Does Ankle Pain Have You Down? What You Need to Know About Gout

Pain in the joints and muscles is common as we grow older. The ligaments and tendons do not support our knees, elbows and ankles as they once did when we were younger. In addition, inflammation caused by overuse or age related disease increases our risk of chronic joint pain. Ankle Joint pain can be cause mobility issues at home and work.

One common ailment that can strike in the middle of the night is called gout. Without notice, you can awake with sharp pains in your big toe, finger or other joints like ankles and knees. Although the pain may last for several days and go away, the condition can re-surface at any time in the future.

Over 2 million people in the U.S. suffer from gout and most often afflicts men more than women. Gout usually develops in men after 30 and women after they have gone through menopause. Men are more likely to suffer from gout if they are overweight and have issues with high blood pressure.

Gout is in the family of arthritis based diseases. The body tries to compensate from crystal deposits in the joints which cause inflammation and intense pain in the ankles, knees and other areas. If you suffer from gout or other pain in your extremities, diet may be one factor that can help you stay fit and less prone to this type of condition.

In summary, your ankle joint pain can be more of an issue than you thought. A healthy lifestyle and diet could be a major factor in reducing the risk of chronic joint pain. Exercise is also a factor in strengthening your joints and muscles, reducing high blood pressure to combat age related diseases like gout. Low impact exercise can be used in the beginning and as your joints become more limber and stronger, more physical activities can be pursued.

What Are The Causes Of Body Joint Pain? A Great One - 50

When it comes to causes of body joint pain, the options are widely varied. Most joint pain is automatically associated with arthritis, but that may or may not be the case. Before you jump to an erroneous conclusion about the case of your painful joints, be sure to contact your primary health care provider.

He or she will complete the appropriate tests and give you a diagnosis regarding your pain. The correct diagnosis of the causes of body joint pain is especially important, since the proper treatment plan can be developed in order to best combat the condition.

Arthritis is one of the most frequent causes of body joint pain. There are several different types of arthritis that are caused by a host of conditions.

One of the more serious types of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition. Although science has yet to find a cure (or a specific cause) for any type of arthritis, there are many treatment options available that can dramatically decrease the impact of the condition on your body.

Sometimes, the cure can be as simple as to change prescription drugs, as medication interactions are often associated with arthritis. Other types of therapies, including most natural ones like acupuncture, are also gaining in popularity.

There are several types of diseases associated with joint pain. Although these types of diseases are not linked with arthritis, the symptoms are often the same. For example, the autoimmune condition known as lupus often affects individuals by making their joints swollen, inflamed, and painful.

Prescription drug interactions can also result in joint pain. It is not uncommon to have an individuals medication react with another medication or a preexisting medical condition.

For this reason, it is important that you know all of the potential side effects of any type of medication and be sure to tell your doctor about every prescription, herbal, or holistic medication that you are currently taking to prevent such problems.

Other conditions that may cause body joint pain revolve around the physical health of the joint. If the joint has been damaged in any way, it is a possibility that joint pain will be a result of the damage. Athletes are especially prone to joint pain, as their joints are often put under a great deal of stress.

Physical therapy, medication, and even surgery are possible options for individuals with damaged joints. Sometimes, extreme treatments like joint replacement are necessary in order for the joint to function properly and the pain to be eliminated.

Whatever your specific cause of your body joint pain, an appointment with your primary health care provider is essential. He or she will be able to determine the cause of your pain and instruct you on a proper treatment program.

However tempting, you should avoid creating your own diagnosis or investing in your own treatment program without the guidance of a medically trained doctor.

Furthermore, be sure to remember that drug interactions can potentially occur whether you are currently taking prescription medication or natural remedies, so you should seek the guidance from your physician before attempting any holistic treatment plans.

Body Joint Pain Remedies

Millions of people suffer from joint pain, so don't feel bad - you are certainly not alone. Luckily, there are now plenty of herbal, all-natural joint pain relief products in the market promising to alleviate arthritis of the knees, finger joints, and hips.

Do you suffer from hip pain? This condition is quite a common problem. There are many hip joint pain causes and it is vital that you get an accurate diagnosis of the real source of your symptoms in order to receive appropriate treatment. Here are just some of the usual causes:

Arthritis - Ask your doctor about conservative treatments, which may include supplements and exercise. If these treatments fail, you may have to undergo hip replacement surgery.

