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Arthritis Tips

Arthritis is an Inflammation of a joint, usually accompanied bypain, swelling, and stiffness, andresulting from infection, trauma, degenerative changes, metabolic disturbances,or other causes.

It occurs in various forms, such as bacterial arthritis, osteoarthritis,or rheumatoid arthritis.

Last Updated - 25th October 2005

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a joint disorder featuring inflammation. A joint is an areaof the body where two different bones meet. A joint functions to movethe body parts connected by its bones. Arthritis literally means inflammationof one or more joints.

Arthritis is frequently accompanied by joint pain. Joint pain is referredto as arthralgia.

There are many forms of arthritis (over one hundred and growing). Theforms range from those related to wear and tear of cartilage (such asosteoarthritis) to those associated with inflammation resulting from anover-active immune system (such as rheumatoid arthritis).

The causes of arthritis depend on the form of arthritis. Causesinclude injury (leading to osteoarthritis), abnormal metabolism (suchas gout and pseudogout), inheritance, infections, and for unclear reasons(such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus).

Arthritis is classified as one of the rheumatic diseases. Theseare conditions that are different individual illnesses, with differingfeatures, treatments, complications, and prognosis. They are similar inthat they have a tendency to affect the joints, muscles, ligaments, cartilage,tendons, and many have the potential to affect internal body areas.

What are symptoms of arthritis?

Symptoms of arthritis include pain and limited function of joints. Inflammationof the joints from arthritis is characterized by joint stiffness, swelling,redness, and warm. Tenderness of the inflamed joint can be present.

Many of the forms of arthritis, because they are rheumatic diseases,can involve symptoms affecting various organs of the body that do notdirectly involve the joints. Therefore, symptoms in some patients witharthritis can also include nonspecific fever, weight loss, fatigue, andfeeling unwell.

Who is affected by arthritis?

Arthritis sufferers include men and women, children and adults. Approximately350 million people worldwide have arthritis. Nearly 40 million personsin the United States are affected by arthritis, including over a quartermillion children!

Make Sure You Really Have Osteoarthritis

It is absolutely essential that you make sure your diagnosis is correctbefore you begin wasting money on treatments that are not designed tohelp your specific situation.

There is only one way to know for certain that you are suffering fromosteoarthritis. (OA) The diagnostic tool is a CT-scan. If you have nothad the affected area scanned, any broad sweeping statement from a physicianthat you have osteoarthritis is simply the wrong way to approach it.

Since there are approximately 100 different types of medical conditionsthat can affect your joints, it will be difficult to treat your conditioneffectively unless you know exactly what is ailing you.

Searching For Just Arthritis Pain Relief? YouShouldn't!

Doctors are very quick to address your joint pain with what has becomea "standard" response. Normally, they tell you to take NSAIDSlike Aspirin, Advil, Motrin, Ibuprofen, and Acetaminophen, or prescribeCOX-2 inhibitors such as Vioxx and Celebrex.

Will these give you pain relief? Yes, you will obtain some pain reliefusing them. However, they also can cause a wide range of undesirable sideeffects from ulcers to heart disease to liver damage. Even more importantly,and you need to consider this fact, the use of these NSAIDs and COX-2inhibitors do not halt the progress of osteoarthritis and new researchis showing they may even hasten the onset of the disease.

You Can Take Control of Arthritis Pain

• Pay attention to symptoms, see your doctor and get an accuratediagnosis - If you have pain, stiffness or swelling in or around a jointfor more than two weeks, it's time to see your doctor. These symptomscan develop suddenly or slowly. Only a doctor can tell if it's arthritis.But "you have arthritis" is not a diagnosis. Ask for a specificdiagnosis of the type of arthritis you have. There are more than 100types, each of which has different treatments. Getting the right treatmentrequires getting the right diagnosis.
• Start early - The earlier an accurate diagnosis is made andtreatment started, the better. Early treatment can often mean less jointdamage and less pain. Your doctor may recommend a combination of treatmentsthat may include medication, weight management, exercise, use of heator cold, and methods to protect your joints from further damage. Seeyour doctor for an early diagnosis and immediate treatment plan!

