Articles on Arthritis and Your Health

Rheumatoid Arthritis
Living With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Preventing Osteoarthritis
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Arthritis Main Page
Arthritis and HGH Therapy
HGH Questions & Answers

Rheumatoid Arthritis:

Rheumatoid Arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune disorder, causing your immune system to attack the joints, causing a painful inflammation. Unlike other forms of arthritis like osteoarthritis, RA also attacks the organs like the heart, eyes and lungs. Of the 100+ forms of arthritis, this is one of the most debilitating varieties.

Rheumatoid Arthritis affects 1 out of 100 North Americans, or 2.1 million people, and women are three times more likely to get the disease than men. The cause of RA is unknown, but a popular theory points to the disease being infectious as those who have close friends or family with the disorder are more likely to develop it themselves. Susceptibility to the disease may also be an inherited trait as well.

Early detection is vital in treating RA because the most damage is done within the first two years, with 75% of the damage occurring within the first five years. While there is no cure or preventative measure for rheumatoid arthritis, there are a number of treatments to alleviate symptoms. Each type of drug includes its own side effects- make sure that you are informed about the medication you are taking, and report any side effects to your doctor.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, or NSAIDs, reduce the pain and swelling of the joints. Many can be had without a prescription, like acetylsalicylic acid and ibuprofen. In more severe cases your doctor can prescribe a stronger NSAID. Omega-3, found in fatty fish, also works to shorten the period of stiffness in the morning, one of the major symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Add salmon or albacore tuna to your diet, or try an Omega-3 supplement like Omega Daily.

Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs, known as DMARDs, are slow-acting and may take weeks to take effect. While NSAIDs are effective in relieving pain short term, DMARDs are a long term treatment meant to reduce damage to the joint and bone. Methotrexate is the most widely used DMARD.

Biologic Response Modifiers are a third medication for RA sufferers, although it is extremely cost prohibitive, costing upwards of $25,000 a year and is rarely covered by insurance. Biologic Response Modifiers, called Biologics for short, work by decreasing inflammation. They are usually paired with other medication.

There are a number of things you can do yourself to make living with the disease easier. While it is tempting to put as little exertion on your sore joints as possible, keeping active is essential to enjoying life with rheumatoid arthritis. This is for a number of reasons. The first is that regular exercise strengthens the muscles around the joint and increases flexibility. Try low-impact activities, like swimming. Try not to partake in any activities that involve too much exertion, which causes more harm than good. Use heat and cold to your advantage, easing pain. Heat should be applied only when the joint is not inflamed, and preferably in the form of a bath or hot shower. Use cold packs on the inflamed joint directly or after strenuous use of the joint.

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Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis

If you're reading this, chances are you or a loved one suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder that not only attacks the joints like other forms of arthritis, but organs like the heart and lungs as well.

Rheumatoid arthritis, unlike many other kinds of arthritis, also usually affects both the right and left side of the body symmetrically. For instance, both your hands will be inflamed, rather than just one, making any task all the more difficult as you do not have one part of the body to lead over the other. This adds to the frustration of the disease, further hindering mobility. For those living with rheumatoid arthritis, whether they are in chronic pain or suffer from flares, there is no aspect of their life that is not affected by the disease.

While there are no cures for rheumatoid arthritis yet, there are measures you can take to make living with the disease easier. Besides the medications that your doctor prescribes, you can take responsibility for alleviating the symptoms and improving your overall quality of life. While some of these may seem like small changes, you won't believe how much they can help.

The first and most important thing you can do for yourself is get regular exercise. Activities like swimming and other light cardio works the joints and muscles around the joints and also strengthens mobility. Your doctor can recommend the best form of exercise for you, targeting the areas that need help.

While exercise is vital, so is not putting too much physical stress on yourself. Avoid heavy lifting whenever possible; also, learn how to bend properly, such as lifting with your knees rather than your back. If you have arthritis in your hands, get an electric can opener instead of using a manual one.

Because of the pain at night that accompanies rheumatoid arthritis, many of those with the disease have difficulty sleeping. Your doctor can prescribe sleeping pills of varying strengths, if necessary.

Learn when it's best to use heat or cold to lessen pain. Heat should not be applied directly to inflamed joints; instead, enjoy hot baths or showers for aching muscles and soreness. Use cold directly on the inflamed joint, preferably with an ice pack.

Adding fatty fish or fish oil has been found to lessen the length of morning stiffness and intensity of inflammation pain, according to a 200 study published by Australian scientists in Journal of Rheumatology. Eat fish like albacore tuna, salmon or herring regularly, or try a supplement packed with Omega-3, like Omega Daily.

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Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting over 12 percent of the population. It wears away the cartilage, the tissue in the joints to prevent the bones from rubbing together. As the cartilage wears away it causes both pain and stiffness in the joint. Osteoarthritis most often occurs in the spine, hips, knees and hands. The degree of seriousness ranges from mild to debilitating, making each patient unique.

While there is no way to cure osteoarthritis, there are ways to make living with the disease more manageable as well as methods to prevent getting the disease in the first place. While your doctor may prescribe you medication, there are measures you can take yourself.

There is no better way to make life with osteoarthritis more manageable than staying in shape. Being overweight puts more stress on your already painful joints. Eating a healthier diet and regular exercise will help you attain your ideal weight. Reduce sugar and processed foods. Consult your doctor on how to safely and effectively reach your goal.

Exercise is important not just to reach a healthy weight. It is also vital in maintaining strength and movement in the affected joint or joints, through a combination of aerobics and strength-building. Aerobic exercise - like swimming or walking and other mild cardio - keeps your heart healthy and your cardiovascular system at peak performance. Try to incorporate exercise that works the affected joint, to increase limberness. Activities like weight lifting strengthen the muscles around the affected joints, but be sure not to overexert yourself.

