Osteoarthritis Symptoms - Discover The Main Signs To Look For

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common conditions that affects people in the West. It is estimated that over 20 million people have the condition, in the USA alone. Here we discuss some of the osteoarthritis symptoms that are commonly found.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that affects the articular cartilage within the joint. This cartilage serves to protect the end of the bones and also provides some shock absorption. In OA this cartilage starts to wear thin and can even expose the bone. It is often said that OA is a wear and tear disease and that if the joint were not put under stress then it would not become arthritic. This is the reason why this condition particularly affects the load-bearing joints such as the knees, hips and spine. The more lightly stressed limbs of the upper arm are, in general, less likely to be affected.

The inflammation of the joint causes one of the most common symptoms of the disease, which is pain around the site of the joint. There can also be a loss of movement of the joint. It is common for these symptoms to be progressive over a period of months.

Pain and stiffness of the joints tends to get worse the more they are used. Thus you are likely to feel best first thing in the morning after a good night's rest but worse if you have just been shopping and carried some heavy bags home. This is one of the osteoarthritis symptoms that differentiates it from rheumatoid arthritis, where sufferers often feel worse in the morning but then improve.

A phenomenon called crepitus maybe present. It is particularly common in the joints of the hand and knees. It is a cracking sound as your extend your knee joint (or hand) although it is not necessarily associated with pain.

As the disease progresses there maybe a growth of bony spurs (osteophytes) at the edges of the bones of a joint. This can happen to any joint affected by OA but is particularly noticeable on the joints of the fingers.

This is an overview of the main osteoarthritis symptoms. If you are concerned that you or a loved one may have OA, it is suggested that you visit your doctor to have a proper diagnosis and to suggest what treatment you should have (if any).

Whiplash - What You Must Know About TMJ

In horse and buggy days whiplash was rare. Sure, a horse could bolt and cause a whiplash type reaction on passengers. But, let's face it-horses rarely spaced out and ran into the buggy in front of them.

There are many injuries that can be caused in this type of accident. They range from sprain/strain that clears up quickly to spinal cord damage resulting in death. Getting full compensation for whiplash means identifying, and getting each separate injury diagnosed and treated. One very common injury from whiplash is TMJ.

What Is TMJ?

TMJ or temporomandibular joint syndrome is an abnormal condition with facial pain and poor function of the lower jaw. It is caused by a defective or dislocated temporomandibular joint. This is your jaw joint.

What Are The Symptoms?

According to the TMJ Association: " TMJ pain is often described as a dull aching pain in the jaw joint and nearby areas, including the ear, which comes and goes."

Other symptoms can include:

• Being unable to open the mouth comfortably
• Clicking, popping or grating sounds in the jaw joint
• Locking of the jaw when attempting to open the mouth
• Headaches
• A bite that feels uncomfortable or "off"
• Neck, shoulder and back pain
• Swelling on the side of the face

Additional symptoms may include: ringing in the ears, ear pain, decreased hearing, dizziness and vision problems.

Treatment for TMJ

Minor TMJ can sometimes be fixed very quickly by a chiropractor but if this fails you will need to see a specialist.

A TMJ specialist is usually a dentist who has special training in diagnosing and treating the disorder. The specialist may fit you with a splint. This is a plastic device that fits over your upper and lower teeth--kind of like a mouth guard used in football. This device can reduce grinding and clenching of the teeth. It is often worn at night.

If the splint does not work some dentists may try flushing out the joint. This is done by inserting two needles in the joint, a cleansing solution is pumped in through one and out through the other. Sound painful? It is! Fortunately for you a local anesthesia is used during the process.

This "two needles approach" can also be used to introduce pain medication into the joint.

Cortisone injections are another therapy used when the splint does not work. They can be very helpful in relieving inflammation and pain.

If all else fails, surgery is available as a final option to replace the jaw joints with artificial implants. If your doctor suggests surgery you should know that the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) advises that you seek a second opinion or two before proceeding.

