New Dental Treatment for Children - Myofunctional Therapy

Posture, upper airway obstruction, tongue habits, muscle and facial abnormalities all have a profound effect on occlusion (bite position) and facial appearance.

Studies have shown that there is a relationship between upper airway obstruction, facial appearance and dental abnormalities. The term 'Long Face Syndrome' has been used to describe the familiar facial pattern of the airway obstructed patient. It is common that in these patients, head posture is altered to help maintain an adequate airway that may be obstructed. The primary causes of upper airway obstruction include enlarged tonsils and adenoids, turbinate hypertrophy, allergic and nonallergic rhinitis (stuffy nose). Sleep disordered breathing such as snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea is also an associated disorder commonly associated with upper airway problems. Since airway obstruction can have a major negative impact on facial development, it is vital that we recognise signs of upper airway obstruction early and communicate closely with other specialists.

Normal facial growth and dental arch development depends upon the position of the tongue within the dental arch during growth and development. Ideal arch form results when forces of the tongue, cheeks and lips are in balance and this can only be achieved if the tongue has room to rest and function within the dental arch.

Mouth breathing due to an obstructed nasal airway causes a lowering of tongue position which results in a change in the balance between tongue and cheek pressure on the dental arches.

Consequently we often find that mouth breathing patients have high palates, narrow arches and a significant amount of crowding. If the oral and facial muscles are not in balance and mouth breathing is not addressed it can lead to facial abnormalities and impact on facial aesthetics.

Myofunctional Therapy is a treatment that aims at improving and establishing the correct function of the oral and facial muscles. It includes the evaluation and treatment of:

• Detrimental orofacial habits (eg. Thumb sucking, nail biting, tongue thrusting)
  
• Posturing problems related to the lips, tongue, jaw and respiratory system
  
• Detrimental breathing patterns
  
• Swallowing patterns which may be associated with malocclusions
  
• Facial and postural aesthetics
  

Myofunctional therapy is painless and it involves a series of exercises which are relatively simple. When certain muscles are strengthened and functioning properly, other muscles will follow suit until an overall balance of these muscles is achieved. This will result in a normal attractive face. Treatment will also be beneficial to patients prior to orthodontic treatment (braces), as bad habits which can result in malocclusion will be eliminated. Sometimes if a myofunctional disorder is detected early, orthodontic treatment may be minimal or even avoided.

Managing Arthritis In Beagles

As Beagles grow older, it is undeniably true that the health deteriorates too. Whether they are well-taken cared of or not, there is always a risk of developing diseases as dogs age. But sometimes, disease that usually affects older dogs can also be seen in young ones. One of these diseases is the canine arthritis.

Just like any other organs and systems in the body, the skeletal system plays an important role in promoting normal health condition among dogs. It is composed of bones, cartilage and ligaments. These organs are responsible in providing the body with framework, protecting the internal organs and in providing a full range of motion. When one of these bones or joints is damaged, the dog's normal activity will surely be affected.

Canine arthritis occurs when there is an inflammation in the joints of a dog. Dogs of all sizes, breeds and ages can develop arthritis though older dogs are more prone to this disease. Canine arthritis is categorized into two; degenerative joint disease and inflammatory joint disease.

Degenerative joint disease, also called osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that protects the bones that make up the joint is damaged. Cartilage is damaged when there is a normal stress on abnormal joints or abnormal stress on normal joints. Degenerative joint disease is further subdivided into two; primary and secondary. Primary degenerative disease has no known cause. On the other hand, secondary disease can be the result of hip dysplasia, patella luxation (loose kneecap), osteochondritis dissecans, trauma and ruptured cruciate (knee) ligaments.

Another type of canine arthritis is inflammatory joint disease. Inflammatory joint disease can be caused either by infection or immune-mediated diseases. This type of arthritis usually affects multiple joints and is accompanied by fever, anorexia and all-over stiffness. Inflammatory joint disease is further subdivided into two; infectious and immune-mediated diseases. Infectious disease can be caused by bacteria while immune-mediated disease is caused by weakness in the immune system. This type of arthritis can also be hereditary.

Signs of arthritis in Beagles include reluctance to walk, climb stairs, jump or play. Gradual limping and swelling around a joint can also be seen. Your dog will also exhibit tenderness when flexing a joint and may hold its breath or stop panting when an affected joint is used. Decrease in appetite is also present in canine arthritis.

