Arthritis

 

Is it Lupus Arthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Many people are unaware that Lupus is a form of arthritis and that there can be a similarity in symptoms between lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. This can at times make it difficult to distinguish between the two diseases immediately.

Similarities

Painful, swollen joints are common with both types as well as extreme fatigue and fever. Both types of arthritis are classified as an autoimmune disease and symptoms can affect tissues and joints. Lupus and Rheumatoid arthritis can also in some cases cause a chest "pain upon deep breathing as well as a discoloration of toes and fingers in response to cold or even stress. Antinuclear antibody testing can result in a positive for both diseases.

Differences

Rheumatoid arthritis causes pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints but more commonly in the wrist and fingers. The onset of Rheumatoid arthritis is often between the ages of 25 and 55 and tends to affect more women than men. Symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis are commonly experienced as oain and inflammation in the joints which can be felt on both sides of the body.

Lupus symptoms can be felt as pain in the joints, as well as surrounding tissue. A rash over the cheeks and nose in the shape of a butterfly is common amongst lupus sufferers which becomes worse after sun exposure. Lupus is more commonly found in women between the ages of 18 and 45. There is often an increased sensitivity to the sun. Symptoms are often felt on one side of the body at a time.

Remedies

Herbs- White willow bark, Flaxseed, Boswellia, evening primrose oil, Ginger, turmeric, flax seed oil

Supplements- Vrt-D, Omega 3, Vit-E, V1t-B3, Vit B12, Vit B5

Back Arthritis

Lower back arthritis or lumbar spine arthritis causes stiffness and pain in the joints at the lower back. These joints known as lumbar facet joints are protected by cartilage.

When there is a wearing down of the cartilages, these joints become eroded. Symptoms of back arthritis will include friction, irritation, pain and low flexibility in the lower back region. The pain in the lower back or pelvic area can be due to inflammation in the lumbar joints.

When the spinal joints become inflamed, they become less flexible and this can make it difficult to bend and stretch sideways or to the back without gentle movements and stretches.


Back arthritis not only affects the elderly but, younger people as well due to injury, cartilage defects and irregular forming of the joint structure. Other factors can include poor posture, obesity, stress, poor nutrition, surgery and the buildup of calcium.

Treatment can include Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, chiropractic care, exercises, massage, yoga. Natural remedies include Ginger, Boswellia (Found tn Lifetones), Cayenne, evening primrose oil.

Types of Arthritis

ARTHRITIS MEANS "INFLAMMATION OF A JOINT."

There are several conditions that can cause joint inflammation, or arthritis. Use this information to learn more about the type of arthritis you have. The treatment of arthritis will depend on what underlying problem is causing your joint problem.


 

WEAR-AND-TEAR ARTHRITIS (OSTEOARTHRITIS)

Osteoarthritis is a condition that is caused by the combination of several factors. While it is often called 'wear-and-tear* arthritis, this condition is due to more than just wearing away of the joint surface. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It usually causes pain and limited motion, and is most common in the knee joint and hip joint.


 

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic, autoimmune condition that causes the body to attack its own soft-tissues and joints. Rheumatoid arthritis most commonly affects the joints of the hands and feet, but can also cause elbow, shoulder, and neck problems. Joint swelling is often quite pronounced in rheumatoid arthritis.


 

JUVENILE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, or JRA, is another auto-immune condition, but it tends to affect children and adolescents. There is a broad spectrum of JRA, with some patients having just one joint involved, and others having many problems. The most commonly involved joint in JRA is the knee.


 

Bore Erosion

Uric acid crystals

 

GOUTY ARTHRITIS

Gouty arthritis is a condition that is caused by the accumulation of crystals made of urate within the joint. The urate crystals are formed by an unusual breakdown of a normal body substance. Accumulations of urate within a joint causes gouty arthritis. The most commonly affected joints are the big toe and the knee. Fortunately, gouty arthritis has effective treatments.


PSEUDOGOUT ARTHRITIS

Pseudogout causes a similar type of arthritis as gout, but the underlying problem is different. Pseudogout arthritis is due to the accumulation of calcium deposits within the joint. Pseudogout is most commonly seen in the knee joint.

LUPUS ARTHRITIS

Lupus arthritis is the most common manifestation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, or SLE. SLE, like rheumatoid arthritis, is an auto-immune condition where the body's immune system causes damage to the joints. The most commonly affected joints in SLE are the hands, wrists, and knees.

SPONDYLOARTHROPATHIES

The spondyloarthropathies are uncommon conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis, Reiter's syndrome, psoriatic arthritis, and enteropathic arthr: s. All of these conditions are associated with other problems such as back pain, heel pain, and other conditions. The spondyloarthropathies are a specific chromosomal pattern, and thought to be related to a patient's genetics.

