Joint Supplements To Treat Osteoarthritis

The treatment of osteoarthritis has been done with the use of the joint supplements glucosamine as well as chondroitin since about two decades. Osteoarthritis is a condition which occurs due to the smooth cartilage surfaces of the joints wearing out. This is also called wear-and-tear arthritis.Osteoarthritis leads to joint pain, swelling, as well as deformity. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common types of arthritis.

Glucosamine as well as chondroitin are joint supplements that make up the kind of cartilage that is found within the joints. The cartilage inside your joints undergoes a continuous process of breakdown as well as repair. In order to be repaired properly, the building blocks of the cartilage have to be present as well as available. This is the theory behind using these glucosamine as well as chondroitin joint supplements. This ensures that the cartilage building blocks will be present for the repair of the cartilage.

Glucosamine is basically a precursor to a molecule known as glycosaminoglycan, which is required in the formation as well as repair of cartilage. Chondroitin is a highly abundant glycosaminoglycan in cartilage. It is basically responsible for the resiliency found in cartilage.

The oral consumption of glucosamine as well as chondroitin increases the rate of formation of new cartilage due to the increased availability of the required building blocks. Research has shown that patients experienced reduction in pain reduction while taking glucosamine as well as chondroitin. This improvement was quite similar to the improvement which was experienced by patients who take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). The main difference is that NSAIDs tend to have an increased risk of side effects such as gastrointestinal complaints as well as bleeding as compared to the joint supplements glucosamine and chondroitin. Thus their use is preferred, especially since the effects of pain reduction are the same. Furthermore, these supplements also offer more protection to the cartilage surface.

Brace Yourself For Painful Knees Due to Osteoarthritis - Stop Those Cracking Noises & Popping Sounds

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common types of arthritis. Statistics show that more than 10 million Americans suffer from this condition with it being one of the most common cause of disability in the United States.

1.) Causes of Knee Osteoarthritis

This type of arthritis is characterized by the deterioration of the articular cartilage, which is also the main problem associated with the disease. Causes of this condition include:

A.) Excessive strain on the knee

B.) Ligament tear, bone fractures and meniscal injury

C.) Genetics

D.) Obesity

E. ) Problem with the bone layer underneath the cartilage

2.) Diagnosis of Knee Osteoarthritis

A.) X-rays are particularly helpful as they allow the doctor to determine whether there is a narrowing of the joint space and thus rule out other causes of painful knees.

B.) MRI can also be done in cases where a detailed imaging is essential. Arthroscopic surgery is another procedure used to view the condition of the knee.

3.) Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis gradually progresses over a period of years. The primary symptoms of knee osteoarthritis include:

A.) Pain

B.) Stiffness

C.) Limited range of motion of the knee

D.) Swelling

The pain experienced as a result of knee osteoarthritis can be very severe especially following a heavy activity. The stiffness felt can be aggravated by prolonged sitting. As the condition worsens, the pain can become intense and may lead to a debilitating condition.

4.) Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis

Treatment of knee osteoarthritis is focused at managing the symptoms and the deterioration of the articular cartilage. Conventional pain medications such as acetaminophen can help relieve pain. NSAIDs are also very effective at relieving painful knees in osteoarthritis sufferers.

Other modalities used for knee osteoarthritis include:

A.) Management of weight

B.) Application of topical cream

C.) Knee brace or support

D.) Joint protection techniques

E.) Hot and cold compress

F.) Glucosamine and Chondroitin supplementation

G.) Surgery

Early management and treatment of knee osteoarthritis is most beneficial. Knee osteoarthritis, if treated early, can be effectively managed and treated.

5.) Using a Knee Brace to Manage Painful Knees due Osteoarthritis

The types of knee braces include:

A.) Single-Piece Sleeves: This brace made of neoprene, or drytex (an elastic-rubbery material), is the simplest type of support. The device is put on over the foot of the affected leg and is pulled until it is over the knee. The type of support provides compression, warmth and support and is best for mild to moderate osteoarthritis.

B. ) Unloader Knee Brace- This type of support is made from molded plastic and foam. The steel struts that are inserted on the sides limit lateral knee movement and enhance stability. This support is custom-fit to each individual patient with medial component osteoarthritis.

If you are concerned about your current pain problems, it is also wise to consult your physician.

What is Arthritis? Rheumatoid Arthritis and Prognosis of Osteoarthritis Symptoms & Treatments

Arthritis is a common disease in the modern world. It has been a disease known since the ancient periods of time and is never referred to a single disease. The arthritis, in general, is an inflammation of the joints with numerous conditions attached to it. This is the only reason why it is being mentioned as a group of conditions. There are various forms of arthritis but the root case is the same in all cases.

What is the root case?

What is arthritis? This question often arises in our minds. The root case in arthritis is that there is inflammation of the human joints that resorts down to tautness, bumps and agony. Arthritis may cause enough stiffness of the joints and it might result into life threatening situations. Arthritis must be well looked after and any signs and symptoms must be reported to the physician without any negligence. Any sort of negligence might result into muscle damage, bone damage and also damages to the internal body parts.

The most common cases of arthritis are the rheumatoid arthritis and the osteoarthritis. No matter whatever may be the form of arthritis, the fact of the matter remains the same that arthritis can affect a human body at all ages? The rheumatoid arthritis is a typical form of the arthritis that results due to the faulty immune attacks on a human body. The rheumatoid arthritis is therefore an "autoimmune disease "which generally causes joint pain, swelling, stiffness and joint dislocation. The rheumatoid arthritis is a difficult disease when it comes to diagnosis and the most common cause is the hereditary presence or the genetic factor.

Osteoarthritis is the other most common case of arthritis in human beings. Osteoarthritis is a disease featuring degeneration of joints and most often lead into swelling, pain and tenderness of joints. Any king of gravity pressure leads into wear and tear and thus physical damage to the human joints. If you are interested to know the prognosis of osteoarthritis, symptoms, treatments and causes then you must go through the following sections.

