What is Causing My Gout?

People with gout may be wondering, what is causing my gout? Most attacks of gout start because of poor lifestyle choices including drinking too much alcohol, eating rich foods, and being overweight. However, about 10% to 15% of gout patients have it due to certain metabolic problems. A deficiency of certain enzymes (like xanthine oxidase) that break down the purines can also be a cause. The body may also produce too many purines.

Purines exist in our DNA and RNA as a natural part of our body's cells. The purines break down into uric acid, which then passes out through the urine. If you have too many purines, you have a problem with uric acid buildup. The uric acid which causes painful crystals to develop between the joints, hence causing gout.
There's good news for those who can control their purine intake.

Habits and conditions that increases the purine content in our body fluids can be changed. Even being 15% overweight can cause gout to develop. We have the option to adopt a healthier diet and cut calories.

The next primary factor in developing gout is drinking too much alcohol. Beer is especially high in purines, so think again before breaking out a "cold one".

You need to be careful of the foods that you eat. Avoid purine rich foods like organ meats, beans, soy, processed meats, milk, eggs and certain seafoods (like crab, mussels, and shrimp).

Another thing to be aware of is that taking aspirin and diuretics can put extra stress on the kidneys. Up to 25% of gout attacks are attributed to these drugs. As a matter of fact, kidney problems, such as stones are found in approximately 90% of gout patients. The urate crystals also grow in the kidneys.

There are quite a few things we can do to help prevent developing gout. We do have control over what we put into our bodies and certainly, eliminating many of the factors that may be causing our gout seems like it would be a powerful motivator!

The Joint Deformity Associated With Arthritis

Exercise is essential for people with the joint inflammation known as arthritis. Increasing strength, flexibility and mobility is achieved through the repeated stretching and strengthening of muscles, which support the joints. For many arthritis pain sufferers, the task seems insurmountable.

Even the walk from the house to the car is unbearable. However, starting with aquatic exercises can prevent you from becoming completely immobile. Exercise can help you sleep better, make you feel more energized throughout the day, strengthen bones and muscle tissue, help you lose weight and give you a better self-opinion.

Many patients are asking, "How can I prevent the joint deformity associated with arthritis?" It's bad enough that you're suffering the pain on the inside, let alone exhibiting the unsightly bumps and crooked, protruding lumps associated with arthritic hands. One study (Scott J. Zashin, M.D., 1998) indicates that TNF Blockers, such as Enbrel, Remicade and Humira, are most effective at halting the progression of arthritis.

Researchers found that while 25% of patients on Methotrexate achieved clinical remission, 70% of the patients who did not respond to Methotrexate had success with the other three drugs. Of course, the drugs are far from a cure, but rather serve as a pain management tool for those who suffer most.

If you are afflicted with arthritic pain, then there are ways of exercising the joint(s) without injuring yourself. Range-of-motion exercises, like raising your arms over your head, rolling your shoulders in circles and stretching can be effective if done daily. Strengthening exercises, like light weight training will help build muscles, taking a load off strained joints.

Aerobic/endurance exercises improve overall fitness, controls weight and moves joints in natural motions, so consider walking, bike riding and swimming for 20 - 30 minutes/day, 3 times/week. The most important thing is to find something you like to do and regularly incorporate it into your life. If you question your motivation, then you may find a yoga or tai chi class to be the best pain management solution.

There are over 100 medical conditions known to cause the joint pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. Many times, inflammation of the joints comes along with an injury, disease or other ailment as well.

For seniors health, it is imperative that you try your hardest to remain fully mobile. If you need drugs or a low impact exercise routine to help you get past that initial hurdle of chronic pain, then ask your doctor what kind of options are available to you.

Better Joint Movement With Liquid Glucosamine Chondroitin

How can liquid glucosamine chondroitin help with joint movement? That is the question many people ask when they first discover liquid glucosamine chondroitin products. Here is what it can do for you:

- Reduce joint pain
- Assist in the rebuild of cartilage
- Increase joint movement

Joint Movement Glucosamine & Chondroitin costs around $30 online and contains 2000mg Glucosamine, 1200mg Chondroitin & 500mg MSM per dose. It is sugar free, low sodium and comes in a great tasting berry flavor.

In addition to that, it is highly absorbent due to being a liquid. It is also incredibly easy to take, unlike some capsules and pills which are often rather large to fit all the ingredients inside.

Current scientific research has shown that liquid glucosamine chondroitin provides support for healthy joint functions. It is well known that glucosamine is an excellent way to treat arthritis as it can assist in regenerating joint cartilage.

Another liquid glucosamine chondroitin product is SYMTEC advanced 2000 mg Glucosamine liquid formula. In this product you will find glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, Collagen, and Vitamins C & D. there are no fillers in this product nor are there any of the popular allergens yeast, wheat, gluten, sugar, soy, dairy or starch which means the chance of an allergic reaction is very rare. Other ingredients in SYMTEC include Filtered Water, Natural Cherry, Vanilla and Mixed Berry Flavors, Vegetable Glycerin, Potassium Benzoate (preservative), Sucralose, Xanthan Gum and FD&C Red #40. Glucosamine comes from shellfish shells so if you are allergic to shellfish always use glucosamine with caution.

Syn-Flex Glucosamine has been proven by real patients to assist in the pain relief of arthritis conditions. Joint pain occurs once the body stops manufacturing enough glucosamine. By supplementing your body's own supply, you are providing your joints and cartilage with the nutrients they need to be in optimal health.

Recent studies have shown that glucosamine and chondroitin may be effective in relieving severe pain from osteoarthritis. The best way to take it is in liquid form so the body can immediately absorb the nutrients into the bloodstream. It should then take 10 days, sometimes less, for the positive benefits of glucosamine to take effect. The result will be less pain in your joints and more joint movement.

There are many liquid glucosamine chondroitin products on the market so make sure you do your research before deciding which one is best for your needs.

What to Look For in Liquid Glucosamine Products

You need to become education before buying a liquid glucosamine product. Due to the vast number of choices out there it is important to be able to quickly determine the good from the bad. A good liquid glucosamine product will contain high quality ingredients, minimal "extra" ingredients, a high dosage of glucosamine and of course actually be available as a liquid rather than a pill form (the top brands will have both methods available to cover all customer preferences).

Syn Flex is a best selling liquid glucosamine product. It has consistently shown to be one of the most effective joint care and osteoarthritis products currently available. Even many doctors recommend SynFlex liquid glucosamine to patients who are not responding to other treatment methods. Syn Flex has been designed from the ground up to ease arthritic joint pain, to assist in the rebuilding of damaged cartilage, to rehabilitate damaged cartilage, to reduce joint inflammation and to improve overall mobility in sufferers. Customers have noted that Syn Flex liquid glucosamine performs very well at all its intended tasks.

Syn Flex contains glucosamine as its main ingredient but also 10 other ingredients of the highest quality. There are no filler ingredients as is often seen in inferior brands. When it comes to liquid glucosamine, you get what you pay for. It is worth paying a little extra to confirm you are getting the highest quality ingredients. There is little point buying a product if it will not work, as is the case with cheaper liquid glucosamine products. You may be saving money but in reality you are wasting every cent if the product does nothing for you!

Glucosamine is effective for the relief and treatment of osteoarthritis. It has been clinically proven to be beneficial in treating this widespread yet extremely painful illness. Liquid glucosamine from Synflex is unique since it is one of the few liquid forms of glucosamine available. Most brands only come in pill form, which takes longer for the body to absorb.

Pills contain the powdered form of glucosamine which as you can imagine, takes the body some time to digest. A lot of the ingredients also go to waste if the pill does not dissolve properly or quickly enough. This problem is eliminated with liquid glucosamine as there is nothing to be dissolved so it works from the second you ingest it.

When looking for liquid glucosamine products make sure you choose the highest quality that you can afford.

Which is the Best Liquid Glucosamine?

