A Review of Senior Arthritis and Its Effects on the Elderly

Seniors face a number of health related issues, often simply as the result of aging, but also because over time their body is at an increased risk of developing an illness. Of the many conditions common to those over sixty, arthritis is one of the most commonplace disorders, which can have a very large impact on a senior's daily life.

One of the most common misconceptions about arthritis is that it only affects the elderly, but this is not actually the case. Arthritis can affect even children who are very young, however it is far more common among the elderly. In fact, among seniors, arthritis is the single most common mobility related disorder. Another misconception about arthritis is that it is only a single disease, but arthritis is actually a very broad term used to describe over a hundred different disorders.

Even though there are many different types of arthritis and it can affect the body in many ways, it is commonly a joint disorder, which affects the cartilage and bones around an individuals joints.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of senior arthritis and is called wear-and-tear arthritis, as a result of it typically being the result of time and use in a joint. The risk of this type of degenerative arthritis is much more common among those who play certain high impact sports, such as soccer, or professions such as farming, where the individual might perform the same repetitive motion over and over again. The Knee is the most likely joint to be affected by osteoarthritis, however it can also affect a number of other joints, including those in the hand or feet. Generally, this will only affect a single side of the body and not both sides at once, unlike many other types of arthritis.

Another common type of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, however this is generally not the direct result of joint use, but is considered to be an autoimmune disorder. With an autoimmune disorder, the immune system, which is the part of the body responsible for fighting infection, begins attacking healthy tissue and body parts. In rheumatoid arthritis, this results in the cartilage and are around a joint being broken down, resulting in joint damage. Unlike many other kinds of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis can extend to organs as well as joints. In most seniors with rheumatoid arthritis, joints are attacked symmetrically, so that those on both of the side of the body are affected at once.

While rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are by far the most common kinds of elderly arthritis, with wear-and-tear arthritis being exceptionally common, there are over a hundred other kinds of arthritis and many affect the elderly. In addition, the elderly are at risk for a number of other diseases and conditions, like osteoporosis, which affects bone strength. In many seniors, it is a combination of these sorts of diseases working together that significantly decrease mobility, as well as increase the risk for injury.

Hip Replacement Surgery and Senior Citizens

For many senior citizens, the prospect of a hip replacement surgery, called arthroplasty, is a very real possibility. This surgery allows the weakened or diseased parts of the hip joint to be replaced with artificial parts called prosthetics. The benefits of the procedure include decreased pain, increased movement and flexibility, and an overall improvement in quality of life.

There are many conditions that may make it necessary for the patient to have hip replacement surgery, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (an inflammatory disease that causes swelling and pain), and bone disease that can involve the deterioration of bone by tumors or injury.

To prepare for arthroplasty, there are many things that a caregiver can do to reassure their patient, who may be fearful or unsure about surgery. This includes:

1. Requesting information from doctors so the patient can know what to expect before, during, and after surgery

2. Get the house ready for the patient's recovery; it can be helpful to have many of their everyday items such as glasses, remote control, and the telephone within easy reach

3. Patients should follow their doctor's orders, even if they think they are strong enough or recovered enough to do more than they are supposed to.

After surgery, the patient should do everything they can to improve their success rate. Often there are exercises they can do or even appointments with physical therapists to improve the hip strength and lessen the chances for injury. Complete rehabilitation takes an average of 3 to 6 months, depending upon the age and overall health of the patient.

There can be complications with a hip replacement surgery. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, approximately 193,000 arthroplasties are performed each year, and about 10 percent of patients can experience negative side effects such as hip dislocation or inflammation due to the tiny particles that wear off the artificial hip and are absorbed into the body. It can be necessary to redo the surgery to correct the problems with a revision surgery. In other cases, medications can alleviate the inflammation problems.

Is Krill Oil A Good Choice For Joint Health?

Doctors may recommend physical therapy to help distribute pressure to minimize stress on a joint. Another natural way of improving joint health is the use of krill oil. It is enriched with omega-3 fatty acids and astaxanthin which helps to improve joint movement. Joint infections can affect any individual and prevention is always better than a cure. This applies to all health issues, as they can weaken the body's immune system.

Krill oil is highly recommended by doctors as a krill oil supplement since it contains crucial omega-3 fatty acids which allow joints to move more freely. Patients suffering from joint health-related problems are also at a risk of contracting heart related diseases. Some of the heart-related problems are caused by joint pains around the body. Oil of krill helps to restore the normal heart health and rhythm. However, it is suggested that you carefully follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor for improvement of your overall health.

To avoid the pain and aches caused by joint pain, one of the most highly recommended things to do is to maintain balanced diet containing omega 3 fatty acids. As we all know, a western diet is usually very poor in Omega 3 Fatty Acids and supplements are sometimes the only way to get these essential fatty acids.

Krill oil has been carefully researched and is often used in hospitals. It has even been found to prevent joint pain experienced during PMS. Also, elderly individuals who are more prone to joint pain than others have also noticed improvement in their joints after taking the oil.

Joint diseases can affect blood circulation, causing heart-related diseases and causing ventricular arrhythmia. Oil of krill has been recommended by many medical specialists as an effective treatment for joint health-related issues. Although oil of krill is more expensive than fish oils there is a reason for the cost. Krill has been proven to be a superior source of omega 3 and delivers certain nutrients that fish oil does not contain.

Several scientific studies have shown the benefits of krill oil in many health-related areas. Compared to pharmaceutical drugs, oil of krill presents a healthy, pure, and clean solution for consumers who seek to optimize their health.

Other than krill oil, there are a few other options for joint health but they do not have as much scientific research to support their benefits. Therefore, oil of krill is very popular among those who are health conscious as well as educated.

With the amount of research backing up these benefits, the omega 3 fatty acids DHA and EPA make krill oil a great choice for joint health.

What is the Difference Between a Medial and Lateral Unloader Knee Brace?

Degenerative Joint Disease affects millions of Americans and with an aging baby boomer population will most certainly become more of an issue as we try to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and battle against the affects of our youth. The knee joint is one of the most effected areas in the body regarding the "wear and tear" effects of osteoarthritis. More patients and doctors are looking for alternatives to medication and surgery to improve patient mobility, reduce pain and swelling, and prevent the inevitable and dreaded "knee replacement".

"Unloader" knee braces, or "arthritis" knee braces, are designed to literally bend the knee into a position that reduces the stress and weight on the affected joint, thereby reducing pain and swelling. There are two compartments in the knee, referred to as medial or inner and lateral or outer compartments. The vast majority of patients suffer from medial compartment osteoarthritis (unicarpartmental oseoarthritis). When this occurs, the joint cartilage, synovial fluid are reduced or absent and the result is a "collapse" of the medial compartment.

The knee joint becomes misaligned and what was normally a joint that bears equal pressure to support the body, turns into a painful angular joint, with excessive wear and pressure on the inner compartment, with pain, swelling and in advanced stages, limitation of movement. The angular change caused by this medial compartment arthritis is referred to as a varus deformity. This term refers to an inward angulation of the lower leg in relation to the thigh. If you have ever seen a newborn and looked at their legs, you will understand what a varus or bow leg is. This is a varus deformity.

Likewise, the angular change caused by a lateral compartment arthritis is referred to as a valgus deformity. This term refers to an outwards deviation of the lower leg in relation to the thigh. Many people are familiar with the term "knock knee". In the old days, you would see movies, where the teenage girl sits with her knees and thighs together, and her feet spread out. This is a valgus deformity.

An "unloader" knee brace corrects the varus or valgus relationship of the leg to the thigh, making the entire leg straighter and aligning the joint back to its level position. By bending the knee joint back into a more aligned position, the brace opens up a gap or space between the leg and thigh bone, so the two bones do not rub up against each other. This reduces the pain or swelling that occurs when two rough arthritis bones come in contact with each other.

When purchasing an "unloader" knee brace, it is important to know if you have a medial or lateral osteoarthritis. This can be confirmed with x-rays, noting the collapse of the knee joint, and the angular changes that are occurring. It is also important to consult with your treating doctor prior to purchasing such a device. Wearing a lateral unloader knee brace with a medial compartment arthritis may result in increased pain, swelling and accelerated joint damage. There are many choices to be made when deciding which arthritis or "unloader" knee brace to purchase. Please check with your doctor and do your research before you choose.

Collagen For Arthritis Treatment, Osteoarthritis and Back Pain

Collagen is the most effective arthritis treatment for osteoarthritis, back pain relief and joint pain relief whether from old age or injury. The reason lies in the structural make up of all your connective tissue, which is mostly collagen. Technology has finally found a way to stabilize collagen, in capsular form, so we can ingest it as an arthritis treatment for osteoarthritis and back pain relief instead of having it injected into our bodies. Good news for the 60 million people who suffer with arthritis pain, backache or joint pain.

If you have a vitamin deficiency, the solution is simple, take vitamins. If you are dehydrated and thirsty, drink water. But if you have joint pain, arthritis pain, osteoarthritis, back pain or are looking for an effective and inexpensive arthritis treatment for back pain relief or joint pain relief, the solution again is simple, take collagen to rebuild, heal, stabilize and strengthen your bones, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, muscles, hair, skin and nails, because all of your connective tissue is 85% collagen.

We make collagen everyday to replace and repair our bodies from the natural aging process, breakdown from injury or repetitive stress and invasive surgeries.

The more we make the stronger we are and the slower we age. But the older we get the less collagen we make, the slower we heal, and we start feeling the aches and joint pain associated with arthritis or osteoarthritis and the faster we age.

Wouldn't it be nice to have a supplement that would supply us with all the collagen we would need to repair and heal our aching backs, arthritis, osteoarthritis and joint pain as if we were 30 years old again?

