The Origins of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy, which involves the use of essential oils to treat various ailments, has been used by healers for thousands of years. Although its origins are difficult to trace, the use of aromatherapy goes back at least 4,000 years, possibly beginning with the ancient Egyptians, who were known to have used aromatic botanicals in many different ways. The Egyptians used a number of herbs and spices for soothing massage, medicine, cosmetics, and even in their embalming practices.

Centuries later, it was Hippocrates who may have been the first high-profile advocate of aromatherapy. More than 2,000 years ago, the creator of the physician's creed that bears his name was an outspoken believer in the benefits of aromatic massage for both physical and emotional well-being.

In the 10th century, the Arabs invented a process of distillation that allowed for more efficient extraction of the essential oils from plants, and for centuries, cultures from every part of the globe have inhaled aromas, drunk potions, and worn aromatic amulets as healing aids and to protect them from harm.

By extracting the essential oils from plants and herbs, aromatherapy has been, and continues to be, used to address a wide range of physical and emotional ailments, from headaches to herpes, from dry skin to acne, and from arthritis to asthma.

In modern times, France and England have led the attempt to reintroduce many ancient remedies to the world in the early 1900s, and to help aromatherapy gain greater acceptance in the traditional medical community. France still leads the world in rediscovering modern uses for ancient remedies, and many French doctors routinely prescribe aromatic remedies for their patients. That practice is reinforced by the fact that French pharmacies stock a wide variety of essential oils, and insurance companies are willing to pay for treatments involving ancient healing methods.

America currently lags behind the French and English in the use of aromatic medicine, but as more and more people experience the healing properties of aromatherapy, its use will continue to gain popularity in the United States.

All regarding optical device Treatments For Hair Loss And Its Viability

 The thought of loosing your hair is formed as a nightmare to the bulk of men. Although phalacrosis is already accepted in modern-day society, this condition still negatively have an effect on some men. On seeing the primary signs of hair cutting, it's apprehensible that the primary issue that comes into their mind is to hunt a treatment for this condition. Fortuitously, with the assistance of contemporary science, hairless will currently be treated with many various anti-hair loss medications and coverings offered within the market. 

There square measure many hair loss treatment choices offered within the market: we have got topical FDA-approved medication like Propecia and Rogaine, Hair supplements, and Hair regrowth optical device solutions. Low Level optical device medical aid or LLLT could be a non-chemical, non-invasive treatment used throughout the U.S.A. for hair loss treatment. This contemporary treatment for male pattern phalacrosis is one amongst the new technological advancement in preventing the condition. 

In the past, lasers were employed in medical procedures to form a wound on the skin's high layer so as for the new, contemporary skin to arise from below. LLLT is totally different from the same old means we have a tendency to understand lasers; it doesn't involve either cutting or burning the skin. Also, it contains optical device panels that light the scalp, thus, creating it an efficient treatment against hair loss. 

The means optical device therapies square measure used is by directly applying it to the scalp employing a machine, whereby it stimulates the red blood cells. The lasers work by change nucleotide (ATP) to ADP (ADP), that releases energy and causes changes within the metabolism of cells. 

The overall blood circulation will increase during this method, whereby the scalp is given additional atomic number eight and nutrients and supporting the traditional chemical processes performed by the cells. Once applied to the scalp and hair, lasers are same to enhance the hair's overall quality, supporting hair growth, and increasing the diameter of the hair shaft. 

Having the same look to a hood blower, there square measure lasers that appear as if a hood blower. The red-colored low level optical device toll functions by rotating, permitting optical device rays to be discharged into the person's scalp. Also, handheld versions of lasers are developed and resembles a brush in look. 

Examples of effective hair optical device brands embrace XP 12 Hair optical device, Viatek Hairpro, sociologist Forrest X5, Power optical device Grows Comb, iGrow optical device, Sunetics optical device, Hairmax optical device, Dynamax Freedom one hundred, the sunshine and Massage medical aid Brush, and Verseo Lasertron. Though, totally different results square measure expected to every person victimization this treatment, the necessary issue is that it really is effective in battling hair loss.

Tips To Help You Fight Arthritis Symptoms

Is arthritis becoming more of an impediment in your life? Many people suffer from their arthritis, unaware that there are many treatments available to them. You can treat your arthritis symptoms without having to take a lot of pills. Take these steps below to help you cope with the pain and inflammation caused by arthritis.

Be pro-active in the creation of your arthritis therapy. There are so many varieties of arthritis and no two sufferers are the same. The differences between patients means that it's important to personalize your treatment plan. This is why it is essential that you are in tune with your needs and the existing treatments. In addition, you must possess the wherewithal to ferret out the treatments with which you are most likely to experience success.

