Arthritis

It’s heart-breaking to see older dogs get sick, especially when they become debilitated. Everyone likes canine companions that are active and playful. However, dogs also get old too and begin to experience certain illness that may prohibit them from doing the things that they enjoyed before with their master.

Canine arthritis or osteoarthritis can also happen to dogs regardless of any breed or size. Like human beings, canine arthritis is a progressive disease that involves the joints which can lead to permanent debilitation. When a dog is young, it can run and play the whole day since cartilage is very much present in the joints. As years pass by, cartilage in the dog�s joint may decrease thereby causing the dog to exhibit the following symptoms: limping, walking slowly, refusing to be touched, reluctant to play/walk or engage in physical activities and having a hard time to stand up from a resting position. If these symptoms show when the dog is already middle-aged, then most likely it is suffering from canine arthritis or a degenerative joint disease.

According to some veterinarians, the onset of canine arthritis is brought about by infections, malnutrition or trauma that the dog has experienced. A dog that has been injured at some point in its younger years is a candidate for canine arthritis. Also certain infections can affect the dog�s cartilage that can do damage to the bones. The best way to address this concern as soon as symptoms are detected is to visit the veterinarian with your dog. Once the vet has conducted a physical assessment of the dog’s condition, arthritis can be arrested. Normally, medications are prescribed by the doctor once canine arthritis is detected. The drugs fit the purpose of reducing pain, increasing range of motion as well as delaying the progress of arthritis so the dog can still enjoy some physical activity. Usually, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs commonly known as NSAIDs are administered to dogs with arthritis to lessen the swelling and pain. Dog owners must encourage their canine friends to regularly walk or swim so their mobility would not be impaired as long as the activity is not too hard.

Canine arthritis can be handled well by taking care of your dog and listening to the advice of your veterinarian.

People around the world suffer from pain caused by arthritis on a daily basis regardless of race or gender. Most of the time, the aged population are searching for means to deal with the pain brought by arthritis that affects their mobility in performing routine tasks. A complete understanding of treatment options for arthritis has many benefits since people can be liberated from the pain that affect them daily. Nevertheless, the most fundamental step would be to consult a doctor before applying any kind of treatment for arthritis. In the first place, there are many types of arthritis so correct diagnosis must be made before any treatment is applied.

The first option commonly advised by doctors are medications that alleviates the pain and makes the inflammation or swelling subside. Arthritis is mainly inflammation of the joints so control of inflammation would lessen the pain felt by the person. Some drugs can simple be pain-killers while others maybe a combination pain-killers and anti-inflammatory. There are regular medications like acetaminophen,ibuprofen,aspirin and some health supplements as well as topical creams that can lessen the discomfort and pain. Lately, there have been studies made on the efficiency of capsaicin in reducing arthritis pain by incorporating it into topical creams. For more severe cases of arthritis where pain is intolerable, drugs such as COX-2 inhibitors, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , steroids and cortisone injections are administered.

The next step is to advise patients to have physical therapy that can enhance their mobility and correct stiffness of joints. People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis need some mobility which can be greatly aided by physical therapy. Physical therapists assist people with arthritis through stretching that enables them to gain additional mobility. Normal activities such as walking, climbing and even jogging can be performed again gradually. A more complete treatment for arthritis does not only include medicines but helpful assistive devices such as crutches or braces for added but short-term mobility. Briefly, an assortment of treatment options ranging from assistive devices to medications are available though one must consult a doctor first.

A huge majority of old people all over the world become physically impaired due to arthritis. Elderly people worldwide experience arthritis symptoms like stiffness in the morning, inflammation of joints , weakness and fever. Usually, pain starts from small joints such as wrists,ankles,hands and reach wider areas like shoulders, arms ,back. Fundamental to understanding arthritis is learning that there are various types of arthritis, no less than a hundred forms. As an overview of the types of arthritis, this article feature common types of arthritis that affects millions of people worldwide. Being equipped with the knowledge of the different types of arthritis help people cope by taking the right precautions that would prevent the progress of arthritis.

1. Rheumatoid arthritis � this form of arthritis exhibit swelling or inflammation of the joints. This type of arthritis can have an early onset age as early as 40s, especially among women. Once the synovial joints are affected, inflammation begins. Bones could get deformed in this type of arthritis so prompt medical attention is needed. Children are not spared from having rheumatoid arthritis too.

