remedies for arthritis

Looking for effective arthritis remedies ? The key to living with arthritis pain is having the knowledge to understand your condition and to understand the full range of arthritis remedies available for arthritis pain relief and arthritis treatment. Our website provides informative articles and information to help with the management of your arthritis. Arthritis remedies have been selected from the many that are out there.

The main help that arthritis suffers need is effective pain relief. Although everyone understands what we mean by the word ‘pain’, it is difficult to define. Put simply, it’s a protective mechanism that warns the body that something’s wrong and it can vary from mild to very severe. Arthritis remedies are generally used to alleviate the pain.

Pain may be caused by:

•a physical injury or damage to body tissues (e.g. damage to the cartilage in osteoarthritis)
•chemicals produced as the result of a process called inflammation, for example in rheumatoid arthritis. These chemicals activate specialized nerve endings which send pain signals via the spinal cord to the brain
•damage to the nerves or nerve endings. This causes the nerves to send pain signals in response to something that wouldn’t normally hurt. This sometimes happens in complex regional pain syndrome (or reflex sympathetic dystrophy).
Sometimes it’s difficult to explain the precise cause of long-term (chronic) pain and this can also make it difficult to treat effectively. This type of chronic pain can sometimes be felt all over the body (chronic widespread pain).

There is, as yet, no single cure for arthritis so much treatment and arthritis remedies are concerned with reducing the pain caused by arthritis. Most arthritis remedies try to alleviate or reduce the pain associated with the arthritis. Sure, you can take painkillers but this does not help the underlying problem. Some forms of treatment rely on developing the muscles around the joints to take some of the srtrain off the joints. Other arthritis remedies try to improve the blood flow and mobility of the joints and surrounding areas.

One recent innovation is the Aqua-Relief System which is an automatic hot cold therapy system that delivers instant heat through patented wraps that go around your feet and hands to provide greater circulation and to reduce pain. Heat therapy is generally used for chronic injuries or injuries that have no inflammation. This pain management therapy can be provided free under some medical insurance schemes. By completing a short form you can find out if you qualify for this new free treatment. Click on the box below and then complete the short form on the next page to discover if you qualify.

A new alternative is the Pain Management Therapy relief which is now available free to qualifying Medical Insurance subscribers. To find out if you qualify for FREE therapy click on the box below (USA only)

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Exercise can be a great help in reducing arthris pain. Here is a set of exercises that can help to develop the relevant muscles for pain relief.

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Athritis is characterized by the inflammation of  many of the joints in the body. There are more than 100 different athritis types. The two most common forms of athritis types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid athritis. Both of these athritis types have different causes, risk factors and complications. But both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid athritis are characterized by joint pain which can be very mild to severe.

Diagnosing Athritis Types

A persistent pain and/or persistent stiffness in any joint for longer than a few weeks could mean you have athritis. One-third of all adults in the United States are suffering from joint pain. Diagnostic tests that can determine if you have athritis are X-rays, blood tests, joint fluid analysis and arthroscopy.

X-rays can be used to show what the joint looks like, whether the space is narrowing or if there are bone spurs that are indicators of athritis. Blood tests will detect if the condition is rheumatoid athritis and not osteoarthritis or some of the other athritis types. Joint fluid analysis can be taken by the insertion of a long needle to take out fluid in the athritic joint. Your doctor will generally rule out gout and infection before giving you the diagnosis of athritis. In arthroscopy, your doctor places a tiny camera into the joint to see if there are any abnormalities. This description is a guide only and you should consider consulting a doctor if symptoms persist.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, where the cartilage that supports the bone starts to break down. As the cartilage wears out, the bones rub together and cause pain, loss of mobility, and stiffness. In some cases a sports or other  injury of a joint can cause athritis years later. The first thing you might notice when you have osteoarthritis is that joints lose flexibility and you get injured easier. Your bones start thickening and bony growths, called spurs, start to grow. You may feel bits of bone rumbling around in your joints or in extreme cases a grinding feeling.

