Knee Arthritis|Knock Knees|Virtual Knee Surgery

A knee strap is rising in popularity as one of the most beneficial pieces of sports equipment. A good number of straps for knee support have gone fashionable, as well as equipped with more features that ensure knee support and stability. Moreover, some straps feature magnets that encourage better blood circulation in the knee area. Other straps also feature more flexible fits and pressure points that actually massage the supported area.

Knee straps are recommended for the prevention and rehabilitation of injuries in the knee and for patients with knee problems. Knee problems and injuries have risen through the decades. New medical conditions have been discovered due to people getting more active and as they age. This piece of knee equipment have been proven to be beneficial for patients suffering from patella tendinitis (affecting the kneecap), apexitis patellae (more popularly known as jumpers knee or jumper's knee), apophysitis, patellar chondromalacia (also known as irritated kneecap), and Osgood Schlatter's disease (a condition common among teenagers wherein the upper portion of the knee is overused), among other conditions.

A knee strap, if effective, should provide pressure that is focused on the particular portion of the knee to reduce pain. Stabilization of the kneecap is also key to health of the knees, and a good strap should be able to provide it. Other important benefits of this equipment are that it should improve knee alignment and tracking. Of course, fit, compression, comfort and breathability are important. The equipment's material is also important as it should be made from material that allows breathability, as it is often used when someone is engaged in intense physical activity. Poor material might cause the equipment to infect the skin of the knee, adding dermatological concerns to the list.

Not only athletes and people engaging in physical activity can benefit from a good knee strap. This piece of equipment is also beneficial for aging people whose knees need all the support they can get. Sports enthusiasts such as golfers, skiers, runners, tennis players should use it especially during training sessions. People suffering from medical conditions such as arthritis, bursitis, and knee stability can definitely use the help they can get from a strap. Also, people engaged in professions that require them to stand for long periods of time such as sales professionals, teachers, and security personnel, as well as people engaged in lifting with weights that take a toll on their knees should consider straps to support their knees. Straps are intended to be worn in sports, as well as everyday activities.

Have you ever heard a popping sound, or a cracking sound in your knee? - We hope you have not, but if you have then this article was written for your eyes.

Often times knee pain can accompany this kind of a noise, and when it does the discomfort can be intense!

Maybe you can relate to this kind of a knee problem...

Let's take some time to discuss these sounds more in depth, as they may be attributed to different kinds of knee issues.

Popping Sounds

Popping sounds in the knee are common, whether you have a knee problem or not. Obviously, the bigger concern here is when these sounds are associated with knee pain or a knee injury.

For example, a "pop" sound is often heard or felt in the knee when a ligament tear happens. One of the most common popping sounds that people can have is when you injure your ACL (anterior cruciate ligament).

Crunching/Cracking Sounds & Sensations

When bone grinds against bone, due to a wearing away of cartilage, you may experience a cracking sound or sensation. People often have these kinds of issues when they suffer from a form of arthritis.

As a result of having these knee issues, people should often times look toward supportive options. Knee braces can be very effective when you have an ACL tear, MCL tear, or meniscus tear. Moreover, if you have arthritis, knee supports can also help to decrease pain and help add needed stability. They will obviously not give you back your knee cartilage, but they will help you resist excessive movements that will push you over the edge into a painful situation.

When you finally get sick of having knee pain, you should seriously consider using a knee brace. Sometimes you have no choice but to have surgery, and your physician's advice should always be considered as well. - Knee braces can help you maintain proper alignment and reduce pain due to the meaningful support that they can help provide.

When you are looking into your knee support options, we will not tell you which kind to get, because that decision should be up to you... But, what we do want to suggest to you is that you go with a brace specialist, not just someone that buys and sells knee supports. There is a difference in the support that you will get as a result and getting a well designed knee brace is important.