Severe arthritis can be treated usually through surgery. But there are some cases when surgery is not needed anymore. Non-surgical treatment of arthritis includes painkillers, exercise, rest and diet. Dog owners should carefully read the product label of dog foods to check its content. But the amount of food and frequency of feeding should be regulated as well to prevent obesity. Exercise is another step to prevent obesity in dogs. But Beagles with arthritis should only have limited and gentle exercise. They should also be restricted from doing strenuous activities.

Elbow Joint Pain - Causes and Treatments

Elbow joint pain is a very common complaint among people of all ages. There are many different possible causes when it comes to elbow joint pain. The source of the pain may not even be at the elbow. Simple movements like turning your hand, using a pen, or bending and straitening your arm can cause shooting pain or a dull ache. With so many different things that could cause this pain (and different names to go with them), its good to be knowledgeable about the possible diagnoses so that you will be able to give the doctor all the information that you can.

The most common source of elbow joint pain is known as tennis elbow. This is when the outer tendon becomes inflamed from overuse of the lower arm, such as when you hit a ball with a tennis racket. The twisting motion can irritate the tendon, causing you pain. Though it is called tennis elbow, such elbow joint pain is not always caused by tennis, as many athletes know. With the constant motion required for sports using the upper body, the possibility of having elbow joint pain increases and it is very important that precautions are taken.

Golfer's elbow is a name given to elbow joint pain that is located in the inside of the arm. It is called "golfer's elbow" because of the tendons and muscles used to swing a golf club. This form of elbow joint pain is not only found in golfers; it can be caused by many different things, from awkwardly lifting a bag to a repetitive motion you may do at work or home. Usually, the pain will gradually come on and continue to get worse until it is treated.

Trigger finger may have a funny name, but it can be anything but funny. Pain in the joints of the finger is caused by inflamed tendons that are pulled through little tunnels in the hand. When the tendon becomes too inflamed, it can become difficult for the tendon to move through the tunnels. The small tunnels may also become inflamed, making it difficult for the tendon to pass through. When you have trigger finger, you may hear a small pop when the tendon finally pushes through. This can also cause the finger to lock in place for a moment. This causes the pain in the joints.

Nursemaid's elbow is called such because it mostly happens to children under the age of five, and is usually caused by someone taller than them holding them tightly by the hand or arm as the child falls or jerks away. It also happens quite often when adults lift the child by the arms or swings them by their hands. This movement can pull the joint just enough to cause a partial dislocation. The child may start crying immediately, or only when they use the arm or have it held by someone else. They may hold it close to their body, or not use the arm at all. If you suspect your child may have nursemaid's elbow, it is very important that you call your pediatrician immediately to get it fixed.

Arthritis - Treating Mild Osteoarthritis Pain

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthrosis, is the most common form of arthritis. It occurs when cartilage in your joints wears down over time. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in your body, although it is most commonly affects the hands, hips, knees and spine. It typically affects just one joint, though in some cases several joints can be affected, such as with finger arthritis.

There is no cure for osteoarthritis and it gradually worsens with time, but treatments can relieve pain and help you remain active. Actively managing your osteoarthritis may help you gain control over your osteoarthritis pain.

For mild osteoarthritis pain that is bothersome, but not enough to have a great impact on your daily activities, your doctor may recommend the following:

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  Rest. If you are experiencing pain or inflammation in your joint, rest it for 12 to 24 hours. Find activities that don't require you to use your joint repetitively. Take a 10-minute break every hour.
  
  


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  Exercise. With your doctor's approval, exercise regularly when you feel up to it. Stick to gentle exercises, such as walking, biking or swimming. Exercise can increase your endurance and strengthen the muscles around your joint, making your joint more stable. Avoid exercising tender, injured or swollen joints. Stop if you feel new joint pain. New pain that lasts more than two hours after you exercise probably means you have overdone it.
  
  


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  Weight loss. Being overweight or obese increases the stress on your weight-bearing joints, such as on your knees and your hips. Even a small amount of weight loss can relieve some pressure and reduce your pain. Talk to your doctor about healthy ways to lose weight. Most people combine changes in their diet with increased exercise.
  
