What is Arthritis

With the passage of time, many people start to feel pain and stiffness in the body. Sometimes they hurt the hands, knees, shoulders and are hard to move because they can become swollen. These people may have arthritis. Arthritis can be caused by inflammation of the tissue lining the joints. Some signs of inflammation include redness, warmth, pain and swelling. These problems indicate that something is wrong.

Joints are where two bones meet, such as the elbow or knee. With the passage of time, in some types of arthritis, but not all joints can be seriously affected.

There are different types of arthritis. Arthritis can also occur with other diseases, when this happens, other organs such as eyes, chest, or skin may also be affected. Some people may worry that arthritis means they will not be able to work or to care for their children and family. Others think that arthritis is part of life and as such have to accept.

The truth is that arthritis can be painful. But there are some things you can do to feel better. This brochure will give you information about arthritis and some ideas on what to do to continue to enjoy many of the things you enjoy doing.

The arthritis is inflammation or wear of a joint, this being of two types:

* Osteoarthritis (OA): A deformation produced by wear of the cartilage between the bones, so that these cartilages disappears causing bones to rub against each other, especially in the extremities.
* Rheumatoid arthritis: That unlike the previous extends to the whole body inflamed cartilage and synovial membrane around the joints of the bones, causing the output of the synovial fluid (oily liquid used to lubricate and protect against friction and wear bones).

Symptoms
* Limitation of movement.
* Swelling of the joints.
* Joint pain
* Local heat.
* Deformation of the affected body part (hands, feet, etc..) Increase over time preventing the person to move freely.

There are many diseases and syndromes that can cause arthritis, including:
1. Microcrystal arthritis: the suffering the affects of gout.
2. Neuropathy arthritis: produced by lesions of the nervous system.
3. Rheumatoid arthritis and its variants: a multifactor origin.
4. Infectious Arthritis (Septic Arthritis): Source bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic.
5. Systemic diseases: such as home skin (psoriatic arthritis), digestive (arthritis associated with inflammatory bowel disease), neuropathy...
6. Reactive arthritis: in response to multiple factors.

You can feel better!
Arthritis can damage your joints, organs and skin. There are some things you can do to prevent the damage from getting worse. They can also make you feel better.

* Try to control your weight. Excess weight can cause pain in your knees and hips.
* Exercise. The movement of all joints will help. Your doctor or nurse can teach you how to move more easily. Going for a walk every day will help.
* Take medications as prescribed, as these can help reduce pain and stiffness.
* Take a warm shower in the morning.
* See your doctor regularly.
* Seek information that can help.

Read more on Arthritis Remedies and Joint Pains Relief and Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments.

Misconceptions about Arthritis and Food

It is all too often and completely unwarranted links between acid blood and rheumatism and gout. The claim that sour or acidic foods like tomatoes and yogurt making gout and other rheumatic diseases would cause was therefore entirely out of thin air.

Food makes blood acidic
The acidity of the blood is in no way influenced by foods that contain high or low acidity would. The acidity (pH) of blood from the power supply by a number of control mechanisms in our body is closely regulated. An increase in the acidity in the blood is only in very severe, acute illnesses which are fast terminal.

The acidity of the blood has nothing to do with the uric acid concentration in the blood is increased in gout. 99 % of uric acid in the blood is also present in the form of orate, the neutral salt of uric acid.

No food allergy
Another major misconception is that arthritis is due to a food allergy to milk or eggs for example. Unlike diseases such as allergic eczema, the majority of rheumatic patients no specific food allergy.

Food and rheumatism
There is as yet no miracle diet for rheumatism. A direct causal link between diet and the development of rheumatic diseases has never been demonstrated. A customized nutrition based on the food triangle may be an important supporting role.

Important points
• pursue a healthy body weight not too many calories;
• Significantly reduce alcohol;
• Drink plenty of water;
• Plenty of fruit and vegetables;
• Regularly eat fish;
• include sufficient calcium through diet and dairy products are our main suppliers calcium;
• Take regular exercise has a positive effect on both bone mass and muscle function.

In other words, the recommendations are consistent with a healthy nutrition and lifestyles that it is beneficial for non- rheumatic diseases.

Read more on Arthritis Remedies and Joint Pains Relief and Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments.

Natural Remedies for Joint Pains Relief

Joint pain is caused by many different conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, gout, lupus, injury, tendonitis, many infectious diseases, and overuse. No matter what the cause, joint pain relief is readily sought, as joint issues can impair mobility and lessen the quality of life. Many of those who suffer from joint pain are elderly, and the combination of joint pain and other medical conditions can become a real nuisance late in life.

They are as follows:-
Exercise: - Exercise daily (within the limits of comfort) to get relief from pain. In arthritis, the joints become stiff and red. They are almost unable to move; Regular exercise nourishes the areas around joints and makes them flexible. The bones and muscles also become healthy with regular exercise. This way the pain while moving can be conquered. Right kind of exercise helps in speedy recovery. One should consult the doctor before starting any physical activity or exercise. Walking and swimming are quite beneficial.

Yoga – Gentle yoga is very good for arthritis patients because it eases sore joints and reduces stress.

Take Rest - Don’t overburden your muscles by too much exercising or physical activities. Take rest or slow down, when your body needs it.

Changes in lifestyle – Poor lifestyle habits are responsible for arthritis. Maintain an active lifestyle. Avoid putting stress on joints of fingers, hips, neck and knee. Take rest while working for a long time.

Heat and Cold- Hot bath, hot water bottles, heating pads or ice packs can help soothing the joint pain and stiffness. These things increase the blood flow in the skin and produce soothing effect.

Joint Protection Accessories - Use shoe inserts canes, braces, walkers and other helpful devices to reduce stress on joints and prevent them from injury.

Massage- Lightly massaging the painful muscle increases blood flow and soothes the stressed area.

Acupuncture- Acupuncture helps in relieving pain.

Meditation – It is a natural treatment which can reduce stress and ease muscle tension by restoring the body to a calm state. During this stage, the body repairs itself and prevents the muscles against new damage.

Take good sleep – It is quite necessary to keep a good sleeping habit. It decreases the fatigue levels. Listen to soft music or take a warm bath before sleeping.

Joint pain is troublesome, so always consult your doctor if you are feeling pain in joints even after several self care efforts. Natural remedies can help empower us to take charge of our health and can significantly contribute to our well-being. Best of all they do so without any serious side effects.

Read more on Arthritis Remedies andJoint Pains Relief and Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments.