Total Knee joint replacement is a surgical procedure required by persons suffering from a condition called Knee arthritis, which results in extreme knee pain and inflammation and causing difficulty in any movement of the knee joint.

Causes
•Wear and tear of the joint.
•Extreme obesity that the knee is unable to support the body weight.
•Genetic factors.
•Injury caused to the knee.

Symptoms
•Extreme pain.
•Unability to move knee.
•Stiffness or swelling of joint.
•Tenderness along the joint.
•Deformity of the joint (knock-knees or bow-legs).

When other treatments such as medication, therapy and lifestyle changes (weight loss or therapeutic activities) fail, the last option that remains is the Total joint replacement surgery.

Understanding the surgical procedure

During the surgery an 8 to 12 inch cut is made on the front side of the knee after injecting general spinal, or epidural anesthesia. The damaged cartilage of the joint is taken out and is replaced with a metal or plastic artificial joint which is attached to the thigh bone and knee cap using cement or some special material to bind.

With new technical developments in the field of surgery, Minimal invasive surgery is used which requires only a three to four inch cut. When the incision is smaller it is easier during the surgery as less tissues are cut. Hence it also decreases pain and quickens post surgery recovery.

After the surgery muscle strength is recovered with physical therapy though people start to walk with support such as parallel bars crutches or walker, until the joint is not strong enough to bear the entire body weight. After a few weeks people start to walk without assistance and thereafter can pursue most daily activities except heavy physical activity such as running , jumping etc.

An artificial joint usually lasts 20 years and could last even more.

Recovery after surgery

•Avoid using stairs.
•Donot twist leg, keep knee straight.
•Avoid hectic physical activity.
•Avoid squatting and kneeling.
•Use firm straight back chair and avoid recliners and sofas.
•Avoid injury and falling or slipping.
•Return to activities such as driving and exercise only after complete recovery and after being reassured by a doctor.

Risks after the surgery

•Due to restricted movement blood clots could occur which would require blood thinners.
•Swelling could occur in the nerves hence causing discomfort and numbness.
•Bones could get injured or cracked during the surgery hence requiring treatment.
•Infection and bleeding as risks in any operation.
•The replaced parts of the joint could become loose or could break , but this is a very rare condition.

For options on knee replacement surgery in India, please visit : http://www.orthopaedic-surgeries.com

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. The breakdown of joint cartilage caused by osteoarthritis may affect any joint in your body. Joints affected may include:

• Fingers
• Hips
• Knees
• Lower back
• Feet

At first osteoarthritis may affect only one joint, but if your fingers are affected, multiple hand joints may become arthritic.

There are available treatments for osteoarthritis, but no cure. The available treatments can relieve pain and help you remain active.

Some people may not experience symptoms because the disease often develops slowly. Signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis may include:

• Pain in a joint during or after use, or after a period of inactivity
• Discomfort in a joint before or during a change in the weather
• Swelling and stiffness in a joint, particularly after using it
• Bony lumps on the middle or end joints of your fingers or the base of your thumb
• Loss of joint flexibility

Areas in which osteoarthritis typically affects include:

• Fingers: Bony knobs can enlarge your finger joints and create a gnarled appearance. Early in the disease, your joints may feel painful or stiff and numb. The pain eventually often subsides, but leaves bony nodes that affect the mobility of the joints at the end of your fingers. The nodes run in families and affect women more than men.
• Spine: As the disk slowly deteriorate between the bones along your spine, back and neck pain and stiffness may occur.
• Weight-bearing joints: The hips, knees and feet are more susceptible to osteoarthritis because they bear the majority of your body’s weight. Over the years cartilage slowly deteriorates and chronic pain or varying amounts of discomfort when you stand and walk can occur. Swelling especially in the knees may also occur.

Treatment for osteoarthritis

Your doctor may recommend a combination of treatment that includes medication, self-care, physical therapy and occupational therapy. Surgical procedures may also be necessary in some cases.