Rheumatoid Athritis

Rheumatoid athritis is an autoimmune disease. This type of athritis is due to an inflammation of the joint lining or the synovial fluid that lubricates the joint. People with the disease create antibodies that attack their own joints. Women are two-thirds more likely to get rheumatoid athritis than men. Research is being undertaken to find out why female hormones affect the joints. These athritis types tends to be genetic. Rheumatoid athritis can become severe. Seeking immediate care is important to minimize further damage to the joints.

Treatment

In all athritis types, the treatment will mostly likely include controlling inflammation and pain by using anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Ibuprofen. Some athritis sufferers will be given steroid drugs like Prednisone, to slow down damage to the joints. Another option available is arthroscopic surgery to remove loose cartilage, fix tears and smooth out bone surfaces. Joint replacement surgery of the knees, shoulders or hips is also common.

Exercise to Manage Pain

For all athritis types, managing your pain can be enhanced by exercise. Movement reduces the pain, improves your range of motion and strengthens your muscles. Focus on gentle stretching and strengthening exercise programs. Walking and low-impact aerobics, yoga and body sculpting are excellent forms of exercise for persons with any of the athritis types.

A new alternative is the Pain Management Therapy relief which is now available free to qualifying Medical Insurance subscribers. To find out if you qualify for FREE therapy click on the box below

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P.S. The correct spelling is arthritis. We are endeavouring to ensure that useful information reaches all interested parties even if the words are mistyped which would prevent access to information that they are looking for.

Arthritus is characterized by the inflammation of the joints in the body. There are more than 100 different types of arthritus. The most common forms of arthritus types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritus. Both of these arthritus types have different causes, risk factors and complications. But both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritus are characterized by joint pain which can vary from mild to severe.

Diagnosing Arthritus Types

Persistent pain and/or stiffness in any joint for longer than two weeks could mean you have arthritus. One-third of all adults in the United States are suffering from joint pain. Diagnostic tests that can determine if you have arthritus are X-rays, blood tests, joint fluid analysis and arthroscopy.

X-rays are used to show what the joint looks like, whether the space is narrowing or if there are bone spurs that are indicators of arthritus. Blood tests will detect if the condition is rheumatoid arthritus and not osteoarthritis or some of the other arthritus types. Joint fluid analysis is taken by the insertion of a long needle to take out fluid in the arthritic joint. Your doctor will rule out gout and infection before giving you the diagnosis of arthritus. In arthroscopy, your doctor places a tiny camera into the joint to see if there are any abnormalities. This description is a guide only and you should consider consulting a doctor if symptoms persist for any length of time.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a gradual degenerative joint disease, where the cartilage that supports the bone starts to break down. As the cartilage wears out, the bones rub together and cause pain, loss of mobility, and stiffness. In some cases an injury of a joint can cause arthritus years later. The first thing you may notice when you have osteoarthritis is that joints lose flexibility and you get injured easier. Your bones start thickening and bony growths, called spurs, start to grow. You may feel bits of bone rumbling around in your joint or even a grinding feeling.

Rheumatoid Arthritus

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. This arthritus type is due to an inflammation of the joint lining or the synovial fluid that lubricates the joint. Folks with the disease create antibodies that attack their own joints. Women are two-thirds more likely to get rheumatoid arthritus than men. Research is being done to find out why female hormones affect the joints. These arthritus types tends to be genetic. Rheumatoid arthritus can sometimes become severe. Seeking immediate medical care is important to minimize damage to the joints.

Treatment

In all arthritus types, the treatment will mostly likely include controlling inflammation and pain by using anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Ibuprofen. Some arthritus sufferers will be given steroid drugs like Prednisone, to slow down damage to the joints. Another option available is arthroscopic surgery to remove loose cartilage, fix tears and smooth out bone surfaces. Joint replacement surgery of the knees, shoulders or hips is also common.

Exercise to Manage Pain

For all arthritus types, managing your pain can be enhanced by exercise. Movement reduces the pain, improves your range of motion and strengthens your muscles. Focus on gentle stretching and strengthening exercise programs. Walking and low-impact aerobics, yoga and body sculpting are excellent forms of exercise for persons with any of the arthritus types.

