Archive for the 'Arthritis' Category

Foods Not To Eat With Gout

Friday, April 1st, 2011 No Commented
Under: Arthritis

Meats are among the top foods not to eat with gout. This is because of the types of proteins they contain actually produce uric acid in the body. Organ meats are among some of the worst. This would include liver, heart, brain, and kidney. Red and game meats are slightly worse than what white meats would be. This would include every type of game meat from fowl to bigger game.

It is thought to be as a result of the diets of game animals because chicken would actually be considered a healthier option, but not game fowl. Since they are both white meats, diets are one of the bigger differences between them. However, bacon and ham should be avoided as well.

Foods Not To Eat With Gout – Seafood

Fish is another one of the foods not to eat with gout. Anchovies, and sardines would be at the very top of that list, but it would go on to include most types of fish. Halibut, trout, cod, salmon, and even tuna should not be eaten if you suffer from gout. Again, it is thought to be because of the types of proteins found in fish. Even smoked fish should not be consumed.

Beans are another of the more common foods not to eat with gout. All types of beans should be avoided including; navy beans, kidney beans, chili beans, lima beans, refried beans, and green beans. This might be one of the ones that will give you problems. You do not really think about how many dishes beans are actually in until you need to steer clear of them. Many Mexican dishes have beans in them whether it is refried or not. You will also find them in many casserole type dishes too.

Meat extracts are also on the list of foods not to eat with gout that people do not really think about. This would include gravies, broth, and bullions. Anything with a beef broth (one of the most common) should be avoided. This is going to add a whole new level of risks that you might not have thought about. If you need the broth or gravy in the dish, go with chicken instead of beef. Turkey would also be a better choice rather than beef. This means that you really cannot eat the beef stew even if you don’t eat the pieces of beef in it. This might make things a little more difficult for those who really need to be on this diet, but it could make a huge difference.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Saturday, January 29th, 2011 No Commented
Under: Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most baffling and feared of all human ailments. Perhaps this is due, in large part, to the many conflicting hypotheses and theorems that abound throughout the medical field about this dreaded disorder. Each day we hear of new and often conflicting discoveries that supposedly shed light on why certain people are more susceptible to contracting this ailment than others. All of this uncertainty tends to create an atmosphere of fear and distrust toward anyone claiming to have yet another ‘cure.’

In recent years there have been two widely disseminated theories about rheumatoid arthritis. On the one hand, medical researchers have claimed there is a definite connection between heredity and the likelihood of someone developing it. On the other hand, a number of medical doctors have expressed their belief that this and other forms of arthritis can be traced to a rogue virus or other micro-organism. As well meaning as these theories may be, there is another position that deserves critical evaluation.

Rheumatoid arthritis is primarily caused by a lack of biochemical sodium reserves in the body. I’m not referring to the table salt variety that the human body cannot metabolize efficiently. When the body’s organic sodium reserves are low a number of physiological changes begin to occur. Acid stomach, chronic constipation, joint swelling, calcification and bone spurs, excessive flatulence and stiff joints – any trained observer will recognize these symptoms as manifestations of arthritis. Although hereditary factors or rogue viral strains may not be present, low sodium reserves are detected in over 90% of such cases when these symptoms are evident.

Among other important functions, the body uses different combinations of organic sodium to neutralize excess systemic acids, to help remove metabolic waste products from cells and to keep calcium in solution so that it doesn’t precipitate in the joints and soft tissues. This is basic biochemistry that anyone suffering from any arthritic affliction should know. It stands to reason that if organic sodium is the primary element the body utilizes to keep calcium in solution, one would certainly want to ensure that his or her sodium reserves were kept well stocked at all times.

As sensible as this may be, the lack of knowledge on this subject is what causes so much needless suffering in our society. During the 11 years I spent studying with world renowned natural health advocate, lecturer and practitioner, Jorgen Bernard Jensen, DC, ND, PhD, at his Hidden Valley Health Ranch, in Escondido, California, I personally witnessed the power of organic sodium to reverse various forms of arthritis – even in advanced stages. I came to know, without a doubt, that rheumatoid arthritis can be managed and, in many cases, reversed at virtually any age. This can happen provided there is an understanding of the vital role organic sodium plays in any serious effort to recover from rheumatoid arthritis.