Paying for TMJ Treatment

Many health insurance and dental insurance plans just say "no" to paying for TMJ treatment. However, if you were in a car crash and have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Med-Pay coverage you may find that such coverage will pay for the treatment.

TMJ specialists will sometimes work on a "lien basis" which means they get paid when your injury case settles. Once when a young mother needed TMJ surgery a letter was sent to every oral surgeon in her area. She found one who agreed to perform the surgery on a lien. The surgery fixed her problem.

Conclusion

TMJ problems are common after car crashes. Be aware of the symptoms and, if present, get checked out by a TMJ specialist. Finding and treating TMJ will add a lot of value to your injury case, not to mention long term relief that will be more valuable than money.

Knee Pain When Walking - An Overview - Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

The knee is an especially vulnerable joint. It takes on a lot of stress when you walk, run, jump or climb anything. Even if they have not incurred any major knee trauma, many people will still suffer from knee pain brought on by regular wear and tear over time.

A. ) How do you Determine the Cause of Knee Pain?

If you get severe knee pain while walking, chances are the pain would not have been caused by the walking itself. A number of observations will help your doctor determine the immediate cause of your knee pain. Some of these include:

1.) Your age
2.) Whether your knee has suffered an injury at some stage
3.) Exactly where the knee pain is (front or back of the knee, inside or outside section of the joint)
4.) Did the knee pain start suddenly or has it come on gradually over time?
5.) What are the activities that bring on the knee pain?

B. ) What are the Common Knee Pain Symptoms?

In addition to determining what caused the knee pain, you will also need to consider the exact symptoms you are suffering from in order to be able to get the right treatment. Some of the most common knee pain symptoms include:

1.) Locking (where you cannot straighten or bend your knee)
2.) Popping or snapping sensation in the knee
3.) Giving way (feeling as if your knee is giving way when you walk)
4.) Inability to put weight on the knee
5.) Grinding feeling
6.) Swelling and whether this appeared suddenly following injury or appeared more slowly
7.) Worsening knee pain when walking or bending the knee

C. ) What are the Possible Causes of Knee Pain when Walking?

The following are just some of the more common factors that cause severe knee pain when walking:

1.) Tendonitis - Tendonitis is an inflammation or irritation of the tendons. In addition to having a swelling in the front of the knees, if you suffer severe knee pain when walking and it feels worse while climbing stairs or when running, then you may have tendonitis.

2.) Meniscus injuries - Meniscus injuries are caused by a tear in the cartilage in your knee joint. This can cause severe pain in the knee and a feeling that you cannot straighten out the knee. There will also be some swelling.

3.) Bursitis - Inflammation of the cushioning fluid sacs in the knee causes bursitis. If you have bursitis your knees will be stiff and swollen and they will feel painful even when you are not walking.

4.) Knee arthritis- Knee arthritis involves stiffness, swelling and knee pain when walking.

D.) What Can be Done About Severe Knee Pain when Walking?

If you are suffering from severe knee pain when walking, it is important that you consult your doctor for an accurate diagnosis. Appropriate treatment will depend on the cause and severity of the pain and could involve surgery or anti-inflammatory medication.

A knee brace is one of the most effective ways to protect your knee from further injury or whilst recovering from surgery. The brace works to keep the joint stable and prevent movements which could cause further damage to the knee. Other options for self help include ice packs, rest and elevation and compression bandaging to prevent fluid build-up. Physical therapy is extremely beneficial as it strengthens the supporting muscles, which then help to stabilize your knee and reduce the severe knee pain when walking.

Arthritis Knee Pain - 3 Ways to Improve Knee Joint Mobility

Is arthritis knee pain affecting your joint mobility? Well don't feel discouraged because for many of us who have arthritis, this is part of the course for this disease.

We tend to look at this disease as part of getting old but when we are in are 50's we don't feel old. All the activities we use to do like bowling, golfing, and biking, we still want to do but arthritis knee pain may be preventing us from doing them.