The causes of osteoarthritis may be varied and dynamic according to human beings. There are abounding causes of osteoarthritis, which comprise endocrine cause or diabetic problems, metabolic malfunctions, anatomical abnormalities, or congenital causes, inflammatory joints, post traumatic causes, genetic causes, improper nutrition and also from the improper functioning of the nervous system.

The symptoms of osteoarthritis are specific and affect the fingers, spines, hips and knees. The fingers are affected with swollen and reddish enlargements. The hip joints are severely affected and this occurs mostly among men. The knee joints are affected in many individuals by excessive squatting. The spine is affected with weakness of the legs and arms.

The treatments that follow in case of osteoarthritis are essentially bringing down the weight, providing nutritious diet, antioxidants, vitamins, Acetaminophen, hot or warm baths and through artificial devices known as orthoses. The prognosis of osteoarthritis, symptoms, causes and treatments must have been clear by now with all those features discussed.

Fish Oil Supplement For Osteoarthritis - Discover the Amazing Ingredient For Pain Free Joints!

Fish oil supplements for osteoarthritis can be very beneficial for alleviating the symptoms and providing excellent pain relief. In fact, many brands go as far as claiming it as "natural cure for osteoarthritis". Find out the expert facts in this article to make the best health decision.

Due to the various side effects of prescription based drugs for combating inflammation and pain relief, people are looking for natural cure for osteoarthritis. Fish oil supplements for osteoarthritis are among the topmost choice due to their numerous health benefits on overall health.

Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. They have excellent natural anti-inflammatory properties and also play a key role in improving brain and cardiovascular health. Research has shown that they help to reduce tenderness in joints, reduce inflammation, decrease morning stiffness and reduce the amount of medication required for controlling inflammation for people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

They also play a key role in reducing the activity of the enzymes that destroy cartilage in joints. Green lipped mussel that is found in New Zealand is also an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. It has great anti-inflammatory properties and helps in reducing pain and joint stiffness, improving grip strength and enhancing joint mobility in osteoarthritis patients.

A special consideration while looking for fish oil supplement for osteoarthritis is that you should avoid supplements that are rich in vitamin A - such as cod liver oil and those derived from fish liver. This is because vitamin A is toxic when consumed in large doses from animal sources. Beta-carotene is a much safer choice when it comes to vitamin A supplementation.

Adults should consume around 1000 mg of Omega 3 fatty acids on a daily basis. While looking for fish oil supplement for osteoarthritis, make sure that it is "pharmaceutical grade" or molecularly distilled. Molecular distillation is a process that separates toxins and contaminants such as mercury, lead, PCBs, etc. from the fish oil and the resultant oil is then encapsulated into supplements.

This is essential to ensure maximum product safety and effectiveness. It also guarantees that you do not consume harmful toxins that are generally found while consuming fish directly.

Although it might not be a natural cure for osteoarthritis, using fish oil supplements for osteoarthritis in combination with green lipped mussel extract of New Zealand is one of the most effective natural alternatives for achieving relief from inflammation and pain, as well as protecting the joint cartilage from additional damage.

Arthritis - Are You Crippled by Ignorance?

Rheumatism is a general term for pain and stiffness in the muscular-skeletal system. Muscles, ligaments and tendons and the skeleton are all very interdependent upon one another for their shape, support and function. Trouble in any one will usually have an effect upon the rest.

Arthritis simply means inflammation of a joint and may be considered a form of rheumatism in a joint or joints have become inflamed. There are many different forms of arthritis - around a hundred different types - with a variety of causes. We are not going to explore them in detail in this article, but we will give a broad view of them.

Arthritis is derived from Greek - arthro means joint while "itis" stands for inflammation. Arthritis is the name for a group of conditions involving damage to the joints of the body.

OSTEOARTHRITIS

Probably the most common or at least the best- known form is Osteoarthritis (OA) or Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD). It tends to affect the large weight-bearing joints such as hip and knee and is often found in one joint rather than multiple sites. It may be the result of trauma, infection, obesity, aging, instability, an after effect of surgery, or a "perk" of certain occupations such as farming and horticulture. Often described as "wear and tear" and is one of the major causes of joint problems involving erosion of bone and cartilage in your joints. It's also usually really painful..

Osteoarthritis is frequently thought of as an older person's disease, although in reality it can affect younger people, especially sportspeople who put their joints under a lot of strain to maintain the levels of fitness required for them. This causes wear and tear at the joint surfaces. Footballers regularly damage their knees, causing premature muscular-skeletal changes. In some cases theres also a hereditary factor. It's most often seen in the over 60 age group and can be confirmed clinically or with x-rays where bony changes such as spurs or osteophytes can be seen.

It may also be seen in the hands and feet in which case nodules, or Heberdens nodes, may be seen on the joints at the ends of the fingers and frequently runs in families. Bunions may be present on the feet.

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Another form of arthritis is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and this is 3 times more common in women than men. This is a disease where the immune system starts to attacks itself.

RA has the potential to be a significantly disabling disease with destructive changes to the joints but modern medication has turned it into a much less crippling illness. Hands and wrists, legs and feet plus the neck are often affected. Left untreated, the lining of the joints thickens and excess synovial fluid is produced, which in turn alters the lubrication of the joint through changes to the composition of the fluid. Antibodies attack articular cartilage and gradually destroy it. Bone surfaces may become exposed and fuse to give considerable loss of function.

Initial symptoms are pain, tenderness, swelling, stiffness. These are often in the smaller joints and will affect joints symmetrically. So if you've got it in your right hand, then your left is probably affected too. It can happen at any age with the most common occurrence being between 40 and 50 years of age.

If you think you might have RA then it's important to get prompt attention as early treatment can have a big impact. Blood tests and x-rays are used to diagnose the disease. Today's medicine can go a long towards preventing deformity, disability and instability and there are many effective drugs available that control it but sadly they can't cure it.

