arthritis

Arthritis Relief

Arthritis relief involves natural and prescribed treatments. Some natural remedies involve herbs and natural substances. Here are some of the following remedies for arthritis:

* Ginger- It is used for many ailments including arthritis. It relieves arthritis pain because it has an anti-inflammatory property. It contains zingibain, a special proteolytic enzyme that contain anti-inflammatory properties. It could be administered as a tincture, capsule or tea and has no reported side-effects even with high dosages.

* Cayennepepper or Red pepper- It has a wide range of medicinal properties which can cure the body. It is also a good circulatory stimulant so it could be used for poor circulation and pains linked with arthritis and lumbago. It contains a pain-relieving chemical called capsaicin. It could be administered as a tincture or as spice mixed with dishes.

* Garlic and Ginkgo Biloba- Both of these herbs help with circulation and improve the blood flow which is important for arthritis relief. Taking these herbs help bring oxygen to the affected area and remove toxic deposits that have built up.

* Bromelain- This is a proteclytic enzyme found in pineapples which help prevent swelling. It helps remove immune antigen complex compounds in arthritis.

* Calcium- This is necessary for the body to avoid osteoporosis. Foods and herbs that are excellent sources of calcium include alfala, liquorice, red clover shoots, chamomile, chives, coltsfoot, dandelion, horsetail, meadowsweet, nettle, plantain, watercress, cabbage, thyme and basil.

Arthritis relief can also be obtained by using these additional herbs: turmeric, willow, rosemary, oregano camphor, and celery seed. Arthritis relief can be found from many plants coming from nature. One of them is the Stinging Nettles or urtication, its botanical name. This plant dates back to biblical times. The plant is grasped in a gloved hand and the stiff, swollen joints are swatted and thrashed with the sting to provide relief. The nettles plant has tiny stringers which provide microinjections of several chemicals, one of them is histamine. It is believed that these chemicals cause the sting which has inflammatory properties which can relieve arthritis pain.

Arthritis relief can also be obtained by using cream or topical medicines containing ingredients such as menthol oil of wintergreen or eucalyptus producing a hot sensation which distracts the patient from the pain he experiences.

Arthritis Pain Relief

Arthritis pain relief can be done thru natural therapy or prescribed medication. Better ways are sought to manage the pain and improve the comfort level of the person suffering from the disease. When people suffer from arthritis, they experience inflammation, swelling, redness, pain and stiffness. The most popular treatment is the NSAIDs or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, such as Vioxx, Celebrex and Bextra. However, these prescribed drugs may have painful side effects which may include the risk of stroke and heart attack in those patients taking these drugs for an extended period of time.

Due to the risks of harmful side effects, many people are searching for safer and natural alternatives to have arthritis pain relief. There are lots of pain relieving techniques which can be tried. Natural alternatives include glucosamine, chondrolin, turmeric, SAMe, MSM and fish oil. These natural pain reliefs from arthritis may prove even more effective than the prescribed and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, and may provide a better solution for patients who are suffering from severe joint pain, swelling and inflammation of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout. .

Arthritis pain relief can also be found at home. Some of these are the following:

  • Massage with olive oil in the affected area
  • Lukewarm enema for a few days to cleanse the bowels
  • Steam baths
  • Extra supplement of calcium, zinc and vitamin C
  • Fresh juice from potatoes
  • Sea bathing
  • Rub the aching joint with vinegar
  • 10 grams of omega-3 fatty acids taken daily
  • Rub castor oil on affected areas
  • Relax for 30 minutes every night in a tub of warm water

Some herbal oil can also be used to help in the relief of arthritis pain. This herbal oil such as Arthcare beefs up the skeletal system and the neuromuscular systems thus giving comfortable joint movements of joints and muscles minus the crackling sounds. What is good about using this product is that it is free from possible side effects. Arthritis pain relief using remedies from nature is generally considered to be less risky thus providing a feeling of well-being for the patient when combined with prescribed medications.

Arthritis Medication

Arthritis medication in the market comes in a wide variety from A to Z. There are those that treat pain and inflammation while others treat the main disease itself. Patients may be given one or a combination of medicines. Here are the lists:

  • Painkillers (Analgesics) – are used to provide pain relief. They can be bought over the counter. The stronger ones need prescription from a doctor. The popular types of painkillers are paracetamol, aspirin, ibuprofen and codeine.
  • Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) – reduce inflammation and swelling of the joints for patients under arthritis medication. One of its negative effects includes stomach problems.
  • Cox-2 inhibitors – is a new type of inhibitor which is safer to the stomach. They are celecoxib (celebrex), etodolac (Lodine SR), etoricoxib (Arcoxia) and meloxican (Mobic). There are some concerns though saying that it poses a risk to cardiovascular problems.
  • Steroids – are artificial forms of natural body hormones and are considered to be effective in the treatment of inflammation. They also cause side effects including osteoporosis. Proper medication from a doctor and should be strictly adhered. Sudden stoppage of intake should be avoided for patients under arthritis medication. It is also suggested that people taking this drugs should have proper flu and pneumonia vaccination yearly.
  • Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) – treats rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. This drug slows down the progress of the disease and the damage it does. It is used after the diagnosis of the patient. The drug has serious side effects so patients are carefully monitored.
  1. methotrexate (includes Maxtrex)
  2. sulphasalazine (include Salazopyrin EN, Sulazine)
  3. anti-malarial drugs (includes Plaquenil)
  4. leflunomide (Arava)
  5. gold by injection (includes Myocrisin) or tablets (includes Ridaura)
  6. ciclosporin (includes Neoral)
  • Anti-TNFs or biologics work by blocking the chemical tumor necrosis (TNF). The chemicals cause inflammation and tissue damage in certain kinds of arthritis. This drug targets other parts of the immune system that triggers inflammation. Guidelines have to be followed whether or not a patient is eligible for this type of medication.
  1. adalimumab (Humira) fortnightly injections usually by you or someone else
  2. etanercept (Enbrel) injections given once or twice a week
  3. infliximab (Remicade) given at the hospital by infusion every 8 weeks
  4. rituximab (Mabthera) 2 infusions at 2 weeks apart, once or twice a year.

