Herbal Solutions For Arthritis Joint Pain

Arthritis as an inflammatory disease manifests mainly in the form of joint pain. If the pain is ignored in its beginning stages it can grow worse making it difficult to even move the joints. Usually doctors prescribe medications that are anti-inflammatory analgesics; however, it might not improve the overall condition. There are certain herbal supplements and oils that make the tissues in the joints more strong and resistant to inflammation. Along with prescription medicines, if the patient resorts to such alternative therapeutic systems, it would go a long way in controlling the chronic pain of arthritis.

Many arthritis patients have experienced a notable change in their joint pain after adopting natural treatment methods involving herbs and essential medicinal oils. Especially in Asian countries like India and China, massage therapy with essential oils and herbal essences have gained much success in curing arthritis joint pain almost completely. There are certain expert techniques administered by traditional natural therapy practitioners. They have in-depth knowledge about the way human body responses and they know how to resuscitate the body's indigenous resistance and healing power. Such treatment demands a complete change of lifestyle and food habits. Although, I cannot describe the traditional sciences in more detail, I have listed below some of the essential herbs that are used in treating arthritis in an all-natural way.

1. A massage using Rumatone Gold oil can relax the joints to a great extent. It also reduces the joint pain quite faster compared to other herbs. It is a herbal treatment for pain relief originally listed in ancient Vedic texts.

2. Fenugreek seeds are quite beneficial in controlling severe arthritis attacks. Taking 40 to 50 grams of fenugreek seeds everyday in addition to regular massage with Fenugreek oil can work wonders in alleviating arthritis joint pain.

3. Consuming purely crushed turmeric power mixed in moderate hot water can improve your arthritis symptoms. Turmeric is a strong anti-inflammatory element and it helps in healing the inflammation at the joints. It also prevents further inflammation. However, it is not an instant measure for acute joint pain but certainly in the long run it will help your body and joints in fighting arthritis joint pain more efficiently.

4. Massaging the joints with a mixture of kerosene oil and olive oil can also help. Note that approximately 70 percent of the mixture should be olive oil. Olive oil has countless healing properties and when used regularly it can definitely sooth the joints.

5. Try using black cohosh. It is a great antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory agent. It has been clinically proved that regular use of black cohosh can reduce the intensity of joint pain.

6. Crushed cumber bark is yet another effective arthritis remedy. Select the bark of wild cucumbers and have them crushed nicely. A teaspoon of this amazing herb can help your body in several ways. However, it acts as a natural laxative too so you might want to reduce the dosage.

The above-mentioned remedies have innumerable healing powers; and remember, they are all used in synthesizing several modern medicines in modern laboratories.

Precautions For Hip Replacement

Hip Pain...How To Deal With Hip Pain.

How I personally dealt with Hip Pain.

It is true to say that as we enter our mid-years, the 50s and 60s, our bodies have taken quite a bit of punishment. In this article I shall home in on Hips. In later articles I shall write about other problems.

My 22 years spent in the Royal Marines were entirely physical, 30 mile marches, parachute training, mountain climbing and so on. Little did I know that all this" impact" activity was building up a load of trouble for me.

I am telling you this as a warning; you must be aware that if you are into any kind of sport such as running, jogging, basketball, or any other activity that involves jarring your body you are storing up a load of problems which will not manifest themselves until later years.

It is the Hip Joints and knees that take the brunt of this impact activity and because they do they are the first to break down. Having said this, impact sports are not solely responsibly for the wear and tear of the joints. Genetics, malnutrition, illness and obesity all play their part in causing joint problems.

The first symptom I experienced was a pain in my groin, (this was some 10 years before I was subjected to surgery) this lead in time to my having difficulty in picking things up from the floor. It never occurred at this stage that my hips were becoming arthritic Then my knees began to cause problems so I strapped them up, went for physiotherapy, rubbed in anti-inflammatory gel, all to no avail. I leant later that there was nothing wrong with my knees, I was suffering from what is known as referred pain. After my Hips operation my knees were fine

Out of interest I swotted up on all things relating to osteoarthritis. This is interesting; the bodies of young people below the age of 30 have the ability to regenerate cartilage. It is beyond this age that the cartilage, or "cushion" protecting the hip and knee joints, begin to wear out. But this is also interesting;these protective" cushions" are some 20 times more slippery than ice but as wear and tear sets in the lubrication diminishes and the cartilage gets thinner. So much so in my case that the ball and socket joints in my hips were working bone on bone, very unpleasant.

Whilst osteoarthritis is considered a disease of the elderly, as I think I said before, the onset can take place in the mid 50s. So if you even suspect that something is amiss, a stiffness, an ache in the groin,the onset of pain that causes you to limp or drag your leg, make an appointment to see your doctor who will hopefully send you for an xray.