GOUT

Another form of arthritis is Gout. This almost always occurs in men and is characterised by raised levels of uric acid in the bloodstream - either because your body is producing too much uric acid, or you can't remove it once its there.

Crystals of uric acid build up on the cartilage of your joints, tendons and surrounding tissues. The pain is excruciating with a sudden burning pain often in the foot, where there is swelling, redness, heat and stiffness, often in the big toe.

Traditionally Gout is associated with rich food intake and grain alcohol. Meat, game, scallops, offal are often thought to be implicated becase of their high purine levels. A plant based diet seems to be low in purine levels.

Knowing a little about about the conditions affecting you is the first step to undersatnding what is happening and can often take away a lot of the fear and uncertainty. The next step is to get some professional advice on the specifics of your own unique circumstance and to work with your therapist to develop a plan for managing the condition so it doesn't take over your life.

Arthritis Sufferers and Mobility Scooters

It is estimated that around 10 million people in the UK today suffer from some form of Arthritis.

Arthritis is a group of conditions that can effect people of all ages, and commonly causes joint pain, inflammation and stiffness.

Some sufferers experience inflammation of the joints, coupled with restricted movement leading to weakness and muscle wasting.

There are some 100 different known types of Arthritis, the most common being Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic disease, currently without cure that causes most sufferers to experience "flares" of pain, inflammation, swelling and reduced movement of joints. It tends to be symmetrical in that if a joint on one side of the body is effected the joint on the other side will also show symptoms.

Whilst there is no cure for Rheumatoid Arthritis, early diagnosis and treatment can help to give remission from the symptoms.

There are more than 400,000 sufferers in the UK today, starting usually in people aged between 40 and 50 years old, with women 3 times more likely to be affected than Men.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in the UK, affecting an estimated 8.5 million people.

Osteoarthritis is where the cartilage between the bones gradually wastes away, leading to painful rubbing of bone on bone in the joints. The most frequently affected joints are in the hands, spine, knees and hips.

Osteoarthritis often develops in over 50's, however can occur at any age due to injury or other related joint conditions.

Common causes are:

1. Age - Wear and Tear plays a part in the onset of Osteoarthritis, the older you are the more your joints will have been used, however whilst your risk factor is increased with age it is not inevitable you will suffer from it.

2. Obesity - The heavier you are the more pressure your body places on your joints. Hips and knees in particular carry the burden of excess weight. Scientist also believe that excess body fat causes chemicals to travel throughout the body which can cause joint damage.

3. Injury or over use - Athletes or people with repetitive jobs that require the same motion being performed over and over again (typists, machine operators) have a higher risk of developing Osteoarthritis due to increased use and stress to their joints.

4. Genetics - Inherited abnormalities of the bones that affect the shape or stability of a joint can lead to osteoarthritis, although it isn't a certainty.

Osteoarthritis mostly develops slowly, starting with soreness and stiffness that is more an inconvenience than a concern. For some it will develop no further, but for others their arthritis will progress to a level where it interferes with daily activities, and the pain and stiffness make it difficult to walk, climb stairs or sleep.

A healthy lifestyle, and regular exercise are all recommended to improve the physical and mental health of arthritis sufferers, as is making the most of independent living aids on the market today designed to help with a variety of daily tasks.

Whilst it is vital to maintain as much physical activity as possible there will be times when the symptoms are so bad that this becomes unbearable and another solution needs to be at hand.

A Mobility Scooter may be the answer for those times when you simply cannot manage your daily routine, and need a solution to maintain your independence. This may only be a temporary solution until the symptoms subside, or a more permanent arrangement to give you the additional help you need.

Mobility Scooter manufacturers have been developing and designing new and improved features on their Scooters for years to help to make using a Scooter easier and more enjoyable to those with reduced joint flexibility, pain and stiffness.

Features such as fully swiveling seats to enable the user to sit comfortably on the seat before turning onto the Scooter. This reduces the need for climbing, straining, and twisting to get on.

Fully adjustable seats and armrests to give maximum support for good posture, and a comfortable riding position.

Delta handlebars, designed to reduce the pressure on the wrists from standard handlebars and with thumb or finger controls for ease of use. Fully adjustable tillers to get the right riding position for you ensuring no additional pressure is put on your joints. Dual controls allow the rider to use one side or the other, ideal if discomfort is centralised to one joint only.

Mobility Scooters which provide additional legroom to allow you to stretch out, reducing pressure on your knees, and ankles.

Portable Mobility Scooters which can be dismantled with "one hand" are perfect if you need to take your Scooter with you, but need to be able to transport it yourself, without strain on your joints.

There is such a wide variety of Scooters on the market today that it is possible to find one which will enhance your life, and give you the freedom and independence to maintain an active lifestyle.

Is There Any Hope For Osteoarthritis Pain And Aches?

If you suffer from osteoarthritis pain, you are certainly not alone. According to the Mayo Clinic, osteoarthritis affects nearly 21 million people in the United States alone.

Osteoarthritis of the knee - Pain Relief

Although many people suffer osteoarthritis of the knee, it can afflict any of the jointed areas: fingers, hands, neck, and more.

Osteoarthritis causes damage to the cartilage over time....by engendering stiffing in the joints. This stiffness, in turn, results in loss of elasticity.

The cartilage, in short, can be worn down in such jointed areas. As the cartilage wears away, osteoarthritis pain increases because the cartilage's job was to act as a protector -- a shock absorption mechanism, in other words, that prevents bones from literally rubbing against each other.

Now when it comes specifically to osteoarthritis of the knee - pain relief, there are many people who suffer from this because our knees are used a lot in our daily activities. Constant bending of the knees, sports and certain exercises like running or jogging can exacerbate and speed up the condition.

Regardless if you suffer osteoarthritis pain in the hands, the knee, or elsewhere you undoubtedly want to know what you can do to alleviate the pain.

