Do You Need More ZZZZZ's?

Study shows that sleep disruption appears to be an overlooked consequence of arthritis for many people. People suffering with arthritis need to give more attention to the often dismissed symptom of disrupted sleep, according to results from a national study.

Most people, if asked to list the symptoms of arthritis, would include pain, stiffness, discomfort, and limited mobility in their response.

Countless articles, reports, and studies have focused on:

Fatigue also is recognized as a symptom of many types of arthritis, in the sense of being "worn out" or "lacking energy". Often overlooked though is the impact of arthritis on sleep.

Researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill surveyed 937 Medicare recipients, 65 years old or older. In the national study, participants were asked questions about both:

how they sought relief from arthritis?how arthritis affected them?

Various disruptions to daily living caused by arthritis were cited by the study participants.

Study results were reported in the February 2000 issue of the Archives of Family Medicine.

About one third of the study participants reported a correlation between arthritis and sleep loss. The problem is likely even greater but goes unreported by many people who think sleeping problems are not abnormal or that nothing can be done to resolve the problems.

More than for any other reported disruptions, study patients who did recognize sleep loss as a problem also tried to find a remedy. Study participants looked to relieve their sleeping problems through:

traditional treatmentsnatural remediesself-care measures

More attention needs to be paid to the often dismissed symptom of sleeping problems in people with arthritis. There may be a number of reasons for sleeping problems. The first step is to talk to your doctor. Your doctor can help you best if you:

let your doctor know that you are have sleeping problemstell your doctor exactly what your sleeping problems are

Insomnia is difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep, or having nonrefreshing sleep.

"Dr. Bones", a retired rheumatologist, commenting on arthritis and insomnia said, "The insomnia associated with arthritis may be due to chronic pain, arthritis related stress, or one of the many medications required for disease control. In addition, many arthritics are fatigued at bedtime but not physically tired. This is due to reduced physical activity because of joint immobility. Coping with insomnia requires complex treatment including physical reconditioning".

Many useful tips and non-drug treatments exist for the treatment of sleeping problems.

limit alcohol (alcohol may help you fall asleep, but it interferes with the ability to stay asleep)limit substances that contain caffeine (e.g., soda, coffee, chocolate)try to set a regular sleep/wake schedule (a regular sleep schedule helps regulate and set the body's internal clock, which tells us when we are tired and when it is time to sleep)make your sleeping area free from distractions (aim for quiet surroundings; keep room darkened; keep bedroom television free, etc.)consider a light nighttime snack (light snacks after dinner may prevent hunger from waking you up in the middle of the night)avoid over-arousal for at least 2-3 hours prior to going to sleep (things that tend to get your body and mind in "arousal mode" are: heavy meals, strenuous exercise, arguments, paying bills, action-packed movies, etc.)

There are a number of medications that are helpful for sleeping problems. Depending on your sleep symptoms and other factors, your doctor may prescribe sleep medications, these drugs may include:

Dietary supplements also used for sleeping problems include:

Melatonin - Melatonin is a natural hormone produced by the pineal gland. Melatonin products are usually synthetic versions of the natural hormone. Melatonin is used as a sleep aid to help relieve insomnia.Valerian Root - Valerian herbal products are made from the roots or stems of the valerian plant. Dried roots are often prepared as teas, or put into capsules or tablets. Valerian is used as a sleep aid to help insomnia and other sleeping problems.

Sources:

Arthritis Patients Complain Of Sleeping Problems, Doctor's Guide, 2/17/00

NCPTSD Fact Sheet, Pamela Swales, Ph.D.

Related Resources - Sleeping ProblemsRelated Resources - Sleeping ProblemsRelated Resources - Sleeping Problems

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Treating Arthritis and Related Conditions

According to medical records, the first ever case of arthritis was recorded during 4500 BC. Arthritis can be defined as the condition wherein the joints of the human body get damaged, which is often related to the natural aging process.

The word "Arthritis" is believed to have been derived from the Greek language. Arthritis literally means joint inflammation: "Arth" refers to the joints and "itis" refers to inflammation. Arthritis is not a single disease.

There are several different types of Arthritis, each of which has a specific cause. Of these Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psoriatic Arthritis are considered to be autoimmune diseases wherein the human body is self attacked. Joint contamination leads to Septic Arthritis while Gouty Arthritis is often caused due to accretion of crystals of uric acid within the joints, followed by inflammation. Osteoarthritis is believed to be the most common type of Arthritis which is generally caused following injury of the joints due to some infection or the natural aging process.

In terms of seriousness and physical effect, the medical sciences have identified Arthritis as a disease which is second only to heart disease and associated diseases. Self-diagnosis of Arthritis is often problematic, owing to the fact that there are over a hundred different types of Arthritis. This disorder can also be found in juveniles under the age of 15 years.

Whilst Arthritis mainly affects the joints, in some cases it has also been found to affect certain other body parts. These affected body parts develop often intense pain and inflammation and will often leave the suffer incapacitated. It has been observed that women are more prone to Arthritis than men.

One of the causes of Arthritis is insufficient lubrication of the joints which in turn may lead to heightened levels of stress on the body part. The initial symptoms of arthritis include severe pain and stiffness around the joint which happens gradually within a period of time. Arthritis symptoms could easily be avoided or prevented through various physical exercises or activities. Obesity is supposed to be one of the major causes of the Arthritis complaints due to intensive stress generated on the limbs and joints. Heavier body weights damage muscles and joints more over a period of time than lighter body parts. Arthritis is usually more painful during winter or damp weather conditions. Hence during these periods, the affected body parts should be covered with some woolen cloth or kept warm - this would reduce the discomfort significantly.

In some cases of Arthritis the patients may become completely physically disabled and be forced to remain bed-ridden for an extended period of time., though thankfully these cases are much less frequent than other effects of Arthritis

There are several remedial medications approved by the FDA for various Arthritis disorders which do help relieving the problem to varying degrees of success. It is essential that you consult a physician for proper diagnosis of the precise type of Arthritis before undertaking any treatment plan. Such treatment will often involve some physical and occupational therapy, with arthroplasty being offered as the preferred option for medicinal therapy.

In some extreme cases doctors also recommend artificial joint replacement therapy as an option which is considered to be highly effective and successful. Just over 90% of the patients who are severely affected by arthritis symptoms, will report relief with these types of treatments.

Keith Tennent has over 10 years experience in the healthcare industry and now provides free online information, arthritiskneepain.co.uk advice and guidance. http://www.arthritiskneepain.co.uk was developed in response to an ever growing interest that arthritis knee pain sufferers have in researching their own conditions and taking a more proactive approach to health care.

Click here At http://www.arthritiskneepain.co.uk the goal is to give knee pain sufferers an accurate source to research information that will help educate them on their particular condition.

