Arthritis Tests

What sort of tests might your doctor take to make a diagnosis? There are two main types of tests that health professionals use to make a positive arthritis diagnosis. These include X-rays and blood tests. Most likely, you will have at least one of these tests taken, and sometimes both (depending on your specific case). X-rays are used to reveal any trauma or damage in your joints that may reveal the presence of arthritis. X-rays are particularly helpful in cases where osteoarthritis is suspected. X-rays may not be so helpful in detecting other forms of arthritis. For instance, it can often be difficult to diagnose for rheumatoid arthritis using X-rays. This is because no substantial damage can be detected during the early stages of the disease. The other type of test that your health professional will probably use to make a diagnosis is some kind of blood test. There are many types of blood tests, each measuring different types of chemicals and blood cells. Some blood tests, for instance, are used specifically for detecting anemia. Others can measure the level of inflammation in the body. The latter are the most helpful type of blood tests for detecting different types of arthritis. X-rays and blood tests are also often used post-diagnosis to track the progression of the disease, and to gauge the efficacy of different treatment therapies.

Most of the time, your regular doctor will present you with the official diagnosis. However, it is not uncommon that patients be referred to an arthritis specialist. An arthritis specialist may consist of an orthopedic surgeon or rheumatologist. Sometimes, the patient is referred to a specialist only after the official diagnosis is made. Once a positive diagnosis has been made, your doctor or specialist will sit down with you to discuss the results. Your doctor will explain the different treatment options and together you will agree on the proper course of treatment. Never be afraid to ask for a second opinion if you are not satisfied with your treatment options.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptom

How to Handle Your Depression Because Of Arthritis (Rheumatoid Arthritis Relief)

How to Handle Your Depression Because Of Arthritis (Rheumatoid Arthritis Relief): "Depression because of arthritis is a fairly common complaint. If you have arthrits, it is easy to fall into a state of depression. Arthritis is a disorder that causes pain, stiffness and swelling in or around joints. Because of arthrtis around the joints, it is possible that you will find it difficult to even perform very simple tasks. These tasks may include even buttoning up your shirt, brushing your teeth or combing your hair. Thus, you feel incapable and highly reliant on your loved ones for help.

Moreover, the disease can be long lasting. This means that you can be having pains for an extended period of time, with no signs of recovery to having painless joints."

Rheumatoid Arthritis Relief » Herbal Remedies For Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis Relief » Herbal Remedies For Arthritis: "Herbal remedies for arthritis can be worth a try as there have been reports on their effectiveness in providing the much needed pain relief from arthritis and its symptoms. Arthritis is a condition that refers to the inflammation of one or more joints in the bones of your body. This article outlines some interesting details about herbal remedies for arthritis for your consideration.

What Are Some Of the Herbs for Arthritis

Some of the important herbs that are used in the herbal treatment for arthritis include Chinese Thunder God Vine, willow bark extract, feverfew, cat’s claw and stinging nettle.

Evidences show that ginger and willow bark extract can relieve arthritis pains very effectively. Their only drawback is that they contain chemicals that are similar to conventional NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-Inflammatory compounds). The NSAIDs as drugs have quite a few side effects. For example, they may cause inflammation of the stomach lining and intestines. Moreover, if the amount ingested is substantial, they can also interfere with blood clotting or cause fluid retention."

Rheumatoid Arthritis Relief » Massage Therapies for Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis Relief » Massage Therapies for Arthritis: "Massage therapies for arthritis have been practised some thousands years old, but are still considered to be one of the most effective treatment for arthritis. Arthritis is a kind of rheumatic disease that can cause pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints. Sometimes, the disease may create complications and affect other parts of the body like muscles and internal organs. However, if administered properly, massage therapies for arthritis can effectively help improve joint movement and relax tense muscles. They also stimulate the flow of blood and nutrients to the skin and its underlying tissues. Let me give you an insight into how the massage therapies for arthritis work.

How It Works

Massage therapies for arthritis involve manipulation of muscles, tendons and other soft tissues through rubbing, stroking, or putting pressure on the flesh with your hands. Massaging of muscles, tendons and soft tissues around the inflamed joint result in increased blood flow to and from the diseased joint. It also helps in enhanced lymphatic drainage around the treatment area."

