Arthritis Pain Relief - Which is Better, Hot Or Cold?

Knowing whether to use heat therapy or cold therapy to reduce arthritis pain and joint stiffness comes down to the type of arthritis and the type of pain you have. Since everyone experiences and responds to pain differently, it is important that you discuss a pain management plan with your doctor. You may have to try several things to see what works.

When to Use Ice to Treat Arthritis Pain

According to Dr. Kevin Sperber, Board Certified Pain Management Specialist at Columbia University,
"As a general rule of thumb, ice is best for soft tissue injuries such as bruises, sprains or acute trauma. Cold therapy may also be helpful if you experience a flare of pain after activity. Cold acts as an analgesic by numbing the sore area and can also drastically reduce swelling and discomfort."

Traditionally, doctors recommend cold packs be applied for only 10-20 minutes at a time. Be careful though! With prolonged application of cold you could hurt yourself, especially if you have sensory problems or impaired vascular circulation in your hands and feet.

When to Use Heat to Treat Arthritis Pain

Doctors and therapists recommend therapeutic heat more often than cold to soothe arthritis pain because it relaxes sore tendons and ligaments, increasing flexibility and decreasing pain. Heat also increases blood flow and improves joint range of motion.

So why the debate over hot or cold? Dr. Sperber says that for acute injuries (sprains, strains, etc.) just about everyone recommends ice, but for chronic conditions, like arthritis, both cold and heat can help to reduce inflammation, so it may come down to what feels better.

As for how heat should be used, there are competing problems. The trick is to get enough heat into the tissue, for long enough, without burning your skin. For example, hands heat up fairly easily because the tissue is not "deep", but for deep tissue pain, in the hip for instance, you may need to apply a lower temperature for a longer time. There are specific products that address these issues and each product comes with recommended time usage guidelines.

Most Popular Cold Therapy Products:

* Frozen Gel Cold Packs. Save your frozen peas and use a pliable, reusable "ice pack" instead. ColPaC makes them in lots of sizes and shapes. Keep ice packs in the freezer and they'll be ready whenever you have a flare-up. Remember to use layers of dry terry toweling between the cold pack and your skin.

* Biofreeze. This topical pain reliever is highly recommended for temporary relief of arthritis, tendonitis and fybromyalgia. You can order it in a tube, roll-on, spray or gel pump.

Most Popular Hot Therapy Products:

* Whirlpool Spa or Hot Tub. For most arthritis sufferers, hydrotherapy is the ultimate heat therapy. For a fraction of the cost of installing a permanent spa you can have a portable, inflatable whirlpool spa that goes anywhere - indoors, outdoors, on your patio, deck, RV, condo or apartment. We suggest the Spa2Go or the Spa-N-A-Box. Both are easy to assemble (20 minutes) and no special wiring or plumbing is needed.

* Infrared Heat. Sometimes deep penetrating heat is just what you need to reduce your arthritis pain. The Thermotex Infrared Heating Pad TTS Platinum model is the most popular model, although there are other Thermotex therapy systems available. The TTS Platinum is a nice portable size (17" x 15") and has adjustable straps so you can fit it comfortably almost anywhere on the body.

* Light Relief Light Therapy. This hand-held device provides topical heating to raise and/or maintain tissue temperature wherever it is placed. My grandmother uses it to relieve joint pain and she loves it. It can even help dogs.

* Paraffin Bath. Dip your hands, feet or elbows in melted paraffin wax and let the warmth spread through your stiff arthritic joints for fast acting, drug-free therapy. The most popular one on the market is the Therabath PRO Paraffin Bath. This unit is large enough to accommodate your hands, feet or elbows but small enough to fit on your counter. It includes hospital grade paraffin with your choice of scents.

* Moist Heat. Arthritic and rheumatic pain is often relieved with moist heat. Moist heat increases blood flow, soothing inflamed joints and increasing flexibility. Take a look at the Theratherm Digital Electric Moist Heating Pad, the Thermophore Automatic Moist Heat Pack or the new Thermophore Arthritis Pad. There is also a Therabeads Moist Heat Mitt that you wear on your hands.

* Arthritis Gloves. These specially designed arthritis gloves provide mild compression and warmth for your hands. Some people wear them day and night. They have open fingertips so your can feel, touch and grip.

Learn more about hot and cold therapy treatments at one place.