There are many brands of liquid glucosamine on the market so choosing the best one is often a case of trial and error. One of the most popular brands is Syn-Flex. Thankfully the internet makes your research a little easier and ensures you make fewer errors. Searching for online reviews of various this important supplement can quickly point out the best products and the ones which will be most effective for you. As always, check with your doctor before you begin taking Syn-Flex for the first time.

There are generally two forms of glucosamine - liquid and tablet form. So which is the easiest to take and the most effective? Without a doubt, Syn-Flex liquid is easier to take than a pill form. You can simply drink it down on its own or mixed in with another drink of choice. In addition to ease of use, Syn-Flex is also absorbed much quicker by the body. Liquid does not have to go through a break down process as a pill needs to. It is immediately absorbed by your body as soon as you drink it. Compare that with a glucosamine pill, which must first makes its way to your stomach and then go through a slow break down process. It is obvious which is the more effective method.

When looking for a liquid glucosamine product you will want to find the highest quality one that you can. There are many low quality liquid glucosamine brands around but these usually contain inferior ingredients and also a lot of filler ingredients including chemicals and other unwanted and useless ingredients. A high quality liquid glucosamine will clearly state on the packaging exactly what is in the liquid, without hiding anything.

These are the points you must look for when choosing a glucosamine product:

Liquid or pill form
Size of dosage
Product type
Other ingredients
Cost

We already know that Syn-flex is the best form as it produces better results, less (or none) goes to waste and it works immediately.
The dose of the glucosamine is a highly important yet often overlooked aspect of a product. You will need a product which contains at least 1000mg of glucosamine. Some inferior brands sell just 300mg of glucosamine which is very ineffective.

Some other ingredients you may find in a glucosamine product include MSM and Chondroitin which are commonly used as an important additive. These are considered beneficial ingredients. Also commonly added are other beneficial ingredients including aloe vera, vitamin E, vitamin E, vitamin C, Yucca and Bromelaine.

Syn-Flex is the brand which contains the highest quality ingredients and sufficient dosage of glucosamine.

Hot Stone Massages Help to Keep Arthritis Out of Your Joints

Have you ever suffered from arthritis? Many of us often have misconceptions about certain medical conditions. For instance, because elderly people often suffer from arthritis, we may conclude that it cannot affect younger people. That is wrong. Also, arthritis itself is technically not a disease. So what exactly is it? Arthritis is a medical condition that causes people's joints to become swollen and painful.

Just the facts

Here are some interesting facts about arthritis:

- It includes more than 100 unique diseases that impact regions in or surrounding joints

- It affected about 46 Americans (1 in 5 adults) in 2006.

- It is the top cause of disability among Americans (at least 16-years-old)

- It yearly costs the U.S. economy $128 billion.

- It yearly causes over half a million hospitalizations

- It affects almost 300,000 children

Joints, bones, and antagonistic muscles

To better understand arthritis, we need to comprehend how our joints function. The bones of our skeletons work as a group of levers that move around joints, which are points where pivoting takes place. This happens as muscles switch between contracting and relaxing. Meanwhile, the muscles surround the joints in pairs. So each group of muscles directs bones in one particular direction, while a twin "antagonistic" muscle group moves the bones in the converse direction.

Among the numerous types of arthritis, here are some of the most common:

Osteoarthritis: This is the most common type of arthritis. It causes the joints to worsen. Cartilage covering the tips of bones within the join wears down. The result is that as the bone starts to scrape against the bone, one's range of motion is reduced, and pain is created.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is a disease in which the body's immune system attacks normal cells. The result of is that the lining of the joint becomes red or swollen. This type of arthritis mainly strikes women, and is one of the most powerful types of arthritis.

Gout: This condition primarily affects males. It usually results from a blemish in the chemistry of the body. In the majority of cases, this condition affects small joints and the big toe in particular. But there is good news for you! Gout can nearly always be totally managed with changes in diet, and certain medication.

Fortunately, you can use several types of treatment s for arthritis:

Medication: Numerous types of drugs can be used to treat arthritis, and they have different purposes. These can include reducing pain, lowering soreness, and attacking the disease itself.

Surgery: The majority of people who experience arthritis could never require surgery. On the other hand, surgery can be very beneficial for those with extremely damaged joints, and when other types of treatments are not effective. Joint replacement is the most popular form of arthritis surgery.

Physiotherapy: This can improve people's strength, flexibility, and mobility. When used with medication, pain can be significantly reduced. Physiotherapists can create a treatment plan especially for you, which could include exercise, hydrotherapy, and pain relief methods.

Massages with hot stones are another type of effective treatment for arthritis sufferers. When we suffer from stress, our bodies produce too many hormones. Thus, the body attacks its own joints, resulting in rheumatoid arthritis. Through massage, the body's muscles, ligaments and tendons are relaxed, thus creating balance within the body.

More specifically, a massage moves the muscle and regions around the joints, increasing the body's circulation of blood and lymph. Thus, the body gets rid of more toxins. The ultimate result is that the movement of the joints is significantly improved. In addition to massages improving the condition of the actual joints, they also relieve the symptoms of arthritis. Massages warn arthritis to stay out of your joint!

Living With Arthritis

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joint and for those who live with arthritis it can be a painful, frustrating and debilitating disease. So much so, in fact, that back in the days of the Roman empire, citizens with severe arthritis were exempt foromm paying taxes during the time of Emperor Diocletian. Unfortunately today's government does not afford such privileges to arthritis sufferers but there are a few things you can do to help to manage it.

According to The National Arthritis Data Workgroup of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases one in seven people in the United States has arthritis and that number is expecting to increase to 60 million people who have it by the year 2020 as the baby boomer population ages. And while not all forms of arthritis are the same or have the same degree of severity, it is important for those who do have it to understand it and how to cope with it.

The word Arthritis comes from the Greek words "artho", meaning joint, and "itis", meaning inflammation. It usually affects people who are fifty-five years of age or old but can affect those younger as well. Although there are many different types of arthritis the most common form is known as osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease which could be the result of infection of the joint, age, or trauma to the joint.

With a normal joint cartilage, which is at the end of each bone were it meets another bone, protects the joint and provides smooth movement. Pain in the joint is caused when this cartilage starts to break down and in extreme cases this can lead to the bare bones in the joint touching and rubbing together. In these cases the joint starts to lose its shape and spurs are formed by the thickening the the bone ends.

The most common treatment of arthritis is to take some form of anti-inflammatory drug which helps to keep the inflammation down had also has some painkilling effect as well. The most common of these being drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and ketoprofen. As always though, before taking any medication for relief of arthritis pain it is a good idea to speak with your doctor who can prescribe the best treatment for your needs.

Drugs are not the only treatment for arthritis and exercise and diet has been shown to have benefit in the treatment of arthritis. Exercise has been shown to not only reduce the inflammatory associated with arthritis but it can also have the potential of slow the progression of the disease. Keeping active can help maintain or improve the mobility with the joint not to mention the added benefit of keeping yourself in generally good health overall. Again however, it is advised that before starting any exercise program speak with your doctor to help determine your level of fitness and design an exercise routine that suites you and your arthritis.

Living with arthritis does not have to be debilitating experience with no end in sight. In most cases it is manageable with a little effort, knowledge and guidance from your health care professional.

What is Arthritis? An Overview

The general term "arthritis" refers to a group of diseases that, in one way or another, attack the joints of the body. These attacks cause the joints to swell up and break down, resulting in pain, swelling, stiffness, fatigue, and loss of movement. There are over 100 diseases that fall into this group, but here are some of the more common ones:

Osteoarthritis - this is the most common form of arthritis. It is caused by wear and tear on a joint, due to either normal aging or by excessive strain from sports or heavy work. This condition is often seen in farmers, football players, people who have worked in manual labor jobs, and people of advancing age. Excess weight can increase the severity of this condition. Often only one joint is involved, although people who are elderly may have problems in several joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis - this disease causes a person's immune system to attack the joints, causing pain and swelling. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects multiple joints in the body and is known as a "systemic autoimmune" disease, as it attacks a person's system. The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are more noticeable in the smaller joints of the body, such as the finger, wrist, and ankle joints. This disease can onset at any age. When it occurs in a person under the age of 18, it is labeled "juvenile rheumatoid arthritis". Severe deformities in the joints can occur as this disease advances with disability resulting.

