Archive for the ‘Arthritis rheumatoid, arthritis treatment and arthritis pain’ Category

Rheumatic diseases of arthritis

Thursday, June 21st, 2007

The main common characteristics of the rheumatic conditions are represented by inflammations, followed by a disability of one of the body’s supporting structures. The most affected by rheumatic diseases are the articulations, ligaments, bones, tendons and muscles that become painful, swollen and rigid. Some of the 100 types of rheumatic disorders may affect the other organs.

Some people generically call “arthritis” any kind of rheumatic problem. But, unlike the other conditions, arthritis only attacks the articulations. There are some rheumatic diseases that are considered disorders of connective tissues, while others are seen as auto immune.

Some rheumatic diseases

  • Rheumatic arthritis is a disease in which the synovium is swollen and very painful. The articulations hurt, become rigid and are severely damaged or taken out of use. The articulations of the hand of the feet are the most affected. Rheumatic arthritis is a symmetrical disease, which affects 1% of the population, only in the U.S.
  • Juvenile rheumatic arthritis is the most frequent arthritis that affects children. Most of the symptoms are common to those of the adults, but there are others to be added such as rashes and fever
  • Osteoarthritis affects the cartilages and makes them wear away. It causes pain of the articulations, rigidity, and in case it touches the spine, disables it ,the knees and hips, too. It is the most frequent form of arthritis and it affects over 21 millions of Americans
  • Systematic lupus erythematosus has a auto immune character. The healthy cells and tissues are damaged by the organism’s own means of protecting itself against infections. The inflammation produced by this disease attacks the skin, the articulations, the kidneys, the brain, the blood vessels, the heart and the lungs.
  • Spondyloarthopathies that mostly attack the spine have, as any common form of ankylosing spondylitis. The spine is followed by the shoulders, hips and knees, then the inflammation extends over the tendons and ligaments, which become painful and rigid. It mostly affects young people. Other example of spondyloarthopathy is Reiter’s syndrome, an infection of the bowel, the lower urinary tract and causes skin rashes, eye problems and mouth sores.
  • Fibromylagia has a chronic character and gives the articulations and the tissues that determine the bones to move, pain, rigidity, and localized sensitivity of the muscles and tendons. It especially affects the spine, shoulders, hips and neck and causes the patient insomnia and tiredness.
  • Scleroderma, or systematic sclerosis affects the skin, articulations and blood vessels, and, sometimes, internal organs. It is caused by an over increased quantity of collagen inside the body.
  • Polymylagia rheumatica is very painful and causes rigidity of the shoulders, hips, neck and lower back, especially in the morning. It affects tendons, muscles, ligaments and everything that surrounds the articulations. In time, it may degenerate into giant cell arthritis, a disorder that affects the arteries and generates weight loss, fever, swelling and weakness.
  • Gout is a type of arthritis generated by the deposits of uric acid crystals in the articulations. Has as main symptoms inflammation, swelling, and almost unbearable pain
  • Psoriatic arthritis affects only people with psoriasis. It mostly affects the fingers and toes’ articulations and it modifies the aspect of the nails. In case it touches the spine, back pain is added to the symptoms
  • Infectious arthritis is caused by viruses or bacteria. Two examples are gonococcal arthritis and parvovirus arthritis. The symptoms of arthritis often appear in Lyme disease. This disease is generated by bacterial infection that occurs after the bite of some ticks.

An early diagnosis is vital to prevent a serious damage

  • Tendinitis is, as the name says, a disorder of the tendons. They become inflamed, painful and extremely sensitive and produce restriction of movement
  • Bursitis is produced by the swelling of the bursae, it generates sensitivity and pain and limits the movements of the close articulations
  • Polymyositis weakens and inflames the muscle. It may cause disability, in case it affects the entire body.

By: Ethan Armitage

Learn about Arthritis symptoms Arthritis treatment Psoriatic arthritis http://www.arthritissymptomsandtreatment.com/

Tips For Arthritis Sufferers

Thursday, June 21st, 2007

If you’re one of the 42 million people diagnosed with some form of arthritis, you know that arthritis pain can make it difficult to fall asleep and cause you to awaken during the night. Insufficient rest can then make your pain harder to manage during the day, and quality sleep even harder to come by at night.