Looking good in high heels does not come without a price. Heels make your legs look longer and attractive no wonder a poll by The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists found that a quarter of women wear heels very regularly if not everyday. This may be the reason why millions of women could be at risk of arthritis in their knees. Wearing high heels could most certainly put women's knees at risk of arthritis along with other serious problems such as bad posture and ingrown toenails. People, who need bunion operations, help with foot pain and removal of corns and calluses is also on the increase reported by podiatrists.

Remember all those times when you have squeezed your feet into tight ill fitting high heels, bending your toes into abnormal positions. As a consequence, you end up with sore, blistered, thick skinned feet which rub against your shoes causing you pain with most likely every step you take. Several hundred tons of pressure is what your feet are put under every day from just walking. This adds up to a whole lot of pain. Changing something as simple as the type of shoe you wear could make all the difference. Basically the higher the heel, the worse it is for you.

Wearing high heels changes the way you walk as your centre of gravity is put on the ball of your foot. High heels also affect body posture by placing more pressure on knee, ankle and foot joints. This can cause strain to the cartilage and lead to the start of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, it is seen a lot more in women than in men. Wearing high-heeled shoes considerably changes the normal role of the ankle. Due to the compromise of this function, the knee and hip are used instead to maintain steadiness whilst walking, mostly at the knee. Women walking in high heels put a lot more strain between the kneecap and thigh bone as well as in the inner side of the knee joint compared to when they walk in bare feet.

The society has warned, with levels of obesity on the increase and people living longer, together with poor footwear could result in an "arthritis crisis". Wearing the right footwear will help to reduce the stress your feet and joints are under through your daily life. Little changes can help decrease the risk of joint damage and injury. Wearing shoes with a heel height of no more than 2-3cm (one inch) is recommended for daily wear. Preferably shoes with a shock-absorbent sole as they will help keep shock to the joints to a minimum.

It is vital to be aware of what kind of footwear to use when exercising or taking part in sport. Prof Redmond has said: "Those who wear trainers that are not designed for sporting activity are placing themselves at real risk." It is important that shoes which are specially designed for the sport you play are used as wearing incorrect footwear can increase the possibility of developing arthritis. During some sports, the force going through your joints can be more than eight times your body weight, so we cannot state how important it is to wear the right footwear for your sport.

The poll also showed that while 65% of people have suffered stiffness or pain in their lower body and feet, only half of those tried to find help for the symptoms they experienced. Prof Redmond said: "If you do experience frequent pain in your feet or ankles, don't ignore it, as something can always be done." Early treatment can be essential to achieve the best result for the long-term. If you have arthritis pain in your feet or knees when you walk then get in touch with a podiatrist who can help you choose the right pair of shoes for you.

If you can't give up your high-heels then here are a few tips to minimize their effects:

• Try to limit how long you wear your high heels by changing to good quality trainers or flats for some of the day.


• Go for "walking" pumps, which are fashionable and at the same time they provide athletic shoe-like construction, reinforced heels, and wider toe room, helping to put your feet under less strain.


• If you must wear heels more than 2-3 inches high then only wear them on special occasions.


• Take your shoes off when you can to give your feet and legs a bit of a break.


• Buy shoes which have a rubber heel as they will absorb the impact on your knees whilst walking.

Ladies you have to take care of your feet, more than you already thought. It can save you from a lot of unnecessary pain in the future so the next time you are out shopping for a pair of new shoes, just stop and think for a minute. A small change can make a big difference and benefit your health.

Young or old, man or woman, heavy or thin, athletic or sedentary - sharp knee pain causes can be as varied and complex as the people who experience it. No matter what the cause of discomfort, there is one commonality: It hurts bad!

When your knee joint hurts it can stop you in your tracks, put a damper on your activities, and generally decrease your quality of life. - You may be unfortunately suffering through the harsh reality of this problem right now.

What's more interesting is that knee discomfort causes can be difficult to identify because numerous factors may be contributing to your discomfort. (Hey, the knee is just a little complicated!) Still, figuring out the cause of sharp knee pain is one positive step toward making it feel better.