We also tend to think of arthritis as a disease that is not very serious. In actuality, osteoarthritis can cause the joints to wear down to the point of severe debilitation. If ignored, it can lead to joint replacement surgery and over use of prescription pain reliever which have many side effects.

However, we can learn today 3 ways to improve joint mobility as it relates to arthritis knee pain.

1) Don't sit in the same position for long periods of time. Have you notice that when we sit in the same position for long periods of time our joints become stiff? The reason why is because the oxygen, nutrients, and fluid our joints need to maintain flexibility are lacking due to decrease blood circulation.

2) Drink 6 - 8 glasses of water a day. When we are younger, we can get away with not drinking the required amount of water that is needed each day. As we get older, staying hydrated is extremely important. Water is needed to provide lubrication for the knee joints to stay fluid and limber.

3) We must lose weight. It is just that simple. Obesity is the number one disease that leads to so many other diseases. Extra weight on the knees causes a lot of pressure and stress on them. Overtime this contributes to the wearing down of knee cartilage.

Remember - Ultimately we are in control of our own health. We can sit back and do nothing about arthritis knee pain or we can begin incorporating these tips in our lives today.

Arthritis Hands Symptoms - Initial Symptoms of Arthritis of Hands

Each hand is made up of 25 bones involving joints in fingers as well as the wrist. Any ailment of the hands leads to difficulty in performing routine functions such as gripping, holding etc. and could also lead to deformity.

Arthritis in hands causes inflammation, swelling, stiffness, pain etc. The two main types of arthritis are:

Osteoarthritis - This occurs generally in older people and pain gradually increases over a period of time. The padding or the natural shock absorbers of the hands - the cartilage is affected, causing pain, restricting movements and reducing strength.

Rheumatoid Arthritis - This is a more severe form and unlike Osteo, the location of pain in the body cannot be predicted. The effect is not only on joints but also on muscles, tendons and other tissues of the body.

Symptoms -

1- Pain - Initial symptoms include pain in hands with a burning sensation. It increases when the hands are stressed with activities like lifting weight, writing, knitting or any continuous and regular movement. Pain becomes so severe that at times, one cannot even sleep at night. Pain increases in humid weather and even small activities such as opening a lock or opening a jar in the kitchen are also hampered.

2- Swelling- with pain, if stress continues for a longer period of time, swelling is caused and restricts

further joint movement.

3- Stiffness- With persistent pain, the stiffness increases. Also, it is more in the mornings and in colder climate.

4- Warmth- The affected joint may feel warm when touched.

5- Increased mobility of other hands- The hands surrounding the affected one may feel more mobile than normal.

6- Cysts - Small cysts may form on the knuckles especially at the end.

7- Deformity- In advanced stages, continuous swelling may cause shape change. Also, the joint may feel loose and crippled. The basic structure of the joint may become weak.

Can Eating More Protein Foods Reduce Pain?

Consider the fact that the human body needs protein to build muscle and repair cells. Bodybuilders and weightlifters have long known that to build super-sized muscles and above-average strength they need to consume much more protein than athletes who required less cell-rebuilding such as distance runners who rely more on complex carbohydrates and starches in their diets.

One of the ways to relieve pain from injury and to reduce inflammation and provide relief for joint pain is to nourish the body with what it needs. Consuming a diet for arthritis may be a matter of avoiding foods that are inflammatory to joints and organs such as high fructose corn syrup and other sugars known to contribute to the build-up of plaque in arteries. Increasing cholesterol levels by consuming more fish (and drinking a little wine every day) increases good cholesterol levels and decreases bad cholesterol levels which contribute to artery plaque build-up.

Nature has a balance in that quality foods such as beans, which contain proteins and carbohydrates in just the right amounts, make them an ideal food for athletes and non-athletes. But if you crave nuts, your body may be in an iron imbalance and the iron in nuts and legumes may be just the answer. Your body's aches and pains may also be a sign of a protein deficiency, and nuts, high in proteins can help satisfy the body's needs for these vital nutrients.