This vicious cycle is far too common among those who suffer from arthritis, an umbrella term used for a group of more than 100 medical conditions. The common thread among these conditions is that they all affect the musculoskeletal system and specifically the joints. A recent Center for Disease Control study finds that arthritis is the most prevalent chronic condition and the most reported cause of disability in the United States. Arthritis-related joint problems can include pain, stiffness and inflammation. Arthritis also is a common form of back pain.

While dealing with the pain can be one of the hardest parts of having arthritis, the pain is your body’s way of telling you that you need to rest. Sleep is necessary to restore your energy so that you can better manage pain; it also rests your joints to reduce pain and swelling, according to the Arthritis Foundation.

“Good quality sleep can be an important part of an arthritis pain management plan,” says Pete Bils, senior director of sleep innovation and chair of the Sleep Advisory Board for Select Comfort. “During deep, slow wave sleep, human growth hormone reaches a peak level to perform critical tasks necessary for bodily restoration.” In support of the Arthritis Foundation’s proclaiming May as National Arthritis Month, Bils offers the following timely sleep tips for arthritis sufferers:

Choose a mattress that alleviates pressure points on your body

“Beds that are too firm do not support properly and create uncomfortable pressure points — a discomfort that causes excessive tossing and turning, activities that are counterproductive to arthritis pain relief and recuperation,” Bils says. “Consider switching to an adjustable firmness mattress to minimize pressure points that might be aggravating your pain.”

One mattress to consider is the Sleep Number Bed by Select Comfort which has dual air chambers that allow each side of the bed to be independently adjusted so each sleep partner can choose his or her ideal level of comfort, firmness and support — even if one sleeper has arthritis pain and the other does not. Unlike innerspring mattresses, the Sleep Number bed cradles the body and evenly distributes weight to minimize painful pressure points and reduce body pain and stiffness.

Choose pillows for optimal spinal and neck alignment

If you suffer from arthritis back pain, consider replacing your pillow. Choose a pillow that naturally places your head, neck and shoulders in a straight spine and head position (closely matching a proper standing/sitting posture).

Take a warm bath

A soothing soak before bed can relieve muscle tension, ease aching joints and help you get a good night’s sleep.

Clear your head before bed

Find ways to decrease other stresses in your life that could be aggravating your sleeplessness. Read for pleasure instead of trying to absorb work-related material. Before tucking yourself in for the night, make a list of all the things you need to do the next day to avoid having a last minute thought disturb your slumber.

Follow your doctor’s recommendations

Keep up with arthritis exercises and pain medications as recommended by your doctor. If poor sleep is a continual problem, seek your doctor’s advice.

By: Morgan Evans

To learn more about sleep and arthritis, the Sleep Number bed or to find a retailer near you, log on to www.selectcomfort.com or call (800) 535-2337. – ARA

The different types of arthritis

Thursday, June 21st, 2007

In rheumatology, scientists and doctors work hard to develop new treatments, new facts and even to learn why people suffer from conditions such as arthritis. One thing that they’ve uncovered is that there are a host of different types of arthritis today. If you are suffering from arthritis, chances are you have a specific condition that leads to the type of arthritis that you have. In rheumatology, doctors are working to help cure all forms, but it is important for you, as a patient, to be able to understand what makes your type of arthritis unique in comparison to the others out there.

The most common type of arthritis is that of osteoarthritis. Others include psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, Reiter’s Syndrome, Gout and Pseudogout. To understand the differences, consider this information about each of these conditions.