The operation to replace an arthritic joint is fairly routine. An epidural to start things off and then the discarding of the ball joint to be replaces with a plastic or stainless steel unit.

The Hip ball and socket joint has the greatest range of movement of all the weight-bearing joints it is important, therefore, to strengthen the thigh muscles after the operation principally to hold the new appendage in place. Physio is the order of the day and do not
cross your legs. Profession will be from a walking frame, to crutches, to a walking stick, to jiving.

Non-impact exercises such as yoga, cycling, swimming and palates are all very good. I walk four maybe five miles two or three times a week.

At the risk of putting a damper on things I read an article in the national press recently, written by a Swiss doctor, that taking Glucosamine and
Chondroitin have no effect whatever on damaged cartilage.

Tip of the day:

Pour boiling water over a handful of basil leaves. The eugenal oil in the plant appears to block the effects of an enzine called cyclo-oxygenase which triggers inflammation and pain.

Yours healthfully,

Terence Speake

Ankylosis Spondylitus

Ankylosis Spondylitus, a disease with a long sounding name. It causes inflammation of the joints and is commonly referred to as arthritis of the back. This is a progressive disease that continues without remorse. It encompasses degeneration of the disks in the vertebra of the back. It extends to cause pain in the hips, neck, knees and ankles. A general stiffness of the body is first noticed by the host. Its effects include difficulty in walking, getting in and out of cars and stiffness of the spinal column. The end result of this disease is total fusion of the spine.

The effects of this disease progressively get worse. Over a period of time the ugly face of
complete disability may stare you in the face. Back pain is accompanied by the inability to
walk or move without constant and unbearable pain. Some people cannot actively function in
jobs that they have occupied for many years with the onset of this disease. This disease
can causes job changes or disability.

Although there is no cure for this disease there are things that you can use to slow the
disease down or lessen the pain associated with it. A mix of glucosamine, chondroitin and
MSM will slow down the effects of the disease. Physical therapy will also help to retard it's
effects. Use the same medications that you would normally use for arthritic conditions.

Salves or ointments normally reserved for arthritis treatment can be used in this capacity.
Chiropractors use treatments that help break up the vertebrae in the spinal column with the
hope of returning the spine to good health. If this disease continues unabated without some
type of treatment organ damage can result. In order for a body to be healthy the vertebrae
need to be flexible. Chiropractors offer manipulations as a way in which to achieve optimum
health. Pain pills offered for arthritis relief can also be of value. Hot baths seem to have a
beneficial effect. Start on some type of therapy as early as possible.

This disease can be detected in several ways. The first issue to be considered is pain in the
neck, shoulders and back. After consultation by a doctor the disease can be verified by
xrays or by blood work. Start on the medications and exercise regimens early in order to
forestall the onset of the diseases symptoms. If untreated this disease can have paralyzing
results. Falling to the floor and not being able to arise and walk is one complication involved
in this disease. Pain management and medications that soothe and lubricate the joints are
used for optimum benefits.

As the disease progresses physical activities enjoyed before the onset of symptoms related to the disease will have to be curtailed or stopped. Hopefully a total cure for this ailment will be brought about by medical intervention. Until that time we will have to use the tools that are available to us to limit the effects of this disease.

Knee Joint Pain and Golf - Something You and Tiger Woods Have in Common!

With Tiger Woods' recent announcement that he will not compete in the US Open in 2011, many golfers, professional or amateurs, can relate to his physical woes. Woods is currently dealing with left knee and Achilles' tendon injuries, having undergone surgery on both injuries in April. Are you feeling his pain too?

As the popularity of golf has exploded in recent years, so has the incidences of knee injury, causing, among injuries to the body, severe and chronic knee joint pain. For the recreational golfer, the most common knee injuries are caused by overuse and repetitive trauma stemming from too much play or practice, improper swing mechanics and stress on the knees, and generally poor physical conditioning. Over 50% of golf injuries occur during mid-season play, after putting continuous, unrelenting pressure on the same areas of the knees for days and weeks on end. An amateur golfer loses many weeks per year of playing time when dealing with a chronic golf injury.

Preventing Injuries While Golfing
It would be best to be aware of the following tips for how to avoid injury while golfing:

First, warming up for ten minutes or more, and stretching before beginning your golf game, will significantly reduce your chances of injury.

Next, try to work on your technical errors. Working with the local pro at the golf course to identify and address technical errors in your game can help you eliminate the errors in your stance, your swing, etc., which may cause undue stress on your body.

