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Showing posts with label arthritis and weight loss. Show all posts
Showing posts with label arthritis and weight loss. Show all posts

Tips For Minimizing Cold Weather Arthritis Pain

Posted by Unknown Sunday, December 27, 2015 0 comments


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 With the winter weather fast approaching, you may be one of the many arthritis sufferers who feel that their arthritis pain is influenced by the weather. Despite the fact that appears to be no solid link before the weather and arthritis, you can still use these arthritis pain relief tips when your aching joints act up in winter:

  • Dress warmly. If it is cold outside, keep yourself warm! Keep warm in winter by dressing in layers, hats, scarves, and gloves. Use clothing to protect yourself from the elements as best you can. You can easily add layers over knees and legs which may be causing stiffness for instance by wearing a pair of tights or leggings under trousers/jeans etc.
  • Exercise. The truth is people with arthritis should exercise frequently to help manage arthritis pain. Rather than ditching the exercise completely during the winter months, simply avoid the winter chill by staying active indoors. You can either purchase home equipment or a DVD or attend a local gym.
  • Enjoy warm water. Swimming in a heated pool is both great exercise and soothing to joints. You can also get relief from warm baths. Just don’t go right out into the cold after your soak and ensure that you let your body’s temperature normalize before venture out.
  • Supplement vitamin D. Being deficient in vitamin D might make osteoarthritis worse. You are less likely to get enough vitamin D in the winter due to the lack of sun, which is a primary source of the vitamin. It is therefore a goo time to take a supplement or make sure your diet is vitamin D-rich.
  • Take Fish Oil. To help decrease the inflammation that causes arthritic pain you can add fish oil to your diet or taking a supplement.
  • Treat yourself to a massage. Why not be nice to yourself by getting a professional massage? Not only does it feel great, it can also help ease pain in your body and help some of your stiff joints by relaxing the muscles. This may be an extra benefit on top of your regular physiotherapy if you are currently receiving this.
Should you find that your arthritis symptoms to flare-up during the colder, wetter months of the year, following some of the simple suggestions about may help to minimize the effects that you experience and limiting the amount of pain and discomfort that you may feel.

There Are Natural Ways to Cope With Joint Pain

Posted by Unknown 0 comments
Anyone can suffer from joint pain, regardless of their age. It is very common for younger adults to be diagnosed with inflammatory joint diseases including gout and rheumatoid arthritis. Dealing with this pain while keeping up with the demands of a busy lifestyle can be difficult.

Normal activities like taking a walk during a lunch break or carrying a briefcase can cause excruciating pain. There are ways to decrease arthritis pain and other joint ailments without using traditional medicines that may cause further health problems.

Exercise is a great way to loosen stiff joints. People with extreme cases of arthritis should first start with light stretching movements and slowly progress to other exercises. This does not have to be strenuous, but just enough to get the joints engaged and active.

Sometimes joint and arthritis pain can be so bad that exercise is simply not an option. This is when a natural supplement like Provailen could be taken. It contains all-natural ingredients that will relieve inflammation, pain and stiffness. It has no known side effects and can be used as a standalone treatment.

Relief from joint pain can also come through the help of an occupational therapist. They will be able to assist you with daily living activities, and help you devise a plan to deal with your pain that may include accommodations in your workplace. If needed, the therapist may recommend that you wear a supportive orthotic device for a certain period of time. This helps to ensure that you maintain the active lifestyle that you want.

There are certain instances where surgery is necessary to repair the damage caused by arthritis and other joint ailments. Extreme cases like this are not exclusive to older adults. Middle aged and young adults have found themselves consulting with a surgeon about their joint problems.

Arthritis does not discriminate with age or race, or any other factor. Children, young adults and seniors can all be plagued with this debilitating disease. The best way to deal with this is to first be properly diagnosed by a physician, and then begin to do your research on treatments that will best fit your lifestyle. 

You may be prescribed traditional medicines, but there are other natural remedies available for you. By taking the time to understand this disease and research different treatment methods, you will be more prepared and empowered to continue a young, healthy, active lifestyle.


