If You Are Suffering From Joint Pain and Allergic to Shellfish, Glucosamine May Be Deadly

Pain is a common side effect of growing old. You become more sedentary, and your ligaments, tendons and muscles begin to be less forgiving and cartilage begins to erode due to normal wear and tear or age related disease.Many people who suffer from joint pain use glucosamine as a popular supplement, but proper research should be followed on the products you are considering.

Knees, elbows, ankles and wrists can all become affected by joint pain and tenderness just by doing daily activities. Stiffness and related symptoms become more commonplace as you begin to feel old age creeping up.

To combat this, many are turning to technology and medical supplements to help deal with this daily issue. Glucosamine is one such product people turn to help them deal with joint related problems. Glucosamine is part of the normal make up of cartilage, which is tissue that exists between your joints. Cartilage is a thick substance that provides a protective buffer between working joints like wrists and knees.

Some glucosamine products can come from the exteriors of shell fish which can be very dangerous to those who suffer from shellfish allergies. Without even knowing it, an allergic reaction can be triggered by taking a supplement to assist in joint health. Proper care should always be taken when looking for new products and a physician should always be consulted to ensure products and effects are safe.

In summary, glucosamine for joint pain is a popular over the counter treatment, but care should be taken in selecting the right product for your health and wellness program. Exercise and diet should be the first areas to be addressed as part of your intent to become more healthy and pain free.

Leg Joint Pain

There are a number of factors that make up leg joint pain. The number one manifestation of the pain is arthritis. This is a condition that causes a lot of pain to the suffer. The pain might also be as a result of physical injury sustained. A sprain is often very common and although not very serious, it causes a lot of pain.

When there is swelling in cells that are usually filled with fluid called bursa, you will experience leg joint pain. If you are not familiar with bursae, it is a cushioning of very soft tissues between the bones. They are responsible for the movement of bones and muscles. They are therefore very vital cells.

Among many others, gout and influenza will cause leg joint pain. All these diseases will have the joint pain of the leg as a common symptom. If your trauma is as a result of physical injury, you will recover easily by relaxation and physical therapy. However, if you have a deep sited problem, you must seek treatments that will address it first.

You can also consider massage and warm baths. This is because they are known to relax the muscles as it translates to the whole body. There are several rugs that can be prescribed by a doctor and they include sprain, anti inflammatory drugs and non steroidal drugs. There are people who should not take the above drugs because their condition will be made worse.

This are people who have from kidney or liver problems. Also people with problems of the digestive systems should not take the drugs. The problem can go away without any medication for those will injuries that are not too severe. A specialist will give you all the technical details so that you can know more about the condition.

A common cause of leg joint pain will have to be pregnancy. During delivery the soft tissue are in order to allow the baby to be born. With a little exercise and plenty of rest, this problem is easily and naturally corrected. People who are involved in very vigorous physical activity will suffer from pain in their leg joints.

Such physical traumas will be treated by specialized doctors. You can go for a medical massage which will involve the use of anti inflammatory drugs and ointments. This will surely speed up your recovery. Therefore, if you feel that your pain is too much to handle, do not stay at home and wish it away. There are many options in the market.

Arthritis Hip Pain - Are There Any Treatments That Work?

Arthritis hip pain is certainly not something anyone will find easy to deal with. Such pain can certainly reduce the quality of one's life because of the constant pressure that it delivers. While some forms of arthritic pain can be dealt with to a certain degree, arthritic pain in the hip can be extremely difficult to contend with simply because of the location of the pain. Specifically, the hip joint will be affected anytime one moves the lower body.

When you walk, for example, you engage the hip joint. So, unless you opt to dramatically reduce the amount of time you move around, you will assuredly have to deal with a certain level of hip pain. Or, do you? Is there an effective treatment that can reduce the pain one feels from hip pain? The answer to such a question, mercifully, is yes. There are ways to treat arthritis hip pain and restore a certain sense of improved quality to one's life.

Some may wonder what exactly causes hip pain. Essentially, it will be wear and tear on the joints that leads to the onset of arthritis hip pain. This does not mean that the pain develops overnight. Usually, it is a cumulative effect of several years of wear and tear on the cartilage found in the joint. Those that may have been very athletic in their youth, for example, might end up suffering from hip arthritis later in life.

Of course, those that may have suffered a serious injury such as a car accident may also find themselves in the unenviable position of developing hip problems later in life. Most commonly, it will impact those over the age of 50. The potential to develop such a problem will increase, however, if you are genetically predisposed for suffering from the problem. So, if others in your family are contending with this type of pain, odds are strong that you will develop similar difficult problems.

The symptoms of this are not difficult to miss. Sharp pain with each and every movement would be a clear indicator. Stiffness in the joint that becomes more prevalent whenever you walk. Dealing with a very limited range of motion in the hip would also be another obvious problem. What makes hip arthritis pain more complicated to deal with is the fact that the pain is not a constant one. In other words, it can come and go with extended periods of time where the pain does not appear. Commonly, this type of hip pain will appear when the weather changes or become inclement. Such a difficult to predict nature adds to some of the complexities associated with dealing with the problem.

Thankfully, the problem of arthritis hip pain can be effectively dealt with as long as the proper treatment is sought. In some instances, the treatment employed can be considered minimalist. Losing weight, for example, can often reduce hip pain to a significant degree.

Taking prescribed anti-inflammatory medication is another common way that hip arthritis pain can be effectively dealt with. Using a walking aid can also alleviate some of the pressure and restore a semblance of a pain free life. And, of course, applying several of these methods simultaneously may also prevent the issue of hip from becoming overwhelming as well.

TMJ Pain Relief - 4 Practical Solutions for TMJ Disorder

Temporo-Mandibular Joint disorder is the most prevalent skeletal and muscular condition after lower-back pain in the adult population of the world. The lack of understanding the wide variety of symptoms associated with TMJ and lack of therapeutic research in this field had led several millions to be plagued by this disorder for considerably long periods in the past.

Today, TMJ need not be feared as it had been in the past. It is a completely curable condition. All the symptoms, side-effects and causes of the disorder can be prevented and cured. Modern medicine and research have devised ways to aid TMJ pain relief for affected men and women. In this article, you will be introduced to simple ways by which you can relieve yourself from TMJ, which you can do from your home.

1. Analyze your eating habits. Determine how many times per day you take in food that is hard to bite, or chew. Do u have a habit of chewing gum, clenching jaws or teeth or bruxism? If so, you have to work out a way to overcome this and eliminate any possibility of further damage to your jaws and joints.


2. Study your daily activities and determine the presence of stressful situations, like a bad work environment, depressing factors at home and strained relationships. Make honest efforts to ease yourself from these situations. It is easier said than done, but it has a positive influence over TMJ pain relief.


3. Allocate at least 30 minutes each day for exercises. Jaw exercises play a major role in TMJ pain relief because these exercises help restore normal function to the jaws. They can be used by themselves or in tandem with other therapies.


4. Get the guidance of a qualified expert with a lot of experience. TMJ is often not diagnosed properly when the doctor does not have past experience with TMJ cases. Follow that guidance till the doctor feels satisfied that further treatment is not necessary.

The most important thing about TMJ is that it has different symptoms and complications for each person. Hence, choose your therapy wisely. A surgery might not be the best alternative always. In fact, many medical associations condemn the use of irreversible treatments like surgery for TMJ pain relief.

TMJ Disorder and Alcohol

At the risk of raining on anyone's parade or being a party-pooper, I have to raise the fact that, if you are a drinker - even a light drinker, there is a strong possibility that your TMJ problems may stem from, or be increased by, alcohol use. And not just alcohol use, even caffeine and nicotine can exacerbate your grinding and clenching problems.

Alcohol's Effect on TMJ Disorder

There is a great deal of speculation that alcohol affects one's tendency to grind and clench because, in general, alcohol interferes with one's sleep patterns. Regardless of how deeply you think you are sleeping after imbibing, studies indicate that alcohol only acts as a sedative in the early hours of sleep. Later, in the sleep cycle, sleep can be disturbed.

Anyone who has tippled before bed knows that they often feel fatigued upon awakening, despite how many hours they may have "slept." This is because the deep cycles of sleep are shortened - or missed altogether - when one drinks in the hours before bed.

Numerous studies indicate that grinding intensifies and that people clench more after alcohol consumption.

Nicotine and Caffeine

Smokers, soda drinkers and coffee drinkers also have a tendency to clench and grind more than their non-smoking, drinking counterparts. Nicotine and caffeine act as stimulants to the nervous system. Over stimulation during the day may give one a sense of energy and alertness, sometimes even anxiety. Indeed, often one's blood pressure surges with even these mild stimulants. When one is sleeping, however, this excess nervous energy may be released in undesirable ways...such as clenching and grinding. Sleep itself may be disturbed and agitated, with deep cycles being shortened. This in turn contributes to clenching and grinding.

Other Drug Effects

Drugs, prescription and otherwise, can affect people in unanticipated ways. For example, prescription drugs for depression can cause clenching/grinding, as can over-the-counter products that treat cold symptoms. Read labels carefully. If the product raises blood pressure, causes dizziness, nervousness, sleeplessness etc. as a side effect, it may well contribute to nocturnal clenching and grinding.

Be kind to yourself. Skip the vino and after dinner coffee and cigarette and instead take a walk, focus on your breathing while walking and have a small glass of (ice) water when finished.

Can Leg Pain Be Coming From My Hip?

If you're experiencing leg pain, you might be wondering if it's possible that the pain is actually originating from your hip. The answer to this question is yes. Many times people with leg pain actually have an issue in their hip. It's very common for a person with a hip problem to have symptoms that refer down to the front of the leg or knee. This referred pain can radiate to other areas and cause a dull ache or even sharp, stabbing pains.

Could It Be Sciatica?

One very common yet issued that radiates down to the leg is called sciatica. Sciatica, simply put, is pain which radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve and the branches associated with it. Some people also feel it in their lower back down their buttocks and leg. The longest nerve in your body is the sciatic nerve as it runs from your spinal cord to your hip area and then down the back of each leg.