2. Osteoarthritis – Arthritis caused by weak or reduced cartilage because of overexertion or excess body weight. Cartilage often gets damaged quickly since it’s responsible for absorbing the shock in our bones. When bones start to rub against each other pain is felt by the person. When this happens, the person with OA has limited mobility.

3. Infectious arthritis – type of arthritis that is caused by bacteria,fungi or virus to go through the synovium thereby enabling such foreign bodies to reach tissues and joints through the bloodstream. Among the elderly population that can be severely affected by this form of arthritis are those who have experienced infections when they were younger so immediate consultation with a doctor is necessary.

4. Juvenile arthritis (JRA) – Arthritis that affects children as young as 16 years old. Usually, they are anemic and have fever along with painful joints. It comes in various forms that exhibit the severity of arthritis in a child.

Arthritis have no less than a hundred variety but the most usual type would be discussed. Don�t let arthritis worsen. Consult a doctor today.

A large number of the world’s population with arthritis must be mindful of certain things to arrest the development of arthritis. Normally, arthritis attacks smaller joints in the hands, wrist, knees and slowly spread to larger joints of the body found in the back,arms, shoulders, hips,etc. To prevent this from happening, some lifestyle changes are necessary for people with arthritis. This includes modification of one�s diet so it can result to weight loss that lessens the load on the joints.

People with arthritis should minimize consuming red meat such as beef and pork since these meat products can elevate uric acid and thereby lead to gout. Also, consuming meat products can make you gain weight is not advisable for people suffering from arthritis. However, falling into fad diets such as fasting and vegetarian diets are extreme measures which should be not be the diet for people with arthritis. Some studies as compiled by credible websites about arthritis suggests the following:

1. Avoid eating food that has high purine content. This promotes inflammation so that�s why the following should be avoided : meat organs, mussels, yeast, herring, sardines and sweetbreads. Commonly, people think that legumes, beans and some vegetables are bad for arthritis when in fact there are many food types that have higher purine content that must not be consumed. Cola products like soft drinks must be avoided at all costs since they have high phosphoric acid that depletes calcium needed for the repair of bones. Intake of coffee and other high caffeine beverages must also be minimized.

2. Omega-3 rich food varieties should be consumed since this can reduce inflammation among those with rheumatoid arthritis. Omega-3 fatty acid rich food are salmon, mackerel and tuna because of their oil. On the contrary, food with omega 6 fatty acids should be avoided like vegetable oil. There are also some research pointing out to food cooked in high heat as factor in inducing inflammation. High quality olive oil can also suppress inflammation like Ibuprofen according to Dr. Beauchamp of Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia. Besides, olive oil contains omega 3 oil which is good for over-all health.

Diet for arthritis need not be severe or overly restrictive. The secret is having a well-balanced diet that excludes food that cause inflammation. Diet for people with arthritis can also be properly advised by a doctor or nutritionist.

Unknowingly to many individuals, the pain coming from their swollen joints are already mild symptoms of arthritis. Normally, old folks are bothered by symptoms like swollen or stiff joints that makes it hard for them to move especially around morning time. Every day, the elderly struggle with performing tasks that seem routine like walking yet so difficult because of the pain coming from arthritis. Normally, individuals who are in pain take pain killers or analgesics hoping to make the pain disappear. The truth is, arthritis simply does not go away and would continue to affect millions of elderly people globally. It is them important to have the correct diagnosis for arthritis in order to get the proper treatment. Intake of certain medicines without doctor�s advice can even worsen the situation since some drugs can weaken the immune system. A weakened immune system aggravates arthritis so correct diagnosis for arthritis is very crucial step towards coping with arthritis.

The first step in getting the right diagnosis for arthritis is to consult a doctor that specializes in orthopedics. In majority of cases, doctors require laboratory tests and a medical history of patients which can help him arrive at the right diagnosis. There are many types of arthritis, as much as a hundred types so it�s necessary to determine which form of arthritis afflicts you.