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Arthritis Treatment and Prevention

Arthritis is a disease that causes pain and loss of movement of the joints. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in people over the age of 55. Arthritis affects the movements you rely on for everyday activities. Arthritis refers to a group of more than 100 rheumatic diseases and other conditions that can cause pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints. There are many forms of arthritis, each of which has a different cause. Inflammatory arthritis is characterized by inflammation of tissues associated with joints. Connective tissue diseases, crystal deposition diseases, infectious arthritis, and spondyloarthropathies are examples of inflammatory arthritis. 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. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is traditionally considered a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the joints. It is a disabling and painful inflammatory condition, which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. Arthritis sufferers include men and women, children and adults.

RA is a systemic disease, often affecting extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and muscles. Psoriatic arthritis (or arthropathic psoriasis) is a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects around 20% of people suffering from the chronic skin condition psoriasis. It occurs more commonly in patients with tissue type HLA-B27. Treatment of psoriatic arthritis is similar to that of rheumatoid arthritis. More than 80% of patients with psoriatic arthritis will have psoriatic nail lesions characterised by pitting of the nails, or more extremely, loss of the nail itself (onycholysis). Psoriatic arthritis is said to be a seronegative spondyloarthropathy. Degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis) is a ubiquitous joint disease characterized pathologically by deterioration of cartilage lining the joints and new bone formation beneath the cartilage. The disease is very common in older persons and is thought to be inherent in the aging process.Degenerative joint disease is marked by a progressive stiffness, loss of function, and destruction of the larger, weight-bearing joints of the body.

Nonarticular rheumatism is a group of diseases, also called soft-tissue rheumatisms, that includes tendonitis, bursitis, tenosynovitis, and fibrositis. Septic arthritis is the invasion of the joint space by an infectious agent. The usual etiology is bacterial, but viral, mycobacterial, and fungal arthritis occur occasionally. Bacteria are either carried by the bloodstream from an infectious focus elsewhere, introduced by a skin lesion. For bacterial infection, Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been found to infect joints, for example in children who have sustained a puncture wound. This bacteria also causes endocarditis. Septic arthritis should be suspected when one joint (monoarthritis) is affected and the patient is febrile. Gout is a painful condition that occurs when the body cannot eliminate a natural substance called uric acid. The excess uric acid forms needle-like crystals in the joints that cause swelling and severe pain. Gout most often affects the big toe, knee and wrist joints. Gout is a form of arthritis (an inflammation of the joints). Symptoms of arthritis include pain and limited function of joints. Inflammation of the joints from arthritis is characterized by joint stiffness, swelling, redness, and warmth. Tenderness of the inflamed joint can be present.

Arthritis Treatment and Prevention Tips

1.Treatment options is depending on the type of arthritis and include physical and occupational therapy, and medications (symptomatic or targeted at the disease process causing the arthritis).

2.Arthroplasty (joint replacement surgery) may be required in eroding forms of arthritis.

3.In conventional treatment, painkillers, such as paracetamol, are essential. Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, can help with episodes of more severe pain.

4.In recent years a new type of NSAID treatment, called Cox-2 inhibitors, has been launched. These were initially claimed to be less harmful to the stomach and many patients have found that they provided good pain relief for their arthritis.

5.Physiotherapy relieves pain and strengthens muscles around the damaged joint, helping the joint to work better.

6.Regular exercise is beneficial for the same reasons and, once pain is under control, easy to do.

7.Hip and knee replacements are common and usually involve a short hospital visit.

8.Disease-modifying drugs that slow disease progression are available for people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Juliet Cohen writes health care articles for health doctor and health disorders.

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Fish Oil Supplements in the Treatment of Arthritis

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

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

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

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

Fish Oil - Its Potential

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

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

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

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

The Type of Fish Oil is Also Important

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dosage Recommendations

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

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

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

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

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

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

Caveats

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

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

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

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

Final Notes

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

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

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

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

If you are interested in pharmaceutical grade supplements to ensure you get enough Omega 3 in your diet, I recommend that you consider these Fish Oil Supplements [http://healomega3.com/].

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Exploring the Possible Causes of Arthritis

When a person is diagnosed with arthritis, one of the most common questions is how they got the arthritis to start with. While there are many possible causes of arthritis, sometimes, it can be quite difficult to pinpoint just one reason for the diagnosis of this particular condition. There are many reasons why arthritis may occur. When a person is diagnosed with something like arthritis, it is important to understand that many factors may play a part in a single diagnosis. Here, we will explore the possible causes of arthritis.

One of the most common possibilities as a cause of arthritis has to do with a person's genetic composition. If a person comes from a family with a long history of arthritis, or diseases that are related to arthritis, they may be diagnosed with arthritis at some point in their life. However, many cases of arthritis have occurred in a person with no genetic background that includes the disease. While this may be an obvious indication of why a person may develop arthritis, it is not as common as a person may believe.

Many medical professionals have concluded that the weight of an individual may contribute to the development of arthritis. This is a logical conclusion to the disease as excess weight can place an unfair burden on the joints that are throughout the body. This is why it is extremely important for people who are overweight to try to lose the weight safely and quickly. It is also important to get the right amount of hydration to keep the joints properly lubricated. A person should also work to ensure that they exercise on a regular basis.

Many doctors have concluded that previous injuries may result in the onset of the disease of arthritis. If a person receives an injury to one of the joints in the body, it may not heal properly. When an injury to the joints does not heal properly, it can cause unhealthy friction between various bones. When this happens, abnormal growths may occur on the bone. Once the growth has occurred, it may turn into a condition of arthritis.

If a person experiences a major infection, various types of illnesses, and autoimmune disorders, they may be at risk for developing arthritis. Arthritis is very common in people that already have an issue with their immunity and may have had a major infection in their lifetime. It is important to receive the proper care when you have this type of condition. Your doctor will be able to properly evaluate any changes in your bones if they are able to see you on a consistent basis. If they suspect that you may be developing arthritis, they will do the testing that is required to confirm this. If arthritis is caught at early stages, the chances for successful treatment are high.

Milos Pesic is professional rheumatologist who has helped hundreds of arthritis sufferers cure their condition. He runs a popular and comprehensive Arthritis web site. For more articles and resources on rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis treatment and symptoms, arthritis natural medication and much more visit his site at: http://arthritis.need-to-know.net/

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What Causes Arthritis? Is it a Disease Or Disorder? And, Natural Remedies to Help Arthritis Pain

Many of us are affected by arthritis, or know someone who is.  Arthritis is a condition of moderate to severe pain that affects the joints, but what exactly is it that causes some people to get arthritis while others don't?

The quick and easy answer as to what causes arthritis is that we really don't know yet.  There's no one answer that explains every case.  There's no "arthritis disease" that you catch like a cold that causes you to develop symptoms.  Arthritis is simply a joint disorder that develops with time.  In fact, there are over a hundred types of arthritis and many of them are probably caused by different factors.

What we do know is that there are some risk factors that increase your chances or having a problem.  While they may not be the root cause of your arthritis, they could definitely be helping to further the problem along. 

One of the biggest risk factors associated with arthritis is age.  You know that as you get older, there's more wear and tear on your body.  Arthritis may not be caused specifically by wear and tear on the joints, but it will definitely speed up the process or increase symptoms.  That is why a large number of people over 65 have arthritis, regardless of the other factors.

