Arthritis Self Help

Today I am in a lot of pain, so googled Arthritis Relief and came up with a few interesting things - a couple i intend trying are

• Vitamin D
• Aspirin

Some of the possible and quirky self help remedies I came across include

 Aspirin -  

Willow Bark For Arthritis Inflammation  Aspirin actually comes from willow bark. The boswellia herb has been used for centuries to help reduce the inflammation of joints and it also helps to maintain healthier joints.

Take some aspirin. Aspirin is the tried and true standby of arthritis pain relief. It has been used for this purpose for decades and remains one of the most effective ways to relieve the pain of arthritis

Vitamin C and D - Deficiencies in both vitamin C and D can lead to unnecessary arthritis pain. Diets high in vitamin C can slow down the loss of cartilage due to osteoarthritis. However, a diet low in vitamin D can speed up the process of osteoarthritis.Doctors have found in a recent study those who had a diet high in Vitamin D or took Vitamin supplements had reduced the risk of having their arthritis worsen by 75 percent. Another study with 25,000 people has shown a low consumption of vitamin C will increase a person's risk of developing arthritis. You should take daily supplements of vitamin C should be 500 to 1,000 mg, and vitamin D the intake should be 400 IU.

Quaker Oats - Mix one cup of water and two cuts of Quaker Oats into a bowel. Then warm this solution in a microwave oven. Cool slightly and then apply it to the affected area to soothe your pain.   

Tabasco Pepper Sauce - To calm achy joints, spread Tabasco Pepper Sauce on them. This product is produced from a variety of pepper called Capsicum frutescens which contains an alkaloid capsaicin that numbs pain when applied topically. If you feel a burning sensation on the skin, put Colgate Toothpaste over the dried sauce to cool it. (Warning: Do not use this remedy over an open wound )

Heinz Apple Cider Vinegar - Prior to eating a meal, drink a glass of water mixed with two teaspoons of Heinz Apple Cider Vinegar. Do this for at least three weeks and you'll soon notice more mobility in your joints and less pain. 

French's Mustard - Rub this product over the afflicted joints or empty an entire bottle into a warm bath. Soak in this mustard bath for fifteen minutes in order to experience some relief. Unfortunately, there is no cure arthritis. However, by using some homemade remedies, you can live productively with it. Just remember to follow each remedy carefully and check with your doctor if your symptoms worsen.   

WD-40 - Although several people swear that rubbing WD-40 into aching joints relieves arthritis pain, the company that produces this product refuses to condone it's use for easing arthritis pain.

Grapes - The skins of grapes contain a natural compound called resveratrol which acts as a COX-2 inhibitor. The COX-2 inhibitor is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that targets the COX-2. The COX-2 is the enzyme that is responsible for the inflammation and pain of arthritis.You should eat one cup of red or white grapes on a daily basis.

How to Stabilize the Knee With Athletic Tape

Knee pain and misalignment can be caused by a number of things, including injury, aging or overuse. When your knee is not aligned properly, you can find yourself unable to perform daily tasks or exercises. Fixing this problem can be done with the help of physical therapy and knee taping. If you've got knee pain, learning how to tape up your knee to alleviate it can help get you back on your feet.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Athletic tape

1. • 1
     Make an appointment with a physical therapist to determine what position will be most beneficial for taping your knee. Trying to tape your knee on your own can lead to taping in a detrimental position that can contribute to pain or cause further damage. A physical therapist can help find the correct alignment for taping.
   • 2
     Practice with your physical therapist taping up your knee and positioning it correctly to ensure you can do it properly at home. Your physical therapist will typically study your movement to find a position that helps alleviate knee pain and can then show you the best position for wrapping.
   • 3
     Practice at home with a family member or friend's help. Position your knee cap in the proper position and have a friend hold it into place so that you can begin taping without having to worry about it slipping.
   • 4
     Wrap around you leg below the knee once to start, then wrap it around your knee as demonstrated by your therapist. Do not wrap tape too tightly, as this can lead to poor circulation to your knee and cause more pain. Wrap so that it is snug, but the area of your knee doesn't begin to get red.
   • 5
     Stand up, putting weight on your knee to see if the pain is alleviated after you've wrapped it. If there is still pain, try re-wrapping it and moving it slightly, as it might just be a little out of position. If there is no pain, then continue with your daily activities and unwrap the knee at the end of the day.

How to ease arthritis pain

Arthritis symptoms can flare up even if you are taking medication. Your joints may become swollen and painful as more cartilage is worn away. However, it is not necessary to seek additional medication or a surgical procedure to control these painful episodes. You can reduce arthritis pain with remedies that are simple and inexpensive.

