Arthritis symptoms, arthritis treatment, arthritis supplements and herbs
ZHION.COM - August 13, 2011
ZHION.COM - August 13, 2011
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Discuss with your doctor for any medical issues. This article is for reference only, it is not a medical
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The word arthritis actually means joint inflammation. The term arthritis is used to describe more than
100 rheumatic diseases and conditions that affect joints, the tissues which surround the joint and other
connective tissue. The pattern, severity and location of symptoms can vary depending on the specific
form of the disease. Typically, rheumatic conditions are characterized by pain and stiffness in and
around one or more joints. The symptoms can develop gradually or suddenly. There are different
types of arthritis: childhood arthritis, fibromyalgia, general arthritis, gout, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid
arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus). In this article, we focus on osteoarthritis.
[1]
Osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease)
Osteoarthritis is a disease characterized by degeneration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a
joint as well as bony overgrowth. The breakdown of these tissues eventually leads to pain and joint
stiffness. Thus, join pain and stiffness are the key arthritis symptoms. The joints most commonly
affected are the knees, hips, and those in the hands and spine. The specific causes of osteoarthritis
are unknown, but are believed to be a result of both mechanical and molecular events in the affected
joint. Disease onset is gradual and usually begins after the age of 40. There is currently no cure for
osteoarthritis. Treatment focuses on relieving arthritis symptoms and improving function, and can
include a combination of patient education, physical therapy, weight control, and use of medications.
Osteoarthritis is classified as: idiopathic (localized or generalized) or secondary (traumatic, congenital,
metabolic/endocrine/neuropathic and other medical causes). It has been estimated 13.9% of adults
aged 25 and older in the States suffered from osteoarthritis.[1]
Management / Treatment for Arthritis
In general, the focus of treatment for arthritis is to control pain, minimize joint damage, and improve or
maintain function and quality of life. According to the American College of Rheumatology, the treatment
of arthritis might involve the following: medication (e.g. pain killer), nonpharmacologic therapies
(physical or occupational therapy, splints or joint assistive aids, education and support and weight loss,
surgery. [1]
Exercise is an important arthritis treatment. Exercise can improve mood and outlook, decrease pain,
increase flexibility, strengthen the heart and improve blood flow, maintain weight, and promote general
physical fitness. Exercise is also inexpensive and, if done correctly, has few negative side effects. The
amount and form of exercise prescribed will depend on which joints are involved, how stable the joints
are, and whether a joint replacement has already been done. Walking, swimming, and water aerobics
are a few popular types of exercise for people with osteoarthritis. [2]
Osteoarthritis patients who are overweight or obese should try to lose weight. Weight loss can reduce
stress on weight-bearing joints, limit further injury, and increase mobility. [2]
Treatment plans include regularly scheduled rest. Patients must learn to recognize the body’s signals,
and know when to stop or slow down. This will prevent the pain caused by overexertion. Although pain
can make it difficult to sleep, getting proper sleep is important for managing arthritis pain. [2]
People with osteoarthritis may find many nondrug ways to relieve pain. Examples are heat/cold
treatment, massage, dietary (herbal) supplements and diets. [2]
[1] CDC website, August 2011 [2] www.niams.nih.gov
_________________________________________________________________________________
100 rheumatic diseases and conditions that affect joints, the tissues which surround the joint and other
connective tissue. The pattern, severity and location of symptoms can vary depending on the specific
form of the disease. Typically, rheumatic conditions are characterized by pain and stiffness in and
around one or more joints. The symptoms can develop gradually or suddenly. There are different
types of arthritis: childhood arthritis, fibromyalgia, general arthritis, gout, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid
arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus). In this article, we focus on osteoarthritis.
[1]
Osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease)
Osteoarthritis is a disease characterized by degeneration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a
joint as well as bony overgrowth. The breakdown of these tissues eventually leads to pain and joint
stiffness. Thus, join pain and stiffness are the key arthritis symptoms. The joints most commonly
affected are the knees, hips, and those in the hands and spine. The specific causes of osteoarthritis
are unknown, but are believed to be a result of both mechanical and molecular events in the affected
joint. Disease onset is gradual and usually begins after the age of 40. There is currently no cure for
osteoarthritis. Treatment focuses on relieving arthritis symptoms and improving function, and can
include a combination of patient education, physical therapy, weight control, and use of medications.
