How To Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis manifests itself in different ways. One person with rheumatoid arthritis may exhibit symptoms quite different from those seen in other patients. Because of this, a physician will usually observe the disease on a case-by-case basis and set his plan of treatment according to the individual patient situation. No single detailed plan of treatment can be laid out which will benefit every case. Certain medications may work wonders for one case but may not provide a cure for others and in many cases the more potent the medicines are, the more hazardous the accompanying side effects can be. The physician should use his wise judgment and weigh the benefits that will be gained from such medications against the hazards these render to the patient.
This type of arthritis follows different stages. The early stage is often characterized by the destruction of the joint tissues. In the chronic stage, the patient retains and suffers the handicap brought by the early stage.
Treatment therefore should be directed towards the prevention or reduction of any debilitating damage that usually occurs during the early stage of rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment should also include patient rehabilitation. This will enable restoration of the patient's lost functions damaged during the early stage of the disease.
Experts have laid down a basic program that can help people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis especially during the early stages. Most often, this will benefit patients suffering either the severe or less severe form of rheumatoid arthritis. This program may even control the disease for a long period of time especially in less severe cases.
1. A patient suffering from rheumatoid arthritis should avoid damaging the joints involved. He should avoid stressful activities and should take ample rest by reducing his activities in order to conserve his vitality. Rest is one vital regimen patients suffering from this disease should take.
2. The patient should be able to adjust to his physical condition and should learn about the nature of his disease. He should be able to accept the disability that comes along with rheumatoid arthritis. Psychological adjustment will enable him to become reconciled with his handicap and should make him plan for his future and still become productive.
3. Pain relief is very important in the management of rheumatoid arthritis. This is usually done by the use of dry heat to the affected parts of the body. Pain relievers such as aspirin are often used as well.
4. Patients who are often taking aspirin to relieve the pain should be periodically checked for anemia. Aspirin can produce damaging effects on the blood-forming tissues that can result into anemia.
5. Patients should undergo therapeutic exercises in order to keep the affected muscles in good condition and prevent or reduce deformity to the area. These will also help maintain the patient's vitality.
6. People who are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis should maintain a well balanced diet. This will provide him the necessary nutrients in order to have good health and maintain his vitality as much as possible. His diet should include plenty of vegetables and fruits.
Patients who are suffering from the more severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis and especially the progressive type should add more drastic program of treatment which should include:
1. An intensive physical and occupational therapy.
2. Some orthopedic devices such as splints can help prevent or reduce deformities.
3. The use of more potent drugs can provide the necessary pain relief. These include the more powerful anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics. Other medicines like corticosteroids, indomethacin and phenylbutazone can also be used.
4. Orthopedic surgery may be performed in some selected cases in order to prevent devastating disability and deformities.
The patient should still make himself useful and productive despite the incapacities caused by the disease. He should learn to accept the disabilities but at the same time understand that there is still a good life ahead despite these physical changes.
Acupuncture Works For Knee Pain
Acupuncture is well proven for pain relief. Everyday, thousands of people in the United States alone receive acupuncture for their pain. A recent study sponsored at the National Institutes of Health shows conclusively that acupuncture is effective for the relief of knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. In fact it reduced the need for pain medications by 40% at the same time increasing functionality be 40%. A study from Demark even showed acupuncture to reduce the need for knee replacement surgery. It can also help reduce pain and swelling from tendonitis, bursitis, injuries and from rheumatoid arthritis.
If you are in pain, 40% reduction sounds pretty good. No two people have exactly the same level of response but, generally speaking, I like to see 80% reduction in knee pain within eight treatments. Being able to lower your pain medication also means that you lower your risk of side effects associated with long-term drug use. Speaking of side effects, acupuncture has proven to be very safe with a very low incidence of minor side effects. In fact, most people, rather than suffering negative side effects, have a sense of well-being and relaxation after acupuncture. Now that's good medicine!