1. Protect Your Joints

   • Consider your joints before undertaking any physical task, even something as simple as reading a book. Just holding a book in your hands without any other support can bring on an arthritis episode. Look for alternatives for daily activities that may affect your joints. Instead of lifting a box, slide it across the floor. Open a door with your shoulder whenever possible to avoid straining the joints in your hand. Use the handicapped entrances and exits around buildings instead of climbing stairs.

   Exercise

   • Exercise between bouts of arthritis swelling and pain. Walking is one simple way to begin an exercise regimen; you can begin with three 30-minute walks per week. This strengthens joints in your legs and prolongs the pain-free periods. Engage in light weight training to exercise your arms and hands. Additional benefits of exercise include heightened energy levels, an improved mood and weight loss. Losing weight can take the burden off your joints and further reduce painful arthritic attacks.

   Relax

   • Know when it's time to quit. If the joints in your fingers are killing you, stop using them and take a break. If your knees are swelling up, sit down for a few minutes. You cannot work through an arthritis spell nor can you walk it off. Increase the relief you experience by taking a warm bath. Moist heat penetrates joints and relieves arthritis pain. The application of heating pads is also effective.

   Use Assistive Devices

   • Buy a cane and ergonomic equipment designed to reduce physical stress on the body. These items may cost money, but they are worth the investment if they bring you relief. For example, some manufacturers make can openers with larger parts to enable people to use them with less pressure on their finger joints. These devices are designed to avoid workplace injuries, but they are also ideal for people with arthritis.

   Plan All Your Physical Activities

   • Plan your daily activities carefully. If you have a lot of physical labor to accomplish, organize the day so that periods of hard work are interrupted by opportunities to rest. If you are going to walk more than usual, bring a cane and begin using it before you feel pain. Prepare your house for the bath or the nap that you will take at the end of the day.

How to Relieve Arthritis Pain

Joint pain is one of the hallmarks of arthritis. The swelling, stiffness and inflammation that accompany this, sometimes debilitating, disease are the main causes of arthritis pain. Fortunately, there are now many ways to relieve arthritis pain.

1. • 1
     Take some aspirin. Aspirin is the tried and true standby of arthritis pain relief. It has been used for this purpose for decades and remains one of the most effective ways to relieve the pain of arthritis. In fact, many arthritis patients start out with aspirin when they first get the disease.
   • 2
     Try an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory. Inflammation is the primary culprit in arthritis pain. Readily available anti-inflammatories, such as Motrin and Aleve, may provide pain relief for mild to moderate arthritis.
   • 3
     Get a prescription. If over-the-counter medications don't work for you, you probably need something stronger. Your rheumatologist or family doctor can prescribe a variety of drugs, such as Bextra and Voltaren, that are aimed at relieving arthritis pain.
   • 4
     Rub in a topical ointment. You can get plenty of good pain-relieving creams over the counter. Look for ointments containing capsaicin (derived from cayenne pepper) for the best results.
   • 5
     Start exercising. Even though it may cause you more pain in the short term, exercise is remarkably effective at relieving arthritis pain over the long term. This is because exercise increases blood flow to the joints and strengthens the surrounding muscles.
   • 6
     Use ice packs on painful, tender joints. Ice can help to reduce inflammation (taking pain away with it) and can also temporarily numb the area. You can use ice packs as often as you see fit.
   • 7
     Soak in warm water. A hot tub or warm bath can relax your muscles and increase blood flow throughout your body, resulting in a lessening of pain.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are on prescription arthritis medicine, always check with your doctor before using any over-the-counter pain relievers. You must do this to make sure the over-the-counter drug is right for you and will not negatively interact with your prescription medication.
• Exercise is a must for arthritis patients. If you do not move your joints, there is an increased risk that they will become frozen in place or otherwise deformed. Therefore, you must exercise--even on days when you don't feel like it.
• If you decide to soak in a tub of water, make sure the water is not too hot. If your skin turns red on contact with the water, you should add some cold water to the tub before gettingin.

Aide for Arthritis Sufferers

Easy Remedies for Aches and Pains Associated with Arthritis

By Stephanie Modkins

Takeaways

• Over 31 million Americans suffer with arthritis.
• Every thirty three seconds, a new case of arthritis is diagnosed.
• James Mason plays a teacher who turns into a megalomaniac after getting cortisone shots for a severe case of arthritis in the movie Bigger Than Life.

