Knee Arthritis

Arthritis Knee Exercises Strengthen the Muscles That Support the Knee

2009-07-14T00:28:00.000-07:00

Arthritis knee exercises are very important if one is experiencing arthritis in the knee joints. Exercise is one way to maintain a strong and healthy cartilage as it has the effect of strengthening the tendons and muscles that support the knee. However, not all exercises will help the person suffering from knee arthritis, as such; one must call an expert on arthritis knee exercise, because wrong exercise will just worsen the situation. Here are some knee exercises to help you in your arthritis problems.

The simplest way to exercise one's knee is by sitting in a chair and letting your feet flat on the floor. It is important to know that when one doing this exercise, one must see to it that one's thigh is parallel to the floor. The proper way of sitting can help the muscles and tendons surrounding the knee to relax and remove any stress accompanying it. One can put variations like pointing and moving one's toes, slowly lifting the feet to make it parallel to the ground or raising the feet and doing a small circular motion.

Another simple exercise is by sitting on the ground while the legs are crossed. In this way, the muscles and tendons are stretched without you exerting any effort. The person may remain in this position for at least 30 seconds and then incorporate certain variations. One can slowly push his knee to the ground in order to put additional pressure on the muscles of the joints. It can be noticed that when the legs are crossed, one leg is on top of the other, hence; one should change the position of the legs and then apply pressure again.

Some complicated arthritis knee exercises include the quad set exercise, knee extension with leg lift, drake exercises, static hold exercise, straight leg raise, hamstring set exercise, and many more.

The quad set exercise is done to tighten the muscles of the thigh and the legs in order to strongly support the knee joints. This is made by lying down comfortably and tucking in the knee into the stomach. Be sure that the legs are parallel to the ground and the toes are pointed. Fold the knee for 10 seconds, and thereafter rest it for 5 seconds, repeat the process but make the tuck tighter.

The knee extension with leg lift is done lying down and putting an object under your heel that will raise your legs at least 3 inches above the ground. In this position, try to slowly lift the leg up and then slowly putting it down. Do this exercise by lifting only one leg at the time and the other leg is used as a support.

When doing any arthritis knee exercises, one must be sensitive of any pain that he may feel. If the pain becomes unbearable, immediately stop what you are doing and see a doctor. As stated, not all exercises are suitable to all knee arthritis problems, and the best way to know the applicable knee exercise program is to consult a doctor or an experienced health professional.

STOP!

The Importance of Arthritis Knee Support

2009-07-14T00:27:00.000-07:00

One way to treat arthritis pain and provide stability is with the proper arthritis knee support. For many patients suffering from osteoarthritis in the knee, a knee support will give them the relief and support they need.

Types of Knee Braces

There are several different types of arthritis knee support braces to choose from. In order to get the best fit you should always discuss knee support devices with your doctor or health professional. Most physical therapists are well versed in the use of knee support and can also offer helpful and knowledgeable advice.

The type of knee brace you chose will depend primarily on the location of the affected area.

A medial arthritis knee support brace will support the inside of the knee joint. A lateral brace will give stability to the outside of the knee joint, and a patellofemoral brace stabilizes the area behind the kneecap.

These types of braces are usually recommended for patients who suffer osteoarthritis and cartilage loss of the knee joint.

Breaking It Down: Different Types of Knee Braces

Arthritis knee support devices can be broken down even more into specific types of braces. One popular type of brace is the single piece sleeve. This brace is made from durable neoprene and is the basic type of knee brace. To put on the brace you simply pull it on over the foot and up to the knee. This brace is for mild osteoarthritis only.

An unloader brace is made from molded materials such as plastic or foam. Inside the mold are metal bars that limit the range of motion of the knee joint. This type of brace is individually fit to each patient. It works by moving the pain from the affected area with pressure.

Other Treatments

Medication is also popular treatment for the early stages of the disease. Medication is usually used to control pain until such time that you can begin a treatment plan. During this time you will work with a physical therapist and also do exercises at home. The goal is to not have to take pain medications for life.

Some patients will benefit from a simple change of diet with exercise. Overweight people are prone to arthritis of knee because of the added pressure on the joints due to their weight. Dieting and exercise can help overweight people get control of their weight and relieve pressure on the joints.

Knee joint surgery and knee replacement surgery are usually reserved for those persons who have not had success with other treatment options. In some cases this is the only way to reverse the damage and ease the pain.

Joint replacement surgery is performed everyday and considered very safe and successful.

If you decide to try using an arthritis knee support device it is important to consider all of your options. As mentioned earlier, your doctor will know the best type of brace for your specific condition. The success of the arthritis knee support device depends on your dedication - wear it always.

Choosing the Ideal Arthritis Knee Brace

2009-07-14T00:25:00.000-07:00

When you are inflicted with debilitating arthritis, getting an arthritis knee brace can be valuable. It is a common misconception that only older people get arthritis. Today, people between the ages of 30 and 40 already experience arthritic pain, especially in the knees. Wearing the right type of knee braces will give the needed support to the knees, alleviating pain and discomfort.