Sharp knee pain causes are often hard to pinpoint because of the inconsistency of the pain. It may come and go, or it may be present with some activities, but not others. Actually, this seeming inconsistency may hold the key to identifying the problem, so it is important to keep track of when you experience your pain issues, and what activities you were doing at the time.

Some knee pain causes are obvious. Sudden injury to the muscles or ligaments in the joint (i.e. twisting the knee) can cause pain, trauma to the knee (i.e. falling or banging the knee cap), can also cause sharp pain.

However, other causes of knee pain are not quite so obvious. A few of the more common, less obvious causes are as follows:

Arthritis: Arthritis can develop slowly, gradually affecting the mobility of the knee until one day, you begin to experience severe discomfort.

Free-Floating Matter: Bits of bone or cartilage can break off within the joint and shift around, interfering with the mechanics of the knee and causing problem you are having.

Chondromalacia: This condition occurs when the cartilage under the knee cap (patella) becomes soft, allowing the knee cap to rub against the bone, causing sharp pain.

Misalignment: The knee joint can become misaligned, forcing the patella out of place and putting extra stress on the muscles and ligaments. This problem, sometimes caused by such simple things as improper gait, bad posture, and overuse, can be a cause of discomfort.

Bursitis or Tendonitis: Sometimes, the bursae (sacs of fluid) around the knee joint, or the tendons within the knee become inflamed, and becomes another of the many knee pain causes.

There are many other sharp knee pain causes. In order to properly diagnose the causes of your knee pain, you need to be evaluated by a qualified medical professional. Still, in the interim, whatever the cause of your knee pain, you may be able to obtain some relief through the use of a well designed knee brace.

Whatever the cause of your knee pain, a brace may help alleviate the symptoms. Simple to use, knee supports come in a variety of styles and types. Some are rigid, with a hinged mechanism to assist controlling excessive movements; others are soft and flexible, being more flexible in nature.

Regardless of the style or type, knee braces are designed to help support your knee, helping to take the excessive pressures off the joint and thus helping to reduce any inflammation that may be causing sharp knee pain. - Knee braces are also designed to help keep the knee properly aligned, thus helping to prevent problems caused by misalignment while also helping you to avoid traumatic injury.

We suggest that you do not look back, wishing you would have faced your knee problem earlier...

My Aunt Helen once said to me "Sooner or later ole Uncle
Arthur-Itis will get you." She lived to be 99 years old, so
apparently Aunt Helen was able to hold Uncle Arthur at
bay.

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common medical
conditions, affecting an estimated 15.8 million Americans.
Usually it is chronic and occurs when the cartilage erodes
that normally cushions the joint and protects it from impact.
As bone rubs against bone, a person will feel pain and have
difficulty moving the joint. Osteoarthritis can range from mild
to severe and age is a leading risk factor.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis include joint pain and swelling,
limited flexibility, grinding sensation with joint motion, and
numbness or tingling in an extremity.

In Aunt Helen's day, doctors usually told the arthritis sufferer
to rest the joints. But if she were here today, her doctor
would likely suggest exercise and/or drugs or dietary
supplements instead.

There are prescription drugs available that help many
people and your doctor may recommend one of them.
Sometimes he may have to try several in order to find one
that helps you without undesirable side effects.

Another new treatment is a series of hyaluronate injections.
This provides lubrication and nutrition to the joint; however
some studies have found no benefit.

Also available are dietary supplements that help with
arthritis pain. Studies suggest that glucosamine sulfate, an
over-the-counter supplement, may provide benefit for those
with osteoarthritis in the knees. Other non-prescription
supplements include chondroitin and MSM which are often
combined with glucosamine into one capsule. Another
option is SAM-E, a product available in health food stores,
which some people find to be of benefit. SAM-E also helps
combat depression and should not be taken with
prescription drugs for depression.