Make an appointment with a physical therapist to learn safe exercises to help your arthritic joints. Find out about what kind of exercises are best for your condition. Stretch and warm up before exercising, and do not overwork yourself. Not only does exercise help in building stamina and strength, it is also used for increasing your affected joints' range of motion.

Don't be too proud to use a cane. However, a cane, to many arthritis sufferers, tells people they are disabled so they go without it. If a cane helps to alleviate your pain and help your mobility then it makes you less disabled, not more. Find a stylish cane and you can pull off a fun look.

Yoga could help you. Yoga can be beneficial for your body and your mind. Additionally, you will benefit from meeting new people in your class. It cannot cure problems like arthritis, but it allows your mind to deal with these factors better.

When you have arthritis, you are going to be constantly trying new ideas for improvement, treatment and relief from your symptoms. Before starting anything new, rate your level of pain beforehand using a 1 to 10 scale. This way, you can assess whether or not your current treatment is working.

Your meal plans should include plenty of healthy fatty acids, such as Omega 3's. You can purchase this substance in the form of a capsule that acts as a supplement and you can also try certain foods. These foods include flax seeds, nuts and oily fish. These omega 3 acids have a lot of anti-inflammatory effects and will lubricate joints to ease arthritis pain.

Getting enough sleep is vital for those with arthritis, and if you do not get enough at night, consider adding in a nap. If you must, set a time as nap time and then stick to that commitment.

The best way to deal with arthritis is to become knowledgeable about the condition. Lots of different resources exist for arthritis sufferers, places you can find tips, nutrition advice, and even ideas for managing pain. If you take a little time out of your day to understand arthritis better, you could find unknown information that will assist you in managing this condition more effectively.

Take turns between applying cold and hot relief treatments. By switching between heat and cold, you encourage blood circulation which helps ease the pain of arthritis. Be sure to not overdo it with icing, as you may end up causing more harm than good. Keep it to a maximum of two times a day.

If your life is affected by arthritis and the pain that comes with it, you don't have to sit there and take it. You can stand up for yourself and give yourself the wellness that you desire from life. Start with the arthritis tips above that can show you a better way to manage your arthritis in a way that helps you in the long run and not only right now

Why Do I Experience Joint Pain After Exercise And How Can I Stop This From Happening?

If you routinely suffer from joint pain after exercise sessions, you need to know that you are most definitely not the only one. Millions of people, both young and old, end up with painful joints after they have been doing exercise, although it is of course more prevalent amongst people over the age of forty.

As is to be expected, the pain can range from mild to severe, regardless of the type of exercise one is doing. In elderly people, arthritis is very often the culprit, but not always. Certain medications can also cause joint pain, although many doctors are reluctant to acknowledge this.

Statins are a good example of drugs than can cause joint discomfort. You probably would not see mention of this in the list of possible side effects, but it does happen. There are tens of thousands of people who have begun experiencing joint pain shortly after their doctors have put them on statins in order to lower their cholesterol levels.

Coincidentally, patients will usually first begin feeling joint pain after exercise, but then as time passes, the pain tends to become more and more consistent until eventually they have to take medication for the pain as well. Although people can have high cholesterol at any age, it is usually older people who are affected the most, and of course this makes it easy for doctors to blame arthritis for any joint pain.

Having said all that, arthritis is of course the biggest culprit, and it is certainly responsible in the vast majority of cases. I would even go as far as saying that if you have not sustained any injuries, and you are not taking any prescription drugs, then it is almost certainly arthritis that's causing the pain you are experiencing.

Some forms of arthritis can progress very quickly if left unchecked, and they can have a severe impact on the quality of your life. If you suspect that you may have arthritis, it is imperative that you see a doctor for advice as soon as possible. If your suspicions are confirmed, you will be given prescription drugs which are actually quite effective at slowing the disease down, and you will be given medication for the pain.

Naturally there are countless people who try to avoid prescription drugs whenever possible, and many have found they are able to control their arthritis with natural remedies, and with the help of certain exercises. New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel extract is said to be very effective, and many people combine this with a daily fish oil supplement as well.

All people are different, so just because a particular remedy works for one person, that does not necessarily mean it will definitely work for you. If you try this approach, and you find it does not provide the type of results you want, just move on and try something else.

Get Rid of Gout Pain - At Home Remedies That Works

Gout - it is one of the most painful conditions that affect many old people. However, the condition may also affect younger individuals. So what is it? Simply put, it is a form of arthritis wherein the joint is swollen, inflamed, and stricken with excruciating pain. The condition is blamed to high concentrations of uric acid in the bloodstream.