What Causes Knee Arthritis?

Basically, there are various types of arthritis of the knees. Middle-aged people are more prone to osteoarthritis. Once the cartilage is rubbed off due to lack of moisture, the bones can rub against each other. This causes immense pain and discomfort. One of the worse things about this type is that the condition only gets worse.

On the other hand, people of all ages can experience rheumatoid arthritis, often brought about by inflammation of the knees. In normal cases, both the knees become affected.

Post-traumatic arthritis is caused due to injury. This arthritis may not set in immediately after an injury. Once it does however, the pain is often unbearable.

The Benefits of a Knee Brace

An arthritis knee brace is normally prescribed by doctors, in order to alleviate arthritis discomfort. This is because a knee brace is known to lighten knee and leg pressure. Once the pressure is diminished, the patient can align his or her leg correctly, lessening pain significantly. Although there is no particular cure for arthritis, wearing the right braces can help patients effectively manage their conditions.

Since patients may have different cases of knee arthritis, you need to pick the ideal set of braces for your needs. There may be days when your knees feel slight pain, while on some days the pain could be excruciating. During cold weather, arthritis symptoms also tend to worsen, especially for middle-aged and old-aged individuals.

Choosing the right arthritis knee brace

Although knee braces are widely available and can be bought readily, you still need to choose the ideal shape and size of the knee braces. This is important in order to ensure the right fit and the best level of comfort. Typically, these braces are available from small to large sizes. One of the advantages of buying these knee braces off the shelf is convenience. You need not wait for the braces to be delivered to you, as is often the case with personalized knee braces.

Custom-made knee braces on the other hand, are beneficial for a number of reasons. Since proper measurements will be made, you are assured of getting the best fit from the braces. You will also be able to make a few specifications regarding the braces. When you choose tailor-made braces, however, you need to be prepared to pay for a bit more. Most custom made braces are more expensive than readily available ones.

The Types of Knee Braces

There are several types of arthritis knee braces. Off loader knee braces are suitable for knee alignment. For patients suffering from sports injuries, a prophylactic brace is often used. Finally, OA or Osteoarthritis braces are recommended or people suffering from Osteoarthritis.

A knee brace can be useful in diminishing the symptoms of knee arthritis. It can also greatly help in knee alignment. Consulting with your doctor is recommended however, before choosing any specific type of arthritis knee brace.

Knee Arthritis

2009-07-14T00:07:00.000-07:00

Glucosamine is usually derived from shell fish. Those allergic to shellfish may wish to avoid it. Since glucosamine is derived from the shells of these animals while the allergen is within the flesh of the animals, it is probably safe even for those with shellfish allergy. Alternative sources using fungal fermentation of corn are available. Glucosamine and Chondroitin are two of the most popular joint support products available today, and they are taken by adults of all ages and fitness levels. Taking these figures, if you ingested 1500mg of glucosamine in capsule form and your body absorbed 20% of this, only 300mg would be absorbed into your bloodstream. By contrast, even if you take a smaller dosage of liquid glucosamine chondroitin msm, say 1250mg and 98% of this is absorbed, you are getting a full 1225 mg of glucosamine actually absorbed into your system per day which will provide much fuller relief, much more quickly. Millions of Americans suffer from poor joint health and related discomfort. Age, along with other factors such as heredity, being overweight or past injuries could all increase the odds of you suffering from unhealthy joints as you grow older. You should consider taking proactive measures that can support the good health of your joint support. Magnesium also helps in controlling the levels of insulin so it is good for patients with diabetes. It regulates insulin level in the body, which helps in controlling the blood sugar level. Now since magnesium is so helpful in regulating diabetes and hypertension, it is obvious that it will also help in dealing with cardiovascular diseases. If your consumption of magnesium is more, the lesser is the risk of developing a heart disease. calcium magnesium supplements also prevent clotting of blood and increase the elasticity of bones. However excess of anything might cause harm to your body. Patients who have kidney problems should not take excessive dosage of magnesium. Renal arteries are the ones that remove the excess of magnesium from your bodies. However, if they are not working properly then this excess magnesium might turn to be toxic. In pregnant women, also magnesium dosages should be administered carefully. Excess of magnesium sulphate might result in an abnormality in the child. Magnesium may play an important role in regulating your blood pressure naturally. Diets including plenty of fruits and vegetables, which are good sources of potassium and magnesium, are consistently associated with lower blood pressure.

Severe Knee Arthritis - The Beast That Ravages Your Knee! - Improve Your Knee Stability

2009-03-19T22:06:00.000-07:00

Severe knee arthritis can be debilitating. As the condition deteriorates you will find that most activities, sometimes even walking, may become progressively more difficult and painful.

Should you curtail your activities if you have severe knee arthritis?

If you are suffering from severe knee arthritis your first instinct will be to cut back on the activities that seem to aggravate the pain in the knee. In fact your doctor will advise you to take the elevator instead of the stairs and to avoid going on long, brisk walks or carrying heavy loads.