Gout - this form of arthritis causes uric acid to build up in the affected joint, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. The big toe is the joint most often affected, but other joints may also be affected by gout. Men are affected by gout more than women and onset is most often between the ages of 50 and 60.

Lupus - Systemic lupus erythematosus, or "lupus", is another systemic autoimmune disorder, in which the immune system attacks all the parts of the body. Arthritis symptoms such as joint pain and swelling are only one component of this disorder. Although lupus is a severe disease and is historically considered fatal, recent advances in medication and treatment have increased the survival rate of people who have this disease. Lupus occurs at any age, but onset is seen most often in women.

Psoriatic arthritis - this form of arthritis occurs in people who have the skin condition psoriasis. Its symptoms are similar to rheumatoid arthritis, described above.

Gout Causes

Gout causes inflammation and intense pain for people who have this ailment. Gout is one of the most painful types of arthritis. It is a medical condition that occurs when the blood contains high levels of uric acid. In order to understand the causes of gout, it's helpful to have a simple working knowledge about uric acid and purines.

The body naturally produces uric acid when it processes, or breaks down, purines. Purines are natural substances found in all of the body's cells. Virtually all food sources contain purines as well. Protein sources such organ meats; certain fish and yeast contain higher levels of purines than other plant and animal food sources.

When purines are broken down naturally, uric acid is formed. It will pass through the kidneys and into the urine. However, in the case the kidneys are unable to excrete the normal amount of uric acid, the levels of uric acid build up abnormally in the body. As a result, urate crystals form and collect around the joints. Urate crystals are needle-like and sharp. They literally 'poke' the joint and the tissue surrounding the joint, which causes inflammation, pain and swelling. Gout causes deposits of uric acid to build up in and around the joints for some people as well, creating hard lumps in those areas.

There are risk factors linked to the causes of gout. This means that you are more likely to develop gout if the following factors are true for you.

· Heredity - gout is hereditary. If other family members have developed gout, there is a higher risk within that family.
· Alcohol - when men drink more than two drinks daily and women drink more than one daily, it increases the risk of developing gout.
· Obesity - children who are obese and adults who carry extra weight are at a higher risk.
· Sex - men are more likely to have gout due to higher uric acid levels in the body. However, following menopause, women's bodies produce more uric acid and are at a higher risk of getting gout.
· Age - Men between the ages of 40 and 50 are at the age when gout seems to occur the most often. The age for women varies, depending on when menopause occurs.
· Medical conditions - There are certain diseases that increase the possibility of gout developing. These include diabetes, high cholesterol, leukemia, high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, and hyperuricemia.
· Medications - some medicines used to treat the diseases mentioned above, (and others), can sometimes increase uric acid levels in the body, which could lead to gout.

Other triggers for those at high risk of developing gout that could result in a gout attack are dehydration, severe injury to a joint, a fever, overeating consistently, and sometimes surgery. In some cases, gout causes are linked to only a few of the risk factors. For some people, gout attacks suddenly and seemingly without cause. Interestingly, not everyone with high levels of uric acid in the blood develops gout.

Gout causes severe joint stiffness and pain. Gout can affect manual dexterity and mobility for those who suffer from this condition. There is no permanent cure for gout. However, the good news is that there are several steps that can be taken to effectively manage gout symptoms. Gout causes vary from patient to patient, but your physician will be able to recommend the best treatment for your specific symptoms.

How to Cope With the Pain of Arthritis

The pain of arthritis affects people differently. Physical sensitivity of the nervous system varies from person to person, as do emotional and social factors that affect how the body processes pain. Anxiety and negative thoughts can trigger the release of chemicals that magnify arthritis pain.

Stress, overworking the body, not sleeping enough, focusing on the pain and feeling depressed can contribute to greater pain. However, pain management strategies, such as low impact exercise, positive thinking, massage therapy, medication, laughing and using heat treatments, can reduce the most chronic pain, helping sufferers to live a relatively enjoyable life.

Arthritic pain may come from inflammation of the tissues that line the joints. Other times, pain comes from muscle, tendons and ligament swelling or strain. Sometimes fatigue and our emotional center affects how we process pain too. To measure arthritis pain, your doctor will ask you a series of questions related to your hurting.

Before you visit your doctor, it may be a good idea to keep a diary of symptoms that appear over a week or two. Write down the intensity, sensations, severity and what you did to ease the aches. You may then undergo a standard physical exam, submit blood or urine samples and get X-rays to determine the damage done. Once the first steps are taken, your doctor will find the best coping skills and medical treatments for your unique case.

Long-term pain relief for arthritis typically involves more advanced medications (compared to your typical Advil or Ibuprofen). Prescription-strength NSAIDs (such as Enbrel and Remicade) or DMARDs (such as Arava, Methotrexate and Penicillamine) can correct deformities and reduce pain. Corticosteroids are a form of hormone therapy that may reduce joint inflammation to stop pain.

Weight reduction, swimming and physical therapy are other pain management treatments that are good for the long haul. In severe patients, joint replacement therapy, removal of the inflamed membrane or joint realignment surgery may be needed to ease the pain.

Coping with arthritis pain can be difficult, as you're battling depression, frustration, anxiety and stress. It is never easy to accept that you cannot perform every day functions like opening a jar or some of your favorite activities, like riding a bicycle. To break free of your pain cycle, you should meet with other people who suffer to get tips on managing the pain.

You should see your doctor regularly to discuss specially-tailored treatment options, medication and therapies. Eating a healthy diet, getting 8-10 hours of sleep each night, keeping a diary of your pain and staying informed on the latest treatments can be a great asset to you, since there is no absolute arthritis cure.

Arthritis - Gaining Relief Through Natural Remedies

It may come as a surprise to many people, but aromatherapy can be used to help treat arthritis pain. Using the scent of natural plant oils, aromatherapy has provided much relief for many arthritis sufferers.

Some of the more beneficial plant oils used in this form of treatment includes derivatives of cloves, eucalyptus, cinnamon and thyme. In this form of treatment, the oils are generally rubbed onto the affected areas to help relieve the pain of arthritis. Another non-conventional treatment for arthritis involves fruit and vegetable juices. These juices have been proven to help treat the disease from the inside out, by nourishing the body. The vitamins and minerals that are jammed inside every fruit and vegetable carry antioxidants in their juice that help to fight disease and increase the power of the body's immune system. Drinking juice is one of the best ways to quickly improve the health of your body. Juice provides your body with the ability to better ward off any diseases, as well as increasing your stamina and strength.

Another natural arthritis cure, Green Lipped Mussel Extract, may not sound very appealing, but it's been shown to have some of the strongest natural medicine for easing arthritis pain. The extract helps to reduce the swelling of tissue associated with the disease, providing even more comfort for the sufferer.

This extract is derived from a shellfish found in the waters around New Zealand, and has proven to be effective to the pain of arthritis without any of the side effects of some prescription medicines. This extract is one of the most potent forms of natural medication used to treat the pain of arthritis.

Other natural medications used to treat arthritis pain are ginger, white willow bark, turmeric, cayenne pepper and devil's claw. All of these remedies are great, but it's still important to remember to check with your doctor before taking any natural or herbal remedy, because he may suggest ways for you to safely try some of these treatments. Interactivity between these treatments and any medication you may be on can have unhealthy consequences for you, so always ask your doctor first.

Herbal or natural treatments also work by altering aspects of the body's physiology such as affecting blood sugar, or decreasing blood pressure. Many of the same active ingredients in these natural supplements are similar to prescription drugs, and thus have the same potential to cause harm as well as any good. Some supplements that contain fish oils have worked well on relieving arthritis pain, but some side effects include stomach problems and fishy breath.

Some herbal medicines may not list all of their many ingredients on the labels, which can lead to dangerous interactivity with other medications you may already be taking. Many herbal and natural remedies have not been adequately tested for health and safety by any regulatory board, so you're definitely taking a lot on faith when you take these supplements into your body. Many extracts, for example, have hundreds of different chemicals in their composition and each manufacturer of the same extract will have vastly different assortments of these chemicals in their products. Some of these supplements can have the ability to cause burning pain in the stomach and intestines and can interfere with blood clotting. This is especially dangerous for people suffering from high blood pressure or heart problems.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Gout

Gout is a condition that results when crystals of uric acid are deposited body tissues, and is characterized by an overload of this acid. It causes joints to become inflamed and is often very painful. Chronic gout can lead to deposits of hard lumps in and around the joints.

As a result, patients with gout can experience decreased kidney function and kidney stones, which are also very painful. When these problems occur, they must be treated immediately.

Gout has the distinction of being one of the most recorded medical illnesses throughout history. It is also said to be related to an inherited abnormality in the ability for the body to process uric acid. Uric acid is a break-down of pureness that is part of the many foods frequently consumed. This inability to process uric acid can cause the painful attacks of gout, along with the other serious conditions mentioned above.

One of the most common problems that can be associated with gout and kidney function is blockage of these organs. This blockage occurs in the tubular filters that allow the kidneys to rid the body of unwanted materials. When they become clogged with uric acid crystals, the kidneys are unable to perform their proper function. When this happens, kidney failure can occur. This condition must be treated right away in order to restore proper function to the kidneys, and to the body.

Not everyone who has gout will experience such severe symptoms. Some patients may only develop elevated blood uric acid levels, a condition that is known as hyperuricemia. These patients may not have the arthritic joint pain and other symptoms. The actual term "gout" is often used in reference to the painful joint attacks.

Gout, when referred to in this way, is usually an extremely painful arthritic attack with a rapid onset of joint inflammation. The deposits of uric acid crystals in the joint fluid that helps to facilitate proper motion precipitate this inflammation. When this occurs, this fluid is unable to correctly do its job because the crystals are in the way. Because of this, the joints are not able to move properly, and movement becomes very painful.

While hyperuricemia and gout often occur together, there is currently not medical evidence that shows their exact relationship. Some patients with hyperuricemia do not develop gout, while others with repeated gout attacks show normal or low blood uric acid levels. Still, it continues to be a common problem, and should be treated to keep other more serious conditions from occurring. Because it is painful, and, therefore, very distinguishable, it can usually be easily diagnosed and quickly treated.

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is also known as degenerative joint disease. In this form of arthritis, the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones that connect at the joint wears away, exposing the bone and causing pain. This condition may also involve a decrease in the amount of joint fluid, called synovial fluid, that cushions the joint, as well as changes in the ligaments and muscles that stabilize the joint.

Osteoarthritis, or OA, can be a condition that develops without any pre-existing factors, or can occur as a result of another condition. When OA occurs without another condition present, it is usually associated with age, although not every older person develops OA. There is a strong hereditary component to OA, as members of the same family often develop the condition. OA also develops as the result of other conditions, such as prior injuries, congenital hip deformities, diabetes, obesity, and infections.

The primary symptom of OA is pain. Swelling is usually mild. Stiffness does occur, especially as the disease advances. A joint may become painful and stiff to the point that it becomes immobile if no treatment is provided.

OA is not curable and the damage caused is permanent. The symptoms can be controlled through conservative treatment of the symptoms, including:

*getting enough rest

*regular exercise

*diet and weight control

*joint protection techniques

*anti-inflammatory pain medication

*topical pain treatments

These techniques are often enough to slow the progression of OA and preserve the joint for many years. Chiropractic or Physical Therapy may also be helpful periodically to manage periods of increased pain or instability.

When OA becomes advanced or a joint becomes too unstable to use, surgical intervention may be necessary. One form of surgery used is a joint fusion, where the joint involved is fused together to provide stability and relieve pain. The joint becomes immobile. This type of surgery is often done on the neck or back. The other type of surgery used is a joint replacement, where the worn out ends of the bone are removed and replaced with metal ends, providing a metal joint. A hip replacement is a common example of this type of surgery.

Treat Your Arthritis With Miraculous Homeopathy

Skeleton, the body frame, the attached muscles, ligaments and sheaths form the basic structure of human beings. So, the disorders associated with these parts form the biggest malady in human beings.

Back: There is a statistical record that the disorders of back are the commonest cause of sickness related absence from work. Back problems can be roughly divided into:

1) Disorders related to vertebral column

2) disorders related to spinal musculature.

How Homoeopathy helps?

Homoeopathic remedies help to tackle the root cause of the disorder. They alleviate the pain as well as prevent further damage to the stressed ligaments, muscles and bones.

In cervical spondylosis, there is spinal disc degeneration in cervical, i.e., neck region. The symptoms may include neck pain, giddiness etc. Remedies like Rhus tox, Lachananthes, Gelsemium, etc. along with certain neck exercises can avoid inconvenient neck belts.

In case of lumbago (low back pain) one must rule out spinal pathology, kidney stones, white discharge in women due to pelvic inflammatory disease, prostate pathologies and chronic fatigue syndrome or paraspinal musculitis. The treatment must be directed to tackle the cause. For example, women who have undergone caesarean section with spinal anaesthesia often complain of lumbago (low back pain). Remedies like Hypericum, Ledum pal etc. help them to get rid of it. Other remedies like Sepia, kali carb, Rhus tox, Arsenicum album, Lucopodium etc. help to relieve lumbar pathologies.

Arthritis of various joints: Arthritis is an inevitable degenerative process that affects various joints with age.

1) Shoulder pain: Though there can be various causes of shoulder pain, the most common are traumatic, degenerative or inflammatory in origin. Remedies like Ferrum met, Sanguinaria, Arnica, etc. are helpful particularle in shoulder pain.

2) Hand and wrist pain: Remedies like Ruta, Actea spicata, Kalmia, etc. act particularly in wrist pathologies.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that mainly occurs as a result of aging process. It affects different joints including hip, knee, joints of hand, etc. There is aching type of pain usually provoked by the use of the joint. As the disease progresses, there can be limitation of movements and in later stages, there can be deformities.

Homoeopathic medicines like Ruta, Pulsatilla, Rhus tox, etc, act in 3 steps.

1) Alleviate pain

2) Arrest further progress of the disease and

3) Revert the pathology to certain extent. (Depending upon the individual response to drugs)

In Rheumatoid arthritis, RA factor, i.e., rheumatoid factor is positive. If it is an early rheumatoid arthritis, Homoeopathic remedies are capable of curing it completely. In later stages when deformities set in, Homoeopathic remedies arrest further damage and revert them to some extent. At least with these remedies, without any side effects, patients can carry out day-to-day activities without any hassles!

Conquering Arthritis With Exercise

Arthritis can cause a lot of pain and severely alter the day-to-day activities of an individual. However, it does not have to be that way, and through exercise, you can actually get the better of arthritis and go back to the things you love, including knitting, golfing, gardening and more.

These exercises are easy to do and extremely effective.

1. Ankle circles are an excellent way to keep your ankle joints healthy. You simply need to sit upright in a chair with your feet out in front of you. Then, just circle your feet in one direction 20 times, and then the opposite direction 20 times.

2. The heal/toe lift is another effective way to deal with arthritis in your feet, and it involves sitting forward on a chair with your feet flat. Then, lift your heels, keep your toes on the floe and then lift your toes. Hold this for three seconds and repeat 20 times.