Another factor that can increase your chances of developing arthritis is weight.  If you are overweight, you're going to increase the stress on your joints and will likely have more problems with arthritis.  Starting a diet and exercise plan now may reduce symptoms or slow the progress of the disease.

Joint injury is often a factor in developing arthritis.  Just like all the other factors, it's not a root cause; however, you're more likely to develop arthritis in a joint that has had a previous injury.  If you do injure yourself, be sure to care for it properly so it heals quickly and doesn't get damaged again.

Doctors aren't really sure how big a part genetics plays into the development of arthritis, but they do know it's related.  If your parents have arthritis, it's more likely that you will as well.  Although this doesn't mean that just because your parents had it, you will too.  By reducing the likeliness from other causes, you can reduce your risk. 

Many people associate arthritis with athletes and other physically active people.  While it would make sense that physical work would put more stress on joints and increase the likelihood of arthritis, studies really haven't shown this to be true.  While the risk of athletes developing arthritis is higher, this is associated with their increased chance of joint injury.  This means you can continue your daily exercise routine (it will probably even help), but always take precautions to avoid injury.

When most people think of arthritis, they're often thinking of osteoarthritis.  However, rheumatoid arthritis is a less common but very serious illness.  While symptoms can be similar the causes are not.  Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which means the body is actually attacking itself and causing damage to its own joints. 

While you can't prevent arthritis or control all these factors, you can take steps to reduce them, keeping yourself pain free for longer. Here are some natural remedies to help control your arthritis pain.

Arthritis Hand Relief Bath

* 2 drops Rosemary

* 2 drops Chamomile in Jojoba

* 2 drops Juniper

* 1ml Evening Primrose Oil

Add 4-6 drops of mixture to warm water and soak for 15 minutes.

If skin needs nourishment, mix the essential oils in 5ml Sweet Almond Oil before adding to water.

Follow the hand bath with a soothing hand massage, to nourish and protect the skin.

Circulation and Painful Joints Bath

* 2 tbsp Almond oil

* 2 drops each of Lemon grass oil, Coriander oil, and Clove oil

Measure Almond oil into a small bowl, Slowly add all the oils. Mix ingredients and pour into running water.

This bath helps stimulate the Circulation and relive suffering joints and muscles

Gentle Arthritis Bath

* 15 drops Lavender

* 5 drops Clary Sage

* 10 drops Geranium

* 3 drops Ylang Ylang.

Place oils in bath under running water.Warm is sometimes better than hot.... Rinse thoroughly when finished.

Dee Braun, a single mom of 6, is a Certified Aromatherapist and natural health practitioner. Click now to visit Health or High Water at http://www.healthorhighwater.com/ where you'll find info on ways to improve your health using nutritional supplements to help battle the ravages of time, poor nutrition, toxins & stress as well as address many common health conditions.

** You are free to use/reprint this article as long as the Author information/bio AND any links within the article stay active and in tact!

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How To Get Relief From Your Arthritis Pain Fast - Naturally

Arthritis sufferers today are still continually seeking relief from their arthritis pain. There is a little-known natural solution to curing oneself of arthritis pain that I discovered several years ago.

Arthritis concentrates in one or several joints where deterioration occurs. To get the arthritis pain relief you're seeking it's helpful to understand how arthritis works. Unlike some other types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis is not systemic - it does not spread through the entire body.

Cartilage contains chondrocytes, water, proteoglycans and collagen; chondrocytes are the basic cartilage cells and are necessary for balance and function. It's important to learn plenty of facts about joints and arthritis to help you understand how to treat arthritis better. The cartilage is slippery tissue that coats the ends of the bones.

Aging cells may be a factor in the development of arthritis. The cause of arthritis (osteoarthritis) and the factors leading to the deterioration of cartilage in osteoarthritis is still not understood. One possible cause of arthritis is the inflammatory response due to the over-reaction of the immune system to an injury or other assault in the body, like an infection.

For natural treatment for arthritis make an appointment with a naturopathic doctor, called a naturopath; ask around for referrals. 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. Try avoiding the eight most allergic foods, wheat being the most allergenic; they are wheat, corn, eggs, milk, peanuts, fish, shellfish and some nuts, not all.

Natural treatment for arthritis is usually a better choice because it's non-invasive to the body. Dried Montmorency tart cherries seem to be helpful for arthritis pain also. For snacks, choose raw nuts without salt instead of lifeless roasted nuts.

Some people swear by morning drinks of raw apple cider vinegar and honey for arthritis pain relief. 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.

If your osteoarthritis is affecting your load-bearing joints, keeping your weight within a normal range is important. A study in Great Britain touted the beneficial effects of cod liver oil on osteoarthritis; relieving pain and stiffness, and reversing the destruction of joint cartilage within 24 hours.

Sign up for water aerobics classes at your local community center. If you have pain and swelling in your fingers, try squeezing Thera-putty made for this purpose or exercising with two Chinese chime balls. If weight is an issue, try to use exercises that will help you in losing weight such as walking. Important exercises for arthritis are range-of-motion exercises, isometrics, and some weight bearing exercises.

Don't just sit there, keep moving. At bedtime try putting on a pair of stretch gloves to help reduce the pain and swelling in your fingers for those of you who have arthritic hands. Even the lightest exercise can go a long way to maintaining your joint mobility and overall health.

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. Conventional doctors may suggest the standard protocol for your joint pain; they tell you to take over-the-counter NSAIDS or prescribe COX-2 inhibitors, of which all have side effects.

Arthritis pain relief is the ultimate goal - understanding arthritis is a good way to get there. Changing your diet to predominately fruits and raw veggies, like I did, can turn your arthritis pain around almost overnight. Once you understand the facts about arthritis, possible causes and treatment approaches you can take, you'll be on your way to recovery and pain will disappear.

For more information on arthritis pain relief and arthritis treatments go to http://www.FastArthritisPainRelief.com Helen Hecker R.N.'s website specializing in arthritis pain relief with tips, advice and resources, including information on arthritis diets and natural arthritis treatments

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Arthritis Has Many Forms And Conditions

The rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory arthritis which is occurring in people who suffer from recurrent bouts of joint pain, swelling and deformity. Millions of people suffer from arthritis pain. There are several types of arthritis, like osteoarthritis, gout, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis each with a big number of forms of this disease. To coupe with this you need a safe and effective treatment.

There are drugs that block the effects of TNF and they have been found to be very effective in reducing inflammation. It also help in slowing down the rate of disease progression in rheumatoid arthritis. The psoriatic arthritis may affect most joints in an oligoarticular pattern, meaning a few scattered joints are affected and the joint inflammation does not have the symmetrical pattern seen in rheumatoid arthritis. In total there are over 100 different kinds of arthritis, all of which affect one or several joints in the body.