On the flip side, however, you cannot really afford to become totally inactive as this could cause other problems. Treating this condition effectively requires you to remaining as active as possible, so that you do not gain weight or worsen your overall health condition.

A recent study that was reported in the Annals of Internal Medicine, indicated that people with hip arthritis who force themselves to remain active do better in the long run than those who chose to become inactive. Being inactive also leads to other complications including obesity as well as loss of muscle and bone strength.

How Severe Knee Arthritis can be Treated

The treatment regimen should will first involve the most basic steps and then progress to the more involved procedures should the need arise. In severe cases, surgery may be considered. Treatment regimen is on a person-to-person basis as not all treatments are appropriate for every patient. You should have a discussion with your doctor to determine which treatments are appropriate to your problem.

Your treatment options include:

1.) Weight Loss: This aspect of the treatment regimen can be considered as one of the most important as excess weight puts additional strain on the knees, which will just worsen the condition.

2.) Modification of Daily Activity : While you may want to set some limits on some of your activities, you should explore new exercise methods with the clearance of the doctor. Patients may also try aquatic exercises as it is an excellent option for patients who have difficulty exercising.

3.) Use of Walking Aids: Using a cane or a single crutch can help decrease the load pressure placed on the arthritic joint.

4.) Physical Therapy: Physical activity to strengthen the muscles around the knee joint can prevent atrophy of the muscles and will maintain functional use of the knee while reducing the burden being put on it.

5. ) Use of Anti-Inflammatory Medications: NSAIDs and other ant-inflammatory drugs are prescribed by the doctor to manage the pain and inflammation components of the severe knee arthritis.
Use of Cortisone Injections: Your doctor may opt for cortisone injections to reduce inflammation and relieve the intense pain within the joint.

6.) Use of Knee Braces: Using supportive devices such as knee braces have been found to be a very effective element of the treatment. There are two types of knee braces for patients with severe knee arthritis. The unloader knee brace shifts load away from the affected region of the knee. On the other hand, the support knee brace helps "support" the entire knee load. A well designed knee support is referred to by many people as a "pain pill" due to the pain reduction that it can help provide. With improved alignment and the meaningful support that these braces provide, you should not look past their benefits. Many times these "unloader" knee braces are also referred to as OA (osteoarthritis) knee braces.

If you believe that you can benefit from pain reduction and improved knee stability then you should consider a knee support today.

Joint Support

2009-03-19T21:03:00.000-07:00

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The important gradient for this medicine prevent your leg still good is Glucosamine. Glucosamine chondroitin an important building block needed by the body to manufacture specialized molecules called glycosaminoglycans, found in cartilage. Generally, Glucosamine can form many type. The clinical testing have found that it can prevent for osteoarthritis. Glucosamine hydrochloride (GH) has been widely available as a dietary supplement for years, but only one trial has evaluated this form of glucosamine as a single remedy for OA. Besides that, the decrease in number of the population of acidophilus in the body is one of the main causes of several digestive disorders. Factors that reduce the number of Acidophilus in the body are antibiotics, alcohol, improper diet, old age, drugs, smoking and stress. Acidophilus pearls are 3-layered pearls containing probiotics needed by the intestines. The coating process used is called True Delivery Technology, and the creation process of acidophilus pearls tells the exact description of what happens to the product once it enters our system. The probiotics is truly delivered intact into the intestines.

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Knee Arthritis And How It Affects You

2008-12-12T14:25:00.000-08:00

Arthritis, any of more than 100 different diseases causing pain, stiffness, and in most cases, swelling in the joints.Arthritis affects people of both sexes and of all races, socioeconomic levels, and geographic areas.Osteoarthritis is the most common type of knee arthritis.

Also called wear-and-tear arthritis or degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis is characterized by progressive wearing away of the cartilage of the joint. As the protective cartilage is worn away by knee arthritis, bare bone is exposed within the joint.
Knee arthritis symptoms tend to progress as the condition worsens. What is interesting about knee arthritis is that symptoms do not always progress steadily with time. Often patients report good months and bad months or symptom changes with weather changes.

This is important to understand because comparing the symptoms of arthritis on one particular day may not accurately represent the overall progression of the condition.The most common symptoms of knee arthritis are:pain with activities, limited range of motion, stiffness of the knee, swelling of the joint, tenderness along the joint, a feeling the joint may "give out", deformity of the joint (knock-knees or bow-legs).

Rheumatologists, physicians who diagnose and treat arthritis and related conditions, use a variety of diagnostic techniques. The first step is a thorough history and physical examination, during which the doctor questions the patient about symptoms and medical history to learn about potential exposure to infectious agents or a family history of arthritis.

The patient is examined to determine the pattern of joints affected. With this information, rheumatologists are usually able to make a diagnosis. Laboratory tests are used to help diagnose inflammatory arthritis.

For example, a blood test called erythrocyte sedimentation rate measures how quickly red blood cells cling together and fall to the bottom of a test tube. When there is inflammation in the body, red blood cells sink faster.

This test lets physicians evaluate how severe the inflammation is. Rheumatologists also test a patient's blood or synovial fluid for the presence of specific antibodies—disease-fighting agents activated in the body by infections.