To delay, stop, or even reverse arthritis, osteoarthritis, back pain or joint pain and to gain more mobility, strength, and experience the aging process more gracefully, add collagen daily to feel and see the difference. Most people report this arthritis treatment has given them noticeable arthritis pain relief and back pain relief within three weeks. For most, the results are life changing with far less arthritis pain or joint pain and more youthful vigor and looks.

75% of protein in the body is collagen. According to the FDA, Collagen is all natural and safe for everyone, including dogs and cats, and has awarded it the highest possible safety status. Without collagen, 40% of our organs, 70% of our joints, 80% of our skin, or a total of 30% of our bodies would simply fall apart. Collagen is the structure and glue that holds us together to makes us feel strong and looking young.

Collagen is a protein comprising only of amino acids, water and minerals and contains no fat, carbohydrates or preservatives. Collagen has no undesired side effects nor does it react with drugs or other food/food ingredients.

In conclusion, Collagen is the most effective arthritis treatment for osteoarthritis, back pain relief and joint pain relief whether from old age or injury. Collagen can now be taken in a capsule for arthritis treatment, osteoarthritis and for back pain relief instead of having it injected into our bodies. Collagen is safe, effective and inexpensive with no side affects or drug and food interactions. To heal faster from surgeries, old age or injuries, collagen will supply the building blocks to delay, stop or even reverse arthritis, osteoarthritis, back pain or joint pain within three weeks for most people. Staying strong, looking younger and living pain free has never been easier.

Parasites And Joint Pain: Is There Any Connection To Gout?

It is estimated that 85% to 95% of the population has parasites. There is also a growing suspicion that all cancer, asthma, diabetes, arthritis and heart disease is due to parasitic infection. This deserves further investigation and it would not be surprising to find a strong connection for the tendency toward Gout.

The definition of a Parasite is: "any living thing that lives on or in another living organism". The danger of parasites in the human body (or the bodies of our animals that make up our food supply and our pets) is that they will cause any number of difficulties; they interfere with various bodily functions, destroy tissues in the vital organs, and release toxic poisons into the bloodstream.

Parasitic organisms have two classifications: a larger variety that are basically "worms", and microscopic, single-celled organisms that can travel in the blood and other body fluids like a virus or bacteria.

The most common method of transmission is through poorly washed foods and contaminated water. However, because most of the population already has some sort of infestation, there a many other ways to get infected. The "eggs" of these parasites are microscopic. These microscopic eggs can be transported undetected in a number of different ways.

Here is an example: someone uses the restroom at a restaurant, sits back down at their table and uses the salt shaker - they have just deposited microscopic parasitic eggs onto this object. You're next to use this table and you use the salt shaker and then lick your finger - you are now the new host to the parasites.

Kissing, holding hands, exchanging money, etc. - these and many others, are all ways that we pass around the infection every minute of every day. Typically if one family member is a host, the whole family is infected. The eggs can live under fingernails for 2 months and because the eggs are microscopic in nature, they can even become airborne and then inhaled.

The list of symptoms is long and varied:

• chronic fatigue


• bloating, constipation, diarrhea


• environmental sensitivities


• joint and muscle pain


• ulcers and sores


• anxiety


• bruxism


• chronic viral or bacterial infections


• depression


• difficulty losing weight


• candida


• itchy ears, nose, anus


• brain fog


• pain in the back, shoulders, thighs


• sexual dysfunction

This is a condensed list; depending on your source of reference there are many other conditions and illnesses that can be found.

Due to the enormous and very broad range of parasitic species, testing is almost completely ineffective. Many of the tests that can be done will look for and detect several dozen different species or types of parasites but will completely overlook several dozen others. This explains why there is a severely unnoticed and undetected epidemic of parasitic infection progressing throughout the world.

Like all living organisms, parasites eat and defecate. The urine and feces is acidic and toxic. This waste adds stress to the kidneys, liver and immune system.

In addition to the toxic waste load that infection adds, parasites can do serious and fatal damage. They not only eat our food, they eat our tissues. They can eat the protein coating off of nerves, the calcium off your bones, they can get in your lungs, brain and liver. Anemia can be caused by hook worms that attach themselves to the lining of the intestines and bite into the blood vessels and suck an enormous amount of blood out of the bloodstream. Heart worms from pets have caused deaths in children. Whip worms and Pin worms can travel in the colon and female sexual organs.

But what can be done about Parasites and what does that have to do with Gout?

The link between Gout and Parasites is due to the acid-forming nature of the presence of parasites; Gout is caused by an overall acidic inner bodily terrain, not just too much uric acid. The strain that parasitic infection creates for the kidneys disrupts and interferes with the adequate elimination of uric acid.

There are a number of best practices to stay parasite-free. Washing your hands frequently is at the top of the list. Never let your pets sleep on your bed our lick you on the mouth. Always wash after a pet licks you.

Raw fruits and vegetable can be a bigger source of parasites than meat; wash everything thoroughly and cook meats until there is no pink left.

Have bowel movements 2 - 3 times per day; the longer feces stay in your digestive tract will create a greater likelihood of parasites to grow.

Old time methods of de-worming are still a very viable and valuable method today. The use of castor oil and mineral oil should still be implemented.

Recipes for herbal preparations like Black Walnut Hulls, Wormwood, and Common Cloves are easily found on an internet search.

In Conclusion: Avoid becoming infected and resist infestation. Parasites of all kinds thrive in acidic conditions and constipation. Staying properly hydrated with high-quality water is a must, and following a high-fiber, alkalizing diet is the best prevention and cure for infection and infestation of parasites.

Improving Joint Health Naturally

As we age, our joints can begin to deteriorate and cause us the pain we know as arthritis. Though some of us are more genetically predisposed to arthritis than others, we can all take steps to making sure that the effects of arthritis on our bodies are minimal. Though there are plenty of supplements and joint health boosting drugs available on the market, it's important to know that there are also natural solutions that you can pursue in conjunction with whatever medications your doctor may prescribe.

Stay In Motion

No matter how bad your arthritis pain is, you should try to keep exercising as best you can. Exercise helps to keep your joints flexible and strengthen your muscles so that they can hold weight more easily. Exercise is touted as being able to reduce joint pain, increase joint flexibility, and increase overall mobility. Weight bearing exercises and joint specific exercises may have the most effect on your joint health. If you are not yet afflicted with arthritis, simple weight bearing exercises like daily walks or water aerobics can help to stave off joint problems. If, however, you already are feeling pain in your joints from arthritis, you may want to see a physical therapist who can design an exercise regimen to meet your specific joint strengthening needs and help you to increase your range of motion in problem joints.

Eat Well

What we put into our bodies has a major effect on how our bodies perform. Eat a diet that is nutritionally rich, with lots of fruits and vegetables and a healthy amount of good fats. Good fats, like those found in omega-3 fatty acids and flax seeds, can help to lubricate joints and ease some joint pain. Eating fatty fish like salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, as are some vegetables and cooking oils. Be careful to avoid saturated fats, though, as these can increase inflammation, stiffness, and pain.

Don't Slack On Medical Help

Be sure to see your doctor or orthopedic specialist regularly to make sure you are doing everything you can be to help prevent or lessen your arthritis symptoms. Assess your joint health regularly and always be sure to tell your doctor if any new joint pain arises. Depending on the advancement of your condition and how well you are responding to treatments, exercise, and diet, your doctor may suggest that you see an orthopedic specialist or physical therapist if you aren't already.

TMJ Exercises - Fix Your Jaw With TMJ Exercises

TMJ is a jaw condition that is estimated to affect approximately 20% of the U.S. population. It is caused by the displacement of the jaw because of tight muscles and tendons pulling it too far in one direction. This can cause severe pain, teeth grinding and clenching, headaches, hearing and vision problems.

Unfortunately it is regarded largely by the medical community as something that will just go away with time. This is of course not true as any TMJ sufferer will be glad to explain to you.

The solutions that are currently being handed out by most dentists are night guards and mouth splints. These are meant to stop teeth grinding while sleeping and realign the jaw by positioning your mouth in the right spot. These mouth guards are ineffective a lot of the time.

Some patients complain that they end up grinding their teeth right through the mouth guard and it has no effect on them at all. The guards do nothing for the pain even while they are in, but worst of all you have nothing to help you during the day when your talking, eating and usually doing the things that aggravate your jaw the most.

But Wait, There's An Answer?!

TMJ exercises have been proven to permanently cure TMJ. The exercises are not yet well known and not widely accepted because of their holistic nature, but they work incredibly well and thousands of people are starting to benefit from them.

They work by stretching, massaging and strengthening muscles in your body that release pressure on the stressed muscles and tendons in your jaw. By doing this your jaw can begin to relax and realign itself back to a normal position.

Many people have reported pain relief within just a few days of using the exercises, but this is not the norm. It will usually take a couple of weeks to be completely symptom free and the exercises will need to be completed regularly every day.

What You Need To Know About Severe TMJ Symptom

Albeit TMJ is a serious condition affecting thousands of people today, only a limited number of these people are aware that they have the condition. Sometimes, it may be so mild that it escapes notice. At other times, a person may already have a TMJ but may not know it because of misdiagnosis. What can be considered a severe TMJ symptom?

Symptoms

Different individuals experience symptoms of TMJ in varying degrees. It however may not only cause considerable pain but may also result in other physical conditions. Here are some symptoms:

- A severe headache is one sign. It is possible that this headache is a referred type of pain that is the result of the pressure on the jaw joints. Some people may experience tremendous headaches but are unfortunately unable to get proper treatment. This is because a TMJ headache can sometimes be misdiagnosed as migraine or some other type of head pain.

- Another sign of the condition would also include facial pains, and aches near the areas of the ears, back, neck and shoulders. Sometimes, part of the face may begin to swell.