Sciatica is Just a Symptom

It's important to note that sciatica isn't a disorder in and of itself. It's actually a symptom that indicates to your doctor that there's another problem involving that nerve. For instance, you may have a herniated disc that's pressing on the sciatic nerve. Often, sciatica comes and goes in certain individuals. However, without treatment for the underlying cause of the nerve irritation, many people are destined to continue experiencing the pain of sciatica throughout their lives.

Leg Pain Isn't Always Sciatica

While sciatica can present several symptoms including pain, tingling and even a pins and needles feeling, there are other nerve irritations that can come from the hip and cause pain in the front of the leg and knee. When you feel pain in the front of the leg, it typically is not a problem with the sciatic nerve.

Because the pain can radiate from the hip throughout the leg, there are specific tests that a trained pain specialist can use to differentiate hip pain from a spinal problem or a leg problem. Just because you feel pain in your legs doesn't mean that the pain is actually originating from there. Instead, it could be coming from any number of nerves in your spinal column.

It's very important to have a pain specialist do the proper testing in order to find the underlying cause of your pain. By doing so, they will be able to create a complete treatment plan that may include physical therapy and other modalities to treat the cause rather than just throwing medication at the symptoms.

Big Toe Pain - Common Causes and Treatments

Pain in the big toe is a common cause of complaint. Its prominent position makes it prone to injury, however pain can be the result of a wide range of causes. The joints of the big toe are often problematic, with the following three conditions all affecting the big toe, along with common treatment programs often prescribed.

Hallus Rigidis

Hallus rigidis is a form of osteoarthritis which affects the big toe causing the toe to become stiff, usually at the base. The condition is caused by wear and tear, but can occur at an early age, when excess forces have been placed on the feet over time. Since the condition is often accompanied by swelling and inflammation, and occurs on the same joint as a bunion, the two problems are often confused in a home diagnosis. Hallus rigidis is a degenerative condition, however early treatment can help to limit the damage caused and prevent pain, with an early diagnosis important. Orthotic insoles, bunion shoes, corticosteroid injections and physiotherapy can all be used to high effect; however a medical diagnosis is important to ensure the correct treatment regimen is prescribed.

Gout

Gout is a relatively common hereditary disorder which commonly affects the big toe. It is due to the body's inability to deal with uric acid which creates a high blood concentration, which in turn causes uric acid crystals to form in the joints such as the big toe. The condition can cause intense pain with intermittent painful episodes. 90% of sufferers experience big toe pain at some point, with 50% of first time sufferers affected in the toe. The condition has also been linked to a purine rich diet, and can be treated and prevented by various dietary modifications, lifestyle changes and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's)

Bunions

One of the most common causes of big toe pain, and also one of the most easily recognised is a bunion. The condition is usually the result of wearing tight fitting shoes, with high heels exacerbating the problem. A bunion is the displacement bone at the first metatarsophalangeal joint of the foot, or can be due to excessive bone formation. The bony lump can be prone to inflammation and swelling, with accompanying pain, and make wearing shoes problematic. Bunion pads fit in the sides of the shoes to cushion the bunion and prevent abrasion and are highly effective in mild cases. Used in conjunction with many other treatment programs they can see pain prevented and the problem reverses. Common treatments include: night splints, toe straighteners, toe stretchers, and braces, all being highly effective for home treatment.

If a lack of pain is the problem, and you are losing the sensation in your big toe and your toes are always cold, it could indicate circulatory problem such as occurs in sufferers of Raynaud's disease. The condition is typified by problematic blood flow to the extremities, with diabetes sufferers also being prone to foot problems. If you have diabetes, it is vital to seek medical advice before trying any treatment which could affect the circulation.

A Rundown on Tooth Sensitivity

One of the very simple treats a person can experience in his life is consuming coffee. But occasionally, as opposed to the joy of drinking coffee, a person is faced with an unexpected, shooting pain emanating from the teeth. Yes, it's what we'd like to call tooth sensitivity.

Tooth sensitivity is tooth pain in one or even more teeth brought on by hot or cold drinks, sweet or sour food - sometimes even attempting to inhale cold air can be a pain. Normally, the enamel over the crown has worn away, exposing the tooth's dentin which is filled with tiny tubes with hypersensitive nerve endings.

A sensitive tooth is a result of several factors:

1. You could have tooth decay - cavities are holes or structural damage on the tooth. It's a frequent disorder that may be prevented, and if not, can result in loss of tooth. Symptoms consist of pain or achy feeling, or obvious holes on the teeth. Cavities can usually be treated with fillings, crowns or worse, a root canal.

2. Fractured teeth - found yourself in an accident and had a damaged tooth? For sure you've experienced this once in your lifetime and you never want it to happen again.

3. Gum Disease - Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums because of the loss of supporting tissues. It is brought on by the long term effects of plaque deposits. Plaque when they are not taken out becomes tartar and these irritate the gums. Symptoms involve bleeding gums while brushing the teeth, your gums appear bright red or red purple, or when they are sore to touch. Occasionally they can seem very shiny.

4. Receding gums expose the root areas of your teeth which contain nerve endings.

5. Tooth whitening products - we all want a happier, whiter smile, but at the expense of sensitive teeth. Most users of tooth whiteners complain of extra sensitivity of their teeth.

So, supposing you've been tested and have confirmed you've sensitive teeth. What's anyone to do to avoid the agony related to it?

Use tooth paste for sensitive teeth. There are several tooth pastes vouching for their effectiveness in numbing the agony from brushing your teeth. Some toothpastes provide lasting relief from the pain with no side effects.

Watch what you eat. Avoid drinking too cold or too hot drinks, sweet or sour food so that you can quickly steer clear of the sensitive teeth. Steer clear of acidic food; this includes wine or fruit drinks. If you can take the pain, then remember to clean your teeth Twenty minutes after.

Alter the way you brush your teeth. Have you been cleaning too harshly? Be gentle. You're not cleaning a bath room floor or your garage for teeth's sake.

The sensation felt with tooth sensitivity frequently occurs, but it's bothersome. One can no longer enjoy the food you used to enjoy due to the fact what was once pleasurable is now painful. From a mild twinge when consuming a chocolate bar, to a debilitating shooting pain when consuming your preferred cup of tea. Take proper care of your teeth; see your dentist regularly, because the loss of a tooth is irreparable.

Arthritis - Its Debilitating and Detrimental Effects

Did you know that Arthritis is one of the most disabling diseases? It's true! Arthritis currently affects more than 40 million Americans and that figure is expected to rise to 60 million by the year 2,020. It is imperative that you read this article and find out what this devastating disease is truly about.

Arthritis: What it Is

Basically, Arthritis is inflammation of the joints. There are currently over 100 forms of Arthritis and remarkably, that number continues to rise. The most common forms of Arthritis include: Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Gout (see our next article, "Symptoms of Arthritis" for more information). Osteoarthritis is the result of degenerative joint disease, or simply "wear and tear" on the joints. Rheumatoid Arthritis is the result of an over active Immune System that results in inflammation. Gout is the oldest form of Arthritis and is the result of too much Uric Acid. The Uric Acid deposits crystals in the joints, leading to "Gouty Arthritis". The joint pain, inherent to all Arthritis sufferers, is referred to as "Arthralgia". Not only are the joints susceptible to attack, but the surrounding muscles, tissues, and organs are vulnerable to the effects of Arthritis as well. In fact, Arthritis has been known to attack the heart, kidneys, lungs, and liver.

Many people mistakenly believe that Arthritis is a disease that only affects the elderly. This simply isn't the case. Yes it's true that seniors, especially senior women, are effected the greatest by Osteoarthritis, yet the average age for onset of Arthritis is 47 years old, and sufferers are generally afflicted between the ages of 20-50. Sadly, even infants have been diagnosed with forms of Arthritis.

One of the most devastating effects of Arthritis has to be that it is a chronic condition. Arthritis is so weakening that it only grows worse with time. In fact, Arthritis is so detrimental that of the diseases that instill chronic physical disabilities, Arthritis is second only to Heart Disease.

The cost of Arthritis is not only measured in the loss of quality of life, but it is also measured by dollars and cents as well. It is estimated that over $150,000 is lost by an individual over the course of a lifetime due to the debilitating effects of Arthritis. This is totaled by lost wages, medical treatments, and the cost of medically based needs and care.

The overall conclusion is that Arthritis is a seriously unbearable condition that causes chronic pain and weakness. It does not only affect seniors, but forms of Arthritis also plagues children. There are over 100 forms of Arthritis and all Arthritis sufferers share one thing in common, chronic joint pain. The top three common forms of Arthritis include Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Gout. We have seen that Arthritis isn't cured, but managed.

Some steps and treatment plans used by Arthritis sufferers include:

· Losing Weight (thereby reducing stress and strain on the joints)

· Increasing their Nutritional Intake

· Reducing Stress (both physical and emotional)

· Participating in Gentle Stress Free Exercises such as Stretching

· Using both Hot and Cold Therapies

· Protecting Joints by use of Splints and Braces

· Drug Therapies

· Surgery

If you suffer from Arthritis, don't give up. There are many people who are discovering that with the proper management and health care provisions, they can live better, healthier, and pain free lives.

· Stay tuned for the next article in our series on Arthritis, "Symptoms of Arthritis".

Home Remedies For Hip Pain - 7 Methods That Work Effectively

Hip pain is a very common problem. Hip pain can happen at all ages and can be caused by several factors, ranging from overuse of the joints, swelling in the joint, injuries and other diseases like arthritis bursitis and tendonitis. When a person suffers from hip pain, it makes normal joint movement painful and difficult. Hip pain is not always felt directly around the hip area. Sometimes you may feel it in the middle of your thigh or back.

There are various prescription and over-the-counter drugs to relieve the hip pain but there are also natural ways to reduce pain and lessen swelling in the hip joint. Given below are some home remedies that can relieve hip pain:

1. Ice and heat application. Application of ice packs and heat pads are the most effective treatments for dealing with pain and inflammation. Heat treatments can be used to relieve and loosen muscular tension in cases of chronic conditions while ice treatments is used in an acute situation to reduce swelling.