Trochanteric Bursitis - Perhaps the bursa over the outside region of your hip joint is swollen. Have your physician check it.

Tendonitis - Your ilitobial band might be inflamed, causing IT band tendonitis. It is always good to seek medical attention from the onset not only to improve the chances of recovery, but also to stop it from turning worse.

Osteonecrosis - Osteonecrosis occurs when the blood flow to hip joints is restricted. Because an inadequate amount of blood reaches the area, its cells die, causing the bone to collapse.

Lumbar Pain - Spine problems may manifest as hip joint pain because they affect the area around the hips and buttocks. Sciatica and herniated discs are common hip joint pain causes.

Snapping Hip Syndrome - This condition refers to three distinct problems of the hips. (a) The IT band may snap over the outside area of your thigh. (b) The deep hip flexor may also have snapped over the front area of your hip joint. (c) Finally, labrum tears (cartilage tears) around the hip socket may be causing a "snapping" sensation.

Muscle Strains - Perhaps you strained the muscles around your pelvis and hip, causing spasms and deep pain? If you are active, you may already have groin pull or hamstring strain without realizing it.

Hip Fracture - Elderly patients suffering from osteoporosis sometimes get hip fractures. Surgery is most often needed to replace the broken part or repair it using metal plates. There are advanced medical surgery procedure in the market readily today to address this problem.

Stress Fracture - This is one of the most common hip joint pain causes in athletes who do high-impact sports. Many long distance runners suffer from this. Treatment is often conservative and involves non participation in high impact activities in order to avoid the impact.

Arthritic Joints in Older Pets

Have you noticed your pet not being as enthusiastic about jumping and leaping? Perhaps your dog doesn't get as excited about that game of fetch or catch as he once did or perhaps your cat can't quite jump onto that warm windowsill that has always been her favorite. These are all signs of arthritic joints in older pets and chances are if these (or other) signs are present your pet has a common condition known as degenerative joint disease; often referred to as osteoarthritis.  

Arthritic joints in pets may begin during the first half of life, with the symptoms not becoming apparent until much later with the primary symptoms being stiffness and lameness. It is not unusual for older pets with degenerative joint disease to be very stiff early in the morning, only to improve as the day wears on. Also, when the weather becomes cold and/or damp the condition tends to worsen making such simple tasks as making it to the litter box on time or racing to meet you when you get home from work a challenge. Next let's explore the condition itself and try to find a few helpful solutions.  

Degenerative joint disease is the most common form of arthritis in pets. It is often noticed in dogs, cats, and other pets around the age of 11 or so. As you may know 12 cat years is equivalent to 59 human years. Generally speaking when a pet is experiencing arthritic or painfully sore joints it is often a sign that the cartilage that has so effectively protected the connecting joint bones from rubbing together for years is starting to wear thin. As the cartilage degeneration continues the underlying bone develops a roughened surface that damages the joint. Pets whose joints have been subjected to overuse, severe stress, dislocation, or fracture are the ones most likely to develop arthritic joints at an early or premature age. Degenerative joint disease may be suspected but your veterinarian will probably need to take an X-ray to confirm the existence and severity of the disease.   Once the condition has been recognized it is important that swift action be taken to prevent lameness and continued loss of joint mobility.

There are no magic solutions that will make severely arthritic joints in old pets disappear. That said, there are a few steps that you can take to reduce the damage and make your pets life more enjoyable.  
* Provide a warm place for your pet to sleep and rest
* If your pet is overweight a diet plan should be formulated
* Moderate exercise may prove helpful in maintaining joint flexibility
* Consider hydrotherapy if possible
* Consider ways to make your pets life easier (stair steps, litter box placement)
* Check with your veterinarian for new medications to treat pain and inflammation  

Additionally, many pet owners are opting form natural pet arthritis formulas to rebuild lost cartilage and support joint health. These supplements have proven to be very effective in most cases and are an option worth considering.

7 Major Differences Between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Arthritis is a very painful condition that affects millions and millions of Americans every year. There are many different types of arthritis including psoriatic arthritis, gout, septic arthritis, scleroderma, osteoarthritis, gonococcal arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthritis of all types is a condition that affects the body's joints. A joint is defined as the location where two bones in the body come together. People suffering from arthritis experience joint inflammation that may occur in one bodily joint or many joints.