Normally, a doctor begins with a physical examination to detect the symptoms of arthritis such as joint stiffness, nodules under the hand, extent of range of motion, fever and redness around joints. Repeated manifestation of symptoms most likely indicate that arthritis is already present. A secondary step in that would lead to the right diagnosis are laboratory exams such as blood tests, rheumatoid factor, erythrocyte sedimentation rate ,C-reactive protein,CBC ,x-rays etc.. The doctor can ask a patient to undergo certain tests but not really all the tests aforementioned. A thorough examination of the patient as well as laboratory results can specifically determine the type of arthritis.

Arthritis is a leading cause of disability especially when symptoms are not detected immediately. Consult a doctor who specializes in arthritis to get a correct diagnosis.

Globally, millions of individuals suffer from a common type of arthritis known as degenerative arthritis. Secondary to rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative arthritis plagues millions of people everyday causing so much pain. Normally, degenerative arthritis happens because the cartilage around the joints have been reduced due to aging. Because of this, parts of our body that beats weight such as hips ( for women) and knees often get affected by degenerative arthritis especially for those who are overweight. Daily activities such as walking and climbing stairs gives our joints a beating that we often ignore until the time pain is felt.

Degenerative arthritis can affect people who are in their mid-40s, especially men. In the United States alone, 20 million people suffer from degenerative arthritis according to a report from the national health department. As the cartilage wear out, spurs or small new bones develop that is actually greatly responsible for the pain in this type of arthritis. The swelling causes pain and as a response the cartilage produces new bone growth. Loss of cartilage makes the bone rub against one another which results to pain.

Primary osteoarthritis is the term given by doctors to arthritis that has no traceable cause such as previous trauma which is quite puzzling on the bones. Despite other factors, being overweight has great repercussion in having degenerative arthritis. Secondary arthritis is the term given to this type of arthritis where the main cause is excess bodyweight.

Commonly known as osteoarthritis (OA), denegerative arthritis happens when the cartilage gets damaged by certain factors. In fact, there is no way yet to stop the progressing of this ailment although some supplements and medication may be able to reduce the pain and swelling as well. Overweight individuals with OA are advised to exercise by doctors. In addition to this, weight resistance exercises and physical stimulation can strengthen weak areas and hinder the progress of OA. In short, once you have degenerative arthritis it won’t go away but medicines and doctor’s advise can help in coping with it.

Daily, arthritis affects millions of people worldwide which hinders them from performing simple tasks like walking,climbing or doing household chores. Even simple physical activities such as grasping door knobs,handling objects,walking or climbing stairs. It’s possible to happen since common symptoms of arthritis are associated with pain brought by worn-out joints among old people. As a result, the joints are inflamed and people are somehow immobilized since certain parts of the body like hands, knees, hips and back have become stiff. A little physical exertion on their part would cause so much pain.

Understanding early onset of arthritis symptoms can make us prepare for the onset of this disease. Also, as soon as arthritis symptoms are detected we can immediately consult a health professional to give us proper medical advice about arthritis. Although there are many types of arthritis classified with rheumatoid arthritis as the most common, the symptoms are basically the same.

Usual symptoms of arthritis occurs in the form of pain surrounding joint area. The Mayo Clinic identified usual symptoms as : joint pain, inflammation of joints,sensitive joints, red and puffy hands, weakness or fatigue, fever, loss of weight and firm bumps of tissue under the skin of the arms usually termed as �rheumatoid nodules�. It is usual for people with arthritis to notice that their joints are stiff for the whole part of the morning. Truly, arthritis is the leading cause of debilitation for old people.

Usual symptoms of arthritis occurs in areas near smaller joints like wrists, hands and ankles at the beginning. As the disease progresses, ailments and painful symptoms are felt in some parts of the body like elbows,knees,hips,arms and shoulders. Arthritis symptoms occur symmetrically most of the time, so for example, both legs feel the pain which is a burden. Arthritis symptoms also disappear from time to time which relieves the person suffering from it. Though there maybe episodes of pain that are widely-spaced apart, once the inflammation happens arthritis appears again.

Daily, millions of people suffering from arthritis encounter challenges in mobility as they perform tasks. Regular daily routine like walking, climbing stairs, holding objects, grasping things,cutting are difficult for individuals with arthritis because of pain and swelling. It is unfortunate that many old people with arthritis are left on their own , tending to their own chores. Good thing there are available arthritis products that make the life of arthritis sufferers easier and more tolerable. Many types of arthritis products suit different purposes and needs.

