Archive for the 'Arthritis' Category

Cure for rheumatoid arthritis?

January 1st, 2009 -- Posted in Arthritis | 25 Comments »

http://www.globalchange.com Cure for autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis, rheumatoid, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis? Targetting specific immune cells to restore normal immune system with potentially very few side effects. Medical research using immunology. But will pharmaceutical companies wish or be able to fund such research? It will be a technique not a therapy to be sold. Patrick Dixon, conference keynote speaker and futurist.

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Tests And Exams Required For An Arthritis Diagnosis

January 1st, 2009 -- Posted in Arthritis | No Comments »

The first step in examination focuses on the articulations. Then, because of the large variety of organs attacked by rheumatic disease such as lupus, a complete exam is required, and it may be followed by a series of tests using blood, urine and synovial fluid samples.

The most frequent tests and procedures are:

* - Antinuclear antibody (ANA), which verifies the level of antibodies present inside the blood of persons affected by connective tissues disorders or auto immune disorders. Antibodies use as a reactive the material contained in the nucleus of a cell. There are ANAs tests adapted to its individual types, but they may also be found in healthy peoples.

* - Complement is a test t hat measures the level of the homonymous proteins inside the blood. The role of these proteins is to annihilate external substances like germs. In case of lupus, the blood level of complements is much lower than normally.

* - C - reactive protein tests are not specific. They are effective in detecting the inflammation at generalized level. In case of active diseases, the proteins reach higher levels and they are decreased by means of NSAIDs.

* - Erythrocyte sedimentation rate detects inflammation inside the body. In case of inflammation, the sed rates are increased and they point to several typical forms of arthritis and to connective tissue disorders.

* - Creatinine is used to monitor the kidneys health in case of arthritis such as lupus. The creatinine is derived from creatine, an important substance inside the muscle which is eliminated through the kidneys. A normal level of creatine indicates a proper activity of the kidneys.

* - Hematocrit tests hemoglobin and a number of blood cells. A lower number of the red blood cells indicate inflammatory arthritis or rheumatic conditions.

* - Complete blood count (CBC) indicates the number of leukocytes, platelets and red blood cells. In case of rheumatic conditions or some medicines for arthritis, leucopenia, anemia and thrombocytopenia occur.

* - Synovial fluid examination includes a leukocytes search, because they only appear there in case of arthritis or other inflammations or infections. Viruses, bacteria or crystals are also searched for to identify a possible gout or infectious arthritis. A sample of that fluid is taken by means of a syringe that introduces a local anesthetic and extracts the specimen.

* - Urinalysis includes the search for proteins, leukocytes, red blood cells or bacteria inside the urine. The presence of bacteria indicates problems of the kidneys and so the suspicion for lupus or other rheumatic disorders. some medicines for arthritis may alter the purity of urine.

* - Rheumatoid factor test shows whether a rheumatoid factor is present. This factor is an anti body present in case of RA but also of many kinds of disorders.

* - Leukocytes count indicates the number of white blood cells in the blood. A higher number indicates an infection and a decrease may be the result of lupus or particular medications.

* - X - rays are used to see the aspect of the articulations on the inside, of the bones, but they ignore muscles, ligaments and cartilage. Other imaging tests are computed tomography scan, magnetic resonance imaging and arthrography.

What is the best non prescription arthritis medication for dogs?

December 31st, 2008 -- Posted in Arthritis | 12 Comments »

My 10 year old Rottweiler, Belle has arthritis that is getting pretty bad.

I don’t want her on Rx medication because I’ve heard it can damage her liver, and other internal organs.

What are some of the best non prescription medications I can give try for her?
I already give her asprin, but it doesn't help her anymore.

She sounds pretty far advanced. I’m so sorry. This is a hard journey for you as it is for her.

I had a Rottie who died of complications from arthritis and I have it pretty bad myself.

Exercise is the BEST medicine. Swimming has no impact and is kind to arthritic joints. If Belle likes water, get her swimming.

Taking off excess weight is essential to aiding in the comfort level. If Belle happens to have some excess weight on her, make motions to reduce the poundage. Substituting with canned pumpkin (not mix!) will help her to feel full while NOT adding unnecessary calories.

There comes a time when drugs DO help a LOT. Adequan shots will help to promote fluid production in cushioning joints, which will reduce Belle’s pain a LOT….. if her vet feels it’s worth trying at her stage and age.

I’m sorry for what you are facing. Best of luck to you both.

Rheumatoid Arthritis - Analyzing A Health Problem

December 29th, 2008 -- Posted in Arthritis | No Comments »

Rheumatoid Arthritis may be painful, but it does not have to mean an end to mobility. The causes are too widespread to pinpoint and the cure eludes us, but through treatment and coping options, you can still live a productive life and prevent some of the serious damage that can happen as a result. You may attend the Arthritis Foundation treatment seminars, pick up a tai chi class, undergo joint replacement therapy or take Advil to relieve the pain. The best approach is a combination of efforts to which you can adhere.

Signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may include: joint pain, joint swelling and joints that are tender to the touch. Whether you have red puffy hands, firm bumps of tissue beneath the skin on your arms, or morning stiffness that lasts at least thirty minutes, you may have some level of the disease. Often, sufferers feel tired, lose weight and sense changes in wrists, hands, ankles and feet at first. In later stages, the elbows, shoulders, knees, hips and the jaw and neck can also be affected. Signs and symptoms of pain may flare up and then alternate with periods of relative remission.