3. Knee raises will work the kneecap and joints there to ensure you do not suffer arthritis there, which can keep you from walking as much as you would like. Sit on the edge of a chair with your back straight and lift your knees as high as you can without bending your back. Keep your abdomen tight, and then slowly lower your legs back to the starting position.

4. If you want to combine the legs with the ankles in exercise, you can do the leg lift with ankle movements. In this case, you sit with your back supported, and you slowly straighten your knee. With the knee slightly bent, you then bend the ankle with your toes pointing out ahead. Reverse this and have your toes point towards the ceiling. Repeat once more with the other leg.

5. Shoulder stretches can be done by sitting or standing with your forearms pressed against your body. Then, bring your elbows to the 'hands up' position, with your palms facing forward. After that, stretch your arms overhead as far as you can, and keep your elbows in line with the side of your body.

6. Forward arm reaches involve sitting or standing with your arms at your sides and your elbow bent with the thumbs pointing towards your shoulders. Stretch your arms overhead and then lower to the start position.

7. The fingers are very prone to arthritis, but you can deal with this when you do the finger walk and thumb circles exercise. You simply sit with hands on the table, fingers pointing ahead, and then slide thumbs towards each other. Slide each finger, one at a time, toward the thumb, and then walk your hands by lifting them one at a time toward the thumb. Once completed, lift your hands and put them down straight, then move your fingers to the thumb again.

8. Walking everyday is a great way to stretch your back and leg muscles, along with your joints. Plus you get to see the outdoors and enjoy the nice weather.

Arthritis is a tough thing to deal with, but when you use the exercises outlined here, you can enjoy less arthritis problems and more mobility, which will get you out doing the things you have always enjoyed, quicker than you thought possible.

Are Eggs Bad For Gout Sufferers and Victims?

If you have gout, you've probably wondered, "Are eggs bad for gout? Will they deepen the situation?". Let's do a quick background check on eggs. Eggs that come from chickens are naturally low in purines. This means that they should reduce your body's natural uric acid level. As you may or may not know, purine-rich foods are bad for those with gout.

So why is this a problem? Eggs are actually part of the list of foods that don't have purines, but can cause the body to naturally produce amounts of uric acid that are larger than average. The higher the uric acid, the worse gout feels. People have reported difficulty walking, standing up, or even grasping an object.

Eggs have been part of a large controversy, and there's a reason for that. This isn't a one-shot answer. Because it's a food that causes the body to produce uric acid and not a food that produces uric acid itself (it's confusing, yes), some people will suffer the effects as seriously as inability to walk, and others will not. Every body is constructed different.

In any case, it's safe to stay away from eggs. If you have not eaten eggs yet and you have gout, stay away to be safe. If you have, but you haven't felt effects, go ahead it should be safe. Be reasonable about it. Don't take unnecessary risks with your health.

Keep your diet safe for yourself. Reduce your purine-rich food count. Stay away from eggs if you haven't already.

Arthritis and Energy Conservation

One of the most common symptoms of arthritis is fatigue. That feeling of feeling tired all the time can get so overwhelming that you don't feel like doing anything all day long. Of course, that usually isn't possible, and you end up muddling through the day feeling exhausted and miserable. You can avoid that feeling, however, by following some simple energy conservation techniques.

First, make sure to get plenty of sleep at night. Go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning, even if you don't have the same work or appointment schedule. Keeping your body on the same activity clock can help reduce fatigue.

Next, pace yourself through the tasks you have to do in a day. Don't try to get everything done because you "have to". This usually results in not being able to move the next day. Instead, make a list of the jobs you have to do, and plan short rest breaks between those jobs. Here is an example:

8:00 Wash dishes
8:20 Rest
8:25 Vacuum carpets
8:45 Rest
9:00 Clean bathroom
9:30 Rest

And so on. By planning rest breaks between jobs, your body has a chance to recover from the work it has done and prepares itself for more. You are actually able to get more work done. The time period it takes to get the work done is a little longer, but the fact that you are not able to work later on due to fatigue makes up for that extra time.

Another helpful technique is to sit to work when possible. Get a tall kitchen stool and sit at the sink to wash dishes rather than standing. Sit at the kitchen table to chop vegetables or peel potatoes. Sit or kneel on a pad to weed the garden. Sit while you are sharpening the lawn mower blades. There are numerous examples of jobs that can be done sitting just by changing them slightly. This saves your energy for the jobs that must be done while standing or walking.

Finally, if a task becomes too large, don't be afraid to ask for help. We all need it sometimes. If you don't have family or friends available to help you, approach your local church groups, schools, or youth organizations. Many teenagers are looking for community service hours to fulfill requirements for classes and are available to do work for people who need help with projects.

Following simple energy conservation techniques is an easy way to manage the fatigue that comes with your arthritis. You will get more done and feel better too. Try it and see for yourself!

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease. It is not caused by old age, years of hard work, or injury. In fact, the true cause of rheumatoid arthritis remains unknown. In this disease, a person's immune system attacks the synovial membranes that cover the joints, causing pain, swelling, heat, and eventual deterioration of the joints.

This disease can onset at any age. When it occurs in children, it is called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. This form is rarer than adult onset rheumatoid arthritis. When the disease occurs in adults, it occurs more often in women than in men. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that progresses over a person's lifetime. Currently there is no cure. Although the cause is unknown, the disease is known to have a strong hereditary component. Prior infections are also suspected to play a roll in the development of this disease.

Symptoms of this disease include pain, swelling, and stiffness in multiple joints. Usually the smaller joints of the body are affected, including the finger and wrist joints, the foot and ankle joints, and the joints in the cervical spine (the neck). Larger joints can also be affected, especially as the disease progresses. Joints on both sides of the body are usually affected, and multiple joints are affected, not just one or two.

When joint swelling occurs in rheumatoid arthritis, the joints become enlarged and warm to the touch. They may appear red in color. Stiffness is present in the affected joints, especially in the morning. A person may feel stiffness in the joints for an hour or more after getting out of bed in the morning. This makes movement difficult until the stiffness wears off. Other common symptoms a person may experience include fatigue, dry eyes, and skin lesions.

As rheumatoid arthritis progresses, joint deformities may occur. The knuckles of the fingers may deteriorate, causing the tendons of the finger muscles to pull the fingers toward the little finger side of the hands. This deformity is called ulnar drift. Another deformity that can occur is Boutonniere deformity, in which the small joints of the finger deform in a way to appear that the finger is permanently pushing down on a flat surface. The middle joint is flexed and the far joint is extended. A third deformity that can occur is swan neck deformity, where the joints deform in a way that causes the finger to take the shape of a swan's neck. The middle joint is extended and the far joint is flexed.

Rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed through physical examination and blood tests. A positive indicator for rheumatoid arthritis is the presence of the rheumatoid factor in the blood. However, the absence of this factor does not mean that a person does not have rheumatoid arthritis. Other substances in the blood and physical symptoms are also used to diagnose this disease. It can take several months and several rounds of tests before the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is determined, as the early symptoms are similar to several other conditions.

Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis includes medications, regular exercise and weight loss, rest, adaptations to protect deteriorating joints, and other interventions such as physical and occupational therapies. Numerous diets and supplements exist to treat rheumatoid arthritis as well.

When treating rheumatoid arthritis, a person should work with a rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in the treatment of arthritis. If a rheumatologist is not available in a person's area or insurance plan, a person should seek a doctor who has experience in arthritis treatment. A person should always discuss new medications and nutritional supplements with this doctor before trying them, as medication reactions are quite common and treatment setbacks might occur if medications and supplements interact. One example involves nutritional supplements that are designed to remove excess fluid from a person's system. These supplements work well in reducing swelling, but may also remove medications that are designed to build up in a person's system over time. The therapeutic effects of the medication may be reduced or eliminated entirely by the supplement. Therefore, while supplements may be effective and valuable in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, a person should always check with his or her doctor before trying a new one.

