News and Articles on Health. Medical research topics.

Arthritis is a terrible affliction that causes millions of people around the world an infinite amount of suffering year after year. Luckily there are several things you can do to help ease the pain and fight arthritis, and that’s exactly what I want to talk about in this article today.

The first thing to do is to use moist heat twice a day. You should use the heat on the affected joints. When I talk about moist heat I mean things like a warm shower or bath or a hot tub. Also warm moist towels work fairly well too. I’ve also heard that saunas can do wonders but that varies from person to person.

The second step is to exercise your joints. This will improve flexibility and it will also strengthen muscles which can be very important when trying to fight arthritis for the long haul.

The next step is to eat a healthy and varied diet of foods. You really want to eat as many vegetables, fruits, and whole grains as possible and these should be the cornerstone of any diet because these types of foods have proven to be much healthier than the stuff we eat in pre-cooked dinners these days. It is very important for you to maintain your normal weight as well.

The fourth step is to take the right medicine, plain and simple. There are so many different medicines out there that it can often be hard to find the right one for you. Because of this you should try many different medicines. Get samples of new medicines from your doctor. Another good idea is to fill a prescription for just a week or two in order to find the right medication for you. Once you’ve found the right medications then buy a full supply but only after you’ve found the right one because not all medications are created equal and not all will interact with your body chemistry the same way.

Finally, the fifth step is to eliminate foods that trigger arthritis. Believe it or not certain foods will in fact trigger this and you have to try very hard to figure out which ones do and then stay away from them. Some examples include alcohol, which may be obvious but other examples include things like eggs and milk which may not be quite as obvious.

You may be able to discover which foods trigger your arthritis yourself but if you’re having trouble doing this speak to your doctor and hopefully between the two of you, you can create different tests to see which foods work and which don’t.

So there you have five simple steps to help fight arthritis pain. Not all of these steps will apply to you, maybe only a couple of them will or maybe they all will; it will really vary from person to person but hopefully now you have the information that you need to make that first step down the path of arthritis free living.

Arthritis is one of the most common diseases in America, affecting one out of every three adults. Arthritis also attacks women at twice the rate of men.

There are over 100 different forms of arthritis and they attack the body differently. There are autoimmune types such as psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. There are joint infections such as septic arthritis. And then the most common type which are degenerative joint diseases such as osteoarthritis. This type of arthritis is usually caused by the wearing of cartilage between the joints. While it is more common in older individuals, younger people can suffer from osteoarthritis as well due to sports injuries, falls and strains.

If you suffer from arthritis you may notice that your joints may act up during changes in the weather. It is believed that a joint that is affected by arthritis tries to accommodate for that deficiency by producing more nerve endings than normal. This could explain why those joints seem sensitive to weather changes.

A common symptom of arthritis is mild to severe pain. The severity of the pain may increase as the day goes on or when you have more activity for that joint. Many older people or small children that suffer from arthritis will combat this pain by not moving that joint. They can become very immobile.

If you complain of a joint paint to your health professional, he or she will most likely ask if you have any other symptoms. Be sure to tell your doctor about any fevers, changes in your skin, or shortness of breath. While you think it may not be related, these symptoms can guide your doctor to a correct diagnosis. For example, if you experience a fever and joint pain, you may be suffering from septic arthritis which is a severe medical emergency. Your doctor may immediately refer you to a rheumatologist.

Your doctor will look at your symptoms, your age, your sex, your medical history, and the severity of the joint pain you are having. These clues will help guide your doctor to some possible causes.

Your doctor will most likely also perform x-rays on the joints in questions and take blood for various tests. Erosion of the cartilage or bone appositions are usually revealed on x-rays. The blood tests will reveal your blood count, electrolytes, renal function, liver enzymes, mineral levels such as calcium and phosphate, and c-reactive protein levels. In addition, the antinuclear factor, or ANF, is tested. If this is positive, further tests for antibodies and extractable nuclear antigens are performed. All of these results will lead your doctor to a proper diagnosis of arthritis.

While there is no known cure for arthritis, several treatment methods are available. More invasive measures such as surgery and drug therapies exist. Others choose to try physical therapy and pain management techniques. For those that seek more natural remedies, there are various herbs that have been touted as effective on arthritis symptoms. One of these is Harpagophytum procumbens.