Most persons with arthritis should exercise, they should not jog or run or engage in sports that cause your feet to pound on the ground, such as tennis or rope-jumping. It is possible that you are unable to squat because the nature of your arthritis and downright prevents that. If this is the case do not force the squat as it is not an exercise for all. A proper function of the hip area is very important for pain free backs and knees. But the stiffness caused by arthritis can hinder this function and create a situation, where you can end up having even more pain, than what would be caused by just inflammation or joint degeneration.

There is not yet a cure for arthritis but much can be done to reduce pain and have a good joint function. Science will sooner or later bring us a cure for arthritis and in the meantime there are many different forms of alternative medicine which can bring arthritis pain relief. These are some of the most common drugs used to combat the pain of arthritis and there are many others used for all forms of arthritis and its related conditions.

To lessen the pain of arthritis there are some things you can try. As shown in studies some people with arthritis seem to have difficulty metabolizing copper from the food they eat, leading to increased pain. People with arthritis also tend to feel much better all day if they are not stiff when they wake up in the morning. The condition can vary from day to day.

Most people with arthritis believe that they should rest their muscles and joints, but resting is the worst thing you can do. The more we learn about the disease and the forms it has the more we learn to treat ourselves and one important part is exercise, adapted to every single person.

The Spondylitis Association of America sells books, posters, videotapes, and audiotapes about exercises for people who have arthritis of the spine.

There are a couple of health programs that touch on the balancing and flexing exercises that can eliminate arthritis and wipe out its pain. Blending the most powerful of these stretches into an effective home routine, a routine that can be accomplished in moments every day. The natural arthritis medication is a viable and safe option that can be taken with confidence.

What actually is considered a good arthritis medication as far as the alternative medicines and natural cures is rather uncertain due to the fact that they are not always regulated and tested in the same way as pharmaceuticals. The disease modifying medicines are used with cases which involves damage to the immune system. We all hope that these problems will be solved in the near future.

Louise Wasa always writes about valuable news & reviews. A related resource is Arthritis Pain Relief [http://moreon-arthritis.info]. Further information can be found at Questions & Answers [http://find-medicine.info].

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Arthritis Treatment - Natural Cures

Arthritis treatment is often regarded as being more effective when medications are being utilized, however there are many natural remedies which you may already have in your kitchen cupboard right now. It is also widely assumed that arthritis only affects people once they reach middle age or older. It is true arthritis is more common in people aged over 40 or 50. As we reach such an age we tend to associate aches and pains of the body as a natural part of getting older- this is normally known as osteoarthritis. Arthritis does not only affect the middle aged or elderly, it can also affect children. There are unfortunately many forms of arthritis which are hard to diagnose until the specific symptom is felt. For this reason, a natural therapy via selecting specifically beneficial foods which aid arthritis treatment is crucial.

Arthritis has been around for centuries, and interestingly natural remedies for arthritis treatment have been tried and tested for almost as long. Natural remedies for arthritis treatment can be viewed as more favourable as they have fewer (if any) side effects, they cost less, and are easily accessible.

Some of these remedies for arthritis treatment can be found in your kitchen cupboard or pantry. Some are very basic; some are a little more complex.

Here is a brief listing of some of them:

Molasses: a thick strong honey like sweet syrup. It is specifically a beneficial appetizer taken every morning to help alleviate the joint pain.

Cherries: A delicious fruit which grows specifically well in the summer months- particularly in Australia. Cherries are a good source of magnesium and potassium, minerals that are also natural painkillers.

Ginger: often considered simply a spice for cooking, this herb has many hidden medicinal qualities- specifically as a natural arthritis treatment. Eating only a few slice of this can alleviate arthritis pain. However, its tangy taste is not so good to chew. It is better to include this in soups or juices or other foods to mask the taste somewhat but still have the desired affect on your arthritis pain.

Exercise: This could be considered the most common form of arthritis treatment, but is often the one which is least adhered to. The natural repetition of a basic exercise regime will ensure that your joints and muscles stay used and less likely to stiffen from the effects of arthritis. When we move the body, we normally use the joints. Gradual application of pressure in these parts can resist some of the arthritis pain and can even ease it or the better, eliminate it completely. It is always best to consult your doctor or physician before commencing an exercise regime.

Bee stings: This might shock some people, but bee stings have proven to be an effective form of arthritis treatment. Strange but true, this is what some German, Swiss and British doctors have found. The understanding is that the bee sting venom triggers the body's immune system to counteract the effects of the arthritis.

One should test and experiment with natural therapies as an arthritis treatment, some may be more effective for one person, while not as as effective for another. Natural therapies certainly provide a simple, easily managed arthritis treatment to compliment your recovery.

Want further information on arthritis treatment and pain relief? Please visit:

http://www.arthritis-treatment-advice.com

Looking for a cure for your arthritis? Please visit:

http://www.arthritis-treatment-advice.com/Products.html

(Visitors receive FREE ?Living With Arthritis? Ebook)

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Natural Treatment of Arthritis

When you think of arthritis, the first thing that comes to your mind is pain. Pain is one of the most noticeable symptoms of arthritis and this is the main issue that the treatment of arthritis usually addresses. Arthritis is caused when fluid present in the joints becomes insufficient and the bones begin to rub against one another. The pain often becomes unbearable when calcium collects in the joints. The joints may get infected, something called psoriatic arthritis.

Treatment Of Arthritis

Is there any treatment or natural remedy for arthritis? Arthritis can manifest itself in different parts of the body and the treatment of arthritis must be undertaken with this in mind. For example, treatment of arthritis in the spine must be dealt with in a different way to arthritis in the big toe (gout). Then there is septic arthritis - arthritis caused due to bacterial infection, and arthritis among children, called juvenile arthritis. Despite this, there are a number of treatments for arthritis and arthritis prevention that can help regardless of where the arthritis flares up.

The treatment of arthritis must start by following a good diet that helps keep the joints well lubricated. This can be done by taking enough calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin C. Iron is also very important in the treatment of arthritis as it helps keep the bone marrow healthy. Avoiding coffee, tea and alcohol also help as these drinks can aggravate any inflammation. Omega 3 is good for the treatment of arthritis, and foods rich in omega 3 like fish are particularly good as they help oil the joints, thereby reducing the pain.

Arthritis affects women more than men and there, with millions of sufferers in America alone. Women need to start looking after their joints from an early age by making sure they have enough of calcium in their diet. Exercise is a helpful in the treatment of arthritis; all exercises relating to the treatment of arthritis must focus on the joints - the knees, elbows, wrists and ankles, as these areas are the most affected by pain. A daily brisk walk is best, though stretching exercises, especially in the morning, also help.

Massage is also very helpful in the treatment of arthritis [http://www.mitamins.com/disease/Arthritis.html] as very often it eases the pain. Warm hip baths in which crushed mustard has been put in are also recommended. Two glasses of water sipped slowly first thing in the morning help circulation and helps alleviate the pain. Water must be drunk throughout the day as well, preferably eight glasses in total. This hydrates the body and is, in itself, a great treatment of arthritis (and is generally good for many of the body's functions). Just a little care and your arthritis pain can be kept under control!