Popular arthritis products are assistive devices. These devices are created in mind for people with disability such as individuals who are moderately to severely debilitated by arthritis. For example, people with arthritis have difficulty in grasping objects which is a risk when it comes to using the toilet. Specially designed products such as bath handrails, hand held mirror, bath transfer bench, raised toilet seat riser, shower seat and commode with safety rails and bathtub rails are now available to make bathing safer for people with arthritis..

Mobility aids are also part of arthritis products that are practical and useful for those impaired by arthritis. Arthritis pose as a challenge to mobility but products like cane holder, gel hand pads, wheel chair hand grips and wheel chair backpacks makes it easier for those who use the wheelchair or crutches..

People with arthritis find getting out of bed in the morning as difficult especially when they’re alone. Getting in and out of bed is made easy by mobility aids such as bed handles, transfer handles and bed rails. Personal alarms are among the useful arthritis products that help old people call for help without shouting.

Even silverware are now designed for those with arthritis. Adaptive silverware are very useful for people with arthritis since they can eat with less effort since their hands have limited grasp. There are kitchen devices like can and jar openers made for people with arthritis.

Surely, arthritis products go a long way in assisting people with arthritis in their daily life.

Everyday millions of people with arthritis experience stiffness of joints and swollen knees, ankles, hands, back or hips. Normally, arthritis sets in when a person reaches 60s since this affliction is common among older people when joints are getting damaged. However, some children can also experience arthritis brought about by infection. Also, women have a higher incidence of arthritis than men. Pain is the most common symptom experienced by individuals with arthritis that is why is best to understand this ailment as much as possible so when the time comes, you know many things about arthritis.

The most fundamental thing you need to learn about arthritis as an ailment is that it is a condition wherein joints of the body are badly damaged and thereby becomes inflamed most of the time. However, one must understand that arthritis comes in many forms, as much as a hundred types of arthritis afflict people from all over the world. In all types of arthritis, pain is a common symptom since the area around the joints are inflamed. Sometimes, the pain can be caused by the usual wear and tear of the joints, certain joint diseases, hurting joints and physical fatigue from over exertion. It is not unusual also for people with arthritis to suffer when the weather is cold.

Another thing that people must understand about arthritis is that it cannot be cured but there are ways to prevent the pain from progressing. Some people are given medications by doctors to alleviate the pain so they can resume their normal activities such as household chores or going to work. It is advisable for people with arthritis to maintain moderate physical activity suck as walking so joints would not get stuck. Although, this suggestion seems difficult since the presence of pain poses as a challenge. It�s necessary for some people with arthritis to eat a healthy diet that�s suited for their case. Arthritis has no cure once it afflicts a person but it is possible to slow down the progress of this disease that will curb down the pain.

Normally, it is believed that arthritis affect millions of older people who are at least on their fifties. Medical research asserts that the most common type of arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis) is the leading contributor to disability among the elderly. As a person grow older, it is highly probable that the individual will experience arthritis. The stiffness, pain and inflammation are actually manifestations that a person has arthritis, but what really causes arthritis? This article gives a clear explanation of what causes arthritis and how its development can be delayed.

For a better understanding of what causes arthritis, it is familiarize yourself with some information about the joints. This explanation is not intended for medical advice , rather, as a general overview of what causes arthritis.

All people have immune system that wards off possible attacks of germs, virus, bacteria or any matter that may cause harm to our body. When our own immune system infiltrates the synovium, arthritis happens. The synovium is a protective lining to our joints that can actually thicken or harden once inflammation happen. As a consequence, cartilage and joints are gradually damaged leading to the weakening of tendons and ligaments. As years go by, joints suffer from deformity and be misaligned. Therefore, medical history about infections can be revealing and contribute information on the onset of arthritis. Then it is highly advisable to consult a doctor so treatment can be administered to avoid complications. On most normal cases, the synovial fluid surrounding cartilage lessens as we age; thus, arthritis is brought about by the normal wear and tear of daily living. So far despite the advance medical research, doctors still cannot precisely determine why arthritis occurs earlier in some individuals. Now that we are better quipped with knowledge of what causes arthritis, prevention is possible.