Gout is the same meaning with hyperuricemia, or many people call it with uric acid disease. Gout appear is caused there accumualation of crystal uric acid in tissue joint our body. The symptoms are swelling, pain, redness, warnth.
I recently read a report on the internet entitled, "The Drug Companies Are Killing Us." It actually could save your life. Simply because it is of the utmost importance that gout is treated without taking harmful medication. The most commonly used gout treatment medications are corticosteroids. These are extremely dangerous. These medications can lead to eye damage, bone loss, and even death. People are not raising red flags about these drugs for no reason. Even though the doctors claim it takes years for this damage to occur damage can really occur weeks after your first use. The bottom line is you need to stay away from drugs.
So if we should not take drugs how can we treat gout? Usually the biggest contributors to gout are poor choice of diet and alcohol consumption; especially beer. It may be rough but avoid alcohol at all costs. Foods like red meat, fish and any rich foods also must go. These types of foods contain chemicals that increase uric acid accumulation which causes painful inflammation. By avoiding this we can avoid pain.
Changing your lifestyle also involves reducing your risk factors. You must make sure that your weight is in the recommended range for your height. Many people who suffer from gout are overweight. If you are eating the right diet you will also start to lose weight. Cut out the red meat and rich food. I enjoy a good protein shake in the mornings and after working out.
Another important aspect is making sure that you really understand what the difference is between low calorie diets and low fat diets. Low fat diets help alleviate painful gout and low calorie diets only make the symptoms worse because low calories raise the uric acid output. Like I said earlier this increases inflammation and joint pain.
Below you will find a review of a great resource that will aid you in the battle against gout naturally without using any drugs. Take the necessary steps to stop your gout suffering today.
About one in seven North Americans suffers from some type of arthritis, any of more than 100 disorders characterized by joint inflammation, stiffness, swelling, and pain. The most common types are osteoarthritis, a painful condition in which joint cartilage gradually breaks down, and rheumatoid arthritis, a systemic disease that can cause severe pain and crippling.
Doctors do not understand why some individuals develop arthritis and others do not, but a combination of factors plays a role.
People with osteoarthritis may have inherently defective cartilage that makes it vulnerable to normal wear and tear. In other words, osteoarthritis is a condition involving degeneration of joints, and not any inflammatory condition as it name suggests. It usually affects joints that inconstant use.
On the other hand, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) develops when an overactive immune system attacks connective tissue in the joints and other organs, causing inflammation and pain. People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis usually get it in the smaller joints first, and women are affected more commonly by rheumatoid arthritis as compared to men.
A relationship between certain types of foods and arthritis has been shown to exist by various researchers. Certain foods have been shown to prove beneficial in fighting these two diseases. Below is some arthritis fighting foods, and dietary modifications that can help to decrease the progress as well as outcome of these diseases.
Eat plenty of:
1. Salmon, sardines, and other fatty fish to counter inflammation.
2. High-fiber, low-calorie foods help to help control weight, and thus reduce the trauma on weight-bearing joints.
Avoid:
Any foods that provoke symptoms should be avoided at all costs. You can identify these when you experience aggravated symptoms after eating some particular food.
Are gout and arthritis one in the the same thing? Not exactly. Gout is just one of more than 100 'types' of arthritis that people suffer from. It accounts for approximately 5% of all cases of arthritis and has to be one of the most painful.
There are mainstream drugs that are commonly given on prescription which, although they can be effective in reducing the pain and other symptoms of gouty arthritis, won't actually cure it. There is no proven 'medical' cure for gout. Plus, there are many unfortunate side effects with these drug-based therapies.
That's why an ever increasing number of gouty arthritis sufferers are turning to natural, more holistic, remedies for their gout. And an essential part of this approach is diet.
The symptoms of gout are generally caused by the presence of needle-like uric acid crystals in your joints, which are formed from excess uric acid in your bloodstream. In turn, this uric acid is formed as a result of the breakdown of chemical compounds called 'purines'. These occur quite naturally in our body cells and in much of our foods. But some foods have much higher levels of purines than others, and it's these foods that a gout victim must avoid if possible.