2. Physical therapy. Physical therapy is an important aspect to effective treatment of orthopedic conditions. These methods are very simple, but they require a qualified physical therapist that can teach you techniques to treat the condition at home.

3. Rest. Rest is the most effective treatment for hip pain and helps reduce acute inflammation. This might mean you may need to stay completely off your hip or leg for at least 24 to 48 hours.

4. Massage. Massage therapy's has been known to increase circulation of blood which carrying nutrients and oxygen to your cells. This in turn will relieve and loosen muscular tension in your hip. Apply Biofreeze on the muscles surrounding your hip joint, do it daily especially before you go to bed and after waking up in the morning.

5. Stretching. Stretching the muscles around the hip and pelvic area can help reduce the symptoms of hip pain. Taking specific stretching routine consistently will help you in the long run.

6. Healthy food. Increasing your consumption of healthy foods in your diet such as whole-grain cereals, cold-water fish (like salmon, sardines, tuna, rainbow trout, and herring), vegetables, fruits, seeds, beans, and nuts. Eliminate the amount of fats, processed foods, fried food, fast food, red meats, junk food and all hot spices from your diet.

7. Supplements. Supplements will help you alleviate inflammation and ease pain and also stiffness in the joints. Some supplements like bromalain, boswella, ginger, glucosamine and fish oils can be used to help you reduce inflammation and pain in the joints and also increase the flexibility of joints.

Be Quiet! Finding the Right Treatment for Your Tinnitus

If you have tinnitus, or "ringing in the ears" it may feel like no one else in the world can really understand what you're going through. But in fact, chronic noise in the ears affects 1 in 5 people according to MayoClinic.com. From a mild buzzing to a loud constant roar, tinnitus can affect your life and health negatively in many ways. It can cause sleeping problems, memory problems, depression, anxiety and ongoing stress. Tinnitus is often thought of as a medical condition, but it's actually a symptom that may be caused by any number of medical problems.

Risk factors for tinnitus include being male, Caucasian, suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, long-term exposure to loud noises, being over 65 years old and having age-related hearing loss. Underlying causes of tinnitus include injury, movement in the ear bones, TMJ disorders, acoustic neoroma, blood vessel disorders and Meniere's disease.

Before discovering which tinnitus treatment will be most effective, your health care professional must first discover the cause. If you're at risk and are experiencing hissing, ringing, whistling, clicking, roaring or buzzing in your ears for more than two weeks make an appointment with your physician.

Medical Treatments

After a physical examination and series of questions your doctor might suggest:

• Earwax removal
• Change in prescription medications
• Surgery or other treatments for an existing vascular condition

Medications

Medications don't cure tinnitus, but they may help alleviate the symptoms. Unfortunately, the medications that help are also habit forming and may cause many unwanted side effects. They include:

• Niravam
• Xanax
• Tricyclic antidepressants such as nortriptyline

Hearing Devices

If your doctor concludes there are no medical causes for tinnitus the next step is to see an audiologist for a comprehensive hearing examination. Age-related hearing loss is one of the most common causes of tinnitus. Hearing devices and accessories are reliable treatments and may include:

• Hearing aids
• White noise machines (for sound suppression)
• Personal sound masking device (a hearing-aid sized white noise device)
• Tinnitus retraining device

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Treatments

There is little scientific evidence to support alternative treatments for tinnitus, but many sufferers do report relief from the following remedies:

• Dietary supplements such as ginkgo, zinc and lipoflavonoids
• Acupuncture
• Counseling (especially when tinnitus is a symptom of stress or depression)
• Hypnosis
• Stress management
• Reduced alcohol intake
• Eliminating sugar substitutes from the diet

Don't suffer with tinnitus because you think nothing can be done. Your discomfort could be resolved by a simple visit to the doctor's office. And in the rare chance the ringing in your ears is being caused by a serious medical problem, seeking treatment for tinnitus could just save your life.

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome - What You Need to Know About Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

What is shoulder impingement syndrome?

Shoulder impingement syndrome is a common name given for a condition that causes shoulder joint pain and most often upper arm pain. This problem is typically associated with rotator cuff pathology and/or bursitis of the shoulder. This syndrome is often a sign that there is an underlying problem with one of those structures but could be related to other things as well. This article will discuss what you need to know about this painful condition.

The shoulder joint is a complex structure consisting of several muscles, bones, ligaments and a bursal sac. All of these structures act together to allow the joint the great flexibility and motion that it has. Because of its intricate design it is prone to injury. The more common injuries will occur to the soft tissue structures (the muscles and bursa). When these structures are injured they will become inflamed and this starts a painful process.

How does it occur?

Shoulder impingement syndrome occurs when one or more of the soft tissue structures becomes inflamed when injured. This inflammation causes a swelling in the area and reduces the space that these structures have to move around. The rotator cuff muscles and the bursal sac are very close to a piece of bone that is part of the shoulder blade. They actually sit right beneath it. As they swell the space between them and this bone becomes less and less. As you try to raise your arm overhead these swollen structures will get pinched (or impinged) under this bone and shoulder joint pain. This is how the impingement syndrome starts.

As the swelling worsens other motions will become painful as well such as reaching behind your back, pulling up your pants, or putting on a shirt. Weakness may develop over time as well. These are all common symptoms caused by this condition. If the pain and inflammation persists for a long period of time it can cause minor tears in the muscles which may eventually lead to a major tear. Once this happens your ability to raise your arm or use it normally will be markedly impaired.

How is this syndrome diagnosed?

A qualified physician or physical therapist can make the diagnosis of shoulder impingement syndrome. This starts with a thorough exam and medical history. Often times the MD will order x-rays to rule out a more serious problem. There are a series of tests including range of motion, muscle testing and special testing that are performed to identify this problem. The physician may also attempt and injection into the joint to see if it relieves the pain. If so then the diagnosis is confirmed.

What treatments are available for this problem?

Most treatment will focus on relieving your pain but you must understand that there is an underlying cause as to why this happened. This might include muscle weakness in the shoulder or shoulder blade, tightness in certain structures or an unstable shoulder. A qualified physician or physical therapist can determine this for you.

Shoulder joint pain is treated with anti-inflammatory medication. This must be taken for several weeks (up to 8) to notice a positive effect. You have to let your MD know if the meds aren't helping within 2 weeks or so. If they aren't he may prescribe a different form of anti-inflammatory. Persistent pain that is not relieved with meds or structured exercises may lead to a cortisone injection. This may or may not relieve the pain but it does not treat the underlying cause of the problem.

A core component to treating shoulder impingement syndrome is to perform a structured exercise program consisting of specific exercises designed to restore strength, improve flexibility and to restore the normal mechanics of the shoulder. It is not wise to perform random exercises given to you by a friend or coworker. The exercise program you perform must be specifically tailored for this condition.

Hip Pain and Some Common Causes For It

For all too many of us out there trying to get through our daily lives, we have to deal with daily, chronic pain. Hip pain is one of the most common complaints, especially as our population ages. Taking care of hip pain can be especially challenging because there can be so many reasons behind the pain. Doctors do recognize that there are some more common causes for hip pain and often look to these first.

Arthritis is by far the most common cause of hip pain. Of course, arthritis just means that the hip joint is inflamed. This can be a chronic or passing problem. There is a lot of research currently underway looking to address arthritis and joint pain. Fortunately, there are some promising results. One product that is growing in popularity is made from CFA's (cetylated fatty acids). They appear to be able to reduce inflammation in the joints while having no adverse side effects. Hips are rejoicing everywhere!

Another heavy hitter is tendonitis. Tendonitis can be found anywhere on the body sporting tendons, so this is not a very limited issue. The tendon in the hip area with the largest number of complications is the IT band, or the iliotbial band. Hip pain is a common symptom of tendonitis found in this area. CFA's may help to reduce hip pain with tendonitis simply by helping to cut down on the amount of inflammation found in the joint.

Fractures involving the hip joint are seen all too often as our bodies age. No one who has been around for the last couple decades and watches television at all can forget the whole "I've fallen and I can't get up" ad campaign. It is sad, but true, that many older adults will have hip problems due to a fall. The fracture issue comes in when the fallen person is dealing with osteoporosis. Unfortunately, when a hip is broken surgery is usually the only option to repair it and get the patient back on his or her feet. There are many different options available when it comes to surgery, depending on the fracture and the health of the patient.

Stress fractures are also a common issue causing hip pain. This type of fracture has nothing to do with age and everything to do with the level of activity and stress placed on the hip joint. There are limited options when it comes to relieving pain caused by a stress fracture. The only treatment that is going to be effective is to rest the joint and avoid the high-impact activity that caused the fracture in the first place.

If you are experiencing hip pain, a trip to your primary-care physician is probably a great place to start looking for relief. Those who have been diagnosed with issues such as arthritis or tendonitis may want to give products such as CFA's a shot...you have nothing to lose but pain in your hip!

High Estrogen? Top 5 Symptoms

High estrogen is not a very popular topic for menopausal women these days.

In fact, the hottest topic in menopause is low estrogen -- but what about all of the women experiencing symptoms of high estrogen?

Typically, women in peri menopause (the first stages of menopause) experience estrogen dominance symptoms before they experience low estrogen symptoms!

Why? During this time, our progesterone levels are low. Progesterone is a hormone that balances estrogen, so a low level of progesterone allows estrogen to dominate, and we experience symptoms of estrogen dominance -- even if our estrogen levels are normal.

1. Weight Gain

The average women in peri menopause and menopause gains 5 to 12 pounds.

Yikes! Too much estrogen can slow your metabolism and enlarge fat cells in your belly and thighs.

Stay away from refined carbohydrates, get involved in a workout program that you love, and eat your veggies.

2. Tender Breasts

Ouch! This is no fun. It's hard to function when your breasts hurt. You have probably noticed that as you go through your menstrual cycle, your breasts tend to hurt just before you get your period. This is when your level of estrogen rises, and your breasts become fuller and more full of fluid. All of that causes our breasts to become tender.