One thing that many people may not know is that increasing your intake of omega 3 fatty acids may help a great deal because they are naturally rich anti-inflammatories.

Inflammation can result because of the stiffness in the joints, making the situation much worse.

But don't just take my word for it.

According to the University of Maryland's Medical website:

"Based on laboratory studies....many researchers suggest that diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids....may benefit people with other inflammatory disorders, including OA [Osteoarthritis]. In fact, several laboratory studies of cartilage-containing cells have found that omega-3 fatty acids decrease inflammation and reduce the activity of enzymes that break down cartilage. Patients also showed increased improvement when fish oil supplements were used...."

The University of Maryland's Medical Website also mentions an interesting source very high in omega 3 fatty acids that most people in the United States are not aware of, but is available to them. This source is called the New Zealand green lipped mussel and is used in that country for osteoarthritis pain, among other things.

On their website, they state:

"....New Zealand green lipped mussel ( Perna canaliculus ), another potential source of omega-3 fatty acids, has been shown to reduce joint stiffness and pain, increase grip strength, and enhance walking pace in a small group of people with osteoarthritis."

Now, none of these statements should mean that omega 3 fatty acids are going to cure your condition if you have osteoarthritis. That's just wishful thinking.

However, omega 3 fatty acids are well known to benefit both brain and cardiovascular health. So to think you can take something that will improve your overall health while also possibly alleviating your osteoarthritis pain, it makes a lot of sense.

You should note, however, that fish oils and omega 3 fatty acids are natural anti-coagulants. This means they help thin the blood, which can be a good thing. However, if you are already on blood thinners, especially prescription blood thinners, check with your doctor before using fish oil or green lipped mussel supplements for osteoarthritis pain.

Given that the prescription COX-2 inhibitor drugs, like Vioxx, have proven themselves to have serious health risks -- having been implicated in the deaths of tens of thousands of people with ongoing class action lawsuits -- it makes sense to us to try natural alternatives and remedies as the first resort.

Arthritis Diet - Best Anti-Inflammatory Foods

When it comes to eating correctly to avoid as much joint pain as possible, there is a certainly an argument to be had that particular foods can definitely help alleviate the inflammation around the joints and provide considerable more pain relief than if you consumed other types of food.

For both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, the significant evidence points at plant based foods at reducing inflammation.

Arthritis Diet - Foods to Eat

Vegetables: Brocoli, boc choy, romaine lettuce. These vegetables contain magnesium which while they act not so much at reducing swelling but rather a natural way of re-building bone density, which should be part of every arthritis sufferers diet.

Reishi Mushroom: The spores inside the reishi mushroom according to medical science contain the most powerful natural active inflammatory compounds known to man.

When consumed orally as they have been for some centuries now in the Far East to treat such conditions; in the West, the chitin around the mushroom is cracked in pharmaceutical labs and manufactured into supplements. The cracked reishi spores are claimed to be 70 times more powerful at reducing inflammation than if consumed orally.

Fruit: The tart cherry and pineapples The tart cherry contains a great deal of anthocyanin, this is the active compound that blocks the Cox-1 and Cox-2 enzymes, those enzymes in part responsible for inflammation in the joints.

Pineapples on the other hand contain the ingredient bromelain. Excellent when it comes to assisting with digestion, bromelain also helps soothe flared up joints, along with muscle injuries, gout and menstrual cramps.

It is also capable of soothing swollen tissue, but to capture as much bromelain as you can, you would need to eat the stem of the pineapple, so search for bromelain supplements online if you want to get the most out of this fruit.

Additional foods to eat: Low fat yoghurt and fish - especially sardines, mackerel and salmon, the Omega 3 trio and steamed turkey and chicken in small quantities would seem OK for some but not for others.

Plus some good fats are advised like fish oil, avocado, olive oil, nuts and seeds.

Arthritis Diet - Foods NOT to Eat

Gluten: On all accounts do not eat foods which contain gluten. It's a binder, thickener and flavour enhancer of food containing manufactured proteins, which even doctors will even point out, that in almost all cases when a person removes gluten from their diet, swelling of the joints subsides.

Nightshade plants: Avoid these also which include bell peppers, paprika, blueberries, potato, tomato, cayenne and okra.

Poultry: Although some light servings may not affect you, for others it can, so chicken or turkey may or may not be advised - down to the individual.

Additional foods NOT to eat: Eggs, sugar, caffeine, all dairy products, citrus and especially high fatty processed foods and trans-fats found in fast food - a definite NO.

These ingredients alone on what to eat and what not to eat, should give you a good basis on which to begin a diet which targets reducing inflammation around the joints completely naturally and healthily, and gives you some insight on why perhaps your joints in your hand feel particularly painful after a BBQ for example.

Arthritis Treatment: Is There Data About Effectiveness Of Stem Cells For Osteoarthritis Treatment?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis. It is a disease that affects articular cartilage.

Cartilage is a complex tissue that consists of a matrix substance made up of water, collagen, and proteoglycans (proteins mixed with sugars). In addition, cells, called chondrocytes, sit inside the matrix and are responsible for manufacturing the matrix.

The development of OA is a complicated process that is hastened by genetic factors, trauma, and aging.

The exact sequence of events that leads to OA is still a subject of conjecture. However, because it is the most common form of arthritis and affects so many people (approximately 20 million Americans), it is the subject of intense investigation.

Unfortunately, the treatment of OA, to date, is poor. It consists primarily of symptomatic relief.

Anti-inflammatory medicines, ice, injections of cortisone and viscosupplements (lubricants), physical therapy, and eventually joint replacement are the current forms of treatment.

The ideal treatment for OA should, of course, include pain relief. But also, slowing down the rate of cartilage loss or even reversing it by building new cartilage should be a major goal. And so is avoidance of joint replacement surgery.

