Problems Treated by an Oral Surgeon

There are a number of common oral and maxillofacial problems that may require the services of an oral surgeon. If you have recently experienced pain or trauma to your mouth or teeth, you may benefit from a consultation with a physician in your area. Some of the most common problems involve impacted teeth, loss of teeth, or jaw problems such as TMJ disorders and uneven jaw growth. Each of these problems can be alleviated or even fixed completely with the help of an experienced dentist.

One of the most common problems that most people have to deal with at some point in time have to do with the development and possible impaction of the last set of molars in your mouth. Most of us develop wisdom teeth as adults and many of us have undergone painful surgery in our late teens or early twenties. Almost all of us have either had our wisdom teeth removed or know someone who has undergone this procedure.

An oral surgeon can help make the process go more smoothly and end up less painful in the long run. The main reason most wisdom teeth have to be removed is because they become impacted and do not fully develop due to the size of our jaws. Even if the jaw is the right size, the molar may not emerge at a proper angle and may end up bumping up against the second molars. Almost any tooth can become impacted and may require removal by an oral surgeon.

Another problem that many dental physicians help with is the replacement of teeth that have been damaged or lost due to trauma. Dental implants allow you to regain the form and function of your smile with a permanent solution that is more comfortable and often more reliable than temporary dentures. Good candidates for this type of surgery are young, healthy individuals that have a good level of bone density and can keep up with good oral health and hygiene habits.

Lastly, there are a number of congenital or traumatic jaw problems that can benefit from the help of an oral surgeon. TMJ disorders can be exquisitely painful or may cause uneven wear and tear on your teeth. Upper and lower jaws that are uneven can also cause problems with your bite and chewing food. Each of these can be helped by procedures and tools that bring the jaw back into alignment and ensure you remain pain free.

Alleviating Arthritis Pain

Living with arthritis can be over-whelming, not only for you - but for family, friends and co-workers. Arthritis refers to an inflammation of the joints. It is known by many names - comprising over 100 diseases and conditions, most of which are associated with pain or stiffness. Arthritis is a chronic pain disease that directly affects millions of Americans. Reports indicate that 40 million Americans suffer with osteoarthritis alone. The most common types of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis (often referred to as, Degenerative Joint Disease).

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disorder that causes the immune system to attack its own joints. Osteoarthritis on the other hand, consists of a low-grade inflammation that wears down cartilage and decreases the amount of synovial fluid (both cushion and lubricate the joint areas). The changes in cartilage cause it to break down faster than the body can produce it. When cartilage breaks down, the bones rub together and cause damage and pain. Common areas of the body that develop degenerative joints are in the spine, especially in the lower neck and lower back, knees, hips and fingers. People describe their symptoms as pain, stiffness (typically in the morning), muscle weakness (especially in the knee), swelling (tender and sore joints), reduced range-of-motion and as hearing cracking or creaking sounds. If weight-bearing joints, such as the hips or knees are involved, mobility can be affected. Therefore, it is crucial to seek arthritis treatment as soon as possible, to avoid the need for surgery.

Arthritis can affect a person at any age, as observed in the x-rays of many people who are 20 years young. Common causes of arthritis include a genetic predisposition, overabundance of microorganisms, build-up of toxins, decreased gut integrity, obesity, poor diet, hormonal imbalances (low estrogen - menopause), trauma, decreased nerve function, lack of exercise and "wear and tear" of the joint (resulting from certain occupations and activities). Joints that do not move properly due to a misalignment of the bones, must not be overlooked, as a major factor in developing arthritis.

If you are seeking arthritis relief a physical examination and diagnostic tests will help to formulate an accurate arthritis diagnosis. Diagnostic options include x-rays, chiropractic and physical therapy evaluations, blood and urine testing, along with a thorough health history and discussion of symptoms. Arthritis treatment is created to suit the age, build, pain levels and general health of the patient. Arthritis treatment options for people with mild to moderate arthritis, may include...

Chiropractic:
Physical manipulation allow joints to be directly adjusted - reducing pain and stiffness. By correcting joint and spine dislocations, chiropractic adjustments help increase range-of-motion. Massage (increases flexibility and circulation), Heat Therapy (increases blood flow and relaxes tissue), Cold Therapy (reduces swelling and pain) and TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation which stimulates pain-inhibiting chemicals in the body).

Physical Therapy and Exercise:
The focus is on pain relief, healing, restoring function and movement and to improve body mechanics. Assistive devices and orthotics, such as tape, braces or splints can help protect joints from further injury and take stress off of joints. Exercise reduces joint pain and stiffness and increases flexibility, muscle strength and endurance. Range-of-Motion Exercises help to maintain normal joint movement, relieve stiffness and increase flexibility; Strengthening Exercises help increase muscle strength and Endurance or Aerobic Exercises improve cardiovascular fitness, help control weight and improve overall function. The side effect of exercise is weight reduction, which will place less pressure on joints.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM):
TCM is based on the belief that the body needs to be in balance to remain healthy. Pain and illness occur when the body is out of balance and there is a disturbance in the body's energy. TCM treatments - acupuncture, herbal medicine and various types of massage, focus on returning the body to a delicate balance.

Lifestyle Recommendations:
It is necessary to change or modify activities that cause pain, modify the home and work areas (use a reacher tool to pick up things off the floor), maintain proper posture while standing, sitting or sleeping and wear comfortable and supportive shoes.

Many people are searching for an arthritis cure, or at the very least - arthritis relief. Living with arthritis can be stressful. At times you may feel overwhelmed, tired or angry. But, there are many ways to cope with arthritis. If needed, Prescription Pain Medication Intervention, Trigger Point Injections, Joint Injections, Epidural Injections, Nerve Blocks, Facet Joint Blocks, Radio Frequency Nerve Ablation may also be recommended by a Pain Management Specialist. Discover innovative arthritis treatments and find relief for arthritis pain.

Tips to Manage TMJ Symptoms

Many people experience TMJ symptoms, which affects the Temporomandibular Joint. When these symptoms occur, it is actually called TMJ syndrome or TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder). Many people refer to this condition simply as "TMJ," so for the take of this article we will use the term "TMJ" when referring to the condition of TMJ syndrome.

TMJ symptoms affect are focused around the joint that connects the lower jaw. This joint is used in many daily activities including eating and talking. So, if pain is occurring in the joint it can cause quite a bit of discomfort for the person experiencing it.

Common TMJ symptoms include: pain in the jaw joint, a locked jaw, swelling in the jaw joint, headaches, pain in the neck and/or shoulders, ear aches, teeth grinding, and ringing in the ears. These TMJ symptoms vary just a little bit depending on the person and the severity of the condition. These symptoms are usually aggravated when the person chews and moves their jaw more.

If you are experiencing TMJ symptoms, it is a good idea to contact your doctor and begin to proactively treat the condition. You will be amazed at how good you feel when you get rid of the tension in your jaw! Usually disorders relating to the Temporomandibular Joint are fairly easy to fix with inexpensive treatments

Stress is one of the biggest factors in TMJ syndrome. Higher levels of stress cause people to grind their teeth more and clench their teeth, which in turn puts more pressure on the jaw joint. Practicing simple exercises at home to reduce stress can lower the TMJ symptoms that you are experiencing.

Finger Joint Pain: The Common Causes

Finger joint pain can cause a lot of trouble and pain. It can affect your daily activities and be very hard to deal with. There are quite a few things that can be the causes of the joint pain.

Trigger Finger: This can cause the finger to have a snapping movement. It is normally caused by swelling of the tendons in the finger.

Felon: This is a horribly painful infection in the tip of the finger. If you see pus around the tip of the finger you will surgery to have it drained.

Paronychia: This is an infection of the fingernail. It is usually caused by poor health of the fingernails. This can be cleared up using over the count antibiotics.

Glomus Tumor: This happens when proliferation occurs on the nervous tissue below the fingernail. It is mostly common in females and is very painful.

Finger Fractures: These occur when you fall or hurt your finger. Most of the time they are confused as finger sprains.

Mallet Finger: This is a post-traumatic deformity that happens on the finger tip. Most of the time loss of your finger is seen.

Kirner Deformity: This is an uncommon and not to pretty deformity of the little finger.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This is the number one cause of finger pain. It can cause swelling and be rather painful at times. This happens when the tendons in the carpal tunnel swell. Carpal tunnel is mainly caused by repetitive actions.

Of all these common causes of finger pain carpal tunnel is by far the leader. It is treatable without needing to go to the doctors. There are many exercises you can do to relieve the pain. Most over the counter medicines will also help relieve the pain. Using cold water dunks is a very popular method for relieving pain. You can also flex your fingers back and forth to help loosen the muscles and tendons. You can also take a 15 second break while you are doing a repetitive task. This will help relax you finger joint and keep it from being strained. Carpal tunnel is reversible, and you should try to find a good exercise plan. Mild cases can be reversed in as little as two weeks, while more advanced cases could take over six weeks. If you think you have carpal tunnel you should find an exercise program before it gets to advanced. You could be pain free in as little as two weeks.

Joint Pain Relief

Joint pain, including Osteoarthritis, is found in nearly 43 million Americans.

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, (DJD), is the most common form of arthritis and is caused by the breakdown of cartilage in one or more joints. Osteoarthritis has many signs and symptoms but the main symptoms are stiff and very painful joints. One of the most painful moments of having joint pain stiffness is in the morning after resting the joints. Moving the joints around and stretching in the morning are great ways to get rid of the stiffness. One other severe joint pain is right after or during exercising or continuous strain on the particular area.

Since most people wake up in the morning with some kind of stiffness, a person must look for further symptoms that may lead to joint pain, possible identifying which joint pain they are having.

Osteoarthritis causes the joint to grind and make creaking sounds usually limiting the full range of motion for that particular joint. People who have it more severely suffer from weaker muscles and swollen joints.

Though the direct cause of Osteoarthritis is unknown, there are many conditions that can cause joint pain. Bone disorders, inherited diseases, overworked and stresses limbs, obesity, derangement of metabolism and internal gland malfunctions are just some of the conditions people have had when diagnosed with Osteoarthritis.

