Take Charge Of Your Arthritis…
By Dr. Rashid M. H.
KNOW YOUR ARTHRITIS
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Arthritis is referred to as the nations number one
crippling disease and the most common chronic disease
in people over 40, arthritis affects more than
40 million Americans.
And this figure is expected to rise to 60 million by 2020,
according to the Center for Disease Control.
Arthritis generally afflicts people between the ages
of 20 and 50, but can affect all ages, even infants.
The average age of onset is 47 and about three out of
every five people with arthritis are under 65 years of age.
Arthritic expenditures for just one person due to lost wages,
medical treatment and other related expenses can come to
more than 0,000 in his or her lifetime.
And doctors believe there are over 100 different forms
of arthritis, all sharing one main characteristic: all
forms cause joint inflammation.
What can be done for arthritis pain relief? Many things…
For example, weight and nutrition are only a couple of
factors that play a role in arthritic pain.
And yet shedding even 10 pounds to relieve weight from
knees and finding the right nutritional strategy can
help relieve pain a lot.
EXERCISE IN ARTHRITIS
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Exercise can be very beneficial for
arthritis sufferers, often relieving stiffness
in joints, strengthening muscles thereby
reducing stress on joints, keeping bone and
cartilage tissue strong and healthy, and
increasing flexibility.
A recommended 30-minute minimum of daily
activity is the norm.
Using aquatics: exercising in a pool-is a
great way to exercise as well.
Water is an excellent aid because it provides
resistance that builds muscle in the entire
body while reducing shock to the joints
at the same time.
Additionally, because the whole body tends
to become involved in aquatic exercise
the added benefit of cardiovascular exercise
is enjoyed.
If at all possible, find a heated pool
to work out in. Warm water is soothing to
the joints and will cause the blood vessels
to dilate, increasing circulation.
With that in mind, it is often beneficial
to add using a spa to your regimen,
perhaps after your workout, in order to
provide some soothing jets of water to
your muscles and even more help with
increased circulation, which is always
vital when dealing with arthritis.
DRUGS IN ARTHRITIS
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There are many over-the-counter (OTC)
pain medications for arthritis pain
sufferers that can be purchased without
physicians? prescriptions.
Some are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs) ? some are OTCs / some
require a prescription, acetaminophen
and various topical medications.
Users need to be aware of possible risk
from long term use or product abuse,
though, and consult their medical
advisors before and during use.
The most common OTC NSAIDs are ibuprofen,
naproxen and aspirin.
However, the misuse of some of these
can cause blockage of an enzyme in the
body that aids in the protection of the
stomach lining and other areas.
Misuse can lead to stomach ulcers and
bleeding, and liver and kidney trouble.
(The same drug abuse issues can result
from prescription NSAIDs, too).
Use the right way, these drugs can
help with pain relief, inflammation
and fever reduction, and blood clot prevention.
JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERY IN ARTHRITIS
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There are currently many options in orthopedic
(bone) surgery for people with arthritis.
Joint replacement is the most common option.
According to the National Joint Replacement
Foundation, (NJRF) over 435,000 Americans
underwent this procedure last year.
These numbers have boosted joint replacement
to one of the most successful medical discoveries
and the absolute most significant surgery in the
field of arthritis treatment.
Joint replacement is the process of removing
one?s entire joint as well as any damaged tissue
and replacing it with a metal prosthesis.
This prosthesis provides the patient with much
need relief from pain.
This surgery most effective on the weight
bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and ankles,
however, it has been used for all joints with
successful results.
However, all health care planning should be made under
the guidance of your own medical and health practitioner.
Can anyone recommend any OTC medications for arthritis in the knee for a 60 year old man.?
For the past 2 weeks my left knee has been inflamed with arthritis. X-rays were taken and were negative. I was given Voltaren Gel by my doctor which has helped. Does anyone know of any over the counter meds that have worked for them.
Which arthritis external medication should I choose?
I am looking for an effective external arthritis medication (lotion, cream, gel, etc.).
Which OTC medication should I choose and what should be the active ingredient?
-thanks
Rahul.
there is no study showing one is superior to another. Try several and then stick with the one that works best. If symptoms are still bothering you then, see a doctor
I like glucosamine/chondroitin plus weight reduction if your dog is overweight. I don’t know if the doses are high enough in many dog products so it is worth asking your vet about human caplets. Supplements also take time to work.
A warm bed, slightly elevated, soft and supportive may help. Swimming, if you have access to it, can be easier than running. Avoiding hard surfaces like asphalt or concrete may help. Some type of hard floors like marble can be tough on joints.
Trimming nails can help her from slipping and help prevent foot problems from exacerbating hip problems. If things get worse, you might ask your vet about buffered aspirin for pain and you might look into a hip leash (goes around back legs) to help her up stairs although it doesn’t sound as if she’s in bad shape yet.
- good point, they do make microwaveable pads for pets now. They don’t get cold like hot water bottles do. I’ve used a heated throw for my dogs but a space heater works better as long as there is no danger of fire.
What is the best otc bone and joint repair medication?
I have a grandfather with serious arthritis in his knees and it’s getting really hard for him to walk. He wants to know which is the best bone and joint medicine out there that you can get over the counter.
MSM and glucosomine. Also, my Mother, while waiting for a hip replacement, used Devils Claw, which is an herbal remedy available at any drug store. She stated after about one month, her pain levels did reduce.
Of course, with any OTC, make sure they don;t react with any medications your Grandfather may already be taking. Best to ask a pharmacist or his Physician to be sure.
Good luck!
Is the OTC drug Rejuvetol effective in helping restore lost cartilage? Is it safe?
This medication, supposedly formulated from chicken cartilage, is advertised for use by arthritis sufferers to aid the body in rebuilding lost cartilage. There is a large advertising campaign among seniors, particularly.
Try glucosamine Chondroitin and MSM sulfur.
Any ideas for a dog with arthritic hips?
Our lab mix is almost 7 years old and is starting to take a little longer to get up from a laying position. I think her hips are getting a little creaky, though she doesn’t seem to be in any pain, just a little slower. Any suggestions about what we can do to slow the arthritis – certain foods, OTC medications? She has been taking a joint vitamin for just a couple days that I bought at the pet store, but I wanted to see if anyone had any other suggestions.