It has also been shown that diet that includes a lot of oily fish increases the anti-inflammatory fat in your body and can thereby inhibit the symptoms of arthritis. A study by Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in the USA in March of 2005 showed this diet was effective, particularly when low dose aspirin was consumed as well.

Despite what you may have been told, and contrary to the titles of many articles and books on the subject, there is no cure for painful arthritis at present. It’s a chronic disease similar in many ways to diabetes and heart disease. Even something as drastic as knee replacement surgery amounts to little; and is nothing more than just amputating the joint and replacing it with ceramic or metal. Surgery is not a cure – it’s just another way of managing the disease.

The good news is, even if you cannot entirely cure joint problems, it’s possible to slow its progression and manage the pain! One method that is time-tested and is proven to work is Ayurvedic therapy. Ayurveda is a wonderful journey to good health, and is all about making healthy choices in your everyday life. Its popularity is skyrocketing worldwide as it is a natural and holistic way that will teach you how to restore balance in your body. It’s not only a system of medicine; it is also a means to healthy living through proper diet, herbal supplements and exercise.

The most essential foods that will help you effectively manage painful arthritis include an astonishing array of vitamins, minerals, nutrients, phytochemicals and compounds that are invaluable for health. This can also be derived in supplement form.

Below are two of the countless highly recommended foods that will pave the way for you to have a more active life:

• Apples – these are one of the most all-around helpful foods you can eat. They are high in both soluble and insoluble fiber, a combination that helps to reduce serum cholesterol. The pectin in apples absorbs excess water in the intestinal tract and helps to both soften and solidify the stool – one of the best aids for elimination.
• Ginger – is derived from the underground rhizome of a plant native to South Asia and is one of the world’s oldest, best-known, and most versatile medicinal foods. It has been used for centuries – as tea for cough; and is one of the best natural anti-nausea agents. Modern medicine is now recognizing some of ginger’s time-honed virtues, especially for patients who want to protect their joints and decrease pain. Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties have been strongly supported by countless scientific studies.

Don’t limit yourself to canned goods and junk food. Your approach to eating should be a little like having a diversified stock portfolio that doesn’t rely too heavily on just one market sector. What’s the best dietary advice for those with painful arthritis? Maintain a balanced diet that includes anti-inflammatory foods. It’s that simple.

When considering superfoods and gout, there are several that are known to stop the instance of gout from occurring. The value cherry juice is well known and strawberries may help as well. There are certain chemicals contained in dark colored berries that are thought to lower the uric acid present in the body and reduce the swelling that is present in gout sufferers. There are many other foods that help, too.

Gout is caused by a build up of uric acid in the bloodstream that causes crystals to be formed in the joints and under the skin. This causes swelling, pain and stiffness in the joints most notably the big toe. While it is not limited to the big toe, that is the best known part of the body to get this condition. Working to reduce or eliminate the painful symptoms of gout is accomplished by adding some of the superfoods mentioned to your diet.

Another food that has shown favorable results is oily fish. This would include fish such as salmon. The fatty acids that are present in flax seed is another. There is also evidence that nuts or olive oil can help to reduce the swelling of gout. Instead of eating meat, especially red meat, which has been linked to gout, eat tofu instead.

Superfoods and gout are one of the keys to controlling this problem, so a little advice – check out the superfoods that are recommended. By eating a diet that is low in fat, low in protein and contains a large amount of complex carbohydrates, you may get the relief you need.

Beverages are important, too. Water is one of the best things you can drink to help flush uric acid from the body. Coffee and fruit juices are excellent for helping to reduce uric acid. Check the purine levels in the food you eat and try to avoid those that contain high levels.

Some of these super foods will include different types of cereal that are low-fiber. Breads made from white flour or refined grains are another. Peanut butter and vegetables that are low in purines are good sources of food that will help. Cream style soups, gelatin, nuts and low fat cheese are just a few more of the super foods. Eating avocados, celery and grapes will help to reduce uric acid.

Sources of food that come from animals are high in purines. This is converted by the body to uric acid. So the best idea would be to avoid meat as much as possible, limiting yourself on the amount of lean meat you consume and avoiding red meat.

As a writer with a keen interest in herbalism and natural remedies I am always seeking out information on old home remedies, folk cures and unconventional treatments many of which I will test myself with varying results. While I am curious I am not crazy and some I would certainly not attempt. Some treatments you may be aware of and some frankly you might be wise to stay well away from!

