom of your feet using a wood vinegar essence and work while you sleep to suck out the toxins that are locked inside your body. As a result you are able to eliminate all kinds of contaminants including heavy metals, microscopic parasites, mucous, and metabolic waste.

Visible results can be seen on the patches in the morning. In normal cases the patches turn dark brown or black, giving visible results that you can see with your own eyes.

Let me ask you a question…

- Do you suffer from chronic pain or arthritis?

- Do you routinely get headaches?

- Do you have trouble sleeping at night?

- Do you have less energy than normal?

- Are you sick of feeling bad all the time?

If so you are most likely in need of a body cleanse. The toxins that build up in our bodies can wreak havoc on our system if not remedied.

You can use detox foot patches to:

- Cleanse your system

- Relieve your headaches

- Stop your arthritis pain

- Relieve your stress & anxiety

- Improve your circulation

- Boost your immune system

- Enhance your mental focus

The patches have positive effects all over your body. They can be attached to specific problem areas to relieve pain.

For knee problems patches are placed behind the knee. For eye problems place them on the back of your ears or on the temple (never put on your eyes).

For those interested in a deeper body cleanse detox patches can be placed on the back, on both sides of the spine and over the kidneys. This placement provides a deep cleanse that is easy to do.

Ingredients:

* Dextrin (vegetable source)

* Eucalyptus

* Globulus Wood Vinegar

* Agaricus Mushroom

* Menthol (Peppermint)

* Tourmaline (natural mineral)

* Silica Dimethicone Silylate

The patches are simple to use and very affordable. You can get a 30 day supply of patches for around $40 and are guaranteed to work!

Overall Verseo detox foot patches are definitely worth using, providing fast, effective cleansing power at a great price.

 
No Comments

Posted in Arthritis

 

Arthritis Patients Benefit From Exercise and Nutritional Supplements

15 Aug



People suffering from arthritis need to deal with chronic joint pain and loss of mobility as they cope with the disease. These symptoms tend to become worse as arthritis progresses, especially if the disease is not being treated properly. Medical experts strongly believe that exercise is very important in managing these two arthritis symptoms by reducing pain and increasing mobility.

In general, exercise strengthens the muscles around the joints that gives support and stability. Exercise eases pain provides warmth to the joints, and provides better circulation, improving the way nutrients are being transferred to the cells of the joints.

What kind of exercises can arthritis patients engage in to improve their mobility and lessen joint pain?

1. Range of motion exercises. These are a set of stretching exercises that help the patient extend his or her reach. These exercises prevent stiffness and maintain the arthritis patients mobility.

2. Strengthening exercises. Strengthening exercises help build muscle and make them stronger. Stronger muscles are needed to provide ample support to the joints.

3. Endurance exercises. Endurance exercises also build physical strength, enable the arthritis patient to be in a better frame of mind to deal with the joint pain, and eventually improve symptoms of the disease itself.

Examples of exercises that arthritis patients can do are regular walking or jogging on soft surfaces, swimming in warm water, doing tai chi or yoga, as well as stationary biking.

Exercise should also be done in moderation. A consistent lifestyle change incorporating exercise into a daily routine would be ideal. An arthritis patient should learn to listen to their body when doing exercise and not to push it when it becomes too painful. Too much exercise can only aggravate the symptoms of arthritis.

Exercise offers better mental health to arthritis patients by maintaining mobility and managing chronic joint pain. In addition, those with osteoarthritis can benefit taking nutritional supplements, particularly supplements with glucosamine and chondroitin. Recent studies have shown that glucosamine assists in building new cartilage tissue, while chondroitin helps in lubricating the joints. The newest formulas on the market have gone liquid and blend several synergistic ingredients together including the necessary glucosamine/chondroitin used in clinical studies.

 
No Comments

Posted in Arthritis

 

How to Slow Down Or Prevent Knee Arthritis

13 Aug



Arthritis unfortunately has become a way of life for many people not only in the United States but around the world. We know there are over a hundred different types of arthritis that affect humankind but, one that seems to prevail more then others is osteoarthritis.

Known also as OA it has become prevalent over the years due to our life spans increasing and the obesity factor that has its grips on western society. Our diet also has been help somewhat responsible for the rise in arthritis over the years and, it costs the healthcare systems millions of dollars to treat each year.

There is a multitude of information on arthritis today that can keep you well informed. Exercise is just one of the components listed in the prevention of osteoarthritis.

As we age there are numerous changes that takes place within our bodies. Most of them are preventable by taking the time to address them. One of those areas that is easily addressed is strength training to keep are bodies strong and to allow the muscles to do the job they were meant to do.

By having strong muscles in your legs for instance namely the quadriceps they will allow the knee joint to work smoothly and not bear the brunt of our bodyweight. As our thigh muscles weaken over the years due to lack of strength training the muscles can no longer do the job of supporting the knee joint so therefore the joint absorbs our bodyweight and the wear and tear now increases.

