Medical Information

Over the years, there has been a noticeable rise in the number of people afflicted with arthritis. It is a fairly common disease among the aged. According to a survey, as many as 1 in 5 adults in the United States presently suffer from chronic joint pains or arthritis.




This widespread prevalence has led to the search for effective pain relief measures to alleviate the debilitating symptoms of the ailment. There are eight tips for arthritis pain relief. Arthritis isn't just a single ailment; it is a compound disorder that consists of more than 100 different conditions and can affect people of any age group.



The two most widespread forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.



The eight tips for arthritis pain are applicable to these two forms of arthritis also.



Both these forms have completely separate root causes, risk factors and results on the body, but they both share a common symptom, namely, unrelenting joint pain.



In addition to joint pain felt in other parts of the body, pain in the hips, knees, wrists and hands are the most common symptoms of arthritis.



If you spend many sleepless nights suffering from joint pain, stiffness or swelling of the joints, chances are you're suffering from arthritis. Arthritis pain can be subdivided into two general categories - acute pain and chronic pain. Acute pain lasts for a short-term.



It can last for a few fleeting seconds or longer, but it eventually fades away as the healing process takes place.



Chronic pain ranges from mild to intense, and can last for weeks, months, years, or even a lifetime. The eight tips for arthritis pain help reduce the pain and allow for a more comfortable way of living.



Eight Different Ways To Help Ease Your Arthritis Pain



With the increase in the number of patients suffering from arthritis, the options for arthritis pain relief have also expanded.



There are various alternatives to help bring relief from intense arthritis pains.



These eight tips for arthritis pain are:



Homeopathy



Warm water therapy



Heat or steam therapy



Exercises



Massage therapy



Meditation, hypnosis, hypnotherapy



Magnet therapy



Prescription drugs



Natural treatment therapies can go a long way



* Water Therapy



Water therapy has become a very popular option for pain relief. It is also known as water aerobics, and it involves performing various types of aerobic exercises in a pool.



The main advantage of this kind of treatment is that there is virtually no pressure on your joints while doing the exercises, which is a boon for arthritics beset with excruciating pain.



For most cases of arthritis, moving the joint constantly is recommended. Water therapy is the best for this because you feel buoyant and weightless in water.



Hence, water therapy is not only an easier option, but an effective one as well. Another alternative for relieving arthritis pain is using heat.



Arthritis is especially painful in the cold weather, when stiffness and soreness increase considerably. When this happens, heat is a good choice for pain relief. However, heat only relieves temporarily.



Nevertheless, if you are experiencing mild pain, using heat could prove sufficient in relieving your pain. This is a better alternative if you prefer natural treatments instead of using drugs.



* Massage



Massage is a fairly common method of treatment for joint pains.



However, the extent of relief depends on several factors like the type of massage, the kind of arthritis, and the skill or expertise of the masseuse or therapist.



The type of massage that is reported to be of considerable help to people suffering from arthritis is Swedish or "Classic" massage.



The techniques involve stroking, kneading, rubbing and vibrating, which help by increasing the blood circulation and relieving the joints and muscles from aches and pains.



* Other Sources of Relief



Nowadays, over the counter medication is widely available to help bring relief to arthritis patients.



These drugs can be very helpful provided the pain is moderately mild. In case you suffer from severe pain, you will have to discuss pain relief alternatives with your doctor.



Initially, the only requirement could be a painkiller. Visiting your doctor frequently is highly recommended so that he/she can keep you informed about your arthritis pain relief plan.



If you follow these instructions, you will be able to live an active and pain free life.



If you need help with finding therapies for rheumatoid arthritis or natural remedies for arthritis click on over to Mike Herman's new site at http://www.TreatYourArthritis.com.



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

By Keith Tennent
 Obesity and even being modestly overweight can have an adverse effect on the joints that bear a persons weight. In particular, it can increase arthritis pain symptoms.