- A ringing sound which may accompany the pain in the ears is also another severe symptom. In some cases, the ear can be so affected that a person suffers from dizziness.

- Some may also suffer damaged or deformed teeth. This happens when a person instinctively tries to correct an uncomfortable bite by grinding the teeth. Frequent grinding itself can worsen it.

- However, the most severe symptom to watch out for is the possible changing direction of the jaw's movements and the altering of the shape's face. Depending on your condition, you could suffer from jaw deviations whenever you open your mouth. You could also end up with a face that looks like it has a receding chin and a forward moving forehead.

- Another common symptom is jaw clicking or popping. This happens when the joints misalign due to cartilage deficiencies and then realign. In the most severe cases, it can progress to lock jaw in which one would be unable to make any kind of jaw movement.

- Speech defects are also possible manifestation of TMJ. This is obviously due to the misalignment of the jaws and teeth.

What Triggers Symptoms?

Severe TMJ symptoms can be triggered by various factors. It is quite obvious that one could suffer from it due to physical accidents or shock. A car accident for example or a sports injury could lead to a TMJ condition. There are times though when a condition can be caused by common habits made worse by stress. There are times for example when we tend to clench our jaws and grind our teeth when we are in tense situations. Repeated clenching and grinding could then lead to a severe TMJ case. It could also be precipitated by frequent biting on hard candy, large chunks of meat and hard pastries.

Cortisone Or Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy, What Is the Difference?

I get this question a lot in my practice. Many people come in desperate need of pain relief and believe cortisone injections are the best and only treatment for what ails them. So, I'm going to lay out all the facts here, tell you what I do in my own practice, The Darrow Sports and Wellness Institute, and let you decide.

Cortisone Injections:

It is true that corticosteroids, like cortisone, are powerful anti-inflammatory substances. They are not used to relieve pain, but rather reduce inflammation, which in turn can lessen a patient's level of discomfort.

Cortisone is often injected into the area of injury or pain like joints or tendons. Examples of conditions for which local cortisone injections are used include inflammation of a bursa (bursitis), a tendon (tendonitis), and a joint (arthritis). Knee arthritis, hip bursitis, painful foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis, rotator cuff tendinitis and many other conditions may be treated with cortisone injections.

Although cortisone packs a powerful anti-inflammatory punch, it can only reduce inflammation and pain. It cannot repair the injury or the wear and tear abuse caused to a tendon or joint from years and years of use. Cortisone also masks the pain, which gives people a sense of false security. "No Pain, No Problem!" This mentality can result in further damage down the road from overdoing it when a tendon hasn't healed fully or properly.

What is more, some studies have shown that the long-term use of cortisone (i.e., repeated injections over a period of months or years) can cause degeneration of tendon tissue or cartilage if injected into the tendon itself.

With that said, although we don't like to do repeat injections of steroids or cortisone, sometimes doing it once is a very good diagnostic tool to see where the problem is occurring. By using cortisone, we can isolate an area by figuring out where cortisone is working the best. That area is where we focus our other tissue-building techniques, which naturally lead me to....

PRP Injections:

PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) Therapy works on a totally different platform than cortisone. While cortisone inhibits inflammation, PRP initiates a collection of harmonious healing actions. The platelets stimulate proteins which encourage cellular growth and tissue regeneration. By concentrating the number of platelets normally found in an injured area, you're basically boosting this healing mechanism at the same time. It attracts stem cells which eventually grow into healthy joints, tendons, or ligaments.

Simply put, PRP injection allows a quick and focused action to the area of injury, which allows it to heal more effectively and rapidly.

Requiring only a small amount of blood from the patient, a trained professional can, with the help of a centrifuge, create a highly concentrated platelet rich plasma, which is then injected into the patient's injured tissue. This injection "jump-starts" the healing process.

A recent study presented at the International Meeting on the use of Autologous Growth Factors in Orthopedics and Sports Medicine found patients receiving cortisone showed a 40% improvement compared to PRP, which demonstrated a 75% improvement at 12 months. The study concluded that PRP injections reduced pain and increased function significantly, exceeding the effect of corticosteroid injection.

Sources: Nichols AW. Complications associated with the use of corticosteroids in the treatment of athletic injuries. Clin J Sport Med. 2005;15:E370.

Suffering from chronic joint and tendon pain and want to learn more about Prolotherapy and PRP Injections?

Best Joint-Friendly Shoe - A Solution For Knee Pain

What type of shoes are healthiest on your joints? Which ones will help blast the fat, but not your knees? Good question! A good walking shoe is essential when undertaking a walking workout routine. Every step places a lot of wear and tear on the feet and joints, about five hundred pounds of pressure with every stride. This article discusses a fitness shoe that is very joint friendly and an excellent solution for people with knee problems.

This joint-friendly footwear is called MBT shoes. It is a brand that has a uniquely designed sole that provides instability as you walk, turning flat ground that we walk on into uneven terrain like walking on a beach. It has several benefits including improving core muscle strength and burning more calories, but one of the most important benefits of MBT for dedicated fitness walkers is that they are very helpful in relieving pressure on the feet and joints, especially the knees.

Most of us know first hand that aging brings on more aches and pains, but that staying active is crucial in staying healthy. The MBT will help to keep you moving, allowing your body to increase blood flow and lubricate joints, thereby easing some of the pain.

The key to the MBT's effectiveness on reducing joint pain is the multi-layered sole. It works as a buffer between the ground we walk on and our feet and joints. The curved sole allows for more equal weight distribution as you take steps, so you are not jarring joints as you stay active.

Another reason why these are the most joint-friendly shoes is that they help tone muscles that surround your knees, hips and back. They challenge the muscles to work harder and tone them much more than walking alone. This can help reduce the amount of pain by improving your posture, alignment and overall joint mobility.

Staying active is very important for overall health and weight management. But your joints and knees do not have to pay the price. The MBT shoes hold several benefits that will make your walking routine much more joint-friendly.

Healing TMJ Naturally

Sometimes we need to think outside of the box, such as to give ourselves permission to change a belief or paradigm that we have developed. One such disabling belief is that doctors, dentists and other health professionals can heal you. These health professionals can sometimes guide you in the direction you need to go, but they cannot provide healing.

Healing comes naturally; it is innate, it's part of our wondrous design.

It may be a stretch for you to believe that you know more about healing than your doctor or dentist, but it is something I suggest that you start thinking about (meditating on). Of the many talents given to those practitioners, healing is not amongst them. They have learned the knowledge that allows them to diagnose (which is an educated guess) and then prescribe a protocol that may help your situation.

However, all healing is internal. A doctor may dress a wound, clean it, add some stitches, but when it's all said and done, all they have done is enhance the conditions so that healing can take place. A dentist may grind away the decayed portion of a tooth and then add a filling to cover the hole so more decay won't happen, but have they really accomplished any healing? A psychotherapist can keep asking questions until you reach a disabling belief that is creating a problem for you, but are they the one's that actually change the belief that is in your mind? Never. Only you can relearn a new belief and it only happens when you become willing to make the change.

The thing that we can do ourselves is set the stage so that the healing can take place. You wouldn't start building a house on bare dirt. It would be best to provide the house with a firm foundation. The same is true for our bodies. We need to supply the body with all of its needs so it can repair itself.

Our daily existence requires thought and energy. To rejuvenate, we require rest. Our bodies are 70% fluid. We sweat, we urinate, we may spit, or blow our noses, depleting our fluid levels. This means we need to re-hydrate consistently.

We also deal with toxins daily. We absorb chlorine when we shower, we breathe in all sorts of toxins from the glue in our rugs, breathing in exhaust fumes as we drive to work. This list could go on and on. But, the point is that all of the toxins taken into the body create Free Radicals, and to counteract these Free Radicals, we need to consume Anti-Oxidants.

Our bodies are one of the most complex and complicated chemical manufacturing plants in the world. In order for all of the processes to take place we must have all of the micro and macro minerals that the body requires. Without a constant supply of quality nutrients, our body has to rob Peter to pay Paul. This is what happens in the case of osteoporosis. The body needs some calcium, which it is not getting from our nutrition, or the body is lacking in other nutrients that won't allow the calcium you are getting to be assimilated.

It is not the stress in our lives that causes us to grind our teeth at night or clench them during the day - it's how we deal with that stress. A phenomenal stress buster is simply breathing efficiently and effectively!

Emotional issues can be dealt with by learning skills that allows you to process your feelings appropriately while you are feeling them. Having a Higher Power in your life can provide that shoulder to lean on when life seems to be overwhelming.

Our "TMJ Relief" DVD gives you the information you need so that you can ask the right questions, make better decisions, and start the healing process, no matter how far your TMJ has progressed. Please go to http://www.holisticspecifics.com for more information.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin Supplements for Joint Pain

Glucosamine and chondroitin are two molecules that make up the type of cartilage found within joints. Inside your joints, cartilage undergoes a constant process of breakdown and repair. In order to be repaired the correct way, the building blocks of cartilage must be present. The theory behind using the glucosamine and chondroitin joint supplements is that more of the cartilage building blocks will be available for cartilage repair.

There are lots of supplements that can be purchase to help with Joint Health and Repair The most common ingredient in all of them is Glucosamine and Chondroitin. While some supplements are available in pill form, others such as joint juice are available as a beverage. More information regarding liquid supplements can be found at joint juice reviews. Glucosamine which is present in our bodies naturally is used to rebuild the cartilage in our joints, however our production of Glucosamine decreases as we age. This reduction of Glucosamine production is why many turn to supplements to find relief from joint pain, as well as conditions such as Arthritis, and Osteoarthritis.

While there are no side effects associated with the use of Glucosamine and Chondroitin, those with shellfish allergies do need to make sure that the Glucosamine that they take is vegetable based, as most Glucosamine is derived from Shellfish. Joint Juice Side Effects contains information on the side effects of Glucosamine and Chondroitin.