But as painful as it is, there are solutions designed to relieve gout-related pain. Yes, you have the option of going to a doctor and get medication. But while waiting for the medication to take effect, here are some quick gout-pain relief solutions you can do at home:

Charcoal/Flaxseed Paste

To make the paste, you will need activated powdered charcoal and ground flaxseeds. Simply mix the two ingredients in the ratio of 2 parts charcoal and 1 part ground flaxseeds. Add warm water to make a workable paste.

Apply the paste generously over the affected area. Then secure the paste by wrapping the affected area with cloth or bandage. This will also prevent the paste from staining your clothes and bed sheets. Reapply the paste at least every four hours.

Heated Castor Oil Pack

You will need a clean piece of cloth, a regular castor oil, a plastic food wrap, and a hot compress. Soak the piece of cloth until in castor oil. Wring out excess so that the cloth is wet but not dripping. Apply the cloth over the affected area.

Secure the cloth in place by wrapping the affected area with food plastic wrap. Then apply hot compress over the area. The hot compress with give you instant relief and will activate the castor oil.

Hot & Cold Soak

You will need two basins. Fill one basin with hot water that you can endure. Also, fill the other basin with cold water that you can endure.

Now what you need to do is soak the affected joint alternately in hot and cold water. Start with the hot water and soak for 3 minutes. Then soak in cold water for 30 seconds and then in hot water again. Complete at least three rounds of alternating.

Epsom Salt Foot Soak

You will need a basin that is big enough to completely immerse both your two feet. Fill the basin with hot water that you can endure and add about a cup of Epsom salt. Make sure that you completely melt the Epsom salt.

Soak your feet in the solution for at least half an hour. Add more hot water once in a while to maintain the temperature throughout the half hour period. You add more Epsom salt as you add more hot water so that the solution does not become diluted.

Cortisone Shots

If all else fails, you might as well get proper medication from a licensed medical practitioner. It is advisable that you visit your doctor and request for a cortisone shot. Of course, your doctor will decide if this is necessary.

The Benefits of Alkaline Drinking Water

Although there are no exact studies proving the validity of alkaline drinking water health benefits, there are theoretical confirmations of them in existence. And the fact that it is widely used in Japan, which has one of the highest life expectancy ratings in the world, adds an ample amount of substantiation to the suggested claims. Nevertheless, buyers are not forced to base their purchasing decisions solely on what ionized water is said to contribute. Rather, they are encouraged to look at the bigger picture and figure out if it has any significant application in their lives. Whether you decide to believe it or not is up to your better judgment. But if you are curious about how the simple electrolysis of water can supposedly make your life better, here are some of its popular advantages.

a. It helps get rid of toxins. A lot of people misconstrue oxidation as an unhealthy body process. But it is actually just something that occurs in a cell's life cycle. What makes it dangerous is the accumulation of free radicals, which are the damaged particles, brought about by the destruction and replacement of old, dysfunctional cells. Free radicals, given their nature, are always eager to pair up with other molecules and make them defective. Electrolysis transforms H2O molecules into OH, and fixes it with a negative charge, so that it can effectively attract free radicals, and it ensures that they do not wreak havoc to other vital and functioning components of the human body. After attaching, they are then discarded through urine.

b. It helps neutralize the body. Even though the body does have an involuntary system that tries to correct any existing abnormalities, there are times when it lacks sensitivity or is overwhelmed by the breadth of the work it has to do. See, some people are naturally acidic. Some have conditions that make their body acidic. Some eat too much acidic rations. The consumption of alkaline drinking water enables them to help their bodies stay in a state of homeostasis and prevent adverse effects like fatigue, susceptibility to illness, headaches, and digestive problems, to name a few.

c. It gives better hydration. It is said that ionization helps break clusters of water molecules into smaller ones. This makes it easier for them to pass through cell walls, leading to faster and more efficient hydration. As a result, the body is able to look and function better, regulate its temperature more efficiently, and deliver nutrients, as well as oxygen, to the cells quicker. Better hydration also lessens the risk of developing unwanted symptoms, as well as exacerbating current conditions.

Other upsides to consuming alkaline drinking water include the prevention of diseases, such as arthritis and angina, and the retardation of the aging process. Obviously, whether they are true or not, there is a scientific explanation behind every assertion made - which makes it all the more interesting to invest in a water ionizer system

Alleviating the Most Prominent Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Some symptoms of osteoarthritis are rather subtle, while others are more obvious. Because the joint damage itself is progressive, it may be physically unnoticeable at first. Men and women may feel soreness within their hips, knees, and ankles, which can usually be alleviated by prescriptive pain medications. Individuals who have suffered with the disease for many years may eventually notice that the joints themselves have become deformed. If this occurs in the wrists and fingers, for example, they will likely have problems holding and gripping material objects.