Recently interest has developed in the role of exercise for
arthritis. Dr. Ronenn Roubenoff, MD, MHS, a rheumatologist
and associate professor in the Friedman School of Nutrition
at Tufts University in Boston, says, "Often what happens with
someone who has arthritis is that a doctor says to go out
and walk in order to reduce the pain. So the patient tries it.
But in people with arthritis, the knee is the joint most
commonly afflicted, followed by the hip, so walking hurts
and that leads to a negative cycle. The person stops
exercising and gains weight because they're not engaged in
any physical activity. The extra weight then puts even more
pressure on the joints and the pain feels even worse."
Indeed for every pound you weigh, each step you take puts
up to 3 pounds of pressure across your knees and hips.
Every step you take down, as when you are descending a
staircase or stepping off a bus, puts up to 6 pounds of
pressure on your lower limb joints per pound of body
weight. Gain just 10 extra pounds and you're facing as many
as 60 extra pounds of pressure on your knees every time
you step off a curb.

Dr Roubenoff, along with Miriam Nelson, PhD and
Kristin Baer, PhD, of Tufts designed a study to test whether
certain kinds of exercises not generally recommended for
people with arthritis would help them move about more
freely and without pain.

After just 4 months, the two dozen exercisers in the Tufts
study experienced a 43 percent reduction in pain, compared
with just 12 percent in a control group that did not do any
strength training. And physical function in the exercise group
improved by 44 percent overall--almost twice as much as in
the control group.

Why is it that strength training can free up a person with
arthritis in a way that aerobics alone cannot? How can
strength exercise help a person with knee or hip arthritis to
walk and get around better, when walking without strength
training first might only cause more pain and
immobility?

Dr Roubenoff says: Think how a car functions on a bumpy
road. It's the role of the shock absorbers to take each bump
as it comes so that a jarring shock isn't sent up to the
passengers. If the shocks fail, the car's spring and axle
assembly absorb the jolt, but the passengers really feel it.
In your body the muscles are the shock absorbers. The
joints are the springs and axles. Thus the better shape the
muscles are in, the better they can take each shock as the
body hits the ground, sparing arthritic joints and thereby
sparing the person further pain.

Strength training directly targets the muscles and when they
are stronger, you can walk and get around better because
the joints affected by arthritis are relieved of much of their
shock bearing burden.

I can testify that strengthening leg muscles help relieve
arthritis pain because I constantly hear participants in my
strength exercise classes tell me how getting stronger has
helped relieve their arthritis pain in knees, hips and
shoulders.

Now you're probably asking, "What exercises should I do?"
Squats are the exercise most recommended for arthritic
knees--they help strengthen the quadriceps, the muscles in
the front of the thighs. For instructions on doing them
properly to avoid injury, visit my web site:
http://www.StrongOver40.com. My book "Over 40 & Gettin'
Stronger" contains an easy to learn weight training workout
for the entire body.

While squats help most people, I find that one person out of
everiy 100 cannot do squats without pain--they should not
do them and should check with their doctor.

Phyllis Rogers is not liable for any injury incurred while
doing the exercises recommended in this article.

Arthritis hates acai berry because it supplies the body with a lot of different types of vitamins, minerals, etc.

Arthritis thrives in these types of environments:

• joints that are old


• joints that are damaged


• joints that are injured


• joints that have very little blood flow


• body that are depleted from vitamins


• cells that are depleted from minerals including trace and macro minerals


• cells that have no anti oxidants present

Acai berry especially some of the more popular mixtures of acai berry juices provide so much positive minerals, vitamins, ezymes, amino acids, etc. that arthritis has a very difficult time functioning properly. Arthritis hates acai berry for the simple fact that you are feeding your body from the inside out. That is the proper way to start reversing the damage to your cells. We all have red how red wine is loaded with anti-oxidants and acai berry has even more anti-oxidants than red wine. Anti oxidants have a cleansing effect that doesn't sit well with arthritis.

