2009 April

The Search for Osteoarthritis Pain Remedies

Searching for relief from Arthritis pain? Look no further, because the answer to treating osteoarthritis pain is in treating the arthritic inflammation with systemic enzymes, natural supplements and joint health formulas. Treat ing the inflammation automatically reduces the pain.

Searching for Osteoarthritis Pain Relief?

Osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease is a wear and tear disease of the joints typically seen in the older adult (usually over 60 years of age). Cartilage within the joints breaks down causing pain as the bones rub against each other. Osteoarthritis is commonly found in the knees, hips, hands, spine, and feet.

Obesity is a risk factor for developing osteoarthritis in the knees and hips. These weight bearing joints carry much of the weight causing increased wear and tear. Weight loss can significantly reduce the chance of developing osteoarthritis and can alleviate pain in people who currently have osteoarthritis.

Currently osteoarthritis treatment is limited because no medications are capable of preventing or retarding the disease process. Osteoarthritis treatment involves focusing on pain relief, the maintenance of quality of life, and functional independence. Let us take a look at some of the treatments that currently exist for osteoarthritis.

Many doctors recommend acetaminophen (Tylenol) as the initial analgesic (pain medication) of choice for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Acetaminophen has very few side effects. When using acetaminophen as a pain reliever, remember to follow the directions correctly. Acetaminophen is commonly overused by patients. You are recommended to not exceed 4,000 mg of acetaminophen in a twenty-four hour period. Acetaminophen is metabolized or processed by the liver. Excess acetaminophen can cause damage to the liver. Acetaminophen is also found in other pain medications such as Darvocet, Percocet, and Tylenol Cold. In fact, acetaminophen is found in quite a few prescription pain medications.

Traditionally NSAID’s (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) have been useful in the treatment of osteoarthritis associated pain. One major concern with the use of NSAID’s is irritation to the stomach lining. In more severe cases, gastrointestinal bleeds or ulcers may form. NSAID’s can affect the body’s blood clotting ability and interfere with kidney function. NSAID’s should always be taken with food to decrease stomach irritation or upset. Do not drink alcohol while taking NSAID’s. However, these drugs should not be taken for extended periods of time unless directed otherwise by a qualified medical provider. Some common types of NSAID’s are ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), and aspirin.

Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors (COX-2 inhibitors) are a class of NSAID’s. COX-2 inhibitors suppress arthritis pain much the same way but with less stomach irritation. Many of us know of COX-2 inhibitors but not by this name. Vioxx (refecoxib), Celebrex (celecoxib), and Bextra (valdecoxib) are COX-2 inhibitors. Vioxx and Bextra have been removed from the market. These drugs can significantly increase the risk for stroke and heart attack. Celebrex remains on the market but does have a black box warning stipulating this drug also can increase the risk for cardiovascular events and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Capsaicin (Capsagel, Zostrix) which is derived from chili peppers can be applied topically for the treatment of osteoarthritis pain. Capsaicin will cause vasodilation, itching, and burning to the skin but after repeated applications desensitization will occur, decreasing one’s pain. Methyl salicylate creams such as Ben-gay can also be used for osteoarthritis pain. Studies have shown that oral glucosamine and chondroitin supplements have a mild to moderate analgesic effect with arthritis.

For osteoarthritis patients who cannot tolerate their pain, glucocorticoid injections may be done. Glucocorticoids are similar to the hormone cortisol in the body. Glucocorticoids help alleviate pain by decreasing inflammation and swelling within the joint. Side effects are typically seen if you receive these injections too frequently.

Hyaluronan (viscosupplementation) injections can be injected directly into the joint for treatment of osteoarthritis. This medication helps supplement the synovial fluid. The synovial fluid is a lubricating fluid allowing the bones to move smoothly within the joint. This injection should relieve pain and improve your mobility of the joint. This treatment involves 3-5 shots within 5 weeks. You may experience pain and swelling after the injections but this should dissipate. Reduced osteoarthritis pain may last up to 6 months.

For patients that have decreased function and mobility of the joint, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgical involvement should also be considered in patients whose pain has progressed to unacceptable levels. However, good surgical candidates are usually considered ideal for surgery. Certain health conditions can affect post-operative rehabilitation and healing. Surgery can hold just as much of a health risk as medications have side effects.

Osteoarthritis is not curable but there is hope for the future with advancements in medicine. Along with the above treatments for pain management, it is also important to remain active and healthy. Exercising regularly can help maintain mobility of the joint. Exercise also creates natural pain relievers such as endorphins. Pain may be a part of osteoarthritis, but pain doesn’t have to be a part of your life!

Author: Kristy Haugen

Posted under Osteoarthritis

This post was written by admin on April 8, 2009

Tags: pain relief for arthritis, relief from arthritis pain

Planning Osteoarthritis Pain Treatment

Why battle for relief from arthritis pain when current experience points in the direction of systemic enzymes, natural supplements and joint health formulas when it comes to treating osteoarthritis pain

A Battle Plan For Osteoarthritis Pain.