It's a bit harder to predict breast pain if you are in peri menopause and you are experiencing irregular periods.

Incorporating omega-3 fats, fruits, veggies, and high fiber foods into your diet will help you feel better.

3. Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are the most common type of fibroid found in women. They are noncancerous growths of tissue and muscle in the uterus.

While they are not cancerous, they can cause you to bleed and to have other unpleasant symptoms. Also, in a very small amount of cases, uterine fibroids can pose an elevated risk of cancer, so see your doctor!

Excess estrogen promotes the growth of uterine fibroids as do high blood pressure and obesity.

4. Fatigue

Extreme tiredness is another of the symptoms of high estrogen. Fatigue may show itself as exhaustion, or you could get headaches, joint pain, muscle aches, or fevers.

After being fatigued for long amounts of time, it's easy to fall into depression, so see your doctor and talk about treatment options if you're feeling constantly tired.

5. Headaches

While the exact cause of menopausal headaches and migraines is difficult to pin down, it's clear that shifting hormones and an excess of estrogen can leave our heads pounding.

Some birth control pills can cause headaches along with not getting enough sleep, and excess caffeine and chocolate.

Many women use the herb, feverfew, to lessen their menopause migraines.

Help!

Raising your progesterone level will help to treat these symptoms.

You can use progesterone cream by rubbing 1/2 to 1/4 a teaspoon onto your face, thighs, stomach, or neck once a day. Progesterone cream will also help your skin to look fresh and plump -- so there is an added benefit to using it!

What Is Temporary Manipular Joint Pain?

If you have been experiencing neck pains, facial pains, and even headaches for some time, then you should go to your doctor to have yourself checked. If these pains include ringing in the ears, buzzing, clicking or sometimes locking of your jaw, then you may have signs of an acute condition. If these symptoms are present, then you may have a temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMJ, or simply known as jaw pain.

Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ, starts from the muscles that move your lower jaw. You would likely feel that your jaw is being grabbed, and this is all because of the temporalis, the muscle that spreads like a fan inside. It's good advice to seek a qualified physician, as some physicians only have minor training in the uses and conditions relating to the temporalis muscle. Sometime, they make the common mistake of simply diagnosing the conditions as a migraine. If it is continuously hurting you, there is probably something more and you should have it checked once more.

TMJ typically occurs is when you have not visited your dentist in a long time. This essentially means that your teeth and jaw are not maintained well. TMJ can also start with an accident, and so you must always be careful. There are two types of TMJ that you need to be aware of. The first is the Acute TMJ, where you feel the onset of pain suddenly. The other one is the Chronic TMJ, where the pain does not just go away easily and so it keeps you bothered until you have it checked. In most cases acute conditions refer to pain that lasts under three months, with chronic pain being classed as pain that is continuous for three months or more.

Other causes of TMJ include a deficiency in nutrients such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, magnesium, calcium, and so on. So make sure you have plenty of fruits and vegetables.

And if you already have TMJ disorder, one thing you can do is to massage the area of your jaw, gently so you can get some pain relief and relax the surrounding muscles. Another thing is when you would take over-the-counter analgesics, such as the Nuprin and Motrin. The only thing is that, it would not fully recover you from the disorder; it would just prevent the pain every now and then. To get long-term relief for you pain, you will need to consult a qualified health professional such as an osteopath or physiotherapist.

Natural Pain Relief Tips for Arthritis

I got rid of my arthritis and arthritis pain naturally by drastically changing my diet. I stopped eating the standard American diet (SAD.)

Arthritis sufferers today are continually seeking relief from their arthritis pain.

Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease of the joint cartilage and bone, often thought to result from "wear and tear" on a joint, although there are other causes of arthritis such as congenital defects, trauma and metabolic disorders. Unlike some other types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis is not systemic - it does not spread through the entire body. The pain in arthritis can be moderate to severe.

Damaged joints cause pain and sufferers are constantly looking for ways to relieve the pain. Cartilage contains chondrocytes, water, proteoglycans and collagen; chondrocytes are the basic cartilage cells and are necessary for balance and function. The ability to make repairs to cartilage becomes limited as cartilage cells age.

One possible cause of arthritis is the inflammatory response due to the over-reaction of the immune system to an injury or other assault in the body, like an infection. Although osteoarthritis generally accompanies aging, osteoarthritic cartilage is chemically different from normal aged cartilage. As chondrocytes (the cells that make up cartilage) age, they lose their ability to make repairs and produce more cartilage; this process may play an important role in the development and progression of osteoarthritis.

Nutrition experts say it takes a combination of supplements, that no one supplement can relieve arthritis pain, build cartilage, etc. One natural approach is to consume foods that are known to help relieve arthritis pain or prevent arthritis. One natural treatment method involves avoiding all inflammatory foods.

If you're not already doing so, make a big effort to watch your diet. Try avoiding the eight most allergic foods, wheat being the most allergenic; they are wheat, corn, eggs, milk, peanuts, fish, shellfish and some nuts, not all. Natural treatment for arthritis is usually a better choice because it's non-invasive to the body.

Some foods and beverages to avoid that are inflammatory are: caffeine, salt, sugar, meat, dairy products, additives, soft drinks, white flour, white rice, alcoholic beverages, fast food, processed vegetable oils, refined, packaged and processed food. Gluten may be a culprit in arthritic diseases including fibromyalgia; avoid wheat, barley, rye, spelt, triticale, kamut and oats (although not a gluten grain it gets contaminated at the wheat mills).

The first step in managing your arthritis is to change your diet; I think all experts would agree on this. With natural treatments there will be fewer, if any, side effects or adverse reactions.

Whatever you do, keep moving; don't sit when you can stand, don't stand when you can walk. Exercise is good for joints affected by osteoarthritis. Keep a bedside basket of arthritic aids for arthritic hands (Thera-putty, hand grips, Taiji chime balls, etc.) to be used at bedtime or while watching television. A good exercise routine is the key to beating arthritis and arthritis pain.

Use Taiji health balls, with the chimes, to strengthen the finger joints: hold two balls, move in a clockwise circle with your fingers to rotate them, then try counterclockwise and do throughout the day. To be on the safe side always seek your doctor's advice before starting or changing your exercise program. Fight arthritis through proper exercise!

If you're going to go the conventional treatment route and take medications, ask your pharmacist for drug inserts so you can read up on the drugs and understand any side effects or adverse reactions, before taking them. At the very least, understand what the side effects and adverse reactions are for any drug you take. If you're planning to take any of the non-prescription NSAIDS for arthritis, make sure you understand what bad effects they can have on the stomach, liver and/or kidneys and discuss this with your doctor.

Changing your diet to predominately fruits, raw veggies, nuts, and seeds like I did, can turn your arthritis pain around almost overnight. More and more doctors are investigating the benefits of alternative therapies and most don't object to patients trying them. One should not only search for relief of arthritis pain but work on preventing it.

Joint Pain and Acid Reflux May Be Caused by Poor Digestion

How well we digest our food and absorb the life giving nutrients it contains will dictate our overall health. Many chronic illnesses manifest in the body over time due to poor digestion or an invasion of unwanted 'bugs' such as parasites, amoeba, and harmful nano-bacteria. Often the remedy for indigestion or 'acid reflux' symptoms is an acid reducer or blocker. This approach actually opens the body to these harmful 'bugs', as they are more likely to survive in an environment with low acidic levels. Once these bugs make a home in your GI tract, they can live, breed, and cause damage to the intestinal lining. This damage to the lining then allows toxins to slowly seep into the blood stream and tissues, leading to many autoimmune or degenerative type diseases.

The lack of digestive enzymes and hydrochloric acid in the stomach and GI system can also inhibit the absorption of key minerals and nutrients that the body needs to properly heal from traumas and maintain healthy organ and gland function, as well as everyday cellular regeneration. For example, someone experiencing chronic joint pain may in fact find the root cause in poor digestion. Once the proper digestive enzymes are restored, the body is able to absorb and utilize key minerals and nutrients needed for bone and joint health.

If you are experiencing chronic indigestion, bloating or acid reflux symptoms, the most likely cause is too little stomach acid and a lack of digestive enzymes. This lack can be caused by emotional or physical stress, eating too many cooked or processed foods, and over the counter or prescription medications.

As we age, we use up the valuable enzymes needed to digest our food, and our bodies begin to ration them in an act of self-preservation. By the time we reach our mid to late 20's we have already used up the bulk of our enzymes. It is important to eat more raw foods, and use digestive enzymes to assist in properly digesting cooked or processed foods. Often, just by taking steps to heal the digestive system, many health problems can be alleviated.

For more information on the steps you can take to heal your digestion please contact the office at 407-328-6711

Treatment Options for Thumb CMC Arthritis

Thumb CMC arthritis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The "opposable thumb" that has allowed us to develop fine motor coordination is made possible by the CMC joint, located at the base of the thumb. Also known as the basal joint, it's the most important joint in your hand, allowing you to pinch, manipulate objects, and to grasp items of various sizes. When this joint is painful, tasks that seem so simple, such as writing, turning keys, or buttoning, can become burdensome.

The thumb CMC joint gets most of its stability from ligaments, rather than the bony structure of the joint. These ligaments can stretch after years of use, eventually leading to instability, causing the cartilage of these bones to wear. A form of osteoarthritis, it's a progressive condition caused by wear and tear that can progress to bone on bone pain in the later stages.

In daily life, this joint takes an enormous amount of strain since it's used whenever we hold anything in our hand. It often begins to show signs of wear when a person is in their late 40s to early 50s. Both women and men are affected by thumb CMC arthritis, but it's more common in women since they are more likely to have ligament laxity.

There are several options to treat the pain that occurs with thumb CMC arthritis:

1. Splinting: The purpose of wearing a splint is to provide support to the thumb CMC joint, taking some of the strain off of the joint. A good splint will position the thumb so you can easily touch the tip of your thumb to your index finger. Custom splints can be molded directly to your hand by a local hand or occupational therapist. Premade splints come in a variety of options. Generally, splints can be worn during activities that involve thumb use, and can also be worn at night to keep the thumb in a good resting position.