Typical high-purine food types to avoid are, red meat, game, offal (liver, kidneys, etc.), poultry, shellfish, beans, peas, gravies, broths, mushrooms, cauliflower, asparagus, lentils, etc. You must also avoid alcohol.
Low-purine foods that you can eat are things like, fresh vegetables and fruit (excluding those above), low-fat dairy products, complex carbohydrates (cereals, pasta, etc.), essential fatty acids (tuna, salmon, etc.), high vitamin C foods (potatoes, cabbage, etc.), etc. Drinking at least 12 eight ounce glasses of water a day is also recommended.
An effective diet for gout is a key part of your total gout natural remedy. But, of course, there are many other considerations such as weight, general health, family history, medications, and so on, that can affect a good outcome. And there are many other natural remedies that might be suitable for your gout like, herbs, vitamins, supplements, etc. You need to investigate all these issues and more to get the natural gout remedy that's right for you.
I'm going to share with you facts about rheumatoid arthritis treatments available in today's market. Of all types of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is the most common one. There are several ways to handle the symptoms of this disease.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments - Ways To Treat Arthritis Fast
And almost all of them require the guidance of a doctor. To fully treat rheumatoid arthritis, a lifestyle change, the use of appropriate drugs, and undergoing physical therapy are all required.
A lifestyle change is mandatory for everybody suffering from arthritis, regardless of what type it is that they are suffering from. Eating right is very important. There are many foods that can trigger an arthritis attack. Consult with the doctor every time you're in doubt. Your doctor would know the right medicines for you to take and the food items you should avoid.
The best drug for rheumatoid arthritis is going to be the one that can provide an immediate relief to your condition. NSAID is the most popular drug used for rheumatoid arthritis. NSAID means non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Most of these drugs can be bought over-the-counter.
Naproxen and ibuprofen are good examples. But then again, some NSAIDs require a doctor's prescription. These ones are more potent than the regular NSAIDs so their dispensing is regulated.
Arthritis patients should also heed the instructions of their doctor when it comes to avoiding certain types of foods. Arthritis patients are not allowed to eat foods that are rich in salt and uric acid such as processed foods and most menu items at fast food establishments.
All unhealthy habits should be stopped as well. This means no drinking or smoking for you. If you really want to be healthy, living right should be easy for you.
In America, an estimated 70 million people suffer from some form of arthritis. Most of them seek expensive medical treatment but they still cannot manage to get rid of the disease. Little do these people know that you can naturally treat or cure arthritis with nutrition, vitamins, supplements and simple exercises. And, these no-medication cures will save you thousands of dollars each year as a result.
Tips to Cure Arthritis with No Medication:
Dehydration is one of the major causes of developing arthritis. Everyday we consume drinks like soda, coffee, tea, juices or anything with flavor. Most of these drinks contain caffeine which causes our body to lose water and get dehydrated. One should start drinking at least 10 to 12 glasses of water everyday to fulfill the water deficiency.
Your diet plays a vital role in delaying the onset of degeneration of bones. Getting enough calcium and vitamin along with fresh vegetables and fruits will not only make your bones stronger but it will also delay the process of bone degeneration thus preventing arthritis.
Stay away from certain types of food that will create or exaggerate your arthritic pain and inflammation. Stay away from fast foods, processed foods, sugars, desserts and alcohol. Try to include leafy vegetables in your diet.
Though it sounds strange but proper breathing and relaxation techniques will definitely increase the oxygen level in body. Most people are not getting enough of oxygen due to improper posture and sitting habit combined with stress. Simple breathing techniques can be helpful.
If you are serious about treating arthritis, then daily physical activity like walking, jogging, gardening or playing some sort of outdoor game can help in strengthening the muscle and taking stress off from the joints. This will help to increase the bone mass density.
Pain! Swelling! Inflammation! You need to find a simple natural gout cure as soon as possible, but where do you turn? Research tells us that gout is caused by uric acid that forms into crystals between joints (usually the big toe). And research also shows us that gout can be cured if you flush the uric acid and live a healthier life.