Cheap Gout Relief Remedies

Thursday, December 23rd, 2010 No Commented
Under: Arthritis

If you are looking for cheap gout relief, try making, and drinking some black bean broth. Black beans are a natural remedy that is very rich in anthocyanins…the same ones that are found in cherries and other dark berries.

All you have to do is simmer seven ounces of black beans in two liters of water. Start timing after it has come to a boil and then reduce the heat and simmer for ninety minutes. Strain out the broth, and toss the beans. After it cools, drink one fourth of the liquid. You can drink it daily as a preventative measure, or at the first sign of a gout attack.

Certain bacteria consume uric acid before it can cause a problem. If you have gout, it is an indication that there is an imbalance in the intestines. Get some cheap gout relief by eating lots of raw vegetables and fruits (more fruits than veggies), and eating some yogurt. Cultured cabbage juice is really good, too.

But at the same time you need to be avoiding the foods that exacerbate the problem…like yeast, alcohol (especially beer, since it contains yeast), fatty meats, seafood, and mushrooms, to name a few.

For a topical treatment, you can rub rosemary oil in the inflamed area, avoiding any broken skin. If the oil itself seems to irritate the area, dilute it by adding some olive oil to it.

The bromelain in pineapple reduces inflammation, allowing blood to get to the area and easing the joint much faster. Burdock is a plant high in bromelain, but it is grown mostly in Japan and Europe, making it a bit pricier than pineapple

You cannot beat fresh fruit (when it is in season) and eight or more glasses of water per day for cheap gout relief. But be aware that it takes a lot of fruit…a pint of strawberries or half a pound of cherries every day to make a difference. Tree of Life makes a cherry concentrate that can be mixed with water, and there are cherry extract capsules that you can use if you don’t mind a small expense for taking this route.,

There are other options available; it’s just a matter of knowing where to look. On the Internet, there are lots of reports and e-books, but one of the best ones I found comes without hype or lies. It’s a short report that spells out where you can get inexpensive gout help that’s natural and easy to implement.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

Friday, August 27th, 2010 No Commented
Under: Arthritis

Although a cure for rheumatoid arthritis has not yet been discovered, rheumatoid arthritis treatment plays an integral part in managing this medical condition. Characterized by chronic inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues, this autoimmune disease is a progressive illness that causes a variety of symptoms. These include severe aches and pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, stiffness, and a lack of energy.

Unfortunately the disease develops gradually, so it is not always possible to determine exactly when it began. Some people find that the disease is active constantly, while others show signs of symptoms intermittently. The specific symptoms, and the severity of pain and discomfort, depend entirely on the individual and can be worse if a person is inactive for a long period of time.

The main goal of treating rheumatoid arthritis is to manage the pain, maximize the functioning of joints, and reduce inflammation. The prevention of joint damage and deformity also forms part of treatment. Since the severity of the symptoms varies according to the case, treatment needs to be tailored to the needs of each patient. Generally factors, such as age, occupation, overall health, the types of joints that are inflamed, and whether the disease is active or not, are all taken into consideration when deciding on a course of treatment.

Rheumatoid arthritis treatment usually consists of a combination of medications and non-drug therapies. The types of drugs used include anti-inflammatory medications and drugs that promote remission, as well as slow down the progression of the disease.

Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as cortisone and aspirin are used for pain management and to reduce inflammation. Hydroxychloroquine, gold salts, sulfasalazine and methotrexate are commonly used to slow down the progression of joint destruction and promote remission. In cases where joint deformity is severe, surgery may be necessary.

Non-drug therapies include physical therapy and specific exercises to relieve pain and stiffness. Besides reducing inflammation, physical therapy can be used to address particular effects of the disease and preserve the structure of joints. A combination of relaxation techniques, finger splinting, ultrasound, and hot and cold therapies are used to achieve optimal results. A dietary plan is often recommended to ensure patients receive plenty of essential nutrients, especially during periods when there is a loss of appetite. To help with fatigue and restore energy, individuals are encouraged to rest.