When the joints weaken, the muscles may deteriorate as well. When this happens in the knee area, men and women may experience difficulty remaining upright for long periods of time. They may even eventually require a cane in order to get around. If they seem to be having a particularly difficult time walking, they should rest their legs until the feel a bit better. A few days of inactivity can be quite the boon for bone health. If the knee grows progressively worse, they can then see a specialist and have the area carefully x-rayed.

Their range of motion may also be limited. Some men and women first begin to notice this when they play sports. For example, if they are avid players of tennis or golf, they may find that they cannot follow through on their swings as they used to. In other cases, they may also notice significant pain, especially when they move their bodies in an unnatural way. Athletes who begin to experience signs of osteoarthritis should see their physical therapist as soon as possible. If the symptoms persist, they'll likely receive a formal diagnosis within a few days or weeks.

Though some people may notice that their joints hurt after a day of physical activity, they should pay particular attention to how they feel when they sleep. If they wake up during the night with joint pain, this could be a very real sign that their osteoarthritis is getting worse. If the pain is also accompanied by sensitive swelling, then they should revisit their physician for a routine examination. Doctors can gently perform some tests, which should pinpoint the source of the new pain.

In the end, osteoarthritis can be effectively dealt with in most people. As long as patients listen to their bodies and alert their doctors whenever significant changes are noticed, they can move forward with their treatment. Family and friends will surely be glad to help out when it comes to scheduling medical appointments and running errands around town.

Degenerative Joint Disease May Not Be The Cause of Your Pain

As you age, your body has a natural course of deterioration. It is not uncommon to have patients state that they have back or hip pain because they have degenerative joint disease. While this could contribute to their present complaint, it is unlikely that the root of their problem is related to degeneration. There is a high likelihood that your pain is being generated for a different reason, and most of the time, that reason is something that can be treated by a manual therapist.

What Is Degenerative Joint Disease?

According to Mayo Clinic, degenerative joint disease, or osteoarthritis, is the most common form of arthritis, and it affects millions of people around the world. It occurs when the cartilage on the ends of your bones wears down over time. This condition is usually most prevalent in your hands, neck, low back, knees, and hips. While there is no cure for this condition, there are therapies that can assist in relieving pain and improving joint function. These treatments include everything from different medications to manual therapy including manipulation, exercise, and muscle work (myofascial release).

Does Degenerative Joint Disease Cause Pain?

Currently, patients are being told a number of different things regarding this topic. Some have been told that their pain is entirely related to degeneration, and there is nothing that can be done about it. Others have been told that they need to be seen one time a week or once every two weeks so that their pain doesn't get worse. While pain can be related degeneration in severe cases, the literature states that mild to moderate degeneration is likely not the source of pain. The current research actually continues to state that showing a patient their x-rays or MRI's is not recommended because it decreases their rate of recovery and may prevent recovery altogether.

Severe Elbow Joint Pain - Possible Causes And Ways To Deal With It Effectively And Safely

When it comes to joint pain, arthritis is undeniably one of the biggest culprits, but we should not let that cloud our judgment. Yes, arthritis can cause severe elbow joint pain, but surprisingly enough, this is less frequent than what many people believe.

One common cause of elbow pain is a condition known as tennis elbow, and no, it does not only affect tennis players. Approximately 50% of people who participate regularly in a racquet sport will get tennis elbow at some point, but even so, the vast majority of cases involve people who do not play any type of racquet sport. Anyone with a job that is demanding on their forearm muscles is particularly at risk. Plumbers, electricians, painters, and even butchers are prime candidates.

Conventional treatment usually involves physiotherapy and pain relief medication, and sufferers are instructed to avoid using their elbow or elbows excessively. In more severe cases, patients may receive corticosteroid injections which are administered into the immediate area. Having said all that, many people are reluctant to have these injections, and many also can not afford to pay for physiotherapy. Instead, they tend to opt for natural remedies such as fish oil supplements and supplements containing New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel extract.

Nerve entrapment is another very common cause of elbow pain, but fortunately it is relatively easy to determine whether or not this is the cause of your elbow pain. In most cases of nerve entrapment, a person will also experience a tingling sensation in their little finger and their ring finger. If there is enough pressure being applied to the nerve which is trapped, the tingling can be replaced with near total numbness.