Author Bio:

Mitamins team

bd@mitamins.net

Mitamins' aim is to custom-made the best natural remedies to complement the treatment of your concerns. Our unique process allows you to combine multiple formulas into a single formula, in a single bottle, and avoid overdose and interactions.

treatment of Arthritis [http://www.mitamins.com/disease/Arthritis.html]

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Arthritis Pain and Treatments

Arthritis is considered to be a chronic pain and the number of people who suffer from this pain is staggering. Over 40 million Americans suffer from this pain. Some people can function normally with the pain and then there are many people who are limited in their activity due to the pain. Arthritis is the inflammation of the joints such as the wrists, the shoulders, the elbows, feet and knees. There are two types of arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid. Each has different levels of pain. The rheumatoid arthritis is more of a chronic pain and rheumatoid arthritis is an acute and sometimes chronic pain. However, the literal definition and the medical one may differ. Arthritis can affect other parts of the body as well as the joints. It can affect the bones, ligaments, muscles and tendons.

While the cause of arthritis is still unknown, there are ways on how to reduce arthritic pain and the debilitating effects of the arthritic pain. It is important that you consult your doctor particularly an expert in arthritis and arthritic pain. You are most likely susceptible to develop arthritis if it is in your family history, where in the past, your family members have suffered from arthritis. Currently, the cause of arthritis is still a mystery, although, there are certain risk factors that may cause arthritis. There are some topical creams that may help the people with osteoarthritis and there are more severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis that require more of a stronger treatment.

The pain from arthritis is caused by many different sources. The pain can affect the way you do a lot of things such as drive, walk, sit and lay down. It can stem from the inflammation of the joints, or the tendons and ligament. There may be muscle strains and overall fatigue. There is also a certain amount of hypersensitivity in the area around the swelling. It tends to get worse when it affects the amount of pain the person is feeling around the swollen area. There are many factors that come into play with arthritis pain such as swelling in the joints and the time of day it is. There are individuals who develop their arthritic pain early in the morning and some experience pain on a later day.For example, rheumatoid arthritis suffers have more pain in the morning than any other time of the day. Each person has a different tolerance for pain and each has a different threshold for pain as well. Some people get so upset and so tired of living with the constant pain that they become depressed or they can suffer from anxiety.

Spinal arthritis can be extremely painful. The medications available for spinal arthritis can be purchased over the counter and there are some that you need a doctor's prescription. One common medication of spinal arthritis is Acetaminophen; medicines like Tylenol have Acetaminophen in them. This is only good for people who have a mild pain and don't have any inflammation of the spinal area. The Acetaminophen doesn't work to reduce any type of inflammation, so if that is one of your symptoms then this is not right for you. People who are taking blood thinners should not be taking acetaminophen for more than 10 days. Another type of medication is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. These are medications that can reduce both osteoarthritic pain and inflammation caused by spinal arthritis. Medications with Aspirin in them such as Bayer, Advil and Motrin help most people. Sometimes you can get some minor side effects such as an upset stomach, diarrhea, cramping and maybe some bleeding if used for a long period of time. Other types of medications that may help with spinal pain are cortisone injections. Oral cortisone can't help people who have osetoarthritis but the injection into the joint can alleviate the pain almost immediately. The injection will reduce the inflammation and help with the joint pain.

Some people don't like to take pills so they try alternative treatments. These types of medicine will work on arthritis. One such medicine is the topical kind. The creams are said to work very well. There are no side effects such as diarrhea or upset stomach because you do not ingest the topical creams. They may not be as strong as the pills but in some cases of arthritis it can help take the pain away. Some of the most popular brands that say they can help relieve the pain of arthritis are over the counter creams. Capsaicin is one of them; the way it works is that the cream is set to block the pain that is in transit to a substance called substance P to the brain. Capsaicin is also found naturally in hot peppers, which are said to help with some pain. Other forms of topical creams are brands like Camphor that contain menthol and eucalyptus, both of which are great for aches and pains of the body and can be found in such products as Icy Hot. These are good for pain but they don't work on severe arthritis pain.

For many severe pain sufferers of arthritis topical pain relievers are not the answer. The topical creams are for the people who have very mild arthritis and who don't have constant and severe pain. If you are one of those people who believe a topical cream can help, consult your doctor and see which product is best for you. There is no real cure for the pain of arthritis; the pain can be managed through medications and some physical therapy. For short-term relief there are medications, heat and cold applications, joint protection, TENS or Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, massage therapies, acupuncture may help. Acupuncture is great for people who are under a lot of stress and after they have a treatment they swear by it. The needles may throw you off because it looks like it hurts but they are trained professionals and they know how to insert the pins as not to hurt you.

For additional information and resources on Arthritis and Pain, visit this Arthritis Pain Site. The author Sam Carson is a chronic pain patient and publisher of PainsWeb.com His website specializes in conveying targeted information about all types of Chronic Pain including Arthritis and helps you find associated information, patient resources and forums etc to manage your pain.

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Arthritis - Basic Facts and OTC Treatments

Arthritis is a disease that affects millions of Americans every year. Given the large number of people affected by the disease it is important to understand what exactly is arthritis and how it is treated. The first step in treatment of arthritis is a proper diagnosis. A visit to the doctor will begin the process of diagnosing if one has arthritis and determining what should be the next step in treatment. Arthritis has many different forms that can display different symptoms depending on the type of arthritis in which one is afflicted. Arthritis generally causes pain, swelling, and a loss of movement in the affected areas. An example of some of the types of arthritis is Osteoarthritis, Gout, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, and Fibromyalgia. These are a few of the types of Arthritis, however there are many more. Arthritis can have over 100 different types of manifestations. Arthritis is a very common disease among Americans. Limitations of sex, age, and race do not exist for Arthritis; it affects many without regard to these characteristics.

Due to the large amount of individuals affected by arthritis pain, it is important to understand how to treat arthritis. The treatment of arthritis can have different objectives. The most common objective is treating the symptoms of the disease. Many are motivated to self medicate with over the counter medications when they are combating symptoms such as joint pain. Topical creams can help with minor arthritis pain. Popular topical creams generally use ingredients like menthol or salicylate. Applied directly to the afflicted areas, they provide some relief of pain and swelling. Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and Acetaminophen are other popular over the counter medications that arthritis sufferers use to combat minor arthritis pain. These medications are effective, but arthritis sufferers are increasingly turning to herbal remedies to help fight the disease.

Herbal remedies are becoming more popular each day with arthritis sufferers. They are perceived as an alternative for those who wish to treat their minor arthritis symptoms at home. It is important to read guidelines and safety precautions when using herbal remedies. The smart consumer understands that knowing exactly what is being taken and the side effects associated with the remedy is also important for his or her health. Glucosamine and Chondroitin are two ingredients that are considered helpful in combating arthritis symptoms. Glucosamine is considered useful for relieving arthritis joint pain. Chondroitin is considered an important component for the production of cartilage. Using these two ingredients together could yield positive results for arthritis pain sufferers. Synotrex is an herbal remedy that uses Glucosamine and Chondroitin together in order to alleviate minor arthritis symptoms. Given the large numbers of individuals who suffer from arthritis, it is important to consider all options when fighting the symptoms of the disease.