Heat and cold has been long used as an effective pain reliever. Use heat in the mornings or before you go to bed, to increase blood flow, which eases discomfort. Do not apply it to a joint when it is sore though, as it will only exacerbate the problem. Instead, use a cold pack during times of pain, to relieve pain.

Acetaminophen, a mild over the counter pain killer, is enough in some mild cases of osteoarthritis, without your doctor having to prescribe a stronger medication that may induce side effects. If you are prescribed a stronger medication, educate yourself of side effects, and report to your doctor if you experience any. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any medication you are currently taking. As with any illness, be sure to cut out smoking, drinking, and any other habits that negatively impact your health.

Also, try to include more Omega-3 in your diet, which is an anti-inflammatory. The best source of Omega-3 comes from fatty fish and other kinds of seafood, like mussels or salmon. Since most people in North America don't include enough fish in their diet, unlike a Mediterranean diet, try an Omega-3 supplement like Omega Daily.

The best way to prevent osteoarthritis in the first place is to follow many of the same guidelines as those who have the disease already. The key is to stay healthy. Those who are overweight are more likely to develop the disease, as the extra weight puts stress on the joints. Stay in shape, and be aware of any stress to the joints.

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Preventing Osteoarthritis

If you have a family history of osteoarthritis then you have a higher chance of developing the disease yourself. Besides genetic predisposition, osteoarthritis can be present in those who are overweight or those who routinely put stress on the particular joint. Injury is also a culprit.

Osteoarthritis affects the joints in the body, most commonly the spine, hips, knees, feet and hands. It is caused by the wearing down of cartilage between these joints, causing bones to rub together. This causes discomfort and a decrease in mobility to the area.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting 21 million people in the United States. It can be caused by a number of factors. While it is more frequently found in those over 45, it can occur in younger people. Under 45, men are more likely to develop the disease than women, while over 45 women are more likely to develop it than men.

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent the onset of the disease, and it's easier than you think. It's about taking care of your body, which hopefully you're doing already as good health is the key to combating any form of disease, as well as education.

If you are overweight you are far more likely to develop osteoarthritis than someone who isn't. This is because the extra weight puts unnecessary stress on the joints. Keeping in shape also helps to prevent many other diseases, such as heart disease.

Keep fit, not only to keep your weight in healthy range but also to work your joints. Aerobic exercises that work as much of your body are especially important; they revitalize your circulatory system and keep your heart rate up, as well as keep your joints limber. Make sure not to over exert yourself, especially if you feel pain in a joint, as this may only cause to exacerbate the condition you are trying to prevent. Discuss with your doctor what kinds of exercises are best for you. Osteoarthritis in the hands is the most genetically predispositioned form of the disease, so if you are at risk ask your doctor if there is anything you can do.

Injury to the joints can also cause the onset of osteoarthritis. Be sure to wear protective gear, like wrist guards for instance, when deemed necessary.

There have been some foods and supplements that have been reported to decrease your chances of getting the disease. While some initial results have proved encouraging, studies are still continuing for conclusive results. None of the supplements have been reported to carry side effects though, and are part of a healthy lifestyle.

An anti-inflammatory is just what you're looking for. Anti-inflammatory properties can be found in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fatty fish like salmon or albacore tuna. Since our North American diet is severely lacking in fish on a regular basis, try an Omega-3 fatty acid supplement such as Omega Daily.

Early detection is important. If you feel a recurring pain in your joints, or a stiffness that won't go away, talk to your doctor. He or she can help you find the best way to deal with the pain.

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Omega-3 Fatty Acids

You've heard about the good fats and the bad fats, saturated fats and unsaturated fats. Can't keep them straight, between what you're supposed to eat and what you can? Unfortunately, many people who are dieting eliminate all fats altogether, which is as unhealthy as what they were previously putting into their body.

We're here to help you make sense of one variety - the Omega-3 fatty acids, which offer immeasurable health benefits. Doctors and scientists are still only scratching the surface of the power of Omega-3. Including more of this essential nutrient in your diet will award you better health. Omega-3 Fatty Acids are a type of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Unsaturated fats are the healthy kind of fat that should be part of your regular diet.

Many of those who suffer from inflammation due to their arthritis, asthma, allergies or a number of other diseases have reaped the benefit of Omega-3 fatty acids, a known anti-inflammatory.

Scientists and doctors are finding new uses for Omega-3 all the time. The American Heart Association recommends eating fatty fish at least twice a week because of the benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids for cardiovascular disease. Ongoing research points that Omega-3 may help combat autism, low birth rate and psychological disorders, to name a few.

Other areas of study on the effects of Omega-3 include, but are not limited to:

• Diabetes
• Menstrual cramps
• Asthma
• Burns
• High cholesterol

Unfortunately our Western diet just doesn't include enough of this essential nutrient. Good sources of this essential fatty acid come primarily from certain kinds of seafood, like salmon, albacore tuna, herring and shellfish. Flax is the next best source of Omega-3, an alternative for vegetarians. While our body can convert flax into these types of acid, seafood is recommended over it. Since scientists and doctors have praised the fatty acid, many different types of foods are now enriched with Omega-3, from bread to yogurt to baby food, to just name a few. Again, while they do contain the nutrient, it's best to take it straight from the source.

Omega Daily is a supplement that offers all the Omega-3 your body needs. Based on a concentrate of New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussel, it takes the guess work out of what to eat and what not to eat.

It is advisable to talk to your physician before taking any supplement.
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