The presence of rheumatoid factor antibodies, for example, is an indication of rheumatoid arthritis, and antinuclear antibodies can be an indication of lupus. The presence of these antibodies along with clinical symptoms help establish the diagnosis. Physicians may also elect to test for the presence of specific genes, such as the HLA-B27 gene.

The primary goal of treatment is to reduce joint pain and inflammation and to maximize joint mobility. To this end, rheumatologists work closely with patients and their families to develop a treatment regimen incorporating exercise and rest as well as pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory drugs, and in some types of arthritis, drugs that slow the progress of the disease.

Low impact, regular exercise is very important in maintaining muscle strength and joint mobility. One of the best forms of exercise for people with arthritis is swimming, an activity that lets participants use muscles with minimal joint strain.

Arthritis sufferers benefit from physical therapy programs specially tailored to their age level and degree of mobility. Stretching and hot showers before exercise and applying ice packs to muscles and joints after exercise minimize discomfort related to exercise.

Rest is another crucial element of arthritis treatment. In addition to recommending at least eight hours of sleep a night, rheumatologists may also advise patients to use a cane, splint, sling, or special footwear to rest or stabilize affected joints periodically during the day.

Almost all drugs used to treat arthritis can have side effects and may not work for all patients with arthritis. Researchers are investigating alternatives to traditional drug therapy and other treatment approaches.

If joint damage is severe, patients with arthritis may need to have surgical treatment. Total hip and total knee replacements can significantly relieve pain and improve joint function. In some cases, surgeons replace damaged or deteriorating joints with artificial stainless steel or plastic components in a procedure called arthroplasty.

The latest facts and information about knee arthritis.

Arthritis Support

2008-08-20T09:25:00.000-07:00

There are millions of Americans that suffer from the pain of arthritis and related conditions all the time. The most important thing to know is that you are not alone in this suffering. Many times you may feel like you are the only one going through this disease, but there are others that feel the same way that you do. Arthritis can be a very hard problem to understand and many patients who suffer from arthritis will feel like they are alone and confused. However, with some help, you can meet and talk to others that are dealing with the same pain of arthritis conditions. Joining one of the many different arthritis support groups will help you feel better about your condition and give you a better outlook on life.

The Arthritis Foundation is one of the non-profit organizations that were formed for those that have arthritis. There are over 100 different conditions that are related to arthritis and this foundation has worked hard to meet those needs and concerns for people. This organization will help to give out information about arthritic conditions as well as work as an advocate for the patients that are dealing with arthritis. They will sponsor medical research for the condition and hope to find a cure for it one day. The Arthritis Foundation will join in with many other organizations and companies to bring patients the service that they need. Their website will help those that are suffering and the family members and friends that want to learn more about how they can help and donate money towards arthritis research. You can also join an online organization and benefit from their different member services.

When you are looking for something on a personal level, you need to first find a local arthritis group and talk to your doctor about it. Usually hospitals will sponsor these types of support groups and help people cope with different disease and pain. Arthritis is no different. A local group will usually meet with others that are dealing with arthritis and get feedback on how to cope in daily life. These community groups are going to be lifelong friends and you can learn to live better and be more optimistic. You can check your local newspapers if your doctor does not know where to find a support group. You can even start your own group! If no support group exists in your town, there may be a huge need for someone to head up this type of project.

A support group is an important way for children that are suffering from arthritis as well. Arthritis is a condition that is usually more common with age; many children will feel isolated because they have it at such a young age. The children’s wing of your local hospital may be able to help you find a support group. It makes no difference what age you are, you can get benefits from the community or support group when you have arthritis. You need to look online and talk to your doctor about more information on this subject.

Acupuncture Arthritis Knee Ankle Pain Can Heal

2008-05-23T02:56:00.000-07:00

There are many different treatments for arthritis. If you are interested in trying some alternative forms of therapy, try acupuncture arthritis knee ankle pain. Acupuncture can be a very effective method of treatment for all forms of arthritis pain, including rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. It has been shown by scientific studies to be particularly effective when it comes to knee and ankle based pain.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical procedure in which certain points of the body are stimulated. American acupuncture incorporates a number of different cultures processes. The whole idea originated more than two thousand years ago, but it became well known in the seventies in the United States. Most Asian countries, including China, Japan, and Korea have their own forms of this helpful procedure. For many, acupuncture arthritis knee ankle pain procedures are quite helpful. The most studied, and most practiced form of acupuncture in the United States involves first a massage of the affected area, then the joint in question in penetrated with thin, solid needles made of metal.

Who Can Use Acupuncture?