Nerve entrapment is usually self-correcting. In other words, with enough rest, the pain should eventually go away, although there are cases where surgical intervention is required so that the ulnar nerve can be repositioned.

Bone tumors can also cause a significant amount of pain in one's elbow, but in truth, this is actually very rare. As with bone tumors, septic arthritis is yet another disease which can certainly cause severe elbow joint pain, but it too is very uncommon. Additionally, it is more often than not easily treated with antibiotics, although surgery may be necessary in very severe cases.

While joint pain is often caused by medical conditions such as some of those I have discussed above, it can also quite often be caused by nothing more than a nutrient deficiency. Joints are generally high maintenance body parts, and as such, they are dependent on a healthy diet. If you know your diet is not providing you with all the vitamins and minerals your body needs, you really should try to make a few changes, or alternatively, you should consider supplementing your diet.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Common Autoimmune Condition

The Diagnosis

Today I'm writing about a subject, for me at least, is very close to home. Rheumatoid arthritis is a common inflammatory disorder affecting at least 1% of the population. I've learnt about this condition the hard way. My wife started to complain of joint pain after the birth of our son 25 years ago. What began as a vague feeling of being unwell and random joint ache rapidly progressed until one day, my wife Karen, couldn't get out of bed. The doctors performed blood tests, X-rays and clinical assessments and rapidly came to the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.

Types of Arthritis

So, what is rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and how do we contract it? First off it is necessary to distinguish RA from another common form of arthritis, called osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is due to degeneration of the joints caused by wear and tear and is a disease, in the main, of the elderly. RA causes joint damage but this is not due to normal wear and tear experienced by osteoarthritis sufferers and is not confined to the elderly and can afflict people of all ages.

An Autoimmune Disease

RA belongs to a group of conditions known as autoimmune disorders. For some reason, and the cause of the disease is still somewhat of a mystery, the body's immune system begins to attack healthy joint tissue. What is known is that there is a genetic component to the disease and it is thought that an environmental trigger is required to initiate the disease in genetically predisposed individuals. The onset is usually rapid and without effective medical intervention widespread joint damage may occur. Not everyone is affected to the same degree and the condition may not be restricted to joint damage; other bodily systems can be adversely affected.

There are a variety of treatments for RA, although there is no cure. Often multiple pharmacological approaches are taken to arrest the disease. The aim of the treatment is to prevent the inevitable joint deterioration due to disease progression. Surgery is employed as a last resort to repair the ravages of the diseases.

Doctors often apply the 'rule of thirds' to disease. It can provide a rough and ready guide to treatment and prognosis in some, but not all diseases. If we apply this 'rule' to RA and response to treatment we can rudely state: About a third of the patients respond very well and remain stabilised, a third will experience some benefit and a third will get worse.

One More Op

Karen belongs to the last category. On an average day she will consume 14 separate medications, including opiate based pain killers. Unfortunately the best efforts of modern medicine haven't prevented her from having 24 operations in the past 4 years. As I write my wife is packing for hospital and is about to undergo her 25th operation. This time it is to fuse several cervical vertebrae in her neck in an effort to stop the excruciating neck pain that is preventing her from enjoying life. My wife is stoic and tough; her resilience in the face of this disabling disease inspires me. We are hoping that this may be her last operation, although on past experience we may well be wrong.

What's Inside Our Bones?

Your bones are one of the most important organs in your body. Without them, you would have no figure and you would not have the ability to perform any activity. Your bones play a very important role also in protecting and positioning your bodily organs like the heart and lungs. Without bones, these organs would be very vulnerable to many risks.

It may sound strange but bones are very much alive and that means that they are continuously growing and changing from time to time as the body changes too. That might be hard to imagine since they are thick and hard and you would not see it grow since what we can see is our muscles. Have you ever asked yourself why bones are hard and can support your whole body? Bones are hard and strong because they are made up of special components.

A bone is made up of bone cells specifically called osteocytes. It is made up of almost 50% calcium phosphate, mainly the source of bone's thickness and endurance. Their main function is to take the proper nutrients for the bone and also give out waste materials in it. Bones, just like other organs in the body needs repair from time to time in order to maintain its hardness and strength.