The problem occurs because most people do not realize what triggers gout (like the foods we eat and sometimes an inactive lifestyle). And unfortunately, traditional medicine has yet to declare a medical cure. Though many doctors and researchers agree that you can cure gout with a healthier lifestyle which will flush the gout-causing uric acid. And you may even lose 20 pounds in the process!
Here is a simple natural gout cure that involves natural health tips.
5 Gout Natural Remedies You Can Try Tonight
As stated earlier, gout is caused by uric acid. And uric acid is formed when you consume too many purines. And purines are typically in most animal products, like meat. Though your diet is extremely important, there are other ways to remedy your gout symptoms.
1. You should immediately begin the flushing process! It is a fact that most Americans are dehydrated and do not even know it. If your urine is shaded yellow in color, your body is most likely low on water. A good way to flush uric acid is to drink at least 16 ounces (2 cups) of water for every 2 hours you are awake. Do this throughout the day.
2. Vitamin B complex also helps the body convert uric acid into harmless components that will be flushed out of your body. The suggested dose would be one 350 mg complete B complex daily. In addition, 3-5 doses of pantothenic acid (B5) to total 500 mg will also help the flushing process.
3. You should also be supplementing vitamin C (also called ascorbic acid). Vitamin C has been labeled the wonder vitamin by many. The reason why gout sufferers love it is because it lowers uric acid levels. During a gout attack, you should take 1000 mg per hour.
4. Apple cider vinegar can also help treat your symptoms. If you drink apple cider vinegar (2 teaspoons), it is thought the vinegar will change the pH of your blood which will help alleviate high uric acid levels. If you apply it topically, the apple cider vinegar can alleviate the pain and swelling of the big toe.
5. Lastly, you can also use your diet to help your body flush purines and uric acid. You can do this by eating plenty of water soluble dietary fiber. Food with high dietary fiber consists of fruits and vegetables which will keep you regular and your uric acid flushed. Eat at least 5-7 servings a day.
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There is some good news for coffee drinkers. For those in the habit of drinking at least 2 cups per day, and are men aged 40 and above, you can take some cheer from recent research which shows that regular coffee consumption can reduce the risk of developing gout.
The June 2007 issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism Journal contains the report of a study conducted on over 45,869 men all aged over 40 who had no history of gout at the start of the study in 1986. The researchers then tracked all of the subjects to monitor if there was a relationship between the occurrence of gout and the consumption of coffee. As commonly observed, gout is especially likely to occur among men 40 years old and above.
The study concludes that the evidence strongly suggests that drinking four or more cups of coffee a day reduces the chances of developing gout for men. Coffee has been shown to have complex effects on the human body. For instance, coffee or certain substances found in coffee, appear to lower the levels of insulin and uric acid. Diabetics will not like the idea of lower insulin, but gout sufferers will welcome the thought of lower uric acid.
The research team developed a questionnaire that measured food-intake frequency. The consumption of coffee and total caffeine was monitored in the study. Participants answered the questionnaire every four years, and chose from 9 different responses for intake, ranging from no intake, to 2-4 cups a week, to 6-plus cups a day. This questionnaire thus recorded the consumption of beverages such as coffee, decaf coffee, tea and cola - all of which contain caffeine.
For comparison, another questionnaire also recorded the behaviour of 757 patients newly diagnosed for gout. From these data, among others, they calculated the relative risk of occurrence of gout among the coffee drinkers, divided into groups corresponding to average intake per day. In addition, other factors that contribute to the development of gout were documented, including: body mass index, to check for overweight; alcohol consumption; consumption of red meat and high-fat foods; and medical history including hypertension.
The most significant findings in the study showed that as coffee consumption increased, the likelihood of developing gout decreased. For instance, the probabilities were 40 percent less among men who consumed 4-5 cups per day but 59 percent less for those who finished 6 or more cups.
Tea and total caffeine consumption did not show any appreciable effect. This led researchers to speculate that caffeine was not the substance responsible for coffee’s beneficial effects on preventing gout. It could be chlorogenic acid, a phenol compound in coffee that acts as a strong antioxidant, they said.
