Thursday, November 16, 2006

management of rheumatoid-arthritis

Is it necessary to learn the management of rheumatoid arthritis? Yes, if you want to be happy. If you do learn how to effectively cope with your condition, then you are likely to feel miserable.

In the management of rheumatod-arthritis, you do your rounds of physiotherapy, massage therapy, nutritonal therapy, physical exercises so that you can improve the flexibility of your muscles.

Read here on common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis

Thursday, October 26, 2006

Rheumatoid Arthritis Relief » Herbs For Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis Relief » Herbs For Arthritis: "The term arthritis literally translates to “joint inflammation.” There are actually three common types of arthritis. They are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It affects around 16 million Americans at an average age of 45. It usually attacks weight bearing joints like knees, hips, and ankles but has been found in the fingers, neck and spine. Each of our joints is cushioned by cartilage, a very dense, sponge-like substance.Osteoarthritis attacks that cartilage and gradually wears it down.

Extremely painful and inflammatory, rheumatoid arthritis strikes the lining of the joints and actually attacks two million Americans in their twenties. Rheumatoid arthritis is also known as an autoimmune disease; gradually worsening over time.

Psoriatic Arthritis is not as well known as the previous two, but actually eats away at the joints and can also manifest as psoriasis on the skin."

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Rheumatoid Arthritis Relief » Osteoarthritis Treatment

Rheumatoid Arthritis Relief » Osteoarthritis Treatment: "Osteoarthritis Treatment
by Sandra Kim Leong

Osteoarthritis is a very common form of disease. There are many people who are suffering from the pain and inflammation that comes with this disease. Even if you have not been medically diagnosed, the debilitating symptoms are easy to recognize. Here are some of the osteoarthritis treatment options that you can consider as a patient.

Conventionally, an osteoarthritis treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, pain, and stiffness in patients. This means that most osteoarthritis treatments do not delve deep enough in addressing the underlying causes for the disease. Conventional treatment options usually include drug therapy, surgical intervention, lifestyle management, and physical and occupational therapy.

Most drug therapy involves the use of NSAID class drugs. These are widely used drugs that are non-steroid based and that helps to reduce your inflammation. Although NSAID drugs can be quite effective at managing the symptoms of osteoarthritis, they have also been linked to side effects, including kidney problems and gastrointestinal ulcers."

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

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

Saturday, September 23, 2006

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."

Friday, September 22, 2006

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."

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

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."