Many medicines are out commercially to help combat arthritis. Each drug provides a different cure and side effects. A patient should first undergo checkups and consultations from a doctor before taking chances on which medicine to take. Arthritis medication primarily relies on the type and severity of the disease and also the patient’s compatibility with the drug.

Arthritis in Dogs

Arthritis in dogs is also a common problem for pet owners. Arthritis does not only affect people of all ages but it can also affect man’s best friend.; If your pet dog exhibits a change in behavior and changes in mood and activity and does not feel his best, you may suspect that there is something wrong with your pet and it could be arthritis. Arthritis is one of the most common pains that veterinarians treat in dogs. Since your pal can’t explain what is wrong with him, you should try to observe and spot the subtle changes that he exhibits.

The arthritis in dogs has several symptoms. They are favoring a limb, difficulty sitting or standing, sleeping more, having stiff or sore joints, hesitancy to jump, run or climb stairs, weight gain, decreased activity or less interest in play, attitude or behavior changes and being less alert. If the symptoms last for more than two weeks, then it is time to take him to the vet for arthritis evaluation. This visit will involve physical examination of your dog and perhaps x-rays. It is best that your pet gets a diagnosis and early treatment.

Dealing with arthritis in dogs is similar to that of treating human osteoarthritis
Arthritis in dogs can be treated with a healthy diet so that he could maintain his correct weight. It is best to work with a veterinarian to manage the pain and administering drugs such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Some over-the-counter medicines for pet treatments containing either glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate or Omega fatty acids have shown to reduce the arthritic symptoms in dogs. Never give your dogs medication for humans since some of these may not be suited to them so always consult a veterinarian before giving your pet medication.

People who are pet-lovers tend to have a longer life span with fewer visits to the doctor. If you and your dog are both sick with arthritis, it is said that your pet’s arthritis can help you better manage your disease. Having a pet can make a person be more positive in life and boost his attitude since pets can lift his spirit. You can take a walk or run with your dog hence strengthening your pet’s and your muscles around your joints which reduces stress on the joint itself. Arthritis in dogs needs as much therapy as humans and if we care for our four-legged friends, they should be given the attention they deserve.

Arthritis Diet

Arthritis diet has an important effect in the management of arthritis. One example of this is gout which can be treated partially with correct diet. Some foods such as red meats, shellfish and lobster, alcohol when avoided will reduce the frequency of severe gout attacks. Food allergy can also cause the development of certain symptoms

Certain dietary substances such as fish and plant oils have shown clinical reduction in the inflammation of the joints and a decrease in joint tenderness and reduced fatigue. However, no acclaimed diet which are advertised in books, magazines and patient testimonials and no universal diet had proven successful in curing permanently the disease. Doctors advise their patients to avoid foods that make their symptoms worse.

Popular arthritis diet is the consumption of alternative products with such as diet supplements and herbal remedies. Supplements are regulated by the FDA and they are not intended to diagnose, prevent, cure or treat the disease. Dietary supplements can include the following: vitamins, minerals, herbals, botanicals, amino acids and enzymes. It is better to talk with a doctor to help the patient sort out reliable information from those questionable ones since there are many conflicting information regarding these dietary supplements.

Alcohol is also known as a risk factor in gout arthritis and can increase the risk of osteoporosis or bone loss and may cause weight gain. It is also contraindicated for many medications, herbal remedies and over-the counter medications and a patient should talk to his doctor about alcohol use and its effects on his medication. Alcohol should be eliminated from arthritis diet due to its negative effects.

Antioxidants are also supposed to bring benefits to arthritis patients. They may also include in arthritis diet. These are substances that reduce damage caused by chemicals mixed with oxygen and are supposed to protect the cells from free radicals. It seems that it prevents arthritis but not cure the disease.

Foods that contain antioxidants include fruits and vegetables, nuts, grains, poultry, fish and some meats. Some spice manufacturers claim that a teaspoon of their spices boosts the antioxidants in any snack or meal. Exotic fruit juices are also being sold claiming to contain powerful antioxidants. They maybe packed with antioxidants but they are not a cure for arthritis or other health problems.

However, the patient should also keep his expectations at a reasonable level with regard to what they can do. Arthritis diet when correctly given and followed will be helpful in the management and control of arthritis.