Over 31 million Americans suffer with arthritis which equates to one out of every seven people. Arthritis is described as the inflammation of tissue around the joints due to injury, infection or irritation. If you or someone you know has arthritis, you probably experience the side effects on a regular basis which include swelling, pain, stiffness, unexplained heat coupled with redness to the skin. So, what do you do? Many people visit their doctor or take over the counter medications like Aleve or Advil to deal with the pain. However, if you prefer a more simple approach, you can try a few home remedies. These remedies are inexpensive and handy. Check out a few popular ones below. 

Quaker Oats. Mix one cup of water and two cuts of Quaker Oats into a bowel. Then warm this solution in a microwave oven. Cool slightly and then apply it to the affected area to soothe your pain.  

Tabasco Pepper Sauce. To calm achy joints, spread Tabasco Pepper Sauce on them. This product is produced from a variety of pepper called Capsicum frutescens which contains an alkaloid capsaicin that numbs pain when applied topically. If you feel a burning sensation on the skin, put Colgate Toothpaste over the dried sauce to cool it. (Warning: Do not use this remedy over an open wound )  

Wilson Tennis Balls. For those of you who have difficulty grasping items due to your arthritis, buy Wilson Tennis Balls and have a friend or relative slice small slits into the opposite sides of a ball. Then, use it to hold onto things like silverware and toothbrushes by sliding these items into the slits.

 McCormick Bay Leaves, Star Olive Oil, and Mr. Coffee Filters. Add three bay leaves into a mixture of four teaspoons of Star Olive Oil into a saucepan. Warm this solution over a low heat without letting it burn or smoke. Next, let it cool, strain it with coffee filters and apply it to the areas of your body that hurt. It will provide a soothing relief.  

Heinz Apple Cider Vinegar. Prior to eating a meal, drink a glass of water mixed with two teaspoons of Heinz Apple Cider Vinegar. Do this for at least three weeks and you'll soon notice more mobility in your joints and less pain. 

French's Mustard. Rub this product over the afflicted joints or empty an entire bottle into a warm bath. Soak in this mustard bath for fifteen minutes in order to experience some relief. Unfortunately, there is no cure arthritis. However, by using some homemade remedies, you can live productively with it. Just remember to follow each remedy carefully and check with your doctor if your symptoms worsen.  

Trivia About Arthritis
* Every thirty three seconds, a new case of arthritis is diagnosed.

 * James Mason plays a teacher who turns into a megalomaniac after getting cortisone shots for a severe case of arthritis in the movie Bigger Than Life. 

* Norma Wickwire holds the record for the most artificial joints for having her hips, knees, shoulders and elbows replaced with artificial joints.

 * Although several people swear that rubbing WD-40 into aching joints relieves arthritis pain, the company that produces this product refuses to condone it's use for easing arthritis pain.

Reduce Arthritis Pain with 5 Little Known Tricks

Anyone who has any type of arthritis pain has tried the usual tricks with ibuprofen, pain killers, heating pads, and all the other common tricks. For those who have tried Celebrex or any supplements which contains glucosamine for their arthritis, and there are other less costly remedies for this common ailment.
There is no longer a need to break the bank with dealing with the inflamation of arthritis. For those who would rather try alternative medical ways to treat your arthritis pain, these tips are for you. 

Therapeutic Taping For Arthritis Pain and InflammationYou can try using wrapping tape which you can find in the health and beauty sections of any pharmaceutical store, Walmart or grocery store to help realign the joints, for support, and take off the pressure from your inflamed joints.There was an Australian study conducted which showed that 73 percent of the patients with osteoarthritis had reduced their symptoms with the therapeutic taping technique in a three-week period. The same patients who used the therapeutic tapping had comparable benefits to those who had used drug treatments over the same period. The therapeutic tapping technique had longer lasting benefits after the technique had been stopped.NOTE: In order for the therapeutic tapping to be most effective, consult your doctor or a physical therapist to show you or a family member the proper technique for using the wrapping tape for your arthritis. 

Use Willow Bark or Boswellia For Arthritis InflammationAspirin actually comes from willow bark. The boswellia herb has been used for centuries to help reduce the inflammation of joints and it also helps to maintain healthier joints.The combination of willow bark and boswellia can be just as effective as taking any other form of over-the-counter aspirin or pain relievers. You can take in combination with these two alternative methods in the following manner each day for your arthritis pain: 240 mg of willow bark and 1,000 mg of boswellia. 

Grapes are Good For Arthritis ReliefThe skins of grapes contain a natural compound called resveratrol which acts as a COX-2 inhibitor. The COX-2 inhibitor is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that targets the COX-2. The COX-2 is the enzyme that is responsible for the inflammation and pain of arthritis.You should eat one cup of red or white grapes on a daily basis. NOTE: Wine and purple grape juice also contain resveratrol. 