The Less Invasive Treatments Available From an Experienced TMJ Specialist

TMJ is a condition caused by the imbalance of the jaw joints that lead to severe pain in the jaw whenever the patient opens or closes his/her mouth. This disorder affects around 10 million people in America alone each year. TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint which causes pain when it starts working ineffectively. Any ordinary dentist can detect TMJ disorder by analyzing the uneven muscles that are affecting the facial joint. However for treating this particular problem going to a TMJ specialist is always a better idea. A specialist is more experienced in this particular area and will be better able to help you get cured. Other ordinary dentists deal more with the teeth and gums of the mouth rather than the jaw joints. This is why it is highly recommended that anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention from a specialist rather than any ordinary dentist.

A specialist provides cure for this disorder in many different ways. The treatment will be decided after analyzing your particular case. Each patient has a different case and severity of this disorder. For more extreme cases of this disorder, the specialist will most probably recommend surgery. However other less pervasive measures are also available. A specialist can also cure this disorder through physical therapy and exercises. When looking for a specialist search for those dentists that have particular training in the field of neuromuscular dentistry. A Dentist with this added training will be more suited for diagnosing this condition and offering the right care and treatment to rid you of this disorder.

Some forms of treatment might contain dental guards. These dental guards are specially designed to fit your particular jaw. These guards are to be worn at night while going to bed to avoid any unconscious teeth grinding that you might do while sleeping. A TMJ specialist might train you on different exercises as well to help you get cured without having to go into surgery. Jaw exercises that your TMJ specialist will ask you to perform include opening and closing of the mouth for a fixed number of time while watching closely in the mirror to notice any movements or your mouth going too much in one side.

If your case of TMJ disorder is more severe your TMJ specialist might recommend you to go for jaw surgery. In this particular surgery the Dental surgeon treats your jaw and your mouth to make it more aligned so as to relieve you of the pain caused by the jaw imbalance that you have. To search for a good Dentist you should look online at various dental websites or try searching for this particular disorder and then a list of all the doctors that are specialized in this particular field. You can also try asking your dental society to recommend you a good Dental surgeon. If the thought of going into surgery makes you uncomfortable you can talk to your Dental surgeon to recommend you physical massage therapy. This is also known to work great for patients suffering from TMJ disorder.

There are various reasons that can cause the TMJ disorder out of which one major reason is stress. This is why your Dental surgeon might first ask you to start seeing a psychiatrist, psychologist, or psychotherapist. You can also find a Dental surgeon that specializes solely in pain management. This is also a great form of treatment for TMJ disorder. Regardless of the type of treatment you go for, it is important that you find the right TMJ specialist for yourself.

Symptoms of Low Serum Calcium - What are the Dangers and Symptoms of Low Serum Calcium

Abnormally low level of calcium in the blood is termed as hypocalcaemia and this condition is very dangerous for health. It either occurs as a result of too much calcium loss or insufficient calcium intake through food. Serum calcium is a blood test which indicates the level of calcium in the blood.

Early symptoms of low serum calcium include frequent muscle cramps and joint pains. In addition to this, inability to perform tiresome activities, fatigue, brittle nails, and yellowness of teeth also occur as a result of abnormally low level of calcium in the blood stream.

Calcium deficiency should not be neglected for a long period of time because when blood is unable to get the calcium it requires from food, it starts robbing it from the bones where it is naturally present. As a result our bones start becoming weaker and weaker and eventually start breaking one after the other.

This disease is termed as osteoporosis in medical terms. It is a degenerative disease and one of the most dangerous symptoms of low serum calcium. Calcium deficiency in our body normally goes unnoticed until we experience a fracture or some other serious complication. Treatment of hypocalcaemia should start from an early age.

Joint pains and fatigue are common symptoms of low serum calcium which have been seen in almost 4 out of 5 women all over the world after they cross the age of 40. Immediate treatment is advised by doctors because if left untreated, hypocalcaemia in postmenopausal women can cause bone disease in old age and the risk of many other degenerative diseases is also increased.

Deficiency of parathyroid hormone (PTH) produced by parathyroid glands also causes less calcium to be absorbed by the blood stream and as a result calcium deficiency occurs. It is also one of the early symptoms of low serum calcium.

To restore calcium to a normal level, you should eat calcium-rich foods or calcium supplements on a regular basis. Ask a dietician to determine the exact amount of calcium you should be consuming on a daily basis. Normally 1000 - 1500 mg of calcium is required by an average, healthy person. However, if you are already calcium deficient you should increase this intake to about 2000 mg.

Before starting the course of calcium supplements it is advisable that you consult a doctor or have your serum calcium performed for a proper and effective treatment.

Herbal Solutions For Arthritis Joint Pain

Arthritis as an inflammatory disease manifests mainly in the form of joint pain. If the pain is ignored in its beginning stages it can grow worse making it difficult to even move the joints. Usually doctors prescribe medications that are anti-inflammatory analgesics; however, it might not improve the overall condition. There are certain herbal supplements and oils that make the tissues in the joints more strong and resistant to inflammation. Along with prescription medicines, if the patient resorts to such alternative therapeutic systems, it would go a long way in controlling the chronic pain of arthritis.