That is why the use of autologous stem cells (a patient's own stem cells) has garnered so much interest. Here are the results of a patient who underwent an autologous stem cell procedure for OA of the knee at our center last year...

- Started having considerable pain in my right knee in January 2010

- Diagnosed with irreversible arthritis of my right knee in October 2010 by both Rochester (Michigan) Knee and University of Michigan Orthopedists

- Knee stem cell procedure on December 10, 2010 performed at the Arthritis Treatment Center

- 3 months recovery and physical therapy

- Bay Shore Marathon May 2011

- Solstice 10 miler in June 2011

- Peterborough 70.3 July 2011

- WAM 300 mile /3 day bike tour July 2011

- Crim 10 miler August 2011

- Ironman Wisconsin Sept 2011

- Completed the Marine Corp Marathon October 2011

While these results aren't meant to show the typical outcome, many of the active "Boomers" who have undergone this procedure at our center have done well and been able to return to a high level of activity.

Our results involving the first 22 patients with OA of the knee, which is what we specialize in, are reported here.

(Wei N, Beard S, Delauter S, Bitner C, Gillis R, Rau L, Miller C, Clark T. Guided Mesenchymal Stem Cell Layering Technique for Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee. J Applied Res. 2011; 11: 44-48)

Who knows...someday... joint replacement surgery may be a thing of the past.

Goji Berries Help Provide Relief For Arthritis Sufferers

Tibetan Goji berries have been around for many years. They have become known for having the most nutrients, of any fruit in the world. With their abundance of antioxidants, the health benefits of Goji berries seem endless. From preventing heart disease and diabetes, to improving your skin, Goji berries also help provide relief to arthritis sufferers.

Arthritis is one of most painful and debilitating diseases. Though, more common in the elderly, arthritis strikes people of all ages, including children. Arthritis is when your joints become inflamed, causing a lot of pain and discomfort. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis also known as degenerative joint disease. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage that serves as a cushion between the joints of the bones wears away causing bone against bone. Swelling usually occurs and this can be very painful. Osteoarthritis is usually due to aging, but can be caused by an injury, being overweight, and stressing the joints.

Studies have shown that antioxidants can help in the fight against the free radicals, responsible for the inflammation in arthritis. The free radical, superoxide anion, is the inflammation factor in arthritis, and our body produces the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) to help neutralize this free radical. In some cases of arthritis, the production of superoxide anion is greater than what the body can handle, and is unable to produce enough of the SOD enzyme to protect against the inflammation of the joints.

Foods with high levels of antioxidants are key to fighting free radicals, and eating Goji berries, known for the high levels of antioxidants, help produce the anti-inflammatory enzyme SOD therefore, reducing the inflammation and pain. SOD also plays major role in protecting the body against other diseases. This is most powerful natural free radical fighting antioxidant the body has.

Eating a natural healthy diet is beneficial to everybody. Including Goji berries in your daily diet will help your body maintain its natural defense against free radicals.

Market Ready for New Knee Arthritis Treatment: APOS Device Gets Funding

APOS Medical and Sports Technology Ltd., an Israeli company, recently announced that it has raised $8 million in venture capital funding for further development and marketing of its unique device designed for osteoarthritis treatment for knee pain sufferers. Pitango Venture Capital, a large VC firm also located in Israel, made the investment. The VC firm has a history of investing in successful technology companies, with over 120 investments since 1993.

The APOS device is designed to treat knee osteoarthritis by creating multi-directional instability. The device looks like a shoe with two half balls glued to the sole. APOS is an acronym for "All Phases of Step Cycle" and was developed by Dr. Avi Elbaz and Dr. Amit Mor in Israel. Development of the device has been underway for over 10 years.

The APOS device, which contains the semispherical balls, is attached to a patient's shoes. The platform's balls create an unstable gait, mimicking natural walking on uneven surfaces. While seemingly odd, the instability both relieves pain and strengthens a person's muscles. Patients use the APOS device for 30 to 60 minutes each day. As the patient uses the device, the instability forces the patient's body to a proper alignment, reducing pain. Also, the person's muscles are retrained, creating improved motion and increased function. The treatment is administered by specially trained physiotherapists, and includes computerized gait analysis.

Clinical trials have shown that the device improves the patient's posture and walk, and relieves knee and other leg joint pain. The system was designed around the concept of functional rehabilitation. The APOS device simulates real life conditions, where many current techniques teach a patient to stand in a clinic. APOS' designers attempted to simulate the way mammals rehab in nature.

APOS has conducted trials that have shown the platform can

* reduce the intensity of knee pain by 66% after eight weeks

* eliminate most lower back pain in 70% of patients

* enhance patient's quality of life by significantly improving joint function

Drs. Elbaz and Mor have seen over twenty thousand patients to date with the APOS device. Half of the treatments were conducted in Israel Additionally, in 2009, the company jointly conducted a commercial trial in the United Kingdom with Bupa, Britain's largest private health insurance company. As a result of the trial, the companies formed APOSTherapy, which is now a stand alone entity that is a member of the Association of British Healthcare Industries.

Dr. Mor, APOS' CEO says, "The product has several applications. It can be used for stabilization, improve athletes' performance, and prevent knee injury." The device can also treat knee damage caused by aging, or injuries from sports or accidents.

So far, APOS markets its product in Israel, Singapore, and the UK, where it operates with Britain's largest private health insurance company BUPA Ltd. APOS intends to use the proceeds from Pitango's investment to finance the launch of its device in other countries, especially the US, Germany, and Japan. APOS is currently seeking US FDA approval.