  • Psoriatic arthritis: If you have psoriasis, then you are more prone to developing this form of arthritis, which is a condition that includes many of the same symptoms of other types. Some that experience this form of arthritis will have more spinal injury than other forms of arthritis. Ultimately, though, this type of arthritis is less troublesome to the patient and less debilitating to them.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis: The one key element that distinguishes rheumatoid arthritis to other forms of arthritis is that usually, joints from both sides of the body are attacked and are facing pain. Swelling, pain, redness and warmth are symptoms.
  • Osteoarthritis: This is the most common form and it is distinguished by the breakdown of cartilage in the joints. Any joint in your body can be affected by this condition, but the common areas including your hips, knees and spine.
  • Reiter’s Syndrome: Those that have this type of arthritis have a unique condition in which not only can the joints in the body be attacked, but so can other parts of the body including the eyes, the skin and the urethra.
  • Pseudogout: The most common places to see this type of condition is that of the knee or the wrist, but it can also attack the hips, shoulders, knuckles, and joints in your feet. What makes it unique is that it will attack just one joint at a time, mostly. The problem here is an abnormal calcium pyrophosphate development.
  • Gout: While you may not realize it, gout is a form of arthritis. In this form, you will have severe and often sudden attacks of pain in some of your joints. Only one joint is affected at a time, usually, but the symptoms can come and go.

Each of these conditions are something that rheumatology wants to know more about. Understanding what is happening and why it is happening is essential to getting the patient the help they need. Since arthritis does effect millions of people every year and it is a debilitating condition, it is essential for doctors and scientists to work to develop alternative treatments and cures for these conditions. Each form of arthritis is unique, making their job that much more difficult.

By: Greg Marsh -

For important information from Greg about http://www.whugu.com/8/rheumatoid-arthritis-symptoms-do-you-feel-them rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, click the link.

What You Should Know About Arthritis

Thursday, June 21st, 2007

Should the person experience some muscle pain which lasts more than 2 or 3 days, there is a strong chance that one has arthritis.

Arthritis is a common disease that affects millions of people worldwide. This can be felt in the person’s joints, skin and organs inside the body. Should the person feel anything wrong, it is advisable to go straight to the doctor.

Doctors have discovered that there are over 100 types of arthritis. Given the number, the doctor will not be able to know which one is affecting the person without an examination.

There are 2 common forms of arthritis. The first is rheumatoid arthritis which is considered a chronic disease. There is inflammation in the joints caused by cartilage damage. Anyone who has this will suffer long term joint damage that will lead to chronic pain and disability. Pain is usually felt when waking up in the morning and will gradually disappear during the day.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a problem that will not go away. This happens in three stages. The first is swelling. The second is the rapid division and growth of cells. The third is when these cells release enzymes that will eat the bone causing the joint to lose shape until the person will not be able to move it anymore.

Since this is systemic disease, it can spread and affect other organs in the body. The best way to prevent is from happening is detecting it early to prevent the person from being disabled.

This can be treated with proper medication and therapy. There many drugs available that the patient can use. Some drugs offer pain relief to reduce the inflammation. Others can just do one function.

The second is called osteoarthritis. This happens more often than rheumatoid arthritis but unlike the first, there is no inflammation present. The cartilage in the joint is damaged and will eventually degenerate. Pain will slightly be felt when the person gets up but this will hurt later on during the day.

Osteoarthritis can either be primary or secondary. When it is primary, it is often associated with age. It is similar to a car where the parts have to be replaced due to wear and tear. Doctors consider this to be normal as people grow older.

The secondary type is often associated with something else that has caused this to happen. Some of these factors are an injury that took place, heredity, obesity and bone density.

Osteoarthritis can be treated with medication, exercise, weight control, joint protection, physical and occupational therapy. This is done to relieve the pain and slow the progression of the disease.

Both of these are caused by different things. The common thing between these 2 types is that joint pain can happen anywhere in the body.

Given the many medications available to treat this disease, the patient has to be aware of the side effects of each before choosing which one to use. The doctor should explain these to the person in order to make the right decision.

Arthritis and it’s different forms will not go away. Since this is an insurable disease, the best thing that the doctor and others can do until a cure if found is to help the patient ease the pain the slow the growth of the disease.