Medications may include:

• Topical pain relievers such as Aspercreme or Sportscreme, Icy Hot and Ben-Gay.
• Acetaminophen like Tylenol and others can relieve pain but does not reduce inflammation
• NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs work to relieve pain and fight inflammation. They range from OTC aspirin, ibuprofen like Advil, Motrin IB and others to prescription strength
• Cox-2inhibitors: Are considered as effective as other NSAIDs for managing pain and inflammation without the same stomach-damaging effects. Other side effects of Cox-2inhibitors may include fluid retention, exacerbating high blood pressure and links to increased risk of heart attack and stroke
• Tramadol: Available only by prescription, has no anti-inflammatory effect, but can provide effective pain relief with fewer side effects such as stomach ulcers and bleeding. Tramadol may cause nausea and constipation. It is generally used for short-term treatment of acute flare-ups.
• Antidepressants: Tricyclics especially can help reduce chronic pain. They can treat sleep disturbances that can accompany arthritis. Some antidepressants used for arthritis pain and nonrestorative sleep include amitriptyline and nortriptyline.
• Injections of pain relievers: Corticosteroid injections into a joint space can offer some pain relief and reduce inflammation.

Surgical or other procedures used to treat osteoarthritis include:

• Joint replacement
• Arthroscopic lavage and debridement
• Repositioning bones
• Fusing bones

Source: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

Disclaimer: *This article is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any kind of a health problem. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Always consult with your health care provider about any kind of a health problem and especially before beginning any kind of an exercise routine.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box. Article written 4-2007.

Author: Connie Limon, Trilogy Field Representative. Visit http://nutritionandhealthhub.com and sign up for a weekly nutrition and health tip. The article collection is available as FREE reprints for your newsletters, websites or blog. Visit http://www.healthylife27.com to purchase an array of superior quality, safe and effective products inspired by nature, informed by science and created to improve the health of people, pets and the planet.

Trying to figure out the best means to relief arthritis pain can be frustrating. You can make your arthritis pain worse with activities stressful to your joints and that require repetitive motion when you already have severe joint damage. If you have only mild joint damage, gentle exercise that includes stretching and muscle strengthening can improve arthritis pain.

Arthritis varies from one person to another. You will need to work with your doctor to determine the right solution and exercise program for your specific situation.

Activities such as jogging and playing tennis that put sudden pressure on involved joints are likely to make the symptoms of arthritis worse. Swelling and inflammation may increase. Exercises that strengthen your muscles protect your joints and reduce stress and joint damage should be of help to arthritis symptoms. Strengthening the muscles on the front and back of your thigh, which are the quadriceps and hamstrings; helps protect your knee and hip joints.

The key is to do what you can to stay physically active while taking into consideration the condition of your joints. You may be able to walk a good 30 to 60 minutes at a comfortable pace, but you probably will have to give up high-impact activities like running that puts a lot of stress on many different joints. Swimming or other water exercise may be a better choice for keeping active until you get toned if your joints are too painful for walking.

People with rheumatoid arthritis often have stiffness after rest. Movement tends to diminish some of the symptoms. If you experience excessive stiffness after sitting for a long time you can try adjusting your sitting position often to help prevent or lessen some of this.

You should call your doctor if new pain or persistent pain lasting more than several days occurs. Arthritis symptoms are often more effectively controlled if caught early. If your symptoms are most likely due to overdoing it and they disappear in a few days you probably do not need to call your doctor.

Medications for arthritis are relatively safe and well tolerated by most people. Keep in mind there is no medication that is completely free of possible side effects. If you experience regular arthritis symptoms you need professional advice from your doctor about which medications to take and how much.

Medications available include:

• Tylenol
• Aspirin
• Ibuprofen
• Advil
• Motrin
• Aleve
• Naproxen
• Other anti-inflammatory drugs

Most of the above drugs can be purchased over-the-counter and many of them do bring relief of minor and occasional arthritis pain.

A weekend tennis player, gardeners and other people with mild osteoarthritis can overcome some of the stiffness by taking an over-the-counter NSAID tablet for one or two days. I experienced some hip pain shortly after beginning a new walking routine. My doctor advised taking Ibuprofen just shortly before each work-out, which did alleviate the pain considerably.

If symptoms are prolonged and severe, joint involvement may be more advanced. Your doctor is the best source to decide the dosage that is right for you.

Alternative treatment for arthritis pain:

Heat, massage and stretching help relieve arthritis symptoms for many people. The best of these treatments should have your doctor or physical therapist’s approval. These treatments have also been standard treatments and not so much “alternative” treatment for arthritis pain.

Many alternative preparations have not been adequately studied. Herbal treatments, for example, taken on a day that you might have felt better anyway, may convince you that the herb made you better. Arthritis treatments studies show as many as 30 percent of people taking an inactive substance improve at least temporarily.

