Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Ginger as an Alternative Arthritis Remedy

No...we're not talking about Ginger from Gilligan's Island. Although I'm sure that might distract one for little while.

What we are talking about is the herb, ginger. It happens to be great at alleviating arthritis pains. In fact, ginger has been used for centuries because of its anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to reduce swelling and the pain associated with arthritis.

How much of arthritis herb ginger you should take depends on you. It is recommended to take 255 mg of concentrated extract of ginger supplement twice a day to help with the symptoms of your arthritis.

Clinical trials have shown that by taking this amount for six weeks that the degree of arthritis pain was reduced and the condition improved.

Aside from ginger's pungent taste, it is completely harmless to take (although it may call for a little heartburn). So, whether this treatment is right for you is completely up to you and your doctor.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lung Cancer

Does rheumatoid arthritis increase the risk of acquiring lung cancer? This question seems to up in the air.

Research done by the NDB (National Databank for Rheumatic Diseases) in 2006 found no increased risk of lung cancer among those with rheumatoid arthritis. However, it did find increased risk for those who smoked, had lower levels of education, and had dyspnea.

Recently, a study done at Temple University Hospital found just the opposite results. According to their data, those with rheumatoid arthritis are at an increased risk to acquire lung cancer. They go on to say that this is so even with no evidence of tobacco use or asbestos exposure.

The doctors and researchers may still be up in arms with this question. It is important to note that the FDA is still investigating whether drugs used to treat RA are linked to cancers.

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

The Best Alternative Arthritis Pain Reliever For You

If you are fed up with your current arthritis medications, you may be looking for an alternative arthritis pain reliever.

Because you need something that will ease your suffering and provide you relief from your incessant arthritic symptoms, you may need something that will speed the healing from this horrible health condition.

That is something the current drug industry just cannot offer you, no matter how hard they try. The best bet at this point is to find an alternative arthritis pain reliever.

Many different quacks out there claim that they can give you a cure to help you deal with your rheumatoid arthritis or your osteoarthritis. The unfortunate truth, though, is that they just want to sell you a product so they can line their pockets with more money.

You need a product that really works. You need something that has gone through drug trials and had research studies completed about it. You need something that will make a difference when you get out of bed each morning. You need honey bee venom treatments.

What Are Honey Bee Venom Treatments?

In countries that respect alternative medications, including alternative arthritis pain relievers, honey bee venom therapy has been used for years to treat lots of different conditions, including many forms of arthritis. At one time, it involved the process of placing an actual bee near the inflamed joint and having it sting the patient.

Luckily now, though, the patient can just be injected with purified bee venom in the problem area. This alternative arthritis pain reliever contains phospholipase A and melittin which seems to stop the inflammation of most joints. The clinical trials for this alternative arthritis pain reliever show that it helps most suffers.

Talk to your doctor before you begin this treatment, as it could be deadly if you are allergic to bee stings. For more alternative arthritis pain reliever products, visit some of the other articles on our website.

Dean Iggo is the webmaster of http://www.treating-arthritis.com/ a website providing the best arthritis treatments as well as unbiased reviews of popular arthritis remedies and gout treatment products.



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Monday, October 16, 2006

Exercise and Arthritis - Deadly Mix??

Exercising on a consistent basis can improve the mobility and flexibility of your joints. It could also provide for your overall better fitness, more self-esteem because of independence, and lower levels of depression.

Now there are several approaches to exercise and each has different results. What are some of these?

Certain exercises can enhance your range of motion. These range of motion exercises involve rotating the joints in all directions. If you have an advanced form of arthritis or experience a lot of pain, then this type of exercise is a good place to start. Consistency is key. If you experience high inflammatory pain due to joint movement, then this exercise is vital for you to perform to maintain functionality.

Other strengthening exercises (such as isometric and isotonic) allow the body to endure pain more easily. As the muscles are strengthened you may experience that the pain of the movement of the joints decreases because they are more stable and supported.

Certain aerobic exercises (walking, running, cycling) can be utilized to increase your body's endurance. During an aerobic exercise, your heart rate increases and improves circulation and cardiovascular fitness. It would be a good idea to perform aerobic exercises at least 3 times a week. This helps arthritis patients improve physical strength and mental attitude.

All of these types of exercises provide only a mere glimpse into the many possible ways of improving your health if you suffer from any types of arthritis. But, as already noted, consistency is key. You need to start slowly, don't overdo it. As your body gets used to the physical movement and stress place upon it, then you can gradually increase the time and tempo of your exercises.

As a final note, remember to use discretion when starting an exercise routine. Consult a physician before beginning any type of workout as it may worsen your condition. Never exercise during flare-ups as this can make your symptoms increase. Each case of arthritis needs to be dealt with on an individual basis.

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Friday, October 13, 2006

Arthritis Treatment Devices

Two medical device products, Hyalgan and Synvisc, are preparations that mimic a naturally occurring body substance that lubricates the knee joint called hyaluronic acid.

The products, which were approved by the FDA for the treatment of OA of the knee, are injected directly into the knee joint to help provide temporary relief of pain and flexible joint movement.

Another device used in arthritis treatment is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), which has been found effective in modifying pain perception. TENS blocks pain messages to the brain by directing mild electric pulses to nerve endings that lie beneath the painful area of the skin.

A blood-filtering device called the Prosorba Column is used in some cases for filtering out harmful antibodies in people with severe rheumatoid arthritis.

Heat and cold can both be used to reduce the pain and inflammation of arthritis. Patients and their doctors can determine which one works best.

Thanks to the right treatment, Shirley says his pain level today is only about 10 percent of what it once was. "Looking back on those days," he says, "it's hard to believe all the things I can do now. I've regained mobility and strength." And once again, Shirley can mow the lawn, cook meals, fix things around his house, and even pursue his favorite hobby of bird watching.


"Rheumatoid arthritis is now an illness for which newer treatments offer the real likelihood of patients being able to pursue a lifestyle without the limitations imposed by joint pain and deformity," adds Birbara.

Read More...

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Thursday, October 12, 2006

Natural Arthritis Remedy - Massage Therapy

Ahhh! The Massage.

Typically, people go get a massage to pamper themselves, to relieve some stress from the workday.

But, did you know that massage therapy can also be very beneficial for treating arthritis symptoms?

It's true.

You see 'arthritis' in fact is just a general term. It can actually refer to some 100 different types of conditions, all of which involve pain and the inflammation of the joints.

It's because of the inflammation that makes the massage perfect for treatment. When you massage a certain muscle or area of the body, it creates heat. That heat soothes and relieves any pain and aches. It improves the blood circulation in your body and allows for more mobility and flexibility.

A great massage will give you an overall sense of wellness and relaxation. It can also greatly reduce the pain of arthritis.

So..go ahead..pamper yourself.

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