A new alternative is the Pain Management Therapy relief which is now available free to qualifying Medical Insurance subscribers. To find out if you qualify for FREE therapy click on the box below

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P.S. You may have mistyped arthritis - which is the correct spelling.  We are trying to ensure that everyone who needs the information has access to it even if they mistype the word.

Chronic pain is the leading cause of disability in the United States affecting more than 20 million. If you suffer from chronic pain, such as arthritis, you can find relief. Our partners provide pain relief treatment options, which are covered by Medicare insurance. You can speak directly to a specialist who can explain all your options. Don’t wait another day to learn how you can find relief.

A relatively new form of treatment is hot and cold therapt which is used to stimulate the blood flow around affected joints. This Pain Management Therapy can bring welcome relief to many people. The good news is that under most forms of Medicare the treatment is covered and is therefore free.

You can find out if you are eligible by clicking here

Fill Out The Simple Form on the next Page to Learn What Pain Management Therapy Can Do For You:

• Provides pain relief without medication or side effects
• Ideal for painful or arthritic knees, shoulders, neck, ankles, back, muscles and more
• Approved for treatment of diabetic neuropathy as well
• We help you with the paperwork Medicare approved
• Proven, FDA-approved treatments
• Free consultation

A new alternative arthritis remedy is the Pain Management Therapy relief which is now available free to qualifying Medical Insurance subscribers. To find out if you qualify for FREE therapy click on the box below

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A lot of people do ask if an arthritis diet can help reduce the pain or onset of arthritis. The scientific evidence is far from clear on this matter and there are many people in opposing camps. There are quite a number of food myths surrounding arthritis diet.

Some people indicate that dairy products cause arthritis, that cider vinegar and honey will cure arthritis, and acidic fruits (such as lemons, oranges and grapefruit) and night shade vegetables (such as potatoes, aubergines and peppers) can make symptoms worse. Many people living with arthritis, especially rheumatoid arthritis, also say there’s a link between certain foods and the flare-ups they experience and they therefore watch their arthritis diet very carefully.

There’s little real evidence to support these claims, but some studies have suggested that certain foods may help reduce pain, inflammation and slow the progression of arthritis. These foods all contribute to a healthy balanced arthritis diet, which will not only help with the arthritis, but can also reduce your general risk of developing other health complications, such as heart disease, osteoporosis and obesity.

People who are on steroids over a long period of time are more likely to develop osteoporosis. You can reduce your risk of this in your arthritis diet by eating foods that are rich in calcium and vitamin D. Calcium-rich foods include dairy products (milk, cheese and yoghurt), nuts and seeds (especially sesame seeds) and fish such as sardines or whitebait (especially if you eat the bones). The sun on our skin is our main source of vitamin D. However, vitamin D can also be found in fortified foods, such as cereals and margarines, and oily fish.

Certain foods, such as patés, uncooked meats and unpasteurised dairy products, can increase the risk of developing food poisoning. People taking immunosuppressant drugs best avoid them.

There is increasing evidence that a Mediterranean diet is a good arthritis diet and is good for a number of other conditions. This arthritis diet includes lots of fruit, vegetables, fish, grains and pulses, with a moderate intake of red meat. Foods rich in omega-3 are believed to have an anti-inflammatory effect, which may reduce the pain associated with inflamed joints. Omega-3 is found in oily fish, such as sardines, mackerel and salmon. Try to eat at least two portions of oily fish a week. Omega-3 is also found in nuts and seeds (especially linseed or flax seed) and is regularly used to fortify margarines, cereals and bio-live yoghurt drinks.

A new alternative arthritis remedy is the Pain Management Therapy relief which is now available free to qualifying Medical Insurance subscribers. To find out if you qualify for FREE therapy click on the box below

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According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons there are three basic types of arthritis that may cause arthritic knee or arthritic knees

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritic knee. OA is usually a slowly progressive degenerative disease in which the joint cartilage gradually wears away. It most often affects middle-aged and older people.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory type of arthritis that can destroy the joint cartilage. RA can occur at any age. RA generally affects both arthritic knees.