You do not need an arthritis diagnosis to need acupuncture help. Because most acupuncturists are not licensed doctors, you will not even need to consult your insurance company, as most do not pay for alternative therapies like this one. If you want some names of good acupuncturists in your area, check with your doctor or your herbalist. They should be able to refer you to competent professionals. Be sure to check your acupuncturist's credentials, as there are some good national acupuncture organizations that may help narrow your search. You may be able to find some websites that list these acupuncturists in your area. Remember that your acupuncturist is not a doctor, so they cannot offer you a diagnosis for your joint pain. They can only offer you pain relief.

brought to you by http://www.treating-arthritis.com

Arthritic Insomnia

2008-05-23T02:48:00.000-07:00

If you are dealing with arthritis, one of the hardest things to deal with is the insomnia. The sleeping disorder is going to prevent you from getting the rest that you need to stay healthy and this will in return make your arthritis worse.

It can be a terrible cycle that you are dealing with. There are many things that you can do to take on arthritis and it is important to consider all of the options so that you can get a better night’s rest every time you go to bed.

Having insomnia is figured out by a number of problems. You must first have difficulty falling asleep. Many people will experience this at some point in their life. However if you are frequently finding it hard to drift off to sleep, you may want to talk to your doctor about it.

If you are waking up often through the night for no good reason, this is a symptom too. This will usually happen to everyone and more so to people if they are new parents. If you are finding that you are constantly tossing and turning more than once a week, you are probably dealing with insomnia. Some with insomnia will sleep throughout the night.

Their problem may be that they wake up too early or they do not feel refreshed after many hours of sleep. It will depend on how frequently insomnia happens for you and if you can be diagnosed with short-term insomnia, intermittent insomnia or chronic insomnia. Anyone that suffers from arthritis will also find that they have chronic insomnia or insomnia that does not go away and occurs for a long time period. There are many reasons that chronic insomnia is found in people that do have arthritis. The pain will keep some awake at night and will occur with illness but some of the patients find that their joints are painful and inflamed after they do activity.

A second reason of insomnia due to arthritis is a high level of stress that most patients with arthritis have. Worrying about an appointment with a doctor can cause a person to stay awake all night long. There is no difference for any patient that is young and just recently diagnosed or older and has had the problem of arthritis for many years. Insomnia can be a side of effect of the medicine that is used to treat arthritis. These medicines may rid the pain but can make you stay up all night. Without taking the medication, you may also be awake all night with pain.

There are a number of ideas that a person can do for insomnia. You are not alone is the first step. You need to talk to your doctor about any medications that you are taking that keep you up all night. There are going to be side effects of drugs and they can be addicting as well. Taking the right steps to take the stress out of your life is going to help you sleep better at night too. You and your doctor are the only people that can take the right course of action to fix the insomnia in your life. Talk to them and get a good night’s sleep because it is essential for healthy living.

Exercise and Arthritis

2008-03-16T22:08:00.000-07:00

Your bones hang out in a lot of joints. Knee joints. Hip joints. The joints in your fingers and the joints in your toes.

Wherever bones meet, there is also cartilage, a rubbery, protective layer that ensures your joints bend smoothly and painlessly. But even cartilage cannot do this tremendous job alone. A thin membrane called the "synovium" provides fluid that lubricates the moving parts of the joint. When the cartilage wears out of the synovium becomes inflamed, the result is generally a case of "osteoarthritis" or "rheumatoid arthritis."

In osteoarthritis, the cartilage can be eroded so much that bone does rub on bone. Thos type of arthritis develops gradually over a lifetime as a simple result of the wear and tear placed on your joints over the years. Very few people escape some degree of osteoarthritis, though the severity varies a great deal.

As a matter of fact, if you are over the age of 50, you are likely to have at least one joint affected by osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis affects men and women equally and is by far the most common type of arthritis, with almost 16 million Americans in the list.

In rheumatoid arthritis, damage to the synovium is at the source of trouble. Doctors and researchers are not absolutely sure what causes it, but most think that rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which the immune system actually attacks certain tissues in the body, including those that connect the joints and the synovium.

Rheumatoid arthritis begins with swollen, red, stiff, and painful joints, but it may progress until scar tissue forms in the joint or, in extreme cases, until the bones actually fuse together. Almost 75% of the 2 million people with rheumatoid arthritis in the United States are women. The disease can hit as early as teen years.

Exercising Your Prevention Options

Investing a little time in developing a good weight-bearing low-impact exercise and stretching plan can add up to great results when it comes to staving off arthritis pain. Strong muscles help protect the joints from wear and tear, and the movement keeps joints flexible.

That is why the quest for fitness is at hand, even if you are 50 years and over. However, most Americans over 50 are still right where they always were sitting back and watching others jog by. Most of them contend that that is just for people who have been athletic all their life, or some say exercise is for young people and engaging into exercise will do them more harm than good.

There are still some that insist on excusing their selves in exercise routines because they do not just have time or they have less energy than ever before. These are all lame excuses. Hence, it is time to start to get rid of those pains. Start exercising.

Consequently, preventing arthritis is not an exact science, but physicians have discovered a few ways to lower your risk. Here is how:

1. Do not weight around

The single most important measure anyone can take to prevent osteoarthritis of the knee is to lose weight if they are overweight. Extra weight puts extra stress on your knees. If you are 10 pounds overweight, for example, you put 60 pounds per square inch of extra pressure on your knees every time you take a step. That extra pressure can slowly but surely erode the cartilage in your knees, leading to arthritis.