Quality standards for over-the-counter alternative drugs do not exist.

It may take years to find an effective and safe medication for your particular arthritis pain. If you try a shortcut standard practice it may lead to harmful effects and wasted money, time and effort.

Botox Injections:

It is unclear at this time whether or not Botox injections improve pain and function in people with arthritis. Much more research is needed to evaluate the findings of a very small study that suggested injections with Botulinum toxin type A (Botox) may improve pain and function in people with arthritis.

The study reported improvements in pain and function in all participants, however the duration of these benefits varied from three to 12 months. The results were promising and there were no adverse reactions reported. There will need to be much larger, controlled and randomized trials to determine the safety and possible benefit of Botox injections for arthritis.

Antibiotics for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis:

Researchers continue to study the possibility that rheumatoid arthritis may be brought on by some form of infection. If this is true, it may be possible to prevent or stop the progression of the disease with antibiotics. Studies of the usefulness of antibiotic therapy have produced mixed results.

Effects of long-term use of antibiotics are unknown. Antibiotics have many potential side effects, some of which are very serious. More research is needed to determine if antibiotics can be useful in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Source: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

Disclaimer: *This article is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any kind of a health problem. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Always consult with your health care provider about any kind of a health problem and especially before beginning any kind of an exercise routine.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box. Article written 4-2007.

Author: Connie Limon, Trilogy Field Representative. Visit http://nutritionandhealthhub.com and sign up for a weekly nutrition and health tip. The article collection is available as FREE reprints for your newsletters, websites or blog. Visit http://www.healthylife27.com to purchase an array of superior quality, safe and effective products inspired by nature, informed by science and created to improve the health of people, pets and the planet.

Those who have lately been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, may think they’re destined to a lifetime of discomfort and pain. The truth is that a lot of people will live long and full lives while having rheumatoid arthritis. Nevertheless, if you truthfully crave to flourish in spite of your diagnosis, chances are you will need to re-evaluate lifestyle choices made in the past. Healthy lifestyles of course, are a good idea for everybody. But if you are a rheumatoid arthritis sufferer, they are even more important.

Learning to respond to your body is important. You ought to become conscious of when you feel the most joint stiffness, making a note of when you feel discomforts. You will need to learn to test and set your limits. By being attentive to how your body responds to different physical activities, you may learn to circumvent overexerting yourself.

Another valuable thing to have your stay body pain-free and healthy is to do some type of regular physical movement. Consider exercise to be an important component of your treatment. Many research studies have shown that the pain and discomfort associated with rheumatoid arthritis can be reduced by some form of regular physical activity.

Regular exercise will also aid in increasing flexibility, strengthening muscles, reducing fatigue, and providing an overall sense of well being. Don’t shy away from trying new physical activities or exercises due to your rheumatoid arthritis. You will be okay so long as you know how to read your body’s subtle signs and not overexert.

Three main forms of exercises are well matched to those living with rheumatoid arthritis. That would be aerobic exercise, flexibility exercise, and strengthening exercise. Pilates and Yoga are good examples of exercises that can considerably raise the range of muscular motion. Running, walking, and bicycling are outstanding aerobic exercises, beneficial for your heart and overall joint health. Water exercises especially are good for rheumatoid arthritis since it increases your flexibility at the same time as building strength.

Another vital aspect of a healthy lifestyle entails eating well. A good diet not only helps you get proper nutrition, and preserve bone integrity, but also to preserve a healthy weight. This is especially an issue for good joint health. Eat an abundance of fruits and vegetables, low fat dairy products and lean proteins.

Read about the physiology behind arthritis at http://www.medopedia.com

Arthritis can be a crippling health problem. The problem is often chronic pain and alternative health offers a unique treatment option.

It is sometimes possible to get a bit of insight into the attitude of Western vs. Traditional Chinese Medicine by examining the meaning of the words used to describe a condition. The suffix “itis” means inflammation, and the word artho is Greek for joint. So, arthritis simply means “inflammation of a joint.” The point here is that this is a condition or a symptom that is being discussed. The use of a special word gives it the status of a disease in Western Medicine.

Arthritis is one of the most common of all physical ailments. It is the most common complaint of people over 65 years of age. It causes much pain and loss of function, and most treatments for it consist of treating the pain and hoping for the best. Acupressure for arthritis is a type of treatment that has been used for centuries to treat the pain and restore function. Traditional Chinese Medicine recognizes arthritis as the symptom that it really is and looks deeper to discover the cause.