Post-traumatic Arthritis

Post-traumatic arthritis can develop after an injury to the knee. This type of arthritis is similar to osteoarthritis and may develop years after a fracture, ligament injury, or meniscus tear.

Generally, the pain associated with arthritis develops gradually, although sudden onset is also possible.

arthritic knee

The arthritic knee  joint may become stiff and swollen, making it difficult to bend or straighten the knee.

Pain and swelling are worse in the morning or after a period of inactivity. Pain may also increase after activities such as walking, stair climbing, or kneeling.

The pain may often cause a feeling of weakness in the arthritic knee, resulting in a “locking” or “buckling.”

Many people report that changes in the weather also affect the degree of pain from arthritis.
Doctor examination
Your doctor will perform a physical examination that focuses on your walk, the range of motion in the limb, and joint swelling or tenderness.

X-rays typically show a loss of joint space in the affected arthritic knee.

Blood and other special imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be needed to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis.

If you have osteoarthritis of the knee, you can take advantage of a wide range of treatment options. The effectiveness of different treatments varies from person to person. The choice of treatment should be a joint decision between you and your physician.

The purpose of treatment is to reduce arthritic knees pain, increase function and generally reduce your symptoms. Patient satisfaction is a fundamental goal in treating osteoarthritis of the knee.

In its early stages, arthritic knee is treated with nonsurgical measures. Nonsurgical treatments fall into four major groups: lifestyle modifications; exercise; supportive devices; other methods.

Lifestyle Modification

Lifestyle modifications can include losing weight, switching from running or jumping exercises to swimming or cycling, and minimizing activities that aggravate the condition, such as climbing stairs. Many, but not all, people with osteoarthritis of the knee are overweight. Simple weight loss can reduce stress on weight bearing joints, such as the arthritic knee. Losing weight can result in reduced pain and increased function, particularly in walking.

Exercise

Exercises can help increase range of motion and flexibility as well as help strengthen the muscles in the leg. Physical therapy and exercise are often effective in reducing pain and improving function. Your physician or a physical therapist can help develop an individualized exercise program that meets your needs and lifestyle

Supportive Devices

Using supportive devices, such as a cane, wearing energy-absorbing shoes or inserts, or wearing a brace or arthritic knee sleeve can be helpful. Some research studies have focused on the use of knee braces for treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. They may be especially helpful if the arthritis is centered on one side of the knee. A brace can assist with stability and function. There are two types of braces that are often used. An “unloader” brace shifts load away from the affected portion of the arthritic knees. A “support” brace helps support the entire knee load. In most studies, the knee symptoms improved, with a decrease in pain on weightbearing and a general ability to walk longer distances.

Other Methods

Other measures may include applications of heat or ice, water exercises, liniments or elastic bandages.
Drug Treatment
Several types of drugs can be used in treating arthritic knees. Because every patient is different, and because not all people respond the same to medications, your orthopaedic surgeon will develop a program for your specific condition.

Anti-inflammatory medications can include aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help reduce swelling in the joint. Simple pain relievers such as Tylenol are available without a prescription and can be very effective in reducing pain. Pain relievers are usually the first choice of therapy for osteoarthritis of the knee. All drugs have potential side effects and simple analgesics are no exception. In addition, with time, your body can build up a tolerance, reducing the effects of the pain reliever. It is important to realize that these medications, although purchased over-the-counter, can also interact with other medications you are taking, such as blood-thinners. Be sure to discuss these issues with your orthopaedist or primary physician.

A more potent type of pain reliever is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug or NSAID. These drugs, which include brands such as Motrin, Advil and Aleve, are available in both over-the-counter and prescription forms. Like all pain relievers, NSAIDs can cause side effects including changes in kidney and liver function as well as a reduction in the ability of blood to clot. These effects are usually reversible when the medication is discontinued.

A COX-2 inhibitor is a special type of NSAID that is often prescribed if knee pain is moderate to severe. Common brand names of COX-2 inhibitors include Celebrex and Vioxx. It should be noted that Vioxx was recently withdrawn from the market by its manufacturer. COX-2 inhibitors reduce pain and inflammation so that you can function better. If you are taking a COX-2 inhibitor, you should not use a traditional NSAID (prescription or over-the-counter). Be sure to tell your doctor if you have had a heart attack, stroke, angina, blood clot or hypertension or if you are sensitive to aspirin, sulfa drugs or other NSAIDs.