In order for rheumatoid arthritis treatment to be successful, a patient needs to work closely with a medical health care provider. Anyone who continuously follows an effective treatment plan designed for their particular case will have a better chance of improvement.

Beat Osteoarthritis Pain

Friday, June 18th, 2010 No Commented
Under: Arthritis

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint syndrome (DJD), is the most common form of arthritis and by far the most prevalent form of joint inflammation. More than half of adults over age thirty suffer some form of it. In fact, it affects about 16million Americans.

Osteoarthritis results from the breakdown of the cartilage between the bony surfaces that form affected joints. This degeneration leads to bony growths (‘spurs’) next to affected joint. Cartilage in joints deteriorates from stress, overweight, or injury and typical trouble spots include the fingers, feet, knees and hips.

The main symptoms of osteoarthritis are pain and stiffness. These symptoms can be greatly minimized by the eating habits or diets of its sufferers. There are different types of food you can incorporate into your diet to help you fight the scourge. They are categorized as follows:

  • Antioxidant-Rich Foods
  • Antioxidants help in fighting free radicals in the body. The free radicals roam about the body, attacking and destroying healthy tissue, including the tissue found in the joints.

    Vitamins A, C and E, as well as the mineral Selenium, are powerful antioxidants and they are readily available.

    Vitamin A, beta carotene and the carotenoids are found mostly in apricots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, mangoes, papaya and dark-green leafy vegetables. It is also found in liver, turkey, and milk.

    Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant in many fruits, such as grapefruit, papaya, kiwi, pineapples, tomatoes and red peppers. Fruits and vegetables should be as fresh as possible. Only cook or microwave them for a short time if you have to, because vitamin C is heat-sensitive and easily destroyed by cooking or processing. Cutting these foods after cooking those (rather than before) helps to maintain the vitamin C content

    The primary sources of vitamin E are vegetable oils such as sunflower and safflower; sunflower seeds, nuts, avocadoes, wheat germ, whole grain breads and cereals, peaches, spinach, broccoli, asparagus, dried prunes and peanut butter.

    Selenium has been proved to help keep the immune system functioning properly, apart from its antioxidant activity. Good sources of selenium include salmon, tuna, swordfish, sunflower seeds, oysters, shrimp, and cracked wheat bread.

    The mineral Boron also possesses some antioxidant properties although it is not considered a true antioxidant. It is important in maintaining overall health and helps to keep some cells from releasing free radicals. Studies have shown that people whose boron intakes are low have more risk of developing osteoarthritis.

    Good sources of Boron are apples and cauliflower with their skins.

    If you choose to take these antioxidants as food supplements, the recommended daily doses are as follows:

  • Vitamin A- 5000IU
  • Vitamin C- 500- 4000mg
  • Vitamin E- 100-400 IU
  • Selenium- 55-200mcg
  • Boron- 3mg for adults
  • Gout Prevention

    Tuesday, April 20th, 2010 No Commented
    Under: Arthritis

    Gout is a joint pain or acute arthritis that is caused by excessive uric acid crystal in the body. These uric acid crystals trigger the immune system to cause a spiral effect. As a result it will cause massive inflammation and pain – and sometimes paralysis.

    The spiral of gout depicts how the attack starts and cause huge pain to the individual. In order to stop a severe gout attack, we must break the spiral or cycle as soon as possible.

    If you are able to disrupt this spiral or cycle, you are successful in preventing a severe gout. Personally, I have found my “antidote” to gout. It hasn’t fail me yet. When I was researching about gout, I was finding for a medical treatment -a natural one.

    After understanding the fact to reduce uric acid levels in the body, I have to take in more anti-oxidants, and this immediately gave me the solution to this disease. The next thing I was looking at were berries such as acai berries, mulberries, blueberries or any berries that have high anti-oxidants in them. Finally, I chanced upon Peel Fresh Power Berries.