There are some 150 forms of arthritis. Each has its own causes, specific symptoms and mostly own type of care. Many types share similarities like joint swelling and associated pain. It is often these two symptoms most remedies try to deal with rather than eradicating the illness itself. Should it be one of the minor bacterial forms of arthritis though, antibiotics are usually all that is needed to clear it up.

For the common kind of arthritis anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed along with medication for additional symptoms of fever and fatigue. With the degenerative form, conventional pain management is foremost, but for many types injections of painkillers, nerve blockers or lubricants as well as surgery to curtail deformities might be used.

Many of us simply attempt self relief through the application of heat or conversely ice packs to the afflicted area if we know no better. You can turn to more traditional home or folk remedies which regularly proclaim the use of herbs. These include ginger, pepper and nettle taken in a variety of ways from teas to manufactured topical lotions, balms and ointments. Willow often gets a mention which is not surprising as it was the original basis of aspirin.

Many aromatic plants like lavender, sage and rosemary provide essential oils for massage usage to alleviate swelling and discomfort. Also numerous vegetables from potatoes to green vegetables are commonly promoted as healthy cures for this illness. They may taken raw, cooked or made into numerous potions.

As for arthritis remedies for the more adventurous it has been reported spraying the household lubricant WD40 helps. Some swear by wearing a copper bracelet though recent evidence doubts any effectiveness. Applying bee stings or cobra venom to painful joints is tried by some. From a scientific basis, it might well be chemicals within the venom that really does work. The same goes for soaking raisins in gin and consuming nine each morning as some user advocate.

If you suffer from gout, diet plays a very essential role in the treatment. The types of foods you consume will determine the frequency of the attacks. The foods to avoid for gout are those that are high in purine because they can increase the levels of uric acid in the body.

Alcohol, especially beer is not recommended for someone who suffers from this disease.

People with this disease should limit their consumption of some meats. There are some types of meat that are very high in purine and this can cause an attack. Some of these meats include lamb, pork and beef. Organ meats such as the brain, liver and kidney should also be excluded in the diet. Gravies and meat extracts should also be consumed in limited quantities because they are also high in purine.

Legumes such as beans, lentils and peas are also some of the foods to avoid for gout. You should also reduce the quantities of mushroom you include in your diet. Vegetables such as asparagus, spinach and cauliflower are not recommended for a person suffering from this disease.

Seafood also falls in the list of foods to avoid for gout because it can cause an increase in the uric acid levels in the body. Avoid eating herrings, cod, sardines, anchovies, fish eggs and haddock. You can eat scallops and mussels in limited quantities.

When you are considering some of the foods to avoid for gout, you should make sure that proteins make up less than half of the diet. This is because while protein is essential in the body, it will cause a buildup of uric acid if you consume too much.

Coffee is one of the beverages that you should avoid because it increases the rate at which proteins breakdown into uric acid.

Fried foods are also included in the foods to avoid because they reduce Vitamin E in the body and this can increase uric acid.

Ice cream, rich desserts, spices and pastries should also be avoided.

Any foods that contain simple sugars should not be consumed because they will increase the uric acid levels and make it difficult for the kidneys to get rid of it. Other foods to avoid for gout are those which are made from white flour.

Arthritis pain and inflammation is caused by a hormone called prostaglandin and it is related to enzymes that cause inflammation causing pain. Drinking a single glass of Montmorency tart cherry juice daily can alleviate arthritis pain. According to ongoing research tart cherries, specifically the Montmorency variety contain powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins, queritrin and isoqueritrin.

Queritrin and isoqueritrin help the body to fight free radicals that are the source of cell oxidation that can lead to excessive aging and disease. Both of these compounds help to reduce the stress on the body at the cellular level. In addition, queritrin also possess anti-inflammatory properties to help the body reduce inflammation. They act similar to NSAIDS or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs including aspirin.

The anthocyanins present in the Montmorency tart cherry gives the cherry its deep red hue. According the published research from Michigan State University anthocyanins inhibit the enzymes that cause pain and inflammation in the body. The research indicated the compounds in the Montmorency cherry are 10 times more effective than aspirin, without the side effects, of reducing inflammation.

Like queritin and isoqueritrin, anthocyanins help to fight free radicals in the body. The tart cherry has an impressive amount of 26.5 grams of anthocyanins. This is the highest amount of naturally occurring anthocyanins. This is more than the anthocyanins present in walnuts.