Osteoarthritis is classified as: idiopathic (localized or generalized) or secondary (traumatic, congenital,
metabolic/endocrine/neuropathic and other medical causes). It has been estimated 13.9% of adults
aged 25 and older in the States suffered from osteoarthritis.[1]
Management / Treatment for Arthritis
In general, the focus of treatment for arthritis is to control pain, minimize joint damage, and improve or
maintain function and quality of life. According to the American College of Rheumatology, the treatment
of arthritis might involve the following: medication (e.g. pain killer), nonpharmacologic therapies
(physical or occupational therapy, splints or joint assistive aids, education and support and weight loss,
surgery. [1]
Exercise is an important arthritis treatment. Exercise can improve mood and outlook, decrease pain,
increase flexibility, strengthen the heart and improve blood flow, maintain weight, and promote general
physical fitness. Exercise is also inexpensive and, if done correctly, has few negative side effects. The
amount and form of exercise prescribed will depend on which joints are involved, how stable the joints
are, and whether a joint replacement has already been done. Walking, swimming, and water aerobics
are a few popular types of exercise for people with osteoarthritis. [2]
Osteoarthritis patients who are overweight or obese should try to lose weight. Weight loss can reduce
stress on weight-bearing joints, limit further injury, and increase mobility. [2]
Treatment plans include regularly scheduled rest. Patients must learn to recognize the body’s signals,
and know when to stop or slow down. This will prevent the pain caused by overexertion. Although pain
can make it difficult to sleep, getting proper sleep is important for managing arthritis pain. [2]
People with osteoarthritis may find many nondrug ways to relieve pain. Examples are heat/cold
treatment, massage, dietary (herbal) supplements and diets. [2]
[1] CDC website, August 2011 [2] www.niams.nih.gov
_________________________________________________________________________________
1. Benefits of cod liver oil
2. Devil's claw side effects and benefits
3. How does resveratrol benefit animals suffered from arthritis?
4. Shark cartilage side effects and benefits
5. Stinging nettles - health benefits on various conditions such as coughs, tuberculosis & arthritis.
6. Wheat grass health benefits
7. Fish oil side effects
8. Borage oil may benefit people suffered from rheumatoid arthritis.
9. Rutin may help arthritis.
10. Health benefits of cherry
11. Chestnut side effects and benefits
12. Feverfew, reputed by folklore to be effective in arthritis
13. Hyaluronic acid - a treatment for arthritis?
14. Boswellia Serrata benefits - arthritis and colitis
15. Celery health benefits and nutritional facts
16. How does chondroitin benefit osteoarthritis?
17. Achyranthees bidentata may have anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritis and analgestic effects.
18. Health benefits of Rosmarinic acid
19. Health benefits of Cyanidin
20. Maitake Benefits and Side Effects
21. Capsicum [red chili pepper] benefits and side effects
22. Yucca -Preliminary study shows these saponins may benefit arthritis
23. Fenugreek benefits on arthritis.
24. Hops may have anti-inflammation effects and benefit arthritis.
25. Oldenlandia diffusa may also benefit animals suffered from inflammation and arthritis.
26. Evening primrose oil in rheumatoid arthritis.
27. Health benefits of nobiletin
28. Atractylodes--- Does it have health benefits?
29. Honokiol stabilized the severity of symptomatic collagen-induced arthritis
30. Black cohosh - It may also benefit people suffered from arthritis.
31. Chamomile benefits and side effects
32. Saffron benefits and side effects
33. Burdock has been claimed to benefit in a wide variety of conditions, including arthritis
34. Glucosamine side effects
35. Ashwaganha side effects and its effects on inflammation
36. Watermelon may help...
37. Turmeric side effects
38. Royal jelly
39. Celadrin benefits
40. Does grape seed extract lower bad cholesterol?
2. Devil's claw side effects and benefits
3. How does resveratrol benefit animals suffered from arthritis?
4. Shark cartilage side effects and benefits
5. Stinging nettles - health benefits on various conditions such as coughs, tuberculosis & arthritis.
6. Wheat grass health benefits
7. Fish oil side effects
8. Borage oil may benefit people suffered from rheumatoid arthritis.
9. Rutin may help arthritis.
10. Health benefits of cherry
11. Chestnut side effects and benefits
12. Feverfew, reputed by folklore to be effective in arthritis
13. Hyaluronic acid - a treatment for arthritis?
14. Boswellia Serrata benefits - arthritis and colitis
15. Celery health benefits and nutritional facts
16. How does chondroitin benefit osteoarthritis?
17. Achyranthees bidentata may have anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritis and analgestic effects.
18. Health benefits of Rosmarinic acid
19. Health benefits of Cyanidin
20. Maitake Benefits and Side Effects
21. Capsicum [red chili pepper] benefits and side effects
22. Yucca -Preliminary study shows these saponins may benefit arthritis
23. Fenugreek benefits on arthritis.
24. Hops may have anti-inflammation effects and benefit arthritis.
25. Oldenlandia diffusa may also benefit animals suffered from inflammation and arthritis.
26. Evening primrose oil in rheumatoid arthritis.
27. Health benefits of nobiletin
28. Atractylodes--- Does it have health benefits?
29. Honokiol stabilized the severity of symptomatic collagen-induced arthritis
30. Black cohosh - It may also benefit people suffered from arthritis.
31. Chamomile benefits and side effects
32. Saffron benefits and side effects
33. Burdock has been claimed to benefit in a wide variety of conditions, including arthritis
34. Glucosamine side effects
35. Ashwaganha side effects and its effects on inflammation
36. Watermelon may help...
37. Turmeric side effects
38. Royal jelly
39. Celadrin benefits
40. Does grape seed extract lower bad cholesterol?