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  Protect your joints - Avoid excess stress on your joints.Use larger or stronger joints to carry things. Assistive devices canmake tasks at home and work easier. Staying close to your recommendedweight also helps relieve damaging pressure on hips and knees.
• Get moving - Exercise helps lessen pain, increases range ofmovement, reduces fatigue and helps you feel better overall. Your doctor,a physical therapist, or other specially trained health professionalscan show you range-of-motion exercises and strengthening exercises thatare good for arthritis.
• Tune in - Listening to your favorite music can lighten yourmood and may even help you to forget your pain – at least for alittle while. Make a tape of your favorite upbeat tunes and listen toit when you need a lift.
• Pick, pour or peel - If you are looking for a tasty healthytreat, reach for an orange – or a tall glass of orange juice. Why?Recent research has shown the importance of vitamin C and other antioxidantsin reducing the risk of osteoarthritis and its progression. Anotherbonus: oranges and other citrus fruits are good sources of folic acid,which can help alleviate the side effects of the arthritis drug methotrexateand reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in women who have lupus.
• Check out your options - If your current medication isn’tworking as well as you’d like – or if it’s causing unacceptableside effects – ask your doctor about new treatment options.
• Let yourself go - On vacation, that is. Make yours a good oneby remembering to bring extra medication, a spare prescription, insurancecard, comfortable shoes, your doctor’s phone number and, of course,your camera.
• Face facts - Learn something new about arthritis. Buildingan understanding of your disease is an important step in managing it.Start by ordering some of our free brochures
• Play in the dirt - Buy the seeds for three of your favoriteveggies or flowers and plant a garden. Digging in the dirt can be therapeuticfor sore hands and can yield beautiful and fragrant – or deliciousand nutritious – results.
• Have a good laugh - Read a book of jokes, rent a funny movieor watch your favorite sit-com or stand-up comedian. Laughing –even when you feel like crying from agony – can relax muscles,relieve pain and even boost your immune system.
• Play it safe in the sun - Protect yourself when you go outinto the sun — wear sunglasses, a hat and sun screen. Some formsof arthritis, as well as certain medications, can leave you more vulnerableto the sun’s harmful rays.
• Do Tell - Take an opportunity to tell someone — co-worker,friend, and family member — about arthritis. Start with an interestingfact: Did you know that arthritis affects 70 million people? Then gofrom there. They’ll understand you – and the way arthritisaffects your life – a little better. Or share your feelings withothers who have arthritis.
• Resolve to reduce - Lose weight. You won’t just look better,you’ll feel better, too. Why? Every extra pound you carry aroundtranslates to added stress to your knees and hips. Excess weight canmean more pain, no matter which form of arthritis you have. It can alsocontribute to and aggravate osteoarthritis, while increasing your riskof gout.
• Bone up - Stock up on your favorite source of calcium. A dietrich in this important mineral can help decrease your risk of osteoporosis.If you don’t like drinking milk – or want some variety –try consuming more milk products, such as yogurt, cheese and ice cream.Or add powdered milk to puddings, gravies, shakes and other recipes.Other good sources of calcium: broccoli, salmon (with the bones) andkale.
• Do drugs – the right way - Take your medication just asyour doctor prescribes. If you’re tempted to stop because you feelit’s not working or you believe it’s causing side effects,call your doctor first. It can take weeks – or even months –for the full benefits of a medication to become apparent, and some sideeffects ease over time. Stopping a medication abruptly may not onlycause you to miss out on its benefits – in some cases it can bedownright dangerous.
• Begin with breakfast - Put up the pastry and grab some fruit,fiber (like oatmeal) and a tall glass of water instead of coffee. Likeyou’ve always heard, a healthful breakfast is a great way to startthe day. Our free brochure on diet and arthritis can tell you more abouthealthier eating.
• Try this on for size - It’s time to toss those fashionable,yet oh, so uncomfortable pumps that cramp your toes, rub your heelsand squeeze your bunions. A well padded, well fitting shoe with plentyof room for your toes – and their imperfections – can makea world of difference in the way your feet (and the rest of you) feel.