2. Therapy: A local hand or occupational therapist can teach you ways to decrease your pain, techniques to protect your joints, and exercises to prevent stiffness.

3. Cortisone Injections: Your orthopedic surgeon may recommend a cortisone injection to decrease your pain. It's a steroid that is injected directly into the joint to decrease inflammation. Pain relief can vary from person to person. Some report total relief of symptoms while others don't. Talk to your doctor to learn more.

4. Surgery: People decide to have a joint replacement surgery when pain has progressed to the point that it limits function in daily activities. With this procedure, a bone in your wrist (or at least a portion of it) is removed. A strip of muscle or tendon is taken from your forearm and placed in the open space. There are several different versions of this surgery so if you have questions, talk to your doctor.

Despite which option you choose, pay attention when you experience thumb pain. Try to limit or avoid activities that require pinching whenever possible. Many adaptive devices have been developed to decrease the pinch force used for activities. Using a pencil grip on your pen or a key adapter on your keys can make your life easier and less painful. Remember that the earlier you seek treatment, the more proactive you can be to prevent it from progressing!

Wearing Supportive Braces With Joint Pain

If you suffer from joint pain and stiffness, you may be inclined to wear a brace to help stabilize the joint. Joints damaged by age or overuse may become weakened and stiff during everyday activities. A supportive brace may help alleviate this pain and stiffness throughout your busy day. Whether it's inflammation from an injury or arthritis, braces can offer patients a reprieve from the pain and stiffness.

What Are They?

A supportive brace is just as it sounds. It is a contraption that you wrap around the weakened joint which lends support and aid to the joint. There are many types of braces for such pain, such as a knee brace, ankle brace and the like. Generally the brace will have a type of restriction which keeps the joint in perfect alignment and can ease the pain associated with overused joints. For example, a knee brace can lend support to a weakened knee joint, realign the joint so that it is in proper alignment with the hip and back, and help ease the pain of misalignment.

If you have an injury to a joint, bracing it can help speed up the process of healing, by keep the joint in proper alignment. Braces with strong support are frequently utilized by individuals who have experienced some trauma to a joint, like overuse or sprains. For this, supportive braces can strengthen the muscles and ligaments associated with the injured joint by essentially acting as a second muscle group, keeping the injured muscles from experiencing additional trauma.

For those who suffer from arthritis, supportive braces can increase motility of the damaged joint and in some case, relieve the pain associated with the condition. Often arthritic braces act as an insulator, applying heat to the afflicted joint to reduce pain by keeping it warm. Neoprene sleeve are a common type of arthritic supportive braces. The neoprene sleeve can insulate and thereby help alleviate joint pain from arthritis.

Should I Just Go Get One?

As with any medical condition, it is always advisable to seek medical treatment for any injury or disorder. If you have joint pain, you may have a more serious arthritic condition which may require surgery. Minor injuries do not always require a supportive brace and in fact supportive braces can do more harm than good if worn inappropriately. This is why it is important to consult a physician before wearing a supportive brace. Only a physician can affirm whether a supportive brace is the right choice for you.

TMJ Pain Relief - 2 Tips to Immediately Manage Your TMJ

TMJ (or temporomandibular joint disorder). TMJ can cause intense pain as the cartilage in the lower jaw becomes displaced and leads to intense pressure on the nerves. For some, TMJ can become so debilitating, only baby food can be tolerated. For others, who have found TMJ pain relief, the symptoms of the disease are almost non-existent. So how can you find TMJ pain relief? Below are 2 tips to help.

One aspect in finding TMJ pain relief, is changing your diet. One thing you can try is to add more magnesium to your diet. Magnesium deficiency has been linked to TMJ as well as a host of other diseases, including fibromyalgia and insomnia. If you're looking for TMJ pain relief this could be one of the first things you try. While magnesium is one root cause there are at least 50 well known foods which could lead to immediate TMJ pain relief.

Another method of TMJ relief is to manage the spasms you get. When you feel a spasm coming on, immediately place a warm wash cloth on the point of pain. While this is not a cure for TMJ, you will find immediate relief from the TMJ pain.

If you know where to look, there are plenty of other tips out there to find out the foods you should never eat, foods you could eat to immediately soothe your pain as well as exercises which could help you cure your TMJ over time. TMJ does not have to be debilitating. It can be managed and you can live a normal life.

Arthritis Joint Pain Treatment and Herbal Remedies That Work

For patients with arthritis, coping with joint pain seems to be the most important thing. Unless immediate measures of reducing pain in the joints are taken the condition can worsen someone's quality of life to the point when he or she becomes incapable of doing even the simple movements. An early diagnosis is almost vital and, even though physicians prescribe medicine that reduces arthritis joint pain many people find help in essential oils and herbal supplements.

Some herbs contain impressive amounts of anti-inflammatory agents and analgesic substances. Massage is also recommended in joint pain and if it's also done with certain essential oils it becomes even more efficient. With proper care, one can leave it arthritis for many years, having a normal life and capable of hugging his or hers children, of carrying on with the job and of performing household activities.

The following are efficient and proven remedies for arthritis joint pain -

1. Fenugreek seeds - They are recommended in acute crises of arthritis. One tablespoon of fenugreek seeds accompanied by gentle massage of the affected joint does wonders for the sufferers.

2. Rumatone Gold oil - It is recommended for massaging the joints gently.

3. Olive oil and kerosene oil - Make a mixture from two parts of olive oil and one part of kerosene oil and use it for massaging the aching joints.

4. Turmeric powder - Mix it with warm water and drink it. Do this three twice a day, every day and you'll notice improvements in your joints condition on the long run.

5. Wild cucumber bark - This is known as a powerful remedy in rheumatism and arthritis. Take a teaspoon three times a day, but keep in mind that this also has a laxative effect, so adjust the dose if necessary.

6. Willow - This herb contains salicin, a substance that pharmaceutical companies use for making aspirin, so its effect is similar with that of the pill. The best part in using willow instead of aspirin is that you won't run the risk of developing gastrointestinal problems, a common side effect of aspirin

7. Black cohosh - It is good for arthritis joint pain because of the anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic substances it contains.

8. American ginseng - It is recommended for a wide variety of medical conditions and it increases the body's natural ability of fighting diseases and pains. It has a positive impact on your overall health condition and it also provides relief from arthritis joint pain. However, be cautious not to use Asian ginseng instead because this can aggravate your condition.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Or TMJ

If it hurts when you chew or use or jaw or when you yawn, there can be a problem. If you feel pain in your cheek, teeth in front of the ear or in the temples, then you need to think seriously. If you find it difficult to open your mouth wide or if your jaws get stuck when you open it or if you experience soreness in your teeth or if your jaws make a lot of noise, then you need to be alert. If you are noticing these symptoms, then you can be sure that you have a problem of temporomandibular joint disorder or TMJ. TMJ is a problematic condition which proves to be painful and attacks your jaws.

The signs and symptoms of TMJ can be limited movement of the jaw of locking of the jaw, dizziness, hearing problems, headaches, earaches and problem in swallowing, pain in the shoulders, face or neck, the improper fitting of upper and lower teeth and painful grating when opening or closing of the mouth.

Your chiropractor will help you with the treatment of TMJ like chiropractic manipulation, exercises, massage and ice or heart therapy. The first step in chiropractic treatment is to reduce the pain and soreness. In case your chiropractor thinks that you might need more assistance, he or she will refer you to the appropriate specialist.

You can also learn a few things from your chiropractor so that you can avoid things that can be harmful. You should avoid joint movements that can prove to be harmful for you like having a big apple or a big sandwich can cause you to open your mouth too wide and hence project a harmful effect on the jaw. Use of ice or heat can also prove to be helpful and reduce the pain. Just after the injury or start of the pain, ice is a good help. At a later point of time, if you are still experiencing pain and discomfort, you should switch over to heat. You should also perform exercises that are specifically meant for TMJ. There are certain stretching and strengthening exercises that help to reduce the pain and help to treat TMJ. Your chiropractor will give you more advice on that. Chiropractic treatment is the best method of treatment for TMJ as it is completely natural and helps to reduce pain and soreness and can prove to be very effective.

Do Joint Supplements Work?

There are mixed reviews on whether joint supplements work to aid in painful joint conditions associated with arthritis, especially osteoarthritis, which is the most common type. Arthritis is a degenerative disease that involves the inflammation of joints. This condition causes pain, infection and affects many people. There are treatments available through the medical community in the form of prescription medications, but some sufferers have decided to add joint supplements to their care regime.

The ones that people are talking about are Glucosamine and Chondroitin. What exactly are these natural aids? Glucosamine and Chondroitin are actually components of the cartilage in the human joints. The idea is that an additional dose of these two will cause enhanced growth of healthy cartilage in your body in order to alleviate painful symptoms. While this is a great theory, the opinions about whether it actually works are mixed.

There have been several studies done so far but some medical authorities feel that the length of the studies have not been long enough to prove anything accurately. The longer and more comprehensive a medical study is, the more valuable the findings. Of the studies that have been done, there has been indication that these are helping. The participants of the studies have had a higher percentage of pain-free days than those that were merely taking a placebo. There was also an encouraging European study that showed that participants had better findings on x-rays, as well.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin, can be purchased separately or as a combined supplement. There is reportedly a wide variety of quality available. It would be wise to query the local health food store advisor on vitamins and supplements in order to learn about the different brands. Go with the most reputable distributors. Reading consumer reports on vitamin manufacturers should give one a head's up on the best distributors, as well. Consumers should also be aware that these supplements aren't well regulated.

A bit of positive news about these supplements is that they have very few side effects. They have also been shown to have some protective effects on the surface of the joint. Osteoarthritis is a slow moving disease. It is definitely helped by proper diet, keeping at a healthy weight, obtaining adequate exercise, and taking prescription medication properly.