COX-2 inhibitors can have side effects, including abdominal pain, nausea and indigestion. Antacids or a fatty meal can limit the body’s ability to absorb and use COX-2 inhibitors, so do not take them together. These drugs are less irritating to the stomach than other NSAIDs, but abdominal bleeding can occur, sometimes without warning.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Glucosamine and chondroitin (kon-dro’-i-tin) sulfate are oral supplements may relieve the pain of osteoarthritis. These are two large molecules that are found in the cartilage of our joints. Supplements sold over-the-counter are usually made from synthetic or animal products.

Glucosamine and/or chondroitin sulfate may be particularly helpful in the early stages of osteoarthritis of the knee, provided they are used as directed on package inserts and with caution. Although glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are natural substances, sometimes classified as food additives, they can cause side effects such as headaches, stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, and skin reactions. These supplements can interact with other medications, so keep your doctor informed about your use of them.

These substances can help reduce swelling and tenderness in arthritic knees, as well as improve mobility and function. If you decide to take this therapy, it is important not to discontinue too soon. At least two months of continuous use is necessary before the full effect is realized.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory agents that can be injected into the arthritic knee joint.

They are given for moderate to severe pain. They can be very useful if there is significant swelling, but are not very helpful if the arthritis affects the joint mechanics.

Corticosteroids or cortison are natural substances known as hormones. They are produced by the adrenal glands in the human body. They can provide pain relief and reduce inflammation with a subsequent increase in quadriceps (thigh muscle) strength. However, the effects are not long-lasting, and no more than four injections should be given per arthritic knee  joint per year.

In addition, there is some concern about the use of these injections. For example, pain and swelling may “flare” immediately after the injection, and the potential exists for long-term joint damage or infection. With frequent repeated injections or over an extended period of time, arthritic knees joint damage can actually increase rather than decrease.

Viscosupplementation with Hyaluronic Acid

Viscosupplementation involves injecting substances into the joint to improve the quality of the arthritic knee joint fluid. Complete coverage of this technique can be found in the article titled “Viscosupplementation Treatment for Arthritis.”

Gold Salt Injections

Special medical treatments for rheumatoid arthritis include gold salt injections and other disease-modifying drugs.
Alternative Therapies
Alternative therapies include the use of acupuncture and magnetic pulse therapy. Many forms of therapy are unproven, but reasonable to try, provided you find a qualified practitioner and keep your physician informed of your decisions.

Acupuncture uses fine needles to stimulate specific body areas to relieve pain or temporarily numb an area. Although it is used in many parts of the world and evidence suggests that it can help ease the pain of arthritis, there are few scientific studies of its effectiveness. Be sure your acupuncturist is certified, and do not hesitate to ask about his or her sterilization practices.

Magnetic pulse therapy is painless and works by applying a pulsed signal to the arthritic knee, which is placed in an electromagnetic field. Like many alternative therapies, magnetic pulse therapy has yet to be proven.
Surgical Treatment
If your arthritic knees do not respond to these nonsurgical treatments, you may need to have surgery.

There are a number of surgical options, including the following:

• Arthroscopic surgery uses fiber optic technology to enable the surgeon to see inside the joint and clean it of debris or repair torn cartilage.
• An osteotomy cuts the shinbone (tibia) or the thighbone (femur) to improve the alignment of the arthritic knee joint.
• A total or partial knee arthroplasty replaces the severely damaged knee joint cartilage with metal and plastic.
• Cartilage grafting is possible for some arthritic knees with limited or contained cartilage loss from trauma or arthritis.