By: Robert Thatcher

Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides arthritis resources on www.your-arthritis-resources.info

Natural remedies for arthritis

Thursday, June 21st, 2007

It refers to inflammation of joints. It is one of a number of diseases commonly called rheumatism. Arthritis arises from many causes and it is treated in many different ways.

Arthritis has been classified as follows

  • Arthritis caused by infection.
  • Arthritis resulting from rheumatic fever.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Degenerative arthritis.
  • Arthritis due to joint injuries.
  • Arthritis caused by gout.
  • Arthritis originating from the nervous system. Rheumatoid arthritis and arthritis caused by rheumatic fever are classified as collagen disease.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis and degenerative arthritis are the two most common types.

Millions of men and women are afflicted with them. But good medical treatment begun early and continued faithfully can often do much to alleviate the pain, crippling and disability.

Rheumatoid arthritis

It is a disease not of the joints but of the whole body, i . e. the connective tissues. This tissue reacts sensitively to substances in the body. Stress and worry make it worse. During rainy season and winter months, pains in the joints become most severe.

Rheumatoid arthritis may appear suddenly or gradually. Fatigue, loss of weight, and poor weight can be early signs. Sometimes it may cause an acute fever and pain, swelling and disability in many joints. Any joint can be involved including those of the spine, but the hands and feet are most commonly affected. There may be vague or fleeting pains in early stages; it may rise in the morning and at the end of the day.

Women appear to be afflicated more than men. Children too can be afflicted. Rheumatoid arthritis usually strikes at early ages unlike other types of arthritis. It appears during winter months. Americans are chronic sufferers from this disease.

Fresh raw fruit and vegetable juices offer an excellent treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. It is believed that garlic, musumbi, orange, carrot and beet juice consumed in plenty may give early cure.

Signs and symptoms of Arthritis

  • Severe pain in the affected joints.
  • Muscles, ligaments and cartilage become inflamed.
  • Movement of the joint becomes extremely painful, especially in cold, windy and damp weather.

Home Remedies for Arthritis

  • Drinking water kept overnight in a copper container accumulates traces of copper, which is said to strengthen the muscular system. A copper ring or bracelet is worn for the same reason.
  • Half a teaspoon of turmeric powder with warm water helps cure arthritis.
  • Taking alfalfa tea twice a day makes a good cure.
  • Lime has also been found beneficial as a home remedy for arthritis. The citric acid found in lime is a solvent of uric acid which is the primary cause of some types of arthritis. The juice of one lime, diluted with water, may be taken once a day, preferably first thing in the morning.
  • Exercise the afflicted joints in tub full of hot water.

By: Alien

Alien is a freelance writer with more than 25 years experience as a health care http://www.health-care-clinic.org/ professional. He is a contributing editor to natural remedies, a site dedicated to the home remedies for common ailments. Check out this site for more information on home remedies for arthritis

Arthritis Information

Thursday, June 21st, 2007

Arthritis is a general term which is applied to a number of painful conditions affecting the joints and bones. There are about 100 different types of arthritis.
Arthritis is normally associated with older people, but it can affect people at any age, even children. This is called Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.
There are some forms of arthritis which are inherited, but most are not. Some forms of arthritis show very strong tendencies to be inherited, others show a weak tendency and some based on the available evidence are not inherited.

Arthritis Symptoms

The main symptoms of arthritis are stiffness and pain of particular joints. There may also be some restrictive movement of the affected joints along with some swelling and redness over the joints in a number of cases. The specific symptoms again will depend upon what type of arthritis you’re suffering from although the vast majority of types of arthritis all include problems created by the inflammation and swelling of joints.

Arthritis Causes

The cause of arthritis is not fully known, however, some factors which may contribute to arthritis are obesity and jobs which put repetitive movements of a particular joint. This includes sports people, for example footballers tend to develop arthritis in their knees and ankles as a consequence of injuries sustained to these parts. There is no evidence however, that suggests that physically active people who are not injured through sport have a higher risk of arthritis. Some studies have suggested that gout may sometimes be a contributing factor to causing arthritis.