A study has clearly supported the theory that weight loss weighs in on the side of prevention. In the study, overweight women who lost 11 pounds or more over a 10-year period decreased their risk of developing osteoarthritis of the knee by 50%.

2. Stretch those muscles

Any kind of stretching is good as long as you do not bounce, which can lead to a muscle pull. This is according to some of the professors of clinical medicine in New York City.

Try to hold a slow, steady stretch for 15 to 20 seconds, then relax and repeat. It is best to flex up by stretching before any exercise, especially running and walking. But it is also a good idea to stretch each day. Ask your doctor to teach you stretches that focus on potential arthritis trouble spots, such as the knees or the lower back.

3. Walking is always the best exercise

Take a good long walk at least three times a week or participate in a step-aerobics or low-impact exercise routine maximum results. There is no proof that running is bad for the joints, but remember, it may aggravate an injury if you already have one. Just remember to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program.

The bottom line is that of all the healthful habits, exercise is the most important. This is because people are designed to be active. Hence, it is really important for people to exercise in order to stay healthy and keep those joints free from wear and tear.

Just keep in mind that the unexercised body, even if free from the symptoms of illness or problems like arthritis, is not at its full potential. Hence, start exercising right now!

by Jill Smi

When Are Antibiotics Used To Treat Arthritis?

2008-03-16T21:51:00.000-07:00

Research has pointed to a possible benefit of using antibiotics for the treatment of some types of arthritis. This article discusses some of the data.

The role of antibiotic therapy for the treatment of arthritis is controversial. However there is at least some evidence for effectiveness in two examples. Minocycline, a member of the tetracycline family, appears to suppress enzymes involved in the inflammatory process. Doxycycline is an antibiotic that also belongs to the tetracycline group and has shown to have positive benefits in osteoarthritis.

Minocycline

In 1949, at the International Congress on Rheumatic Diseases, a possible relationship between mycoplasmas and joint disease was described.

Thomas McPherson Brown, M.D. and his colleagues at the National Institutes of Health reported the following year that rheumatoid arthritis may be caused by an immunologic reaction of antigen and antibody (with mycoplasma as the suspected antigen).

In 1955, Brown reported that mycoplasmas, unlike bacteria and viruses, could live in tissue cell cultures without destroying the tissue cells. In 1964 a high incidence of mycoplasma antibodies in the blood of rheumatoid arthritis patients was found, indicating current or previous infection. Also noted was a four-fold higher incidence of mycoplasma antibodies in females suggesting a correlation with the higher incidence of rheumatoid arthritis in females.

Efforts to demonstrate the effectiveness of tetracycline therapy were initiated and first reported by Dr. Brown shortly thereafter. In 1989, NIH initiated controlled clinical trials of tetracycline therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. The preliminary results of the clinical trials, known now as MIRA or Minocycline in Rheumatoid Arthritis, were promising.

The result of the MIRA clinical trial were: "Patients who suffer from mild to moderate RA now have the choice of another therapeutic agent. Not only did the antibiotic significantly reduce symptoms, but side effects were minimal and less severe than observed for most other common rheumatoid treatments".

Despite these findings, many rheumatologists remain skeptical. Other studies have failed to demonstrate clinically significant improvement.

According to the American College of Rheumatology, "Minocycline is prescribed for patients with symptoms of mild rheumatoid arthritis. It is sometimes combined with other medications to treat patients with persistent symptoms of this form of arthritis."

Their formal position is stated in this fact sheet for patients:

...There is evidence minocycline may slow the progression of joint damage in arthritis and prevent disability like other drugs in the class known as DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs).

Minocycline is prescribed for patients with symptoms of mild rheumatoid arthritis, sometimes in combination with other medications to treat patients with persistent symptoms of this form of arthritis.

...Minocycline decreases the production of substances causing inflammation, such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes, while increasing production of interleukin-10, a substance that reduces inflammation.

Minocycline usually is given as a 100 milligram (mg) capsule twice a day. It may be taken with food, although it should not be taken with other medications such as antacids or iron tablets.
It may take 2 to 3 months before any improvement in arthritis symptoms is experienced and up to a year before maximum benefits are realized.

The most common side effects from this medicine are gastrointestinal symptoms, dizziness and skin rash. Some women who take minocycline develop vaginal yeast infections. While this can occur with other antibiotics, it seems more prevalent with minocycline and other tetracyclines. It is thought minocycline kills bacteria normally present in the body which protect against yeast infections.

Minocycline may increase sensitivity to sunlight, resulting in more frequent sunburns or the development of rashes following sun exposure. It is recommended patients apply sunscreen (SPF 15 or greater) before outdoor activities or avoid prolonged exposure to the sun while taking minocycline.

More rarely, minocycline can affect the kidneys or liver. Doctors may recommend periodic blood tests for long-term users to check liver and kidney function. In equally rare cases, minocycline can induce lupus, but this condition usually improves after stopping the medication.