It's an individual choice, of course, but these health aids are showing positive and encouraging results so far. More studies will occur as time passes, in order to shed more light on the validity of the current research.

Frequently Asked Questions About Knee Arthritis

What are my chances of developing arthritis in my knees?

Your chances of developing arthritis overall are fairly high. Osteoarthritis affects approximately one in 6 adults at right around 50 million people. If you are a woman, your chances are slightly higher than men for developing arthritis. But overall the chances are approximately 15 to 20%.

What are the different types of arthritis?

The most common type of arthritis by far is osteoarthritis. This is a degenerative joint disease that comes on from wear and tear from normal activities. It is due to cartilage that normally covers the ends of our bones deteriorating. This causes pain and loss of range of motion as bone begins to rub against bone when the cartilage is gone.

Additional types of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis which is an autoimmune disease, gout, ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile arthritis, lupus, and some people include scleroderma and fibromyalgia as types of arthritis.

Who is most commonly affected with arthritis?

As mentioned arthritis afflicts more women than it does men. There are so many types of arthritis identified, it affects people in all age groups including children to the tune of 300,000. Most commonly at risk are those termed "baby boomers". Over half of those afflicted with arthritis are under the age of 65.

What treatments are available for arthritis?

The treatments for arthritis will depend first of all what kind of problem the patient has. If it's an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis then there are various medications such as methotrexate or low-dose steroids that may be effective. The same is true for lupus which is another autoimmune disorder with treatments by a rheumatologist often being extremely effective. When a person has gout there are medications to help counteract the situation and to help prevent it from coming back. The medications prescribed for gout will vary depending on which type the patient has.

The most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis, has multiple levels of treatments available. The first would include activity avoidance, which means that if a certain activity flares up arthritis pain it should be avoided. Secondly, there are medications that can help a lot such as anti-inflammatory medications and Tylenol. These should always be taken according to the manufacturers recommendations. Injections of steroid medication can help significantly in osteoarthritis along with the other types as well including rheumatoid arthritis.

There is an additional type of injection frost urethritis which consists of hyaluronic acid injections. These help replace the lubricating joint fluid and can promote the body to make more. There are also some nutritional supplements called glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate which can help protect cartilage and also promote the body to make a little bit more.

At what point do I need surgery for my arthritis condition?

Arthritis is not a fatal condition. Therefore, having surgery for arthritis is a quality of life decision and should be considered a last resort. Only the patient him or herself can know just how bothersome the arthritis is. Therefore, after substantial nonoperative treatment has been tried, it can only be up to the patient to decide just how much pain they are in, how much pain they can tolerate, and whether surgery is right at that point in time.

7 Major Differences Between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Arthritis is a very painful condition that affects millions and millions of Americans every year. There are many different types of arthritis including psoriatic arthritis, gout, septic arthritis, scleroderma, osteoarthritis, gonococcal arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthritis of all types is a condition that affects the body's joints. A joint is defined as the location where two bones in the body come together. People suffering from arthritis experience joint inflammation that may occur in one bodily joint or many joints.

Two types of arthritis that are commonly discussed include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. You may be wondering what some of the major differences are between these two conditions. Here are seven major differences between osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

1. Osteoarthritis is more common than Rheumatoid Arthritis. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), OA affects around 27 million American adults 25 years and older. The Arthritis Foundation reports that RA affects about 1.5 million people in the United States.


2. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition caused by the wearing of bodily joints over time. RA is an autoimmune disease that occurs when a person's immune system attacks the body's joints.


3. Typically people experience OA when they get older. RA can strike a person at any point in life. When it occurs in children, it is sometimes called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.


4. RA can occur quite quickly whereas OA tends to have a more gradual progression over the course of many years.


5. RA tends to strike in a more symmetrical manner where a person might experience inflammation and pain in both hands or both feet. In contrast, OA can easily affect only one joint in the body.


6. Both types of arthritis cause a sense of stiffness in the morning. While the morning stiffness may lessen as the day goes on for those with OA, people with RA are more likely to experience this stiffness for a longer period of time during and throughout the day.


7. Rheumatoid arthritis is often accompanied with other symptoms which include overall tiredness and malaise, whereas the discomfort associated with osteoarthritis is specific to the joint that is affected.

Arthritis of any type is painful and challenging. Treatment most typically aims to help reduce discomfort, aid physical functioning and if possible, to prevent additional damage to bodily joints.

A thorough physical examination by a trained health care professional like a board certified orthopedic physician is advisable if you think you might be suffering from any type of arthritis including osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

Your Thyroid Can Make Your Ears Ring!

Tinnitus is a medical expression for "ringing in the ears" though a few hear other sounds. This kind of noise could be heard in one ear, both ears, the middle of the head or can just be difficult to pinpoint. The noise can be low, medium or high-pitched and it can be continuous or it may come and go. Tinnitus is common throughout all age groups, particularly after exposure to loud noise, however it is uncommon as a major issue except if it gets to be chronic.

There isn't any one cause of tinnitus. It's a symptom associated with an underlying condition. That condition could be age-related hearing loss, an injury to the ear or even trouble with your circulatory system. Some other conditions are Meniere's Disease, TMJ, high blood pressure, sinusitis, thyroid dysfunction and so on.

Tinnitus is actually a common effect of thyroid dysfunction. A lot of people with this condition get a ringing in their ears. Dysfunction of the thyroid causes various other issues which include lowered energy levels, increased sensitivity to pain, weight gain, and depression.

The thyroid is a small gland, shaped just like a butterfly, positioned in the lower part of your neck. It's among the major endocrine glands in the body. The thyroid controls how fast the body expends energy, creates proteins and just how sensitive the body would be to other hormones. The two most typical conditions with thyroid dysfunction are hormone overproduction (hyperthyroidism) and hormone underproduction (hypothyroidism).

Hyperthyroidism only affects 1% of people. It causes an increase to your metabolism. The symptoms consist of nervousness, irritability, weight loss, shaky hands, panic disorder, racing heart and tinnitus. The tinnitus brought on by hyperthyroidism is normally linked to heart rate and is pulsatile in nature.

Hypothyroidism is somewhat more common. It affects about 1% to 2% of women and less than one half of a % of men and happens more frequently as we grow old. It causes a decrease to the metabolism. The symptoms are fatigue, lethargy, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation as well as enlargement of the thyroid gland. Further conditions can include hearing impairment and tinnitus. With hypothyroidism tinnitus is usually present as a constant sound.

Tinnitus will most likely lessen or resolve as soon as the underlying condition is resolved. The use of supplements has proven to strengthen your thyroid health. They include things like:

Iodine - Iodine deficiency, which is a major cause of thyroid dysfunction, can be increased with diet and kelp supplementation. Foods that have iodine are yogurt, eggs, meat, fish and other seafood, radish, parsley, potatoes, oatmeal and bananas.

Selenium - Most people diagnosed with hypothyroidism had been selenium deficient. Selenium deficiency can lower the activity of the thyroid hormones.

Tyrosine - Tyrosine is an amino acid needed by the body to manufacture thyroid hormones from iodine.

Thyroid Glandular - Thyroid glandular supplements have been used since the beginning of thyroid treatment and remain effective.

Bladderwrack - Bladderwrack is seaweed that is a rich source of iodine. Traditionally it has been used for weight loss and hypothyroidism. It also contains the minerals potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, etc.

Coconut Oil - Aside from benefiting the thyroid it also helps you lose weight.

Herbal Pain Relief For Arthritis - 3 Herbs That Work Great and Naturally

If you are looking for herbal pain relief for arthritis, you may end up settling for traditional pain medications because herbal remedies can be confusing to use. You hear people all the time saying that herbs is the way to go if you want to get to the root cause of your problem. This may be well and good but with so many natural remedies for pain relief on the market, how can you decide what is really effective for arthritis pain.

First of all you must know that herbs do not work like traditional medications. Most prescription and over- the-counter medications mask illnesses. They never get to the root cause of any illness except for antibiotics which is another subject and I don't have time to get into it here.

Herbs on the other hand, in the right combination, will get to the root cause of the problem and work to heal you from the inside out. However, it does take awhile for herbs to work and most don't work immediately. If you are really suffering from arthritis pain, you really need to take this into consideration because you may not get quick pain relief.

So what are some of the herbal pain relievers that really work for arthritis. One herb, white willow bark, is a natural pain reliever. It is actually what inspired the making of aspirin a synthetic version of white willow bark. Unlike aspirin, white willow bark does not have the gastric side effects that are common with taking aspirin. This herb is also good for reducing inflammation in the joints.

Turmeric is another herb that can provide herbal pain relief for arthritis. There are literally thousands of testimonial about the benefits of turmeric in relieving joint pain. This herb is commonly used as a spice in east Asia and Hungarian dishes. It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It is best to buy it in bulk and start out with 1/8 tsp daily and then gradually work you way up to 1 tsp in a month or two to help relieve arthritis pain.

Finally, cayenne pepper with its active ingredient capsaicin is effective for easing pain caused by arthritis. Capsaicin can be used topically as a cream, ointment or ingested as a capsule. It also reduces inflammation, improves circulation, and lowers blood sugars. The recommended dose to relief arthritis pain is to take two capsules three to four times a day.

They are many others herbal remedies that are recommended for arthritis like glucosamine that help rebuild cartilage so you can use glucosamine in conjunction with tumeric, white willow bark, or cayenne pepper. Herbal pain relief for arthritis may not happen overnight but these three herbs work if you are consistent in their use.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJD)

Temporomandibular joint disorder includes the human jaw joint, the temporal bone extending from the skull to the ears and the jaw muscles. It is the most complex joint in human body. The lower jaw opens as a hinge, slides forward and even side to side. This facial area helps in chewing, biting and other jaw movements such as talking and yawning. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD) can thus hinder all of these movements. Jaw alignment disorders are common and can be treated easily. However, sometimes the problem is complex and the infrastructure of the joint is not right lengthy measures have to be taken to resolve the problem. TMJD is a sub-part of myofascial pain dysfunction or craniomandibular dysfunction.