Are you finally at your breaking point with osteoarthritis pain? You’ve literally beaten the streets seeking out all the various doctors and specialists you can afford and are not quite sure where to turn next. Perhaps you’ve been working too hard looking in all the wrong places. Did you know that there are many pain fighting nutrients found in everyday foods that can substantially reduce the inflammation so common in osteoarthritis. These very same nutrients just by being present in the body can and will, if in adequate supply, begin repairs on damaged tissues and the surrounding joints.

This isn’t news for Naturopathic doctors or the many health enthusiasts out there. Naturopaths and health enthusiasts alike focus all of their energies on looking for natural remedies. One of their other goals is to avoid causing additional unwanted problems with a treatment meant to heal. With all of that in mind, they have chosen the route of nutrition and have met with a good measure of success without the back draft of side effects from excessive drugs and pharmaceuticals.

We’re talking about a lot of nutrition here. The main dilemma with osteoarthritis is the rapid speed at which the cartilage breaks down. The cartilage actually deteriorates much faster than our bodies can rebuild it so the solution is certainly not drugs. That’s a pretty one-sided treatment. While you’re being medicated, you’re probably losing a ton of nutrients as well as more cartilage. Doesn’t make much sense unless you’re comfortable with the eventual loss of all of your cartilage. Nutrition and plenty of it is the definite answer. Especially the kind of nutrition that’s contributive to joint strengthening and rebuilding. The hard facts are if you don’t eat the nutrients, your body won’t have what it needs to strengthen and rebuild cartilage. You’ve got to have these nutrients. It’s that simple.

Even if you’ve had unbearable joint pain from osteoarthritis for years you can begin to do something about it now and see results soon by getting healing nutrients in your body by putting them on your breakfast, lunch and dinner plates.

Before we talk about the specific nutrients be sure you understand how important water is to this solution for pain. It will do little good if you consume a bunch of nutrients and drink no water. Water is vital. Every bodily function is dependent on water. The water you drink will carry all those wonderful nutrients you consume to your bloodstream and then directly to your cartilage. If you don’t drink any water your body will have a tough time utilizing the nutrients. You might as well say that you’re wasting your money on nutrients that your body will never get to use.

Studies have found that particular phytochemicals reduced the risk of osteoarthritis in the knees to almost 40 percent. The phytochemicals singled out were vitamin E, lutein and lycopene. Most of your brilliant colorful fruits and vegetables are loaded down with these beneficial phytochemicals. For vitamin E, head for the wheat germ, olive oil, nuts and seeds.

Get a bit of sunshine for that necessary vitamin D. Just five minutes a few times a week in the sun is plenty. No need to subject yourself to skin cancer. Vitamin D helps protect your cartilage and your bones. If you don’t get enough your risk for problematic osteoarthritis increases.

Your body needs vitamin C too. It requires it to make collagen, a fundamental part of your cartilage, muscles and bones. Without vitamin C to build with, your joints tend to weaken. Deficiencies speed up the rate of deterioration and weakness. If you feel that your osteoarthritis has gotten worse, it just might be that you’re not getting enough C. Typically, those who get lots of vitamin C in their diets experience an easier time with symptoms.

The bottom line again is nutrition. Do all you can to get as much as you can into your body. And drink lots of water; at least six to eight glasses a day. You can win this battle.

Author: Michael Russell

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Arthritis

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Posted under Osteoarthritis

This post was written by admin on April 8, 2009

Tags: pain relief for arthritis, relief from arthritis pain

Joint Health In Osteoarthritis Treatment Plan

Cartilage repair and restoration of joint health is the best plan in seeking relief from arthritis pain, especially in the case of osteoarthritis. Treatment with systemic enzymes and natural supplements that treat the arthritic inflammation and reduce the pain is a wise option.

The Symptoms Of Osteoarthritis And Osteoarthritis Pain Relief Remedies.

The symptoms of osteoarthritis vary, as do treatment options. Osteoarthritis pain relief is the goal of most treatment plans, although preventing further deterioration of the cartilage protecting the joints is also a primary concern. Here we have an overview of the symptoms of osteoarthritis, as well as nutritional options for osteoarthritis pain relief.

It is important to note that joint pain should be evaluated by a physician. Joint pain and progressive stiffness, without the presence of fever probably indicates the onset of osteoarthritis, but joint pain is also found in other forms of arthritis and in other diseases, so professional evaluation is advisable.

The symptoms of osteoarthritis can range from daily and disabling to minor and intermittent. Some patients may experience years of pain free intervals, while others spend years searching for effective osteoarthritis pain relief.

The most common symptom is pain in a joint after repetitive use. For example, a person who has been hiking for years may suddenly experience pain in one knee that is not related to a fall, sprain or other injury. Examination by X-ray may show deterioration of the cartilage that prevents the joints from grinding against each other.

Joint pain typically worsens as the day wears on. Long periods of inactivity, such as taking a car trip or sitting through a movie can lead to stiffness and pain.