Rheumatoid Arthritis Relief » Palindromic Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis Relief » Palindromic Rheumatoid Arthritis: "Palindromic rheumatoid arthritis is a disease where the patient experiences periodic episodes of pain, swelling, warmth, and stiffness of joints. There are also recurrent attacks of transient inflammation in and around the joints. Palindromic rheumatoid arthritis normally plagues two or three joints. The disease has some typical symptoms and is very difficult to treat.

The Recurrent Episodes of Pain

Palindromic rheumatoid arthritis is usually characterized by episodic articular, or periarticular pain. The fingers and knees are two of the most common joints affected by the disease. The pain may be intense but it does not last longer than two or three days. The attacks stop as quickly as they begin. They may last as long as a few hours, or at the most two or three days. These recurrent episodes of pain form a specific pattern. In 60% cases, those who are suffering from this disease may have pain-free periods lasting up to weeks or months. In some cases, these attacks recur after years and cause no permanent damage."

Rheumatoid Arthritis Breakthrough

Your joints feel stiff, and your muscles ache. You find yourself unable to do simple everyday tasks without a little discomfort. You suspect you have some form of arthritis, and maybe you're right. But to be absolutely certain, only your doctor or another health professional can make the official diagnosis. If you are planning to visit your doctor, here is what you can probably expect.

During your initial appointment, your doctor will begin by performing a visual inspection of your body. Your doctor will check for signs of swelling and test your joints for reduced range of movement. Even if all the common signs of arthritis are present, the doctor will also have to perform additional tests to reach a conclusive and official diagnosis. Making an official arthritis diagnosis is not always easy, and may involve several tests before a conclusive diagnosis is made. Unfortunately, there is no single test that can confirm the presence of arthritis. Most doctors use three pieces of information before making a final diagnosis. These include their visual examination, any laboratory test that may be taken, and the patient's own background history.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

Alternative Treatmenf for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Herbal supplements are another important component of alternative treatment. These therapies are very attractive to many people because they hold the promise of relief from arthritic symptoms without the side effects of conventional drug therapies. Before taking any herbal supplements, consult your medical professional. Just because herbal supplements are natural does not make them any less potent.

Another important consideration in implementing herbal supplements into your arthritis alternative treatment is that the quality herbal supplements can vary widely. Make sure to buy wisely when choosing your herbal supplements. Buy from a reputable dealer or health food store to make sure you are getting quality herbal supplements. Also, try to only use one product at a time.

If you use more than one product, it will be hard to gauge the effects of the individual herbal supplements you are using. A good idea is to keep a journal where you can keep notes about the effects of each medication. This will help you keep track of what seems to work, what doesn't, and if there are any side effects or interactions. Again, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor and ask questions to make sure there are no drug interactions.

Read here for more information.

What is Alternative Therapy for Arthritis

What is Alternative Therapy for Arthritis?

Alternative Therapy seemly means what is not conventional and what that does not fall under mainstream medicine. Mainstream medicine is usually western medicine.

There is no cure for arthritis. So it would seem that drugs only provide relief but do not cure you of your condition.

Many now turn to alternative therapy for arthritis to alleviate the pain that they feel. Alternative therapy can be homeopathy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, yoga, massage therapy, acupuncture, energy healing, etc. They are based on holistic principles and seek to help you achieve overall wellness.

Alternative therapy for arthritis makes a lot of sense as an option here, be it yoga or TCM or otherwise, will help you reduce your dependence on drugs.

Alternative Therapy Rheumatoid Arthritis

Acupuncture, Acupressure and Arthritis

Acupuncture and acupressure are two ancient Chinese forms of therapy that have been used for thousands of years. They are used to treat migraines, infertility, to aid in smoking cessation, and a host of other ailments and conditions. Acupuncture and acupressure have also been used to treat the symptoms of arthritis.

More studies are increasingly showing that acupuncture and acupressure have positive results for arthritis patients. These ancient Chinese practices are steadily becoming more popular in the United States, and are even growing more accepted by the mainstream medical establishment. Acupuncture uses long wooden needles that are applied to the patient's pressure points. Acupressure, not to be confused with acupuncture, uses a different technique to apply pressure. The acupressure practitioner uses his or her fingers instead of needles. Studies have shown that these two practices seem to release endorphins in patients, causing feeling of pleasantness and comfort. It appears that these techniques may also contain strong anti-inflammatory properties. These benefits is immensely helpful for arthritis patients.