Obesity and Arthritis

Arthritis, in general terms, is wearing out of the lining of the joint, which is called cartilage. Every joint- knee or hip joint, which moves has a layer of about 8 to 12mm of cartilage, which is as smooth as a billiard ball. If cartilage is injured or eaten away or goes through natural wear and tear, it leads to arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis which can affect any joint, including the spine. It is the form of joint disease and is more pronounced in the case of elderly persons. Wear and tear of joints, due to aging leads to osteoarthritis. But this is not the single reason for the disease. There are other contributing reasons such as genetic factors, lack of nutrition and vitamins, (Vitamin A, C and E have the potential to protect against tissue damage. Vitamin D plays an important role in bone mineralisation). Female hormonal deficiency in the case of post menopausal women, leading to estrogen deficiency is also considered a risk factor and women are more susceptible to osteoarthritis.

In most of the cases, increased body weight contributes to the increased load transmitted across the weight bearing knees by a factor of three to seven times the body weight and leads to accelerated damage of the cartilage.

Obesity is a potential risk factor for the onset and deterioration of musculoskeletal conditions of the hip, knee, ankle, foot and shoulder. Majority of research have focused on the impact of obesity on bone and joint disorders, such as the risk of fracture and osteoarthritis. However, evidence indicates that obesity may also have a profound effect on soft-tissue structures, such as tendon, fascia and cartilage. Although the mechanism remains unclear, the functional and structural limitations imposed by the additional loading of the locomotor system in obesity have been accepted to unduly raising stress within connective-tissue structures and the potential for musculoskeletal injury. Considering the global increase in obesity and the rise in musculoskeletal disorders, there is a need to determine the physical consequences of loading of major structures of the locomotor system in the obese people and to establish how obesity may interact with other factors to potentially increase the risk of musculoskeletal diseases. Besides, the relationship between obesity and osteoarthritis is stronger for the disease and is greater in women. The load transmitted to the knees varies with increased body weight.

Increase in life expectancy, coupled with overweight/ obese conditions of the population shall lead to a larger number of patients with knee problems due to osteoarthritis . Several changes, metabolic as well as functional, connect obesity with Osteoarthritis. Random trials show substantial and clinically relevant disability and symptoms - relief in obese patients with knee osteoarthritis following moderate weight loss. While exercises are good for the functional status in general, it is advisable initially to prescribe weight loss as therapy for patients with a combination of obesity and osteoarthritis.

Treatments / Tips to avoid Osteoarthritis:

1. Avoid being obese/ overweight, with weight management diet schedule and proper exercise.

2. Ensure intake of vitamins A and C, through food and nutrient supplements.

3. Ensure muscle strength in quadriceps (thigh muscles).

4. Increased activities of kneeling, squatting, climbing stairs and lifting heavy loads cause abnormal loading across the knee joint and cartilage damage. To the extent possible, this may be reduced.

5 Emu oil is considered to provide relief for joint pains and arthritis.

7. Liberal intake of orange juice, sweet lime juice or Vitamin C enhance the efficacy of any anti-rheumatic drug, since Vitamin C can reduce skeletal pain.

8. Body massage with sesame or mustard oil helps to reduce the pain. The joints affected by pain can be massaged for longer time for pain relief.

9. Guggul, as a medicine for traditional Ayurvedic treatment is prescribed for osteoarthritis and obesity. However patients electing to undergo this treatment should be closely monitored and counseled about the need for dietary modifications and exercise.

Arthritis Treatment: Does Stem Cell Treatment for Osteoarthritis Really Work?

The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA), affects more than 20 million Americans. One of the primary targets for this disease is the knee.

Osteoarthritis is a wear and tear disease involving hyaline articular cartilage. It arises as a result of the lack of ability of cartilage to keep up with excessive breakdown.

The basic treatment approach for osteoarthritis has not changed in more than 50 years. Basically, physicians have been trained to treat the symptoms of pain and try to restore function and wait for the inexorable journey to joint replacement.

Different modalities such as physical therapy, analgesics (pain relievers), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), exercises, braces, topical agents, and injections of either corticosteroids ("cortisone"), or viscosupplements (lubricants) are all tried and then the doctor throws up his or her hands and says to the patient "you need a knee replacement."

So essentially there is a huge void between management of symptoms and eventual surgery.

Recently, excitement has swirled around the role of regenerative medicine techniques in solving the osteoarthritis conundrum. These include the use of platelet-rich plasma and stem cells.

Unfortunately, this interest has had untoward side effects. The first is the proliferation of practitioners who have jumped on the band wagon without the requisite training.

The second is the media hype generated by this relatively new treatment approach.

An example recently is the headline in an Australian newspaper, "A "MIRACLE" cutting-edge stem cell operation could have saved Sharks forward Anthony Tupou's career."

In case you're not up on rugby, Anthony Tupou was a former star in the sport. He underwent a stem cell procedure involving the use of fat-derived stem cells for a knee issue. And this procedure has apparently resurrected his career.

Dr. Paul Annett, a sports physician, raised an interesting counterpoint on his blog. He quite rightly pointed out that many procedures performed in the realm of sports medicine are performed because they "might be helpful" and are relatively innocuous.

He then posits that "there are many potential reasons this procedure may of benefit to some patients, including the 'placebo effect', the normal fluctuation of arthritic disease or some mechanical effect of the injection itself. Anthony's knee may just feel better as he had an off-season without running!

And he then goes on to say, "The ethical way of getting around this is for the proponents of this technique to perform some randomised double-blind clinical trials (the 'gold standard' of studies) to rigorously confirm the relative benefits..."

And I couldn't agree more. While there is abundant anecdotal evidence that these procedures have benefit, there are no rigorous double-blind controlled trials. The reasons are probably two fold.

First, it's difficult to get a biotech or pharmaceutical company to fund a study involving the use of a patient's own body tissue. Where's the profit?

The second is that the process of getting grants from institutions such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or the Arthritis Foundation in the U.S. is unbelievably arduous.

