Posted by: admin in Arthritis on September 25th, 2011

Treating gout with pain killers is common among gout sufferers. And by far the most popular are those in the group known as NSAIDs. NSAIDs stands for ‘non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs’ and include drugs such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, and naproxen. They are widely prescribed for treating gout pain and can be quite effective in reducing the inflammation and relieving the pain. But there are hidden dangers…

It is known that they can have some negative side effects and they can’t ‘cure’ the gout, only help with the symptoms. Which is why so many more gout sufferers nowadays are using natural remedies for treating their gout, both the symptoms and the underlying causes of gout.

However, there’s even worse news for gout sufferers who regularly take NSAIDs, particularly those who suffer recurring gout over the longer term. If this is you, then I suggest you need to read right to the end…

In a 20 year study of 125,000 adults — recently published in the Archives of Internal Medicine — Dr. Eunyoung Cho and colleagues at the Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, discovered that people who took NSAIDs regularly were 51% more likely to develop renal cell cancer, which is the most common form of kidney cancer. And those that took the painkillers for more than 10 years were a whopping 3 times more likely to get the cancer!

The only medication in the group that was found not to increase the risk was aspirin. Now whilst this could be good news for gout sufferers, there is a risk of internal bleeding associated with taking aspirin on a regular basis. Which is probably one of the reasons why the other drugs within the group of NSAIDs have been, and are still being, prescribed.

Whichever way you look at it, and considering this new evidence, treating gout naturally would seem now to be even more preferable to treating gout with pain killers…

There are many natural ways of treating gout pain and inflammation. For example, cherries have natural anti-inflammatory properties and are a very popular and effective way to reduce inflammation and so help relieve gout pain. Other such natural gout anti-inflammatory treatments are celery seeds, bilberry, hawthorn, hydrangea, fish oil, bromelain, etc.

You don’t have to worry about treating gout with pain killers, there are many natural ways to treat gout pain and inflammation. And there are natural remedies that can also help to reduce the uric acid and prevent the formation of urate crystals that cause the symptoms of gout in the first place…

Posted by: Alyssa Morris in Arthritis on September 15th, 2011

Although Osteoarthritis (OA) has no cure, numerous treatments are effective. Some people with severe osteoarthritis are pain-free, while others experience great pain with minor joint changes. Two people with OA in the same joint may have different results from the same treatment. Various therapies for this condition, from self-help to invasive surgery, are available.

Overweight people experience greater joint pressure, causing a faster rate of cartilage wear. Doctors should advise which exercise programs suit individual physical capabilities. Exercise, by reducing weight and increasing function, may slow the disease’s progress. Low-impact aerobics, stretching, and strengthening exercises are often recommended. Several short sessions daily are preferable to a long one. Safe warm-ups and cool-downs (slow 5-minute walks) are important. Avoid jogging and tennis; exercise bikes are not advised for those with arthritic knees. Diets should include legumes, whole grains, fruit, and vegetables.

If losing weight and exercise do not relieve symptoms, medication may be recommended. No drug stalls or cures OA’s progression, but several reduce joint pain. Whether obtained OTC or by prescription, drugs for this purpose often have side effects, even after taking for some time. Kidney, liver, tinnitus, and cardiovascular problems have been reported when taking large dosages long-term. Consult your doctor if you feel anything unusual when on such medications.

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Acetaminophen provides pain relief but not inflammation reduction.
Aspirin is effective against both, but should not be used by those with aspirin allergy or ulcers.
Ibuprofen or Naproxen (Motrin, Advil) reduce pain and inflammation and are stronger by prescription.
– With some medications, stomach upset may occur. Antacids (Cytotec, Prilosec) may relieve symptoms while decreasing ulcer risk. Cox 2 inhibitors such as Celebrex may prevent certain side effects.
Corticosteroids may be effective when other medications are not. Side effect risks are weight gain, infection, and cataracts or osteoporosis.
– Doctors may recommend antidepressants for chronic pain. Cymbalta or antidepressants affecting brain chemicals that cause pain sensation may help. Drowsiness, dry mouth, and blurred vision may result. Rarely, mood changes and suicidal thoughts occur.

Stress management techniques may be beneficial. Occupational and physical therapy, bracing, orthotics, chiropractic manipulation, massage therapy, herbs, and glucosamine/chondroitin supplements are sometimes used. Heat (soothing) or cold (numbing) applications frequently give temporary relief but should be limited to twenty minutes. Topical pain relievers are also temporarily effective, but physicians should be consulted before use by those allergic to aspirin or those taking anticoagulants. Accupuncture is a popular alternative treatment; its benefit is suggested but not conclusive.

Joint injections of corticosteroids are safer for younger people and should be administered only for occasional flareups. Joint degradation may occur if used for long periods of time, especially in older adults. Injections of hyaluronic acid, presently approved only for the knee joint, can provide a year’s relief with no side effects.

Conservative methods should be the first approach to OA treatment. If no other method improves function and relieves pain, surgery may be recommended. There are several surgical procedures for osteoarthritis of the knee.