Symptoms:
• Pain around ears, in the jaw, shoulders, tooth and face.
• The jaw clicks and pops whenever moved. The irregular sounds produced by the jaw indicate TMJD.
• Hindrance in opening the mouth within the normal range with pain or without pain.
• Patients continuously grind their teeth.
• Excessive pain is experienced in the head and neck area. This can be either occasional or persistent depending upon the severity of the disease.
• Patients may even face severe migraine headache attacks.
• The ears start ringing (tinnitus).
• Snoring and sleep apnea may occur.

Occurrence of any of the preceding symptoms indicates presence of TMJD. Patients may be perplexed about how they got the disease. The causes of TMJD are thus listed below.

Causes:
1. Bruxing: This is excessive grinding of the teeth subconsciously as a habit or during sleep. This indicates psychological stress and can be investigated by a doctor looking at the wear and tear on the patient's teeth.

2. Uneven bite: Sometimes the rows of teeth are not in a straight line. Some are higher than others. This irregularity exerts different amounts of pressure on the temporal joints when chewing. One joint might be compensating for the other as more pressure is being exerted on it.

3. Trauma/stress: This can be a major contributing factor towards TMJD. The brain can be overworked that causes the muscles to stiffen or stress leads to bruxing.

4. Dental work: Braces or other dental procedures can also cause TMJD. Braces could cause TMJD initially as the teeth may be slowly being pulled back. This causes the muscle to flex and the jaw to remain under stress.

5. Accident: Accidents may lead to a slightly or seriously dislocated jaw that causes TMJD.

6. Inflammation: Diseases may cause muscle inflammation that will inflame the jaw muscle

Besides the reasons mentioned above, Patient with arthritis and fibromyalgia have higher probabilities of developing TMJD.

Treatment:
Treatment of TMJ depends on the cause of the disease. In simpler cases, doses containing painkillers may suffice. In other cases, however, the jaw structure may have to be worked upon.

- Treatment for Bruxing: For patients with TMJD caused by bruxing, the grinding of the teeth has to be stopped. Doctors may recommend various relaxation techniques. A night guard can also be placed. It prevents contact between the upper and lower jaw.

- Stabilizing the bite: To adjust the bite, orthotic can be prescribed. This aligns the bite and maximizes comfort.

- Reconstructing the bite: In some cases where stabilization does not seem enough, the bite may have to be reconstructed. Placing a permanent orthotic is one alternative. Other ways include reshaping your teeth using crowns/on lays or moving your teeth to adjust properly.

Teeter Inversion Hang Ups - The Perfect Exercise Machine for Arthritis Patients

Teeter hang ups inversion tables or simply teeter inversion is an excellent exercise machine, far from the universal gym equipments found in the corners of most homes.

After watching a video about how it works, I realized this could be the perfect exercise machine for persons with limitations on mobility. This is especially useful for individuals suffering from arthritis because the teeter hang ups inversion tables provide maximum support for the back.

Arthritis is a crippling disease which makes it hard for a sufferer to move his joints, mostly the knee and hips. However, I find the teeter inversion to be an easy and effective exercise machine for arthritic patients for them to restore their mobility.

Physiologically, arthritis is caused by the weakness of muscles: weak muscles at the back is susceptible to back pains and at the same time a weak muscle support to the spine and pelvis increases ones risk to arthritis on those parts. If your leg muscles cannot bear the weight of your upper body, the knee cartilage absorbs much of the weight and can wear after some period.

Crunches are often hard to do and only target a small group of our muscles. But with the use of the teeter hang ups inversion tables, even an arthritic patient can strengthen his back and leg muscles. You also have the flexibility and increased range of possible movements. You can turn 90 degrees to one side or push further to your stretching limit, and do pull-ups if you can.

When your joints are painful due to arthritic inflammation, you should not be resting or limiting your movement because the joint would further attract calcification. On the other hand, strenuous and split-second movements will do more harm than benefit the joint. The teeter inversion machine does not require one to be fast-paced or to bear heavy weights. You are just carrying your own weight. The difference is that you are upside down.

Teeter hang ups inversion tables provide the user a back and leg support. It is the ankles which bears much of the weight. For the comfort of those with weak muscles, there are teeter inversion hang ups that are designed not to put too much strain on the ankles by placing some weight on other body parts. Besides, there are the rails that you can grab for support.

If you are thinking that exercise is hard, you have to try the teeter inversion hang ups table. It is guaranteed to work.

Choosing an Orthodontist

Orthodontist care has come a long way since the days of the full mouth metal braces. Orthodontists across the country are now offering new and painless options for what once was a painful, multi-year process. Once you have decided to seek orthodontic treatment, choosing the right practitioner is the next step. This article will discuss types of services offered and what to look for in choosing one.

Orthodontists can effectively change the way you look and feel about yourself. Their services can decrease pain, help you sleep better, and improve your overall health! All while giving you the smile you have always wanted.

Services Offered

While traditional braces are still offered, new and improved orthodontic modification methods are available, such as Invisalign. This option straightens teeth using invisible trays that are changed out at regular intervals, and can drastically shorten treatment time. The trays are removable, allowing more flexibility for your own lifestyle. This method can even alleviate TMJ Disorder.

Orthodontists can also be seen to craft dentures or other veneers. Whether your needs are for pain reduction, TMJ treatment, or you just want a nicer smile, an orthodontist can craft implants, dentures or cosmetic veneers for your own situation. Additionally, these types of dentists can perform whitening procedures to further enhance the beauty of your smile. Call your local professional and ask what services are available in your area.

What to Look For

Surgeons who provide the above services are going to be more equipped to provide all-encompassing treatment for you. This is important, as it ensures the convenience in obtaining all your treatment steps in one facility as opposed to seeing multiple practitioners.

Also, be sure to look for certifications and specialties studied by your orthodontist. Local membership in civic organizations may be important to you, as well as evidence of other community involvement.

Orthodontists with their own comprehensive website allow you to answer a lot of your own questions without even picking up the phone. Often, before and after photos can be seen to solidify their professional ability as well as their effectiveness of treatment. Some orthodontists' websites even feature testimonials that you can view for further information.

You may also ask for references from your orthodontist, or ask your friends and family for referrals of good practitioners they may have used. Word of mouth is often worth your time!

Now that you know what services to expect and what to look for in an orthodontist, you can now begin your search for the practitioner that will guide you through the process of obtaining the orthodontic care you need. It won't be long before you are enjoying better health and a great smile!

Dogs and Arthritis - Symptoms and Causes

Arthritis in dogs is a degenerative disease that causes stiffness in the joints and muscles, limiting the dog's mobility. Although it varies in severity, in some cases arthritis in dogs can be extremely painful, just like it can be in people. And arthritis in dogs is a very common condition, afflicting up to one in every three to four dogs. That's why information about dogs and arthritis is so important. Keep reading for some valuable information on the symptoms of arthritis in dogs, as well as what causes it.

Dogs and Arthritis: The Causes

This potentially very painful condition is common in older dogs because over time, wear and tear affects the joints. Younger dogs can also develop arthritis, although less frequently. Unlike the arthritis in older dogs that is often caused by ordinary wear and tear, accidents, injuries and certain infections, diseases and other health conditions like joint malformations (hip dysplasia, for example) are usually responsible for arthritis occurring in younger dogs. Arthritis can also be insidious in the sense that it might not become apparent for several years following an injury.

Although there are several forms of arthritis, the underlying cause of each type is inflammation in a joint. The different types of arthritis are categorized by what originally caused this inflammation.

Degenerative joint disease, frequently called osteoarthritis, is far and away the most common form of arthritis in dogs. Frequently associated with aging (as it is in people), osteoarthritis typically develops over the course of time. Ordinary wear and tear or injury to a joint can damage the joint's ligaments and/or cartilage and reduce the production of the synovial fluid that lubricates and protects the bones. The ultimate result is joint tissue degeneration, stiffness and pain. Cartilage damage and subsequent arthritis can also be caused by excessive weight, jumping too frequently over obstacles, tearing or stretching ligaments during vigorous exercise, and joint malformations such as hip dysplasia or "loose" kneecaps, among other things.

The mechanism underlying the second main type of arthritis, called inflammatory joint disease, is different than the mechanical stress or trauma that's responsible for degenerative joint disease. It is also much less common than osteoarthritis. This form of canine arthritis can be caused by a bacterial infection (staphylococcus or streptococcus, for example), a tick-borne disease such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever or a fungal infection in a joint, but it can also be caused by auto-immune disorders, some of which are hereditary. Rheumatoid arthritis is one example of arthritis caused by an auto-immune disorder, but fortunately it is rare in dogs. Arthritis resulting from an auto-immune disorder usually affects multiple joints.

Inflammatory joint disease is often characterized by systemic symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite and a generalized, overall stiffness. Unlike the form of arthritis that degenerative joint disease typically causes, which usually has a slow, gradual onset, the appearance of arthritis symptoms due to inflammatory joint disease is usually sudden and acute.

Symptoms of Arthritis in Dogs

The symptoms of arthritis in dogs are in general analogous to those of arthritis in humans, if you take into account the differences in anatomy. They can vary in severity from being barely detectable to being crippling and debilitating. Obviously, dogs cannot tell you they're hurting, and most do not show any visible signs of pain until it becomes significant. These factors can make it difficult to accurately diagnose arthritis unless X-rays, an orthopedic exam and other more specific tests are performed by a qualified vet. You should never assume that your dog has arthritis just because it comes up lame one day or gets up slowly or stiffly after sleeping all night. Although it's true that those symptoms could mean your dog has arthritis, they also might be signs of an entirely different health condition. Always take your dog to your veterinarian for assessment, diagnosis and treatment.

Notwithstanding the difficulty of making an accurate diagnosis, dogs suffering from arthritis typically exhibit one or more of the following symptoms of arthritis in dogs:

Slower gait: Dogs afflicted with arthritis often walk slowly in an attempt to balance out their limbs, especially when more than one joint is affected.