Last, make sure your clubs fit you properly so that you can play at your best. How are your clubs being maintained? Perhaps you need a different grip, or perhaps your clubs need to be made of a lighter, or heavier, material. Believe it or not, these small details can mean a lot when it comes to frequent use and play.

The Meniscus Tear
Although by no means exclusive to golf, a meniscus tear can be one of the injuries you will encounter from playing a lot of golf. The meniscus is a "C" shaped cartilage cushion, something like a wedge within the knee. Each knee has two of them; they cushion, support, and aid movement. Injury to the meniscus is very common and can occur from wear and tear over time or from a sudden twist or turn, hence it is a common area of complaint for many golfers.

Signs and symptoms of a meniscus tear may include: knee joint pain, swelling and stiffness, or fluid build-up inside on the top part of the knee. you may also experience the sensation that the knee is getting stuck or locking, preventing smooth motion.

As always, it is wise to seek professional or medical advice before starting treatment for knee joint pain or any other kind of physical issue. A doctor may recommend resting, icing, elevating, and putting compression on the injured knee, prescription or over the counter anti-inflammatory medication. Physical therapy might be suggested as well to strengthen and add flexibility to the knee area. Arthroscopic surgery might be a last resort to trim or remove any damaged cartilage from the meniscus.

If your symptoms are not overly severe and you feel that medical attention is not immediately necessary, then check my website for the countless effective and practical solutions you can find to alleviate your knee joint pain issues. There are a multitude of products available online, such as knee braces, crutches, or other technologically advanced support products that can immediately help the cartilage in the knee begin to heal. It would be a great idea to have some of these on hand, even before you need them, so that you will be ready in the event of a meniscus tear, or any other golfing injury to the knee.

"Always ready" is a great motto for all athletes, especially for golf enthusiasts who just can't bring themselves to put away the golf clubs even if they have to hobble a bit on the golf course.

Is it tee time yet? You betcha!

4 TMJ Exercises to Relieve TMJ Pain

TMJ, a disorder in which the upper and lower jaws are dislocated, can be cured by TMJ exercises. While the exact cause of TMJ is not known, individuals with the disorder experience pain when opening their mouths. In some cases, the pain will spread to other parts of the body. If TMJ is not treated, it will eventually cause arthritis.

Avoiding stress to the area and immediate attention are the best ways to cure TMJ completely. While in some cases, it may be necessary to see a doctor, these TMJ exercises will relieve the pain and are effective at healing the disorder. If pain persists longer than a week, seek out medical attention as this may be a sign that there are further complications.

1. Rest the chin on the palm. Clench the fist in order to provide a firm position for the chin to rest. Maintain the pressure while opening the mouth and closing slowly. Repeat this exercise with ten second intervals to rest between openings. Make sure the rest the jaw firmly on the chin and ensure that it stays in contact at all times. This exercise is designed to maintain the jaw in correct alignment and avoid strain on the muscles and tendons.

2. Place two fingers on top of the lower middle teeth. Press hard against the teeth while opening the mouth widely. Close slowly and repeat as many times as possible for up to ten minutes. Be careful while doing this exercise as too much pressure can cause further damage. Maintain a firm pressure against the bottom teeth as this will help to relocate the jaws, but avoid causing pain. If this exercise begins to hurt, stop immediately.

3. This easy exercise can be done several times a day safely. Place the tip of the tongue on the roof of the mouth. While keeping the tongue touching the roof, slowly open the mouth as much as possible. Close closely and repeat several times. Keeping the tongue on the roof of the mouth forces the jaw to open in correct alignment. This exercise can be repeated several times during the day and should be done periodically to ensure that the jaw is in correct alignment.

4. Using both hands, press fingers into the jaw at the joint on both sides of the mouth. Apply a firm force on each side, like you would do if aligning a clamp. Slowly open and close the mouth, keeping firm pressure with the hands. This exercise will align the jaws safely. If there is pain, stop the exercise immediately.

These four exercises are an at-home way to cure TMJ. Not only will doing these exercises heal, they will also relieve pain to the jaw and face. While it may be necessary to see a doctor if pain persists, these exercises can help with mild to moderate TMJ.

Arthritis Pain Relief For the Wrist and Hand

Relieve arthritis pain in the wrist, thumb and fingers.

You may be experiencing joint pain, swelling, stiffness and/or loss of motion in your wrist, fingers and thumb making many normal activities painful if not impossible to do. And, since there are 27 bones in each hand, there are many joints that can cause you pain. The most commonly affected joints are the knuckles of the mid-finger and the joint at the base of the thumb. (If you have noticed that one or another type of computer mouse causes you pain in your thumb or fingers, stop using it immediately and switch to another type mouse.) You may have also developed lumps or nodules around your knuckles that are actually bone spurs.