• Take a hike - Choose your favorite spots (indoors and out)and make plans to walk them at least once a week. Walking is the idealexercise for most people with arthritis. It burns calories, strengthensmuscles and builds denser bones – all without jarring fragile joints.
• Sit, soak and soothe - A warm bath before bed can relieve muscletension, ease aching joints and help you get a good night’s sleep.Try our free brochure on ways to managing your pain for more ideas.
• Treat your muscles - Find a certified massage therapist andtreat yourself to a good rub down. The benefits vary from person toperson but may include decreased pain and increased circulation, energyand flexibility. And besides, it just feels good.
• Work smarter - Do something that will make your job easier— check into working flex hours, telecommuting or working part-time.No matter where or when you work, take frequent breaks to stretch stiffjoints and sore muscles.
• Fess up - Be sure to tell your doctor about the medicationsyou’re taking, both prescription and over the counter. Don’tforget to mention any nutritional supplements you’re taking, too.All medications – even natural ones – have the potential tocause side effects or to react adversely with each other.
• Write away - Keeping a journal is fun and therapeutic. Bestof all, there are no rules. Write about your feelings, fears, frustrationsand fun times. Write about things you’d never tell another livingsoul. Write about anything – or nothing in particular. Just write.
• Stretch your legs - Stretching is a simple way to keep jointsand muscles flexible. It relieves stress and can help enable you tomaintain your daily activities. Try this to keep your calf muscles strongand flexible: Stand two feet from a wall, with your toes pointed inwardpalms against the wall. Keeping your knees straight and feet flat, leanforward onto your hands without bending at the waist. Feel your calfmuscles pull and extend. Hold this position for 10 seconds, then gentlypush away from the wall. Repeat.
• Take the plunge - Exercising in the water can build strengthand increase range of motion, while the water’s buoyancy reduceswear and tear on sore joints. Check the local YMCA or call your localArthritis Foundation office for an aquatic exercise program in yourarea.
• Make a pack - When joints are hot and inflamed, applying somethingcold can decrease pain and swelling by constricting blood vessels andpreventing fluids from leaking into surrounding tissues. Our favoriteice pack: a bag of frozen peas or corn that can be molded to the shapeof your body.
• Kick butt - If only for a day, and then another … andanother. Smoking can increase your risk of complications from lupusand rheumatoid arthritis. It can predispose you to osteoporosis. Also,if you have to undergo joint surgery, smoking can prolong your recovery.
• Open your heart - Select a group that holds a special placein your heart — the elderly, the homeless, animals — and volunteerwith an organization that helps them. Or raise money for a cause youbelieve in. Helping others can be a great way to help you forget yourown problems – or at least put them into perspective.
• Enjoy Your Exercise - Take the work out of working out. Signup for a class that makes exercise fun –country line dancing, ballroomdancing, swimming, yoga or tai chi.
• Play 20 questions - Well, maybe not 20, but write down questionsabout your condition or your medications as you think of them. Prioritizethem and slip them into your purse or wallet before your next doctor’svisit. When you see the doctor, you’ll have your top concerns atyour fingertips.
• Appeal to a higher power - No one knows exactly how, but researchis showing that spiritual belief and prayer can help people feel betterphysically and emotionally.
• Turn the other cheek - Looking good helps you feel good. Ifan arthritis-related condition or its treatment has caused a rash onor tightening or swelling of your face, check at the cosmetics counterof your local department store for tips or special products to camouflagethese problems and give your cheeks a healthy looking glow.
• Try to keep your weight down. Too much weight can make yourknees and hips hurt.
• Exercise - Moving all of your joints will help you. The doctoror nurse can help you select safe activities. Try going for a walk everyday.
• See your doctor regularly. Seek information that can help you.
• Take your medicines when and how you are supposed to. Theycan help reduce pain and stiffness.
• Sometimes you might still have pain after using your medicine. Hereare some things to try:
  • Take a warm shower.
  • Do some gentle stretching exercises.
  • Use an ice pack on the sore area.
  • Rest the sore joint.