Drinking a single of Montmorency cherry juice every day can help to reduce arthritis pain. Best of all two tablespoons or just one ounce of cherry juice concentrate mixed with seven ounces of water to make an eight ounce glass of water. In addition, to drinking cherry juice many arthritis sufferers are taking tart cherry capsules. According to Sam Russell of Toledo, OH, “I like taking the tart cherry capsules over drinking the juice. The juice is just two acidic for my stomach and the cherry capsules are much more convenient.”

One reliable source for tart cherry capsules and cherry juice is Michigan-based Traverse Bay Farms. The company offers free shipping on capsules and cherry juice. The next time your joints are experience arthritis pain, drink a glass of cherry juice or take the cherry capsules to stop the pain naturally.

The natural treatment of migratory arthritis by the use of homeopathic medicines, takes into consideration all of your symptoms. This should happen with all treatments of all conditions, as you are connected to every part.

When one part is affected, all will be to some extent. The medical model of separating each system for treatment means that it is very easy to have conflicting drugs.

Migratory arthritis means what is says – your arthritis moves around your body. There is no fixed place for it to anchor itself. It may alternate legs. It may be in a foot one day, the opposite elbow the next. There is no fixed pattern.

In homeopathic terms, this comes under the heading of ‘changeable symptoms’. Which also means that it probably won’t.be just the arthritis that changes – all systems will be prone to a changeable nature. Such as constipation alternating with diarrhoea.

And your moods. They may change from weepy to irritable in minutes. This is so reminiscent of children, but not exclusively.

Homeopathic treatment works by raising the level of your immune system. It does this either by searching for the cause of the problem, often expressed as having ‘never been well since’ (childbirth, accident, drug, vaccine, shock, fright, grief, injury, abuse, etc). Or by matching your symptoms to those of the most appropriate homeopathic medicine. Preferably both, that that’s not always possible.

The homeopathic medicine Pulsatilla is one of the common home prescribing medicines. It is also one of the most common medicines with changeable symptoms – moods as well as physical symptoms.

Pulsatilla is certainly one of the top medicines for the natural treatment of migratory arthritis. Other strong symptoms, related to the limbs, of this medicine include:

• pains are worse on first motion, better from continued movement
• pains are better for cold, worse for heat
• tensive pain lets go with a snap
• pain is worse for letting the affected limb hang down
• heat of feet, must uncover at night

Indeed, the pain and swelling that comes along with arthritis can be uncomfortable, unpleasant and distracting but, of course, you can do something to manage the pain. If you are looking for remedies for arthritis pain, you can find some alternative and natural treatments that will spare you from side effects of pain medications.

Here are some things you can do to lessen and relieve you from pain of arthritis.

Exercise for arthritis. Yes, you can do some exercises that will help you relieve from joint pains brought by arthritis. You may have some hesitations on whether you have to do some exercise with those painful joints but there are actually exercises that will be beneficial for your joints and relieve you from pain. The key – do it properly, start slow and do it in moderation.

Flexibility exercises of stretching exercises, for example, are good to improve your range of motion. Yoga is also a great exercise that you can do as one of the remedies for arthritis pain. You can also choose to do exercises on the water like water walking. Exercising on water will help reduce the stress on your hips, knees and your spine and thus will make it easier for you especially if you are in pain.

Acupressure and acupuncture are also great remedies for arthritis pain. Aside from sparing you from side effects, these ancient Chinese practices are also great for stress management and in boosting your mood. To compare, acupuncture uses fine needles while acupressure uses pressure from just the fingers to relieve you from pain. It is important however to get a certified and qualified therapist to perform acupuncture for you, although you can do acupressure yourself with proper instructions, of course.

In acupressure, you may do it yourself as it only requires pressing some pressure points in your body to get rid of pain but you have to learn it as well. Keep in mind that there are also pressure points that you should avoid especially if you are pregnant, so it pays to be informed before trying to do this practice yourself.

You can also find herbs that may also be great remedies for arthritis pain. Among the popular herbs that can help alleviate the pain that comes along with arthritis are ginger, willow bark extract and cat’s claw. You can also find lots of Chinese herbs that are used to relieve you from arthritis pain, but even though they are herbal remedies, it is always wise to choose them with caution especially if you are dealing with herbal supplements.