One question about Osteoarthritis is why cartilage gets damaged as the joint pain increases. Cartilage itself does not cause Osteoarthritis, but the grinding and rubbing of other tissues around the affected joint is what sends the pain signals, since cartilage does not contain any nerve structures.

Weight management is one of the first things to approach when looking at joint pain. When it comes to arthritis, being overweight can increase your risk of osteoarthritis and place excessive strain on affected joints . If you look at the simple physics, the more you weigh, the more your body has to carry around. If your knees are stiff or you have increased joint pain, consider looking into a good diet to make your body work less.

Arthritis can limit your emotional experiences as well as physical. As most people go through aches and pains associated with arthritis, some feel many emotions with it as well. Some may be in denial they even have a disease, thinking they are in pain form an activity they previously have engaged in. Others may feel anger, loss of control over the disease, hopelessness, and devastation.

When we look at arthritis, we also have to look at how healthy our bones as well. Vitamin D is crucial for strong bones and growth. People with vitamin D deficiency are known to have more joint pain and difficulties with mobility. Most of our body's manufactured vitamin D comes from a response to natural sunlight. Elderly people are less efficient at absorbing the crucial vitamin, resulting in stronger and more painful causes of Arthritis and Osteoarthritis.

A vitamin D supplement is recommended to prevent and help with arthritis. Most supplements do not carry as much vitamin D as your body can, but the supplements are to replace the lost vitamins your body cannot produce.

There are many supplements and vitamins that will aide in the relief of stiff and painful joints. These supplements are designed to help manage the disease. While there are many available treatments, people have leaned to supplements instead of prescribed medications over the last few years. The goal of a good joint pain supplement is to decrease arthritis symptoms, slow the progression of the disease, prevent joint damage, maintain joint function and preserve the mobility of the joint.

How to Deal With Jaw Pain

When a person complains of pain in the jaw or in the temples, they are said to be suffering from temporomandibular disorder (TMD) or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). Our jaw is connected to the head by temporomandibular muscles and joints; thus, the disorders affect the jaw, face, and neck. Abscesses due to an oral surgical procedure can also lead to pain in the jaw. If the bone is left exposed at the time of surgery, it can cause infection.

Description

Temporomandibular muscles and joints are located right in front of our ears, connecting the lower jaw to our skull. The joints are highly flexible, which allow the jaw to make smooth sideways, upward, and downward movements when we talk, yawn, and chew.

Origin

Pain in the jaw or temple is said to have been caused by the practice of teeth grinding and clenching, joint injury, dental problems, stress, and facial trauma. Misaligned biting or too much chewing causes muscle fatigue, which leads to pain in the jaw or temple. In most cases, the cause remains unclear.

Symptoms

Jaw pain is usually characterized by headache, lockjaw or clicking jaw, and pain in the ears.There is also a difficulty in chewing, biting, and moving the jaw.

Prevention and Treatment

You should minimize grinding and clenching your teeth. Avoid foods that are hard to chew. Eat foods that are soft like soup, porridge, or oatmeal. Apply hot or cold compress on the affected area. Do not rest your jaw on your hand. Recommendations from the doctor will include medications, ultrasound or electrical nerve simulator, and surgery.

Warning

Pain, especially in the lower jaw, can be a sign of an impending heart attack. It is best to consult your doctor immediately. Pain in the jaw bone can be a symptom of several health problems. You need to be diagnosed first before you can get any treatment procedure.

Safe and Natural Remedies for Hip Pain That Work

Hip pain can be very problematic as it can restrict the movement of the body, natural remedies can provide relief and promote smooth and pain free movements. There are many causes for hip pain, the thigh bone known as femur swivels in the socket at hip to join upper and lower torso of the body and provide joint movement. There is some free space in the socket which gets filled with blood and fluid if there is any inflammation, swelling or infection in the joint. Other structures attached to the joint can also be the source of pain. In most of the cases trauma is the main cause of pain. Though hip pain can be problematic but sometimes referral pain is also experienced in hip like the one in the case of irritated sciatica nerve. Arthritis can also cause hip pain, muscle pull or strained tendons are also commonly found reasons of hip pain.

Not straining the aching part of the hip during the movement, while sitting, getting up or lying is a precautionary measure to avoid aggravation of the pain. The pain might have been caused due to strained muscle or tendon which will get further aggravated if pressure is exerted on it during any activity. It might appear that hot and cold compresses would not be able to help as pain is deep inside but it is not correct, hot and cold compresses can be very good natural remedy for hip pain though the compressions shall be applied for more duration than for pain in other parts of the body. Gentle massage at the painful area is also helpful, pain relieving gels or creams can also be used for massage. The massage shall be done with sufficient pressure neither too much nor too less. Massage promotes blood flow and cures swelling and relieves strained muscles to relieve the pain.

Care shall be taken while sitting and getting up so that too much pressure is not passed on to the troubling area. While sitting gently folding and unfolding right leg can help if pain is due to minor cramp. Leisurely walk wearing flat soul shoes is also beneficial in promoting blood flow and curing cramps in the hip.

Capsaicin ointment is available as over the counter medicine in the market and is an excellent natural pain relieving cream. This cream is made up of cayenne pepper which slows down the signals of pain getting transferred to brain. Thus a person feels lesser pain or no pain after its application. Though this is not a remedy but relief from pain can help in making movement and increasing comfort.

If a person feels shooting pain which is radiating down towards thighs than this cream can be helpful as such a pain can be caused by irritation of sciatica nerve. Soaking the body below waist in tub filled with warm water and two cups of Epsom salt is also an effective natural remedy to relieve hip pain if caused due to muscle strains or cramps. Epsom salt contains magnesium which is when absorbed by the body through skin relieves such pain. Eating more fruits and vegetable, increased intake of garlic in the diet, using ginger in food as spice or in salad and avoiding red meat and spicy food also works as good remedy for hip pain.

Joint Pain Relief Supplement

Probably one of the most common concerns regarding health all over the world is joint pain. Millions of people suffer from pain in the joints. This condition may be brought about by arthritis or sports injuries. Because joint pain can greatly affect the affected individual's life, it is quite imperative for them to seek for the most excellent joint pain relief supplement in order to be freed from the torment and suffering.

Sufferers from joint pain are being offered boundless array of treatment modalities. Considering the amount of suffering and pain caused by chronic joint pain, sufferers must be given the best when it comes to arthritis relief supplement.

Selecting the best in joint pain relief supplement

There is a wide selection of arthritis pain relief supplement options that is available in today's market. They come in injections, synthetic drugs, and organic supplements. Synthetic medications are widely accepted for the treatment of arthritis pain. Popularly celebrated as NSAIDS or non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, they work by targeting the root cause of inflammation and therefore, decreasing the impact of the symptoms. One should bear in mind, however, the relief offered by these drugs is short term. This means that the pain reverts whenever the results and consequences of the meds wear off.

The best when it comes to supplements for the joints must offer not temporary remedy from pain but more permanent and long lasting effects. Unfortunately, most doctors' prescription medications not all the time fit this kind of description to qualify as best arthritis pain relief supplement. The temporary remedy they offer is not the only reason why one should shun away from these drugs but they also carry with them some health risks. It was recently found out that arthritis pain medications like NSAIDs increase a person's risk for heart diseases and damage to the kidney and liver.

Why choose a supplement for joint pain relief?

The negative effects that these kinds of medication may provide to users cannot really make them as the greatest arthritis pain relief supplement. Ideally, arthritis pain supplements should get rid of some health risks and guarantee the sufferer of the relief that they can acquire. Among the several options for treatment, an organic, all natural supplements do not have adverse effect on the well being and health of users. It has been specifically formulated to offer lasting remedy to all the various types of pain in the joints.

Effective, natural supplements are composed of a combination of three essential anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving ingredients, glucosamine, chondroitin, and natural COX-2 inhibitors. These three important components are what make a harmless, effective, and safe treatment alternative yet being able to provide pain relief that may be brought about by injury or arthritis. Aside from that, the existence of vital nutrients is what allows this supplement to target various kinds of joint pain. A joint pain relief supplement, like Synotrex, does not only work by relieving the pain and the inflammation but it also helps in the restoration, rebuilding, and healing of joints that have been damaged.

Can Exomine Revitalise your Joints?

There is no cure for Osteoarthritis but there are treatments that can help patients live more healthy, comfortable and productive lives. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease and is the most common of all known joint conditions. It is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage over time, meaning that the joints loose their ability to move easily. Cartilage is used in the joints to allow bones to glide over each other easily and for joints to flex.

Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body and usually affects the most frequently used or most affected by impact stress or gravity. These areas include the fingers, hips, knees, lower back, and feet. It is not uncommon for persons to initially have only one joint affected. However, more joints can become affected over time.

Most treatments for this condition do not treat the condition at all, but rather try to manage the symptoms. There are many drugs on the market that attempt to do this and you can find information on analgesics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), glucocorticoids, corticosteroids, and viscosupplements from your health professional or other trusted sources.

Exomine is a natural supplement which aims to minimize inflammation processes and ease arthritis pain and muscular discomfort.

How Exomine works

Made specifically for osteoarthritis, Exomine is an all natural supplement that has no known side effects. You can rest assured that you are helping heal your joints safely and effectively. According to the manufacturer's supplied information, it is made of the following components:

• Chondroitin Sulfate - A major structural component of the cartilage. Chondroitin has been shown to increase the production of new, healthy cartilage, block enzymes that break down cartilage, and normalize joint fluids to reduce friction.


• Hyaluronic Acid - The greatest concentrations of this acid are found in joints and used as lubrication. As you age, less hylaronic acid is produced, which results in stiff joints. Supplementation with this protein has been shown lubricate stiff joints.


• Glucosamine HCI - The clinical benefits of glucosamine in the treatment of osteoarthritis are impressive. In one study, 252 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee were given placebo or 1500mg of glucosamine every day. The results showed glucosamine can reduce pain and inflammation from osteoarthritis. The longer it was used, the more apparent the benefits were.


• BioCell Collagen Type II(TM) - This ingredient was formulated as an alternative to glucosamine and chondroitin, but is also very effective when used in conjunction with the two ingredients.