INFECTIOUS ARTHRITIS

Infections within a joint cause inflammation leading to infectious arthritis. Other names for infectious arthritis Include bacterial arthritis and septic arthritis. Treatment of septic arthritis depends on what is causing the infection, but often requires surgery to clean the infection from the joint.

 

 

HEMORRHAGIC ARTHRITIS

 

 

 

Several conditions can cause bleeding within a joint leading to joint inflammation, or arthritis. These conditions include hemophilia, sickle cell disease, and pigmented villonodular synovitis. All of these conditions all blood to accumulate within the joint causing swelling and pain.

Arthritis & Natural Athritis Remedies



Pain, inflammation and or stiffness of a joint or joints. There are many forms of arthritis but the two most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. When treating arthritis it is important not just to treat the symptoms i.e. the pain and inflammation, Arthritis is primarily caused by an accumulation o' acid in the joints. The acid has the same appearance as grains of salt and every time the joint moves the grains of acid grind away at the joint until there is no cartilage left to protect the balls of the joint. Therefore it is essential to remove the root cause of the pain and inflammation by lowering acid levels in the body.

 

 

Remedies

Herbs:   Birch and celery are excellent acid neutralises, willow, boswelia, turmeric, cayenne, ginger, meadowsweet work well to reduce pain and inflammation.


Supplements: Glucosamine, chondroiten, MSM, quercetin, Omega 3, 6 and 9, bromelain.

Causes of Arthritis


 

 

 

Factors which can contribute to developing arthritis

Arthritis is the inflammation of the joints and affects several hundred million people globally. There are many underlying causes for arthritis and determining the cause can be difficult as there are often many factors that contribute to a person developing this joint problem.


Causes of arthritis

 

Genetics


 

Some forms of arthritis do run in families. Some people are more likely to develop arthritis if their parents or siblings have suffered from the disorder. Scientists have detected certain genetic markers which have been found to cause arthritis if certain external triggers or conditions occur.


 

Age


With age, our joint cartilage can become brittle and less able to repair itself. This can result in pain and restricted movement. The wear and tear of joints can occur over many years and elderly people are more than likely to develop osteoarthritis.

 

 

 

Weight

 

 

Joint damage can occur if there is excessive body weight for the joint to support. This tremendous and repetitive strain on the joints could certainly lead to arthritis pain. The typical arthritis joint pain would typically felt in the hip and knee joints.

 

Sports Injury

 

 

These injuries can occur in a wide variety of sports or recreational activities eg squash, tennis, cycling, motor biking, ballet etc. arthritis symptoms may occur over time from the overuse or injury of a joint.

 

Diet

 

A diet consisting of highly acidic foods can cause havoc with our body and can contribute to many health issues, including arthritis. Our body reacts to highly acidic levels by freeing calcium and magnesium minerals from the bones and depositing them into the bloodstream in an effort to raise the bloods PH level. This leads to weakened bones and/or deformed joints and bones. Processed and refined foods, including foods high in protein and saturated fats have acidic effects on the body. Artificial sweeteners, sugars, breads, pastas, chesses, alcohol, fizzy soft drinks, coffee and black teas are also highly acidic.

Major injuries

 

 

Severe injuries from a car accident or a bad fall can cause irregularities in the joint surface and increases the odds of a person developing arthritis in that specific joint.

 

 

Infection

 

 


Bacteria, viruses and fungi can cause arthritis or trigger the disease in certain people. Rheumatoid arthritis can start from a virus which triggers certain patients with a genetic marker. Infectious arthritis can start from surgery or a needle inserted into the joint or even from an infection travelling from another part of the body.


 

15 Arthritis Fighting Foods

Science has shown that there is a link between the foods we eat and the severity of arthritis symptoms. This list of foods will assist your body in fighting the affects of arthritis and its symptoms of joint pain and inflammation.

 

 

 

Salmon

 

 

Salmon is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids and many studies have shown that an omega 3 rich diet can help decrease the inflammation of joints. Whether you enjoy salmon in Sushi or maybe in a Salad, this food is great as a main protein in your meal.

 

Chilli

 

 

Chilli peppers contain a component called capsicum. Capsicum is believed to reduce pair and inflammation. Chillies are great for currys and tasty in pestos, perfect for salads on hot summer days or even added to stir-frys or that Italian styled pasta dish.

 

Blueberries

 

Blueberries are rich in bioflavonoids which are believed to act as antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. This fruit is delicious on its own or can be enjoyed in desserts and muffins or even in fruit smoothies.