Dealing with Arthritis as a Young Woman

Posted by Unknown Friday, November 27, 2015 0 comments

The percentage of young adults suffering from arthritis is on the rise. The reasons for this are varied and sometimes unidentified. There are numerous types of arthritis. The condition can sometimes be so severe that the patient is restricted to a wheelchair. But with the right diagnosis and treatment, it is easier to live a normal life even while suffering from the condition.

Dealing with the pain

Arthritis inevitably impacts your quality of life. The discomfort caused by the condition leads to loss of sleep, fatigue and depression. A study conducted by Ontario's Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences concluded that women have a 20 percent higher chance of being disabled by arthritis than men.

Apart from the physical challenges associated with the disease, young people also have to deal with the social stigma. Gilliana Hawker, the physician-in-chief at Toronto's Women's College Hospital, states that many people are unaware of the fact that arthritis is not just restricted to old people and can affect young people as well. Apart from the social issues, it can also make it difficult to maintain a fulltime job in some cases.

Melissa Parent, an arthritis patient, claims that it is hard to maintain a social life as she cannot indulge in things like going to the mall or dancing. She has been suffering from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis from the time she was 10 years old. The disease spread all the way up to her collar bone from her ankles. It is important to remember not to push yourself when you experience pain. Consulting a doctor on appearance of symptoms like joint pain and stiffness is vital.

Managing your expectations

Arthritis has no cure. But it can be effectively managed.  Medication is usually the first form of treatment. Anti-inflammatory drugs like Provailen help relive stiffness and pain. X-rays help reveal the extent of damage. The best course of treatment can be determined based on x-ray results and blood tests.

The number of joint replacement surgeries among young people is steadily increasing. This is primarily because younger generations are less willing to deal with the pain. James Waddell, an orthopedic surgeon at Toronto's St. Michael's Hospital, states that more than one third of his patients are under 50 years of age. He also opines that it is not easy for youngsters to convince doctors to let them have surgery. Doctors sometimes like to exhaust other methods of therapy, like oral medication, heat treatment and physical therapy, before resorting to replacement surgery.

Reducing your risk of arthritis


It is vital to eat healthy to keep arthritis at bay. Being overweight or obese increases your risk considerably. Being in the right weight bracket means less pressure on the hips, knees and ankles. Calcium is absolutely essential and so is vitamin D, as it helps your body absorb the calcium. Wearing proper shoes is also important. They support joints during movement. It is necessary to exercise as it helps keep your musculoskeletal system healthy. Shock absorbing shoes are ideal for running and walking. 

Benefits Of Weight Loss in Arthritis - Lose More to Gain More

Posted by Unknown Wednesday, November 25, 2015 0 comments


Obesity is a nationwide epidemic and we hear about the danger from it every day on the news. New research shows that the obese (overweight) individuals are up to four times as likely to develop knee osteoarthritis as they are to develop high blood pressure or type-2 diabetes. The danger to health and quality of life is insidious: at every stage, excess body weight both increases the level of pain and disability and undermines the effectiveness of treatment. Also, whereas high blood pressure and diabetes may be substantially improved on losing weight and are relatively easy to control with therapy, osteoarthritis is irreversible.

Importance of achieving & maintaining normal weight in arthritis

Maintaining a recommended weight or losing weight if they are overweight can lessen pain by reducing stress on the affected joints. Weight loss specifically helps ease pressure on weight-bearing joints such as the hips, knees, back and feet.
Increased body weight is a serious factor in the development of osteoarthritis (OA), particularly in the knees, which carry the brunt of weight day in and day out.  In fact, for every pound a person gains, add 3 pounds of pressure on the knees and six times the pressure on the hips. Since weight gain gradually increases the stress on joints, the weight gain the decade before a person has OA symptoms, particularly in middle age, plays a big role in determining if they will have OA. If the patient is overweight, work with them to devise a weight-loss plan that includes eating fewer calories and increasing physical exercise. Make sure they are getting enough nutrients to keep their body healthy and that the activities they choose don’t harm their joints.
Research has shown that losing extra weight can help people who already have osteoarthritis. Moreover, overweight or obese people who do not have osteoarthritis may reduce their risk of developing the disease by losing weight.