The researchers made clear that they are not recommending for individuals to start consuming more coffee. But it helps you develop a more informed choice about coffee and its consumption.
People suffering from arthritis can obtain good relief from arthritis pain by following some proven natural alternative treatments. When properly used in conjunction with more traditional medical methods, these alternative approaches can be even more effective. More so, there are several advantages of these alternative approaches over traditional methods.
The main advantages of alternative treatments to arthritis pain are that they are usually inexpensive and are obtainable without a prescription. Most importantly of all, these more natural approaches have minimal side-effects and are not addictive.
The Alternative Approaches to Arthritis Pain Relief
Some natural and alternative treatments you can try yourself are:
Magnetic therapy has been used for thousands of years and was first used in China using magnetic rocks. Today, many arthritis sufferers wear magnets close to their body in the form of bracelets or necklaces, or even use mattress underlays to gain the benefits while they sleep.
Aromatherapy can improve mood and uses essential oils which are massaged into the joints into the body or inhaled as steam.
Anti-inflammatory and pain relieving herbs can be taken to help arthritis pain. They can be taken as capsules or applied to your meals during the day.
A relatively unknown natural treatment is emu oil which has extremely strong anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties. Recent studies have demonstrated that it is very effective in reducing arthritis pain and inflammation.
Any form of exercise that gets you moving and is gentle on your joints will improve your strength and range of movement, helping you relieve your arthritis pain.
Some schools of somantic body work such as Alexander Technique and Feldenkrais will help you to learn how to move your body without pain.
A natural supplement that has been receiving a great deal of attention lately is glucosamine. Research as shown that it can repair damaged cartilage and help lubricate the joints affected by arthritis.
About one in seven North Americans suffers from some type of arthritis, any of more than 100 disorders characterized by joint inflammation, stiffness, swelling, and pain. The most common types are osteoarthritis, a painful condition in which joint cartilage gradually breaks down, and rheumatoid arthritis, a systemic disease that can cause severe pain and crippling.
If you are suffering from early signs of arthritis, however, there are a lot of things you can do not only to relieve the symptoms of this condition, but also to prevent further exacerbation of the problem. Aside from trying to exercise regularly and maintaining your weight, eating the right types of foods is crucial in treating arthritis. For more information about anti-arthritis foods, read on.
1. Seafood is source of good arthritis foods
If you are a seafood lover like me, don't ignore the importance of shrimps. They contain the hard to get vitamin D, in fact it contains more Vitamin D than a cup of milk. Just like salmon it contains Omega 3 fatty acids the vitamins B12 which keeps you in good all round health. In general for full pain relief include a wide range of deep sea food.Very good recommendation for arthritis foods.
2. Banana
Bananas - one of the richest sources of potassium and sudden energy booster, its great drink any time of the day , best of all you it doesn't need any preparation, its easy as peel and go. The specific arthritis fighting nutrients like folate and vitamin B6 is in the right proportion in a banana. Again banana has dual benefits; it contains a high fibre content which will give you the full feeling faster than other food groups there by helping you lose weight as well.
3. Apple is include in super arthritis foods list
An apple a day really keeps the doctor away. This red (or green) juicy fruit is packed with vitamins and minerals that prevent the exacerbation of a lot of diseases and conditions, including arthritis. However, one mineral in apple that is scientifically proven to lower the risk of osteoarthritis is boron. On top of that, boron is also known to ease pain.
4. Chili Peppers
Another pain-relieving arthritis foods that you might need to include in your grocery list is chili pepper. This spicy food contains capsaicin, which provides heat and aids in blocking pain. Although cooked peppers are good, eating them raw and crunchy in salads and vegetable dishes are better.
5. Papaya is great arthritis foods
This fleshy fruit is widely used in traditional medicine to treat problems varying from hay fever to diarrhea. However, arthritic patients can also load up on this fruit because of its high content of beta-carotene and Vitamin C.
6. Ginger Root
This knotty root is used in many dishes because it provides food with rich aroma and flavor. But did you know that ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties? If you have arthritis, you do not want any inflammation because it is the primary cause of pain. By the way, crushed ginger can also be applied topically as it can provide heat to ease pain away.
7. Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits, such as grapefruit and orange, contain flavonoids which are known to boost the antioxidant effects of Vitamin C and also minimize inflammation. Since you need at least five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day, it would be ideal to have at least one or two servings of citrus fruits daily. Besides, they can also help enhance your immune system.
8. Green tea
Green tea has recently come into the lime light as super arthritis foods ; it's a known fact that green tea is an effective anti oxidant and has various other properties which will help you not only in curing arthritis food but also help a whole raft of other health related problems.
Taking supplements that contain Omega 3 and other important pro-bone health ingredients is also another way to ease arthritis and inflammation. Just make sure that the product you buy contains only natural ingredients. One supplement you may want to consider using is Flexcerin.
Having a well planned gout diet is important if you are suffering from gout. Gout is a form of rheumatic arthritis that results from the accumulation of excess uric acid in your joints. The big toe is often the first target of gout, but it can easily spread to the small joints in your toes, instep, and fingers, and the ankles, knees, elbows and wrists. You suffer sudden, excruciating pain from acute attacks of gout; the joint will swell, redden, and feel rather warm.
There are hereditary influences in development of gout, but there are things you can do to minimise the frequency of attacks. Physical exercise and reduced alcohol consumption
will do a lot towards preventing gout, and so will a good healthy diet.
High uric acid levels associated with gout derive largely from foods rich in protein and purine, which produce uric acid as a waste product when broken down. Reducing such foods will mean less material for uric acid formation. You should adjust your dietary patterns to achieve the following:
Less consumption of meat products that have high purine content, such as beef, pork and lamb, as do organs like liver, kidney, and brain, along with gravy enriched with meat extracts.
Reduction (if not total elimination) of alcoholic beverages, especially beer.
Reduction of mushrooms, legume foods like peas, beans and lentil, and vegetables such as cauliflower, spinach and asparagus.
Avoidance of seafood that contribute to high uric acid levels like cod, anchovies, herrings and sardines, haddock, and fish eggs; also minimised consumption of mussels and scallops.
If possible, target to have protein comprising less than half of your diet to achieve more balance. Protein is a necessary element in your body, but taking more than what’s necessary will upset your body’s nutrient balance.
There are beneficial foods that help you lessen the discomfort and pain of an acute gout attack. Increase your consumption of fresh vegetables, either raw or lightly steamed; you can also mix them in soups or make them into juice. However, limit potatoes and corn to only once or twice a week.
Half a kilo (one pound) of wild or black cherries, eaten as fresh fruit or drunk as juice, will help you get over a gout attack. The cherries contain anthocyanocids that dramatically reduces uric acid. Do not use commercially prepared juices as they no longer have anthocyanocids.
While genetics can sometimes predispose your body towards developing gout, you can play an important part in reducing the chances of getting it by making appropriate lifestyle adjustments.
Gout is so painful you would try anything to get relief from it, right? There are some homeopathic remedies that can help ease the discomfort. You may find some of them a little odd, but they have been practised for longer than your grandmother’s time so they may be worth a look.
Arnica
Some people may still remember a liniment called tincture of arnica. Arnica has long been used in relieving the pain of injuries, and it also relieves the discomforts of gout. Arnica is especially useful on bruises, so when your pain resembles that of a bruise, arnica may be of help.
Berberis Vulgaris
Berberis may be able to help in situations where you are aching all over, or when you experience sudden twinges of sharp pain in the joints. This may also be indicated for those with tendencies toward kidney stones, which may also come from excess uric acid.
Byronia
Sometimes the pain feels like your flesh is being torn apart even with the slightest movement. The joints seem swollen and painful to the touch. Your knees can barely move and feel quite stiff. You may want to be left alone at these times, not wanting anyone to touch you. In such conditions, byronia can be helpful.
Calcarea fluorica
When the gout makes your finger swell, and you feel stabbing pain, this may be the best remedy. It is possible to have cracking sounds on the joints when you move. Changes in weather aggravate the discomfort.
Colchicum
The big toe joint may be so swollen that you find any motion or touch difficult to bear. You may feel very fatigued or a little chilly internally. Colchicum may provide some relief in these instances.