There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, although treatments range from medications that relieve pain, surgery to prevent immobility, lifestyle modification/exercise routines to reduce the amount of damage done and even alternative medicines to help sufferers live a relatively pain-free life. The big thing here is monitoring and detecting inflammation early enough to prevent disability.

There are many medications that treat rheumatoid arthritis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs/NSAIDs (like ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin and Aleve) can provide pain relief and reduce inflammation. Steroids/Corticosteroid medications (like prednisone and methylprednisolone) reduce swelling and pain, in addition to slowing joint damage. These are intended for short term use only. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs/DMARDs (like Plaquenil, Ridaura, Azulfidine, Dynacin and Rheumatrex) are used to limit joint damage over time. Immuno-suppressants (like Arava, Imuran, Neoral and Cytoxan) are aimed at taming your immune system, which has been disrupted by the disease. TNF-alpha inhibitors (like Enbrel, Remicade or Humira) reduces morning stiffness and tender joints within 1-2 weeks, helping to prevent long term damage. Kineret, Rituximab or Orencia may be prescribed if other treatments fail, as these injected pain management drugs provide stronger medication for chronic pain sufferers, yet also pose greater risks of side effects. Your health care practitioner will assess your unique case and offer the best individualized solution for you.

To learn more go to Arthritis Pain Relief and at Types Of Arthritis

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Arthritis Pain Relief - How To Get It

December 25th, 2008 -- Posted in Arthritis | 5 Comments »

I know the secret to getting rid of arthritis pain forever and it is not taking drugs. I found relief from my arthritis pain, naturally, and you can do it too. Arthritis is usually found in the joints of the fingers, feet, knees, hips, and spine.

Sometimes arthritis occurs in the wrist, elbows, shoulders, and jaw but you generally don’t find it there. Arthritis concentrates in one or several joints where deterioration occurs.

The synovium is a membrane that surrounds the whole joint; it’s filled with synovial fluid, a lubricating liquid that supplies nutrients and oxygen to the cartilage. Collagen is the main protein found in all connective tissues in the body, including the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The synovial fluid lubricates and provides oxygen and nutrients to the cartilage, which has no blood supply.

Although osteoarthritis generally accompanies aging, osteoarthritic cartilage is chemically different from normal aged cartilage. It’s generally thought that inflammation plays a minor role in osteoarthritis and is more likely to be a result, not a cause, of arthritis. Genetic factors are thought to be involved in about 50% of osteoarthritis cases in the hands and hips and a somewhat lower percentage of cases in the knee.

For natural treatment for arthritis make an appointment with a naturopathic doctor, called a naturopath; ask around for referrals. Many have told me that going off dairy products and gluten containing foods relieved their arthritis pain entirely. Watch your diet closely - load-bearing joints are affected by excessive weight; they are the hips, knees, feet and spine.

Gluten may be a culprit in arthritic diseases including fibromyalgia; avoid wheat, barley, rye, spelt, triticale, kamut and oats (although not a gluten grain it gets contaminated at the wheat mills). Try avoiding the eight most allergic foods, wheat being the most allergenic; they are wheat, corn, eggs, milk, peanuts, fish, shellfish and some nuts, not all.

Some people swear by glucosamine and/or chondroitin and others say it didn’t help at all.

With natural treatments there will be fewer, if any, side effects or adverse reactions. Supplements that help any disease or ailment include vitamin B12 — the methylcobalamin type not cyanocobalamin, and has to be sub-lingual — dissolves slowly under the tongue; and vitamin D3 especially if you can’t get a daily dose of 15-20 minutes of sun on your arms and legs so you can make your own vitamin D3.

One natural treatment method involves avoiding all inflammatory foods. If you really want to get rid of your arthritis pain forever it may take a radical change in your diet and an ongoing commitment.

Whatever you do, keep moving; don’t sit when you can stand, don’t stand when you can walk. To be on the safe side always seek your doctor’s advice before starting or changing your exercise program. Sign up for water aerobics classes at your local community center. Try to keep painful joint areas in motion, even in a limited manner.

There are a number of exercises which can benefit arthritis sufferers regardless of how much restriction of movement there is. Stretching and warming up the joints should always be the first step in your exercise routine to make your joints more flexible. Keep a bedside basket of arthritic aids for arthritic hands (theraputty, hand grips, Taiji chime balls, etc.) to be used at bedtime or while watching television.

Be aware that the use of NSAIDs or Cox-2 inhibitors don’t halt the progress of osteoarthritis and may even hasten the onset. If you’re going to go the conventional treatment route and take medications, ask your pharmacist for drug inserts so you can read up on the drugs and understand any side effects or adverse reactions, before taking them.

Let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other drugs, herbs or other supplements you’re taking, to ward off any adverse drug reactions that might occur from the combining of different drugs or supplements.

Changing your diet to predominately fruits and raw veggies, like I did, can turn your arthritis pain around almost overnight. Begin your treatment program with a diet change, exercise and weight loss plan to see results and pain relief fast. Arthritis pain relief is the ultimate goal - understanding arthritis is a good way to get there.

What is the cure for psoriatic arthritis?

December 24th, 2008 -- Posted in Arthritis | 3 Comments »

I know someone with psoriatic arthritis. What is the cure? Please don't waste my time with anecdotal evidence from anonymous people who drink expensive imported juice and claim to be healed.

What treatments and cures are available? What science is behind the remedies?

I do not believe there is a cure because it is caused by immune system problems. However, an arthritis specialist can prescribe medication that will help a lot. See a specialist in immune system and arthritis.

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