  • Arthroscopy incisions and instruments are small. Damaged cartilage can be trimmed, loose debris removed, and the joint cleaned in this procedure. At the same time, meniscus tears or damaged ligaments can be corrected. Arthroscopy may help those under 55 delay more invasive surgery.
  • An osteotomy (reshaping the bones) can restore knee function, diminish OA pain, and may stimulate new cartilage growth. However, results deteriorate over time; and many will need a full replacement eventually.
  • Total joint replacement (arthroplasty) is usually recommended for severe pain and limited movement. Replacement parts are made of titanium or cobalt-chrome metals and wear-resistant smooth polyethylene (plastic). Results are generally excellent, with significant pain relief and improved function. Full rehab may take 3 to 6 months. The success rate ten years after surgery is about 90%

Surgeons can permanently fuse joint bones (arthrodesis) when pain is so severe that joint immobilization is an improvement. A fused ankle joint bears weight painlessly but has no flexibility. Consequently, this procedure usually occurs on smaller (finger and toe) joints.

For successful recovery, arrange to have help at home and safe mobility, possibly with ramps or grab bars. Meal prepararation, bathroom use, and getting in/out of bed should require little effort. Stay on one floor; stairs are impossible immediately following surgery.

There are several options for osteoarthritis relief. Your physician and yourself, together, form the best decision-making team.

Posted by: Alyssa Morris in Arthritis on July 6th, 2011

Conventional medications for arthritis do help relieve pain but there are more and more arthritis sufferers who have found natural treatments that have shown great results after taking some to manage their condition.

Should you decide to start treating yourself naturally, these are the natural cures that you might find beneficial:

Devil’s Claw: The name of this treatment might sound weird but it has been found to be effective for arthritis. This herbal plant, which has a fruit that looks like the claw of the devil, has been helpful to the natives of Kalahari Desert in South Africa in alleviating the pains that is associated with arthritis and inflammations. People often make a tea out of Devil’s Claw by brewing the roots in water. It might be better if you will use the whole plant because the other parts of this plant have flavonoids and these provide better relief from arthritis. This claim is backed by research done by French and German researchers that said that this plant works like cortisone because it holds a glycoside called harpogoside that can help lessen the inflammation. You can get this in tablet forms from health food companies and stores.

Water Therapy: This might probably be the easiest way to get relief from arthritis and this can also be one of the most effective therapies that you can get. You just have to drink warm water and your body, especially the affected parts, will be lubricated for an hour. It is important that the joints have adequate fluids so when bones rub against each other, it will be smooth. Another method that you can use in this kind of treatment is by putting the water in a container known as sensory deprivation tank that can keep the water’s temperature the same with the temperature that a normal body should have.

Molasses: Molasses, when dissolved in water, will make a syrup that tastes like you have put a tablespoon of sugar in it. The British who have been using this to answer their craving for sweets found the soothing relief that it gave to the aches that they feel. Molasses is composed of many different minerals such as potassium, iron and magnesium.

Copper Accessories: The most popular accessory that is made out of copper that is considered a good way to treat arthritis is the copper bracelet. Whether this is effective or not is still a subject of debate between many people. An Australian study discovered that using bracelets that are made of copper can be an effective remedy for arthritis and pains that come with it but only when one is also taking aspirin to relieve the pain. There are substances in copper that can be absorbed by the skin, so it can also be effective. If you think it’s worth a try, you can buy these bracelets at numerous online shops.

Posted by: Alyssa Morris in Arthritis on December 16th, 2010

Are you in the first stage of gout and you are looking for proven acute gout treatment? No need to worry because there are ways how to cure and prevent gout.

In order to neutralize and dissolve the build up of uric acid crystal in your body, you need to change your diet and lifestyle habits. You can also use a variety of remedies that will help flush out gout from your system within hours.

Identifying Symptoms of Acute Gout

Before you try the proven acute gout treatment, it is always best to know the obvious symptoms of gout. Some of the most common symptoms include intense pain, swelling and redness, and heat sensations in the affected joints.

These symptoms are primarily caused by the build up of crystallized uric acid in your body. In most cases, the most affected part is the joint in your big toe.

Attacks of acute gout can be triggered by a number of factors. The aggravating factors include stress, excessive alcohol in the bloodstream, or if you have an underlying medical condition. The painful attacks could last for three to 10 days. Subsequent attacks could be longer and may last for weeks. Remember that the next acute gout attacks will become longer coupled with more intense pains.

The Proven Acute Gout Treatment – Prevention is the Key

Just like any illness, the best treatment for gout is prevention. This is the key to completely eliminate the episodes of painful gout attacks. So the first step to cure gout is to prevent it. Here are a few important tips that could help you greatly.

First of all, you need to change your diet. Avoid eating foods that could trigger a gout attack. As much as possible, you have to maintain a gout-friendly diet during the first weeks of treatment. You have to eat less to lose weight and include an exercise program in your diet program.

Second, avoid drinking alcohol in order to restore the ability of your body to flush uric acid from your system. Then eat lots of fruits. If you have gout, fruits are your best friends because they can neutralize uric acid.

And lastly, try some quick home remedies like the baking soda treatment and parsley treatment. These treatments could dissolve crystalline uric acid and can minimize the acidity of your body. If you follow these tips, then you will be gout-free within a few days.