Ledum palustre
This remedy is a big help when you feel the pains of gout shooting across your ankle and foot, and the entire foot and big toe may be very swollen.
Rhododendron
In those times when the big toe flares up with gout before a change towards stormy weather. Other joints may be slightly affected with swelling and dull aches. You may feel the pain worsening toward early morning (unlike some attacks which are worse in early evening). During these times, rhododendron helps relieve the pain.
Sulphur
Sulphur is especially helpful when your gouty joints also feel very itchy, accompanied by a burning, very hot feeling all over your foot, although other joints may also be affected. The pain worsens tremendously with heat, and they may be worse in damp or very humid weather.
Many homeopathic physicians would suggest a graduated application of the remedies: take a dose, wait for the response. If improvement is observed, continue waiting and let the remedy do its work. If no improvement is seen, the physician will have to provide you with detailed steps on what to do next. You will have to consult closely with the doctor on the selection of the remedies to match the observed symptoms.
High levels of uric acid can cause gout. High purine foods in a diet can increase uric acid levels in the body. Therefore, the gout diet usually limits food with high purine.
Gout Diet / Low Purine Diet
Alcohol, especially beer, should be avoided. Limit alcohol consumption to 1 drink 3 times a week.
Drink 2 to 3 L of fluid daily. Adequate fluid intake helps dilute urinary uric acid. Avoid High-Purine foods (see below)
Consume a moderate amount of protein. Limit meat, fish and poultry to 4 - 6 oz per day. Try other low-purine good protein foods such as low fat dairy products, tofu and eggs.
Limit fat intake by choosing leaner meats, foods prepared with less oils and lower fat dairy products.
Avoid High-Purine foods
Sweetbreads
Anchovies
Sardines
Liver
Beef kidneys
Brains
Meat extracts (e.g Oxo, Bovril)
Herring
Mackerel
Scallops
Game meats
Gravy
Use in Moderation
Vegetables: asparagus, cauliflower, spinach, mushrooms and green peas
Lentils, dried peas and beans
Beef, pork, poultry, fish and seafood
Oatmeal, wheat bran and wheat germ
Aside from avoiding high purine foods, maintaining a healthy body weight is important for gout patients as well. Obesity can result in increased uric acid production by the body. Follow a well-balanced diet to lose excess body weight. Do not follow a high-protein low-carb diet as this can worsen gout conditions.
What's the link between cherries, cherry juice, and gout? Cherries are now known to be a major remedy for gout, but what makes this fruit and its juice equivalent so effective? Cherries contain an anti-inflammatory agent called anthocyanins, which is a type of flavonoid that helps alleviate the swelling of bodily joints and tissues. Anthocyanins are now recognized as the most efficient flavonoid that facilitates in preventing any probabilities of gout attacks, and the cherry tops the list of fruits rich in anthocyanins.
Here's how anthocyanins work: when gout attacks, it damages the connective tissues generating the passageway to rupture over other adjacent tissues. The anthocyanins' way of combating gout attack is through blocking 'bad' enzymes from replicating numerously. The flavonoid becomes a shield and a defense protecting agent. The antioxidant properties of the anthocyanins help impede any oxidants from discharging when swelling and inflammation occurs, and it aids in rebuilding the lost minerals and renewing joint tissues to their normal condition.
Anthocyanins in cherries and cherry juice also help in lessening the disturbing and infuriating pain produced by gout. Medical professionals confirm that consumption of cherries (fresh or dried) or cherry juice on a daily basis will provide relief and greater tendency of lowering the uric acid levels in the body. Whichever way you take your cherries, the outcome will help reduce the risk of gout attacks.
According to studies, cherries and cherry juice has given gout inflicted people the kind of relief that they never felt in any medications that they undertake. They have become a great source in preventing inflammation and side effects brought by gout and are an effective alternative to taking medications prescribed by medical specialists. Together, proper diet and daily cherry juice intake are two great factors that will help in diminishing the major issues of gout.