Conclusion
In short, weight control is important to people who have arthritis because extra weight puts extra pressure on some joints and can aggravate many types of arthritis. Achieving a healthy weight reduces the risk of developing the disease in the first place, relieves existing symptoms and helps to prevent further deterioration..

How To Relieve Pain in Arthritis? Choosing The Best Option

Posted by Unknown Wednesday, November 4, 2015 0 comments



Among the different types of arthritis, osteoarthritis is the most common.  Osteoarthritis is mainly found in the spine, hand, hip, knee and sometimes the feet.  The condition by joint failure and damage which is caused due to damage of the cartilage and the growth on new bone in the joints that are affected.  The result is pain and stiffness.
The repair of osteoarthritis in the body is slow and for some, the body is unable to correct the problem due to severe damage of the joint. Symptoms begin to appear, which is pain.  However, during the body’s repair process symptoms are not caused. 

Limitations & drawbacks of using prescription medicines in arthritis
Pain relievers that are prescribed by your physician such as indomethacin (Indocin®), dicolfenac (Voltaren®), and ibuprofen (Motrin®).  Although these are strong pain medications and provide relief, they do not come without risk such as causing the stomach to bleed or a heart attack.  Also, these drugs mask the pain temporarily and do not help to combat the condition.

Limitations & drawbacks of using OTC medicines in arthritis
Stomach bleeding is associated with over the counter drugs such as NSAID pills like aspirin, naproxen (Aleve®), or ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®).  There is no saying how long you can use these over the counter remedies before experiencing bleeding.  To lessen your risk, it is suggested to take the lowest does for the shortest time period possible.  Even with that, you still run the risk of stomach bleeding.  Unfortunately, low doses often don’t work, and you are back at square one.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) is shown to be affective to reduce mild pain.  However, it likely does not reduce or prevent swelling and inflammation.  Also, risks increase if you have had liver or kidney problems, heart attack, high blood pressure or stomach bleeding.

Natural supplements – A long-term, safe solution for pain
Because there are many side effects that result from the use of allopathic drugs, more and more osteoarthritis suffers are seeking natural therapies.  It is a safe alternative that has proved to be effective without resulting in side effects.  The herbal supplements treats the condition by:
·         Working to ensure permanent relief of the major symptoms which are experienced including:  swelling, stiffening and pain
·         Boosting your immune power in a natural way which enables you to protect your bones and joints against arthritis
 The herbal supplement targets the primary cause of your condition without adding the risk of side effects even when taken long-term.  The herbal supplement is  safe and affordable and allows you to manage your arthritis.






What is Inflammatory Arthritis?

Posted by Unknown Sunday, November 1, 2015 0 comments

Introduction
Inflammatory arthritis is a generalized term which is used to describe many different types of arthritis including juvenile idiopathic arthritis, pasoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.  With inflammatory arthritis the body’s immune system begins to attack the person’s joints and once attacked, the joint becomes inflamed.  Osteoarthritis is not a form of inflammatory arthritis.

Parts of body affected
Nearly any joint in the body can be affected with inflammatory arthritis.  Often times it develops in the neck, hips, elbows, shoulders, knees, hands and feet and other joints in the body as well. 

Cause of inflammatory arthritis 
The cause of inflammatory arthritis is not known.  Factors such as trauma, infections and the environment may all be a cause of the disease.  Genetic makeup may also play a role.
Risk factors that increase a person’s chances of developing rheumatoid arthritis include blood transfusions, obesity and smoking.  In the UK roughly 387,000 adults suffer from rheumatoid arthritis which among inflammatory arthritis’ it is the most common and effect more women then men.