At our center we have done what we can to systematize the procedure as well as document various measures so that while uncontrolled, there is at least data collection being done. (Wei N, Beard S, Delauter S, Bitner C, Gillis R, Rau L, Miller C, Clark T. Guided Mesenchymal Stem Cell Layering Technique for Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee. J Applied Res. 2011; 11: 44-48)

Relieving Arthritis Pain With EFT

Arthritis is a painful and frustrating diagnosis for many in our society today. Odds are, the doctors say, that if your mother had arthritis, then of course you will also. However, a simple technique of tapping acupuncture points, called EFT, or Emotional Freedom Technique, can relieve arthritis pain and swelling for many.

EFT really likes to 'break the rules' of what we have to experience in our bodies. My clients have seen incredible relief when using EFT and clearing any generational beliefs about arthritis. This process can really assist in relieving swelling and pain. EFT is really an easy healing modality to learn and utilize in your daily life. Through tapping certain points, EFT is painless and a quick process to learn, whether you are 8 or 80. I've used EFT in my Reflexology practice, but I am finding that it is such a beneficial technique that I often use it on its own, to impressive results. I now provide sessions through the phone as well as in person.

One client of mine has been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, a common form of arthritis that can be traced through genetics, often through female side of the family. This is a very important concept to remember when working with clients with arthritis. My client had pain and swelling in her left hand and was barely able to squeeze her fingers into a fist without pain. She said the pain level was at about a four, at the current moment. When we did a few rounds of general tapping on the EFT, she did not feel any difference or change in the pain level in her hand.

This is always where persistence takes center stage! If I'm ever stuck in wondering why the EFT didn't "work", I find that just by talking to my client about their situation, the answer will undoubtedly present itself. We talked a little bit about arthritis and what it means to her, what she thinks of when she thinks about it. She mentioned that her mother and grandmother also had severe arthritis. What an interesting link, I thought. It was this link that I thought was worth a round of EFT!

After one round, the pain had lessened. After an additional round, the pain was almost completely gone.

I have seen this client since for several sessions and I am continually amazed at the new fluidity of her hands as she waves goodbye to me after our sessions.

I've also worked with a client struggling with Rheumatoid arthritis. Through EFT, she has been able to find relief on those days where there is particular pain and swelling in her joints. Over time, she is finding it an invaluable tool in her journey back to health.

10 Million Americans Have Osteoarthritis of the Knee

According to Medical News Today, you have some options:

If you're among the estimated 10 million Americans who have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee, take heart in knowing that several nonsurgical options, pharmacologic and otherwise, are available for easing the pain of an arthritic knee, according to Cleveland Clinic's Arthritis Advisor. In addition to the judicious use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids, options include weight control, leg-strengthening exercises, and the use of assistive devices, such as a cane or walker.

Knee braces are also being advertised as helping to relieve knee pain of all sorts. It is logical that a brace would be effective if you have stability problems such as ligament damage and you don't want to add to existing injury. However there is disagreement as to the actual results of braces and whether or not they are the answer.

An article in American Family Physician, January of 2000, we read this: Methods of preventing and treating knee injuries have changed with the rapid development and refinement of knee braces. .... However, no conclusive evidence supports their effectiveness, and they are not recommended for regular use.

Well folks, that leaves us with the prospect of getting a cane, using a walker, having knee replacement surgery, (and now they are saying that is being done too much!), or trying a brace, or taking good old pain killers. Not much for options that sound appealing to me, how about you?

Fortunately there is another option that not enough people talk about or are even aware it is an option and that is helping our bodies heal from the inside out. How can that be? Your body is a miracle and knows how to heal itself but it does need the proper fuel or nutrition in order to do so. What if we could find the right combination of fruits, vegetables, grains, etc. that would promote knee and all joint healing? That would probably take years and then would be just luck if you happened onto it.

To our benefit there are nutrition scientists who have done all of that work for us and put it into a bottle of juice that we can just drink 4 oz. of each day. I have gone from chronic knee and back pain and 40 ibuprofen every week to having no pain whatsoever! Yes, just by drinking 4oz of this product everyday. If you would like to see what it can do for you please contact me soon. What do you have to lose? Pain?

A Battle Plan For Osteoarthritis Pain

Are you finally at your breaking point with osteoarthritis pain? You've literally beaten the streets seeking out all the various doctors and specialists you can afford and are not quite sure where to turn next. Perhaps you've been working too hard looking in all the wrong places. Did you know that there are many pain fighting nutrients found in everyday foods that can substantially reduce the inflammation so common in osteoarthritis. These very same nutrients just by being present in the body can and will, if in adequate supply, begin repairs on damaged tissues and the surrounding joints.

This isn't news for Naturopathic doctors or the many health enthusiasts out there. Naturopaths and health enthusiasts alike focus all of their energies on looking for natural remedies. One of their other goals is to avoid causing additional unwanted problems with a treatment meant to heal. With all of that in mind, they have chosen the route of nutrition and have met with a good measure of success without the back draft of side effects from excessive drugs and pharmaceuticals.

We're talking about a lot of nutrition here. The main dilemma with osteoarthritis is the rapid speed at which the cartilage breaks down. The cartilage actually deteriorates much faster than our bodies can rebuild it so the solution is certainly not drugs. That's a pretty one-sided treatment. While you're being medicated, you're probably losing a ton of nutrients as well as more cartilage. Doesn't make much sense unless you're comfortable with the eventual loss of all of your cartilage. Nutrition and plenty of it is the definite answer. Especially the kind of nutrition that's contributive to joint strengthening and rebuilding. The hard facts are if you don't eat the nutrients, your body won't have what it needs to strengthen and rebuild cartilage. You've got to have these nutrients. It's that simple.

Even if you've had unbearable joint pain from osteoarthritis for years you can begin to do something about it now and see results soon by getting healing nutrients in your body by putting them on your breakfast, lunch and dinner plates.

Before we talk about the specific nutrients be sure you understand how important water is to this solution for pain. It will do little good if you consume a bunch of nutrients and drink no water. Water is vital. Every bodily function is dependent on water. The water you drink will carry all those wonderful nutrients you consume to your bloodstream and then directly to your cartilage. If you don't drink any water your body will have a tough time utilizing the nutrients. You might as well say that you're wasting your money on nutrients that your body will never get to use.