Although Western practitioners do not understand this search for causation and would not agree with the conclusions of the alternative health practicioner as to how relief would be achieved, they do agree that the treatment can be effective. Many doctors are suggesting alternative health treatments for patients with long term chronic arthritis. Of course, they mostly suggest it as part of a comprehensive treatment that combines the different disciplines.

A recent study done by the National Institute of Health found that acupuncture could result in as much as a 44% reduction in pain and a 40% improvement in joint mobility in patients suffering from osteoarthritis. The study involved 570 patients over the age of 50 that were in an advanced stage of the affliction. The patients were divided into three groups. One received the suggested treatments designed to treat the specific patient. The second group received a sham treatment. The final group continued on the self help and medication program that they had been previously using.

The surprising results of this study led the National Institute of Health to issue a cautious endorsement of alternative health treatments for arthritis. This endorsement did have some important results in the acceptance of an alternative treatment for osteoarthritis by insurance companies.

Get more acupuncture information at AlternativeHealthCompanies.com

Neck arthritis can cause pain and affect the ability to turn and use the neck normally. It can be caused by the natural aging process or can be part of a larger arthritis disease called rheumatoid arthritis. A person may at first believe they simply have a stiff neck from sleeping wrong, but soon they will realize the pain and stiffness is not going away and that is when they discover they are suffering from neck arthritis. It is important at this point to seek a doctor’s advice on how to deal with the neck arthritis.

Any type of arthritis can severely affect a person. Arthritis is when joint and bones have swelling and cause movement to be impaired. Arthritis is most often associated with aging and usually occurs in older adults. This is because it takes time for the arthritis to settle into joints and bones. However, most arthritis is treatable and can be managed through a doctor’s care.

If the neck arthritis is caused by a degenerative, age-related, condition then the symptoms may not be noticed early. In fact, the symptoms of degenerative neck arthritis can be seen on an x-ray long before they are felt by the person. However, in general the symptoms of neck arthritis include pain, stiffness, problems moving the neck and pain going into the head and shoulders. Symptoms can also include pain in the arms, problems with arm movement, weakness in arms or legs, clumsiness and headaches.

The treatments for neck arthritis vary. Treatment may be restricting the neck movement through the wearing of a brace. Using heat or massage therapy is another option. Typically, pain relief medications are used. Certain exercises may also help. The treatment is usually related to how sever the pain is and how severely effected the person is by the neck arthritis.

Neck arthritis is something that you will likely have to live with. It is hard to prevent, but thankfully there are many treatment options to help with the pain and discomfort you are feeling. Neck arthritis is a very globally condition, meaning that it can affect more then just your neck.

Getting treatment is important to being able to fully function and not suffering from side effects of the arthritis. It is possible to live a normal life with neck arthritis, but it all depends on your ability to handle the condition and your mindset in dealing with it.

So get the help you need for neck arthritis. Live a healthy lifestyle.
Visit us today at http://www.thehealthyportal.com

Foot arthritis is most commonly an occurrence of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is arthritis of the bone. It is due to common wear and tear which results in inflammation, swelling and pain. Many times foot arthritis is caused by injury to the foot. Foot arthritis can lead to problems walking once it gets to bad.

Foot arthritis can occur in any of the bones within the foot. It often affects certain bones. The ankle is very susceptible to injury and therefore a common spot for arthritis. The three bones in the heel of the foot are also commonly affected by arthritis. The middle area of the foot where the bones and the toes and the rear bones in the foot connect is another hot spot. Finally, the toes are often a spot for arthritis to settle in.

Symptoms of foot arthritis are often hard to ignore. They can include pain when moving the foot or putting weight on the foot. The foot may also feel stiff or show signs of swelling.

A doctor will often diagnose foot arthritis through asking questions and through a gait analysis. The doctor may ask about when the pain started, if you have ever injured your foot, where the pain is located and what type of shoes you normally wear. The gait analysis is simply an observance of how you walk. It may also include x-rays or a bone scan.

Foot arthritis is treated depending on the severity. Common treatment includes taking medications for pain and swelling, using shoe inserts or wearing a brace. You may also have to use a cane to help you walk. Therapy may also be a treatment used. With sever arthritis surgery is often recommended.