    How Do You Really Prevent a Gout Attack?

    1. You need keep a well balance lifestyle. Exercise regularly and keep fit in order to keep your immune system strong. You need to also eat healthily. Having an inherited gout disease, there are a lot of food that you need to avoid. Particularly, those that are high in purine (source of uric acid).

    Examples: Legumes, curry, red meat, cabbage, etc.

    2. Since gout is inherited, there’s nothing much you can do. All you need to do is to keep a good eating habit.

    3. In case, it gets very severe go to the doctor and get a jab.

    4. Whatever you do, please do not prescribe to pills that can remedy the pain because highly likely it has other side effects like causing kidney failure. I choose to go natural like eating berries or berry-related products instead. However, do take in moderation too.

    5. The key is to lower down the uric acid levels in your body.

    Disclaimer: This is not a medical report. body, i have to take in more anti-oxidants, and this immediately gave me the solution to this disease. The next thing i was looking at were berries such as acai berries, mulberries, blueberries or any berries that have high anti-oxidants in them. Finally, i chanced upon Peel Fresh Power Berries.

    How Do You Really Prevent a Gout Attack?

    1. You need keep a well balance lifestyle. Exercise regularly and keep fit in order to keep your immune system strong. You need to also eat healthily. Having an inherited gout disease, there are a lot of food that you need to avoid. Particularly, those that are high in purine (source of uric acid).

    Examples: Legumes, curry, red meat, cabbage, etc.

    2. Since gout is inherited, there’s nothing much you can do. All you need to do is to keep a good eating habit.

    3. In case, it gets very severe go to the doctor and get a jab.

    4. Whatever you do, please do not prescribe to pills that can remedy the pain because highly likely it has other side effects like causing kidney failure. I choose to go natural like eating berries or berry-related products instead. However, do take in moderation too.

    5. The key is to lower down the uric acid levels in your body.

    Disclaimer: This is not a medical report.

    Getting Rid Of Rheumatoid Arthritis

    Wednesday, March 10th, 2010 No Commented
    Under: Arthritis

    Many people with a chronic problem of rheumatoid arthritis know only too well that they cannot stay without using formulas to check the progress of this debilitating disease. Yet they also respect the wisdom of using natural remedies. Natural solutions have the ability to draw from nature the beauty and soothing quality of its elements. They come unchanged and have no side effects, which is more than can be said about pharmaceutical products.

    Before we look at a few of these remedies, let us see what we are avoiding in pharmaceutical products. After all, someone could ask what it is we are afraid of in these other products.

    The matter is rather simple. Take aspirin for example. It is a very good reliever of pain and it even calms down swelling of joints in rheumatoid arthritis. You could ask why with such a pain killer of world repute and with an equally strong anti-inflammatory effect should have to worry anybody. It is true. It will not cause heart trouble of mess up lung tissue like some of the steroid based medicines. But with continued use, it will cause you bleeding in the gastrointestinal region.

    So, do you still want to know what is on offer naturally?

    – The Devil’s claw: so called from the appearance of hooks on the fruit of this plant, it has been used for longer than Christianity has existed. The people of South Africa have used it to treat rheumatoid arthritis, pancreas trouble, skin conditions and even fever. It has been proven to contain harpagosides and the painkilling ingredient, vioxx.

    – Fatty acids (the omega-3): our bodies are not producers of omega-3 fatty acids but they need it. There have been studies to test the validity of the claim that these have any assistance to offer the rheumatoid arthritis patient. From salmon fish and other cold water fish, they are found in oil and have a way of dissuading persistent swelling. Since most fish now have traces of mercury, you can obtain your supply of omega -3 fatty acids in oil extracted, screened for chemicals and packed as capsules.

    – Boswellia: the herb is a native of India and it is acidic in component structure. It works as an inhibitor to swelling. What’s more, it brings on no irritation. It has been packaged as a pill now which should be easy to obtain and use. The extended use of this by rheumatoid arthritis patients should be abserved by a doctor.