• Methylsulfonyl Methane (MSM) - This natural form of dietary sulfur has been used to reduce or eliminate arthritis pain.


• Vitamins B3 and C - These have been shown to reduce pain and aid with range of motion, muscle strength, and endurance. Vitamin C may help to reduce cartilage loss and prevent arthritis progression.


• Boron - An important mineral critical for maintaining healthy bones and joints. Double-blind placebo controlled studies have shown that small daily amounts of boron can help with osteoarthritis.


• Boswellia Serrata Ext - This botanical possesses strong anti-inflammatory properties. Boswellic acid, its main chemical constituent, has been shown to block the production of enzymes in the body that cause inflammation.


• Ginger - A study involving 56 osteoarthritis patients proved that ginger was 75% effective for osteoarthritis and muscular discomfort.


• Cat's Claw - A potent anti-inflammatory, this botanical contains active ingredients called "glycosides," that have been shown to reduce inflammation and water retention.


• Tumeric - Laboratory tests and clinical research indicate that the active ingredients have unique antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.


• Grape Seed Ext - Has flavonoid-like substances call "proanthocyanidins" (PCOs) that act like antioxidants. PCOs inhibit certain chemicals from causing inflammation.

Why choose Exomine?

There are always a number of questions to consider when looking at using a natural supplement to help with a condition like Osteoarthritis. You need to consider the balance between traditional medicine which relies heavily on tested drugs, with the positives and negatives that can come from them, against the potential benefits and risk levels of a natural supplement. Make sure you look at the potential issues and are happy with the feedback from other users of the product.

TMJ Medicine - Your TMJ Treatment Options

TMJ or Temporo Mandibular joint disorder happens due to a lot of factors. The causes comprise of improper alignment of the jaw, side effects of drugs, bruxism, and rheumatoid arthritis. This disease leads to a lot of jaw pain, headaches, earaches, difficulty in eating and performing any activity involving mouth and neck muscles. If you suspect that you suffer from this problem first thing you should do is visit your dentist, he or she is best qualified to establish a proper diagnosis and recommend the right TMJ medicine for you.

The immediate treatment prescribed might comprise of aspirin (for the pain), muscle relaxation drugs, and heat treatments for your jaw. The doctor might also want you to follow a diet of soft foods, avoiding teeth grinding, and jaw clenching, and avoiding chewing gums. This diet will sort of protect your jaw for a few days until it recovers. If all these relief methods don't help then steroids or botox injections can be recommended by your physician. Various stress relieving methods are also recommended, sometimes as the main part of the treatment and sometimes as a follow up.

If this treatment or the TMJ medicines given to you do not work then your doctor can refer you to visit a surgeon specializing in this area. There are different kinds of surgeries surgeon can use to remove the material from the joint and rebuild your joint. However, surgery must only be seen as a last alternative, if all other treatments fail.

Besides the conventional treatments many victims have discovered relief through a mix of natural therapies like massages and exercises created to strengthen the joints and provide relief to the muscles. Alternative therapies often provide a much better results in relieving this problem, and they are also side effects free and very low cost.

Hip Arthritis In India - Resurfacing And Proxima Hip Replacements as Treatment Options For Young

Hip arthritis in India affects young and middle aged persons unlike the west where Primary hip osteoarthritis predominantly affects the elderly. Surgery in this group of relatively younger patients requires newer techniques and implants. This article will shed light on the disease and the current modalities of treatment available.

Types of Hip arthritis

Hip arthritis is classified as Primary and secondary Osteoarthritis. Primary osteoarthritis is age related wear and tear arthritis. It is rare in India. Secondary osteoarthritis occurs at a younger age and is more common. Rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis, traumatic arthritis and other connective tissue disorders like SLE, Psoriasis etc. all lead to secondary osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto immune disorder, affects all joints particularly the small joints but also does not spare the hip and knees.

Avascular necrosis is a condition that reduces the blood supply to the end of the bone. It affects patients with excess alcohol intake, consuming steroids, connective tissue disorders like SLE. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a connective tissue disorder affecting mainly young women A photo sensitive rash on the cheeks, renal involvement and arthritis are some notable features. Avascular necrosis affects a proportion of the patients with SLE.

Gaucher's disease is a genetic storage disorder. Post traumatic arthritis occurs after a severe injury to the hip. Fractures of the ball (top of the femur) or socket (acetabulum) can lead to arthritis after inadequate treatment.

Hip arthritis is very disabling as it is a small ball and socket joint unlike the Knee joint which is a large one. In advanced disease a total hip replacement was recommended by Orthopaedic surgeons until recently. Advances in orthopaedic surgery now cater to the specific requirements of these younger patients.

Surgical solutions

These are the mainstay of treatment as conservative measures fail to relieve pain. Total Hip replacement (THR) is a time tested operation and has a success rate of 93 % survivorship at 10 years.

The hip joint may need to be replaced with an artificial joint when it is irreversibly damaged and cannot be salvaged by alternate surgery. The patient complains of pain and restriction of movement. The pain may often be referred to the knee or felt in the knee and no hip symptoms. Occasionally the pain may be felt more in the buttock area rather than in front of the groin.

Who needs a hip replacement?

In India, many young patients with ankylosing spondylitis, avascular necrosis, post septic arthritis, post injury suffer from hip arthritis and are advised a hip replacement for disabling pain. Thus many hip replacement operations are performed in younger patients. The surgery should cater to the enhanced demands on an artificial joint by younger and more active patients. Naturally an operation designed for Western elderly patients is not suitable for younger patients.

What is a total hip replacement?

In this operation the ball shaped upper end of the thigh bone (femur) and the socket (acetabulum) are replaced. The ball is replaced with a long metal stem that is fixed into the upper end if the thigh bone. Its upper spherical end articulates with a cup shaped polyethylene socket that is cemented into the pelvis.

Conventional hip replacements sacrifice a great deal of normal bone as the head, neck, and upper part of the thigh bone is removed for implantation of the prosthesis. Moreover wear debris from the poly-etheylene liner lead to osteolysis and bone loss. When this first hip is to be changed or revised after its lifespan more bone loss occurs. Conventional hips have a small ball to reduce friction and wear, but the ill effect of this is an increased risk of dislocation. An average dislocation rate of 3- 4 % has been reported. These implants do not last very longer than 20 years and revision rates of 50% at 20 years have been reported. Survival rates are less satisfactory for the relatively younger active patients. Thus a total hip replacement is not an ideal implant for younger patients less than fifty years old who need a new hip.

Problems with conventional total hip replacement:

o Excessive bone sacrifice and loss

o Increased risk of dislocation

o Patients cannot squat or sit cross legged on the floor with out the risk of dislocation

o Range of movement is less

o Patients cannot involve in sports

o Poor survival in young and active patients they require earlier revision

o Revision surgery is difficult

o The hip feels less like a normal hip

o The cup wears with time and plastic from it harms bone

o Change in length of the leg after surgery leading to leg length discrepancy

Why remove normal bone when only the surface of the ball is bad?

This is the logic behind hip resurfacings. This bone preserving hip resurfacing involves replacing only the diseased bony surfaces of the head of femur and acetabulum. This involves sculpting the head of the femur and covering it with a metal cap and fixing an uncemented socket into the acetabulum to receive the head.

Hip Resurfacing- A bone preserving hip replacement!

Preservation of bone and less stress shielding makes it easy to revise this hip if needed. The large head size provides a very stable joint and recreates the sensation of a normal hip joint. Patients have gone back to playing Judo and Squash after this operation. Advances metallurgy makes the metal on metal articulation likely to survive longer in the young and active patient. With less metal inside the bone and less invasion of the medullary cavity of the femur, the risk of infection is reduced. Rehabilitation is faster and better.

Advantages of hip resurfacing:

o Allows the patient to squat and sit cross legged on the floor safely

o Allows a normal range of movement

o Sacrifices only the surface diseased bone and preserves normal bone

o Imparts a more normal sensation

o The joint is likely to last longer even in younger and active patients

o Earlier and faster rehabilitation

o Less risk of dislocation

o Easier to revise if needed

o No leg length discrepancy

Proxima hip replacement - A perfect bone preserving hip replacement?

This is the latest addition to the armamentarium of the hip surgeon in India. It is a bone preserving hip replacement. In this operation, the entire diseased head of the femur is removed. The lining of the hip socket is resurfaced with a metal cup. A tiny uncemented hip with a short stem called the Proxima hip is impacted into the upper end of the femur or thigh bone.

The size of the implant matches the natural one and hence the risk of dislocation is almost eliminated. It is recommended when the bony destruction is advanced and hence unsuitable for resurfacing and a total hip replacement would be overkill.

The advantages of the Proxima are:

o suited for minimally invasive surgery

o No thigh pain

o Metal on metal - confers longevity

o Conformity to normal size eliminates risk of dislocation

o Ability to correct biomechanical abnormalities makes this superior to resurfacing

o Imparts a more normal sensation

o Allows a normal range of movement and normal activities

Can You Cure Your TMJ Pain Naturally?

If you are one of the many people who suffer from TMJ disorder, then you already have felt the nagging pain in the jaw area that comes with TMJ. You may not even know or care about what TMJ stands for, and all you want is to be relieved of the pain, and do it in a natural way.

After all, this type of jaw pain is sometimes so intense that people have trouble sleeping when they are experiencing it. It hurts when they cry, it hurts when they laugh, and it even hurts when they talk sometimes. It is one of the worst things to experience.

It's also bad that people are never informed about TMJ. They simply feel the symptoms and never know what is going on. You may begin noticing that you have difficulty swallowing or something of that nature, and the doctor does not always catch it when you go see one. You yourself may think that the pain is a simple tension headache and not do anything about it.

One of the things that contribute to your TMJ pain is tension in the jaw. Your clenched jaw carries tension unless you make an effort to remove that tension. Therefore, your pain is magnified unless you do something about it. One of the simplest things you can do to relieve tension in the jaw is to avoid creating it in the first place.