Surgical options include removing bone and tissue to help alleviate the pain. There are many methods including arthroscopic surgery and also replacement surgery if the arthritis is in a joint. Surgery, though, is often the last resort ot other treatment options.

Foot arthritis can be quite debilitating. Sometimes there is no way to cure the arthritis. You may only be able to control the swelling and pain. However, many people suffer from arthritis and they can usually go on living a normal life.

You should not let your foot arthritis stop you from living a healthy lifestyle. By seeking treatment and getting help you are making sure that you control your foot arthritis and it does no control you.

Getting arthritis, like many diseases, is one reality that many people will try to avoid as much as possible. This is one experience that can affect your lifestyle and social life. At present, a glaring 50 million of the American population suffer from various types of arthritis. It has more victims compared to cancer or heart diseases. Thus, it is important to find ways to solve this problem, like seeking home remedies for arthritis.

The condition arthritis is usually identified to the elderly. In reality, anybody can be a victim of this disease. Arthritis is a condition where one or more joints become inflamed. This inflammation could be due to infection or injury. It can refer to any disease that will cause pain and swelling. Thus, it affects the possible movements of the joints and tissues.

There are various symptoms that you can check to determine if you are suffering from the arthritis. The main signs that will indicate you might be suffering from this condition are pains in the joints. This also results to swelling and very limited movements that you can do. There will also be a remarkable stiffness that will make the pain even more pressing.

Many factors have been discovered to cause arthritis. Advancing in age is one of the most common reasons why arthritis comes about. Obesity is also a culprit. In some cases, heredity, weather changes and hormonal changes can play a big role also. Most people with arthritis find the cold weather very hostile to their condition. Be wary that your food intake can also affect the condition. Excessive uric acid in the body can trigger, if not worsen, an arthritis.

Home Remedies for Arthritis

Considering the inconvenience that arthritis may cause to your body, lifestyle and social life, it is very important to seek the remedies that will improve your condition. There are things that you can ask your physician to recommend to you. However, it will help a lot if you can at least educate yourself with some home remedies for arthritis. Here are some home remedies for arthritis that you can do.

1. Stretching and Movement. One of the home remedies for arthritis that you can do is stretching and movement. It is best to know how to move properly when you have arthritis. Be sure to practice stretching gently so that you can allow your body some healthy movement even if the arthritis is on the attack. You can attend sessions with a trainer so that you can do the right positioning to your muscles and joints.

2. Relax More. Stress can also cause your arthritis to hurt even more. Make sure you get to relax which is one of the recommended best home remedies for arthritis. This is one good way of pain management. Simply give yourself a good pace in your everyday activities. You can even listen to some relaxing music. This is something that you can do at home to at least bring relief to pain.

3. Use Ice. Cold treatments are one effective home remedies for arthritis. Overworking your body can cause the joints to be stressed. Using ice and applying it for 20 minutes can ease the feeling.

4. Drink Nutrients. It is good to also give emphasis on your diet for your home remedies for arthritis. Drinking vegetable juices can play a significant role in easing your pain due to arthritis. Carrot, cabbage, tomato and celery are perfect choices for your juice.

5. Oil and Water. Another one of the effective home remedies for arthritis is to use oil and water. Whenever you feel stiffness or pain, you can use eucalyptus ointment to ease it. You can also choose to wrap your joints in warm water until you feel comfortable enough.

These are effective home remedies for arthritis. Make sure you use them to your benefit. You cannot afford to live your life in pain when you have the option to relieve it. But it is still best to find the best remedy that will put an end to your arthritis and not just put remedies to the symptoms.

Did you know that you can free yourself of the swelling, stiffness and pain, and live your life 150% better by banishing your arthritis in just one month? Discover the truth how you can banish your arthritis condition naturally - from the comfort and privacy of your own home. Discover the best home remedies for arthritis visit Arthritis Free In One Month at Great Discovery-Health and Beauty

Gerry Restrivera writes informative articles on various subjects Effective Home Remedies for Arthritis. You are allowed to publish this article in its entirety provided that author’s name, bio and website links must remain intact and included with every reproduction.