Studies have found that particular phytochemicals reduced the risk of osteoarthritis in the knees to almost 40 percent. The phytochemicals singled out were vitamin E, lutein and lycopene. Most of your brilliant colorful fruits and vegetables are loaded down with these beneficial phytochemicals. For vitamin E, head for the wheat germ, olive oil, nuts and seeds.

Get a bit of sunshine for that necessary vitamin D. Just five minutes a few times a week in the sun is plenty. No need to subject yourself to skin cancer. Vitamin D helps protect your cartilage and your bones. If you don't get enough your risk for problematic osteoarthritis increases.

Your body needs vitamin C too. It requires it to make collagen, a fundamental part of your cartilage, muscles and bones. Without vitamin C to build with, your joints tend to weaken. Deficiencies speed up the rate of deterioration and weakness. If you feel that your osteoarthritis has gotten worse, it just might be that you're not getting enough C. Typically, those who get lots of vitamin C in their diets experience an easier time with symptoms.

The bottom line again is nutrition. Do all you can to get as much as you can into your body. And drink lots of water; at least six to eight glasses a day. You can win this battle.

Dog and Cat Osteoarthritis - What You Need To Know

Just like people, arthritis also affects our pets, sometimes because of a genetic predisposition, but there are other factors that increase the susceptibility to osteoarthritis.

25-30% of our canine and feline family members will show the effects of osteoarthritis, and up to 70% of dogs in specific breeds such as German Shepard, Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever. Dog arthritis comes with age and it mostly affects large size dogs.

If your dog or cat is overweight, it will accelerate the arthritic disease process and symptoms by placing additional pressure on joints. On average, obese dogs are likely to develop osteoarthritis three years earlier than lean dogs. If you can't feel the animal's ribs anymore, your dog is becoming overweight. Gentle exercise is helpful for any pet; swimming, if possible, is ideal.

Osteoarthritis in dogs and cats is caused by the deterioration of the cartilage surrounding the joint and progresses slowly over a long period of time. This condition can be brought on by an earlier injury or genetic disease such as hip dysphasia, more common in the large dog breeds. Very active and working dogs are involved with physically demanding activities which put repeated stress on their joints, making them more susceptible to osteoarthritis.

Restricting jumping activities is very important in preventing immediate and future cartilage and spinal disc damage. This is especially true with the smaller breeds and dogs with very long backs, such as Dachshunds and Basset Hounds. When a dog jumps down instead of using portable steps or a dog ramp, the impact pressure is absorbed into the front legs. The line of force is directed down the length of the spinal column, causing compression of the individual discs, inviting osteoarthritis risks as well as spinal cord damage.

Viral, fungal, and bacterial infections can contribute to the development of arthritis. Conditions include Ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, carried and spread by ticks.

If you are interested in natural/holistic prevention and treatment there are good natural remedies and solutions available, designed to support healthy strong joints, muscles, tendons, cartilage and bones.

Orthopedic memory foam dog beds improve the quality of life for dogs and cats with hip or elbow dysplasia, arthritis and joint problems associated with large breeds and older pets, by reducing pressure on joints and other jutting body parts. These beds are firm enough to satisfy your dog's instinctual need to sleep on solid ground, while assisting healthy circulation. Traditional material is susceptible to sag. If possible, lifting the sleep area several inches to a foot off the ground will help in the dog's comfort.

A high quality glucosamine/chrondroitin sulfate supplement is a good defense and treatment for arthritis in dogs and cats. Glucosamine/chrondroitin sulfate stimulates the production of important proteins found in cartilage and proteoglycans, which are the water-holding molecules that cartilage is comprised of; helps reduce pain and, over time, rehabilitates damaged cartilage.

MSM (methysulfonylmethane): Another supplement to maintain healthy connective tissue that is a naturally occurring sulfur compound found in the cells of the body. It helps prevent arthritis in dogs and cats and can assist in reducing inflammation and swelling that accompany arthritis, disease and injuries.

Digestive enzymes and probiotics: Essential in aiding digestion and nutrient assimilation. They help avoid inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, allergies and degenerative conditions by maintaining a healthy gastrointestinal system in our dogs and cats.

Essential fatty acid supplements: Preferably with fish oil, will help reduce inflammation and aid in the treatment of joint problems and allergies.

High potency antioxidants: Inflammation of arthritic joints contributes to the oxidation activity of free radicals that are damaging to the cells of the body and can increase the risk of cancer.

Acupuncture: Dramatic improvement is possible for arthritic dogs and cats with regular treatments.

What Is Voice Box Arthritis?

Most people think rheumatoid arthritis affects only the small joints of the hands of feet. However, any joints in the body that contain cartilage and synovial fluid are targets for the disease.

Small joints in the voice box can be affected by arthritis. The larynx, or voice box, actually contains joints, called cricoarytenoid joints, that move the vocal cords to produce sound. If these joints become inflamed, which causes pain, then the vocal cords are not in the correct position to produce clear sound. As with other joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis, joint erosions and rheumatoid nodules also can be found, which may cause further damage. If these joints are affected to the point that they become fixed in place unable to move, there can be difficulty breathing. This constitutes a medical emergency.

About 25% of rheumatoid arthritis patients experience the symptoms above, plus a sense of fullness in the throat when swallowing or speaking, as well as occasional pain in the ears. There are small bones in the ear that are responsible for sound conduction. These bones, called ossicles, also have joints. When rheumatoid arthritis inflames or erodes those joints, they become less mobile.

Rheumatoid arthritis patients who have larynx or ear involvement as described above should have an ear, nose and throat specialist involved in their care, along with a rheumatologist. Ear, nose and throat specialists have special scopes to examine the throat and ears to make a correct diagnosis. If you have any of these symptoms and are bewildered by them, get to your doctor quickly.