For more information about preventing arthritic joint pain, please visit http://www.synotrex.com.

As a family member of an arthritis sufferer, I became interested in learning more about arthritis treatments. I hope to use what I have learned to improve her quality of life. http://www.painjoint.biz/

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DOD to launch new investigations into abuses of power in DODEA

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa – The Department of Defense said it will launch fresh investigations into abuses of power by fired schools director Shirley Miles, including federal audit findings that she inappropriately hired the current Japan district superintendent.

The Inspector General’s Office recently found Miles had a personal relationship with Superintendent Clayton Fujie before he applied for his job at the Department of Defense Education Activity and that she gave him preferential treatment – possibly edging out a highly-qualified Air Force veteran -- when he was hired in 2009.

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announced earlier this month that Miles was fired for the improper hiring as well as misuse of government expenses and vulgar language in the workplace.

“The Department will initiate further investigations on various matters raised in the DOD IG report to take appropriate action, as warranted, upon conclusion of that investigation,” Pentagon spokeswoman Maj. Monica Matoush wrote in a response Saturday following questions over Fujie’s employment from Stars and Stripes.

DODEA is also doing an agency-wide review of its employee recruitment and retention program to ensure that no more inappropriate hiring occurs, according to Matoush.

“The initiative will identify ways to improve and refine our processes,” Matoush wrote. “We will reinforce that all employment decisions and programs must adhere to merit principles and reconfirm that prohibited personnel practices have no place in the hiring process for DODEA.”

The DOD denied a request for an interview with Fujie and he could not be immediately reached through his office on Monday.

During the investigation of Miles, Fujie told federal auditors that he had a personal relationship with Miles and she had visited him in Hawaii on two occasions before he applied for the superintendent position, according to a heavily redacted version of the audit released by the Inspector General.

Auditors found that Miles communicated often with a representative of Fujie, even urging him to file an application when the deadline for the superintendent job opening was looming, and also pressed officials within DODEA to process Fujie’s application ahead of others despite concerns that it would break DOD hiring rules, according to the audit.

An Air Force veteran applied for the same position and was considered a higher-rated candidate because of prior experience as a defense schools teacher and a public school district superintendent, the audit said. DOD rules that require a hiring preference for veterans boosted the former airman to the second-highest job candidate while Fujie ranked within the top 15 candidates.

When Miles decided to hire her friend over the veteran, she worked with the human resources department to work up a justification to bypass the more qualified candidate, according to emails published by the IG.

trittent@pstripes.osd.mil

View the original article here

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National Arthritis Foundation's Goal to Help, Educate and Support Everything Related to Arthritis

In 1984 the National Arthritis Foundation of Singapore was founded. It was formed as a not-for-profit organisation and is now the largest in the country. It's aim is to help people suffering from arthritis and educate the public about the types of arthritis and raise the disease's profile. It also lends its support to the further research into arthritis. The National Arthritis Foundation also coordinates and manages projects with other health-related organisations, especially those working in the area of arthritis.

The Key to Arthritis and its Treatments

If you're not sure what arthritis is and what the different types of it are, then you would do well to contact the National Arthritis Foundation or visit its new website to learn more about the condition. The NAF promote health and well-being as part of the key to a better lifestyle for sufferers of arthritis and believe that the key to everything is to understand more about your condition. Learning more about your condition will lead you into treatment methods such as alternative therapies, self-treatment, exercise and the knowledge that you can improve your situation. There are several National Arthritis Foundations in a number of countries so take the time to review the foundation in your country before contacting any others.

Even with all the different types of arthritis the one common thing in each is the amount of pain a sufferer has to endure with the condition. The pain can be so great that it can ruin their lives and this is one area of expertise the National Arthritis Foundation offers great assistance with including advice on what the pain is and the bet way to treat it. Many times, an arthritis sufferer may have no other option but to consider surgery. Again, this is an area of expertise and specialist knowledge for the National Arthritis Foundation at its surgery centre. Here you'll be able to learn about everything that is required and how you can benefit (or not) from going under the doctor's knife.

One other great benefit you can expect to receive from visiting the National Arthritis Foundation's website is the opportunity to socialise and communicate with other sufferers who have similar conditions or experiences. You can visit the message boards on the website to share experiences and give or receive advice from people who have actually been through it or who are going through what you're going through right now.

The National Arthritis Foundation also publish its own arthritis magazine called Arthritis Today which deals with important issues for sufferers including fitness, patient's lives, nutrition, patient's health and advice from experts. The magazine also has a blog and a drug guide for those treatments used in the treatment of arthritis. There is also a glossary of terms available to help newcomers to the condition understand much of the discussion around the topic.

In general, Arthritis Today provides a lot of useful information including keeping up to date with the most recent developments in the arthritis world. It gives a good indication of where the knowledge base is at currently in regards to arthritis and where the future is going to take us. Overall though, it will provide you with a great arthritis resource that will help you learn everything there is to know about arthritis.

Need more information about the National Arthritis Foundation? Then head over to The Herbal Community. It is a fast growing social networking site strictly devoted to herbal remedies, holistic healing and anything to do that is natural and healthy.

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Arthritis Tips - 5 Common Misconceptions About Arthritis

Do you have painful swollen joints? Do you have persistent aching in your hands, knees or shoulders?

 If so, you may have arthritis. What? You're not that old? Around the world 1 out of 4 people, suffer from some form of this painful joint disease. Because it is so very common, a lot of myths and misconceptions have developed around this disease. This article seeks to explore some of them.

"But what actually is arthritis?"

There are over 100 distinct, incurable diseases, currently grouped under the umbrella term "arthritis". Arthritis covers a variety of problems effecting the bones, joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments.

However it is most readily known for its effects on the joints in the body which allow us to move. Common signs are pain, stiffness, inflammation or swelling in joints and bones. Arthritis can also cause extensive damage to the cartilage, bones and inter parts of your joints.

Arthritis Misconception 1 - "It's a disease for the old"

Myth! Millions of middle-aged men and women, children and young adults suffer from this painful aching condition. Anyone can have arthritis. Arthritis has no respect for age or gender.

Arthritis Misconception 2 - "It's a disease caused by damp, cold environments"

Myth! Doctors and well- meaning individuals have encouraged arthritis sufferers to move to warmer climates as a "cure". Warmer climates do lessen the feeling of pain and discomfort due to arthritis, but only to a point. Doesn't everyone love being under a warm sun?

Arthritis Misconception 3 - "You get arthritis from eating a bad diet"

Yet another one bites the dust...to date there has been no research that connects poor eating habits to arthritis, with the exception of uric acid and gout. But maintaining as healthy a bodyweight as possible eases joint aches and lessens swelling.