Read the personal story of a man who suffered from excruciating gout and found a way not only to get rid of the pain almost immediately but even prevent future attacks... all with a simple, safe gout home remedy you probably have hiding in your kitchen right now!
Osteoarthritis literally means "degenerative joint disease." It affects more than 16 million Americans and is the most common form of arthritis. After the age of 45 it occurs ten times more commonly in women than men. Onset of this disease is increasingly common with age, and symptoms usually creep up on people slowly.
Causes
The most common causes of osteoarthritis are injuries, joint overuse and aging. Scientists also suspect that inherited gene defects may be another factor, and they are currently investigating this link. Studies point to the conclusion that this disease tends to run in families, possibly through a recessive gene.
Cartilage
Osteoarthritis affects the protective material around joints called cartilage, which covers and cushions the ends of the bones. In a healthy person, cartilage is flexible and hardwearing. However, eventually cartilage frays, wears down, and may even disappear completely, leaving behind a joint consisting of bone meeting bone with no padding. Consequently, the other sections of the joint such as the tendons, ligaments and muscles, become weaker until the joint itself becomes deformed.
Prevention
Currently, the only known methods of prevention are avoiding repetitive joint injury and weight control.
Symptoms
Pain, swelling and stiffness are the most common results of joint deterioration, and they often become worse with time. Morning stiffness and excessive pain in one joint are typical early warning signs. Symptoms may appear in the hands, knees, hips, back and neck. The affected joint's range of motion will also become increasingly limited.
Treatments:
Although Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease that may last a lifetime, several approaches to treatment are effective.
Exercise
It used to be thought that exercise causes 'wear and tear' on the body, especially in joints. Now, however, being inactive is considered detrimental to joint health. Experts now recognize the importance of exercise for strengthening joints, both before and after symptoms of arthritis appear. Swimming, walking, low-impact aerobics and range-of-motion exercises are beneficial to dealing with joint pain and stiffness.
Medications
Cortisone is used to reduce inflammation and improve joint mobility. The most commonly used corticosteroids are Prednisone, methylprednisone, Decadron and Aristocort. Occasionally, the hormone is injected into the joint to stop pain. However, the use of any corticosteriods should be discussed extensively with a doctor, as they do have side effects (depending on the dosage and length of time they are used.)
Acetaminophen is commonly used for pain relief, although it is dangerous in doses higher than 4,000 mg daily and poses a risk for patients with liver disease.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also be used, although inflammation is less of a problem in this kind of arthritis. A new kind of NSAID called COX-2 inhibitors recently came onto the market with the promise of fewer gastrointestinal side effects. Please read our in-depth articles in the library for more information.
Hyaluronan and Viscosupplementation. Hyaluronan, a naturally occurring substance in synovial fluid reduces joint pain by enriching the natural properties of synovial fluid. Vicosupplementation is the name of the therapy in which hyaluronan is injected into the knee. Synvisc and Hyalagan are two brand names to look for, and are recommended for the treatment of OA in the knee after traditional therapies are unsuccessful.
Weight reduction
Being overweight is a definite risk factor for developing osteoarthritis. The increased load on joints may accelerate the breakdown of cartilage; for example, it is estimated that people with the highest body weight in the population have up to ten times the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis than those with the lowest weight. Weight issues are an important part of arthritis management. Successful strategies include calorie reduction, increased physical activity, and general adjustments in eating and exercise habits.
Heat and Ice
Warm baths, heat lamps and warm compresses can relieve pain. Heat also reduces stiffness and increases movement. Other people find relief in cold packs, especially for inflammation. In either case, remove the compress or ice after 20 minutes.
Topical Products
Topical products are sometimes used to provide temporary relief from arthritis pain. Capsaicin, a compound found in hot peppers, reduces pain when applied to the affected area three or four times a day. Other products, called counterirritants, use camphor, menthol or turpentine oil to mask the pain. Skin irritation may develop, but otherwise there are few side effects.
Surgery
In severe cases, surgery can help to repair torn cartilage and remove loose bone fragments. There are several different types of procedures, from arthroplasty, where the entire damaged joint is replaced, to osteotomy, which removes damaged bone tissue.