Relief from pain or agony may be considered as the true object of any medical science. According to Ayurvedic texts, the entire cosmos is constituted of ‘Panchmahabhootas’ (Five Basic Elements - Sky or Ether, Air, Water, Fire & Earth) and when they combine together, three imperceptible functional forces, ‘Vata’ (constituted of Air & Ether), ‘Pitta’ (constituted of Fire) & ‘Kapha’ (constituted of Water & Earth) are created. They form the tripod of the body and are called ‘Tridoshas’ (three ‘doshas’ or blemishes or humors or morbids); the word ‘dosha’ is derived from the root ‘dush’ which means to pollute, vitiate or become impure.

‘Vata’ (Air), the mobile factor of the body, situated below the umbilicus, is said to be responsible for the functions of the nervous system, carrying of blood in circulation, locomotion, respiration, excretion and vitality of human being. ‘Pitta’ (Digestive Fire), the thermogenetic factor of the body, situated between the umbilicus & heart, is contributing to the glandular functions and is responsible for vision, controlling body temperatures, digestion, hunger, thirst & mental faculty. ‘Kapha’ (Mucosa), the stationary factor of the body, situated above the region of heart, is responsible for the formation of structure in the body & its biological strength and described as the principle of the maintenance of the smooth working of human physique.

Rheumatological disorder, described in Ayurvedic texts, as ‘Ama-vata’, is a popular Ayurvedic term for any inflammatory disorder that causes pain and stiffness, in joints, muscles and connective tissues, including minor aches and twinges as well as disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis etc.. In many texts, ‘Ama-vata’ has been referred as an “auto-immune disorder” and “exogenous non-compatibility” & “endogenous intoxication” as its main aetiological factors.

Due to complete abstinence from food, indigestion, over eating, irregular dietary habits, indulgence in incompatible articles of food, excessive consumption of cold substances, ill-effects of ‘Virechana’ (purgation), ‘Vamana’ (disgorgation), ‘Snehan’ (oleation), the wasting of tissues, states induced by faults or changes in place, climate & season, suppression of natural urges, impaired ‘Pachak-pitta’ (digestive heat), excessive use of dehydrated, over-hydrated or ‘Guru-Madhur-Amal’ (heavy, sweet & alkaline) food; physical stresses like excessive exercises, over indulgence in sexual pleasures, swimming etc.; mental stresses like rage, grief & hunger; and due to accumulation of ‘Mala’ (body’s waste products), ‘Ama’ (unassimilated or undigested food juice) is produced & collected in the gastrointestinal tract. A part of it may be absorbed in the system causing systemic manifestations of certain ‘Ama’ related diseases.

The already vitiated ‘Vata’ transports this ‘Ama’ to all parts of the body and carries it to the sites of ‘Shleshak-kapha’ which has a common resemblance with ‘Ama’. With the effect of place, climate & season, the ‘Ama’ is motivated by vitiated ‘Vata’ and established at the already vitiated site of ‘Shleshak-kapha’. This ‘Ama’ associated with vitiated ‘doshas’, gets localised in a particular ‘Dhatu’ (tissue) to produce several types of endog¬enous diseases like ‘Ama-vata’. In this disease, ‘Ama’ observed from the gastrointestinal tract reaches to ‘Kapha-sthana’ (site of ‘Kapha’) through the respective channels and gets modified and recirculated in the system causing capillaritis and synovitis. Probably some immunological mechanisms are involved in this process.

General langour or debility of the body, disgust for food, thirst, lethargy, heaviness of the limbs, fever, indigestion and swellings are the common symptoms of ‘Ama-vata’ or rheumatism. The acute phase of ‘Ama-vata’ is generally very painful with appearance of swellings in the hands, feet, head, ankles, waist, knees, thighs, and generally , in all the joints. These places, in which the vitiated ‘Ama’ accumulates, become subject to piercing pains. Loss of appetite, watery secretions from the mouth & nose, loss of energy, loss of taste in the mouth, burning of the skin, copious or scanty urine, deep-seated pain and hardness of the abdomen, sleep at day-time but want of it at night, thirst, vomiting, vertigo, swoons, pain in the chest, constipation, dullness of the body, rumbling noise in the stomach, obstruction of the intestines or a sluggish condition of bowels; are the associated symptoms.

The excited ‘doshas’ according to their characteristics cause particular symptoms like excited ‘Vata’ causes excessive pains; excited ‘Pitta’ causes burning of the skin and redness of the complexion; excited ‘Kapha’ causes wet sensation, heaviness of the limbs and continuous itching manifestations; besides the other symptoms. If the disease be due to the vitiation of two of the ‘doshas’, or all the three of them, the specific symptoms of each of the ‘dosha’ appear collectively.