Glucosamine is considered to be very safe, and when combined with Chondroitin in a properly balanced formula, can be very effective at relieving joint pain. For many the alternative for joint pain relief comes in the form of NSAIDS, or COX 2 drugs, which have long been known to scientists as being toxic to the human body long term. Rather than taking an aspirin for joint pain, or arthritis relief, many are turning to supplements such as joint juice glucosamine.

While there are no miracle cures to joint pain, arthritis, and other such conditions, there are supplements in pill and liquid form that can provide relief when used regularly, and over a period of time. Most people report that their pain starts to decrease after apporoximately two months of using Glucosamine supplements. Users have also reported that Glucosamine supplements that also contain Vitamins, C, D, and F, are even more effective. Studies indicate that these vitamins are an effective treatment for Osteoarthritis.

All in all, Glucosamine supplements should be on the list of treatments to investigate for those suffering from joint pain, and particularly those may not be able to take NSAIDS as a treatment for pain.

Look For Uneven Pelvis As The Root Cause Of Chronic Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is an incredibly common problem which affects tens of millions of Americans each year. A very high percentage of hospital emergency department as well as primary care physician office visits are because of chronic lower back pain. Lower back pain affects all races, all genders and people of all ages. Sedentary and overweight people are at a higher risk of suffering with this problem.

Despite billions of dollars being spent on the problem, there isn't any decrease in the incidence or prevalence of this troubling medical epidemic. One plausible reason for this is because we haven't been utilizing the correct remedy. The most common treatment for chronic back pain is medications, massage therapy & physical therapy. Ask any chronic back pain suffer about the effectiveness of these treatments and you will hear a range of comments from "it helped, but after a while the pain came back". You may also hear "I didn't get much of any relief at all". Why is this? Why do so many people continue to suffer day in and day out?

One of the primary causes of chronic lower back pain is an uneven, imbalanced pelvis. The pelvis is composed of two large bones (the innominate), and a triangularly shaped bone in the center (the sacrum). There is very little movement that occurs between the innominate bones and the sacrum (the sacroiliac joint, or "the SI joint"). The SI joint has very little motion. An athletic, younger person may have as much as one to one and a half degrees of total joint motion. Rather than independent movement between these three bones, the pelvis instead moves as a solid block. It can tilt side to side and front to back. The pelvis can also rotate right and left.

The problem occurs is when the pelvis tilts or rotates in a certain way and then stays fixed in that location. When this occurs, the muscles, ligaments and other supportive connective tissues themselves become shortened or lengthened and serve to hold the pelvis in that position indefinitely. When the pelvis becomes chronically misaligned like this, it sets the stage for chronic SI joint pain as well as lumbar spine pain.

The lumbar spine is positioned on top of the sacrum. When the pelvic/sacral block is tilting or is rotated, it creates biomechanical stress on the rest of the spine. In particular, there is a shearing or twisting effect on the lumbar spine (the lower back). This problem can be so pronounced that on x-ray, the spine appears to have a scoliosis.

What can be done to fix an imbalanced pelvis? Certainly taking drugs (NSAIDs, muscle relaxers, etc) won't resolve the problem. Exercise doesn't realign the spine. In fact, exercising on an uneven pelvis may cause more harm than good. It would be the equivalent of continuing to hammer on a bent nail. The most effective thing you can do for an imbalanced pelvis is to get it balanced. You must realign the spine, sacrum & pelvis in order to minimize biomechanical stress on the joints, ligaments, tendons and other supportive soft tissues. The chiropractic adjustment is a time tested therapy for realigning the spine. In my clinic, I utilize chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy modalities, stretching, rehabilitative exercise and soft tissue therapies. And without question, the number one most effective treatment for balancing the pelvis is the chiropractic adjustment. If you have chronic lower back pain, you need to have your pelvis checked for imbalanceding. Getting your pelvis balanced will offer amazing, long lasting relief.

Knee Replacement Surgery - Your Last Option to Get Rid of Arthritic Knee

People that have generative joint disease or arthritis of their knees, often suffer from chronic pain for quiet a long period of time. Conservative treatments such as steroid injections, pain management and therapy are sometimes not enough to get rid of the pain and stiffness. Knee replacement maybe right for you, if you have a great decline in your daily living activities, that is related to pain with decrease in knee mobility and function.

The knee is the largest joint in the body. A person needs a healthy knee to be able to perform daily activities such as walking, climbing and running. More people ages 60-80 years old, that have some type of chronic arthritis such as Osteoarthritis, often choose to have a knee replacement. It is also performed on younger adults, depending on the severity of pain and damage to the knee. Your Orthopaedic surgeon will determine if you are a good candidate to undergo a knee replacement. You will be expected to stay in the hospital for several days after surgery.

Knee replacements are one of the most painful joint surgeries and dealing with post operative pain is one of the most important aspects of your care. Your therapy usually starts right after the surgery and it is important that you take pain medication prior to your therapy sessions to be able to participate fully with therapy. Your pain usually subsides in a few days, to a week and it may differ from person to person.

Most common complications after surgery are blood clots in the leg veins and you will be given a blood thinning agent to prevent this complication. You will also be taking iron supplements, depending on your laboratory result after surgery, since post operative anemia is also common to patients that undergo a knee replacement. Wound infection although rare will also occur so it is very important that you check your incision daily for signs and symptoms of infection.

Your therapy will usually focus on your balance, strength and mobility. You will be expected to use assistive devices during ambulation, such as a walker to prevent accidental falls for a few weeks. You will notice a marked improvement of your knee function, usually within 2-6 weeks of continued physical and occupational therapy, with a safe and fast recovery as a main goal.

What Is the Significant Difference Between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are two widely different forms of arthritis, which is a general term that features over 100 rheumatoid disorders.

Although the two forms can produce a lot of pain like upper knee pain, the biggest difference between them is the fact that rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease whereas osteoarthritis is an organic results of aging. Osteoarthritis (OA) is often known as degenerative arthritis while rheumatoid arthritis is also degenerative.

An additional way to characterize the visible difference connecting RA and OA is that, rheumatoid arthritis is about inflammation of the tissue around the joints while osteoarthritis concerns degeneration of the cartilage involving the joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis is thrice prevalent in women than in men and exists in about 1% of the total population in the United States. Generally impacts the smaller joints of the hands, wrists, feet and generally takes place concurrently on both sides of the body. It is an inflammatory ailment that affects the synovial membrane surrounding joints, therefore thickening the membrane and consequently causing the joints to lose their normal capability to function.

This ailment can happen in children as well as older people, even though during periods of remission, there is no pain present like Knee Pain.

There is swollen knee pain indicating joint inflammation and may even be warm to touch, systemic symptoms which includes fever, general fatigue or body stiffness enduring more than one hour. Joints are affected on both sides. A positive blood test for RA auto-antibodies. The lungs, heart and kidney may also be affected.

Osteoarthritis is way more common and less incapacitating when compared with rheumatoid arthritis. It is regarded as a disease of aging and while it is common in people over 60 years of age, younger individuals are affected from it since bodies aged at a different rate.

The chief force behind OA is wear on joint cartilage, which work as shock absorbers that prevent bones from rubbing together. When cartilage is impaired caused by excessive use or injury, it results in OA, leading to joint inflammation and swelling in the joints. Whenever bones begin rubbing against each other, Knee Pain develops.

Horse Joint Structure and the Heath Benefits of Glucosamine

Everything hinges - literally - on the joints. If it's not the joints themselves, it's the bands of tissue or the tendons that provide joint stability and mobility. Joint disease often starts with inflammation of the tissue that surrounds the joint, called the synovial membrane. Without timely intervention, age and work will inevitable thin and degrade the quality of the synovial fluid.

When this happens, the joint loses its ability to protect itself against friction, concussion, and the invasion of destructive inflammatory cells. Joint stress and joint disease are prevalent conditions with horses for one simple reason: horses' joints are complex structures that must handle extreme weight loads on a very small surface area. The result is that these joints are very prone to inflammation, swelling, or the long-term effects of degenerative joint disease - particularly among aging horses and those actively involved in performance competition.

"To keep the joints sound and healthy... Because that makes the difference between a long and rewarding career On the one hand, and a short Painful life history on the other..." Dr. John Peters

These factors lead to erosion of articular cartilage and chronic irritation and thickening of the synovial membrane and joint capsule. Left untreated, the problem will progress into osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease, the leading cause of lameness and loss of use in horses.

"Joints stressed by work or age threatens the vulnerable complex balance between breakdown and repair - when physically stressed an imbalance occurs and the demand. For joint-building nutrients outstrips the natural supply. Leading to progressive deterioration of joint cartilage, bone and soft tissues..." Dr. Mark Olsen

For years, many people who ride, own and train horses have chosen one of two approaches to joint disease and lameness. Either they do nothing, accepting the belief that horses "wear down" as they age or are worked hard, or they rely on "quickfix" solution such as costly injections or NSAIDs - non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Bute, Banamine). NSAIDSs actually inhibit cartilage metabolism, can cause gastric upset/ulcers with long term use and mask the pain without addressing the underlying problems - allowing the horse to remain active on an injured limb, leading to further break down of the cartilage and exacerbating arthritis.

These reactive approaches are often too little too late. Glucosamine and Hyaluronic Acid are nutraceuticals that provide the matrix of all connective tissues, tendons, ligaments, cartilage and synovial fluid. These nutraceuticals are responsible for maintaining a healthy viscosity to the synovial fluid and membrane inside the joint capsule. The synovial fluid works as a cushion and circulatory system taking impurities out and bringing important joint care nutrients into the joint capsule to restore the fragile balance.