Dropped hip or nodding head: When only one hip is affected, the dog will often "drop" that hip so that it is carried physically lower than the other. A dog with an arthritic neck will often exhibit a nodding motion of the head.

Limping: A dog with an arthritic joint in a leg will naturally tend to favor that leg.

Reluctance to engage in normal activities: Dogs with arthritis tend to be reluctant to perform what were previously normal activities, such as climbing up or down stairs, running, jumping up on furniture, playing with balls or other toys, and going on walks. When they do go on walks, they often lag behind because they prefer to walk slowly.

Slowness or difficulty in rising from resting positions: Getting up slowly or stiffly after lying down is one of the fairly common symptoms of arthritis in dogs.

Personality changes: Some dogs with arthritis undergo changes in their personality. Becoming lethargic, depressed, nervous or overly aggressive are examples of the changes in temperament that can occur in dogs afflicted by arthritis. And, a previously very affectionate dog that loved physical attention from its owner may start resisting being touched.

Audible signals of distress: A dog that's in significant pain may yelp, whimper or cry when it's touched or it moves in a certain way.

Watching a dog that's suffering from arthritis pain can be heart-wrenching. Although arthritis is not a health condition that can ever be completely cured, there are a number of things you can do to help your dog suffer less from painful arthritis symptoms. We hope this information on dogs and arthritis will help both you and your dog.

TMJ Disorder Explained and the Most Common Symptoms

The TMJ disorder is a blanket term for problems with the joint connecting the jawbone to the skull. It is also sometimes referred to as TMD, TMJ syndrome, or just TMJ. TMJ is actually an abbreviation for the Temporomandibular joint. The TMJ disorder was actually given a different name in 1934. It was called "Costen's syndrome" after James B. Costen characterized it as being "a syndrome of ear and sinus symptoms dependent upon disturbed function of the temporomandibular joint."

TMJ is much like other joints in the body and can be afflicted with many of the same conditions such as arthritis, dislocations, trauma, neoplasia, reactive lesions, and ankylosis. There are literally dozens of different TMJ symptoms and a wide variety of treatments that can be used to treat this condition. One reason for that is the fact that so many different components are used to make up TMJ.

The main TMJ components are muscles, bones, nerves, ligaments, tendons, teeth, and connective tissues. That brings a long list of medical specialists into the mix with the two main disciplines being dentistry and neurology.

Some of the most common TMJ symptoms are:

1. Headache (especially in the morning)
2. Earache (also in the morning and with no evidence of ear infection)
3. Biting or chewing discomfort or difficulty
4. Dizziness
5. Migraine
6. Hearing loss
7. Dull aching pain in the face
8. Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
9. Jaw pain or tenderness
10. Neck and shoulder pain
11. Clicking, popping, and grating sounds from opening and closing the mouth
12. Limited range of motion for opening and closing the mouth
13. Jaw lopsided or not opening evenly on both sides

Many times a doctor will suggest surgery to correct this condition but the problem with that is it's very invasive and costly not to mention it can be very painful and even ineffective. There are many other natural healing options that should be explored before surgery is considered.

Another thing to think about is, whether you resort to surgery or try a more natural and less expensive treatment plan, your chances of success will greatly depend on understanding the root cause of the TMJ disorder and treating that as well as the TMJ symptoms.

Since the most common cause of the TMJ disorder is the constant grinding or clenching the teeth that people with stress problems do in their sleep it would only make sense that if you didn't treat the stress as well as the TMJ symptoms you have you would only keep damaging your TMJ with the constant wear caused by grinding your teeth.

The best advice when it comes to TMJ pain relief is to find out the root cause of your TMJ disorder and treat that along with your TMJ symptoms.

What's Causing the Ringing in My Ears?

While the ringing in your ears is usually only an annoyance, you should always start with a visit to your physician to make sure. There are a number of possible medical causes for your tinnitus symptoms.

The easiest to find and solve is too much ear wax. As simple as that may sound, a lot of people have accumulated an excessive amount of wax. For some individuals, the cotton swab cleansing is not enough and they must resort to thorough cleaning by an otolaryngologist.

Noise-induced hearing loss can also cause tinnitus. The noise damages the cilia in the inner ear. The cilia are specialized hair cells that facilitate hearing. Once damaged, they do not repair themselves. Depending on the amount of damage, a cochlear implant may be necessary to augment your hearing.

Certain medicines can aggravate your tinnitus, while others can be ototoxic and cause the damage producing the tinnitus. When purchasing medications, always check for the possible side-effects and discuss these with your physician. If you feel that the medication is causing or aggravating your tinnitus, see about alternatives.

Ear or sinus infections can be the culprit. The tinnitus symptoms tend to resolve with the clearing of the infection.

Temporomandibular problems can cause the tinnitus. Your TMJ is adjacent to the ear canal. Other symptoms of TMJ problems include pain or popping when chewing.

In a small percentage of people with tinnitus, the cause is cardiovascular in nature. These individuals have "pulsatile tinnitus". This is a rhythmic pulsation, often in time with your heart. It can be related to hypertension, atherosclerosis or a few other vascular conditions.

Rarely, tumors such as acoustic neuromas and glomus tumors can cause the ringing in your ears.

Head and neck trauma can result in tinnitus. Other associated symptoms include headaches, memory loss and vertigo.

Lastly, certain disorders such as hypo- and hyperthyroidism, lyme disease, fibromyalgia, and thoracic outlet syndrome can cause the tinnitus symptoms. Usually treating the disease will alleviate the symptoms.

If you are in the unlucky majority where there is no identifiable medical cause, then you are on your own to find a tinnitus remedy. There are a large number of possible causes but a lot of time and effort may be required for you to find the tinnitus remedy right for you.

Wrist Joint Pain

There are several symptoms that will inform you of wrist joint pain and condition. You will start to experience a lot of burning in the wrist. Also, you will start to feel numb and eventually develop a tingling feel that is pretty uncomfortable. The causes of wrist joint pain are very many and are sometimes very complex. You will not be in a position to grasp objects. You will experience some swelling and you need to get help fast.

There is a common syndrome that is known to affect the wrist and cause wrist joint pain. The condition is caused by typing on the computer for a very long time without a break. It can also come as a result of using a vibrating tool. People who play handball and tennis will also suffer from the condition. This condition is known as the carpal tunnel syndrome. This condition does not discriminate and it will affect people of all ages.

Chronic wrist joint pain will be triggered by other diseases and, they may be arthritis or rheumatism. You will also suffer from this kind of pain when you suffer an injury. Such physical trauma may leave some bruising on you it is a sign of the injury. You can never be too sure of the extent of the injury. This is the reason why it is important to see a doctor.

The doctor will determine whether the wrist joint pain is caused by a bone fracture or whether it is a sprain. Other conditions that can be a possibility are tendinitis and bursitis. When the problem is established, you can now focus on getting better. This is because the symptoms will be dealt with as well as the underlying cause. There are very many remedies available to treat the wrist joint. You can either use ice cubes or relaxing gels for quick action.

The doctor will prescribe anti inflammatory drugs and ointments to remedy the condition. The treatments will not only reduce swelling but, they will also alleviate pain. In very bad cases, a hormone base called cortisone will be administered. It is admixture in shots which can be very painful. However, the treatment is very effective.

The doctor will expect information on when you started experiencing the problem and what the symptoms were. They will then judge whether your condition is chronic or acute. Tests like x ray will help determine all these. The examination will be done in various angles of the wrist to determine the problem.

Styplon From Himalaya - Styptic and Hemostasis Natural Herbal Remedies for Bleeding Control

Cure muscle pain with Muscle & Joint Rub from Himalaya
Are you sick of your muscle pain?

A sprain can be caused due to stress on muscles, overexertion and sickness and which can further develop critical issues such as backaches and chronic muscle sprains. These muscle related problems is getting very common these days as people are getting very busy in their work, constantly working in front of the computer which leads to sprain in neck, back and joints. Hence it is very important to consult a physician as ignorance to sprains and pain is likely to cause swelling of muscles which can lead to chronic joint pain.

Pain in the back and joints can occur due to excess stress on the body parts, obesity and exertion and this can lead to chronic pain, swelling and inflammation as well. It is also observed that, Synovial fluid in the back bone and joints also gets harmed due to this continuous and chronic disorder.

To resolve the issue related to joints, Himalaya has the best natural remedy called Muscle & Joint Rub from Himalaya to get relief from pain and aches of the joints. It supports and brings regular mobility and flexibility to the joints. It also alleviates inflammation and pain. It penetrates quickly thereby enhancing joint agility.

Benefits of this natural herbal product:
This is the best natural herbal cure to get relief from backaches.
It eases joint pain and swelling.
It brings relief from sprains.
It solves problems related to arthritis

This Himalaya product is a rich source of rare herbs like, Eucalyptus globulus, Acorus calamus, Piper nigrum, Capsicum annuum, Mentha spicata and Ocimum sanctum.

Causes of Pain in joints and muscles

Thyroid issues such as hypo and hyperthyroidism could lead to joint and muscle pain.
Excessive stress on body parts.
Genetic problems can be the cause of joint pain and arthritis.
Disabilities such as nutritional unbalance, low metabolic rate, sickle cell and hemophilia
Diabetic and Overweight people are more prone to suffer from this chronic arthritis as a burden on the bones can lead to muscle strain and wear and tear of joints.

As this critical health issue of joint and muscle pain could lead to chronic diseases such osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, one has to be very careful about the symptoms which shows the pain, swelling and sprain in joints. Below are few prominent symptoms:

Joint pain in fingers, knee and sometimes hip have been noticed.
Reduced in the elasticity of bones.
Difficulties in walking is very common.
Troubles while maintaining same posture for a long time.
Continuous aches in joints.
Flaw of muscle is prominent

By applying Muscle & Joint Rub from Himalaya gently over the affected joints gives quick pain relief. It helps in getting relief from minor contrusions as well. This Himalaya product is available in 20gm tubes.

Daily exercise habit, healthy dietary practices and habit of drinking lots of water can help to avoid such lingering situation to happen to you.