Symptoms & complications
Depending on the person will depend on the disease’s progression.  For some people, the disease may remain mild, but it is a progressive condition, and for others, inflammatory arthritis may cause severe damage to different joints in the body which greatly affects the person’s quality of life.  Symptoms that sufferers experience include limited joint movement, stiffness and disabling pain.  Other organs in the body may be affected as well and the condition does shorten the life of the person by roughly six to 10 years. 

What are the treatment options?
When the disease is caught early, the long term results are much better.  Medications are often prescribed to the patient and sometimes surgeries may be performed.  However, each has risk factors such as side effects, costs and complications.  And, the patient is rarely cured. 
The herbal supplement works in a number of ways for the arthritis patent to eliminate their pain and suffering related to their disease.  For instance, the drug will:
  • Aids in improving the patient’s sleep
  • Improves joint mobility
  • Increases the body’s natural immune response
  • Improves stiffness and joint pain


Natural Measures For The Prevention And Treatment of Arthritis

Posted by Unknown Wednesday, October 14, 2015 0 comments
Natural measures for the prevention & treatment of arthritis
Top three hints & tips…



While we are unable to change some of the factors which make one susceptible to arthritis, such as age, sex and heredity, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of developing this disease by adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes ding exercise, practicing weight loss & taking a natural (herbal) safe supplement.


1.    Losing weight
Many people become less active when they develop arthritis because of pain and the fear of causing damage. This can lead to muscles becoming weaker and wasted. It also leads to increased weight gain and obesity. Weight loss can help build-up muscles, stabilize joints, and alleviate pain and stiffness in joints.
Weight loss has been shown to have significant benefits for people with arthritis, including reductions in pain and improvements in physical function, mental health, and quality of life. Excess weight puts extra stress on weight-bearing joints, especially the knees. According to a recent study, weight loss of an average of 11 pounds can reduce the risk of knee osteoarthritis by as much as 50%. Weight control can also help reduce stress on the joints and spine.
Also, regular and appropriate weight loss can have enormous benefits for people with arthritis, which include:
  • Better joint mobility and range of movement
  • Improved pain management
  • Stronger muscles and bones
  • Decreased disease progression
  • Improved energy levels and general wellbeing
  • Improved self-esteem and feeling more positive

2.    Exercising
Regular and healthy physical activity on daily basis such as walking, cycling and swimming) to strengthen supporting muscles and maintain joint mobility improves symptoms of arthritis and has been found to be greatly helpful for many.


3.    Taking an “arthritis” diet

Diet changes may make a big difference for many patients. While losing weight has long been part of arthritis treatment, the focus is now on foods and supplements that can reduce painful inflammation.
Another strategy is to identify and avoid foods that might cause arthritis to flare up. And scientific evidence is beginning to support the use of certain supplements that can relieve pain without many of the side effects of prescription drugs.
Likewise, some early research suggests that foods high in omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation and risk for arthritis pain. Also, taking ginger and glucosamine (as extracted from the shells of shellfish) and chondroitin (as derived from cow cartilage) has been found to exert strong anti-inflammatory effect in arthritis.



                                                                                                                                

Arthritis Diet Guide - Top 5 Dietary Tips

Posted by Unknown Tuesday, October 13, 2015 0 comments


Arthritis sufferers can benefit greatly by following the recommended diet by the Arthritic Association which is high in whole grains, vegetables, raw fruits, and natural foods.  We’ve compiled a list of tips that will help you to better understand the foods which should be included in your diet.

1-    Increase your daily intake of fruits and vegetables

OA and RA patients have been reported to benefit from high consumption of dietary antioxidants in their daily diet such as Vitamin E.  These antioxidants are consumed through eating no less than five portions of vegetables and fruits each day.  When the patient eats a variety of vegetables and fruits, they increase the chances of consuming the antioxidants.  Studies show that there is a beneficial relation with fruits and vegetables in the arthritis patient.   In fact the higher the intake of fruits and vegetables the less likely you are to develop arthritis.  There are various reasons that this may be different reasons for this such as a higher intake of antioxidants, a healthy lifestyle, or Vitamin K.