 

 

 

Broccoli

Broccoli is a vegetable that is rich in Vitamin C which helps to build collagen in cartilage. This helps to cushion joints. Broccoli can be enjoyed raw in salads, stir-frys and is delicious roasted. Fussy eaters can always add to a fruit smoothie if they don't enjoy the taste.

 

 

Spinach

Spinach is rich in the nutrient Carotenoid which helps to reduce swelling in certain types of srthrilis such as Rheumatoid arthritis. Spinach can be enjoyed Raw or steamed. It can be added to salads or used in side dishes such as creamed spinach. It can be very tasty in pasta dishes or quiches.

 

 

 

Sweet Potatoes

 

 

Another vegetable rich in carotenoids and vitamin D, known to build healthy bones. These vegetables are inexpensive and really tasty. Enjoy them roasted or grilled with a little olive oil and seasoning. Sweet potatoes can also be enjoyed in stews or soups.

 

 

Ginger

 

Ginger adds a special zest and flavor to dishes and contains a potent anti-inflammatory called gingerols. Many studies have shown that ginger has helped many people with pain reduction and improvement in joint movement. Ginger can be enjoyed in Asian dishes and many vegetable dishes too.

 

 

Yoghurt

 

 

The bacteria in yoghurt has been studied and documented as being beneficial in fighting inflammation pain such as in the hand joints. The bacteria also aid our body to absorb nutrients such as calcium. Add fruit to plain yoghurt or mix into a fruit smoothie. Also delicious with muesli in the mornings as a great start to your day.

 

 

Brazil nuts

 

 

Brazil nuts contain Selenium, a joint-healing antioxidant. The antioxidant affects of selenium have been shown to absorb molecules which destroy joints. This is believed to assist in lowered joint inflammation.

 

 

Brown Rice

 

This ancient food is rich in Selenium and so aids in decreasing rheumatoid arthritis pain and inflammation. Brown rice is healthier than white rice as it is less processed thereby eliminating the loss of many essential nutrients. Rice can be used as a tasty side dish to curries and stir-frys.

 

 

Avocados

 

This tasty fruit is a super food rich in monounsaturated oils and essential fatty acids which can promote the repair of cartilage in osteoarthritis. Avocados are great in salads and on sandwiches. They also make a great guacamole dish for wraps.

 

 

Apples

 

 

Apples have always been known to be a great source of goodness for our bodies. Apples contain anti-inflammatory antioxidants which are beneficial to arthritis sufferers. The antioxidants are more concentrated in the skin of the apple. Apples are enjoyed as a lunchbox favourite but can be steamed and used in tarts or as an addition to stuffings, muffins or desserts.

 

 

Grapes

 

 

Grapes contain quercetin, an antioxidant which works with vitamin C to stimulate our immune system to fight inflammation and offers joint and muscle pain relief. Grapes can be enjoyed in fruit salads or in fruit juices.

 

 

Soy

 

 

Isoflavones are compounds found in Soy products and are believed to lower inflammation levels and also reduce the negative affects of inflammation on the bone. Soy can be found in products such as soy milk and tofu.

 

 

Beetroot

 

This bright red vegetable has brilliant antioxidant properties and has been shown to reduce inflammation. Rich in Vitamin C and fibre this vegetable can be roasted, boiled or pickled and is the perfect compliment to cold meat dishes and crunchy salads.

 

A healthy, balanced lifestyle is beneficial for many health issues.

Do Children Suffer from Arthritis?

Many are under the impression that only the elderly suffer arthritis but, statistics reveal that the condition is one of the main causes of Paediatric acquired disability. The most common form of arthritis in children is called Juvenile Idiopathic arthritis or JIA. Juvenile arthritis can occur in children under 16 years of age and can affect children as young as 2.

Children suffering from this form of arthritis usually have the following symptoms...

There is pain in the joints or muscles which tends to occur immediately on waking in the morning.

The knees, hands, feet, neck and jaw joints may be painful but lessen with movement.

There may be swelling or redness around a joint which may feel "hot" to touch. There can also be a sudden onset of fevers.

Fatigue and weight loss due to a lack of appetite is another possible indication of JIA. In some severe cases there may be a rash and eye inflammation.

Research has indicated that JIA may be an autoimmune disease whereby the body releases chemicals that damage healthy body tissues which causes inflammation and pain.

The Link Between Osteoporosis and Acidity


Calcium is used to help maintain an alkaline environment within our body. It is also needed for good strong bones. But when we become acidic, we pull calcium from our bones to create an alkaline environment. It is essential for our bodies to maintain an alkaline environment otherwise we would die.

This can leave our bones weak and porous. It is therefore essential to maintain an alkaline diet and take a supplement that reduces body acid as well as a calcium/magnesium supplement.