Two types of arthritis that are commonly discussed include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. You may be wondering what some of the major differences are between these two conditions. Here are seven major differences between osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

1. Osteoarthritis is more common than Rheumatoid Arthritis. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), OA affects around 27 million American adults 25 years and older. The Arthritis Foundation reports that RA affects about 1.5 million people in the United States.


2. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition caused by the wearing of bodily joints over time. RA is an autoimmune disease that occurs when a person's immune system attacks the body's joints.


3. Typically people experience OA when they get older. RA can strike a person at any point in life. When it occurs in children, it is sometimes called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.


4. RA can occur quite quickly whereas OA tends to have a more gradual progression over the course of many years.


5. RA tends to strike in a more symmetrical manner where a person might experience inflammation and pain in both hands or both feet. In contrast, OA can easily affect only one joint in the body.


6. Both types of arthritis cause a sense of stiffness in the morning. While the morning stiffness may lessen as the day goes on for those with OA, people with RA are more likely to experience this stiffness for a longer period of time during and throughout the day.


7. Rheumatoid arthritis is often accompanied with other symptoms which include overall tiredness and malaise, whereas the discomfort associated with osteoarthritis is specific to the joint that is affected.

Arthritis of any type is painful and challenging. Treatment most typically aims to help reduce discomfort, aid physical functioning and if possible, to prevent additional damage to bodily joints.

A thorough physical examination by a trained health care professional like a board certified orthopedic physician is advisable if you think you might be suffering from any type of arthritis including osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

The Facts on Fibromyalgia

Muscular pain, tingling, burning, and numbness are common symptoms of a repetitive strain injury. However, these symptoms are also common in a condition called Fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia basically means pain in the muscles, tendons and ligaments. It affects mostly women and up to 4% of the general population.

The pain of fibromyalgia occurs in areas where the muscles attach to bone or ligaments and is similar to the pain of arthritis. The joints themselves are not affected, however, so they are not deformed nor do they deteriorate as they may in arthritic conditions. The pain typically originates in one area, usually the neck and shoulders, and then radiates out. Most patients report feeling some pain all the time; and many describe it as "exhausting." The pain can vary, depending on the time of day, weather changes, physical activity, and the presence of stressful situations; it has been described as stiffness, burning, stabbing, sudden, radiating, and aching. The pain is often more intense after disturbed sleep.

The other major complaint is fatigue, which some patients report as being more debilitating than the pain. Fatigue and sleep disturbances are, in fact, almost universal in patients with fibromyalgia, due to lack of serotonin, and if these symptoms are not present, then some experts believe that physicians should seek a diagnosis other than fibromyalgia. Up to a third of patients experience depression, and disturbances in mood and concentration are very common.

Fibromyalgia patients are also prone to tension or migraine headaches. Other symptoms include dizziness, tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, and gastrointestinal problems, including irritable bowel syndrome with gas and alternating diarrhea and constipation. Some patients complain of urinary frequency caused by bladder spasms. Women may have painful menstrual periods.

Several years ago Fibromyalgia was a disability categorized as "psychological". It's hard to understand how it feels to be told you are mentally having a problem when your body will not perform what you are asking it to do. How can that possibly be mental? Patients were, in effect, being told it was "all in your head". Fortunately, the medical field has produced enough research to re-classify it as a true physical disability that is often paired with studies and treatments for arthritis and rheumatism.

People with FMS have the additional stress and frustration in their lives of trying to explain (all the time) why today they can do almost anything and the next day they can barely get out of bed. Depression is a frequent side-effect of FMS and who can question it? Living with a body-wide toothache-like pain constantly is something only fellow sufferers can truly understand. When we have "bad days" the pain can feel like there are hot curling irons jammed into our muscles. Can you even imagine that? Also imagine the fatigue of your muscles being so bad that it feels like they have turned to Jell-O. And no matter how much you try to exercise your muscles never feel normal again. It's always like battling Jell-O to make your body perform.

Spouses, family and others in your life have a hard time figuring out how you feel when you have FMS or chronic fatigue syndrome. There are times when you were accused of not pulling your own weight, or just plain sand bagging it. Many are accused of wanting extra attention. After a while the Fibromyalgic doesn't like talking about it and they sure don't care for having to make excuses (can't go to a restaurant (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), can't go hiking; horseback riding; to the fairgrounds; the park and so on - while SOMETIMES the Fibromyalgic can't be stopped!). This is why I strongly recommend support groups where you can feel that you are not alone in this condition.