However, as mentioned earlier, nobody really knows what the exact cause of arthritis is. There are many people around the world though attempting to discover what the cause of arthritis may be.

Arthritis Treatment

Each different form of arthritis may require a different form of treatment and management of the conditions and symptoms of the particular type of arthritis you’re interested in. First of all, you should decide what your type of arthritis is. Once you’ve done that, then you can search for the various treatments.

One thing which is common though across most forms of arthritis, is that early treatment is essential as this will mean that further damage to your joints is reduced and your quality of life is improved.

There will probably be a wide range of medical professionals involved in your treatment. They will probably include your doctor, an arthritis specialist, a physiotherapist amongst many others.

A common theme though all the different kinds of treatment for arthritis though, is to reduce the inflammation and swelling of the joint affected. This can be done via various drugs and/or some kind of physiotherapy.

A number of sufferers of arthritis find the condition so debilitating and painful, that they resort to a joint replacement. A while ago, it was only hips, knees and shoulders that were replaced, however, now, most joints it is possible to replace.

Arthritis Summary

Arthritis is a very painful and debilitating condition which affects many people, and can affect young and old alike. We have some idea as to what causes arthritis but as of yet, we don’t fully understand the causes. As such, it is quite difficult to figure out how to stop people from suffering from this condition. There are a number of treatments available for sufferers which may include various drugs or physiotherapy and even replacement of the joint.

For more information on Arthritis, have a look at this site Arthritis Relief http://www.arthritis-relief.info/

Arthritis pain and natural cure

Thursday, June 21st, 2007

Ayurveda is used widely to treat Arthritis. According to the Ayurveda, arthritis is caused due to an excess of ama and lack of agni. The reason for this is nothing but poor digestion and a weakened colon. This results in the accumulation of undigested food and also building up of waste matter. Poor digestion in the system allows toxins to accumulate in the body. Along with this the problems with the colon let the toxins to reach the joints.
Therefore, the only way to treat arthritis is by stimulating the digestive fire which is the agni and to reduce the ama.

Ayurveda identifies and distinguishes three categories of arthritis. These categories are corresponding to vata, pitta, and kapha. For treating this condition properly, it is crucial to carefully diagnose which type of arthritis you have.

There are three types of Arthritis according to Ayurveda. These include:

* Vata
* Pitta
* Kapha

Vata

If arthritis is due to vata in your body, your joints will crack and pop. The joint then become dry. they are not swollen if excess vata is not the cause for arthritis.

Pitta

The arthritis which is caused due to Pitta is characterized by inflammation. The joint becomes swollen. The joint also becomes painful even without having any kind of movement. The knee looks red and feels hot to the touch.

Kapha

In kapha-type arthritis, the joint tends to become stiff and swollen. The joint also feels cold and clammy rather than being hot. A little movement in the joint tends to increase the pain than reducing it.

General Treatment of Arthritis

Depending on an individual’s lifestyle, his diet, and his emotional pattern, either vata, pitta, or kapha goes out of balance and this can lead to arthritis. After that, a particular dosha slows down agni which is the digestive fire. This results in the toxic, sticky by-product of insufficient digestion and this is known as ama.

Vata is the main active dosha. Vata brings the ama into the colon. After that, from there it travels through the system. Vata then gets in the bone tissue and in the joints. This gives rise to the stiffness and pain characteristic of arthritis.

Ayurveda tries to remove the ama from the joint. It also mainly attempts to bring it back to the colon and later eliminating it. For being able to do this, we need to keep the colon clean and the best way to determine the kind of arthritis. Once you determine that, you can start remedies which are recommended for the specific type of arthritis. If you do not know which kind of arthritis it is, whether vata, pitta, or kapha arthritis, you can safely take 1 teaspoon of triphala at night. You can take that along with 1/2 to 1 cup warm water.

If you kind of get to know which kind of arthritis it is, you can follow this. Along with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon with warm water, use the following for treatment:

Use Haritaki for vata-type arthritis Use Amalaki for pitta-type arthritis Use Bibbitaki for kapha-type arthritis

Ayurveda suggest general techniques to increase the intensity of the digestive fire which is agni. This is done to burn up the toxins which are posing threat to the body.