Joints Like Green Tea For Relieving Arthritis PainResearchers have found green tea has polyphenols. Polyphenols are compounds which suppress a key gene that is involved in arthritis inflammation.Although black tea is processed differently than green tea, it can be as beneficial for relieving arthritis pain.NOTE: You should drink one to two cups of cold or hot tea daily for an alternative way of relieving arthritis inflammation and pain. 

Boosting Vitamin C and D for Arthritis Pain ReliefDeficiencies in both vitamin C and D can lead to unnecessary arthritis pain. Diets high in vitamin C can slow down the loss of cartilage due to osteoarthritis. However, a diet low in vitamin D can speed up the process of osteoarthritis.Doctors have found in a recent study those who had a diet high in Vitamin D or took Vitamin supplements had reduced the risk of having their arthritis worsen by 75 percent. Another study with 25,000 people has shown a low consumption of vitamin C will increase a person's risk of developing arthritis. You should take daily supplements of vitamin C should be 500 to 1,000 mg, and vitamin D the intake should be 400 IU. As you can see, anything that is actually good for you can help with the least thought about health issues in your life. You can even start now to help with the pain and inflammation of arthritis.

7 EASY WAYS TO BEAT ARTHRITIS

MILLIONS of arthritis patients can ease their agony with a combination of pain relief pills and complementary therapies.

A new study says a few easy steps dramatically improve the quality of life for sufferers crippled with pain.

Patients are increasingly turning to complementary and alternative therapies to manage their condition.

Two out of three believe the treatments can relieve the unbearable pain, help them sleep better and carry out daily tasks.

The seven key methods are herbal therapies, exercise, massage, acupuncture, yoga, meditation and dietary supplements.The study found that complementary and alternative therapies are particularly favoured by younger sufferers.

Lead author of the report, Professor Nada Alaaeddine, said it “underlines the importance” of health staff knowing about the potential of the treatments.

Nearly a quarter of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis said they used complementary and alternative therapies (CAT) to try to manage their condition. A total of 23 per cent used CAT as well as prescribed drugs. Just under two-thirds felt CAT improved pain intensity, sleeping patterns and activity levels.

However, there isn’t very much hard scientific evidence that many of these therapies actually work

A spokeswoman for Arthritis Research UK

The percentage who said that they experienced no pain rose from 12 per cent to 43 per cent after CAT. The number who slept all night went from nine per cent to 66 per cent.

The percentage claiming that their pain did not limit their daily activities at all rose from three to 12 per cent and the number who could do everything, but with pain, soared from 26 to 52 per cent.

Of those studied, more than two-thirds had rheumatoid arthritis and the remainder had osteoarthritis.

More than 10 million Britons have arthritis. Osteoarthritis affects at least 8.5 million people and is caused when cartilage wastes away, leading to painful rubbing of bone on bone, usually in the hands, spine, knees and hips.

Rheumatoid arthritis, a more severe form – when the immune system attacks joints, causing pain and swelling – affects almost 700,000.

There is no cure for arthritis but treatments can slow its progress. Drugs can relieve symptoms and surgery is an option for severe cases.

The new study, published in the Journal of Clinical Nursing, found that CAT users had an average age of 45. The average non-user was 57.

The most common CAT used was herbal therapy at 83 per cent, followed by exercise (22%) and massage (12%). Acupuncture, yoga, meditation, and diet supplements were three per cent each.

Just under a quarter of patients using CAT sought medical care because of possible side-effects, including skin and gastrointestinal problems. More than half did not tell health staff they were using alternative medicine.

Prof Alaaeddine, of the Faculty of Medicine, University of St Joseph, Beirut, Lebanon, said: “CAT use is increasing and this study shows that it provided self-reported benefits.

“It is, however, important that patients discuss CAT use with their healthcare practitioner and that they are made aware of possible side effects, in particular the possible interactions between herbal and prescribed drugs.”

A spokeswoman for Arthritis Research UK, which is preparing a report on therapies such as acupuncture and yoga, said: “Many people with arthritis who don’t want to take conventional medication or who find they don’t work or have side-effects, turn to alternative therapies, thinking they are more natural. However, there isn’t very much hard scientific evidence that many of these therapies actually work.”

Ailsa Bosworth, chief executive of the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society, said some CAT therapies could have a beneficial effect for people with rheumatoid arthritis.

“There is no evidence that any of these therapies have any impact on slowing or halting the disease.

“We always advise caution as some products can have side effects or interact with prescribed medications. Before embarking on any new therapy it is important for people to talk to their healthcare professional,” she added.