    Gamma-linolenic acid: this one is found to be contained in borage oil, evening (primose) oils and black currant seed oil. It works like omega-3 fatty acids as an anti-inflammatory.

    When you choose your medication, remember to consider your age, extent of joint damage and whether other treatments have worked before.

    Look at the following tips and build on your knowledge of this disease.

    1. There a more than 100 types of this illness. In occurrence, a single variety can probably be called a single disease. These related conditions are diagnosed as different and treated as such. The most similar thing with all is that it affects joints and the areas surrounding the joints. At risk is cartilage that prevents bones from rubbing against each other. Other varieties afflict the muscle and soft tissue too.

    2. Arthritis cannot be cured; it can be managed. With this in mind, we can begin to understand its various treatments and what they do. At this point, let us get it clearly that the best a treatment formula can do for you is reduce the amount of pain, calm down the inflammation around joints and slow down the progress of this disease.

    3. The only expert who should handle your case should be a rheumatologist. Such a doctor’s expertise is in arthritis and they understand it better, have probably treated it before and have a more truthful picture of the reality this disease is.

    4. It is possible to be limited by the effects of this disease in your functions on a daily basis. You might not be able to walk well, bend over, stoop or do stairs. Your productive hours of work might be reduced by attacks of deep pain. It is important that you begin to understand this and make provisions for it. you can relinquish some of your responsibilities at work or assign duties you used to perform to other members of the family.

    5. It cost to treat arthritis. Even when you strive to keep your treatment of this chronic illness natural, you are only lowering the cost. Herbs and supplements cost and you cannot postpone buying them like you would do with a new shirt. Healthy eating can also cost you a little. What is important to know is that everything costs. What matters is to make it worthwhile.

    6. Emotionally, there can be a strain. Before spouses begin to understanding that arthritis will not go away, it might take some time and some emotional strain. You are also bound to be shocked at the discovery, so be ready for it.

    7. An early diagnosis is probably the best thing that can happen to a sufferer of this disease. It is possible to slow it in its early stages and lead a normal life. This way, it gives you the best opportunity to fight it.

    8. As people are different, treatments favour some and not others. It will take time before you land the formula that works for you. Stay on the experimental path and stay optimistic. Patience will eventually pay.

    Stay in the know and you will be a step before arthritis. That way it will be struggling to bring you down, not you struggling to stay abreast with it.

    Arthritic Knee Treatment

    Sunday, February 28th, 2010 No Commented
    Under: Arthritis

    NSAIDs are commonly prescribed anti-inflammatory medications. They are very powerful, may provide temporary relief, but also come with many potential adverse side effects. They only treat symptoms,(pain) but do nothing to help your condition and can actually make it worse.

    Most common side effects of NSAIDs are vomiting, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, drowsiness and headache.

    The most serious are kidney and liver failure, ulcers, internal bleeding, shortness of breath, perforation of the intestines or stomach, raising of blood pressure and increased risk of a fatal heart attack or stroke. Drug interactions with medications you may be taking are possible and seniors are more likely to suffer the worst effects of NSAID drugs.

    If you are considering using one of the NSAID drugs, take another look at the serious downside and start to look for better options. Ask your doctor about the effect of exercise, possible diet changes, losing a few pounds if you are carrying some extra ones, and trying a good, natural joint relief supplement.

    More than likely, your doctor may not be able to give you a complete, knowledgeable answer on this. Why? Because modern medical training offers very little in the way of natural treatments or nutrition. So your doctor treats, the way he or she is trained.

    However, your doctor should be able to tell you if moderate exercise is appropriate for you condition. In some cases of arthritis, it isn’t. If your doctor gives the okay, start out slowly. There is no need to overdo it. A great advantage of exercise, is that it helps to strengthen the muscles surrounding the joint, which gives it more support. Start slowly and increase as you can.

    Your doctor should also know what foods may have a negative impact on your condition. For instance, tomatoes and potatoes can be foods you might want to avoid.