Acai berry and arthritis are like dogs and cats, they will tolerate each other so much and then they go to war. The war, that is raging in your body has been going on for many years. Basically from the time you turned 18 till now. If you have been feeding your body from the inside out, then arthritis has a difficult time living inside. However, if you are like most people who really don't take care of themselves, then you might have some serious problems that haven't even been noticed.

If you have rheumatoid arthritis, the number one problem you want to relieve is the arthritis pain. I honestly cannot tell you if acai berry will reduce the arthritis pain (some RA suffers have had positive comments about acai berry) but I can tell you that it probably would not hurt. I'm sure if you ask your doctor about acai berry and rheumatoid arthritis they might be very supportive of trying it. Only your doctor can tell you yes or no. Right?

Here is what I do know about acai berry and arthritis. Drinking acai berry juice is an all natural supplement that has been consumed for many years. It works wonders for people who have not been taking care of their bodies (nutrition wise) and it works well for people who have been supplementing for many years like myself.

Recently I ran out of my favorite all natural nutritional supplement and decided to give acai berry extract a try. I was impressed immediately with the taste and after a few days I was impressed with how well my body responded to acai berry. I can't tell you what you will experience because I do not know your body type, what type of nutritional program you consume. The only person who can tell you if it works or not is yourself.

I know my arthritic knees hate acai berry and I've been able to reduce the amount of glucosamine and chondroitin I consume. That makes me feel good and it's made a lot of my friends feel a lot better. There are some other positive results when acai berry is consumed that you can only find out by taking it yourself.

If you suffer from arthritis I would recommend giving acai berry extra a try, it can't hurt you that is for sure. I know in my body arthritis hates acai berry and I plan on keeping it that way.

Make it a arthritis pain free day.

If you are looking to purchase a portable electric scooter and are wondering if that kind of an outlay is right for you, you will find this article useful. It details three of the most common types of medical conditions that cause people to purchase a portable electric scooter. Even though the condition itself does not go away because of the purchase, a portable electric scooter can significantly reduce the consequences for personal mobility that such condition will have. Indeed, a simple electric scooter can often significantly improve the person's quality of life. The top three medical conditions or diseases that are significantly helped by a portable electric scooter are Physical Disability or Injury, Arthritis, and Lung Problems or Conditions. Let's look into more details of these.

Physical Disability or Injury

Typical physical disabilities or injuries that call for a portable electric scooter are difficulties that affect walking. Physical disabilities can be caused by injury. An example would be a foot crushed in an accident, severed Achilles' tendon. Another type of physical disability involves any kind of chronic feet pain, leg pain, or knee pain, or even back pain. Any such pains can cause a person to have difficulty walking even a short distance, like a couple of yards, or they can cause them to feel more pain after perhaps a few dozens of yards. Not only do these conditions prevent a person from walking, they also prevent him to stand up for extended periods of time. In both cases, a comfortable seat of a portable electric scooter comes in handy.

Arthritis

Several different types of arthritis can cause a person to have difficulties walking. Examples include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis in knees or hips. Arthritis is an inflammation of a particular body part, for example knee. When the joints in the knee are degenerated, it becomes indeed extremely painful to walk any distance at all.

Lung Problems and Conditions

Lung Problems and Conditions that impair a person's ability to walk on their own include lung cancer, breathing problems due to Emphysema, or COPD. When a person has their lung system impaired by a lung condition or problem, it is still possible to walk. However, the person gets tired and out of breath rapidly, causing them to slow down their walk or come to a complete stop. Operating an electric scooter can be a real boon for a person in such situation.

There you are. Top three medical conditions that indicate a purchase of a simple portable electric scooter. As long as the person still has some mobility in their upper body, and enough strength to get on the scooter, steer the scooter, and get off, they can go to most places that people without the disabilities go. Patients have reported the return of their joy of life after they are once again able to visit friends, go out walk their dog, or just go shopping on their own. If you are suffering from one of the medical conditions mentioned, or if you know someone who suffers, you know that there is a solution out there for their mobility problems.