We don't know exactly how acupuncture works. There are two main scientific theories. Gate Theory and endorphins. The Gate Theory suggests that stimulation of the acupuncture needles inhibits certain nerve fibers from relaying the pain message. Another theory suggests that acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, a powerful morphine like substance that occurs naturally in the brain. Both theories may have merit, but we are still far from understanding exactly how acupuncture works scientifically. Don't worry. We don't know exactly how some commonly used drugs, like Tylenol work either.
Does it hurt?
Acupuncture needles are much smaller that most other needles. A good acupuncturist can often insert needles without any pain at all. Once the needles are placed you may feel unique sensation associated with the stimulation of the acupuncture point. Normally six to twelve of the tiny needles are placed near the area of pain or on various other areas on the body. I have treated knee pain successfully using only one point but usually several are needed to affect relief.
How long does it take to work?
Most of my patients have relief the moment they step off of the treatment table! Some patients will take up to six treatments before experiencing significant relief. Lasting pain relief will usually take several treatments. In my office, I suggest two treatments per week for three weeks, then one treatment a week for two weeks. At this point we will reassess to see if more treatments are needed. Some patients will not need to come in after the course of treatment, while other with chronic conditions, find that regular maintenance treatments are needed to keep the knee pain at bay. There are cases where it doesn't work but, they are relatively infrequent.
Acupuncture may be the only treatment needed for knee pain, but it's good to know that it works well with other therapies like anti-inflammatories, pain relievers, exercise, physical therapy and massage. Most acupuncturists, including myself are very happy to work with doctors and other therapists when it means getting better results for you.
Good Luck and Good Health!
Arthritis Treatment – Arthritis Remedies And Causes
Arthritis is one of the most enveloping diseases in the United States and is the leading source of disability. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention one out of every three Americans is affected by one of the more than 100 sorts of arthritis. Arthritis merely means a aching condition of the joints. There are different kinds of the disease - many seditious and others more degenerative in nature. Across the world there are 350 million people bears from the constant joint inflammation of Arthritis. In US the number goes to the 37 to 40 million. All of us be familiar with that there must the joint pain that is accompanied by the arthritis
Arthritis symptoms
Ache and inflexibility in the joints, anemia, colitis
The main symptoms of osteoarthritis are ache and firmness in the joints. The pain frequently increases after work out. Rheumatoid arthritis is often called the 'cooked food ailment'. lt regularly develops gradually over several months, with persistent pain and stiffness in one or additional joints. Finally the whole body is affected. Symptoms contain anemia, colitis, constipation, deformed hands and feet.
Root of Arthritis
Structural changes in articular cartilage in the joint
Osteoarthritis results from structural changes in the articular cartilage in the joints, frequently those which are weight-bearing, such as the spine and knees.
Hormonal disparity, physical and emotional strain
Rheumatoid arthritis is due to an soreness of the synovium or lining of the joints. This is accompanied by puffiness and eventually leads to irregularity. The situation may be caused by hormonal disparity, physical and emotional stress, infection, cruel fright, shock, and injury.
Genetics
Family factors may also be responsible for the onset of this disease
Home Remedies for Arthritis
1. Arthritis treatment by means of Potato Juice
The raw potato juice treatment is considered one of the most victorious biological treatments for rheumatic and arthritic situations. It has been used in folk medicine for over centuries. The conventional technique of preparing potato juice is to cut a medium-sized potato into thin slices, without peeling the skin, and put the slices overnight in a big glass filled with cold water. The water should be drunk in the sunrise on an empty stomach.. A medium-sized potato must be diluted with a cup of water and drunk first thing in the morning.
2. Arthritis treatment with Other Raw Juices
One cup of green juice, extracted from any green leafy vegetable, diverse in equal size with carrot, celery, and red beet juices is superior for arthritis. The alkaline action of raw juices dissolves the gathering of deposits around the joints and in extra tissues. A cup of fresh pineapple juice is also precious, as the enzyme bromelain in fresh pineapple juice reduces swelling and inflammation in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
3. Arthritis treatment via Sesame Seeds
A teaspoon of black sesame seeds, drenched in a quarter cup of water and kept overnight, has been found to be efficient in preventing frequent joint pains. The water in which the seeds are soaked must also be taken along with the seeds first thing in the morning
4. Arthritis treatment by means of Copper
Drinking water kept overnight in a copper container accumulates traces of copper, which is said to build up the muscular system. A copper ring or bracelet is worn for the same cause.