Arthritis Misconception 4 - "Arthritis can be cured"

I wish I could say this was true! However, at this point in time, there is no cure for this painful disease. You need to be aware of the hundreds of quack cures or treatments that drain your wallet but don't stop the pain. Every year scientific research is being done to find ways to control the damage and ease the pain that arthritis causes. Check with your health provider for the latest in treatments.

Arthritis Misconception 5 - "Arthritis causes only minor aches and pains"

Wrong! Wrong! Wrong! Arthritis is a debilitating disease and can change a person's entire lifestyle. Pain from joint damage can be severe and as the joint destruction and deformities mount, arthritis patients can experience inflammation, chronic pain and fatigue therefore leading to depression and other health problems. You don't need to suffer in silence when there is help.

Once you know about the five most common misconceptions of arthritis, you can take steps to learn how to treat this painful and troubling disease and regain your zest for life.

For more information about what arthritis is, what is isn't, and what you can do to prevent and treat it, visit http://gin-raisins-arthritis.net

Liam Wiltshire is an Arthritis sufferer who uses his own methods to allow him to play American Football in the UK for the Premiership Bristol Aztecs. He also maintains and runs the website http://www.gin-raisins-arthritis.net

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Your Guide to an Arthritis Cure

Arthritis is known as a medical condition that is associated with mobility, joint comfort and health. People who suffer from arthritis may experience minor discomforts such as stiffness, swelling and some major problems including severe pain, deformity and loss of use.

Though arthritis can be a difficult condition, there are ways to manage and prevent it.

There are different kinds of arthritis and each kind has a different manner and various reasons. Because of this fact, there is no common cause and no average patient for the condition. Arthritis can affect anybody, from adults to adolescents with lifestyle and age conditions.

People whose joints are usually under stress are more prone to arthritis. The kinds of stress can come from performing high impact activities regularly or being overweight.

In addition, people who have experienced a joint injury may have higher risk of having the condition. Since arthritis affects the joints, the main cause comes from these areas. Discomfort, arthritis, deformity and arthritis may be caused by loss of cartilage.

Though there are some individuals who do not seek the best arthritis cure, those who do can find that there are a lot of arthritis cures available in the market and these cures are grouped into four types; non-medicinal, medicinal, exercise and surgical.

Some patients with arthritis believe that the exercise as an arthritis cure can only make it worse. Though high-impact exercises can definitely damage your joints, strength training exercises such as aerobics can improve the strength and health of your joints and muscles. If this arthritis cure does not work, it is recommended to take some non-medicinal supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin, which are known to lessen the discomforts connected with arthritis.

In the event that these treatments fail to meet the requirements of the patient, the doctor can prescribe a treatment regimen to help lessen the pain from arthritis. The doctor may recommend to start with over the counter treatments such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and acetaminophen, depending on the potential and function level of the condition.

If all these fail, prescribed drugs may be advised to slow or stop the body from producing substances that can aggravate arthritis. These medications can either treat the causes of the condition or help stop the body from producing inflammatory substances.

Awareness and enough education are necessary if you are considering natural home remedies for arthritis. Make sure to be careful in choosing and preparing alternative remedies to avoid worsening your condition. Remember that a new remedy or treatment must be researched thoroughly before trying.

If you are interested in trying different arthritis cures, here are some things that you should consider to prevent any complications.

1. Be careful about arthritis medications that are endorsed based on testimonials.

2. Be aware of different claims against suggestions of conspiracy or medical establishments.

3. Do not trust products that promise they are the best and the complete treatment for arthritis.

4. Beware of treatments for arthritis offered in unfamiliar locations. In addition, be careful in buying arthritis cures online. Though there are many legitimate sites that provide safe and effective products, there are some manufacturers that are selling illegal and dangerous arthritis pills.

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Senior Citizens Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, and Arthritis - Causes and Treatments

"Arthritis" does not mean only that someone has stiff, aching joints. Many types of arthritis exist, each with its own symptoms and treatments. Most types are chronic, meaning that they can be a source of discomfort for an extended period of time. Arthritis can afflict joints almost anywhere in the body and may cause changes you can see and feel, including swelling, warmth, and redness in the joints. It can last for a short time but be very painful or continue for a long time with less pronounced results while still damaging the joints.

Arthritis is extremely common in the United States, especially among senior citizens. Still, there are many steps they and those providing care for the elderly can take to relieve the different types of arthritis. The most common types in this population are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.

Osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis in senior citizens and begins when cartilage, the type of tissue that pads joints, begins to wear away. This can eventually cause all the cartilage between bones to wear away, forming painful rubbing of bones against each other. This type of arthritis is most common in the hands, neck, lower back, knees, and hips.

Symptoms of OA can range from stiffness and mild pain that accompanies exercise or bending to severe pain in the joints even in times of physical rest. OA can also cause stiffness during times in which you haven't used specific joints in a while, like when you're on a long car ride, but this stiffness usually goes away when you move your joints again. OA can eventually lead to problems moving joints and sometimes to developing a disability if the areas affected are the back, knees, or hips.

Aging is often the greatest risk factor for developing OA. Other factors depend on the area of the body afflicted-for instance, OA in the hands or hips may be caused by genetic factors; OA in the knees may be caused by being overweight; and injuries or overuse of joints in the knees, hips, and hands may lead to OA.

Rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) differs from OA in that it's an autoimmune disease, meaning that your immune system attacks and damages the lining of a joint as if it were an injury or disease. RA leads to inflammation of the joints, which causes pain, stiffness and swelling, sometimes in multiple joints at once. It may be severe enough to prevent you from moving a certain joint. Senior citizens with RA may often experience fatigue or fever. You can develop RA at any age, and it's more common in women. 

RA can afflict almost any joint in the body and is often symmetrical, meaning that if you have RA in a specific joint on one side of your body, you probably experience RA in the same joint on the other side of your body. RA can damage not only joints, but also the heart, muscles, blood vessels, nervous system, and eyes.

Gout.

Senior citizens with gout experience the most severe pain relative to many other arthritis patients. An attack begins when uric acid crystals form in the connective tissue or joint spaces, leading to swelling, stiffness, redness, heat, and pain in the joint. Attacks often follow eating foods like shellfish, liver, dried beans, peas, anchovies, or gravy. Drinking alcohol, being overweight, and taking certain medications may worsen the symptoms. In senior citizens, using certain medications to lower blood pressure may also be a risk factor for a gout attack.

Gout is most common in the big toe, but it can occur in other joints such as the ankle, elbow, knee, wrist, hand, or other toes. Swelling may cause discoloration and tenderness due to skin stretching tightly around the joint. If you see a doctor during an attack, he or she may take a sample of fluid from the affected joint.

Other forms of arthritis.

Other forms include psoriatic arthritis  in patients who have psoriasis; ankylosing spondylitis, which mainly affects the spine; reactive arthritis, which occurs as a reaction to another illness in the body; and arthritis in the temporomandibular joint, the point at which the jaw attaches to the skull.

Arthritis Symptoms and Warning Signs.