Natural Solution: Arthcare Oil – An Anti-inflammatory Herbal massage oil.

Arthcare is an anti-inflammatory herbal oil which not only gives a relief from joint pains but also strengthens the bone tissues, the skeletal and the neuromuscular systems, giving a comfortable movements of joints and muscles.

You can follow some diets, any of the below and start getting treated for arthritis

You can use selected foods and herbs

You can use detoxification diet

Normally, a three- to five-day detoxification diet is prescribed to people having this kind of problem. You can have plenty of vegetables, juices, spices and herbs. These are usually taken during the fast. This food habit lasts till the body shows signs that the digestive fire is really burning strong. Also importantly, these signs include a return of the appetite. These signs also create a feeling of lightness apart from creating a feeling of giving a clear coating to the tongue.

Use of Enemas/ Cleaning Colon

There are enemas and other means of cleaning the colon. These are used very often to help detoxification in the body.

Gemstone Therapy

Use of Ruby, garnet or other “hot” gems which are set in gold are also used for all three kinds of arthritis.

Also there is a use of herbal, medicinal or essential oils to treat arthritis.

Several oils could be applied to the skin. These oils help the body clear toxins. They also help you relieve pain and restore mobility in your legs.

There is an oil names Mahanarayan oil. This oil helps in improving flexibility, stiffness, and muscle fatigue. This oil also removes pain. The oil is mixed with sesame oil and applied to the places where there is pain. This oil also breaks up the blockages. After the oil application, you can take warm heat, yoga, and bath. You can also take a mild exercise as this can further improves this situation.

Narayan oil is another good oil if you have muscle and joint pain. This can also be used for lower body circulation apart from being used for reversing imbalances caused by aging.

Avipattikar churna is used to ingest for rheumatism.

Heat Therapy

In this kind of treatment, the patient will be asked to sit in a sauna. He may also be told to have steam applied directly to the affected areas.

Use of herbs, spices and bitters

There are various herbs, spices and bitters which are being used in Ayurveda. These herbs are often applied externally or they are ingested inside the body. These methods of treatment are believed to cleanse the body. They also do a great deal to relieve pain and stiffness. Some herbs which are used include Mint, ephedra, golden seal, gentian, nirgundi, eucalyptus leaves. Apart from that herbs like prasarini, quassia, coptis, scute, phellodendrom, aloe, guggul, du huo, ligusticum, Siberian ginseng, myrrh, and yucca are also used.

Using all the above methods of treatment, one can successfully treat arthritis. In most cases, the oil used tends to be every effective especially for people in the older age who will not be able to take specific kind of treatments like yoga or exercise to treat arthritis.

By: Dr John Anne

Read more on Arthritis Remedy – http://www.ayurvediccure.com/arthritis.htm through Ayurvedic Medicines, Exercise, and Massage oil. Also know how to get Arthritis Pain Relief through Herbal Treatments.

Learn more on Ayurveda – through World’s Finest Portal on Ayurveda and Herbal Remedies.

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms

Thursday, June 21st, 2007

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammation of the joints, the surrounding swelling and discomfort is painful. How the body treats this attack to the equalibrium is by attempting to repair the afflicted area, in doing so the surrounding area may have the bone and cartilage disrupted and broken down. Everyone has different results with intervals where the symptoms are less but cruelly return again later as if taunting the sufferer.

Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers waking in the morning often feel joint stiffness for more than an hour. This is one of the first signs that arthritis may be starting. Observing the joints in question should reveal some swelling and tenderness in more than one part of the body. The discomfort may reside to acceptable levels after a while but can come back in periods of inactivity.The early rheumatoid arthritis symptoms do not necessarily have to be confined to the joints of the body. Upon closer inspection of the joint area can reveal small nodules under the skin or even an accumulation of fluids. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause a loss of appetite and body shaking chills, other than the common pain of the joint area.