Rheumatoid and Osteoarthritis are two of the biggest and most common type of arthritis affecting millions of people worldwide.

As scientific advancement and the life span of human beings increases so does the number of diseases afflicting us. People live longer and osteoarthritis usually affects the older people.

Homeopathic treatment of arthritis has a number of useful medications which control and stop the progression of this very painful condition. Every individual patient reacts differently to different medications and a detailed analysis is necessary before medication is prescribed.

Listed below are some of the common drugs used in the treatment of osteoarthritis.

Aconitum napellus: Cold weather and chilly winds case a sudden flare up of inflammation. This medication helps in controlling the swelling.

Apis mellifica: Warm weather aggravates the pain and swelling in some patients and this leads to a lot of pain which could be acute in nature. The medication soothes the pain and swelling.

Arnica: Sports injuries can sometimes lead to arthritis and the medication helps in such cases.

Belladonna: Sudden inflammation and unbearable pain are symptoms that can be treated with this medication.

Bryonia: Most arthritis patients are advised plenty of rest so that there is no sudden movement of joints. This medication is used for treating acute pain.

Calcarea carbonica: People who are on the heavier side and sudden jerk and movement causes acute pain in such people. The knees are mostly affected as they have to carry a lot of weight. Te medication helps in such conditions.

Calcarea phosphorica: In certain patients there could be a deposit of calcium in the joints. This could lead to inflammation and pain. The pain is reduced using this medication.

Calcarea fluorica: Injury to joints and bone enlargement is treated with this medication.

Cimicifuga : Severe pain especially in the case of women during the menstrual period is best treated with this.

Dulcamara: Allergies and back pain caused due to arthritis is treated with this medication

Kali carbonicum: Deformity and cold weather induced arthritis is best treated with this medication.

Kalmia latiflora: Sudden attack of arthritis pain concentrated more on the knees is effectively treated with this.

Ledum palustre: Swelling and cracking joints are the most common symptoms of osteoarthritis and the medication helps in the treatment.

Pulsatilla: Sudden flare up of pain in the back and knees are best treated with this.

Rhus toxicodendron: Pain in the morning is best treated with this medication.

Ruta graveolens: Wear and tear of the joints causes lots of pain. This condition is best treated with this medication.

There are over hundred types of arthritis conditions and Gout is the most painful among them. Generally people above 50 years of age are affected most, especially men whereas it is a rare occurrence in women. Some women may develop Gout after menopause. This is considered as a chronic disease that occurs due to the deposition of needle like crystals of uric acid in the joints leading to swelling and inflammation causing acute pain. Being one of the most frequently recorded illnesses, Gout is also a genetically inherited disease. This painful condition demands thorough treatment to prevent crippling at an advanced age.

Symptoms

The most common outcome of Gout is the abnormal swelling of the big toe which becomes red and warm. Gout pain also affects other areas like elbows, knee joints, fingers, ankles, wrists. This results in the stiffness in the joints followed by severe attacks of pain often awakening a person from the sleep.

Causes and Risk factors

Blood contains a definite level of uric acid, which is regularly eliminated from the body through kidneys. When there is an abnormal rise in the blood uric levels, it starts depositing in the joints in the form of sharp crystals often forming lumps that causes the pain.

Factors that may cause Gout -

1. Too much drinking of alcohol
2. Excessive consumption of protein rich food
3. Obesity
4. High Blood pressure
5. Malfunctioning of the kidneys
6. Use of certain drugs in some cases.

Gout Treatment

Basic treatment involves changes in diet and lifestyle followed by other medications or natural remedies. Massage with Rumatone Gold oil is very helpful in gout treatment. If it is taken with Rumatone capsules it gives fast relief.