The progressive joint changes that occur in rheumatoid arthritis may force a person to make lifestyle changes to compensate for activities they can no longer do the same way. Energy conservation, joint protection, and work simplification techniques can help a person adapt activities so that he or she can still do what needs to be done in a day. Please refer to additional articles in this series for descriptions of these techniques.

Gout Relief

Gout remedies can be in the form of medications or all-natural remedies. Some people who suffer from this painful form of arthritis utilize both types of treatment. Gout is a medical condition that results when high levels of uric acid build up in the body. Gout symptoms might include inflammation around joints and intense pain and swelling in the lower extremities of the body, such as the feet and toes.

High does of NSAIDS are one of the most popular gout remedies recommended by physicians. These take away the pain associated with gout. Anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to reduce the painful inflammation around the joints. Physicians also prescribe gout medications that are designed to inhibit uric acid from forming in the body. At times, cortisone is administered to gout patients for temporary relief from an intense gout attack. Several gout sufferers have reported severe side effects from using certain medications, so it's wise to talk to your doctor at length before taking any medications.

Gout sufferers need to be aware of which foods and beverages contain high amounts of uric acid and adjust their diet accordingly. A healthy diet for gout sufferers contains foods that are high in complex carbohydrates, low in fat, and low in protein. Some acceptable foods would include vegetables and fruits (get specifics from your physician), breads, cereals that are low in fiber, peanut butter, and nuts. Cream soups, vegetable soups, fruit juices, coffee and tea are all foods and beverages that are low in purines and are considered safe for someone suffering from gout.

Foods that should not be included in a gout diet are anchovies, sweetbreads, sardines, asparagus, mushrooms, dried peas, kidneys, liver, brains, shellfish, smoked meat, gravies, meat extracts, and mincemeat that contains real meat.

Other gout remedies and options for gout sufferers include:
· Eliminate excess weight. If you are overweight, you are more likely to have higher levels of uric acid in your body. One critical note: lose the weight gradually. Quick weight loss can actually increase the uric acid levels in the body and may cause the attacks of gout to be more frequent and painful.
· Completely eliminate alcohol from your lifestyle. Alcohol will not only increase uric acid levels in the body, but it will inhibit the excretion of uric acid as well.
· Drink plenty of liquid on a consistent basis. Three quarts daily is often recommended.
· High doses of Vitamin A have been linked to gout attacks. Be sure not to take more than 5,000 I.U. of Vitamin A daily.
· Niacin has also been said to exacerbate gout symptoms. Limit your intake to 100 mg daily.

Gout remedies vary in their success rate from person to person. Some gout sufferers have said that by eating one-half pound of cherries each day, they don't suffer from the pain caused by the build up of uric acid around the joints. Cherries can be eaten from the can, frozen, or fresh. Still others have found that eating strawberries helps reduce inflammation as well. Other foods that gout sufferers have reported to be helpful in reducing inflammation are salmon (an oily fish), flax seed, olive oil and nuts.

Exercise is also one of the most important gout remedies that should be adopted into your lifestyle. Maintaining a healthy weight is ideal for fighting all sorts of diseases, and gout is no different.

People who have incorporated these gout remedies have lowered the number of attacks they experience on a regular basis. Give these gout remedies a try so you too can effectively manage your gout symptoms.

Arthritis and Work Simplification

The joint pain and stiffness caused by arthritis can make physical work difficult. Completing even the simplest tasks can end up being time consuming, painful, and exhausting. Techniques exist, however, that help make work easier and less painful, allowing you to get more done during your day. Here are a few ideas on how you can simplify work.

First, alternate heavy duty jobs and light jobs. For example, in a morning you have to carry storage bins up to the attic, dust the living room, vacuum, pay bills, call your doctor, and mow the front lawn. Do the jobs in this order:

1. Carry bins to attic (heavy)
2. Call doctor (light)
3. Mow the lawn (heavy)
4. Pay bills (light)
5. Vacuum (heavy)
6. Dust (light)

Make sure to take a rest break after each job, even if it is light, to conserve your energy. (See the article entitled Arthritis and Energy Conservation.)

Next, eliminate lifting and carrying when you are able. Instead of picking a box up from a counter and carrying it across the kitchen, slide it along the counter as far as you can and pick it up when you have to. When you do have to pick up and carry objects, break the load up into smaller amounts to decrease the weight and reduce the stress on your joints. If you have access to one, use a rolling cart to push or pull heavy objects rather than carrying them.

Third, keep your body in proper alignment when completing work. When possible, keep your back straight and your hips and knees aligned. Lift an object with your back straight and your knees bent, keeping the object close to your body. Turn your whole body with your feet once you have the object off the ground - do not twist your back. Push or pull objects with your back straight and your body facing forward.

Another tip is to use the larger joints of your body when possible. Push or carry objects with your forearms instead of your hands to spread the weight of the object over a larger area. Lift with your knees instead of your back, as your knees are actually larger joints than the smaller joints between the vertebrae of your lower back. Twist open jar caps with the heel of your hand instead of your fingertips.

Finally, use adaptive devices when you can to help complete work. Large handled and long handled tools, rolling carts, opening devices, and numerous other gadgets are readily available and are inexpensive to obtain. Another article in this series will go into more detail about adaptive devices.

These techniques can be used on a job site as well. Talk to your employer about adapting your job to incorporate work simplification, as most employers would rather allow a few adaptations that go through the expense of hiring a new employee. If you put it in terms of cost savings, most employers are willing to listen to your proposals.

By using work simplification techniques, you will be able to reduce strain on your joints and get more work done during your day. Try these techniques and see if they help save you some pain and aggravation!

Post Traumatic Arthritis Under Hip Replacement

Traumatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that is caused from blunt, penetrating, or repeated trauma or from forced inappropriate motion of a joint or ligament.

Symptoms include swelling, pain, tenderness, joint instability, and internal bleeding.
Post Traumatic Arthritis develops after an injury such as a break or a dislocation, or after some surgeries. Post-traumatic arthritis is a form of osteoarthritis or osteonecrosis. You should talk to your physician about the best treatment option for your hip pain and inflammation.

Symptoms of post-traumatic arthritis include:pain in knee joint,impairment of normal range of knee motion, stiffness, swelling, muscle spasms, difficulty or pain when climbinf stairs or hills.

Some treatment options may include weight loss, exercise and physical therapy, glucosamine and chondroitin supplements and anti-inflammatory medications.

However, you and your physician may decide that hip surgery is the best treatment option to help regain your quality of life, if non-surgical treatment is unsuccessful.

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There are dedicated specialized hospitals in India achieved accreditation from Joint Commission International (JCI) standard. JCI is gold standard in global healthcare standard like Indraprastha Apollo Hospital (New Delhi - located in North India), JCI Accredited Apollo Hospitals (Chennai - located in coastal South India), Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai. They availed high quality and cost effective advanced surgery in India.

Arthritis Relief - Use it Or Lose It!

Arthritis comes with age. As people grow older, bones become brittle and fragile that walking alone can cause mind-numbing pain. The cartilage---a shock absorber in our joints that lessens friction and acts as a cushion for the joints---crack and tear slowly as time passes by. When a lot of these cartilages break off, they float around inside the joint therefore disturbing the soft tissues causing inflammation.

Irritated tissues or damage is an expected response for inflammation; though some may lead to long term complications there are instances wherein most people with arthritis heal completely. Swelling, redness, heat, pain and loss of function are main results of inflammation.

The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis; it affects the feet, hips, fingers and knees. It's usually not crippling but it is extremely painful and it can be severe. This usually occurs when the cartilage cushioning the joints break down.

Rheumatoid arthritis on the other hand affects people even at the early age of 20. It affects most joints in the body, but it commonly stresses the hands. Rheumatic arthritis can damage joints severely it can deform the affected body part. It can attack the whole body causing fatigue, low appetite resulting to extreme weight loss leaving no nutrients for the body, anemia and affects the eyes, heart and lungs. Rheumatic arthritis can be so intense it can lead a person to become bedridden.