When it comes to sleep the best thing to do is to sleep on your back. This is because if you sleep on your side you add pressure to one side of your jaw. That's normal for people who do not suffer from temporomandibular jaw disorders, but if you do, then this can have a huge impact on avoiding extra pain.

Some people also grind their own teeth in their sleep, so be careful that you are not damaging yourself in your sleep. Who knows what kind of crazy things go on in your sleep? You may be one of the people who must wear a special brace in their sleep in order to avoid damaging yourself from teeth grinding or jaw clenching in your sleep.

Be sure to check how your jaw feels in the morning to see if the damage is being done as you sleep at night.

As you can see, TMJ is not a clear thing in which you find one exact cause and solution. There are many causes such as those mentioned above, jaw injuries, accidents, dental work gone badly, and the list goes on.

There are also lots of natural remedies that you can try out to relieve your jaw pain. With a little effort you can be on your way to taming your TMJ pain.

Facts About Canine Hip Dysplasia In A Weimaraner

One of the major health concerns of a Weimaraner, as well as other large breeds of dog is hip dysplasia. Cats suffer from hip dysplasia too, but it is seen less commonly and the symptoms are less threatening. Hip dysplasia can also be found in humans but in rare cases only.

Canine hip dysplasia is a developmental orthopedic disease in which there is an abnormal development of the hip joint. This leads to looseness in the joints that is supposed to be snug. The looseness causes cartilage damage and eventually results to painful progressive arthritis that can cripple your beloved Weimaraner. Hip dysplasia is different from arthritis in the hips but is the common cause of it.

This disorder of the joint is proven to be caused by genetic factors. If two Weims carrying genetic material for hip dysplasia were bred, then their offspring will definitely inherit the disease. Apart from that, your dog's environment also contribute to the development of the disease. Your dog's nutrition should be restricted but not to the point that you will restrict fat and calorie content in his diet. Restriction here means to prevent your Weimaraner from becoming overweight. Although exercise is recommended to keep your dog from becoming obese, the activities should be controlled to prevent unwarranted stress and trauma to the joint. Climbing stairs and jumping into and out of pick-up trucks are some of the activities to be avoided.

Puppies as young as five months will begin to show signs of the disease. Pain and discomfort during and after vigorous exercise is usually seen to puppies in this age. Without immediate attention, these dogs may be crippled at two years of age. In most cases, however, symptoms begin to show during the middle or later years in the dog's life. Other signs include decreased activity, difficulty rising, reluctance to use stairs, reluctance to jump or stand on hind limbs, pain and soreness after heavy exercise. The dog will also suffer pain when weight is being placed on the joint.

Diagnosis of hip dysplasia is based on the combination of physical exam and x-rays. There is no complete cure for hip dysplasia, however, there are methods to alleviate the clinical signs. These methods include pain medications, weight loss programs, controlled exercise and physical therapy. Another option is through surgical procedure, that is if conservative medication cannot control the problem. There are two types of surgery- one involves reshaping the joint to reduce pain or help movement and another is hip replacement for animals which completely replaces the damaged hip with an artificial joint.

Identifying Boxer Dog Health Problems

In order to raise a healthy and fit boxer dog, you need to know what different kinds of boxer health problems exist. The average life span of a boxer ranges between 8 to 10 years. A few major boxer dog health problems that commonly afflict this breed of dogs include CHD, cardiomyopathy and SAS. Other boxer dog health problems concerns are colitis, gastric torsion, corneal erosion and hypothyroidism. Occasionally, your pet boxer may suffer from rarer ailments like degenerative myelopathy or even brain tumor. Hence, it is strongly recommended that you get your canine friend checked regularly by a vet. The risk of developing various boxer dog health problems can be eliminated to a great extent and treated properly if diagnosed in the early stages. Hence, ensure that your vet conducts specific tests particularly for cardiac concerns, hip dysphasia and other thyroid issues, in order to assess boxer dog health problems in advance.

The following are a few common genetic conditions in brief that this particular breed of dogs is prone to:

AS or SAS

Aortic stenosis or sub-aortic stenosis is a condition in which the aorta constricts, consequently, restricting the flow of blood also in the heart. So, in order to maintain an appropriate blood flow through the body, the heart has to pump harder. This condition can be easily diagnosed, if the dog tires out easily or you can notice soft heart murmurs. Although, such dogs should not be included in breeding programs, they can continue to live a routine life.

Hyperthyroidism

As the name suggests, this condition indicates that the thyroid of your boxer is either not functioning properly or not working at all. This genetic disorder can result in hair loss, inactive lifestyle, slow growth and chronic skin conditions like dry skin or lesions. Fortunately, it can be treated with appropriate medications.

Hip dysplasia

This is one of the most widespread boxer dog health problems, in which the hip joints of the dog wear out regularly, resulting in pain and stiffness. Unfortunately, the situation only worsens with time and age of the dog, since there is no cure for it. Very often, pain management treatment is the only solution to ease the suffering or in extreme conditions, a joint replacement can be considered.

Boxer cardiomyopathy

This condition occurs when the heart of your pet boxer begins to beat erratically. The electrical signals produced by the dog's body cause its heart to deviate from its usual rhythm. In many dogs, the first attack of this irregular beating of the heart can prove to be fatal. This is a characteristic boxer dog health problem that cannot be spotted until the dog is fully mature. A routine examination by your vet is not enough to determine this condition because the inconsistent heartbeats are not constant. Hence, every dog of this breed should be inspected specifically for detecting if he suffers from boxer cardiomyopathy.

Corneal dystrophy

This condition is the outcome of uneven corneal development. Due to irregular development of the cornea, ulcers may form on the cornea. If not detected and treated properly in the early stages, it can cause loss of vision or even total blindness. Pain management techniques and surgical measures can be adopted to treat the condition effectively.

How to Stop a Toothache With Tea

A toothache is really sore, I know because I have been there. But here is the great news, you can find relief right there in your house. No need to go to the dentist or to the drug store, and no side effects. Best of all, no more toothache.

The pain that you are going through is probably from your nerve. The minerals that comprise your teeth are extremely strong, so strong actually that they are one of the toughest bones in your body. As strong as they are, they are subjected to wearing and grinding. They are also exposed to the acids that come from the bacteria on your teeth.

The pain you are experiencing is as a result of tooth decay, because your tooth has been eroded. This is not the only reason that can cause a toothache. Other reasons that could result in pain are:

• Bruxius - this is a condition which causes a grinding of the teeth, and it happens mostly when one is asleep. Over time, this grinding wears the teeth down and it weakens the enamel layer.

• Another reason for a toothache is caused by the wisdom teeth that are trying to break through the gums. This can cause a lot of tension in the jaw and it results in a lot of pain.

• Temporomandibular Joint Disorder - this is as a result of the joint pain that arises from the joint that allows movement between the lower and the upper jaw, which is the Temporomandibular Joint. When this joint wears off, any movement causes a lot of pain and you can experience pain when you try to speak, eat or yawn.

• A condition called Gingivitis can also cause a toothache. This is a disease of the gums and an infection can cause loss in the teeth and pain.

• Cavities in your teeth can also cause toothache, as the tooth gets eroded.

Toothache remedies around the home include a cucumber, a clove of garlic and a tea bag from your kitchen cardboard can stop a toothache in its tracks.

How does a teabag work for toothache relief? A teabag works because it has antibacterial properties. You need to place a teabag in a cup, and add some boiled water. Let the water cool down to the point where it is not too hot for your mouth. Remove the teabag while it is still warm and place on the area that is affected by the pain. Bite down gently and hold it in the place where it is sore with your teeth, until you get relief. You should get relief within 20 to 30 minutes.

Magnetic Dog Collar - What You Need to Know About Arthritis and Your Dog

Arthritis is more common in dogs than you might imagine.

In this article you will find suggestions of the telltale signs that your dog might have a problem, the treatments and whether a magnetic dog collar could help to give relief.

A good place to start is an explanation of what arthritis in dogs is and what the cause are. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis which is a degenerative joint disease. Often the cause of the disease is age related, the joint just wearing out with use and the passing of time but in dogs as in humans it can be damage from an accident or a weakness from birth. You too may have witnessed highly bred pedigree dogs suffering at a remarkably young age. Breeds such as Labradors and retrievers are a prime example but they are certainly not alone.

As a dog owner you may be reading this article and wondering whether there is anything you can do to prevent your beloved friend from getting the disease in the first place. The answer is that there are things that you can do to help but unfortunately there are no guarantees that your pet will avoid the problem in the long term. It is perhaps stating the obvious but an overweight dog will put extra pressure on joints and this does not just mean hip and leg joints, the spine may also be affected. Provide your pet with a sensible recommended diet with the occasional treat but do not be tempted to give in to gooey eyed begging, You know exactly what that means, you have seen it often enough! Tough love it may be but to have a healthy mobile dog into old age is worth all the angst.

What are the signs that you should be looking for that suggest your dog is starting or is suffering with arthritis? The first signs can be obvious such as being reluctant to climb stairs or just not standing as easily and quickly as normal. Watch as the dog chases a ball in the park, is the movement fluid or is there a stiffness in one or more of the limbs? And have you noticed a change in nature, perhaps not always being as friendly as previous. When we suffer pain and discomfort we become less tolerant so why should we expect our dogs to be any different?

The sad fact is that there is no cure for canine arthritis but not all is lost, the condition can be managed. A veterinary will suggest treatment that may include diet alteration and regular medication. swimming in a special pool can provide exercise with no pressure on the affected joint.

Then there are alternative treatments, similar to the remedies that we try to alleviate the pain of arthritis. Glucosamine for example or foods that help to provide omega fatty acids.

A popular treatment to alleviate arthritis pain in humans is magnotherapy, the use of magnets applied to the affected area. Medical science is still very much divided about the efficacy of magnetism but there are many, many people around the globe who claim to have found relief. So why not try the same treatment on dogs? The best way is buy your dog a magnetic collar. Magnetic dog collars are available in leather or webbing and contain powerful magnets.

How to Treat Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

Getting its abbreviated name from the T, M, and J in TemporoMandibular Joint Syndrome, it describes the pain and chronic inflammation of the TemporoMandibular Joint. This joint connects the jaw bone to the skull. People who suffer with TMJ find that applying heat and or cold to the jaw area can relive the pain and discomfort.