There is simply no way for anyone to understand what is going on internally with the Fibromyalgic body. Because you look absolutely normal, yet you feel like you will never perform normally again. No one can see what the problem is. And since it is not such a known illness such as cancer it does not get the respect that people with cancer would get. No one would question a cancer patient about his or her illness because everyone has heard of it. If you have bad days because of your illness with cancer no one would question it. But because Fibromyalgia has not been classified as a disease or given notoriety (such as a famous person getting FMS) it is relatively unknown.

As for doctors - it's very, common to end up with a FM diagnosis only after everything else is ruled out. Many people I've counseled with who have FMS also have now or have once had other problems such as herniated disks, degenerative disk disease, spontaneously fractured vertebrae or other bones, etc. that is why a Chiropractor is invaluable in treating Fibromyalgia. FMS is NOT known to cause these problems or to be caused by these problems. It's just not rare to find such combination irregularities. FMS is often brought on (not caused by, but 'triggered' so to speak) by a trauma such as an accident/fall which causes what could be relatively minor physical pain, or major (doesn't really matter); even childbirth can 'trigger' it or any number of other things. One of the biggest factors is people who have had Mono seem to find that this is where their first symptoms start to appear. Any illness that comes on suddenly seems to trigger Fibromyalgia if the person is genetically inclined toward this syndrome. I really feel syndrome is the wrong word for this condition it truly is a disease whether they can detect it medically or not does not matter, this condition is very real. Many people's lives are being permanently changed because of the effects of fibromyalgia

Most of all - please stop thinking that one must be in a cast, using crutches or wrapped in bandages to "really be hurting". Just because someone is not in a wheelchair or walker does not mean they are not in incredible pain. Fibromyalagia can even cripple a person like arthritis or even Multiple Sclerosis, its symptoms AND the feeling is very much the same! More and more cases are being reported of people who are becoming bedridden, having to use Walkers or wheelchairs due to Fibromyalagia. Chronic Fatigue, Depression, Chronic Pain/Myofascial Pain Syndrome are frequently found along with the FMS. It can get so bad that being hugged (a breeze!) can be painful! A cat on a lap can feel like bone grinding against bone. Your socks touching your toes can be a nightmare of pain. Your sheets and blankets touching your toes or legs can be so painful you are unable to sleep. Elastic touching you anywhere is pure hell. Imagine having even your clothes touching you your worst pain. It was so bad for one woman in her 30's, with small children (and a husband) that she used Dr. Kevorkian to end her misery.

Here is a brief list of common symptoms of this disease:

o Chronic pain throughout the body
o Burning, numbness and tingling
o Tenderness when pressure is placed on or around the neck, elbows, hips, thighs and knees.
o Sleep disorders
o Chronic fatigue or exhaustion
o Depression
o Anxiety
o Facial Pain
o Jaw Pain (TMJ)
o Memory Loss
o Irritable Bowel
o Tension or Migraine Headaches
o High sensitivity to foods and medications (allergic type reaction).
o Minimal tolerance to heat and cold
o High sensitivity to bright lights and sounds
o Hair Loss

Because symptoms develop gradually, this disease is often misdiagnosed. It is often diagnosed as a repetitive strain injury; sleep disorder condition, irritable bowel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis or any other type of medical problem. Based on the American College of Rheumatology a person is diagnosed with Fibromylagia when he or she suffers pain throughout the body for at least three months and has 11 out of 18 tender points present.

Who Is Affected
Experts estimate that 3 million to 6 million Americans have Fibromyalgia. Of these, 80 percent are women. One of the main risk factors is being a woman between the age of 20 and 50. Another risk factor is having a rheumatic disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or Sjogren's syndrome. Fibromyalgia also seems to run in families, so a gene may be at least partly responsible for the condition. Most people with fibromyalgia begin to notice symptoms between the ages of 20 and 40. But children and older adults may develop the condition. Women with fibromyalgia typically feel pain throughout their body.