Infections contracted accidentally can develop into arthritis. Though there are instances where these infections can cause continuing illness, antibiotics can help clear up certain arthritis.

Though inflammation is the body's automatic response to injury or old age it can be prevented or delayed with exercise and healthy food intake. It is a given fact that doctors in the past prohibited their patients with arthritis to exercise as it might cause more damage to their joints. However, keeping still and resting all the time builds up to more injury and pain. Doing nothing results to weak muscles and fragile joints. Exercise offers many physical benefits as long it's done correctly and is fit for the body.

Arthritis and inflammation is a part of life, we cannot avoid it. Even at an early age, we have felt aches and pains, a healthy lifestyle and proper diet and exercise can help prolong the strains we will encounter. In the long run, healthy and well taken care of bodies can wake up to an invigorating day and go through life without the hassles of pain.

Arthritis Relief - How to Treat Arthritis Naturally

Many people all over the word experience pain attributed to one of the many forms of arthritis, so it has become a big deal for many to find natural ways to treat this often debilitating disease. Arthritis is an inflammation of your joints, which causes you pain and stiffness. It may be very intense and frequent or it may be mild, occurring only occasionally. Regardless of the intensity and frequency, arthritis is both inconvenient and uncomfortable.

Usually the sufferers are older people, but recent studies show that arthritis can occur at any age. It can be a hindering disease and can stop you from performing even the smallest tasks. The parts of the body that are usually affected are hips, fingers and knees.

The good news is that there are some natural treatments that can give you relief from the pain associated with arthritis. The most important thing you can do naturally to help with arthritis pain is to change your lifestyle and learn natural ways to treat this problem.

Here are few tips to help you cope with the pain:

• Diet. Eating a healthy diet, that is composed of lots of fresh vegetables and fruits, is an effective treatment for arthritis. Vegetable juices that contain potatoes, carrots and celery, as well as, fruits such as apples, pears, cherries and pineapple will help to keep you pain free.
• Water. Water has great health benefits and will help lubricate joints and flush harmful toxins from your body. By simply increasing the amount of water you drink, you will be able to give yourself arthritis relief and help you cure yourself of the pain associated with arthritis.
• Exercise. This is important because it alleviates the pain and helps to prevent the disease in the first place. Some people who suffer from arthritis will keep from moving because it is painful, which will cause the joints to become stagnant and add to the pain you experience. Swimming and walking are by far the easiest and the best ways to get the exercise you need. Also, learning to do exercises, such as Yoga and Tai Chi will add some comfort by reducing stress as well as stretching the body out.
• Herbal remedies. Massages with coconut oil and Aloe Vera are highly recommended if you want to relieve joint pain. Herbal remedies also reduce stress and give you a feeling of well being. Stress can increase muscle and joint pain. The relaxation that comes from herbal remedies will help you to feel better and have less arthritis pain.

Natural arthritis remedies are a great way to get rid of the pain and stiffness, without the use of medication.

Here Are Foods to Avoid For Gout Sufferers

Let's talk about foods to avoid for gout sufferers. As you may or may not know, gout is caused by the crystallization of uric acid (found naturally in the body). However, the crystallization part is not natural. An overload of uric acid will gradually increase the chance of this process. Food is a considerably large part of the uric acid level increase, so let's take a look at which parts of your diet will affect the crystallization of bad uric acid the most.

Uric acid can either be 'spawned' (or created) directly from food or be created by the body as a result of the food. To have a food directly create uric acid, it must be what people call 'purine-rich', or just full of purines. Purines include adenine, guanine (two parts of DNA), caffeine, and uric acid. If a food is full of purines, chances are that the purines will include uric acid, which will also increase the chance of gout.

Foods that influence the body into creating larger amounts of uric acid do not necessarily need to have a high purine level. Most of these foods are high in protein. People who consume large amounts of meat have an increased chance for gout. This is the same with seafood. An especially controversial topic is whether or not eggs contribute to the possibility of gout. Everyone reacts differently, but a good recommendation is to stay away from eggs unless you know if your body reacts to them or not.

What is Gouty Arthritis

Gouty arthritis, or gout, is a form of arthritis in which uric acid crystals are deposited on the cartilage surrounding a joint, causing pain, swelling and stiffness. Gouty arthritis usually occurs in one joint and is most often seen in the big toe, although it also occurs in the knee, ankle, elbow, wrist, and other joints.

As increased uric acid crystals in the blood are caused by a diet heavy in protein rich foods, gout is seen more often in people who eat diets rich in protein. Gouty arthritis shows up most often in middle aged men, in people who are obese, and in people who have hypertension or are at risk for hypertension. Diabetes and heart disease are also indicators for gout. In addition, consumption of beer and soda can increase the risk for gout.

This disease will onset suddenly with acute, burning pain and extreme swelling at the affected joint. The area may appear red and warm to the touch, and the person may run a low grade fever. Pain may be caused by the crystals rubbing on the tendons inside the joint and by the inflammation around the joint, resulting in the pain being quite severe.

Treatment for gouty arthritis involves several types of medications, including anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone shots, and topical treatments. Elevation and ice packs may also be used during acute attacks. Certain types of diuretic medications (water pills) have also been tried to treat gout, but not all doctors agree on the use of these drugs.

Long term life style changes, including reducing intake of protein and fat, soda, and beer may be necessary. Increasing daily water intake and eating certain types of foods that may lower uric acid levels, such as bing cherries or celery, may also be helpful. Although some diuretic medications have been used in the treatment of gout, diuretic foods and over the counter medications should be avoided unless prescribed by a physician. The life style changes involved are similar to changes a person would make when dealing with hypertension or heart disease, and gout may occur secondary to these conditions anyway.

What is Causing Your Carpal Tunnel Symptoms?

Carpal tunnel syndrome and its causes can be quite controversial at times, depending on who you listen to! For many patients the actual cause of their carpal tunnel syndrome is unknown, however, many feel it is due to repetitive hand activities at work or play. Some studies have shown that increased pressure across the wrist or (carpal tunnel) from repetitive and or awkward wrist movements may increase the chances of getting carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in some people. While other studies have shown that medical conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism and obesity just to name a few, puts a person at a greater risk. And even more so if they have one or more of these conditions coupled with repetitive hand or wrist activities.

Really almost any condition that makes the carpal tunnel area smaller (i.e. born with a small carpal tunnel, arthritis, wrist fracture etc..) or if a condition makes the things (i.e. tendons, tissues) inside the carpal tunnel larger (by inflammation or swelling)...all these things can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome as more pressure is put on the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel area of your wrist.

We also know that genetics can play a role in who gets and who doesn't get carpal tunnel syndrome. From XRAYS and MRI studies we now know that some people are just born with smaller carpal tunnels than others, so they may get CTS quicker or easier than someone else. The shape and dimension of your wrist may put you at risk for getting carpal tunnel syndrome.

What's Good For Arthritis?

Arthritis is basically the breakdown of cartilage. The joints gradually lose cartilage, which is a gel-like, shock-absorbing substance that prevents adjacent bones from grinding against each other. Cartilage naturally protects the joint, allowing for smooth movement, and absorbing shock when pressure is focused on the joint. With damaged or weakened cartilage, the bones rub together, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. Arthritis is more likely to occur as you age. Most commonly affected joints are those in the fingers, knees, and hips. As a joint continues to lose cartilage, the friction of the bones rubbing together can cause pain and joint instability.

Some vitamins and herbs are thought to be helpful in preventing or healing arthritis. Herbs, and other healing food, considered useful, include: alfalfa, angelica, black cohosh, blackberry, black pepper, blueberry, Brazil nuts, broccoli, burdock, celery, cherry, cod liver oil, coriander, cranberries, cumin, echinacea, fennel, feverfew, figs, fish, flaxseed, garlic, ginger, grape seed extract, green tea, hawthorn, horseradish, juniper, kelp, lemons, molasses, oats, onion, oranges, oregano, peanuts, peppermint, pineapple, primrose oil, red pepper, rosemary, salmon oil, shavegrass, stinging nettle, sunflower seeds, tea, thyme, turmeric, willow, and yogurt. Vitamins (or foods rich in these vitamins), thought to be helpful, include: B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyrodoxine), B12 (cobalamin), B complex, beta-carotene, C, D, E, folic acid, multi-mineral, omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, and zinc.