5. Arthritis treatment with Calcium
Studies have exposed that calcium can help arthritis. Several patients have discovered that joint pains have either been reassured or have disappeared entirely after taking calcium. This mineral must be taken in the form of calcium lactate. Two teaspoons of calcium lactate, each teaspoon providing 400 mg of absorbable calcium, may be taken three times each day in water, before meals for at least four months.
6. Arthritis treatment via Garlic
Garlic is an additional successful remedy for arthritis. It contains an anti-inflammatory property, which accounts for its efficiency in the treatment of this disease. Garlic may be taken raw or cooked according to person preference
7. Arthritis treatment via Bananas
Bananas, being a rich source of vitamin B6, have proved helpful in the treatment of arthritis. A diet of merely bananas for three or four days is advised in treating this situation. The patient may eat eight or nine bananas daily throughout this period and nothing else.
8. Arthritis treatment with Lime
Lime has also been found useful as a home remedy for arthritis. The citric acid found in lime is a solvent of uric acid, which is the chief cause of some types of arthritis. The juice of one lime, diluted with water, may be taken once a day, if possible first thing in the morning.
9. Arthritis treatment with Alfalfa
A tea made from the herb alfalfa, particularly from its seeds, has shown useful results in the treatment of arthritis. One teaspoon of alfalfa seeds might be added to one cup of water. Three to four cups of this tea must be taken daily by arthritics for at least two weeks.
10. Arthritis treatment by means of Green Gram Soup
Another home remedy found helpful in relieving pains in the joints is the use of green gram soup. This soup must be prepared by mixing a tablespoon of green gram in a cup of water, with two crushed garlic cloves. It must be taken two times a day
11. Arthritis treatment via Castor Oil
Treatment with Castor oil has been found helpful in arthritis. The process, as prescribed by a Spanish doctor, is to boil two tablespoons of Castor oil over a stove burner. The oil must then be poured into a glass of fresh orange juice and taken before breakfast each day till the disease is cured. It was advised to patients to take it for three weeks, stay for another three weeks and then do it again for another three weeks. It is, though, essential that the patient must take an alkaline diet while adopting this form of treatment otherwise the value of the treatment will be gone.
12. Arthritis treatment via Coconut or Mustard Oil
Warm coconut oil or mustard oil, mixed with two or three pieces of camphor must be massaged on rigid and aching joints. It will amplify blood supply, and decrease inflammation and stiffness with the calm warmth produced while massaging.
The Good and Bad of the Hip and Knee Replacement
When I speak with other orthopedic doctors, one thing is clear-hip and knee replacement surgeries are on the rise. As the baby boomer generation grows older, demand is growing for these increasingly common surgeries, according to a study presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons' 2006 annual meeting.
It's obvious that the baby boomers are not so willing to give up their active lifestyle and leisure pursuits, so hip and knee replacement is going to be more prevalent as time goes on! So the question for many over the age of 55 is:
Is Surgery For You?
When people suffer from severe osteoarthritis, hip or knee replacement is often the best option to stay active longer. In over 70% of patients, implants replace joints that are damaged or worn out due to osteoarthritis. But many also have the same surgery performed due to fractures, injury trauma or rheumatoid arthritis. Although the average age of patients is 71 years old, the trend seems to be leaning toward younger and younger patients.
Undergoing a hip or knee replacement is a major decision for you and your doctor, so it may help to know that 82% of 1,001 patients surveyed by Consumer Reports were "very satisfied" or "completely satisfied" with their results.
As I tell my patients, however, recovery doesn't happen overnight and may be painful. Of the people surveyed, the majority was able to cease taking pain medication after two months, but 12% were still taking it one year after surgery.