Many arthritis patients have experienced a notable change in their joint pain after adopting natural treatment methods involving herbs and essential medicinal oils. Especially in Asian countries like India and China, massage therapy with essential oils and herbal essences have gained much success in curing arthritis joint pain almost completely. There are certain expert techniques administered by traditional natural therapy practitioners. They have in-depth knowledge about the way human body responses and they know how to resuscitate the body's indigenous resistance and healing power. Such treatment demands a complete change of lifestyle and food habits. Although, I cannot describe the traditional sciences in more detail, I have listed below some of the essential herbs that are used in treating arthritis in an all-natural way.

1. A massage using Rumatone Gold oil can relax the joints to a great extent. It also reduces the joint pain quite faster compared to other herbs. It is a herbal treatment for pain relief originally listed in ancient Vedic texts.

2. Fenugreek seeds are quite beneficial in controlling severe arthritis attacks. Taking 40 to 50 grams of fenugreek seeds everyday in addition to regular massage with Fenugreek oil can work wonders in alleviating arthritis joint pain.

3. Consuming purely crushed turmeric power mixed in moderate hot water can improve your arthritis symptoms. Turmeric is a strong anti-inflammatory element and it helps in healing the inflammation at the joints. It also prevents further inflammation. However, it is not an instant measure for acute joint pain but certainly in the long run it will help your body and joints in fighting arthritis joint pain more efficiently.

4. Massaging the joints with a mixture of kerosene oil and olive oil can also help. Note that approximately 70 percent of the mixture should be olive oil. Olive oil has countless healing properties and when used regularly it can definitely sooth the joints.

5. Try using black cohosh. It is a great antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory agent. It has been clinically proved that regular use of black cohosh can reduce the intensity of joint pain.

6. Crushed cumber bark is yet another effective arthritis remedy. Select the bark of wild cucumbers and have them crushed nicely. A teaspoon of this amazing herb can help your body in several ways. However, it acts as a natural laxative too so you might want to reduce the dosage.

The above-mentioned remedies have innumerable healing powers; and remember, they are all used in synthesizing several modern medicines in modern laboratories.

Joint Pains Not Inevitable Due to Aging- Arthritis Care Advice for Indians

Creaky, achy joints, a twinge in the knee, a sharp shooting pain from the shoulder to the elbow, No big deal, right?

Wrong. All too often, we assume joint pain is a normal part of aging that we just have to learn to live with. Nothing could be further from the truth.

"Many people in India know very little about joint pain," Contrary to what many may think, joint pain is not an inevitable part of aging. Unless someone has suffered an injury such as breaking a leg, joint pain in the 50-plus age group usually means osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease in which the joints' natural shock absorber -- Cartilage -- begins to break down. Without their protective layer, bones begin to scrape against one other, causing joint pain and thwarting movement.

But never make a diagnosis by yourself. "The average person may not be able tell if it's the joint, a torn tendon or ligament, or pain in the area of the joint. An orthopaedic surgeon needs to evaluate you to make sure you do in fact have joint pain and why."

X-rays can sometimes show changes that indicate cartilage breakdown, but often, the images are inconclusive. "Physical exam, MRI, and bone scans can all be helpful in establishing a diagnosis that is not evident on X-ray."

While there is no conservative cure for joint pain, you can find relief. Treatments range from lifestyle changes to medications to surgery -- and should usually be tried in that order.

Lifestyle Changes

If you are overweight, the first step is to loose weight. A recent study shows that losing as little as 11 pounds (5 kilos) can decrease the risk of osteoarthritis of the knee by 50%. The next step is to work with a physical therapist to develop an exercise program that's right for you. Walking, and other low-impact exercises that don't put pounding pressure on the joints are helpful but high impact exercises such as jogging should usually be avoided. "Exercise is a lifetime commitment," I recommend that patients work out for 40 minutes at a time, three or four days a week. Wearing the correct footwear is also important. A regular and brisk morning walk for one hour (recent recommendation) will usher in a feeling of well being and is excellent all-round exercise. Putting all your joints through a full range of movement will go a long way in preventing stiffness.

Medications

If lifestyle changes don't ease your pain, medication is often prescribed. For mild pain, a simple painkiller can often help. Heat or cold therapy can often provide temporary pain relief. For more prolonged pain which is not amenable to simple drugs, your orthopedician in India will write you up for an anti- inflammatory drug. Although this latest generation of drugs has come under fire recently in the US, their capacity to alleviate pain in the elderly for short durations is welcome. If Knee pain is due to osteoarthritis, Glucosamine could be useful in the early stages. An orthopedic surgeon may choose to supplement the fluid in your knee with a synthetic substance which improves the viscosity of the joint fluid and ameliorates pain.