Of course if you are overweight as well, this only exacerbates the problem as the forces generated through the knee structure are more then it was designed to handle. Once the knee joint has to absorb a larger amount of force through it then, you begin to develop bone spurs and the quick decomposing of the cartilage which acts as a cushion between the femur and the tibia can no longer do what it was designed to do.

By keeping your thighs strong you allow the knees to work more efficiently and pain free.

Several exercises that I recommended that will get the results you seek are as follows.

1. Long arc quads: also known as seated leg extensions. Depending on your strength level you attach a weight to the end of your leg while seated in a straight back chair lift your foot until its straight and hold your foot up for a slow count of five. Completing this exercise for ten repetition is a good place to start. As you get stronger you increase the weight to work the muscle harder and to promote further strengthening.

2. Quadricep sets: Using this isometric exercise will increase your thigh strength but only in the plane or position that you are completing the exercise in. With isometric exercise the key here is to squeeze the muscle you intend to strengthen as hard as you can then count to five. You have to be sure not to hold your breath with isometrics as it will increase the pressure within your chest cavity and raise your blood pressure. You simply place your legs out flat and flex your thigh muscles. the back of your knees will touch the surface you are laying on when doing the exercise correctly.

3. Straight leg raises: While laying flat in bed bring one foot up and place it flat on the bed. lift the opposite leg up keep it straight do not bend the knee, bring it up to the level of the bent knee and again hold the leg up for a count of five. You will feel the stress on the thigh muscles you should not feel it in the back. If you feel back pain with this exercise disregard it.

These are just three simple exercises that will help increase your leg strength. there are many more out there but it all depends on your current strength levels and overall fitness as to what exercises to prescribe. By keeping your legs strong you help ward off in one way the ravages of osteoarthritis in the knees that plaque so many with age.

Richard Haynes

 
No Comments

Posted in Arthritis

 

Debilitating Disease Arthritis and the Treatments of Arthritis Symptoms and Anxiety

13 Aug



Inflammation in the bone joints and its associated part is commonly referred as the Arthritis. The term “arthritis” looks in singular number though, it comprises of more than chronic 150 disorders of the rheumatoid disease. All these disorders take the full toll of the human life. Some time it confined the human body from his daily activities. At these points of time people search for the treatment for the arthritis symptoms and the anxiety.

The main symptoms of arthritis are the inflammation of various joints, stiffness, and swelling associated with redness and warmth. Due to all these symptoms people have the restrictive movements for long time. Tenderness of the joints can be present along with the temperature. The many forms of arthritis can involve symptoms affecting various organs of the body that do not directly involve the joints. Symptoms in some patients can also include non-specific fever, weight loss, fatigue and feeling unwell and the patients are bound to have the arthritis best treatment in order to suppressing the pain and inflammation in the joints.

The disease arthritis is commonly of three kinds. These are Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis and the Gout. There is some more type of arthritis along all these. These are Fibromyalgia, infectious arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and lupus.

Osteoarthritis is the most common among all the arthritis that are found among the people. More than 21 million people suffer from the disease Osteoarthritis. The most common reason behind Osteoarthritis is the repetitive movement of a particular organ. Osteoarthritis mainly affects the cartilages. Cartilages provide with the cushion for the bone-joint to avoid friction during the time of the movement. Cartilages are being decayed off by the invasion of the osteoarthritis.

In many cases what happen that a number of childhood injuries may turn into the Osteoarthritis. Low back relief is the major concern for the people who are affected with this. Osteoarthritis is a disease that affects joints in the body. It can involve any joint, but usually concerns hands and weight-bearing joints such as hips, knees, feet and spine.

Rheumatoid arthritis is the most deadly among all the arthritis. Generally it is know as the autoimmune disease. With rheumatoid arthritis, the antibodies attack the membranes around the joints that cause swelling, pain and stiffness. In some cases, rheumatoid arthritis can cause deformity. Rheumatoid arthritis also causes inflammation of the sheaths around the tendons, the one that join muscles to bones.

Coping with arthritis and its associated symptoms can be minimized with the proper arthritis vitamin supplements and the dietary changes and the some physical work out.

 
No Comments

Posted in Arthritis

 

Arthritis – Gout

10 Aug



Gout is a common type of arthritis that results from uric acid crystal deposits in the joints. The body’s reaction to these deposits causes inflammation, swelling and pain. The condition usually affects just a single joint a time and most commonly the joint of the big toe. It does however affect other joints such as the ankle, foot, knee, hand, wrist and elbow with sudden painful attacks.

Uric acid is a byproduct produced from the breaking down of proteins and cells in the body. Also a small amount enters our bodies from the foods we eat. When elimination of uric acid from the blood is not effective, excess may form needle-like sharp crystals that find their way into joint spaces and surrounding tissue.

Gout is a complex disorder. Usually the first attack occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 and although it affects mostly men it can attack anyone at any age. Women become more susceptible after menopause. The condition can also be inherited. However, gout is a treatable condition and there are steps that can be taken to prevent it from recurring.