The outermost surface of a bone is called the periosteum. It is also the layer where the nerves and blood vessels are found in which the bone receives the nourishment it needs. The layer next to the periosteum is called the compact bone. This layer is very unique because it is smoother compared to the outermost layer of the bone. This very hard layer is also the one you see every time you would look into skeleton at museums or laboratories. Inside the compact bones is the cancellous bone. It is a layer of the bone that contains more layers in it. Compared to compact bone, the cancellous bone is a bit softer. However, they remain strong just like the compact bone. According to studies, they can be compared to sponge when it comes to appearance. The innermost layer of the bone is consists of the bone marrow. The bone marrow is soft and it looks like a thick gel and so it is protected by the cancellous bone. The yellow bone marrow contains fats which are released when needed by the body. The red bone marrow, on the other hand, makes great amounts of red and white blood cells important to distribute oxygen all throughout the body.

Helpful Tips for Arthritis Sufferers

Arthritis is a disease that affects men and women alike. Although it is more common in adults, children are not immune from it. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis affects children before age 16. Juvenile arthritis can affect children as young as six months old. In all cases arthritis results from inflammation of the joints and can result in joint pain and swelling. We all know that we have cartilage between our bones that protects the joints where the bones meet, and allows the joints to move more smoothly. When one suffers from arthritis, it is as a result of a breakdown of the cartilage between the bones. One can imagine then that cartilage breakdown causes the bones to rub together and as a result we get the inflammation, pain and stiffness.

My dad suffered from chronic rheumatoid arthritis for a long time. To a certain extent and in hindsight, we would all probably agree that his own negligence in treating his symptoms at an early stage resulted in the long suffering that he endured as a consequence. For a long time my dad ignored the symptoms of arthritis because he just felt it was not worth making a big deal about. Was he in pain? I am sure that he was throughout the progression of his illness. As the pain grew progressively more intense his complained less and less, always thinking that it could be worse, and was trying to make the best of a bad situation. I guess he had a really high tolerance for pain because by the time he went to the doctor, there was not much that could be done to reduce his discomfort. His knee was totally disfigured. Every painful step that he took was like a torturous ritual of bone grinding on bone according to what the x-rays showed and to the doctors disbelief. Yet, when the doctor suggested that he must be in a lot of pain he still waived it off as being bearable and that it was not a big deal. When dad was out of ear shot the doctor confided that regardless of what Dad says, he must be and has been in a lot of pain for a really long time. That was really hard to hear. The disease, therefore, its symptoms and treatment are things that we need to be aware of and pay attention to just in case we or our loved ones must deal with the disease.

Below are some of the symptoms that we should be aware of. Many of these symptoms can be observed with the naked eye or can be felt. We have to be vigilant and seek professional help early as soon as we begin noticing these changes in either our own bodies or those of our loved ones.

Joint pain - This can be felt. Also we know by observing or listening and paying attention to the person experiencing the discomfort and talking about it

Joint swelling - can be observed or the arthritis sufferer might experience discomfort or tightness in the joint first and then observe the swelling

Limited ability to move the joint-- The joint feels different from before the illness. May happen slowly over time

The skin around a joint develops some redness in color-- The way that we know about this is by paying attention to changes in our bodies

Stiffness-- This usually happens after prolonged sitting. May also be felt in the mornings after the joints have been in the same position for some time

Increased temperature around the joint -- usually fells warmer to the touch

All of these symptoms are very easy to feel or observe but because they are so routine they can easily be missed also. The types of treatments that are used for arthritis depend on the stage at which one is with the illness when they are seeking treatment. The earlier arthritis symptoms are recognized and treated, the more functional the patient is over the course of the illness.

Disabled World News (2010-06-21) lists some of the treatments for arthritis to include:

Rest

Relaxation

Exercise

Proper diet

Medication

Instruction about the proper use of joints and ways to conserve energy.

The article also mentions other more invasive treatments that include the use of methods to relieve pain, and assistive devices such as splints or braces. Although the treatments seem relatively routine, in severe cases, surgery may be necessary. It is up to doctors and patients to work together to develop a treatment plan that helps the patient maintain or improve his or her lifestyle.

It is generally understood that the treatment of arthritis is not a one size fit all. When one looks at the treatment options, they mostly seem non-invasive. This would suggest that early diagnosis and treatment can make a huge difference in the quality of lives of arthritis sufferers although none of these will actually cure the disease. Be observant and get to a health professional early.

Healthy Habits to Fight Gout

So you might be a gout sufferer worrying about how to reduce uric acid in your body, but you don't want to resort to taking pharmaceuticals right away. That is a very smart and healthy way of thinking, as drugs might have side effects in the long run that might harm you. Luckily for you there are natural and healthy steps you can take to lower the risk of having painful gout attacks. Just make it a habit to follow these tips.

1. Drink plenty of water. Yes, it's as simple as that. Water dissolves uric acid and helps the kidneys and your excretory system maintain a healthy level of it in your body. Make it a point to drink 2 - 3 liters or 8- 10 glasses of water daily, evenly spaced throughout the day. I know I don't have to remind you to not try to drink it all at once.