Those with this disorder usually have pain and impairment in the jaw area. Because this area is susceptible to many of the problems that other body joints have, arthritis and dislocations are not uncommon. Areas of the jaw that can be affected are the nerves, ligaments, bones, muscles, connective tissue, and the tendons.

The two major symptoms of this disease are pain and dysfunction. In some cases there is actually a clicking or popping sound when the jaw is moved. Some of the most common causes are over usage of the jaw muscles. They could be as simple as chewing gum, clenching muscles, fingernail and pencil biting and grinding of the teeth. Most cases however are not so easy to diagnose. The joint in the jaw is one of the most complex joints in the body. It is more susceptible to common use, causing wear of both the bone and cartilage.

Because there are many causes of the disorder, diagnosis and treatment can be difficult. Treatment can range from simply not using the joint as much to muscle relaxants and in more severe cases, surgery may be a choice. People who suffer with TMJ find that applying heat and or cold to the jaw area can relive the pain and discomfort.

Natural Arthritis Pain Relief Supplements

There have been a few natural arthritis pain relief supplements which are known to assist in relieving sometimes excruciating pain in the hip or knees, but often men and women in the West still prefer to opt for prescription NSAID's which have now been exposed through concrete medical evidence to damage your liver, kidneys, pose heart risks even heart arrhythmia - where your heart skips a beat and dramatically raises your chances of a heart attack.

Hence Vioxx and Celebrex have now been removed from the market and currently there is a shortage of respectable prescription arthritis drugs which is why the trend is veering towards all-natural alternatives.

There's also a shift in the way people are treating joint pain today as the new medical biological arthritis injections are proving much more successful at instructing remission as opposed to the NSAID's, which just dampen the pain while the disease continues to spread.

Additionally, NSAID's cannot be used in combination with these new injections due to the unpredictable nature of their side effects, which is why more refined and concentrated natural supplements are being sought after.

Of these Provailen is one such supplement.

In short this product contains 3 main ingredients, Reishi, Capsaicin and Tongkat Ali.

Reishi, which is well-known for its anti-inflammatory benefits is now extracted in FDA approved pharmaceutical labs, which takes approximately 60 hours to produce an active ingredient 70 times its natural anti-inflammatory strength.

This is now achieved through piercing the Chitin which coats the fungi's spores which prove almost impenetrable when digested.

To help increase the absorption of Reishi, which will help reduce the swelling and the pain, while contributing to the remission of the cartilage is Capsaicin.

Capsaicin can also assist in blocking pain signals being transmitted from the injured joint to the brain so it works two fronts.

Finally Tongkat Ali can help speed up the blood flow and is often a preferred natural metabolism booster to caffeine due to its minimal side effects, plus more importantly it works on strengthening muscles and adding density to bone cartilage.

Muscle atrophy is common amongst people with joint pain and arthritis, so by helping to rebuild the muscle through consuming this active muscle building compound, in combination ideally with exercise, preferably swimming, this will help relieve the stress on the joints almost overnight.

Additional natural pain relief supplements on the market, which contain active botanicals to treat joint pain include Eazol, an FDA registered homeopathic pain reliever, Jointkote and JointAdvance.

Three Reasons Why Spinal Arthritis Is More Difficult To Treat Than Hip or Knee Arthritis

The joints of the spine are called facet joints. They are located on both sides of the spine at every level up and down the spinal column all the way from the skull down to the sacrum.

Each of these joints combines to allow humans an incredible range of motion of the spines, permitting bending and twisting to an exceptional degree. Unfortunately though, each of these joints has cartilage and it has the potential for arthritis either due to age with loss of cartilage or trauma with damage to cartilage and subsequent arthritis pain.

Spinal arthritis is more difficult to treat than that of an extremity such as the hip or the knee. Here are the three main reasons why this is the case.

1. The number of joints in the spine is much higher. When you're dealing with hip or knee arthritis, there is one on each side. When you're dealing with spinal joints, there is one on each side at every level. Each of them is prone to developing arthritis and pain. even though the joints are considerably smaller, arthritis at any one facet joint can cause just as much pain as arthritis in a knee or a hip joint.

Typically when a person develops arthritis in a facet joint, he or she has arthritis in multiple facet joints which would need to be treated. Figuring out which is causing the pain and treating appropriately is much more difficult in a spinal arthritis situation than for the hip or knee.

2. Figuring out the source of the pain is more difficult. Even the best trained spine doctors who are board-certified can only tell people 50% of the time exactly why their back hurts. This is one of the shortcomings of back pain treatment, that the world of modern medicine is simply farther along when it comes to hip or knee arthritis than for that of the spine.

What this means is that if a pain management doctor does an injection into one of the facet joints of the lumbar spine, it may relieve part of a person's back pain, but a decent amount of the time they will still have significant residual pain. Pain management doctors have developed some more specific techniques to delineate the source of a person's pain, including facet joint injections and medial branch blocks as diagnostic tools. This will continue to improve, however, currently it makes spinal arthritis more difficult to deal with than that of the hip or knee.

3. Surgical outcomes for spinal arthritis treatments are not as good as that of total joint replacement for the hip or knee. Out of all the surgeries done for quality-of-life in the world, total hip and total knee replacement are in the top five overall. They are unbelievable game changers when it comes to decreasing pain and increasing function.

The same cannot be said for surgery for spinal arthritis. Although artificial disc replacement has been in existence since 2004, it has not been shown to be as good of a procedure as extremity joint replacement. In addition, there is no FDA approved procedure for replacing the facet joints in the back of the spine. What this means is that if a person undergoes surgery for facet arthritis, it will involve a spinal fusion. Satisfactory results after these treatments are in the 50 to 75% range, whereas knee replacement surgeries are typically over 90% satisfactory with outcomes.

The hope is that with modern medical techniques advancing, diagnosing the exact areas of spinal arthritis will become more exact and the results will be better with surgery. For now, nonsurgical pain management treatment is actually very good at reducing pain. it just takes more diagnostic tools and thought-provoking maneuvers to make sure the proper levels are being treated with the appropriate procedures.

Causes of Hip And Buttock Pain

Hip buttock pain may be triggered by many different causes and conditions. The goal of this article is to briefly list and describe the most common causes of hip buttock pain, but only a doctor can diagnose the source of your discomfort and recommend ways to get relief.

Pain in the hip and buttocks areas are, more often than not, caused by issues related to the nerves, muscles and blood vessels.

Of all the possibilities, a condition known as sciatica is probably accounts for the most frequent complaints. The word sciatica comes from the sciatic nerve, which is one of the largest and longest nerves in the human body. The sciatic nerve travels from the spine all the way down to the feet. It passes through the buttocks and hips, and when there's a problem with it, the result is hip buttock pain.

There are a number of ways this nerve can cause problems. Most often, it is damaged when you have to sit in the same position for a long time. Professional truck drivers and those who sit all day in cubicles or office settings are candidates for sciatica. When the sciatic nerve is compressed by an injury or by sitting too long, it causes stinging buttock and hip pain that can be intense and distressing.

A similar cause of hip buttock pain is a pinched nerve. This can happen anywhere in the body, of course, but when it happens in the hip and buttock area it can be especially uncomfortable. Sitting, standing, and walking can be difficult, and at times you may feel as if you can't get comfortable.

Another type of nerve pain that affects the hips and buttocks is called referred pain. This happens when there's damage to a nerve somewhere else in the body (usually the spine). The pain follows a nerve pathway and "hurts" in a location different from the origin of the problem.

Piriformis syndrome is another source of hip buttock pain. A muscle called the piriformis is located deep within the buttocks. When there is damage to this muscle, the pain can range from mild to intense.

Claudication is a problem involving blood vessels in the hip and buttock region. If these blood vessels don't get an adequate supply of blood, pain will result. Claudication usually involves a blockage or obstruction in an artery, and the pain is worst when you're walking or exercising. If the pain stops when you rest, you probably have a claudication problem somewhere.

Claudication can be a symptom of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which is caused by a blockage or narrowing of arteries in the legs. Reduced blood flow to the muscles in the buttock region triggers pain in the hip.

Bone, joint and soft tissue problems are sometimes the cause of hip buttock pain. Arthritis causes inflammation of the joints, and since the hips are among the largest joints in the body, arthritis in the hip area can be especially unpleasant.

One of the most painful joint conditions is known as sacroiliitis. Sacroiliitis occurs due to inflammation in one or both of the sacroiliac joints, which are major joints in the lower back and pelvis. Sacroiliitis can be caused by many other illnesses and conditions, including injuries, arthritis, or an infection.

Bursitis pain comes from an inflammation of the fluid-filled sac between a tendon and bone. Several different kinds of bursitis can affect the buttocks and hips.

Osteoporosis is particularly common among the elderly, and it sometimes results in hip buttock pain. Osteoporosis causes the bones of the pelvis to become weak and brittle.

Other possible causes of hip buttock pain include a number of diseases involving organs of the abdomen. There are, unfortunately, several different kinds of cancer that can cause discomfort in the pelvic area. Cancer can occur in the bones of the pelvis themselves, as well as other bones nearby.

Colon cancer and rectal cancer don't usually present symptoms at first. But when they advance to a later stage, hip and buttock pain are prominent signs.

Finally, pregnancy can be a cause of hip and buttock pain. Carrying the extra weight of an unborn child places a strain on the muscles of a woman's lower back, hips and buttocks. This pain usually goes away after childbirth.

Once again, the intent of this article was to give you an overview of the most common causes of hip buttock pain. Your doctor, however, is always your best source for information about causes and treatment.

Hip Joint Pain Causes and Effective Natural Ways to Get Relief

The pain in hip joint is also very painful. There are many causes of hip joint pain. Some of the most common causes of hip pain are bursitis, nerve irritation, muscle strain, arthritis etc.

Arthritis - Hip is an example of "ball and socket" joint which is formed by the pelvic bones (the socket) and the end of the femur bone (the ball). A smooth layer of protective cartilage covers both the bones. Arthritis is caused by the loss of this cartilage from wear and tear, inflammation, or injury.