Minocyline use during pregnancy can slow the growth of teeth or bones in infants after birth as well as cause discoloration of the newborn's teeth when taken during the last half of pregnancy. Minocycline may decrease the effectiveness of some birth control pills.

Minocycline is passed into breast milk, so mothers should avoid breast-feeding to prevent delayed development of teeth and bones in their infants. Minocycline can increase a nursing infant's risk of fungal infections or dizziness in the newborn. Because minocycline may cause discoloration of teeth and problems with bone growth in young children, it is recommended that those younger than 8 years old not take this medication. This is not a problem in older children and adults.

Possible interactions with minocycline may occur when taking warfarin (Coumadin), antacids containing calcium, aluminum or magnesium (such as Tums, Rolaids, Maalox, or Mylanta), iron tablets and oral contraceptives (birth control pills).

To highlight one of the potential side effects of minocycline, a small study reported in the June 2006 issue of the Journal of Rheumatology indicated that skin discoloration (hyperpigmentation) appears to be a very common side effect of minocycline use. The study involved 27 patients. Forty-one percent (11 patients) reported developing skin discoloration after using minocycline for approximately one year. Four of the 11 patients stopped using minocycline because of hyperpigmentation (two had skin discoloration on their face and two had skin discoloration on their arms).

The use of minocycline for rheumatoid arthritis is rare nowadays because of the proliferation of newer biologic therapies. Nonetheless, it remains a viable option for the rare individual with extremely mild disease.

Doxycycline

Doxycycline, another tetracycline derivative, has been used to treat osteoarthritis. Study results reported in Arthritis & Rheumatism (July 2005 issue) suggest that treatment with the antibiotic doxycycline may slow the progression of this disease.

Researchers compared the use of doxycycline to placebo, using about 400 obese women with knee arthritis as study participants. Researchers analyzed the impact of doxycycline on the joint space of the affected knee.

The study participants were randomized into two groups, receiving either 100 mgs of doxycycline two times a day or placebo for up to two and a half years.

Following 16 months of treatment, results indicated that the average loss of joint space in the affected knee was 40% less among participants taking doxycycline than those who took placebo.

At the end of the two and a half year period, the loss of joint space was 33% less in the group who took doxycyline than in the group who took placebo.

Doxycycline treated patients also reported having marginally less joint pain.

Researchers said that this was the first major study of doxycycline as a potential treatment for osteoarthritis. More studies will be needed to confirm these results.

While the study did not clearly show that oral doxycycline was effective in reducing pain, there was evidence that there was less progression of osteoarthrits (i.e. less cartilage loss) in patients on the antibiotic. The authors felt doxycycline works through anti-inflammatory effect and not due to an anti-bacterial effect.

Based on this study, it is difficult to recommend long term doxycyline for relief of symptoms. On the other hand, it is possible that patients taking the antibiotic may be less likely to require joint replacement in the future due to a decrease in joint damage on radiograph.

Obviously, longer term studies are required. The problem, as it exists today, is that we have no other drugs with significant disease-modifying effects for osteoarthritis.

By: Nathan Wei

Surgerical Procedures Including Knee and Hip at a High (knee arthritis)

2008-03-16T21:32:00.000-07:00

With the active baby boomer generation aging and entering retirement, many are looking to replace bad knees and stiff hips. Because of advancements in technology that include revolutionary prostheses and high-tech surgical procedures these surgeries are on the rise.

Although the procedures are still mostly performed on people over 65, there is a growing population of individuals who range from 38 to 56 who are getting hip and knee implants or prostheses.

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, individuals aged mid-thirties to late fifties had 35,000 hip replacements or 21 percent of the total procedures in 2003, the last year for which figures are available. That's up from 26 percent of all procedures in 1997. Additionally individuals in this age group had 48,000 knee replacements or 15 percent of the total 2003, up from 22 percent in 1997.

It has been suggested by medical professionals that nearly 21 million individuals are affected by osteoarthritis, which makes up nearly 90 percent of replacements.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease characterized by the breakdown of a joint's cartilage, and is caused by a variety of factors including injuries, obesity and genetics. The breakdown causes bones to rub against each other, resulting in pain and loss of movement.

The incidence of arthritis increases as people age. The last year statistics that were available in 2002, the U.S. Nearly 43 million U.S. adults have been diagnosed with some form of arthritis, lupus, gout, fibromyalgia or rheumatoid arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Also 23 million adults reported chronic joint symptoms (possible arthritis) but had not been diagnosed with arthritis. One in five, or 21 percent, of adults report having doctor-diagnosed arthritis.

In total 51 percent of adults 75 years and over reported an knee arthritis diagnosis. The CDC estimates that by 2030, approximately 64.Physicians will likely diagnose nearly 9 million U.S. citizens aged 18 and older.

Both patients and their physicians use to delay joint replacement surgeries because of the dangers and likelihood that an implant would only last 10 years. However, with medical advancements, some prostheses last up to 25 years.

Artificial joints or prostheses are medical devices; they must be cleared or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before they can be marketed in the United States.