As time moves on the person afflicted with the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis have times of :
*unusual tiredness
*morning stiffness
*extensive aches and pains
*low stamina

These early rhumatoid arthritis symptoms need to be heeded because if treated quickly the joints permanent ruination may be lessened or at least slow it down to manageable levels. Failure to action these arthritis symptoms early enough will condemn the person to a life of medications, monitored exercise programs, physical therapy or even surgery.

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can greatly reduce the mobility of the person to such an extent where previously accepted lifestyles need to be readdressed. The joint mobility and resulting pain and discomfort should cause the person to follow through with treatment, thus preventing the rheumatoid arthritis from having free reign and causing much more damage than necessary. Seeking out appropriate medications, natural remedies and dietary changes can provide comfort and allow the sufferer to maintain the lifestyle at a standard that they are used to for many years to come.

By: stevo

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Arthritis home remedy, arthritis cure

Thursday, June 21st, 2007

Arthritis is inflammation of the joints. It can occur anywhere in the body and, based on that, there are several types of arthritis. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which is the common ailment of pain in the joints observed in elderly people. Other common types of arthritic ailments are rheumatoid arthritis and gout.

The word arthritis is derived from two root Greek words – arthros meaning ‘joint’ and itis meaning ‘inflammation’. Hence, arthritis literally translates as inflammation of the joints.

Arthritis is an auto-immune disease, which means, it is a disease in which the human body attacks itself. It begins in one or two joints where an acute pain is felt. This is the most miserable phase of arthritis. Over time, this pain may disappear, but it could cause permanent deformities in the bones and joints.

In all types of arthritis, the following symptoms are observed:

- The initial pains are felt as fleeting pains in the joints, which seem to be no more than a twitching pain.

- Pains alternate between various joints quickly.

- If the arthritis becomes acute, then on a particular day there is very sharp pain in a joint, and it becomes absolutely normal the next day. The next day another joint could be affected in a similar fashion.

- The pains could increase in the winter season or in cold nights.

Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Arthritis

- Alfalfa (Medicago satina)

Alfalfa makes the food residues in the body alkaline, which helps in assimilating them easily into the blood. This is effective in reducing the rheumatoid pains. Tea is made from the seeds of the alfalfa for consumption.

- Castor seeds (Ricinus communis)

The seeds of castor are beneficial in arthritic pains that are of a gouty or rheumatoid nature. The seeds are made into a poultice and applied over the affected joints.

- Celery (Apium graveolens)

The high sodium content of celery is useful in relieving the pains of arthritis. Freshly extracted juice of the celery plant must be taken for the best results.

- Garlic (Allium sativum)

The benefits of garlic in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis are acknowledged all over the world. It relives the pains of arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory properties. There are very little or no side-effects in using garlic as a remedy.

Dietary Treatments for Arthritis

Constipation can aggravate arthritic pains. Hence foods that are difficult to digest must be avoided.

The following foods must be avoided if you have continuous arthritic pains:

- Animal fats

- Fried foods

- Foods rich in carbohydrates like potatoes

- Tomatoes

- Peppers

- Salt

- Sour foods, including curds

Taking five cloves of garlic early morning is a good diet remedy for reducing arthritic pains. Bitter vegetables have also been found to have excellent properties in the treatment of arthritis. These include bitter gourd and bitter drumsticks.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Arthritis

Mahayogaraja Guggulu is the drug of choice in arthritis. Its dosage depends on the climate. In winter season, the dosage is double of what it is in the summer. In summer the dosage is two tablets twice a day. The preferable mode of taking these tablets is on an empty stomach, and they should be taken with milk or warm water.

For bigger joints suffering from arthritis, Brihadvata chintamani is given in a dosage of 250 milligrams twice or thrice a day. If the spine also develops arthritic pains, then the dosage increased for a week; then returned back to normal. For chronic arthritis, Maharasandhi kwatha is prescribed.

Mahanarayana taila is prescribed for external application over the affected joints. The application must be done with a gently massage. In the winter months, the oil must be warmed before application for better results.