Bursitis - The large muscles which cover the hip joint and the hip joint are lubricated by five large bursa sacs and the fluid which is present in the hip joint. Lubricating fluid which is produced by each of the sac, performs its function properly in the direction to reduce pressure and friction around the joint. Due to injury, excessive pressure, and overuse, these bursa sacs become irritated. Bursitis is caused due to inflammation of a bursa.

Muscle strain - A group of three major muscle help to move the hip through a wide range of movements. Sometimes due to irritation and overuse of these muscles can result into muscle strain.

Nerve irritation - The major nerves crosses the hip which controls the lower leg function. There may be the pain through the hip or down the leg due to the irritation of these nerves. When there is a frequent injury to the sciatic nerve, it may result into the pain along the outer thigh or down the back of the leg. This condition is known as sciatica.

It is necessary to limit the activities to reduce the hip joint pain. Some of the activities which must be limited -

1. You must avoid jumping and running.

2. Activities which require you to spread your legs widely must be avoided.

3. Contact sports like rugby, football and wrestling, and stop and go sports like tennis, basketball and racquetball must be limited and avoided.

4. Repeated bending of the hip and direct pressure over the hip must be avoided.

5. Sleeping towards the affected side must be avoided; it is preferable to sleep on the back or stomach.

6. Stair stepper, stair climbing, step aerobics, bicycling etc must be avoided.

7. Avoid prolonged sitting.

8. Working in a stooped position must be minimized.

9. Repetitive bending at the hip must be limited.

For reducing the hip joint pain, you can take herbal supplement such as Rumatone Gold Capsules and massage with Rumatone Gold pain relief oil. Some exercises on the advice of the doctor are also very helpful.

Joint Pains Treatment - Home and Ayurvedic Remedies

Pains in the joints are very common complaints as a person advances in years. More often than not, these joint pains are due to arthritis. There are several kinds of arthritis which may occur in old age. In all these types, the indication is that the joints have become worn down with age and so they are not attacking themselves. In this manner of speaking, joint pains are an autoimmune disease, i.e. one in which the body attacks itself.

The Ayurvedic name for arthritic joint pains is Sandhi Vata. As the name suggests, it is caused by vitiation of the vata dosha in the human body. The word sandhi means 'joint' in Sanskrit. Ayurveda believes that Sandhi Vata can be caused due to rheumatism, infections, gout, hemophilia, trauma and even due to digestive problems which result in a buildup of ama in the body.

(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Joint Pains

1. Alfalfa (Medicago satina)

The alfalfa herb is very effective in the reduction of joint pains. It must be had in the form of a tea four times a day.

2. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Ashwagandha is the herb popularly known as Winter Cherry in the west. It has several positive properties for the human system. Treating joint pains are included in that list of properties.

3. Banyan (Ficus bengalensis)

The banyan tree produces a sap much like the latex from rubber. This is used as an external application over the joints. This application relieves the pains in the joints after a few regular applications and massages.

4. Bishop's Weed (Trachyspermum ammi)

Oil extracted from the bishop's weed is applied locally on the affected joints to relieve pains in them.

5. Celery (Apium graveolens)

Celery can be used as an effective treatment for rheumatism and gout, both of which can cause pain in the joints. Thus, celery provides more lasting treatment from the problem. The alkaline content of celery makes it effective in treating joint pains.

6. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

Dandelion is rich in magnesium, an element that is needed for the proper mineralization of the bones. Use of dandelion makes the bones stronger and protects them from pains.

7. Garlic (Allium sativum)

Garlic is a very effective remedy for the treatment of joint pains. About five to six cloves of garlic must be eaten every morning to seek relief.

8. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Ginger is also one of the best methods in the treatment of joint pains. It must be included freely in the daily diet of the person. Tea made with ginger in it is also beneficial.

(2) Dietary Treatments for Joint Pains

Ginger and garlic are extremely good for controlling joint pains. Some people find the odor of ginger intolerable. In order to reduce the odor, the cloves of garlic could be slightly fried in butter. All bitter tastes are good for arthritis. Hence, people could consume bitter gourd and bitter drumsticks without any worry.

People with joint pains should totally steer away from all kinds of sour foods, since these can increase the vata. Constipation can aggravate the pains. Hence foods that are difficult to digest must be avoided. This also extends to protein-rich foods such as pulses. Foods must not be fried so as not to vitiate the vata further.

(3) Ayurvedic Treatments for Joint Pains

Ayurveda prescribed different kinds of treatments for different kinds of joint pains. When a patient approaches an Ayurvedic doctor, the first thing to do is to ascertain the cause of the pain. Depending on that, the medicines are prescribed.

1. Rheumatic arthritis is known as Ama Vata in Ayurveda. It is caused due to a low digestive fire, due to which ama is retained in the body. For its treatment, first the ama is removed by fasting and purgation if needed. Then a mixture of punarnava, guggulu, galangala and garlic is administered in dosages of one gram per day. Dashamoolarishta is also prescribed in 15 milliliters quantity thrice a day for three weeks.

2. If the joint pain is due to trauma, then Vishagarbha taila is prescribed for external application over the region where the joint pain is felt. For internal administration, the patient is prescribed Rasnadi Guggulu and Guduchi tablets, which are to be taken in a quantity of 250 milligrams thrice or four times a day with water.

3. In people with age above fifty years, a type of arthritic joint pains known as osteoarthritis is observed. This is known as Ashtigata Vata in Sanskrit. For this condition, either Pravala Panchamrita or Lakshadi Guggulu is prescribed. The dosages are 125 milligrams twice a day for one month and 250 milligrams thrice a day for three months respectively.

(4) Home Remedies for Joint Pains

a. Massage the joints with a mixture of camphor, eucalyptus oil and menthol before going to bed.

b. Have a glass of carrot juice early in the morning. Continue this till you find reduction in the pains, which should happen within a week.

c. Do not exercise wildly, but at the same time do not keep your joints lethargic. Perform some activity with them so as to keep them mobile.

d. Have a bath with warm water every morning. This facilitates proper blood circulation.

Jumping On A Trampoline - The Miraculous Way To Get In Shape!

Jumping basically requires flinging you about on a trampoline the way children do. And this way you loose the weight as well. Not only is this but it's a great activity for blood circulation, varicose veins and cellulite.

Trampoline is basically a net bed or elastic canvas, a spring rubber suspension anchors the bed to a metal frame of table height & exercise kit is ready. Rebounding energizes the inner working of cell system and increases the blood circulation. It adds forces in vertical direction. Accelerate and decelerate to the gravitational pull.

As far as safety is concerned, this requires certain precautions to be followed every time a person rebounds. Otherwise, it's an enjoyable exercise for anyone.

It is a great full body's work out, along with being non-jarring to the joints. For example, if you exercise on a hard surface, a lot of forces go into the body. This is not always good for body joints and can cause painful joints. But with a trampoline, mats absorb any jerk and reduce any bad effect on knees and waist joints.

A trampoline exercise works like a vacuum. As vacuum cleaner creates a vacuum at the end of the hose, where air rushes into fill the space same way rebounding cells are forced to the bottom of the bounce, to squeeze the toxins, poisons and trash out from around the cellular tissue spaces, making it easy for lymphatic to vacuum them up and clean the body. As it is said, if the lymphatic function properly, we are healthy. Otherwise, we are prone towards being ill.

So what is the best way to use a trampoline? Just to have fun, what else? But if you really want to know what the best way is, here is it:

1. Concentrate on pushing down the balls of the feet.

2. going up is natural; you do not need to do anything.

3. Keep abdominal in and maintain the correct posture throughout the work out.

And you'll enjoy every moment spent on your trampoline, the healthier way.

Arthritis in Cats - Holistic Treatment Options

Studies have shown that 30% of cats over 8 years of age, and a stunning 90% of cats over 12 years of age, have arthritis (osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease). These figures should give the veterinary community, which doesn't give nearly as much thought to arthritis in cats as it does to dogs, something to think about. What is generally perceived as "slowing down" or "a little stiff" may be a sign of significant joint deterioration, and probably causes some degree of discomfort in most older cats.

Arthritic cats often gradually stop jumping up as high as they once did, and may be reluctant to use the stairs. (Arthritis can cause litterbox problems if there is not a box on every level of the home.) Providing "steps" (a box or stool, for instance) up to a bed, chair, or other favorite high spots may be greatly appreciated by an older cat.

Cats cannot adequately metabolize many of the arthritis and pain medications commonly given to dogs, such as carprofen (Rimadyl). Moreover, ibuprofen (Advil), naproxyn (Aleve), and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are all highly toxic to both cats and dogs. Meloxicam (Metacam) is a newer NSAID that is commonly used for post-operative pain but only for a short time. Some experts claim it can be given long-term at a very low dose, but others are wary of the significant potential for kidney damage in cats. Aspirin can be used, but the dose and schedule are extremely limited; never give your cat aspirin without your vet's advice.

The good news is that there are simple, inexpensive nutritional supplements that are very effective and, most important, very safe. Supplements for arthritis include: glucosamine sulfate (250 mg per day), and MSM (methyl-sulfonyl-methane) (200-400 mg per day). Both of these supplements have excellent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Glucosamine supplies the basic building blocks of cartilage and helps maintain the fluid that cushions and nourishes the joints, and MSM provides elemental sulfur for the body to make certain amino acids and other compounds. But they are not quick fixes-it may take 3-5 weeks for improvement to be noticeable (MSM may take less or more time), and they must be given daily without fail to prevent return of pain. They may not work in all cats. But many guardians notice significant improvement in their cat's activity and flexibility. Glucosamine is often packaged together with chondroitin, another cartilage compound. However, the evidence is less clear that chondroitin is effective, and it is much more expensive. Plain glucosamine (sulfate only, not hydrochloride) is adequate in most cases.

Another cartilage building block, hyaluronic acid, is also available in oral form. This is the basic ingredient of Adequan, a drug commonly injected directly into affected joints. However, these injections need to repeated regularly and there is always a risk of infection. Hyaluronic acid now comes in oral capsules, but the most effective form appears to be a saline-based liquid called "Hyalun."  A cat would need at most a few drops per day, although if you also have dogs (or if you have joint problems yourself!) it is a good way to go.