In addition, FDA permission is required before a company can test a new or redesigned prosthesis in human studies. The data gathered in these studies, which take place in specific hospitals, may then be used to support a company's application for marketing its prosthesis to surgeons and hospitals. The device or product is required to be safe and effective with proof of this.

The FDA assures safety and effectiveness through different means depending on the risks of a particular device and the technology that it presents. For devices with a history of safe and effective use, frequently those using established technology, the FDA relies on a set of general controls to determine which devices can be deployed.

The general controls are augmented with special controls such as standards or standard test methods. However, for devices that involve new uses or advanced technology the FDA often requires that a particular device be demonstrated to be safe and effective through clinical trials.

As has been proven with some devices in the past these clinical trials do not always identify all of the potential issues that may be associated with a new type of hip or knee prostheses.

In addition just like any surgery, hip and knee joint replacement carries certain life-threatening risks, such as infection, blood clots and complications from anesthesia. Other complications include nerve damage, dislocation or breakage after surgery, and wearing out or loosening of the joint over time.

After hip replacement surgery, one leg may be shorter than the other. Infection is an ongoing risk for people with joint replacements. Not only can it occur in the hospital, but also it can happen years later if bacteria travel through the bloodstream to the replacement area. In the rare case that an infection spreads to the new joint and does not clear up with antibiotic treatment, the joint must be replaced. This usually requires two surgeries--one to remove the infected joint and another surgery later to insert the new joint.

An individual's choice of device and surgeon to repair hip or knee arthritis injuries is critical to avoiding serious future complications. If problems relating to prosthesis exist the person should in many cases seek legal advice.

by Peter Kent

Knee Arthritis Risk

2008-03-14T00:24:00.000-07:00

Having knee arthritis is common in most people of the world. Even though it is a very common disease, it is painful and very incurable at the moment. You can be at risk for getting knee arthritis and you may not even know it. Some of the conditions cannot be changed but there are a number of things that you can do to prevent knee arthritis from happening to you later on in life. Take a look at the risk in your life and what you can do to prevent knee arthritis from happening to you and causing great pain in your life.

You must first understand knee arthritis. It can affect anyone of any age, gender or race. Even babies at a young age of six months can develop knee arthritis. It is true that your risks will increase after the age of 40. There are different things that can increase your risk of knee arthritis as well. For example sports injuries can often occur and it is necessary to continue treating your injury throughout your life to prevent more serious conditions later on in life.

Weight is very important when it comes to having knee arthritis. If you are more than 30 pounds overweight, having this extra stress can affect your joints and create knee arthritis pain. Having a good healthy weight and exercising and eating right is very important when it comes to your health.

Genetics will also play a very important part in the development of knee arthritis. There is not much that you can do to counteract it. However if you live a good and healthy life, you can lower the risk of arthritis conditions in your body at a young age. Women are more at risk than men for getting different kinds of knee arthritis pain. This is because of the hormonal changes that a woman will go through. Keeping hormones in order by seeing your doctor regularly will put you at a lower risk for knee arthritis. African Americans are more likely to have lupus, which is an arthritic disease. Caucasians are at a larger risk for getting rheumatoid arthritis. There are certain groups of Americans that are at risk for getting certain type of knee arthritis.

If you are at a greater risk for knee arthritis, you need to take the right steps to reduce your chances of getting a disease. Having a healthy lifestyle by eating right and exercising well is going to keep you at a lower risk. Even though knee arthritis can be difficult to deal with, you can prevent it from happening.

Arthritic Pain

2008-02-08T22:08:00.000-08:00

Having pain is your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong. For some people, they say “no pain, no gain” and pain is a sign that they have done something to the point of destruction and the body will let you know this. Most of pain is not that productive. If you are suffering from arthritis you are going to have pain in the joints and this can keep you from doing the things that you want to. It is important to have pain management so that you can deal with the arthritis and live from day to day with hardly any frustration.

Like a red flashing light, your pain in the body is going to signal that you need to stop what you are doing and take action about your body’s health. Pain is very natural and it does not have to be hard for you. There are a number of things that can cause arthritic pain. Pain can be caused by inflammation in the joints. This type of pain is usually joined by redness and swelling in younger patients or anyone that just develops a condition. A second cause is damage to the joint tissue. We usually feel that we have pulled a muscle when this type of pain is occurring and it can be a condition due to stress on a joint or another problem.

Pain can also happen from fatigue. You may simple have a small amount of lingering pain; being tired can make you have this more. Think of it in terms of a headache at the end of the day when you are tired. Joint pain works in the same way. Depression and stress can cause pain or make your pain more severe than it really is. This is a terrible cycle to start. You will get depressed when you have pain and this will cause you to be more depressed which will cause you to feel even worse.

Arthritic pain in people is likely to fell a lot different than other kinds of pain. It is important to have a pain management system. This will also include eating healthy and exercising better to improve the condition. Taking medication will also help. You may also want to use massage to help you with your arthritis as well. Stay optimistic about you outlook for life and take on the challenge of pain when it comes. Arthritis is going to be hard but you can overcome it so that you have a normal life.