Studies have proven that the joints of the hips, knees and ankles carry 3 to 5 times a persons total body weight during walking. If a person is overweight, walking adds 3 to 5 pounds of extra weight to each knee. However, losing 10 pounds can take off 30 to 50 pounds from the weight supported by the joints.



Arthritis affecting the joints will result in additional pain and inflammation, particularly when the joints are burdened by excess weight.



Overweight people are more susceptible to Osteoarthritis, a disease also known as the "wear-and-tear" arthritis.



Research has shown that shedding excess weight can decrease the risk for Osteoarthritis of the knee. In sufferers, losing weight can decelerate the development of the disease.



Guidelines For Weight Loss



The National Institute of Health (NIH) has ceased using height and weight charts in the management of obesity and excess weight. Measurement of overweight patients include:



· BMI, or body mass index



· waist circumference



· number of risk factors identified



· obesity-related conditions



The BMI is computed by diving a persons weight in pounds by the height in inches squared, and multiplying the resulting amount by 704.5 A BMI of 27.3 or over for women, and 27.8 or over for men is considered as being overweight. Having a BMI of 30 defines obesity, with 30 referring to the number of pounds a person is overweight.



Tips To Lose Weight Successfully



In aiming for weight loss and dieting, a person needs to be both rational and realistic. It is unhealthy and irrational to try all the fad diets and quick weight loss strategies that can deprive the body of the necessary nutrients. It is estimated that over 90% of dieters who undertook quick weight loss programs gained the weight they lost within the span of a year. Losing weight can be as straightforward as burning calories through lessening food consumption and exercising regularly.



Most doctors recommend moderate physical activity daily or every other day to help lose weight, strengthen joints and bones, lower blood pressure, and improve cardiovascular fitness.



Physical activities like walking can burn up to 100 calories a mile. Half an hour or more of gardening, raking leaves for 30 minutes, and other everyday exertions can use up around 150 calories.



Eating Balanced Meals Regularly



Eating three nutritious and balanced meals everyday and passing up on unhealthy snacks options is recommended for weight loss. Losing weight in a healthy manner involves cutting out most fats from the diet and consuming food rich in:





calcium

zinc

potassium

fibre

Vitamins D, B12, and E



Lessening food intake of at least 500 calories daily will result in a one- pound-a-day loss. To reduce body weight by at least 10%, a person will have to spread calorie decrease over a 6-month period, with an average drop of 1 to 2 pounds a week.



Healthy Eating Tips



You can incorporate a healthy diet by:





Consuming lean meats in minimal amounts, avoiding red meat and adding fish and poultry to your diet instead.

Cutting away meat fat and skin before cooking.

Steam, grill, bake or microwave your food instead of frying it with oil.

Choose dairy products like low or non-fat cheese, yogurt and skim milk. As an alternative to ice cream, try frozen yogurt instead.

To satisfy your hunger, snack on starchy foods like bread, rice potatoes and pasta; they are healthier if no butter or other spreads are added.

Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables instead of gorging on chips, cookies, pastries or fast food products.

Natural seasonings like herbs and spices are a better alternative to butter and other dressings to add flavor to your food.

For dessert, try less fattening angel food cake, gelatin or a fruit salad.

Drink lots of water to make you feel full longer. Consuming up to 8 ounces of water and natural fruit juices a day is a healthier option compared to sodas and other artificially flavored drinks.



Balance: The Solution to Losing Weight Successfully



In every weight loss regimen, balancing a healthy diet and exercise has proven to be the most successful. Proper diet can lead to calorie loss spread over a reasonable period of time. This healthy and natural rate of weight loss is easier to maintain long term.



Keith Tennent is a medical researcher and a fitness enthusiast. He has overcome personal health difficulties and now teaches others to improve their health. His advice is factual and simple to understand. Whether your interest is in improving your mental health in things like concentration and memory, or your physical health like overcoming arthritis or asthma. He has written many other articles which are available free at http://www.arthritiskneepain.co.uk/



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

Red, burning, swollen and so stiff that it's sometimes hard to move... that's what those who suffer from arthritis experience almost every single day. 1 of 5 Americans are living like this on a daily basis. Many of them have given up on finding an arthritis pain treatment that works. Here you will discover there is hope: the top 3 ways to eliminate arthritis pain.