Some herbs, such as Boswellia (frankincense), appear to be effective anti-inflammatories, but few herbs have been thoroughly studied for safety in cats. Boswellia is traditionally used in combination with other herbs in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Since some herbs can be extremely toxic to cats, it's best to consult with a veterinarian trained in the use of western or Chinese herbs (see below).

The antioxidant algae blend, BioSuperfood (read more about this in the Little Big Cat Free Article Library) may also minimize the inflammation and pain of arthritic joints.

Omega-3 fatty acids also have excellent anti-inflammatory properties; we recommend Nordic Naturals pet products for their purity and safety.

From a holistic viewpoint, no physical condition is simply physical. In energetic terms, disease, including arthritis, starts on the energetic plane and progresses through the mental and emotional spheres before manifesting itself in the physical body. One way to address this is through the use of flower essences, which can heal the imbalances on the mental and emotional planes. Another way to look at this is that mental "stiffness" ultimately contributes to stiffening of the physical joints. Our sister company, Spirit Essences, has developed an essence remedy called Creak-Away that's designed to keep the animal mentally and emotionally "flexible" and minimize the energetic stresses that contribute to the development of arthritis.

Acupuncture, chiropractic, herbs, homeopathy, specific nutritional strategies and other holistic treatments may also be helpful for arthritic cats. For a practitioner in your area, visit or call the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association at (410) 569-0795.

How to Treat Neck Arthritis and Painful Joints

Neck arthritis or neck pain is caused by the joint pain conditions like rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia and others. It is a joint pain condition where the cartilage in the joint wears down due to injury or aging process or combination of both.

The common symptoms of neck arthritis are stiffness and pain in the neck. These symptoms can become severe when standing as compared to the lying down as that produces the effect of the gravity on the spine. Also at times sleeping at night worsens the situation. As neck muscles are in relax state and without the support of these muscles there is more pressure on already compressed nerves. This results in more inflammation and pain.

The patients with neck pain also show signs of weakness, burning, numbness, tingling, electric pains down the arm, forearm and hand. The other sign of neck pain is headache that is experienced on the back side of the head.

Neck arthritis is not reduced on doing nothing. Actually statistics have shown sedentary people suffer more than active ones. Few activities that will reduce neck pain are neck exercises, posture exercises, massage therapy and last resort medicines.

There are typical postures and neck exercises that will bring back range of motion with relieve of pain and stiffness. For posture exercises set of exercise bands and exercise ball is needed. The neck exercises are learnt from therapist. The flexibility, circulation and mobility are increased by massage therapy. The relaxation produced helps in relieving pain.

Alternative methods like homeopathy and acupuncture proves to be very effective in relieving the neck pain. In the grave situation when pain becomes unbearable pain killers are used to check neck pain. As pain killers have side effects their use should be the last option.

One type of joint pain as discussed is due to degradation in the cartilage. On the other hand painful joints can be due to only pain without any physical deterioration of the body joints. Such a disorder is called arthralgia. This condition can spring up with little or no known causes. Painful joints may result from injury or loss of lubrication in the joint. The symptoms of arthralgia are very similar to arthritis with slight variation.

The common causes of painful joints are different forms of arthritis. The other causes are fracture or accidental injury, diseases like fever, flu, hepatitis, chicken pox, and rubella that are infectious.

What ever be the reason for joint pains in the body, light exercises under the guidance of able physical therapist will bring about a significant change in the state of body. This applies to neck arthritis also. To control the joint pains in your body is in your hands.

Hip Pain When Walking - How to Get Relief in Just 7 Days

So you are suffering from hip pain when walking? Like walking upstairs? Or from a hip pain walking longer distances?

I understand how that must feel. In fact, I fell on ice one day, broke my hip, went into a hip surgery, came out of it, and still feel the hip pain almost every time when I go walking. So I understand what you must be going through.

But, I got a secret for you... And it is this:

I know how to get rid of my pain when going outside for a walk 100% of the time - and so can you!

This is a real good news for you and me, especially since we want to get relief from hip pain when walking, and fast!

The causes for hip pain when walking may be different for you and me. You may have arthritis in the hip which is just normal wear and tear of the joint tendon that eventually exposes the bone. You may have hip bursitis, or inflammation of the hip bursa. You may suffer from tendonitis, inflammation of the tendon in the hip joint.

Regardless, the secret relief will be just the same. So what is this secret relief from hip pain when walking? It is this...

Get a Mobile Scooter!

What is a mobile scooter? It is a small electric motor-powered device that you can take with you on any trip, and simply let it do the walking for you. What you do is simply

1. Go online and check the scooters out thoroughly

2. Consult with your physician, just to be on the safe side

Warning: Do not neglect the above steps. Make sure you've checked the weight of the scooter, prices, and more. My preference was for a really light mobile scooter so I can carry it up and down the few stairs I have in my house.

Is Joint Pain a Chronic Pain?

When it comes to your health, you want to be your very best. Where health problems can be avoided it is important to take that step of precaution. After all, you only get one body! Something no male, female, child, or adult wants to deal with is chronic pain. Chronic pain can virtually rule someone's life and affect everything they do. Joint pain can absolutely be considered a chronic pain. People that suffer from osteoarthritis can feel joint pains every single day if they do not do something about it. Thankfully, there are ways to stop this type of chronic pain. Here is some information on the condition and how to overcome your aches and discomforts...

There are two different kinds of pain: chronic and acute. Arthritis is considered chronic. Acute pain can end in just 3 months while chronic can last years or a lifetime. This type of discomfort can infect your emotions and your physical state. Acute pains are more the result of an accident or surgery-something traumatic. Although acute can turn into chronic, it rarely happens. Acute pains only last for a certain amount of time. Chronic pains like joint discomforts are a result of an accumulation of factors and wear and tear built up throughout a lifetime. That is why men and women that suffer from arthritis generally start seeing signs when they reach 45 or 50.

Many athletes experience chronic joint pain. This can be referred to as post-traumatic or wear and tear arthritis. Arthritis that is more a result of age than sports injury is then referred to as degenerative. While some only feel the burden of arthritis from their sports injury on the occasion, there are those that live with mild to severe arthritis pains on a daily basis.

Properly treating joint pains is the only way to build up your cartilage and strengthen your bones. By having healthy cushion between the bones you can help avoid aches, inflammation, bone spurs, and more. Proper treatment would consist of exercise, a healthy diet, taking supplements, and even adjusting your sleeping schedule.

Chronic pains are not something you should accept as a way of life. You do not have to adjust to your discomforts. Instead, try taking a few positive steps to regaining your health. By taking joint relief formulas you can help rebuild the foundations to your bone health and relieve pain. No matter if you are experience pains on a daily basis or you are trying to avoid encountering arthritis, you can absolutely benefit from taking herbal supplements.

Alternative Cures for Arthritis

Arthritis causes health problems and disabilities in nearly 70 million Americans, or about one in every three adults, and the numbers are only on the rise. Arthritis symptoms can vary from mild to severe, sometimes even leading to disability. Approximately 17% of disability cases are caused by arthritis, resulting in enormous costs for the individual, their families, and the state.

Arthritis is not a disease but a group of diseases whose common denominator is inflammation, stiffness, limited movement, pain, and destruction of the joints. Three out of 5 arthritis sufferers are under the age of 65, so arthritis is not just a disease of the elderly.

The most common form is Osteoarthritis, which is also known as wear and tear arthritis". It is commonly thought of as by product of the aging process like gray hair, and wrinkles. Osteoarthritis starts usually in the middle age, long before the first symptoms are noticed. The cartilage that covers the bone starts to deteriorate, allowing bones to rub together. Bone spurs and cysts are common developments. During this degeneration process the muscles, tendons and ligaments may become strained, causing inflammation and pain. The main problem with Osteoarthritis is pain; inflammation is a problem in the later stages of arthritis. Sometimes there is no pain, but the affected joints loose range of motion and become stiff.

Osteoarthritis appears in two general forms, primary and secondary. Primary osteoarthritis is the more common form, is a slow and progressive condition that usually strikes after the age of 45, affecting mostly the weight bearing joints of the knees and hips, as well as the lower back, neck, large toe and finger joints. It develops through placing excessive loads on a joint or when a reasonable load is placed on an inferior joint. The exact cause is yet to be determined, although heredity and obesity are risk factors.

Secondary osteoarthritis appears usually as a result of trauma or injury to the joint (like a football injury or car accident), metabolic imbalances (gout or calcium deposits, iron overload, thyroid disease, or long term use of certain medications), joint infection, or even surgery. It strikes people younger than 45. Trauma appears to be the main reason for developing osteoarthritis. The trauma could be acute (accident) or chronic (recurring over time). Chronic trauma causes cumulative damage to the joint. The onset is usually felt as a little discomfort that becomes severe and debilitating over time. An unstable or loose joint because of a torn ligament would be an example of this. Repetitive impact loading is another form of chronic trauma. This involves a repetitive motion that traumatizes the joint tissue (baseball pitcher, drill operator, ballerina). Repetitive impact loading is one of the main causes of secondary osteoarthritis, especially in joints that are already suffering from abnormal alignment or that are used in ways that they shouldn't be. Not all-high stress activity damages joint tissues, most of them can. Osteoarthritis might also be the cause because of poor bone alignment, improperly formed joints, or they way you walk.

Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis are often confused because of the similarity in their names. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes the body's immune system to attack its own tissues. It causes weakness, fatigue, fever, anemia, and other problems, including inflamed joints. Rheumatoid arthritis tends to strikes symmetrically, meaning it strikes both joints (left and right side of the body). It initially strikes between the ages of 25 and 50, versus Osteoarthritis usually after 45. RA often comes and goes without warning; OA develops gradually over several years. OA begins in one joint. RA symptoms are redness, warmth, and swelling, in OA these symptoms are unusual in the early stages. RA affects many or most joints like knees, knuckles, wrists, elbows, and shoulders. OA primarily affects joints of the hands, hips, feet and spine, only occasionally attacks other joints. RA causes an overall feeling of sickness and fatigue, as well as weight loss and fever; OA doesn't cause an overall feeling of sickness.