Glucosamine also works as an anti-inflammatory by neutralizing destructive cells that penetrate into the joint capsule and attack the articular cartilage that causes the onset of degenerating arthritis. By supplying these crucial joint nutrients to your horse you can help inhibit this degenerative process, without any side effects, and stimulate the cartilage synthesis and build and repair healthy joint structures.

How To Temporarily Treat TMJ Syndrome In The Absence Of A Physician

Temporomandibular joint disorder or TMJD is one of the most common facial syndrome and it affects millions of people. It's called Temporomandibular joint syndrome or TMJ by other people. TMJ syndrome is a collection of acute and chronic signs and symptoms relating to the structure and the function of the joints that connect the mandibles to the rest of the skull.

Many people mention TMJ relating to the discomfort in the said area but technically speaking, the TMJ itself, or the Temporomandibular joint are the two joints on the opposite sides of your face directly in front of the ear. Our TMJ helps us open, close and move our mouths and it is where our jaw is attached to our skull.

The signs and symptoms of TMJ disorder depends on what causes the signs and symptoms to happen but the most common among them is pain. The pain can be short term or it can be long term depending on the reason why there is pain. Activities where a person moves the muscles and bones in the joints may also produce popping or grinding sounds. In some cases there may even be pain in other areas of the head like migraines, headaches and ear aches especially in the morning.

Many health conditions can impair the structure of the TMJ and can cause it to fail to perform its function. TMJ syndrome can be caused by something as simple as a sport injury or by something as serious as depression. Because Temporomandibular joint syndrome can be caused by a variety of health conditions, its treatment can also be approached in many ways.

In other words, the TMJ treatment depends on your doctor's diagnosis of all the signs and symptoms that you are experiencing. In cases when you don't have access to the doctor, you can temporarily take care of the pain with these simple tips.

Keep your jaw rested
Having your jaws rested is a good start to relieve the pain. Eating tough chewy food must be prohibited to rest the jaw muscles.

Cold or warm compress
Using warm or cold bags on the affected area may help lessen the pain for a while.

Medication against inflammation
Another possible fast acting relief is to use anti-inflammatory medications that you have used in the past. This article explains what Temporomandibular joint disorder is and gives some suggestions on how you can temporarily relieve the pain in the absence of a physician.

Omega 3 Joint Relief - Discover Why Omega 3 Aids Joint Relief

Quite often people associate fish oil to relief from joint pain and more often than not they will go and use cod liver oil thinking that this is going to help ease their joint pain. Unfortunately this is not really the case as the fish oil has to be high in omega 3 and cod liver oil is not. The best sources for omega 3 joint relief are oily fish such as salmon, tuna and hoki.

The reason why the omega 3's from these kind of fish are so helpful is because they have essential fats in them that help fight inflammation, and inflammation is the main cause behind joint pain. The way they help fight inflammation is through the DHA fat contained in the omega 3 which inside the body turns into nitric oxide and it is the presence of this substance that reduces the amount of inflammation and therefore brings joint relief.

However as well as the omega 3 joint relief benefits, you will actually be doing a great deal of good to your body by reducing inflammation. The reason for this is that it is now known that as well as causing joint pain, inflammation is behind more serious conditions such as causing aneurisms, strokes and unexpected fatal heart attacks; therefore by reducing the inflammation in your body you will be decreasing the likelihood of suffering from these conditions.

To get the right level of omega 3 for joint relief will however require you eating a portion of oily fish on a daily basis. However, for most people this is not practical due to cost and also the fact it would be quite a boring diet to eat fish every day. On top of that oily fish are also known to have high levels of contaminants such as mercury, which if consumed in the kind of quantities we have mentioned, can lead to adverse health conditions.

The best way to get the right levels of omega 3 is to supplement, however one thing that you will still have to watch out for is the pollution in the oil. The reason for this is because there is no real regulatory body in this kind of industry which means that manufacturers can produce supplements to the standards that suite them, and because removing the pollutants is an expensive process many choose not to do it. The process that is most effective at removing these pollutants is called molecular distillation, and although you will pay a little more for these kind of supplements it is definitely worth it.

Microcurrent Stimulator and Ophthalmologists

Microcurrent (MCS) makes use of extremely small electric stimuli running into the millionths of an ampere. The electric current generated relieves pain, increases the wound healing rate and stimulates regeneration of injured tissue.

It is also used to change scar tissue. Scar tissues are fibrous in nature and replace normal skin when it is injured. They can be tougher than normal skin. A study demonstrated how the scar tissue was 3 to 5 times less in tissue in skin areas where MCS was used.

In treating myofascial trigger points too, this therapy is very useful. These trigger points are like tight contraction knots in muscle. Many times, the joint pain caused by them is mistakenly associated with tendonitis, ligament injury or arthritis.

How does microcurrent stimulation work?

Our body has electric current flowing through it. Our cells generate a very small electric current in the range of microamps. When our body is injured, the electric flow is disturbed hence, the natural healing process cannot take place. The electric current in our body bypasses that region.

MCS therapy restores the natural current flow to the injured region. The body cells, energized and recharged, resume their normal functions. Hence, the healing process is sped up.

How is it done?

There are two techniques:

1) Eye and socket is completely covered with pad electrodes and electrode is placed over each eye

2) A probe-type applicator is used on acupuncture points around the eye

MCS and treatment of retinal diseases

Numerous studies have shown the effectiveness of MCS therapy in the treatment of retinal diseases. It is of a non-invasive and painless nature. This is making it an ideal alternative for treating macular degeneration with traditional methods such as Coagulating laser therapy.

Age-related Macular degeneration or AMD is an ailment in which patients gradually lose their vision with age. Clinical studies have indicated this therapy's ability to slow down disease and also promote healing.

It does this by increasing ATP production in retinal cells. ATP is a molecule used for energy storage by cells. Enhanced production helps in protein synthesis. It also helps retinal cells absorb the required nutrients.

The increased blood circulation to the area leaves cells rejuvenated and re-energized. The stimulation therapy boosts the cells' ability of getting rid of waste products.

It is best to get MCS in early stages of macular degeneration but it can benefit people in advanced stages also.

The therapy is used in treating wet and dry macular degeneration as well as Stargardt's disease, retinitis pigmentosa, swelling and retinal vein occlusion including other retinopathies.

Is Osteoarthritis Part of Metabolic Syndrome?

Osteoarthritis is the breakdown of cartilage, a spongy protein that covers the ends of the bones within a joint. Normal cartilage helps with shock absorption by serving as a cushion at the ends of the bones. The cartilage as the fluid within the joint allows for smooth joint movement. As osteoarthritis progresses, the space between the bones narrows, the cartilage wears down and the underlying bone is exposed. This results in painful movement of the joint as well as limited motion. Bone spurs can develop around the joint, limiting motion further and contributing to more pain. Inflammation plays only a minor role in osteoarthritis.

There are many causes of osteoarthritis, the most well known is the aging process. As we age, the water content of cartilage increases and the protein content decreases. As the water content increases, the cartilage becomes softer, more permeable and loses it's mechanical properties. The protein content decreases which contributes to slow degeneration of the cartilage, resulting in flaking and erosions.

Other causes of osteoarthritis include abnormal bone alignment. In the foot, the most common cause is faulty foot mechanics. When the foot is not in alignment and not functioning properly, this causes abnormal stress on joints in the foot, ankle, knee, hip and back. Trauma is a well known cause of arthritis. Direct trauma can disturb the joint structures, cause mal-alignment of the joint or cause weakness of the surrounding structures, resulting in instability of the joint and eventual osteoarthritis. Other causes, such as infection, medications (such as steroids) and genetics contribute to the development of arthritis.

Obesity is a common cause of arthritis. The exact mechanism of how excess weight influences osteoarthritis is unclear. Although the excess load placed on joint surfaces will accelerated the breakdown of cartilage, obesity is also correlated with osteoarthritis of the hand, indicating a more systemic cause. Obesity increases the chances of having metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a condition characterized by a set of risk factors which are linked to coronary artery disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. The risk factors include high blood pressure, abdominal obesity (fat around the waist), abnormal cholesterol levels (such as high triglyceride levels & low HDL levels) and insulin resistance (which corresponds with high blood sugar). The underlying theories of metabolic syndrome are tied to the body's metabolism, most likely insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is the cells inability to efficiently use insulin, a hormone which transports sugar from the bloodstream to the cells. The result is high blood sugar. Insulin resistance is correlated to weight gain and inactivity.

In a recent study in the journal Skeletal Radiology, popliteal artery wall thickness was evaluated in individuals with osteoarthritis. Forty-two patients who were diagnosed with osteoarthritis at multiple joints were compared to 27 patients without osteoarthritis (the control group). An MRI of the knee was used to evaluate vessel wall thickness of the popliteal artery. The osteoarthritis group had thicker vessel walls than the control group, even when the researchers made adjustments for gender, weight and age. Because vessel wall thickness is directly related to high blood pressure and peripheral and coronary artery disease, the authors suggest that osteoarthritis might be another facet of metabolic syndrome.

One theory to explain the link between osteoarthritis and metabolic syndrome is based on white blood cells, immune fighting cells, increasing in areas where fat accumulates, especially around the abdomen (abdominal obesity). As the white blood cells increase, they contribute to widespread inflammation in the body, causing a pro-inflammatory state (as indicated by high blood levels of C- reactive protein) and the production of immune chemicals (specifically cytokines) which cause a chain reaction resulting in damage to the cartilage. The combination of insulin resistance and the pro-inflammatory state may also affect the normal cartilage repair process.

It is possible that osteoarthritis might be an inevitable outcome for those with metabolic syndrome.