It is encouraging to know that 90% of patients could do everyday activities after one month. At the same time, it is important not to push your body too hard. In fact, one-third of hip patients and one-quarter of knee patients were unable to walk half a mile one year after their surgeries. While most people have success with replacement surgery, there is a small chance of infection, and complications, like weakened muscles and legs of unequal length, can occur.
Are There Less Drastic Alternatives?
It is true that a standard replacement gives most people the best possible results, but some alternatives are available:
Hip resurfacing - This procedure can help even severe arthritis sufferers by employing a smaller implant and removing less of the bone than standard replacement surgery.
Knee Osteotomy - Best for young, active patients, this surgery shifts pressure off of the weakest part of the joint. It is an option for people whose arthritis is located on only one side of the knee.
Partial knee replacement - This is a choice if you have limited osteoarthritis and involves resurfacing only one compartment of the knee.
Although hip or knee replacement-or the alternatives-is a big decision, it is important not to wait too long. If you have pain that makes it difficult to sleep and perform everyday tasks, and doesn't respond to pain medication, you should see an orthopedic surgeon who will help you decide what course of action to take.
The good news is that joint replacements are improving, so chance of success is high, and patients can enjoy many years of freedom from aches and pains. There is no reason why you shouldn't make your golden years as active and fulfilling as possible.
Doctor.Why Does Arthritis Cause Fatigue?
Fatigue is extremely common in patients who have arthritis. While it is a common complaint in patients who have "bread and butter" types of arthritis like osteoarthritis, it is even more common in patients who have inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Fatigue is often a sign of a flare of disease.
Another condition often accompanied by fatigue is fibromyalgia.
There are many factors that may be responsible for fatigue.
Sometimes it is the body's method for dealing with a chronic painful condition. The body craves rest because it uses so much energy to combat the pain.
Another common reason is that arthritis often interrupts sleep. Not only is it more difficult to get to sleep but patients will wake up during the night, they will have difficulty falling back to sleep, and they will awaken early in the morning. This early morning awakening may also signal the presence of depression which is also a common problem in patients who have arthritis. Depression is also a cause of fatigue in patients with arthritis.
A corollary to this is stress. Stress not only aggravates the pain of arthritis; it can also aggravate fatigue.
Patients with more serious types of disease may have anemia which compounds the fatigue problem.
Medications can also contribute to fatigue. For instance some patients who are on methotrexate often report a "washed-out" feeling that occurs for one to two days after taking their methotrexate dose.
Fatigue has a major impact on the life of a person with arthritis. It causes daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, and limits interpersonal relationships. Participating in all types of activities becomes more difficult. Also, some people fall into a nasty cycle of feeling tired, taking a nap during the day, which prevents them from getting to sleep that night.
So what can be done?
The most important thing is to get the arthritis under good control. That often improves fatigue by itself. Effective medications often make a big difference!
Correcting anemia is another action step. Sometimes the anemia will correct itself when the disease is controlled. Other times iron deficiency or other problems need to be addressed.
Improving the quality of sleep can help. Changing to a mattress made of memory foam is reported by some patients to be useful.
Getting into a regular sleep cycle is a good idea. Avoid large meals and caffeinated beverages before going to sleep. Sounds like common sense but too many people don't follow common sense rules1
Medicines that adversely affect sleep like prednisone and hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) should be taken in the morning rather than in the evening.
A nice hot bath or shower before going to bed sometimes is helpful. Using warm moist heating pads is also a nice thing to try. Getting into a regular relaxing routine that consists of reading, listening to soft music, etc. can also ensure good quality sleep.
Regular exercise is another contributor to good quality sleep. Lack of exercise often causes fatigue. Regular exercise provides more energy, increases stamina, and improves sleep.
Stress reduction is an obvious benefit.
Eating a well-balanced diet can also contribute to less fatigue.
Patients should try to avoid prescription sleeping pills if possible. Herbal remedies may be useful though.
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