  


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  Heat and cold. Both heat and cold can relieve pain in your joint. Heat relieves stiffness and cold relieves muscle spasms. Use a heating pad, hot water bottle, or a warm bath. Heat should be warm, not hot. Apply heat for 20 minutes several times a day. Cool the pain in your joint with cold treatments, such as with ice packs. You can use cold treatments several times a day, but don't use cold treatments if you have poor circulation or numbness.
  
  


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  Physical therapy. Ask your doctor for a referral to a physical therapist. A physical therapist can work with you to create an individualized exercise plan that will strengthen the muscles around your joint, increase your range of motion in your joint and reduce your pain.
  
  


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  Occupational therapy. Find ways to manage daily tasks without stressing your joints. Speak with an occupational therapist for help managing tasks or work without putting extra stress on your already painful joint.
  
  


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  Pain creams. Over-the-counter pain creams and gels available at the drugstore may provide temporary relief from osteoarthritis pain. Some creams numb the pain by creating a hot or cool sensation. Other creams contain medications, such as aspirin-like compounds, that are absorbed into your skin. Read the label so you know what you are using. Pain creams work best on joints that are close the surface of your skin, such as your knees and fingers.
  
  


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  Braces or shoe inserts. Consider trying special splints, braces, shoe inserts or other medical devices that can help reduce your pain and immobilize or support your joint to help you keep pressure off it.
  
  


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  Chronic pain class. Ask your doctor about classes in your area, or check with the Arthritis Foundation, to find classes that help people with osteoarthritis or chronic pain. These classes teach skills to help manage your osteoarthritis pain. You'll meet other people with osteoarthritis and learn their tips for reducing joint pain or coping with your pain.

Arthritis Treatment: Mesenchymal Stem Cells And Growth Factors For Osteoarthritis

As population demographics change with a gradually aging population, certain chronic diseases have become more common. There is a confluence of factors though that will make the management of chronic disease assume a greater level of importance. This is because not only are people living longer but they are maintaining a level of activity far greater than their parents and grandparents. This is most evident in the management of osteoarthritis where the incidence of joint replacement surgery is skyrocketing as Boomers demand a lifestyle which their forebears could only dream about.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and affects more than 20 million Americans. It is a condition that adversely affects hyaline articular cartilage, the smooth tough gristle that caps the ends of long bones.

Hyaline cartilage consists of two components: a matrix made up of a combination of proteoglycans (complexes of proteins and sugars), and chondrocytes. Chondrocytes are cartilage cells that manufacture matrix under normal healthy circumstances. They are responsible for nourishing the matrix as well.

With the development of OA, a distinct change in the joint environment occurs. Chondrocytes begin to elaborate destructive enzymes causing cracks and fissures in the cartilage. These are called "fibrillations." A complex interplay of events involving cartilage, bone, and synovium- the lining of the joint- then begins to snowball.

One of the most common joints affected by osteoarthritis is the knee. This is not a surprise since OA preferentially attacks weight-bearing joints.

Between symptomatic treatment and joint replacement surgery is a large gap in treatment measures. One area of recent interest is the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the management of OA. MSCs are the body's own stem cells which are found in many areas including bone marrow and fat. MSCs have the ability to differentiate into connective tissue of which cartilage is a prime example. Other types of connective tissue that MSCs have been shown to develop into are tendon, ligament, muscle, nerve, and intervertebral disc.

MSCs are active in the repair process when any type of connective tissue is injured. In degenerative disease like OA, the ability of stem cells may be depleted with less ability to differentiate and multiply. Animal studies have demonstrated that supplying additional MSCs may overcome this problem leading to healing and cartilage regeneration.

At least one human study in a small number of patients with OA of the knee has shown promising results using MSCs derived from bone marrow and fat. (Wei N, Beard S, Delauter S, Bitner C, Gillis R, Rau L, Miller C, Clark T. Guided Mesenchymal Stem Cell Layering Technique for Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee. J Applied Res. 2011; 11: 44-48)

Combining MSCs with autologous growth factors found in platelet-rich plasma also has added a boost to the natural abilities of stem cells to multiply and divide.

Multiple centers now are applying these principles.

What most centers lack though is the knowledge of what initiates stem cell multiplication and division.

MSCs are stimulated to "go into action" when the critical initiating event, injury is initiated. Injury is what attracts stem cells and injury is what leads to the release of growth factors from platelets. That is why induction of injury by removal of osteophytes, scarification of bare bone, and fenestration of cartilage defects is absolutely crucial for cartilage regeneration to occur.