Surgery including Joint Replacement-

Joint replacements are advised for the elderly person with severe knee or other joint pain. For the young person, I perform some form of cartilage surgery in which the focal damaged areas of cartilage are repaired by surgery. This is an alternative available for young patients as they need not wait to attain the senior citizen's age (> 70) to get a joint replacement. Meniscal suture and Ligament reconstruction in the knee help to restore the mechanical stability for those sportspersons with knee injuries. These will postpone the advent of osteoarthritis. In those unlucky to have had a complete Menisectomy (complete removal of the semi- lunar cartilage) of the knee, Meniscal transplant will be available in Chennai soon. At present this surgery is confined to a few centres in the US and Europe.

For senior citizens if all else fails to relieve your pain and disability, your doctor may recommend surgery in which an arthritic or damaged joint is removed and replaced with an artificial joint called prosthesis.

The artificial joints, fashioned out of metal and plastic, can be as good as the real thing, restoring movement and function.
"Joint replacement is extremely successful, lasting over 20 years for more than 90% of patients," The procedure is becoming increasingly safer and less invasive.

In summary, prompt consultation with your orthopedic surgeon will lead to earlier diagnosis and effective treatment of joint pain and improve the quality of many lives affected by this common malady.

Hip Joint Pain Relief Basics

When it comes to hip joint pain, you need not suffer. There are many options available to provide hip joint pain relief. Always remember that before starting any type of treatment, you must first get the okay from your doctor.

Diet and exercise may help in losing weight and therefore relieve some pressure off of the hip and joints throughout the entire body. Eating a balanced diet of proteins, whole-wheat, plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables will give your body the boost it needs to help heal itself. Low-impact exercises are best for those with hip joint pain. Activities such as leisure walking, yoga, and swimming is ideal. Swimming is one of the best exercises for your body because there is very little stress on the joints, but you still get a great workout. If the muscles surrounding the joint become stronger, then the hip pain usually becomes less severe.

Another option is using anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen, Advil, or Motrin. Also, natural remedies that are similar to these drugs might be a good alternative. You may want to ask your doctor what he or she recommends.

A more aggressive approach would be the Hyaluronic acid injections, if your doctor feels you may be a good candidate. You will need injections to the hip several times a week for a number of weeks. So take into consideration the cost of the procedure, plus the time and pain associated with the shots.

A similar method for relief might be trying Corticosteroids which will decrease inflammation, but it can also lower your immune system. These chemicals are injected into the joint site but offer faster relief than the Hyaluronic acid injections.

Lastly, for severe chronic hip pain, you may want to consider hip replacement surgery. If your doctor deems you a candidate for surgery, ask what the complications might be, recovery time, and any possible future problems that may occur. Your doctor may have you prep your body weeks before the surgery; like cleansing the blood and building up the immune system. However, hip replacement surgery, as with any surgery, should be used only as the last resort. If you can manage the pain using the above methods mentioned, your body might be better off.

Flexarite Free Trial Review - Buy Flexarite Joint Pain Relieve Supplements, Read These Facts First

Some ailments have become quite common now a days. The key reason is bad eating habits and wrong lifestyle. One of them is joints pain. This problem is prevalent at all ages irrespective of the person's work profile. It is mainly caused due to the following reasons:

· Infections of the joint.

· Conditions affecting the metabolism.

· Stress and injuries.

In order to get rid of this pain people try several medications and supplements. One of them is Flexarite joint pain relief supplements. Given below is a review of this product based on the users' comments on the internet:

The ingredients of Flexarite:

· Green lipped mussel powder

· Resveratrol

· Turmeric

· Flax seed powder

· Bromelain

· Acai berry extract

· Glucosamine

· Chondroitin

Flexarite Joint Pain Relieve Supplements offer the following health benefits:

· It helps to relieve the joints pain irrespective of its reason.

· It is clinically proven to yield the best of results in just 7 days.

· It heals your joints back to the normal.

· The turmeric is anti oxidant & antiflammatory both.

· Bromelain helps in fighting osteoarthritis.

· Reduces the painful swelling that helps you in your daily routine.

· Flexarite joint pain relief supplement improves your joint plasticity.

· It also protects joints from the degradation caused by the enzymes.

The Flexarite joint pain relief supplement is worth trying. You can buy this online through the official website. It is not yet available for over the counter sales. You may also take the Flexarite joint pain relief supplements free trial & it is advisable to always go for a trial so you could gauge its benefits.