Kornaat PR et al. Positive association between increased popliteal artery vessel wall thickness and generalized osteoarthritis: is OA also part of the metabolic syndrome? Skeletal Radiol. 2009 Jul 3.
Rojas-Rodríguez J, et al. The relationship between the metabolic syndrome and energy-utilization deficit in the pathogenesis of obesity-induced osteoarthritis. Med Hypotheses. 2007;69(4):860-8.
Cicuttini FM, Baker JR, Spector TD: The association of obesity with osteoarthritis of the hand and knee in women: a twin study. J.Rheumatol. 1996; 23:1221-1226.
Felson DT: Weight and osteoarthritis. J.Rheumatol. 1995;43:7-9.
Armstrong CG, Mow VC. Variations in the Intrinsic Mechanical Properities of Human Articular Cartilage with Age, Degeneration, and Water Content. JBJS. 1982; 64:88-94.

Selecting Simple Natural Remedies to Treating Your Arthritis Pain

If you've been suffering from arthritis pain for quite some time and don't seem to get any relief from over the counter creams and medications it may be time for you to try something else. Of course, when you're in pain you want instant relief, however sometimes the relief is not in the form of a pill or cream. Many people today are more in tune with their bodies and as a result want to try to treat their bodies with natural remedies that are simple to do and inexpensive to purchase. Getting treatment for your pain using only natural ingredients is a very good idea for your body. Though there are lots of home remedies out there, you want to try sticking with options that are best suited for you personally.

Exercising Is Great For Relief

You might be wondering why if you're suffering from pain every time you move would you consider the idea of getting up and exercising. However, contrary to popular belief exercising will help with the symptoms of pain and stiffness. Through exercising methods such as Pilates and Yoga you can help your joints immensely through a series of stretching. The more you stretch, the easier it is for your joints to maintain their motion range even while affected with arthritis. This does not mean that you're limited to stretch based exercises only as you can get the same joint stimulation from classes such as walking, jogging, and even swimming. You should try to create a routine of at least 30 minutes three times per week to feel the effects of this remedy.

Watch What You Eat

Another natural remedy for arthritis would be to change your eating habits. If you have been diagnosed with arthritis then you should try to refrain from foods like caffeine, salt, sugar, and red meat as this could complicate your symptoms. However, there are foods that you should try to increase in your diet. There are lots of foods that previous patients have stated to be a symptom reliever. Those foods consist of omega 3 fatty acids, organic fruits and veggies, and even some fish like tuna. By taking in more of these types of foods on the regular basis you should begin to notice a difference in the joint pain that you feel.

Other Remedies

There are more remedies that you can try if you are in need of locating a fast solution the natural way. There are other treatments options available that have great results. Things such as natural oils, Epsom salt, vitamin C, zinc, calcium, and avoiding cold atmospheres are great solutions to coping with your symptoms.

Before deciding to try any remedies it is very important that you go over your options with a trained medical professional to be sure that what you are doing is safe. Just as people are different so are their reactions to even natural remedies and therefore talking this over with your doctor will ensure you that you are doing the right thing. They will give you professional advice that will benefit your overall health.

Uncover the Facts About TMJ

Teeth grinding is a habit that can turn into a disorder when not taken care of properly. One of these complications is the temporomandibular joint or TMJ problems. It is a disorder that is involved with the inflammation of the temporomandibular joint. This joint is responsible for connecting the mandible to the skull, and is jointly responsible for the opening and closing of the jaw. Without it, speaking, eating and other activities associated with mouth movement are not possible. That is why problems with this joint can cause serious disabilities to an individual.

TMJ problems can be caused by a number of reasons. As stated above, teeth grinding can lead to temporomandibular joint disorder or TMD. In fact, TMD is one of the most serious consequences of teeth grinding. This is because teeth grinding can damage the muscles and joints surrounding the teeth and the jaw. An individual is said to be developing TMD from teeth grinding if he wakes up in the morning with an aching ear or jaw. Any damage or trauma to the jaw can also lead to the disorder. Like other bones in the body, when this joint gets damaged, it will be inflamed. Damaged bones take at least 2-4 months to heal. When the joint does not heal correctly, it can deform the temporomandibular joint, causing TMD. Activities that distort the jaw and the upper body can also lead to the condition. An example of this is frequent usage of telephones and awkward sleeping positions.

When TMD is suspected, the individual can exhibit a number of symptoms. The most common symptom of TMD is headache, accounting to 80% of the patients. This headache is accompanied by facial pain, aggravated by movement of the jaw. This can be explained by the damage sustained by the joint. When the joint is damaged, the trigeminal nerve can be compromised as well. This nerve is responsible for the movement of the jaws and the ability of the face to feel touch. Ear pain is also common to affected individuals.

The temporomandibular joint is located right in front of the ear, so pain in this area is very likely. Clicking sounds can also be heard when the mouth is being opened and closed, indicating misalignment of the joint. A grating sensation can also be felt if the temporomandibular joint is felt while moving the mouth. To confirm the diagnosis, the individual will undergo an X-ray to identify any abnormalities in the joint. The physician will also conduct a physical assessment of the teeth and jaws to gauge the extent of the disorder.

When a diagnosis has been made, the individual with a TMJ disorder will undergo treatment. Treatment modalities include physical therapy, medications to relieve pain, correction of the alignment of the joint and stress management. All of these interventions are geared toward the relief of the symptoms of TMD, correction of the factors that caused the disease and treatment of other factors that aggravate the disorder. Treatment can be long and difficult, so a lot of patience is needed from the individual.

How to Manage That Ticking Sound in Ears

Are you among the many who happens to hear a ticking sound in your ear that you just cannot ignore and have no idea where it came from? If so, then you have the condition known as tinnitus. Mind you, this is something nobody wants to have. Although it is not that critical as compared to other serious health conditions, still it can negatively affect your ways and your life in general.

Tinnitus is best characterized by a ticking or ringing sound in the hearing organ that is caused by several underlying conditions. Tinnitus sufferers experience this condition in different manners. Some hear the sound in both ears while others hear it in one ear only. Modulation and episodes also vary from person to person. In few cases, the ticking sound which can be likened with that of a clock, is audible to someone who stays a bit closer to the person with tinnitus.

Tick, Tick, Tick

Ticking sound in ears may be classified as objective tinnitus or palatal myoclonous. Possibly, the source of such sound originated from the muscles of the middle ear which are connected to the nasopharyngeal muscle and ossicles. Also, objective tinnitus is another plausible effect of Meniere's disease or temporal-mandibular joint dysfunction or TMJ.

As a natural response to having been diagnosed with tinnitus is to seek treatment or any form of remedy to help manage the disorder. Most tinnitus patients assumed that their hearing is permanently damaged. The truth is, not all individuals with tinnitus have completely lose their hearing. Additionally, not all tinnitus cases are permanent. Some people experienced it for a time and eventually recovered on its own, while others unfortunately have to deal with the condition all throughout their lives. But the good news is, there are therapy options and relief that people with tinnitus can embrace.

Retrain Yourself

This may sound far-fetched but retraining yourself from the tinnitus sound is actually a good idea to unburden yourself with the stress and frustrations that come with hearing those noises. However, before retraining your brain, make sure there are no other health issues that trigger the tinnitus to surmount. If you found out of other relevant medical problem, then it will be best to seek treatment for such problem.

Furthermore, if your tinnitus is the kind that exhibits unchanging frequency, then it makes you a plausible aspirant for the recent therapy for tinnitus known as sound-based remedy or therapy. So far, such treatment has shown excellent results among many tinnitus sufferers with solitary frequency with regards to tinnitus sound. Majority of tinnitus patients get relief from sound therapy in dealing with the exasperating noise brought forth by the disorder.

The Non Western Approach

On the other hand, apart from taking advantage of sound to soothe one's hearing, acupuncture is another step that more and more people have taken into account to manage the ticking sound in their ear. If this is your choice of treatment, you ought to search for a reputable and qualified medical practitioner who conducts such. For many years now, acupuncture has been widely used as a remedy for disparate health dilemmas including tinnitus.

Stress is among the triggering factor that aggravates tinnitus episodes. Hence, listening to music is one stress-reliever that you must give a shot. Find the means to relax yourself and strive to live a stress-free life as possibly as you can and in turn, the ticking sound in your ear will hopefully fade in the background.

Still Have Questions?

Can You Cure Your TMJ Pain Naturally?

If you are one of the many people who suffer from TMJ disorder, then you already have felt the nagging pain in the jaw area that comes with TMJ. You may not even know or care about what TMJ stands for, and all you want is to be relieved of the pain, and do it in a natural way.

After all, this type of jaw pain is sometimes so intense that people have trouble sleeping when they are experiencing it. It hurts when they cry, it hurts when they laugh, and it even hurts when they talk sometimes. It is one of the worst things to experience.

It's also bad that people are never informed about TMJ. They simply feel the symptoms and never know what is going on. You may begin noticing that you have difficulty swallowing or something of that nature, and the doctor does not always catch it when you go see one. You yourself may think that the pain is a simple tension headache and not do anything about it.

One of the things that contribute to your TMJ pain is tension in the jaw. Your clenched jaw carries tension unless you make an effort to remove that tension. Therefore, your pain is magnified unless you do something about it. One of the simplest things you can do to relieve tension in the jaw is to avoid creating it in the first place.

When it comes to sleep the best thing to do is to sleep on your back. This is because if you sleep on your side you add pressure to one side of your jaw. That's normal for people who do not suffer from temporomandibular jaw disorders, but if you do, then this can have a huge impact on avoiding extra pain.

Some people also grind their own teeth in their sleep, so be careful that you are not damaging yourself in your sleep. Who knows what kind of crazy things go on in your sleep? You may be one of the people who must wear a special brace in their sleep in order to avoid damaging yourself from teeth grinding or jaw clenching in your sleep.

Be sure to check how your jaw feels in the morning to see if the damage is being done as you sleep at night.