2- Increase your intake of fish
Fish, with its high Omega’s is known to lessen the arthritic symptoms that are so painful in the patient when consumed at least once per week.  Other foods that are noted to help the patient are olive oils and vegetables.  One recent study conducted on a group of rheumatoid arthritis sufferers reported that by consuming cod liver oil the patients experienced less inflammation which resulted in less non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication which arthritic patients use for pain.   This clearly shows that eating fatty fish a few times a week or taking fish oil capsule will improve arthritic conditions.  Studies involving olive oil are also positive.  Oleic acid is found in olive oil and its eicosatrienoic acid (ETA) may exert anti-inflammatory effects similar to that of fish oil.

3-    Include a daily arthritis dietary supplement

There has been conclusive research that a correlation between food, dietary and nutritional supplements such as omeg-3 fatty acids, minerals and vitamins and certain forms of arthritis or related condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, and reactive arthritis.  Supplements which has a high dose of foods that are extremely effective in the arthritic patient such as SOD (Superoxide Dismutase), Tongkat Ali, Capsaicin, Triterpenes and Organic Germanium can help in all kinds of arthritis.  Several studies have been conducted which confirm the safety and effectiveness of the ingredients. 

4-    Track your food

The food we eat does make a difference in the arthritis symptoms we experience.  Keeping a daily record of your food consumption will alert you to what foods are beneficial and which are destructive.  By tracking your food intake you will have an accurate record of what foods help your condition and which hinder the condition.  After a few weeks, you will be able to note any patterns. With this you will be able to determine which foods to avoid and which to continue.

5-    What to avoid?
Foods such as chocolate, alcohol, spices, citrus fruits, cereal products, red meat and dairy products are all known to aggravate arthritis symptoms and should be avoided as much as possible. 




Weight Loss and Arthritis - The Crucial Connection

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Weight control is particularly important for people with osteoarthritis. Excess weight directly contributes to the development of osteoarthritis. Weight control not only helps prevent osteoarthritis, it is an important element in your treatment of the disease as well. The following simple yet interesting facts will help you understand the crucial and critical link between your body weight the health of your bones and joints specifically when you have a serious disorder such as osteoarthritis.

Body weight & arthritis – Some interesting facts


1. While the cause of osteoarthritis is not yet known, but certain weight gain or obesity certainly increases the risk of developing osteoarthritis.

2. While osteoarthritis can affect any joint, but it is most common in the hands, feet, spine, and in large, “weight-bearing” joints such as the hips and knees.

3. Increased body weight is a serious factor in the development of osteoarthritis, particularly in the knees, which carry the brunt of weight day in and day out.

4. Weight control is important for prevention of and to slow the progression of osteoarthritis affecting the weight-bearing joints (knees and hips) and low back.

5. Over 294,000 or 1 in 250 young people under 18 years are affected by arthritis

6. For every pound a person gains, add 3 pounds of pressure on the knees and six times the pressure on the hips.

7. Likewise, losing as few as 11 pounds can cut the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis by 50 percent for some women.

8. Similarly, for every one pound of weight lost, there is a four pound reduction in the load exerted on the knee for each step taken during daily activities.

9. Weight loss of only 15 pounds can cut knee pain in half for overweight individuals with arthritis.

10. Physical activity (as performed to lose weight or as a part of overall weight loss program) keeps joints flexible and maintains or improves muscle strength.

11. Studies also show that people who lost an average of 57 pounds of their body weight, significantly improved their knee pain, stiffness and physical function within the first six months.

12. Since weight gain gradually increases the stress on joints, the weight gain the decade before a person has OA symptoms, particularly in middle age, plays a big role in determining if they will have OA.

13. Maintaining an acceptable body weight is one of the key treatment goals in therapy against osteoarthritis.


Conclusion

Osteoarthritis patients who are overweight or obese need to lose weight. Weight loss can reduce stress on weight-bearing joints and limit further injury. While a dietitian or nutritionist can help patients develop healthy eating habits, healthy diet and regular exercise help reduce weight. 

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