What is the Reason for Your Pain?


Arthritis actually means joint (arthr) - inflammation (itis). In severe cases, this disease can lead to joint weakness, visible deformities and even limit your ability for every day activities such as driving, walking and climbing stairs, washing dishes or even just wash your teeth.


When you have arthritis, it means that your body's immune system itself causes the joints to swell and become inflamed. The key to arthritis pain treatment is eliminating or at least reducing inflammation as much as possible - all throughout your body. If you can do that - you will experience a dramatic relief in your pain.


The Top 3 Natural Ways to Reduce Arthritis Inflammation


1. Exercise - this will help you lose some weight. Less weight means less stress and strain on your joints. The most recommended exercise is walking, but if it's hard on you because of the pain - swimming is a very good alternative and the stress on the joints is much less. Resting is also very important - try to find a good balance between activity and resting - the key to joint health.


2. Diet - Avoid as much as you can sugar, salt and saturated fat (most of it found in animal products). Try to have vegetables, fruits and whole grains as much as you can.


3. Natural Anti-Inflammatory Supplements - You won't believe how effective natural anti-inflammatory supplements can be - just as much as prescription drugs - but without the side effects. The most effective natural supplements for arthritis pain treatments will include a combination of herbal ingredients and systemic enzymes.


Don't wait another day. Untreated arthritis can cause irreversible damage to your joints and bones. Improve your diet today, try to exercise and most importantly - don't forget the natural anti-inflammatory supplement.


Heal n' Soothe, for example, contains both systemic enzymes and herbal ingredients and has been widely recommended by arthritis sufferers internationally. Click Right Here to find out about Arthritis Pain Treatment that actually works - right now!


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

Arthritis is a common, chronic disease that primarily affects a person's joints. Different types of arthritis, including gout and rheumatoid arthritis, will affect those afflicted with the disease in different ways. Although it is often associated with the elderly, different types of arthritis can affect individuals of all ages, causing pain and swelling to the joints and the areas surrounding the joint (tendons, muscles, etc). It is a very painful disease effecting millions of people.


Although over the counter and prescribed medications are often used for combating this pain, there are natural methods available that have proven to be highly effective as well. One example of these, said to be very effective, comes from a vegetable that is a staple in most diets - the potato. The potato should be juiced and consumed with water. The person drinking the juice/water combination should do so first thing in the morning before eating anything else so that the body can absorb as much as possible.


Another interesting and natural remedy also involves juicing various fruit and vegetables, including pineapples, beetroots, and carrots. Some of these juices are available at the local grocery store. Ingesting garlic, which can be found in cloves or in pill form, has also been found to be successful.


There are many reasons given for arthritis. One of which is a high amount of uric acid existing in the body. Combating this with citric acid, such as that found in lime juice, taken again on an empty stomach, can be effective at reducing the uric acid levels in the body.


Physical stimulation, such as massage, can also be very helpful in pain relief. Massaging various oils mixed with camphor, such as castor or coconut oil, directly and gently into the joints will give those joints sometimes instantaneous relief.


Copper, which is a metal already found naturally in the human body, has been shown to be helpful as well. The sufferer can store their drinking water in a copper pitcher or wear copper bracelets, a practice which dates back centuries. It is believed that the copper strengthens the muscular system and will lessen the pain over time.


While experimenting with natural remedies for arthritis, the sufferer cannot expect immediate or drastic results. It is best to allow the body time to absorb the healing properties and for the pain to slowly subside. As an added benefit, it is possible to avoid all the negative side effects associated with taking prescription and non-prescription medications.


Tom Chung has been writing articles for nearly a year. He enjoys writing many different topics. Come and visit his newest website Danze kitchen faucets that provide information about danze pot filler.


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