It is the common consensus that arthritis is incurable, and can only be managed with pain and anti-inflammatory medication. This treatment plan will only mask the symptoms and will not address the underlying causes, so the disease can progress further. Also these drugs have serious side effects. Thousands of people die every year from adverse side effects of anti-inflammatory, acetaminophen, and steroids.

Healthy cartilage needs 3 things; water for lubrication and nourishment, proteoglycans to attract and hold the water, and collagen to keep the proteoglycans in place.

There are alternative treatment plans available to can be of great help to the arthritis sufferer.

Food Link to arthritis, food allergies and intolerances could aggravate and cause arthritis. Keeping your body at an ideal weight, and supplying your body with all the nutrients it needs to rebuild muscle and bone tissue is important. Eating an alkalizing diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein and complex carbohydrates, and cutting back on sugar and bad fats. Arthritis is a disease of an over acidic system. Practicing portion control and developing good eating habits will help you loose weight and maintain it, while feeling better and more energetic. Limit your purine intake, purines are found in organ meats, anchovies, and sardines. Excess purine levels in the blood lead to uric acid, which has been linked to Gout and arthritis. Alcohol increases also increases uric acid production. Intake of refined sugar has a negative impact on blood sugar balance, the immune system, and promotes inflammation. The family of nightshade of vegetables, like tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes, and peppers are the most common culprits to cause an arthritic condition.

Increasing your water intake can be of great help. Many chronic health conditions are caused by chronic dehydration. You can eliminate many problems by just drinking more water.

Supplementations can be of great benefit, if the right dosages and the right product are used. This will determine if the supplementation will be effective. The three most promising supplements for arthritis suffers are Glucosamine, chondroitin, and ASU.

Glucosamine consists of glucose and the amino acid glutamine. It is an important part of the mucopolysaccharides, which provide structure to the bone, cartilage, skin, nails, hair, and other body tissue. Glucosamine is a major building block of the proteogylycans.

The recommended dosage for Glucosamine HCL it is 1500 mg, or 1884 mg for Glucosamine sulfate once daily or twice divided into two equal doses. Glucosamine sulfate is the form used in most research. Glucosamine HCL is somewhat preferred, because Glucosamine sulfate needs to be stabilized with salt or potassium. This could lead to an unwanted rise in blood pressure, depending how much salt or potassium was added.

Chondroitin works similar to the natural occurring chondroitin in the body's cartilage, it protects the old cartilage from premature breakdown and stimulates the synthesis of new cartilage.

The recommended dosage for Chondroitin is 800 to 1200 mg once daily or twice divided into 2 equal doses.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin taking together is preferred, because the work synergistically. They stimulate synthesis of new cartilage, while simultaneously controlling the cartilage destroying enzymes, and keeping the chondrocytes healthy. These supplements treating the disease on a cellular level, helping the body heal itself. While pain medications only mask the symptoms of the disease.

ASU is a natural vegetable extract made from Avocado and Soybean oils. Avocado Soybean Unsaponifables has been a prescription treatment for osteoarthritis in France since the early 1990s. ASU differs from Glucosamine and Chondroitin, because it is a mixture of many different plant substances. ASU comes from the natural avocado and soybean oils; the supplements ratio is one part avocado to 2 parts soybean. The processing of ASU is very complex and expensive. ASU is even more complicated than making Glucosamine and Chondroitin. There are multiple active ingredients in ASU that need very careful handling to be purified and stabilized. Some companies are selling avocado and soy oils, and not the active ASU ingredients. Avocado and Soy oils do not contain the same active components, in the same quantities, as the highly processed, purified, and concentrated ingredients as in the valid products.

Recommended dosage for ASU is 300 mg once daily.

When buying any supplement, you have to make sure that it is of good quality. One way to ensure this is to buy products that adhere to Good Manufacturing Protocols. The box should have GMP stamped on it. The product could be inferior even if the label states that it is "laboratory tested". This could only refer to the raw material, which is really inconclusive, and many things can happen in the process of making a supplement. Only testing of the end product is an acceptable form of assuring accurate readings. Taking inferior products, ones that don't use quality ingredients, or products that are not manufactured with the proper controls, is simply a waste of time and money. Unfortunately this is the case with most products on the market today.

Chondroitin is more expensive to manufacture than Glucosamine. As a result companies are more interest in profit than quality may try to skimp on chondroitin by providing less than is listed on the label; using dosages lower than those supported by research; substituting cheaper, less active, or inactive substances; obtaining chondroitin from companies that don't follow the strictest quality standards in processing.

All three products are general safe. Glucosamine is safe for diabetics; it delivers the same of sugar as a grape. The majority of Glucosamine is manufactured from the shells of lobsters, shrimp and crab. The meat protein that causes the allergic reaction is not found in the shell. People with shellfish allergy should be careful and ask their doctor, or take Regenasure, the vegetarian form. There are no reports on adverse reactions. There is no evidence to support the danger contracting mad cows disease from Chondroitin. The bacteria would be killed during processing.

Be aware of products that claim to be long lasting, time-released or control delivery. Glucosamine, Chondroitin and ASU are long lasting themselves. Also for best results, you want them to be released as quickly as possible.

Double and triple strength products indicate that you need to take fewer tablets to achieve the same results. This basically means larger tablets, which is not a good idea for somebody that has a problem swallowing.

Liquid supplements are usually not as stable as powders or capsules. There is no evidence that liquid absorbs better than capsules, in this particular case. It is possible that absorption is lower in liquid products. Stomach acid is important for proper absorption of glucosamine. The liquid products could dilute the acid, interfering with absorption. There is also a problem with poor taste, and drinking more water to mask it, again diluting the product.

Be cautious of the word complex in Glucosamine/Chondroitin products. It generally means that other substances have been added, like manganese or

Vitamin C. It could also mean that the product was diluted with N-acetylglucosamine. This could lead to a reduced effectiveness of the potency. Chondroitin complex usually means that inferior products are used, like MSM, hydrolyzed collagen, chicken cartilage, and related substances that are not Chondroitin. This reduces cost and brings more profit for the manufacturer, but hurts the consumer by providing them with an ineffective product.

Avoid topical forms. Glucosamine and Chondroitin are completely useless if applied topically.

Use caution if there is a money back guarantee. Most manufacturers make their money with shipping alone.

Be cautious if something claims to be better than Glucosamine and Chondroitin, with the exception of ASU, there is nothing to support this claim scientifically.

Avoid store brands. The FDA does not strictly regulate dietary supplements. There is no such thing as a "generic" supplement - there are only good or poor supplements. You are probably not getting the active ingredients you need in a store brand.

Product quality remains as the most important barrier in using glucosamine/chondroitin and ASU supplements. When buying these products make sure to buy from a company that follows good manufacturing practices; buy products that have also been tested and recommended by independent laboratories.

Other supplements that are beneficial include Vitamin C, Vitamin B 6, Vitamin E, Magnesium, Omega 3s, Selenium, Calcium and Boron.

Exercise and Rest: You have to move to stay healthy. Exercise helps with circulation, venous and lymph return, waste elimination, tones your muscles and internal organs, and your joints. The cartilage in your joints has no blood supply, and depends on moving them to nourish them and remove waste products. Weight bearing exercise helps to keep your bones strong, and to prevent Osteoporosis. Yoga and stretching improves flexibility and lengthen muscles. Cardio exercises improve circulation and waste elimination. Exercise in itself releases feel good hormones in the body, and is beneficial for depression and mental well-being.

It is important to get proper rest at night, so the body has a chance to recharge itself. Not giving your body a chance to rejuvenate will leave you feeling empty and depleted.

Meditation and Relaxation: There is a link between stress and chronic health conditions. The more you focus on something, the bigger it will become. If you are in constant pain, you will focus on it and it will become your state of mind. This is understandable, but it will only bring you more pain. Learning relaxation methods like meditation, biofeedback, visualization among others, will help you release negative stress, and feel better.

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine: see health not only as an absence of disease, but as a harmonious state of body, mind and spirit. In Chinese medicine your health is determined by your ability to balance your yin and yang, the two opposing forces that make up everything in the universe. The vital energy of the body or qi is interrupted when yin and yang are out of balance, resulting in pain and disease. Establishing balance and harmony in the body will result in health.

Ayurvedic: Ayurveda means "knowledge of life." It represents a complete philosophy of life and living. The client is guided on how to develop self-knowledge and learn how to correct imbalances to obtain health. The client will work on strengthening their prana (life force) by harmonizing their dosha or constitutional type. The treatments involve diet and nutrition, herbs, yoga exercises, meditation, massage, and breathing exercises.

Chiropractic and Osteopathy: both modalities aim to bring the body back into alignment by adjusting the bones of the body. The nervous system is brought back into proper working order by restoring proper balance to the spinal column and joints, allowing nerve impulses to travel freely from the brain via the spinal column to all body parts. Impeded blood and nerve flow results in pain and disease, if not corrected.

Herbs: Herb medicine and aromatherapy use plants, herbs and other natural substances to stimulate the body to return to the state of health. Though herbs are medicines, they tend to be much safer than chemical drugs for many reasons; they are less potent, more recognizable to the body, and usually used in combinations and potencies that minimize harmful side effects.

Homeopathy: is based on the concept that "Likes cure likes." This means that medication should not be used to counteract symptoms, but to stimulate the body's own healing forces.

Massage and Bodywork: are extremely beneficial for arthritis sufferers. Massage will improve circulation, lymph flow, waste elimination, provide relaxation for sore muscles and joints, and reduce stress and anxiety levels in the body.

There are many different approaches to all things in life; learning to listen to your own intuition will help you find a treatment plan that is right for you. Practicing self-awareness and developing your intuition will guide you on your road back to well being. It usually takes years of wrong living to become ill, it will take some time to become healthy. A Turkish proverb says," No matter how long you have traveled down the wrong road, it is never too late to turn back."