A new alternative is the Pain Management Therapy relief which is now available free to qualifying Medical Insurance subscribers. To find out if you qualify for FREE therapy click on the box below

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Arthritis is an inflammatory condition of the joints. Symptoms of inflammatory arthritis include pain, swelling, reduced range of motion and stiffness. There are more than 100 forms of arthritis, but the most common is osteoarthritis. According to the Arthritis Foundation, 21 percent of adults have a form of doctor-diagnosed arthritis. Treating inflammatory arthritis flare-ups and pain is important to successfully controlling the condition. Medication, lifestyle changes and home remedies can decrease arthritis symptoms. There is no cure for the condition, but controlling they symptoms can provide relief.

Over the Counter Medications

Take over-the-counter medications before performing activities that will cause a flare-up. Acetaminophen, or Tylenol, is one of the first medications recommended for arthritis treatment. Take up to 2 g a day, recommends the National Institutes of Heatlh. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, include Advil and Motrin. Naproxen sodium, sold as the brand name Aleve, will also decrease pain. Understand that NSAIDs and naproxen sodium have potential side effects, including heart attack, strokes and ulcers. Discuss with a medical professional how and when to take these medications. Understand as the disease progresses, stronger pain medications will be needed. Corticosteroid injections and other prescription drugs can decrease inflammation to the affected area.

Physical Exercise

Work with a physical therapist to create an exercise program to relieve joints from paint and swelling. A specific program may include aerobics, stretching, range-of-motion and strength-training activities. Follow the routine to reduce swelling and joint fatigue. The National Institutes of Health also suggests water therapy, hot/cold therapy, ice massage and transcutaneous nerve stimulation for additional relief.

Lifestyle Changes

Remember that rest is just as important. The National Institutes of Health recommends 8 to 10 hours of sleep a day. Do not overexert your body or joints by placing additional stress on the affected body parts. Reduce stress from other sources; go for walks, meditate or simply close your eyes and listen to soft music. Use deep breathing exercises — perhaps take a yoga or tai chi class. Use a variety of medical assistive aids, such as grab bars and gripping tools, to make living at home easier. Work with an occupational therapist to learn new methods of functioning around the home —from opening a glass jar to switching on the shower.

If the inflammatory arthritis persists for any length of time do consult your doctor.

A new alternative is the Pain Management Therapy relief which is now available free to qualifying Medical Insurance subscribers. To find out if you qualify for FREE therapy click on the box below

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Arthritis is characterized by the inflammation of the joints in the body. There are more than 100 different arthritis types. The two most common forms of arthritis types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Both of these arthritis types have different causes, risk factors and complications. But both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are characterized by joint pain which can be mild to severe.

Diagnosing Arthritis Types

A persistent pain and/or stiffness in any joint for longer than two weeks could mean you have arthritis. One-third of all adults in the United States are suffering from joint pain. Diagnostic tests that can determine if you have arthritis are X-rays, blood tests, joint fluid analysis and arthroscopy.

X-rays can show what the joint looks like, whether the space is narrowing or if there are bone spurs that are indicators of arthritis. Blood tests will detect if the condition is rheumatoid arthritis and not osteoarthritis or some of the other arthritis types. Joint fluid analysis is taken by the insertion of a long needle to take out fluid in the arthritic joint. Your doctor will rule out gout and infection before giving you the diagnosis of arthritis. In arthroscopy, your doctor places a tiny camera into the joint to see if there are any abnormalities. This description is a guide only and you should consider consulting a doctor if symptoms persist.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, where the cartilage that supports the bone starts to break down. As the cartilage wears out, the bones rub together and cause pain, loss of mobility, and stiffness. In some cases an injury of a joint can cause arthritis years later. The first thing you might notice when you have osteoarthritis is that joints lose flexibility and you get injured easier. Your bones start thickening and bony growths, called spurs, start to grow. You may feel bits of bone rumbling around in your joint or a grinding feeling.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. This arthritis type is due to an inflammation of the joint lining or the synovial fluid that lubricates the joint. People with the disease create antibodies that attack their own joints. Women are two-thirds more likely to get rheumatoid arthritis than men. Research is being done to find out why female hormones affect the joints. These arthritis types tends to be genetic. Rheumatoid arthritis can become severe. Seeking immediate care is important to minimize damage to the joints.