Senior citizens and those providing their elder care should look out for the following symptoms as they may be indications of arthritis:

lasting joint pain
swelling in a joint
stiffness in a joint
tenderness or pain when touching a joint
difficulty in using or moving a joint normally
warmth and redness in a joint

Any of these symptoms lasting longer than two weeks should be addressed by a physician. If you experience a fever, feel physically ill, have a suddenly swollen joint, or have problems using a joint, a doctor should be contacted sooner. You will have to answer questions and go through a physical exam. Before suggesting treatment options, your doctor may want to run lab tests and take X-rays.

Arthritis Treatment.

Some common treatment options exist even though each type of arthritis is treatedsomewhat differently. Rest, exercise, eating a healthy diet, and becoming educated about the right way to use and protect the joints are key to minimizing the effects of arthritis. Proper shoes and a cane can minimize pain the feet, knees, and hips while walking, and some technology exists for helping open jars or bottles, turn doorknobs more easily, and otherwise improve quality of life in senior citizens with arthritis. 

Additionally, some medications can lower the pain and swelling. Acetaminophen (in Tylenol) and some NSAIDs are sold over-the-counter and can ease pain. Other NSAIDs must be prescribed. It is important for senior citizens and those providing their in home care to pay attention to the warnings on both prescribed and over-the-counter drugs and to ask a doctor about how to properly and best use over-the-counter medicine to treat arthritis. The FDA also has information about many medications.

Some treatment options are specialized for individual types of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis Treatment.

There are medicines to help senior citizens with pain associated with OA, and rest and exercise may ease movement in the joints. Managing weight is also important. If one experiences OA in the knees, a doctor can provide shots in the knee joint, which can help to move it without as much pain. Surgery may also be an option to repair or replace damaged joints in senior citizens.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments.

Treatment can diminish the pain and swelling associated with RA and cause joint damage to slow down or stop. One will feel better overall, and it will be easier to move around. On top of pain and anti-inflammatory medications, a doctor might prescribe DMARDs, which are anti-rheumatic drugs that can slow damage from RA. Corticosteroids, including prednisone, can minimize swelling while waiting for DMARDs to kick in. Additionally, biogenic response modifiers block the damage inflicted by the immune system and help people with mild to moderate RA when other treatments have failed to work properly.

Gout Treatment.

If you've gone through a gout attack, talk to a doctor to discuss possible causes and future prevention of attacks. Work together with your doctor and other elder care providers to plan and execute a plan for prevention. Commonly, NSAIDs or corticosteroids are recommended for an acute attack. This treatment diminishes swelling, allowing you to feel better fairly shortly after treatment. Usually, the attack fully stops within a few days. If one has experienced multiple attacks, a doctor may be able to prescribe medication to prevent further attacks.

Exercise can help Arthritis.

In addition to taking the proper medication and allowing your joints to rest, exercise can help senior citizens to stay in shape, maintain strong muscles, and control symptoms of arthritis. Daily exercise like walking or swimming keeps joints moving while lessening pain and strengthening the muscles around joints. Before starting any new exercise program, it is important to discuss options with your physician. 

Three types of exercise are the best for senior citizens with arthritis:

Range-of-motion exercises reduce stiffness, improve flexibility, and keep joints moving. Activities like dancing fit into this category.
Strengthening exercises strengthen muscles, which improves support and protection to your joints. Weight training fits into this category.
Aerobic or endurance exercises improve health in the heart and arteries, prevent weight gain, improve how your body works overall, and may decrease swelling in some joints. Riding a bike fits into this category.

Other things to do to manage Arthritis.

On top of exercise and weight control, a number of other methods may help senior citizens ease the pain around joints. Applying heat or cold to joints, soaking in a warm tub, or swimming in a heated pool may help you feel better and move your joints more easily.

Surgery may be an option when damage has become disabling or when other treatment options have not adequately diminished pain. With surgery, joints can be repaired or replaced with artificial ones. Commonly, arthritic knees and hips are replaced.

Unproven remedies.

Many senior citizens with arthritis try treatments that have not been tested or proven to help. Some are harmful, like snake venom, while others are harmless yet unhelpful, like copper bracelets.

Here are a few ways to determine whether a treatment is unproven:

The remedy is said to work for all types of arthritis and other diseases
Scientific support is from only one research study
The label doesn't include directions or warnings of use

Areas for further research.

Studies suggest that acupuncture could ease OA pain in some senior citizens. Dietary supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin are also under investigation and may reduce OA pain. More research is needed to determine whether these types of treatments actually work to reduce symptoms and damage to joints.

Talk to your doctor and others involved in your elder care.

Try not to make light of your symptoms by telling yourself that joint pain or stiffness is simply caused by aging normally. Your doctor and other elder care providers can discuss possible treatment options with you to safely minimize your pain and stiffness and prevent more serious joint damage.

The Caring Space
http://www.TheCaringSpace.com

David Crumrine at the Caring Space
We are an organization that connects caregivers and care seekers, providing an easy and affordable resource for families seeking care for friends/loved ones and caregivers seeking employment.

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Dispelling Common Arthritis Myths - How to Do It

Many people falsely assume that only older people can contract arthritis. The truth of the matter is that even very young people can develop this illness during their earliest years of life. Also notable is the fact that, although the term arthritis is frequently related to diseases that affect the joints of the body, it actually refers to over 100 different diseases of the muscular and skeletal system. Such diseases can do harm to the kidneys, lungs, muscles, and heart.

Various Kinds of Arthritis

There are currently over 125 unique kinds of arthritis that have been scientifically defined. The most commonly occurring arthritis conditions are osteoarthritis, juvenile arthritis, gout, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and scleroderma.

The joints of the body become inflamed, tender, sore, and swollen as a result of arthritis. The swelling and aching brought about by arthritis can last for two weeks or even more. Fatigue, depression, and trouble sleeping can also be attributed to arthritis. Because arthritis makes even simple movements very painful to perform, it can eventually lead to disability or even complete immobility.

Another sad reality is that there is currently no cure for arthritis, nor doctors fully understand exactly what it is that causes a person to experience arthritis. There are ways that a person can try to limit the severity of the symptoms brought on by arthritis, however. A person can do their best to control their weight by means of diet and take medications that have been developed to help alleviate symptoms.

A person should get in contact with their doctor right away if they experience pain and swelling in their joints for two weeks or longer. That way, their doctor will be able to determine whether or not these symptoms are being caused by arthritis.

It is very important that you do not allow yourself to make decisions based off of myths regarding arthritis. Some people claim that arthritis is not serious, which is absolutely false. Another myth is that only old people experience the pains in the joints that arthritis causes, but even very young children can develop arthritis. If you hear that there is no way for arthritis sufferers to do about their pains and aches, know that this is not true either. Although there is not a cure at present, there are treatments to reduce the pain.

The reality is that arthritis is different in each case and only a well trained medical professional can diagnose a person with arthritis. They are also the only people that should direct treatment of arthritis. Since everyone is different, there is not one treatment that will work for everyone that has arthritis.

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