This is best done using a combination of arthroscopic and ultrasound guidance means.

In addition, providing the proper environment for the MSCs to thrive afterwards is also critical. The osteoarthritic joint is a hostile environment. Multiple measures need to be instituted so that proper survival of MSCs occurs. Institution of effective scaffolding is critical.

Gout Symptoms - Get Ankle Pain Relief Using Plain Water

Gout symptoms can appear in the ankle or any other joint, including the big toe. Gout in the ankle can be particularly painful. And because your ankle takes much of your weight when standing and walking, gout ankle symptoms can severely limit your ability to get around.

Gout symptoms in the ankle, toe, knee, etc., are things like swelling, redness, stiffness, inflammation and intense pain.

So what causes painful gout symptoms in the ankle and elsewhere? The symptoms of gout are actually the result of having needle-like crystals in your joints and surrounding tissue. These microscopic crystals form in your joints as a result of high uric acid levels in your blood. This condition occurs when your kidneys are unable to excrete excess uric acid from your body.

Uric acid is produced in your body as a result of it's normal metabolizing process. And normally your kidneys process and flush excess uric acid from your body via urine. But if your body is making too much for your kidneys to handle, or, your kidneys aren't working to their usual efficiency, then you can be left with high uric acid (hyperuricemia).

To treat the symptoms of gout your doctor will usually prescribe drugs to take care of the inflammation and pain. With particularly severe symptoms in the ankle you may get these by injection into the ankle. But although these drugs can help many people, they do have some horrible side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, stomach ulcers and bleeding, etc.

Luckily, there are many natural gout remedies, that can reduce inflammation and pain without the side effects and costs of drugs. For gout symptoms in the ankle, you can try the following home remedy...

You can relieve gout symptoms in your ankle by applying a series of hot / cold compresses. This can help to dissolve the uric acid crystals in your ankle. Apply a hot compress around your ankle for 3 minutes. Then immediately change to a cold compress for 30 seconds duration.

Repeat this for no more than 20 minutes and always end the session on a cold compress. Wait at least an hour before repeating the process.

Although this process can help to relieve the gout symptoms in your ankle, this is only good during an attack. But you need to actually prevent gout attacks from occurring in the first place, because recurring gout can leave you with permanently damaged joints and even kidney problems.

Magnesium For Joint Pain - Always Talk To Your Doctor Before Taking Supplements

If you frequently experience painful joints, and you have been searching for advice on the internet, you may well have read that one can take magnesium for joint pain. While this is to a great extent true, it is not always a viable option for everyone.

Interestingly enough, it is thought that most people do not get the optimal amount of magnesium via their diets, but at the same time, genuine magnesium deficiency is actually quite rare. Another interesting point is that when this mineral is obtained naturally through one's diet, there seem to be no upper limits, but if it is obtained by means of supplements, there is an upper limit, which if exceeded, can lead to several problems.

In a nutshell, you should never begin taking magnesium supplements without discussing it with a doctor first. Exceeding the upper tolerance level can cause diarrhea, low blood pressure, nausea, confusion, and an irregular heartbeat. Ironically, it can also cause a calcium deficiency, and of course we all know how important calcium is when it comes to one's bones.

Calcium and magnesium compete for absorption, and unfortunately, calcium is just no match. Essentially this means that if you do start taking supplements, you could find yourself requiring calcium supplements as well. In summary, you should only take magnesium for joint pain if a doctor recommends it, or at least, has given his or her approval.

There are several foods which are rich in the mineral, so if you feel you need more than you are currently getting, rather adjust your diet. There are also a number of other supplements on the market which are said to relieve joint pain. Some people find garlic capsules help, while some prefer taking fish oil supplements. Personally, I would recommend fish oil supplements over garlic supplements, simply because fish oil is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids.

New Zealand green lipped mussel extract has also grown to be immensely popular amongst people suffering with painful joints. As with fish oil, green lipped mussel extract is a rich source of omega-3 essential fatty acids, which means it benefits both your joints and your cardiovascular system. Another good thing about mussel extract is that it is also a good source of calcium.

If you do decide to start taking one or more supplement, you should always make a point of choosing a supplier carefully. Many supplement manufacturers use the cheapest ingredients they can find in order to make the highest possible amount of profit, and these are definitely not the sort of supplements you want to be taking.