2. Maintain a healthy body weight. Gout patients are typically men who are in their 40′s and are slightly to morbidly overweight or obese. Exercise regularly and maintain a proper healthy nutrition to reach and maintain your ideal weight. This will help reduce your uric acid levels. However, crash dieting or a sudden drop in your weight is counterproductive and may actually increase the concentration in your body and cause gout attacks. Also, make sure you don't overuse the gout affected areas of your body during exercise.

3. Watch your purine intake. Uric acid is the byproduct formed when your body breaks down and metabolizes purines. Purines are organic compounds found in the genetic structure of plants and animals. That means all kinds of food have purines, though some foods contain more purines than others, and as a result produces more uric acid when they are digested.

It is just common sense to watch what food you eat and know what foods to avoid with gout. You can also take up a low purine diet, where you eliminate foods with high purine content from your diet. This will help lower your uric acid levels and prevent your gout from acting up.

The most important factor for these tips to work is discipline. It might mean saying no to your favorite dish or dragging yourself to the gym or health club. But I am sure you'll agree that this is a worthy trade-off to the excruciating pain of suffering from gout.

Foods You Should Avoid to Prevent Gout Attacks

Watching your diet is a crucial part in reducing your uric acid and preventing gout. Knowing which foods to avoid can sometimes be more important than knowing how to reduce uric your acid - as the old adage says, prevention is better than cure. Learning which foods to avoid with gout will help you considerably in the long run.

A high purine content in the diet will significantly increase gout sufferer's chances of having a painful gout attack. Uric acid comes from the breakdown of purines from the food that we eat. If you have gout, you should know the purine content of the food you usually eat. Knowing which foods to avoid with gout can significantly help prevent gout attacks. You should avoid foods with high purine content to prevent gout attacks. There are a lot of sources on the internet you can check to see the purine content of common foods.

Generally you should avoid eating liver, small and large intestines, spleen, heart, kidneys and other animal organ meats. Seafood you should avoid are sardines, mackerel, herring, clams and mussels. Red meats should be consumed moderately. Fatty foods and fried foods should generally be avoided.

You should also refrain from drinking alcohol, as it not only increases your uric acid but is also a diuretic, which means it dehydrates you - making it harder for your body to expel excess uric acid. You should also moderate your consumption of coffee and sodas and sweets, especially chocolate. Beverages that are caffeinated and are artificially acidified with citric acid can also aggravate your situation. Foods that you can consume in moderation should be avoided during a gout episode.

Discipline is the key to maintain a healthy purine content in your diet. You should also take the time to learn about the food you eat, and take note of foods that seem to trigger your gout. There is no set uric acid level that triggers gout attacks, each person has a different threshold so you should pay attention to how your body reacts. You should also form some healthy habits to reduce your uric acid level and prevent gout attacks.

Is There Really Any Connection Between Joint Pain And Alcohol Consumption?

Countless people say they often experience pain or discomfort in some of their joints after they have been drinking alcohol. They also say the level of pain they experience is proportionate to the amount of alcohol they consume. In other words, the more they drink, the worse the pain. What do medical professionals have to say about this?

If you tend to party hard, then you will no doubt be pleased to hear that there is seemingly no real evidence to suggest that alcohol consumption can cause joint pain. Countless studies have already been carried out over the years, and researchers have never yet managed to establish a direct link. However, this still does not mean alcohol can't contribute in an indirect way.

It is for example a well known fact that excessive drinking increases the risk of getting gout substantially, and of course gout can cause severe pain in some of your joints, with feet and knees being the most commonly affected joints. Gout is essentially caused by a buildup of uric acid in the body, and it often goes away after a few months, only to return again at a later stage.

Alcohol consumption is also known to cause weight gain, and this in turn can and frequently does result in joint pain. Those first few beers may not interfere with your weight, but if you are drinking regularly, your weight will definitely start creeping up gradually. In fact, this can happen so slowly that you don't even realize it until you start experiencing aches and pains in your joints. Do not forget, every extra pound you put on increases the burden on your joints.

Joint pain is also often caused by poor sleeping habits, and of course alcohol can be a major culprit in this regard. You may think you have a much better sleep if you have a few drinks first, but the truth is, you don't. Under normal circumstances, you will always move around in your sleep. You may go to sleep on your back and wake up still lying on your back, but you can be rest assured, you would have spent some time on your side or on your stomach during the night.