    Your weight is very important too. If you’re like many of us, you might be carrying some extra pounds. For a weight-bearing joint, like the knee, an additional pound of weight equals three or more pounds of additional stress. Even a few pounds lost, can make a big difference for you.

    Exercise, proper diet and weight control naturally translate into positive benefits for your overall health as well. Small changes can equal a big difference.

    Why not also try a good, 100% natural joint relief supplement too? Taking the right one can stop the pain, and actually start to rebuild your thinning cartilage. So, you can forget the pain while you’re correcting the problem and there’s no need to worry about those weird side effects of NSAID drugs.
    There are over 100 different types of arthritis and they all hurt. Millions of people in America suffer from arthritis, but unfortunately, the most common treatments you are offered do nothing to actually heal your condition. NSAIDs are often prescribed, but they only help mask the pain, so your condition keeps getting worse instead of better. Is that what you want?

    Common Arthritis Symptoms

    Friday, February 26th, 2010 No Commented
    Under: Arthritis

    Did you know there are over 100 different types of arthritis? Shocking, isn’t it? Today, we’re going to take a look at the four most common types of arthritis and their symptoms. If your type of arthritis isn’t covered, conduct research via the Internet. Just type in “arthritis symptoms” at your favorite search engine and you’ll be well on your way to finding more answers.

    Osteoarthritis falls into the category of Degenerative Arthritis. Also referred to as Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD); osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage (cushion) in a joint breaks down. When the cushion becomes too thin, it causes friction and inflammation in the tissue surrounding the joint. Osteoarthritis commonly affects the feet, knees, hips, and fingers.

    As with any disease, symptoms vary from person to person. Osteoporosis is a progressive disease and symptoms oftentimes go unnoticed until the disease is fairly advanced. The primary symptom is pain in the joints. Other symptoms include stiffness and swelling in the joints; a “snapping” or “clicking” noise of the joints; and bony growths at the joints.

    Rheumatoid arthritis falls into the category of Autoimmune Disease, or Autoimmunity. Autoimmune disease is believed to be caused by an over-production of cytokines – a communication device devised for cells to talk to each other. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause severe joint damage. It frequently causes fingers and toes to become deformed and can be excruciatingly painful. Rheumatoid arthritis affects the entire body. Symptoms include chronic inflammation and pain in the joints or entire body, chronic fatigue, weight loss and anemia.

    Juvenile arthritis affects children before the age of 16. It is a chronic condition that causes inflammation in one or more joints. There are three types of Juvenile arthritis; each with their own set of symptoms:

    • Systemic onset type – Begins with high fevers and frequently accompanied by a skin rash.
    • Pauciarticular onset disease – Swelling, inflammation or pain affecting fewer than five joints. This type of arthritis affects about 50 percent of all children with arthritis.
    • Polyarticular disease – Swelling, inflammation or pain affecting five or more joints.

    Cervical arthritis affects the upper spine and cervical vertebrae. Either through age, injury, or disease; the cervical vertebrae begin to degenerate. Additionally, the shock-absorbing disks that float between each vertebra begin to degenerate. Over the course of time, the nerves that connect the spinal cord to the neck become compressed. The compression causes the nerves to become inflamed, which produces neck pain that may radiate through the arms and to the fingers.
    Health articles online
    The most common symptoms of cervical arthritis include: chronic neck pain; muscle weakness; numbness in the neck, arms and hands; limited range-of-motion; headaches; and loss of balance.

    Exercise Therapy for Arthritis

    Tuesday, December 29th, 2009 No Commented
    Under: Arthritis

    Arthritis is a disease that affects the body’s joints, making them painful to move or to put force onto. There are over 150 different types of arthritis but the most common types are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

    Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage in the joint breaks down and causes the bones to rub together. There is generally little inflammation but the joint loses shape and the bone ends thicken and develop bony growths that rub against each other. Osteoarthritis normally develops in weight-bearing joints like the hips, knees, spine, or feet.