To relieve pain in your wrist or hand, wrap it up in a low-level continuous heat wrap, a microwaveable heat pad or a heating pad with automatic off-switch in case you fall asleep. Soak in hot water and then cold. Simply fill one sink (or pan) with cold water (about 65 degrees) and another with warm water (110 degrees). Soak in the warm water for five to 10 minutes then in the cold for one minute. Back to the warm for three to four minutes and then the cold for another minute. Repeat several times.

Coat in melted paraffin wax to trap the heat where you need it. Leave wax on while it cools and hardens, then peel it away to use again.

Most over the counter pain medications will give you temporary relief. Experiment to find out which ones work the best for you.

Strengthening exercises for the arm and hand help steady the wrist and protect the joint from shock and stress. Range-of-motion and stretching exercises can improve your wrist motion. Wrist braces and supports will help reduce pain during activity and help you perform simple activities.

Avoid lifting and carrying heavy loads.

Find an occupational or a physical therapist who will help you maintain motion and prevent joint stiffening. Ultrasound treatments are performed by physical therapists or occupational therapists and may be useful for relieving your pain and inflammation. Or consult your doctor about cortisone injections to treat inflammation, a common problem in patients with wrist arthritis.

Several surgical procedures may be done to the fingers including removing the bone spurs, fusing the joint, and replacing the joint. The most common surgery to treat the thumb is to remove a portion of the joint and bone and replace it with a tendon graft. This helps maintain motion at the base of the thumb and is effective at relieving pain.

One surgical procedure for the wrist is wrist fusion, a procedure that secures the bones of the forearm to the bones in the wrist and hand. As it eliminates all movement at the wrist joint, it eliminates pain but the loss of motion prevents some normal activities.

Another surgery for the wrist is proximal row carpectomy, a procedure to remove three of the small bones from the wrist joint. By removing the arthritic bone, pain is diminished and motion is preserved. It is only an option for some types of wrist arthritis.

Revolution in pain management.

Spinal Decompression Therapy - A Back Pain Relief From Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease is the progressive deterioration of the spinal discs and arthritic changes that occurs due to wear and tear with aging. Not actually a disease, it is a condition in which pain is caused from a damaged disc. In clinical terms, it is called spondylosis. The pain caused by a degenerated disc is termed by doctors as discogenic pain. The condition can take place throughout the spine, but most often, it occurs in the discs in the lumbar region (lower back) and cervical region (neck).

In a study, it is found that low back pain increases with increasing degree of disc degeneration. Degenerative disc disease is more likely to be developed as an individual gets older. Intervertebral discs become more vulnerable to degeneration and become more distinct as the lower spinal column gets straighter. Those individuals with a straighter vertebral column are at greater risk of low back pain and more severe symptoms than individuals with normal intervertebral slope.

A spinal disc is composed of a tough outer shell with a soft center inside. The discs are located between your spinal vertebrae to support spinal bones and cushion your movements. As a person age, the discs flatten out and spread sideways. The outer shell can become brittle or crack and the soft center can leak or bulge, pressing on nearby nerves or joints which can cause pain.

Degeneration in intervertebral disc is a part of normal aging and is associated with additional risk factors such as heredity, obesity, excessive weight, and smoking. When we are born, the disc is about 80% water. As we age, the disc dries out and loses flexibility to absorb shocks. Daily activities and sports activities can damage the disc. By the age of 60, most people have some degree of degenerative disc disease.

Degenerative disc disease is common and it can be present in people with no symptoms. In some people, they may feel symptoms such as low back pain which is more painful when sitting and when doing certain activities like bending, lifting, and twisting. They actually feel better when walking or running rather than prolonged sitting or standing, and if they shift positions frequently.

For people with degenerative disc disease, they usually manage the pain by minimizing stress on the disc through proper ergonomics and posture, exercise, and engaging in rehabilitation program. It is usually in the best interest of most patients to treat the pain using conservative treatment rather than surgery.

Spinal Decompression is the only nonsurgical treatment that is capable of reducing the symptoms of degenerative disc disease by treating the cause of disc degeneration, the chronic disc compression that contributes to loss of fluid.

Decompression therapy is a new form of treatment for back pain associated with disc problems. Research confirms that decompression is an effective treatment for degenerative disc disease. It reduces pressure on the disc and nerves and rehydrates the disc by drawing in fluids and nutrients.

Many lives have improved with spinal decompression since it was introduced. With just a course of the treatment, majority of the patients experienced complete relief and remained pain-free. Added with exercise program, appropriate spinal balancing, and spinal education, you'll see that no other treatment can provide such benefit than spinal decompression.