This natural pain prevention mechanism does not always happen if you go to sleep drunk. Also, you may fall asleep in a position which is far from being ideal, and naturally this can cause you to have painful joints when you wake up the next day.

While there might not be a direct link between joint pain and alcohol consumption, it is clear that alcohol can be a contributing factor. Drinking too much can also cause a vast amount of other health problems, so it really is best to only drink in moderation.

Reactive Arthritis Versus Reiter's Syndrome

What should this disease be called? Should a physician convicted of war crimes against people under his care be honored by calling a disease after him?

Reactive arthritis is also known as Reiter's Syndrome, arthritis urethritica, venereal arthritis and polyarteritis enterica.

It is an autoimmune condition that develops in response to an infection in another part of the body (cross-reactivity). Bacterial infections often trigger the disease.

Reactive arthritis has symptoms similar to various other conditions collectively known as "arthritis". By the time the patient experiences symptoms, oftentimes the "trigger" infection has been cured or is in remission in chronic cases.

The manifestations of reactive arthritis include the following triad of symptoms: an inflammatory arthritis of large joints, commonly including the knee and the back (due to involvement of the sacroiliac joint), inflammation of the eyes in the form of conjunctivitis, which is inflammation of the outer layer of the eye, or uveitis, which is inflammation of the middle layers of the eye, and urethritis in men or cervicitis in women. Patients may also have lesions on the mucus membranes of the skin, as well as psoriasis-like skin lesions. There may also be inflammation where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heal bone, resulting in heel pain. Not all affected persons have all the manifestations (Source: Mayo Clinic ).

The question of what to call this syndrome stems from the fact Hans Conrad Julius Reiter (February 26, 1881 - November 25, 1969), who was a German physician, described the syndrome in 1916. Reiter was not the first person to describe this condition but he was an energetic and long lived self-promoter, and the name Reiter's Syndrome eventually caught on.

Reiter was also an enthusiastic supporter of the Nazi regime. He wrote a well known book on racial hygiene. He designed typhus inoculation experiments that killed more than 250 prisoners at concentration camps, like Buchenwald. He was later convicted of war crimes for his medical experiments at the concentration camp at Buchenwald.

In 1977, appalled by his war crimes, a group of doctors began a campaign for the term "Reiter's Syndrome" to be abandoned and renamed "reactive arthritis." In the last few years, the campaign to change the name to reactive arthritis has met with considerable success.

Personally, I already favored the term reactive arthritis, because I found that it enabled me to get better medical care. Now, having recently learned more about the name change campaign, I have one more reason to favor the name reactive arthritis. Thank you to Don Taylor who recently wrote me about Dr. Reiter's history, of which I was previously unaware.

How to Find an Effective Treatment for Osteoarthritis

Older individuals who begin to find that they have stiffness or pain within certain joints of the body may want to see their physician for a formal diagnosis. If, as is likely, they are found to be suffering from osteoarthritis, they can begin to develop a treatment plan that will allow them to remain active and independent for a considerable amount of time. Their doctor may ultimately recommend a number of different activities for managing the joint paint. By sticking to the plan that has been devised for them, they should eventually find some relief.

Exercise can do wonders for joint pain and may in fact be the focal point of any effective osteoarthritis treatment regimen. Even if men and women have not committed themselves to physical activity for years, they should at least attempt to do a bit of walking a few days per week. As they gradually build up their cardiovascular systems, they should find themselves more willing to take on longer distances. They may even progress to the point where they would like to try swimming, jogging, or even running. The greater point here, of course, is that sufferers of arthritis can actually boost their flexibility and prevent further joint damage by becoming just a little more active. This is something that everyone should shoot for.

Closely in tune with the idea of exercise is the notion that weight loss will provide significant benefits to those who suffer from arthritis. For example, moderate weight loss can reduce stress on the knees and hips, and this is often where bone degeneration is found. By eating healthier, men and women will often find that the amount of weight they can lose is rather surprising. Sugary snacks should be cut out of the diet and replaced with fruits and vegetables whenever possible. As long as individuals have a drive to drop some weight, they should find success, which will show itself through less frequent joint discomfort.

In some cases, if a certain joint has fallen into total disrepair, individuals might opt for some kind of replacement surgery. Modern medicine has bestowed upon the wider populace a range of incredible benefits, and the ability to rather easily switch out a hip or a knee is one of these. People who choose to have one of these operations should meet with a good surgeon for an idea of what to expect. With an amiable support group of family members and friends, they can pursue a quick recovery. In the aftermath, they'll be able to get around without much pain at all.

The information contained in this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not, nor is it ever intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice or professional recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician(s) or other qualified healthcare provider(s).