    Rheumatoid Arthritis occurs when the synovial lining of the joint becomes inflamed and causes damage to the bone and cartilage. The joints lose shape and can vary from slight inflammation to gross deformation of the joint. Fingers, knees, wrists, and shoulders are the most common sites to be affected.

    Arthritis is common as a person ages and their joints naturally degenerate and break down. It is common in obese individuals as added stress is placed on their joints. It is also common in past sports people, especially those who played high impact sports such as football or basketball where repeated stress is placed on the joints.

    Exercise Tips

    Exercise will not cure arthritis but it can slow the process down a lot.
    Spend large amounts of time warming up and cooling down. Spend at least ten minutes slowly warming the joints with gentle movements.
    Use isometric exercises when first starting. These are exercises that do not require any movement, such as pushing against a brick wall. After a few weeks, introduce exercises that require movement.
    Use machine weights instead of free weights when in the gym. Machine weights place less stress on the joints.
    – Do not lift weights that are too heavy.
    Aerobic exercises, such as swimming and cycling, are best as they are low impact exercises that do not place much strain on the joints.
    Rest during periods of severe flaring in the joints. Working through the pain does not help and will cause further pain and discomfort.

    With arthritis there is a fine line between the right amount of exercise and doing too much. If any pain is experienced while exercising reduce the intensity of the workout and do what is possible. A light exercise workout is more beneficial than a hard one that leaves you in agony for a few weeks.

    Osteoarthritis Pain Management

    Friday, December 11th, 2009 No Commented
    Under: Arthritis, Pain Management

    Millions of people suffer with osteoarthritis pain and many spend their later years in chronic pain because of osteoarthritis, believing painkillers to be the only solution. So can sufferers expect an improved quality of life and at least reduce their osteoarthritis pain or will they to just have to knuckle down and make the best of it.

    Advice from the medical profession varies so much. One GP can be an angel sent from heaven and another can be a complete waste of time. I have personally spoken to hundreds of people who have been suffering with osteoarthritis pain and some say the doctors are marvelous and others just throw away lines like, it’s just wear and tear, it’s your age, there’s nothing you can do but take pain killers.

    Since I am not a doctor nor am I willing to stand in judgment I have to believe that most doctors are diligent hard working, caring people, who are doing their best to cope with a massive workload and they just don’t know all the answers. None of us knows all the answers but I believe we are all free to look for alternative ways to improve our own situation, especially where our health is concerned.

    I am happy to tell you that my own father is alive and well and looking like emulating his father who reached the grand age of 93. Unfortunately Dad is going to reach that age with all his original parts. When he was in his mid fifties he had a painful calcium spur on his shoulder. His doctor told him he had too much calcium in his blood. They would do keyhole surgery and take the spur off but he must cut down on calcium.

    Even then with my limited knowledge of alternative therapies and remedies I knew this was the opposite of the truth. I said Dad, you have too little calcium in your blood, not too much and its leaching what it needs from your bones. But my Dad comes from a generation who believe the doctor knows everything about the human body and is one of the few people in society that cannot be questioned. Believe it or not his bank manager is another. Well he cut down his already low calcium intake despite my advising him to supplement his diet with Calcium, Magnesium and Vitamin D for maximum absorption. By 65 he was the recipient of two new knees and since they were done 6 months apart he hardly walked for best part of his retirement year. And do you know Dad is eternally grateful for the wonderful job the doctors have done even though he fully expects to have them done again when 10 years has passed. And he still thinks he’s got too much calcium in his blood.

    I guess what I am saying is, you are your own doctor first and foremost. Nobody knows how your body feels like you do. If you took a supplement for a month or six weeks and it made no difference you may have wasted a few pounds but you could just stop taking it, it certainly won’t hurt you. But what if it did make a difference, then you’d feel the benefit and be glad to pay for it, wouldn’t you? Only do buy a decent one, you get what you pay for. I pay 40GBP a month for my supplement regime, I have done for years and it has been worth every penny.

    So eat right and take supplements. A lot of older people just don’t feel like cooking a meal, especially if they are on their own and so the quality of the building blocks they give the bodies to repair itself is often poor. Their circulation system is not what it used to be so the goodness they do get doesn’t get to the parts that need it.