Massage is also a good way to manage pain caused by arthritis. Aside from that, it can help you relax and boost your mood especially if you have been suffering from the pain of this disease.

Relaxation techniques are also of big help in being able to manage pain. You can practice meditation or some deep breathing exercises to make it easier for you to manage pain.

Indeed, you can do something in managing arthritis pain, but of course, don’t forget to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a healthy diet as well to help you get rid of this disease.

When a person is suffering from uric gout, their symptoms include pain in the joints, tightness and stiffness in the joints, and sometimes difficulty in moving those joints. This condition occurs when the levels of uric acid in the body reach unhealthy levels and gout crystals begin to develop and harden around the joints. This most commonly effects the joints in the big toe, but can also effect the finger joints, knee joints, elbow joints, and joints in the ankles. If this condition is note treated properly, it can result in loss of mobility of any joints that have been diagnosed as having gout crystals around them.

Managing uric acid levels in the body can be done in several ways. These acid levels increase in the body due to eating too many foods that are rich in purine such as meats, certain seafood, and sweetbreads. Certain high purine, high caffeine drinks can also cause uric gout flare-ups.

These include coffee, high caffeine sodas, and caffeinated teas. Often times if a person is in the early stages of gout, a change in the diet can can give relief from pain and stiffness of the joints in a very short time. Eliminating high purine foods and drinks from your diet and drinking plenty of water can help flush out uric acid from your system and the symptoms of gout will soon come to an end.

If changing your diet does not relieve all gout symptoms, it may be necessary to take medications that are specially made to break up gout crystals. Mild medications such as NSAIDS may offer relief, but it is common for stronger medications, such as colchicine and probenecid, to be necessary to ensure all of the crystallization is dissolved away. These stronger medications have a higher success rate of relieving the symptoms of gout.

However, since taking them is basically the same as poisoning your system, many who take these have terrible side effects such as nausea and vomiting. If you do suffer from these side effects, it is very important to let you physician know immediately. Depending upon the severity of your side effects, your physician may find it necessary to put you on a different medication.

• Gout and Treatment

Some patients who are being treated for gout crystals around their joints find that exercise gives them tremendous relief. By moving and flexing the area of the body affected by gout, crystals can be broken up and will dissolve more easily. It is also very important to drink lots of fluids during exercise to help uric acids to leave the body when you perspire from working out. If you can exercise regularly it can be a more natural way to keep uric acids levels down and prevent a recurrence of gout flareups.

It is also important to be aware if there is any family history of gout. Most likely if a parent or grandparent suffered from this condition, you have a possibility of also acquiring it. Be proactive in controlling your diet and cutting back on foods that are rich in purines. Drink plenty of water to encourage the flushing out of uric acid in your system. Also, start a regular exercise routine to help promote flexibility and prevent the formation of gout crystals.

Whether you are on supervised prescribed medication or not, it is always good to get an understanding of the many natural remedies for arthritis that are available today. And for those afraid of going ‘alternative’ rest assured that the most common and well-known natural remedies for arthritis can be found without even leaving your house.

For most people a simple stroll into their kitchens will open up a veritable medicine bag of goodies that can help the arthritis sufferer to both manage their condition and take remedial action. In fact you are probably already using some of the recommended natural goodies, but don’t even know it.

By gaining a better understanding of what is in nature’s own free medicine cabinet, you can focus more on the good things, working them into your daily diet and schedule on a more conscious level. Make a start with the three below. They are probably already sitting in your cupboard waiting to help.

• Ginger.

Ginger is a wonderful herb and it tastes so great. It contains a proteolytic enzyme called zingibain, which research tells us has good anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger is so easy to take, you can put some in hot water to make tea, take it from a tincture or my favorite is to mix it in with my food. It is so versatile and comes highly recommended as one of the easiest natural remedies for arthritis to take.

• Garlic.

For centuries garlic has been regaled for its healing and nutritive properties. It is widely recognised for its circulation boosting effects. This is particularly good for arthritis sufferers. Improving your circulation will bring much needed oxygen to where it is most needed, your arthritic joints. Now you have a great excuse to load your food with this delicious bulb.

• Cayenne Pepper.

Also known as red pepper. You can mix this pepper in with your food or mix it in with an ointment and spread this on your painful areas. Remember though, that it can be quite hot so go easy on it to begin with until you find your own natural tolerance level.