Approximately 44 million Americans have been diagnosed with arthritis. Many of these people are being treated with Western medications such as steroids and anti-inflammatories, while many others’ symptoms are left untreated, as they do not want to pursue conventional Western treatment options.

In my clinical practice, I have worked with people with all forms of arthritis and I have helped many of them get off of pain killers and steroids. This is possible by using a combination of acupuncture, herbs, nutritional supplements, and possibly techniques such as yoga or meditation. I am always pleased (as is the patient) when we can use natural therapies for pain management because they do not have any side effects, unlike most of the Western medications for pain relief, which can cause a host of complications. Many of these medications weaken the body over time, which, in my opinion, causes premature aging and general debility.

Below are several natural herbal and nutritional supplements that have proven effective in overcoming the pain and inflammation of arthritis. It is always best to seek out the services of a healthcare professional if you are interested in using these products.

Nutritional Supplements

Fish Oil: Taking a high quality essential fatty acid complex can be very helpful for reducing pain and inflammation and increasing synovial fluid in the joints. Fish oil can also help any depression that accompanies the chronic pain. Start with 3,000mg daily.

SAMe: This is a naturally occurring metabolite found in the human body and plants. The active ingredient is methionine. SAMe has been shown to alleviate depression, reduce appetite, and improve neurotransmitter synthesis and receptor binding. I will often use SAMe when there is a combination of depression and chronic pain, as it reduces inflammation and regenerates joint tissue. It is excellent for both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. Start with 200 mg early in the day on an empty stomach, increase to up to 1,000 mg over a period of a few weeks as needed.

MSM: 2 grams daily prevent cartilage breakdown

Vitamins and Minerals: Key nutrients that manufacture synovial fluid are vitamins A, B complex, C, D, and E. Calcium, selenium, magnesium, and zinc are also crucial. Vitamins C and D are most important for nourishing bones and connective tissue.

Cetyl myristoleate: This is a form of fatty acid that has extraordinary qualities for joint lubrication. It needs to be taken constantly at a dosage of 500-1000mg/day. It is useful for both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.

Herbs

Evening Primrose Oil: This wonderful herb has been found to reverse cases of mild to moderate arthritis.

Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang: This is a formula used for systemic blood stagnation characterized by sharp and severe pain throughout the body. It is useful for muscle spasm, inflammation, and pain that is fixed in nature.

Juan Bi Tang: This is a classic formula for arthritis. In Chinese medicine, Bi is a syndrome that is characterized by certain elements such as wind, damp, or cold lodging in the body causing pain. This formula is helpful for achiness and stiffness primarily in the upper body.

Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang: This formula is useful for Bi syndromes that affect the lower back, legs, and knees. It helps to relieve achiness and tension.

SPZM: This is a Health Concerns formula that is useful for muscle spasm, particularly in the upper body.

Channel Flow: This is a Health Concerns Formula that is useful for pain anywhere in the body. It can help with moderate or severe pain.

Nutrition

The following basic dietary tips will be very helpful for managing the symptoms of arthritis:

Start eating an organic whole foods diet that is rich in fish, chicken, vegetables, fruit, and whole grains. This diet is rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber.

Avoid refined sugars and carbohydrates: These foods promote inflammation and pain and weaken digestion and vitality.

Avoid synthetic additives and sweeteners and genetically modified foods.

Avoid coffee and alcohol: Both of these are irritants to the liver, colon, and stomach. They can exacerbate pain and emotional ups and downs.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the greatest therapies available for healing arthritis. It has been clinically proven to reduce pain and inflammation, improve circulation, and trigger the rest and restore mode of the nervous system. Acupuncture should be painless and deeply relaxing. I recommend getting weekly treatment for 6-8 weeks for chronic arthritis, then assessing for progress.

Meditation and Yoga

Meditation and yoga have been practiced for thousands of years in many different cultures. They have stood the test of time because they have enormous healing benefits for the mind and body. If practiced appropriately, meditation and yoga can offer profound support for managing chronic pain, overcoming fatigue, and improving flexibility.

Kevin Doherty, L.Ac., MS is a licensed acupuncturist in private practice in Superior, Colorado. To learn more about Kevin, visit his websites at http://www.bouldercountyacupuncture.com and http://www.mindfulnesscd.net