Avoid consuming foods which promote arthritis, such as: alcohol, artificial additives & preservatives, artificial colors, aspirin, drugs, unhealthy fats, fried foods, meats, processed foods, roasted nuts, salt, soft drinks, sugar, and white flour.

If you are suffering from arthritis, try to limit consumption of caffeine, citrus fruits, potatoes, spinach, tomatoes, and wheat. Also avoid exposure to tobacco smoke.

Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Try to consume a high fiber diet. Get regular moderate exercise, and maintain a healthy weight. Muscle building exercises are helpful, but avoid aerobic exercises which can do the body more harm than good.

Arthritis - Some of the Types of Arthritis

The universal term "arthritis" cites to a grouping of diseases that, in one fashion or additional, aggress the junctions of the torso. These assaults drive the joints to swell and collapse, resultant in pain, puffiness, rigour, tiredness, and loss of apparent motion. There can be in excess of a hundred diseases that fall under this grouping, however here is a few of the basic kinds:

Osteoarthritis is known to be the more common kind of arthritis. It's induced by wear and tear on a joint, owed to either conventional aging or by inordinate strain by athleticses or backbreaking work. This precondition is frequently seen in farmers, footballers, some men and women who have cultivated in manual labor jobs, and folks of elevating age. Surplus weight could step-up the grimness of this precondition.

Frequently only one joint is affected, while people who are aged could have troubles in a lot of joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that causes a human immune system to aggress the joints, inducing pain and puffiness. Different than osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis impacts multiple joints in the torso and is called a "systemic autoimmune" disease, as it assaults a human system. The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are more detectable in the humbler joints of the body, like the finger, wrist joint, and ankles. This disease can attack at any age. When it comes about in a human below the age of eighteen, it is marked "juvenile rheumatoid arthritis". Grievous disfigurations in the joints can come about as this disease can advance with disablement resulting.

Psoriatic arthritis is a style of arthritis comes about in some men and women who have the skin disease psoriasis. Its symptoms can be alike to rheumatoid arthritis.

Gout is a kind of arthritis that causes uric acid to develop in the impacted joint, inducing pain, puffiness, and rigour. The big toe is the juncture to the highest degree often impacted, but additional joints could likewise be impacted by gout. The male can be impacted by gout to a higher degree than women and onrush is almost often betwixt the yearses of fifty and sixty.

Systemic lupus erythematosus, more commonly known as "lupus", is a different systemic autoimmune disease, in which the immune system assaults all the components of the physical structure. Arthritis symptoms like joint infliction and puffiness are only one part of this upset. Though lupus is a grievous disease and can be historically reasoned disastrous, late advancements in medication and handling have added to the survival range of some men and women who bear this disease. Lupus comes about at whatever age, but onslaught is come across most frequently in the female.

A Guide to Finding True Arthritis Pain Relief

Millions of people suffer from arthritis year after year. It is one of the most disabilitating diseases in the United States. Arthritis affects both men and women alike and affects one out of every three Americans. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis.

Dealing With Arthritis Pain

Some people go years without even realizing they have arthritis, others have such severe pain that the disease is disabling. The most important issue in dealing with arthritis is what is available for arthritis pain relief and what can be done to relieve arthritis symptoms. Dealing with this issue can be a constant struggle but there are a few ideas that have proven very effective for the sufferer. Read on to find out some proven effective techniques for arthritis relief.

Simple lifestyle adjustments may be the first consideration for arthritis pain relief. By making a few simple and easy adjustments, the changes can greatly relieve arthritis symptoms. Exercising more is one of the easiest and most often overlooked arthritis pain relief adjustments you can make. Getting and staying healthy is the best thing you can do for your body. A strong exercise plan will help relieve your arthritis symptoms and relax you body. It may take a few days to get in a good routine, and you may be sore for the first couple days, but working through the soreness will be temporary. You must push yourself to exercise and continue to strengthen your muscles to help relieve stress on your bones and joints.

Protecting your joints is also very important. As you exercise more, it is important for you to understand the signs your body is giving you and know when it is time to relax. After exercising, your muscles and joints need to time to rest and recover. Generally rotating your workout routine to incorporate different parts of the body on different days or breaking the workout up into major muscle groups will give your body the adequate rest it needs to recover and build muscle endurance. This is essential for pain relief.

Don't Over Medicate - Go Natural

Many arthritis pain sufferers are over medicated. In many cases doctors, enticed by the pharmaceutical companies' perks and monetary incentives, prescribe way too many drugs to ease the pain but many of these drugs do nothing to help rebuild the body. If you would like to avoid pharmaceutical drugs and stop lining the pockets of fat and happy doctors, then I suggest going with one of the forms of natural relief that are available. Pain relief is possible with natural products and a light exercise regime. Natural pain relief is best for those with less advanced stages of arthritis. If your pain is severe or you have an arthritis disease that is advanced, you may still need to rely on prescription medications and medicines. Once your arthritis condition is under control, you may be able to slowly switch over to alternative natural products and exercise.

Arthritis is a disease that can hit you at any age or condition. People are developing arthritis at younger ages these days and in fact, one in five Americans of at least one type of arthritis. So, understanding the symptoms, causes and treatments of arthritis are very important in the fight against this painful disease.

Types of Arthritis and Know About Their Major Symptoms

Arthritis literally means joint inflammation. Arthritis is not a single disease. Arthritis refers to a group of more than 100 rheumatic diseases and other conditions that can cause pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common serious inflammatory form of arthritis. It affects roughly 1 per cent of the population and is the prototypical autoimmune form of arthritis. Because it may do most of its damage in the first year, early diagnosis and aggressive therapy is critical. Left untreated RA may shorten life expectancy by as much as 18 years! Reiter's syndrome is a combination of urethritis, conjunctivitis, and arthritis.

The arthritis affects the spine and peripheral joints. The disease occurs most commonly in young male adults, and the first attack usually lasts only a matter of weeks or months.
Although Reiter's syndrome is not considered a venereal disease, it appears to result from infection, and sexual exposure to an infectious agent often seems to be the cause.

Gouty arthritis is a condition that is caused by the accumulation of crystals made of urate within the joint. The urate crystals are formed by an unusual breakdown of a normal body substance. Accumulations of urate within a joint causes gouty arthritis. The most commonly affected joints are the big toe and the knee.

Reactive arthritis

This is a temporary inflammation of the joints as a reaction to an infection elsewhere in the body - for example, in the bowel. There may be a delay before the beginning of the arthritis, which usually clears up by itself.

Juvenile rhuematoid arthritis is a chronic condition that causes inflammation in one or more joints and begins before the age of 16. It is the most common type of arthritis in children. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of function in the joints. The arthritis may be associated with rashes or fevers, and it may affect other parts of the body.

Fibromyalgia is a common condition. However it can get severe enough to start intruding into your day to day life. Fibromyalgia literally means, fibrous tissues (fibro-) and the muscles (-my-) being affected by pain (-algia). In this disease the whole body feels affected since the tendons and the ligaments both get affected. Fibromyalgia in fact affects the muscles and not the joints at all. Also, this form of arthritis never causes permanent damage to tissues though the symptoms may last for months or years.

Ankylosing Spondylitis: This is a chronic disease and highly inflammatory, mainly affecting the spine. It can lead to the fusing of the vertebrae resulting in a rigid spine. One of the most common symptoms is low back pain, along with stiffness, which continues for several months. Usually this type of arthritis affects men in the age range of 16-35, though women can also be affected