If you still hurt after using your medicine correctly and doing oneor more of these things, call your doctor. Another kind of medicinemight work better for you. Some people can also benefit from surgery,such as joint replacement.

Stopping the progress of your arthritis as well as stoppingyour pain should be your goal. How do you reach this goal? Well, thisis a four-step process…

• Diet
• Exercise
• Mental Attitude
• Treatment

The Arthritis Fighting Diet

Let’s begin by listing some food items that you should avoid.While there are over 100 different types of arthritis, they all haveone thing in common. One or more of the food items listed will be an“allergy food” for the arthritis sufferer.
The most common culprits are:

• sugar
• caffeine
• citrus
• salt
• red meat
• dairy products
• additives
• soft drinks
• flour
• eggplants
• red peppers
• tomatoes
• white potatoes
• tobacco

If you do eat any of these foods, pay attention to anyreaction you might have in the next 24 hours. If you notice a reaction,you are indeed allergic to that food item.

It is difficult to believe but every time you drink a (regular) soda,you are consuming 11-13 teaspoons of sugar. (Some of you may rememberthat old trick of putting a penny in a glass of soda. It corrodes thatpenny to the point of virtual destruction. In short, soda is not somethingthat you should be drinking on a regular basis if you are concernedabout arthritis.

Food Labels

Read the labels contained on the foods you are buying in your localgrocery. Be especially careful and avoid as much food as possible thatcontains preservative and/or additives. (Take an extra careful lookat labels on ice cream and candy for example.) The more natural yourdiet in terms of the food you eat, the greater your chances are of defeatingarthritis.

Prepared Meals

Those meals you buy that can just be “popped” into the ovenare also something you should avoid if possible. Some contain as muchas 1200 mg of sodium and as much as 60 mg of cholesterol. (You mightconsider some of the other health factors at play here and not justyour arthritis.)

Fighting Arthritis Through Proper Exercise!

The favorite targets of osteoarthritis are your hands, hips, knees,feet and spine. That does not mean that any or all of those other jointsare immune from attack. It is not unusual for doctors to say thingslike "take it easy on that joint." In other words, they arereally saying they don't want you to "exercise" the affectedarea.

Their intentions may be good but it is also not good advice. As bestyou can, try to keep painful joint areas in motion, even in a limitedmanner. Exercise is good for joints affected by osteoarthritis. Evenif you don't think you can exercise, you can. Even the lightest exercisecan go along way to maintaining joint mobility and health. A good exerciseroutine is key to beating arthritis.

Ingredients that Will Ease Your ArthritisPain

• In alleviating arthritis pain, there are twelve key compounds thatyou should be taking for maximum relief. These are glucosamine, chondroitin,boswellin, bromelain, omega 3 & 6, yucca, manganese ascorbate,and vitamins A, C, and E.
• When used together, studies have shown tremendous results are possiblein easing arthritis pain. Unlike dangerous Cox-2 inhibitors and NSAIDs,the below ingredients have no side effects, are natural and safe.
• Glucosamine is a natural sugar produced by the body and found incertain foods. It plays an important role in the production, maintenance,and repair of cartilage. It stimulates the production of glycosaminoglycansand proteoglycans, two essential building blocks of cartilage.
• Chondroitin sulfate reduces inflammation and assists the glucosaminein protecting against future cartilage degeneration.
• Shark cartilage is a source of chondroitin sulfate. It drives theglucosamine and provides maximum absorption. Also, in many trialsit has reduced the possibility of developing cancer. Bovine Tracheacan also be used as a source of chondroitin. However, there is a riskof BSE with this. (Mad Cow Disease).
• Bromelain cleans away the "debris" in the joints and restoresproper fluid balance. In addition, it helps to inhibit inflammatorycompounds plus reduces pain and swelling.
• Boswellin has been used for centuries in the Indian Ayurvedic systemof medicine to maintain healthy joints. Boswellic acids improve bloodsupply to the joints and maintain the integrity of blood vessels.At least one study has indicated that they may open up collateralblood circulation to provide adequate blood supply to the joints.Boswellin has been known to reduce joint swelling, maintain bloodsupply to inflamed joints, and mobility as well as reduce pain dueto stiffness in the joints.
• Ascorbate (Manganese and ascorbic acid) assists your body with processingthe glucosamine. This is a very important ingredient and one thatis missing in nearly every glucosamine product on the market today.
• Yucca has a long history in easing stiff joints by blocking compoundsthat prevent normal formation of cartilage. The root is rich in saponinsthat elevate your body's ability to produce cortisone naturally.
• The Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA(docasahexaenoic acid) are constituents of fish oils that act as anti-inflammatoryagents. Usually, these products are sold separately in health foodstores as salmon or fish oil. Syn-flex®brings both of these toyou in one formula.
• Vitamin A (Beta carotene) is essential for growth and repair ofbody tissues and it aids in bone formation.
• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) produces a mobilization of your body'sself-defense mechanisms, which assists your immune system to overcomedisease.
• Vitamin E (Tocopheral) is an antioxidant, which acts to protectred blood cells and unsaturated fatty acids from oxidation damage.It also assists your body in maintaining healthy membrane tissue.
• In addition, Vitamin A, C, and E all promote general health andprotect against the harmful effect of free radicals.

General Tips

• Rest sore joints. Avoid activities tha tput weight or strainon the sore joints for a fews days. Take short rest breaks from yourregular activies throughout the day.
• Apply cold packs to inflamed, swollen joints for 10 to 15 minutes,once and hour. Cold will help relive pain and reduce inflammation.
• Enroll in an arthritis self-management program. Participants usuallyhave less pain and few limitations on their activities.
• Wear well-cusioned shoes and avoid high heels.
• Take mini-breaks to stretch muscles around joints.
• Avoid being in the same position for long periods at a time.

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