If the cartilage cushions are completely lost, there can be pain associated with any activity or even at rest.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis in the weight bearing joints (knees, hips and ankles) sometimes include limping or outward curvature of the knees (bow legged). When other measures do not provide osteoarthritis pain relief or if the cartilage in the knees or hips deteriorates to the point of joint dysfunction, surgery to ‘replace’ the affected joint is sometimes necessary. The most common reason for ‘total knee replacement’ in the United States is osteoarthritis.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis in the spine include neck and lower back pain. Bony spurs may form along the spine irritating the nerves and causing severe pain or numbness and tingling.

Bunions are symptoms of osteoarthritis in the joint at the base of the big toe. If the joints of the fingers are affected, they may become enlarged and spurs may form. If the disease progresses, it can be difficult to perform simple tasks, like buttoning a shirt.

Recent surveys have shown that acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the most commonly used over the counter medication for osteoarthritis pain relief. Interestingly, acetaminophen is not an anti-inflammatory, and it is inflammation in the joints that causes the pain. In addition, many people are unaware that excessive regular use of acetaminophen can lead to liver damage. Other prescription and non-prescription pain relievers can have serious side effects, as well.

Clinical research has shown that regular daily supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids and an extract from the New Zealand green lipped mussel can provide effective osteoarthritis pain relief, without any detrimental side effects.

The University of Maryland’s Medical Website states:

"Similarly, New Zealand green lipped mussel ( Perna canaliculus ), another potential source of omega-3 fatty acids, has been shown to reduce joint stiffness and pain, increase grip strength, and enhance walking pace in a small group of people with osteoarthritis."

Omega 3 occurs naturally in the diet, but most people do not obtain the proper balance of omega 3 to omega 6 fats through diet alone. The immune system uses omega 6 fats to create compounds that increase inflammation, while omega 3 is used to make compounds that decrease inflammation.

In addition to providing osteoarthritis pain relief, omega 3 fatty acids may prevent further deterioration of the cartilage cushions. Laboratory research has shown that omega 3s inhibit the activity of enzymes that destroy cartilage.

Long considered a natural part of the aging process, it now appears likely that symptoms of osteoarthritis may be avoidable. Although heredity may be a factor, maintaining a healthy weight, participating in regular moderate physical activity and increasing intake of omega 3 fatty acids, reduces the risk of developing the disease.

Author: Dan Ho

Dan Ho is editor of http://www.omega-3-fish-oil-guide.com/Fish_oil_arthritis.html Visit us now to get tips and advice on selecting a purified fish oil supplement combined with New Zealand green lipped mussel for natural pain relief.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dan_Ho

Posted under Osteoarthritis

This post was written by admin on April 7, 2009

Tags: pain relief for arthritis, relief from arthritis pain

Osteoarthritis Pain Treatment

The best choice for relief from arthritis pain, whether it be osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, or any other form of arthritis would be systemic enzymes and natural supplements that treat arthritic inflammation and restore joint health

Osteoarthritis Pain Relief – How You Choose One?

Today, there are many choices of osteoarthritis pain relief. Many of them may only give you temporary pain relief. Ideally, when you’re looking for osteoarthritis pain relief, choose the one that not just relieves, but can eliminate the pain, and also rebuild the soft tissue around the effected joint. Is that really possible? In this article, I will try to evaluate the possible one.

What is osteoarthritis? Basically, any type of arthritis involve the fibrous tissue infiltration that give you stiffness, limit your joint movement, build up your cellular debris and cause the inflammation that lead to the pain.

Osteoarthritis is actually known as chronic degenerative joint disease or a wear & tear condition. It usually happens to elderly people or because of the injury. It’s usually founded in one or several overused large joints or weight bearing joints such as the spine, hips, and knees.

Although you can diagnose yourself, it’s better if you consult with a professional, like your family doctor or a rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in this kind of disease, so you will know whether you suffer from osteoarthritis conditions or other disease.

You may know some people have been used enzyme supplement as osteoarthritis pain relief for quite a while. Perhaps you remember that arthritis is classified as inflammation conditions that occur in joint. One of the enzyme supplements that helps the body to eliminate the pain and inflammation is systemic enzyme. Actually, there’re clinical studies conducted by Dr. Bannock that show the potency of it. This enzyme supplement also helps our body to regain the soft tissue and the joint changes caused by this disease.

According to the enzymes practitioners, doing systemic enzymes supplementation along with some particular exercising and healthy diets can give you much better approach for this disease or your general health and wellness. Whether you choose the short or long term pain relief, I think now you know how to choose osteoarthritis pain relief.

Author: Johan W

Johan is a professional health advisor. Get some details about systemic enzyme and 2 fundamental things that are needed for osteoarthritis pain relief

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Johan_W

Posted under Osteoarthritis

This post was written by admin on April 7, 2009

Tags: pain relief for arthritis, relief from arthritis pain

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