Symptoms of gout are acute, sudden and include: Intense pain of a joint. Gout most commonly affects the big toe. Pain can last up to 10 days and then subsides leaving the joint normal. Inflammation, heat and redness – The joint becomes red, painful and swollen. Crystal deposits can cause also a condition known as false gout but in this case the composition of crystals is calcium phosphate dehydrate and not uric acid. False gout does affect the big toe but it is more likely to attack joints such as ankles, knees and wrists.

The trigger for initiating gout is substances found naturally in the body but also certain foods such as organ meats, anchovies, mushrooms, asparagus and excess alcohol. Other factors include: not enough fluid intake, crash dieting, fluid tablets, anti-rejection drugs, medical conditions such as high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis, genetics, age and sex. An initial attack it is not usually followed by a subsequent attack for months or even years. If the condition is left without correct management it can become more frequent and last for longer periods of time.

See your health care provider if you experience intense, sudden pain in a joint to obtain a diagnosis. Your doctor may test for levels of uric acid in the blood and urine and take a fluid sample from the affected joint to confirm a diagnosis. Proper diagnosis and management usually result in gout being well controlled.

The outlook for people with gout is mostly positive. A small number of people with gout can develop kidney stones and a condition called tophi. This is a chronic form of arthritis with discolored deposits under their skin.

Treatment for gout attacks is mostly based on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and in severe cases corticosteroid drugs. Once the condition under control your physician may recommend a preventative treatment with drugs to slow down the rate by which uric acid is produced and speed elimination. You can also make life style changes to help with symptoms such as intake of plenty of fluids, limited amounts of alcohol, avoid excessive animal protein and keep a healthy weight.

 
No Comments

Posted in Arthritis

 

Arthritis Diet and Exercises for Arthritis Pain Relief

06 Aug



Diet and exercise are an important part of overall health. In many diseases, your diet can affect the frequency and severity of your symptoms. There are many foods that can trigger the onset of arthritis symptoms. Extra weight can also increase the onset of arthritis symptoms. If you suffer from arthritis, it is important that you maintain a healthy weight in order to decrease the onset of symptoms. If you are overweight, this will cause extra pressure on joints such as the spine, hips, and knees – the main joints that support your body.

In order to manage your arthritis, it is essential to maintain a healthy diet. Studies have shown that the best arthritis diet for most patients is one that is low in protein and high in carbohydrates. Fruits and vegetables should be an important part of your arthritis diet because of the vitamin content. As with many illnesses, there are also foods that can trigger arthritis symptoms and should be avoided.

Foods to Avoid in Arthritis

The following foods can trigger the onset of symptoms and should be eliminated from your arthritis diet – or used as little as possible:

o Milk and dairy products

o Flour

o Sugar

o Red meat

o Butter and margarine

o Chocolate

o Sugar

o Foods containing sugar – such as syrup, honey, and jelly

o Caffeine

o White potatoes

o Red peppers

o Salt – use as little as possible

o Wheat flour

o Bran

Foods that are beneficial in Arthritis

As well as foods that may trigger symptoms, there are also foods that are beneficial to your arthritis diet. These foods can help to decrease the onset of arthritis symptoms:

o Apples – great inflammatory fruit

o Blackberries

o Kiwi fruit

o Peaches

o Mango

o Cantaloupe

o Strawberries

o Other fruits high in vitamin C

o Sardines

o Herring

o Salmon

o Mackerel

o Tuna

o Trout

o Other oily fishes that are high in Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin E

o Broccoli

o Cabbage

o Spinach

o Brussels sprouts

o Sweet potatoes

o Carrots

o Collard greens

o Squash

o Other vegetables that are high in Vitamin A and Vitamin C

o Sunflower seeds

o Linseeds

o Pumpkin seeds

o Walnuts

o Brazil nuts

o Almonds

o Brown rice

o Whole wheat bread

o Chick peas

o Lentils

o Ginger

o Garlic

o Turmeric

A Balanced Diet for Arthritis

It is necessary to maintain a healthy, balanced arthritis diet for your overall health and to decrease the symptoms of arthritis. Many foods can trigger the inflammation associated with arthritis – and these foods should be avoided as often as possible. With any diet, portion size is one of the key ingredients to a successful diet. Some foods on the avoid list can be consumed in small quantities without adverse effects. It is important that you eat a variety of foods – fruits, vegetables, breads, and meats.

Different types of foods have different nutritional values and a combination is important in order to obtain the greatest benefits from these foods. Some things can be successfully consumed in moderation, such as alcohol, sodium, and sugar. As with any diet, you should avoid too much fat and cholesterol. Be sure your arthritis diet includes foods that will help with your overall health by providing the necessary vitamins and that your diet will help you to maintain a healthy weight. Pay attention to portion sizes and avoid overeating, which can cause you to feel less energetic and can cause you to gain extra weight, which will increase the pressure on the joints.

Arthritis Exercises

Along with a healthy arthritis diet, a regular exercise regimen is essential for your overall health. Exercise can help to keep the joints from stiffening and can decrease the onset of stiffness and inflammation associated with arthritis. It is important that you maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes a healthy diet and regular exercise – not only for your overall health, but to help in the management of your arthritis symptoms.

 
No Comments

Posted in Arthritis

 
« Older Entries