    The lymphatic system is the wonderful mechanism that keeps our bodies clean right from a cellular level but as we get older and especially if movement becomes painful the whole system slows down. This can leave toxins in the body and as they build up a downward spiral begins. More pain, less desire to exercise, less lymphatic drainage, more toxins. Where toxins are left in the joints they can crystalize and exacerbate the problem.

    It is important for osteoarthritis patients to get exercise although they don’t always feel like it and often they really can’t manage it. The goal is to keep the joints mobile and functioning properly. Regular exercise also wards off muscle loss and may be key to managing osteoarthritis pain. Patients should consult with a physical therapist or qualified personal trainer which they would find at a good fitness centre. They will always tell them to check first with the doctor before starting a fitness program and that is good advice.

    One therapy I like to use myself and to recommend to our customers is a powerful electric massage that was discovered 60 years ago and has been used all over the world in hospitals and clinics and in hundreds of thousands of private homes too. Because it aids the circulation and increases the throughput of blood in the muscle being massaged it acts as a kind of passive exercise. We have been in the health business for 14 years and mainly providing condition specific herbs and vitamin supplements but when we discovered this massage it revolutionized our business because of how quickly the benefits to customers were felt.

    I have personally applied it to hundreds of people some of whom could hardly walk without extreme pain. In a 20 minute massage many have experienced amazing relief. Some have even cried as they told me it is years since they felt that good. Cycloidal Massage definitely works for at least 80% of osteoarthritis sufferers. It improves the circulation, relaxes the muscles around the joints and enhances lymphatic drainage.

    There are a couple of drawbacks though. First it can be a little difficult for a person alone to treat themselves with the hand unit that I use to demonstrate the therapy. Even when there is a couple they tend to do it every day at first but eventually the partner starts to find it tiresome. Of course it loses its benefit if it is not done regularly and the benefits are cumulative if it is. At least 20 minutes three times a day is recommended.

    That’s why I use Cycloidal Massage built into a rise and recline type chair. Many of my clients find it hard to get out of an ordinary chair so there are extra reasons for the rise and reline. The chair has multiple massage motors built into the electrically adjustable footstool, the seat and the back so the whole body can be treated while the client watches TV. The second drawback is the cost of course, they certainly don’t suit every budget. Unfortunately cheaper alternatives do not contain the deeply penetrating therapy that Cycloidal Massage provides. It’s probably best to take advantage of trial massage at home and then measure the benefits against the cost. Some customers who could not afford the cash price have found it is worth the 25 pounds a week or so that it costs to buy on a finance deal.

    Cycloidal Massage Therapy is available in most countries and I am sure there will be someone willing to demonstrate the benefits without obligation wherever the need arises. Certainly I have traveled the length and breadth of Northern England and Southern Scotland doing just that. Our reputation is very important to us, so we do a massage in the customers home and only if they feel a marked difference in the affected parts to we recommend a purchase.

    A marked difference means greatly reduced pain or even no pain at all, together with increased functionality and movement in the affected joints.

    There are lots of things a sufferer can do to help themselves at least to manage the pain of osteoarthritis. To remain dependent on the medical profession is a matter of choice but my philosophy is help yourself first, seek expert medical advice as soon as symptoms are noticed in order to maintain good health and if the problem does reach crisis level don’t just go straight for the surgery. Carefully think through alternatives, look at what others have tried successfully and try it yourself.
    Robert Channings founded Aglow Health in 1992 to supply condition specific herbal remedies and vitamin supplements. The business did well and became Aglow Health UK Limited in January 2001. The supplements whilst good did not meet all the needs of our clients so we partnered with one of the worlds largest manufacturers of therapy beds and chairs becoming agents for Northern England. They have been producing Cycloidal Massage Therapy Equipment for 60 years and have been building that therapy into Electrically Operated Beds and Chairs and other therapy equipment since 1970. All our therapy beds and chairs are manufactured in the UK.