As you can see, TMJ is not a clear thing in which you find one exact cause and solution. There are many causes such as those mentioned above, jaw injuries, accidents, dental work gone badly, and the list goes on.

There are also lots of natural remedies that you can try out to relieve your jaw pain. With a little effort you can be on your way to taming your TMJ pain.

How Do I Know If My Headache or Jaw Pain Is TMJ?

The most common of the dozens of TMJ symptoms is jaw pain of the chewing muscles or the jaw joint. The Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is made up of many elements and problems can arise from any of them or from combinations of those elements. There are also people with TMJ problems that have no jaw pain and their problem is with functionality difficulties.

Some other TMJ symptoms are clicking or popping noises when you open and close your mouth, difficulty opening or closing your mouth or chewing, sensitive teeth, swelling on the side of your face, malocclusion (lower and upper teeth not meeting correctly such as one side closing before the other or the front or back of your teeth meeting before the other), headaches and earaches.

If you think you may have a TMJ disorder it's very important to get diagnosed because your symptoms may be caused by something else and starting a treatment plan for the wrong diagnosis will be a waste of time. A TMJ diagnosis should begin with a trip to the dentist and if your dentist has no experience with treating or diagnosing TMJ you should get a referral for a dentist with that experience.

You may also want to visit an Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist (ENT), a chiropractor, a neurologist, a pain specialist or just a primary care physician but you will have to find someone with experience in successfully treating TMJ. Most of the time a dentist can diagnose and treat your TMJ symptoms and TMJ disorder.

There are, of course, other causes of the TMJ disorder but the most common cause is grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw in your sleep because of stress or tension. That directly relates to the most common of the TMJ symptoms being jaw pain of the muscles and pain of the TM joint itself.

If you are diagnosed with the TMJ disorder you'll want to begin a treatment plan that uses natural methods to treat your condition. The TMJ disorder is a physical condition much like a problem with a shoulder or knee and, like most physical conditions, can be successfully treated using physical therapy.

If stress is involved with the cause of you TMJ symptoms you will also want to begin therapeutic methods of reducing your stress. If you can get a treatment plan that addresses your TMJ symptoms as well as the root cause of your TMJ disorder your recovery time will be a lot shorter.

Low Back Pain - Hip Flexion - Sartorius

Patients with lower back pain often have hip flexor tightness. The hip flexor that is very easy to locate is the sartorius due to its strap-like form stretching from the outer aspect of the hip to the medial aspect of the knee joint. This muscle allows us to sit in the taylor sit position or the lotus position.

The sartorius muscle flexes the hip as well as rolls the hip outward (external rotation). It is also a knee flexor.

To test this muscle, the patient places the heel of the tested side on the opposite knee. Patients with pain and tightness of the sartorius tend to have difficulty placing the heel on the opposite knee.

However, difficulty in performing this function also depends on presence of pain and spasm in the lower back muscles, hip extensor muscles, hip abductor and internal rotator muscles.
Tightness and shortening of these muscles will produce difficulty performing this motion which is also called the FABERE testing (this is a combination of ability of the hip to flex, abduct and externally rotate).

Nerve supply: Femoral nerve

Spinal segments: L2, L3 and L4 nerve roots

© 2007 copyright all rights reserved http://www.stopmusclepain.com Low back pain - hip pain- Sartorius

Jennifer Chu, M.D., founder of eToims Soft Tissue Comfort Center® is also President and CEO of eToims Medical Technology LLC, a medical device company with training programs in eToims® Twitch Relief Method. She is an Emeritus Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Pennsylvania, where has been on faculty for more than 30 years. http://www.stopmusclepain.com

Pain Relief Diet for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic illness that leaves patients suffering from never ending painful conditions and symptoms. According to medical studies and researchers, there is no specific medication that can cure this health condition. Don't lose heart! There are several diet options you can depend upon in order to get relief from pain. Here are some diet suggestion coming straight from medical expert to plan a pain-free diet in order to reduce inflammation and pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis.

a) Tea

Tea has been introduced to the list of healing foods by the experts. Green tea consists of polyphenols, widely known as epigallocatechin - 3 gallate or EGCG. This works towards inhibiting the expression of the interleukin - 8 gene. This gene works for arthritis inflammatory response. Researchers have also proved that black tea can reduce the pain. Sip in tea and you will be relieved from pain. There are certain special compounds found in tea such as phytoestrogens, flavonoids and fluoride. These are a group of antioxidants that work together for healing pain in the body.

b) Grapes

Grapes are rich in resveratrol. It is a phyto-estrogen, nonsteronoidal compound. The studies in the past few years have indicated that resveratrol tends to block inflammation of cells. The inflammation of cells is directly associated with arthritis or several other diseases related to joints. Resveratrol is the first major natural compound that has been identified to undertake two major tasks. The first task is to block the Cox-2 gene from being activated. The second function is to inactivate the enzyme created by that gene. Experts believe that trans-resveratrol can work towards improving aspirin properties to fight diseases related to COX-2 like arthritis. So, snacking on grapes let you get a lot of healing nutrients to the body.

c) Vegetables

Diet consisting of a major portion of vegetables is said to reduce inflammation in most people. This diet helps in producing prostaglandins and leukotrienes. These functions help in reducing inflammatory conditions.

d) Broccoli

Broccoli is rich in glutathione. Glutathione is a potent antioxidant and detoxifying agent. Most of the antioxidants such as Vitamin C & E are unable to function without the help of glutathione. Experts also believe that people with less glutathione in their body can have greater risk of arthritis as compared to those with higher amounts of this antioxidant. You can also snack on some other glutathione rich foods such as avocados, grape fruit, peaches, watermelon and oranges.

e) Fish

According to several studies conducted on health, it has been proved that Omega-3 fatty acids contained in fish can help in reducing inflammation. You should also include fish oils to your diet in order to stay away from the rheumatoid arthritis. Fish high in Omega-3 include anchovies, bluefish, capeline, dogfish, herring, mackerel, salmon, sardines, shad, sturgeon, Tuna and white fish.

f) Pineapple

Pineapple has been widely used to heal sports injuries. The fruit contains bromelain helps in reducing inflammation. The ingredient helps in reducing pain occurring due to arthritis.

g) Olive oil

Eating Olive oil in large quantities can cut down the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. It is high in unsaturated fatty acids. It also contains Oleic acid that helps in decreasing inflammation.

Diagnosis of Hip Bursitis

The diagnosis of hip bursitis (trochanteric bursitis) is normally made after careful questioning and a thorough physical examination. Typically there is pinpoint tenderness on the outside of the hip over the bony prominence known as the greater trochanter. Sometimes there is pain in the buttock, which can extend down the outside of the thigh but rarely below the knee.

If the pain spreads below the knee and particularly if there is associated pins and needles or numbness, the clinician may be suspicious of a spinal problem. If pain is felt in the in the groin it is possible there may be an underlying hip problem.

As well as the location of the hip pain, the clinician will want to know the history of the pain, whether there are any particular activities which make the hip pain worse and whether it is worse at any particular time, day or night. The clinician will also want to know about your general health and whether there is any relevant medical history.

The physical examination is likely to include an examination of the low back because pain over the outer hip may have referred from the spine, this is particularly important if there are neurological symptoms such as pins and needles or numbness in which case a neurological examination will be performed where the clinician tests the sensation, muscles strength and reflexes in the leg.

Invariably the clinician will want to examine the hip joint itself. Normally pain emanating from the hip will cause groin pain and pain at the front of the thigh but not always. The clinician will examine the range of movement of the hip looking primarily for pain and stiffness. Usually in hip bursitis the movements of the hip are normal although it is of course possible there may be an underlying problem with the hip such as osteoarthritis, as well a hip bursitis.

Often in hip bursitis there is weakness to muscles in the leg, particularly the gluteal muscles. An experienced clinician may pick up gluteal weakness simply by watching the walking pattern. They may also ask the patient to stand on the affected leg to see if the muscles around the hip are strong enough to keep the pelvis level. If the muscles are not strong enough the pelvis drops; this is known as a positive Trendelenburg sign.

The final part of the examination normally consists of palpating (or pressing) on the painful area. If the examination of the hip joint and lumbar spine is normal and there is pinpoint tenderness over the greater trochanter with or without gluteal weakness, the diagnosis of hip bursitis is confirmed.

Normally a simple clinical examination is sufficient to confirm the diagnosis of hip bursitis (trochateric bursitis). Further investigations such as x ray or MRI are normally not necessary unless there is thought to be another underlying problem such as an arthritic hip, or unless the patient has not responded to appropriate physical therapy treatment.

Are Natural Remedies For Arthritis As Effective As Conventional Medications For Relieving Pain?

Natural remedies for arthritis have been around for as long as people have suffered from this debilitating degenerative joint disease. Because the pain and discomfort caused by rheumatoid and osteoarthritis and other similar diseases can be so all-consuming, individuals who suffer from these conditions are always looking for new ways to relieve their symptoms.

Unfortunately, this has led to the rise of both medically unsound folk remedies and powerful prescription medicines which can carry harmful side effects.

As an answer to these less than palatable methods, the field of natural arthritis remedy has grown and flourished, particularly in recent years. There are several natural substances, such as manganese and turmeric which can provide safe, gentle relief of arthritic symptoms. By treating the underlying cause of the pain these natural ingredients and others like them offer long-term relief, enabling the body to actually heal itself and even reverse some of the damage done to the joints and muscles.

Natural Compounds Can Treat The Underlying Issues

In arthritis and other degenerative joint disease, the protective layer of cartilage which surrounds the joints breaks down over time. Without this layer, the bones of the joints rub against each other, causing pain and malformation of the bones themselves. Natural remedies for arthritis, which can contain anti-inflammatories and even antioxidants, can ease swelling and promote development of new cartilage. Rather than just treat the pain itself, these exciting new products target the cause and provide the most thorough approach to treating arthritis symptoms.