Home Medications

Some household remedies are known to provide relief from arthritic pains. The following are some of the more benefiting ones:-

- Applying a paste of limestone and honey on the affected joints externally provides relief.

- Mash some mustard in warm water and apply this solution on the joints. This must be done repeatedly to get results.

- Put two teaspoons of cumin into a glass of water. Bring this to a boil. When the water is still hot, soak a towel in it and foment the affected region with this towel. This will provide relief from the pain within a few hours.

- Asafetida mixed with egg yolk can be applied on the affected joints to seek immediate relief.

- Prepare a pancake from wheat flour. Roast it on one side, but leave it uncooked on the other. Then put some heated mustard oil on the uncooked side. When it is hot, tie it like a tourniquet on the affected joint, or provide fomentation with it. This provides quick relief.

- Mix some cardamom in milk. Put a pinch of turmeric in this milk. This is to be drunk every night while going to sleep. This makes the person sleep peacefully in the morning.

Simple yogic asanas and light exercise helps proper digestion of the body and also protects it from autoimmune problems. Hence, these are beneficial in arthritis.

If you have recurrent pains in the joints, then do not keep the joint covered. As far as possible, keep the joint exposed to the air. For example, if you have pain in the knee joints, then do not wear tight denim clothing; shorts would be a good idea. This will provide freer circulation of blood in the joint and reduce the pains.

By: tom alter

Read More on Arthritis Cure by Ayurveda and Arthritis Home Remedies at www.ayushveda.com. Read more about Ayurveda at World’s Largest Portal on Ayurveda and Ayurvedic Remedies. – The Free Ayurvedic Encyclopedia.

Arthritis symptoms

Thursday, June 21st, 2007

The main symptoms of arthritis are swelling, stiffness and pain. They are all signs of inflammation of the joints. Other signs are redness of the skin of the joints and the fact that the affected joints feel warmer than the rest of the body. The most common types of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Both these illnesses show the arthritis symptoms as described above and affect and inflame the joints. People who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis will also have to endure fatigue, lack of appetite and being feverish. Rheumatoid arthritis is also well known for attacking other parts of the body other than joints: skin, lungs and heart may be affected.

The two types of arthritis have a different cause, they both attack primarily the joints, but whereas osteoarthrits is caused by the simple fact of wear of the joints through the years (as in older people or in professional athletes), rheumatoid arthritis finds its cause in the body itself. The body’s own immune system goes haywire and attacks its own joints and the tissues surrounding them. Since sometimes the immune system does not stop at the joints alone, rheumatic arthritis can have its detrimental effects on other parts of the body as well.

Treatment Of Arthritis Symptoms

Although we have to live with the fact that there is no cure for arthritis, understanding the reason why these symptoms occur is a major step. Understanding the symptoms means you can tackle them at the root of the problem . This is particularly important in the case of rheumatoid arthritis since a big part of the treatment will focus on reducing the harm, caused by the illness.

In most cases treatment will concentrate on pain management of the arthritis symptoms. This will involve medication for pain management. According to the severity of the pain this medication could be over-the-counter anti-inflammatory products containing ibuprofen ( Advil) or naproxen ( Aleve) or even stronger medication that will have to be prescribed by your doctor.

When you manage to control the pain associated with your arthritis symptoms, it is time to start working on reducing these symptoms. An exercise program is the best way to go about that. Try to create some sort of exercise routine that works on your range of motions as well as on strength and stamina. But first ask your doctor if and what exercises are best for your condition. After that it might even be a good idea to get in touch with a personal trainer, experienced in arthritis patients.

Arthritis symptoms are painful and seem sometimes even unmanageable. It is up to the arthritis sufferers to keep their spirits up and find those treatment options that will reduce the inevitable pain moments associated with arthritis and thus regain their level of activity and quality of life.

By: Frank Rom

F.Rom runs an information site about arthritis and arthritis relief http://www.arthritis-202.com/. You should also stop at: Free Yourself of the Pain, and Live Your Life 150% Better by Banishing Your Arthritis in Just 1 Month!