Causes
Experts do not know what causes Fibromyalgia. There are several theories about possible causes or triggers. Inadequate sleep is a possible trigger. Another is suffering an injury or physical or emotional trauma that affects the brain, spine and nerves. Some experts believe that a viral or bacterial infection plays a part.

Abnormal production of pain-related chemicals in the nervous system also contributes to the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. It's thought that any one of these factors may bring on the symptoms of Fibromyalgia in someone who is already genetically predisposed to the condition.

Treatment includes the following:
o Change in diet and nutrition
o Supplements geared toward Fibromyalagia
o Exercise: Gentle stretching such as warm water stretches and light aerobic activity, if possible.
o Physical Therapy under the guidance of a Chiropractor or Naturopathic
o Massage Therapy
o Avoidance of activities that over stress the body (Consider keeping a journal)
o Regulate sleep patterns
o Avoiding emotional stress

Nutrition is very important with this condition as with any serious physical condition. Avoid caffeine products, sugar, processed foods and fried foods. Low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia) is often a factor in causing the person with Fibromyalgia to feel fatigued. That is why a good nutrition program is very important, eating frequent small meals with some protein is very important in keeping the blood levels even.

Whole grains, seeds, nuts, yogurt, chicken, Turkey, organic beef, eggs, natural cheese and cottage cheese should form the base of your diet. Accompanied by Appropriate vegetables and a minimum amount of fruit.

A good quality multi-vitamin is absolutely essential with this condition. It's important to replace what the body loses daily. If a person takes no other supplement but a multi-vitamin they're helping to support their body daily. Co Q 10, in soft gel form 100mg, taken three times daily can help increase the energy.

There's no definite cure for Fibromyalagia but there are certainly many alternative methods that can help you improve the quality of your life. The medical drug Lyrica has been helpful in relieving pain for many people with Fibromyalgia. I still find that natural medicine works best for me.

I find that deep tissue massage therapy performed regularly really keeps down the pain. When I'm going through a really bad time I always get a massage. It works better than any medicine.

Physical therapy that is performed at home is very important for Fibromyalgia. Warm water stretches performed at least three times weekly can be of tremendous help keeping the joints and muscles flexible. A Jacuzzi or hot tub is without a doubt one of the best treatments you can do at home, not only does it improve circulation you can also perform warm water stretches in it. If you have access to one and can use this daily you would see a tremendous change in the body. Using a moist heating pad on areas of pain for 20 minutes can ease the pain.

I also find that chiropractic care can bring tremendous relief. I always recommend people with Fibromyalgia seek out a Chiropractor who uses the activator method for physical therapy and pain relief. If you would like to find out about a doctor of chiropractic in your area who uses this method go to http://www.activator.com/qualified_doctors.asp

Take a proactive role in learning about fibromyalgia to help control it, and be vigilant about following your treatment plan. Emotional support is very important too. Living with fibromyalgia may be difficult if your family, friends or employer do not understand the condition. Seek out supportive family, friends, clergy, support groups or a mental health counselor.

Arthritis Knee Exercises - Knee Workouts to Prevent Arthritis, Joint Pain and Swelling

There are many types of arthritis knee exercises and knee workouts that can be done on a regular basis to prevent joint pain and swelling. All these exercises and knee movements are very helpful for the patients and doctors highly advise the patients to follow the regime on a regular basis to keep the situation under control. Knee exercises and knee workouts if done properly and on a regular basis can prove to be really beneficial for curing joint pain and swelling.

Here are some effective knee workout types to help you stay fit as well as fight with the disease:

· Walking - Walking is considered to be one of the easiest and effective arthritis knee exercises for fighting pain. Walking does not need much effort and there is no much strain on your knees and side by side is pain free also.

· Water Knee Workout - This workout has the same effect as of the one done on the road or land. Water knee exercises may include doing aerobics, jogging, walking or playing sports like polo etc in the water. Water supports your body weight and it becomes easy for you to move around without causing much pain.

· Swimming - Swimming is again considered to be a very effective joint pain exercise as it gives you a great cardiovascular knee workout. Water supports the body and while swimming, you do not feel much pain. Patients with serious pain can also go for swimming.

· Cycling - Though it can be a bit painful initially but cycling is one arthritis knee exercise that every doctor recommends. The body moves all together and loosens the stiff joints and relaxes your knees. Cycling is a very good knee workout for reducing pain and swelling as it is a muscular exercise.