Combining ingredients such as glucosamine and chondroitin to help repair damaged joints, manganese and other antioxidants to remove harmful free radicals and combat the signs of aging and ginger extract and other anti-inflammatories, these natural formulas offer a safe arthritis remedy that goes beyond anything developed before. An all-in-one treatment, these supplements reduce the need to take several different medicines, thereby reducing the threat of dangerous results from pill interactions. They also limit, or sometimes completely eliminate, harmful side effects.

Natural remedies for arthritis provide an alternative for individuals for whom prescription medicines have not been effective and those who prefer to find a safer, more organic method of treating their symptoms. These remedies can also be much more cost effective than pricey prescription medicines, making them attractive to those who are on a tight budget And they have been proven to be more effective than the standard folk remedies such as bee stings, magnets and gin soaked raisins.

Healthy Lifestyle Changes Will Help Minimize Pain

Of course, taking any supplement is only part of the healing process. Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet is an important part of any health regimen and can be even more important for arthritis sufferers. Reducing fat intake and eating foods rich in sulfur which helps to repair and rebuild cartilage, are the key to any natural arthritis remedy. Fish, sesame and sunflower oils can all help reduce inflammation and avoiding beef, lamb and pork can also help to prevent inflammation. Along with diet, it is also very important to get proper exercise, particularly swimming which is easier on the joints than running or even walking.

Natural remedies for arthritis can be an exciting alternative to traditional medical treatment, but you should not consider taking them without consulting your doctor. Since each individual responds to each medication differently, it will be up to you and your doctor to determine exactly what works best for you. The ultimate goal is always to maintain and improve overall health along with relieving symptoms and that means taking an informed approach to treatment.

Natural Arthritis Treatment For Arthritis Pain Relief You Can Put To Work Today

During my long nursing career I was never able to find relief from my own arthritis pain until I turned to natural or alternative medicine. Many people have found there was a way to relieve themselves from the crippling pain of arthritis, especially osteoarthritis, although many people with rheumatoid arthritis have reported that a major diet change has made their rheumatoid arthritis symptoms disappear and they continue on their own rheumatoid arthritis treatment relieved of pain.

The arthritic joints usually appear to be even larger, are stiff and painful, and usually feel worse the more they are used as the day goes on. Hurtful arthritis pain is usually experienced whenever a stiff or swollen joint is used even for the easiest tasks. Unlike other types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondilytis, osteoarthritis is not systemic in basis in other words it can't be detected by using blood tests for diagnosis because it appears to be localized.

The cartilage is made up of chondrocytes, water, proteoglycans and collagen. The chondrocytes are basic cartilage cells and are essential for our balance and function. Collagen is the main protein found in all the connective tissues in the human body, including muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Proteoglycans are the very large molecules that help to make up cartilage. They bond to water, which ensures there will be high-fluid content in the cartilage.

In general, the possible causes and the factors leading to the deterioration of cartilage in arthritis and specifically osteoarthritis are still not known. And injuries can sometimes be the start of a long-term arthritic disease process. Arthritis, or rather osteoarthritis, can develop many years later after a single traumatic injury to a joint or even near a joint. And 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, such as an infection, even if minor.

Some people report that glucosamine, with or without chondroitin, helps and others say they tried them and they didn't help them at all. To see if it might be allergy related - or helps, you can try avoiding the eight most allergic foods, one at a time. They are wheat, which is the most allergenic of all, corn, eggs, milk, nuts, peanuts, fish and shellfish. Keep in mind that if you take a joint supplement it should help to do three things - build up your cartilage, provide pain relief for your joints and enhance your flexibility and movement.

One successful natural treatment method involves avoiding all inflammatory foods. Another is to try massaging your fingers or other affected joints with virgin coconut oil once or twice a day. The supplements that may help any disease or arthritic ailment include sublingual methylcobalamin, vitamin B12, not cyanocobalamin. It dissolve slowly under the tongue, not be chewed and vitamin D3 gel capsules, especially if you can't get a daily dose of 15 to 20 minutes or so of the sun on your arms and legs so you can make your own vitamin D3.

An acidic diet, which is made up of foods that are not alive, is considered to be inflammatory to the joints and other body processes. I started eating a diet of living foods (fruits, raw veggies, raw nuts and raw seeds), years ago, which caused my osteoarthritis to disappear and therefore relieve me of the crippling arthritis pain I had for years. If you attempt this diet it's best to try it for at least 30 days, thereby eliminating any foods that might be the culprits.

If you really do want to get rid of your arthritis pain permanently it may take a major change in your diet and an ongoing commitment to it. Exercise is usually good for any joint affected by osteoarthritis, but check with your arthritis doctor first. And did I mention how important it is to make sure to keep moving, moving, and moving? Now if you have pain and swelling in your fingers, you can try squeezing a wad of Thera-putty which is made for this purpose, or exercising them with two of the Chinese chime balls which you can get cheaply from several sources. There are many exercises that can be used as a therapy or treatment for arthritis regardless of how much restriction of movement there is.

For arthritic fingers, a good exercise for many people is to put the finger tips together and press hard and release then repeat several times. Make sure to fight arthritis through plenty of movement and exercise. Keep a basket of arthritis treatment aids for arthritic hands, such as the Thera-putty, hand grips, and the Taiji Chinese chime balls to be used at bedtime or while you're watching television.

Once you become completely knowledgeable about arthritis whether its osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gouty arthritis, juvenile arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis, you'll be able to plan your own arthritis treatment program, natural or conventional or a combination of both. Conventional arthritis doctors may suggest their standard protocol for your joint pain and may tell you to take over-the-counter NSAIDS or prescribe COX-2 inhibitors which all have some serious side effects. Make sure you do your research before you take any arthritis drugs, medicines or medications. Naturopathic doctors may have other suggestions not listed here. They may have herb recommendations but do research on the herbs also.

A useful tip: if you're going to take any arthritis drugs or prescription medications, make sure to ask your pharmacist for the drug inserts so you can read up on the drugs and understand any side effects or adverse reactions that they have, before you start taking them. Make sure to let your pharmacist know what other drugs, herbs and over the counter medications you're taking too.

Knowing more about symptoms and treatments for arthritis, osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis and how they work will ultimately help contribute to your arthritis pain relief. Once you understand the facts and warnings about arthritis, the symptoms, possible causes and the treatment approaches you can take, you'll be on your way to recovery and hopefully your pain will disappear. Perhaps following some these tips and suggestions, with the approval of your arthritis doctor may help you get back in the swing of things fast and allow you to spend your days enjoying life free of pain once more.

Arthritis Treatment - Glucosamine Arthritis Solution Revealed

The Glucosamine arthritis craze has been one of the contentious issues on arthritis treatment. Glucosamine, sometimes taken in combination with chondroitin, has been widely promoted as a dietary supplement for osteoarthritis.

Since the launch of the book "The Arthritis Cure" in 1997, physicians, pharmacists, and sufferers of arthritis have all been asked about glucosamine.

We have heard varying testimonials and opinions about the efficacy of glucosamine as an alternative treatment for the disease. The word 'cure' in the title of the book has even raised a lot of debate on the real effects of glucosamine.

Glucosamine Arthritis Treatment Claims

Glucosamine is naturally found in high concentrations in our joints. Medical experts have theorized that glucosamine stimulates the formation of cartilage and is essential for joint repair.

In an experiment done on animals, oral glucosamine had beneficial effects on inflammation, mechanical arthritis, and immunological-reactive arthritis.

Glucosamine arthritis alternative treatment is usually a combination with chondroitin. The latter is also found in the cartilage. There are numerous claims that it promotes the formation of substances in the cartilage that are lost due to osteoarthritis.

Glucosamine for Arthritis

The curative characteristics of glucosamine are different from NSAIDs or COX-2 drugs as it is natural. It promotes and maintains healthy cartilage, tendons and other connective tissues in the body.
This is done by glucosamine by acting as building block for these materials. Glucosamine also inhibits the production of enzymes that destroy the cartilage.

A depleted level of glucosamine and chondroitin induces the development of arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis. This debilitating disease is characterized by a breakdown in the "shock absorbers" of the joints. This is particularly pronounced in the weight bearing joints in the hips and knee.

Most medical experts believe that glucosamine is not a cure for arthritis. They, however, agree that it will do wonders for arthritis and joint pain. Glucosamine heals the joints and not merely relieve the pain of arthritis patients.

These curative characteristics of glucosamine give relief and beneficial effects to patients that last longer than NSAIDs and COX-2 drugs. Further, glucosamine continues to provide relief by protecting the joints by preventing further damage to the cartilage, tendons and other connective tissues.

In contrast, there were studies conducted that indicated that NSAIDs and COX-2 drugs can actually have harmful side effects. Prolonged use of these drugs was found to have harmful effects of breaking down the joints. This results to a more painful and worse case of arthritis.

Who Should Not Take Glucosamine

Persons who are considering glucosamine arthritis treatment should take note of these recommendations. Since glucosamine is an amino sugar, it should be taken with caution by individual with diabetes as it might contribute to insulin resistance.

People who are allergic to seafood should first consult their doctors before taking glucosamine sulphate as it is made from crustacean shells.

Taking this supplement may also lead to gastrointestinal problems, sleepiness, headaches and skin reactions.

Medical Expert Recommendation

It is a general consensus among health experts that arthritis treatment with glucosamine may lessen pain in some patients. Doctors now are open to the option of glucosamine as a supplement to regular treatment of arthritis. They, however, advise patients to buy only high quality glucosamine supplement from reputable sources if they opt to try the glucosamine arthritis treatment.