It makes sense, then, that if a body is to recover from stress, such as a physical effort that athletes routinely put their bodies through, or mental stress, such as a home worker juggling housework, children, and other responsibilities, the body may need additional nutrients in the form of better proteins and in higher quantities than the learned or patterned diet up to this point, actually has.

It may be time to rethink the meal plans and shop smarter for better quality foods and plan more nutritious meals. Add these to your diet and see if you don't feel better in days and weeks.

Nuts and Seeds
Nuts, such as peanuts, cashews, almonds, and walnuts, all contain protein, as well as seeds such as sunflower and sesame. Besides protein, nuts are also an excellent source of zinc, iron, fiber, vitamin E, antioxidants, and Omega-3s.

Almonds, walnuts, cashews, and many other nuts are high in oleic acid, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, and other healthy phytochemicals. Because some nuts are high in fat, be sure to eat them in moderation.

Beans
Legumes are the world's most commonly consumed source of protein, and likely one of the best foods for pain. There are over thirteen thousand varieties of beans grown in the world! Because they are inexpensive and easy to grow in so many climates, beans have been central to diets around the world for centuries. Beans are an excellent source of fiber and protein, making them one of nature's most perfect foods.

Some of the most common types of beans are: kidney beans, lentils, black beans, chickpeas, and split peas. Many delicious meals can be made up of primarily beans and lentils.

Tofu and Other Soy Products
Soybeans are another bean, but because soy is such a chameleon, it deserves its own category. Besides tasting good by itself, soy, in the form of tofu, can take on a host of other flavors, and can be used in both savory and sweet dishes. Soybeans are the richest source of plant-based proteins on the market, as well as being an excellent source of fiber, iron, and B vitamins.

Red Meats vs. Fish and Poultry
The best flesh-protein choices include poultry, fish and seafood because fish and seafood is high in Omega 3 fatty acids.

Red meat is an excellent source of protein, but because it is high in fat can also lead to inflammation, so a diet low in red meat is best. Choose lean cuts of bison, venison or other game meats, or very low-fat cuts of beef. Keep the portion size small and trim off excess fat.

Home Remedy For Stiff Joints - Discover the Amazing Ingredient For Stiff Joints That Never Fails

Although prescription based medicine for stiff joints provide temporary relief from pain, they also carry a lot of side effects. Is there an effective home remedy for stiff joints? Find out the expert answers in this article.

Cox-2 inhibitors are among the most commonly used prescription medicine for stiff and painful joints. They are also widely used for pain relief for arthritis patients.

However, Cox-2 inhibitors possess serious side effects. For example, Vioxx is a Cox-2 inhibitor manufactured by the company Merck. It had to be taken back from the market because of claims by thousands of people who suffered from heart problems and even death. Many of these lawsuits are pending even till this date.

A natural home remedy for stiff and painful joints is a much better option to avoid the risk of hazardous side effects and achieve long-lasting and permanent pain relief. In fact, natural medicine for stiff joints also gives overall health benefits as an added bonus.

Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the best natural medicine for stiff joints. They also enhance brain and cardiovascular health.

Omega 3s are an excellent natural anti-inflammatory. Research indicates that inflammation is the root cause of stiff and painful joints, such as those seen in arthritis patients.

Omega-3 fatty acids inhibit the activity of those enzymes that play a key role in cartilage degeneration. They reduce inflammation naturally. This makes them one of the best home remedy for stiff joints.

Purified fish oil is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids. A daily intake of fish oil is one of the best ways for a proper omega-3 supplementation naturally.

Another effective natural medicine for painful joints is the green lipped mussel found in the New Zealand. It is also very high in omega-3 fats. It has been found very effective in reducing joint pain and stiffness, and improving the pace of walking in osteoarthritis patients.

An inclusion of omega-3 fatty acids in your regular diet through purified fish oil supplements is not only an effective medicine for stiff joints, but it also gives numerous other health benefits. It can be truly called as the best home remedy for stiff joints.