Treatment

In all arthritis types, the treatment will mostly likely include controlling inflammation and pain by using anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Ibuprofen. Some arthritis sufferers will be given steroid drugs like Prednisone, to slow down damage to the joints. Another option available is arthroscopic surgery to remove loose cartilage, fix tears and smooth out bone surfaces. Joint replacement surgery of the knees, shoulders or hips is also common.

Exercise to Manage Pain

For all arthritis types, managing your pain can be enhanced by exercise. Movement reduces the pain, improves your range of motion and strengthens your muscles. Focus on gentle stretching and strengthening exercise programs. Walking and low-impact aerobics, yoga and body sculpting are excellent forms of exercise for persons with any of the arthritis types.

A new alternative is the Pain Management Therapy relief which is now available free to qualifying Medical Insurance subscribers. To find out if you qualify for FREE therapy click on the box below

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If you are struggling with chronic arthritis neck pain and shoulder pain and/or stiffness it could be from arthritis. However, there are many other conditions and injuries that can cause symptoms in these areas as well. So you do need to take specialist medical advice if the arthritis neck pain is severe. There are ways to determine if your symptoms are due to arthritis neck pain or another cause. If you do have neck and shoulder arthritis there are ways to manage the symptoms.

Background

Arthritis is a general term that is used to describe over one hundred conditions. The only way to know if your symptoms are due to arthritis is to have the proper tests done. This includes x-rays, MRIs and blood tests. Your doctor will also perform a full physical exam, and take down the history of the symptoms you are experiencing. The two most common forms are osteoarthritis (a wearing away of the cartilage in the joints) and rheumatoid arthritis (an inflammatory disease). Arthritis effects everyone differently. However, if you are diagnosed with arthritis in the neck and shoulder, there are some common symptoms you may experience, mainly the arthritis neck pain.

Non-stop Pain

Chronic or non-stop pain is one of the most common symptoms of arthritis in the neck and shoulders. The pain can feel like a dull constant ache. For some patients the pain can be sharp, burning or stabbing and it can radiate to other areas of the body. Arthritis neck pain can start at the base of the skull and radiate to the shoulders. Headaches can also occur with this condition. The pain from shoulder arthritis can radiate down one or both arms. Arthritis neck pain often becomes worse during activity and lessens when you rest. Arthritis neck pain can cause discomfort on just one side of the body or on both sides.

Muscle Stiffness

Neck and shoulder arthritis can cause stiffness as well. Stiffness is often the first symptom of neck arthritis that appears. With arthritis neck pain, you may notice trouble when trying to turn your head or bend it side to side. You may also have restricted motion in the shoulders or arms. If you have arthritis in the shoulder joints, everyday tasks such as dressing, combing your hair and bathing can become more difficult, due to less range of motion in the joint. If not treated, stiffness can become worse over time, and your range of motion will continue to decrease.

Muscle Weakness

Arthritis in the neck and shoulder can lead to muscle weakness or sensations of numbness or tingling in the arms, hands or fingers. Due to arthritic changes in the neck and shoulder area, there may be pressure on the nerves that run through the vertebrae in the neck. When the nerves are compressed, signals can not get to the muscles in the arm and hands. This means that your muscles can not contract properly and you may have trouble grasping things. If there is compression on a nerve your reflexes will also be slower and it will lead to arthritis neck pain. In more severe cases the weakness or feelings of numbness can also spread to the legs and feet, making it difficult to balance and walk. There can also be difficulty with urinating. Pressure on the nerves can lead to frequent urination or incontinence.

Solution

The first step to managing neck and shoulder arthritis neck pain symptoms, is to have your condition correctly diagnosed. Depending on the severity of the damage to the joints, a program of heat, ice, rest and physical therapy may help to alleviate your symptoms. Gentle strength training and stretching exercises will help you to regain lost range of motion and relieve stiffness. Over the counter or prescription pain medications may be needed to help you go about everyday activities and allow you to get adequate sleep. In cases where there is severe arthritis neck pain or compression to a nerve, surgery may be necessary to help control the disease.

A new alternative is the Pain Management Therapy relief which is now available free to qualifying Medical Insurance subscribers. To find out if you qualify for FREE therapy click on the box below

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