Diet

1. Purine rich food like red meat, liver, shellfish, refined and sweet foods must be avoided.
2. Blue berries, cherries, strawberries and other colorful berries must be taken regularly.
3. Drinking plenty of water, fluids and juices.
4. Eating fruits rich in Vitamin C like oranges, red capsicum, red cabbages etc. and Pineapple which is rich in Bromelain.

Treatments

The most common treatment involves the administration of NSAID, analgesics to reduce inflammation and provide relief from pain. In acute cases corticosteroids are given through short courses.

Few natural remedies that are commonly practiced in treating Gout arthritis are -

1. Raw vegetable juices that of carrot, beet and cucumber are beneficial in treating Gout. 100 ml. each of beet root and cucumber juice mixed with 300 ml. of carrot juices should be taken regularly.
2. Celery seeds and oil of Sir John's Wort herb are beneficial in treating gout.
3. Berries of Juniper blocks the synthesis of prostaglandins and are traditionally used for Gout treatment.
4. Application of cold packs, taking Epsom salt baths and regular physical workouts helps in treating Gout.

When my Shar Pei, Dozer, began to act like an old dog, my vet suggested I look into glucosamine.

I've heard of glucosamine, but that was in regard to people, not dogs. Can it really help dogs that are suffering from arthritis and joint pain?

Symptoms of Arthritis in Dogs

Dozer was 8 years old when he started to act like an old dog. He has always been somewhat reserved, dignified, but he started to walk very slowly, gingerly, as though he was having a tough time taking each step.

Climbing stairs seemed to be hard for him, too. He normally followed me down into the basement, but lately he started to sit at the top of the stairs and wait for me to come back up. Instead of exploring the yard while I hung my laundry on the clothesline, he would lay down in the cool grass and watch me.

Then he began to lay down in the bathroom. This was odd because he doesn't like baths, and normally he stays far away from the bathtub!

Plus, there are no windows in the bathroom - it's dark in there. He always liked to stay close to the french doors in the dining area, because he could watch out the windows for errant squirrels and other intruders who don't belong in his yard.

When I told the vet about this, he asked what kind of floor was in the bathroom. I told him it was ceramic tile - and he said that was the answer. Dozer's joints were aching, and the cool tile floor soothed the pain.

For Dog Arthritis, Glucosamine Has Been the Answer for Many

Arthritis is caused by a number of factors. The term "arthritis" actually covers more than 100 different joint pain conditions. It can be that the joint is inflamed, or infection, or the cartilage between bones wearing away and more.

Where the problem is cartilage wear, glucosamine for dogs may be the answer.

Where bones meet, say in a hip socket or knee socket, there is a layer of cartilage that acts like a shock absorber between the bones.

However, as we and our dogs age, that cartilage can wear away, leaving the bones rubbing against each other without any padding. That pain can be intense, as anyone who is a candidate for a knee or hip replacement can tell you.

Humans and canines produce glucosamine in the body naturally, but the aging process also causes glucosamine production to drop off.

The good news is that glucosamine is cheap and easy to obtain. It's made from crustacean shells, and since the crustaceans are normally the valued part of the crop, the shells are typically thrown away, meaning that glucosamine supplements for your pet can be relatively inexpensive.

Types of Glucosamine for Arthritis in Dogs

There are 4 types of glucosamine, but the two most effective are Glucosamine Sulfate and Glucosamine Hydrochloride or HCL.

If your dog's arthritis pain is caused by wearing of the cartilage between bones, then you'll want to start supplementing with glucosamine as soon as possible. You'll need to give this supplement for the rest of your dog's life since your pet's body is no longer providing the needed levels of glucosamine.

Glucosamine supplements can encourage the cartilage to regenerate, but it won't completely solve his joint pain problem. If you stop supplementing, you'll see a return of arthritis symptoms.

How Do You Give Your Dog Glucosamine?

Glucosamine for dogs comes in pills that are swallowed, chewable tablets and liquids.

Of course, if your pet takes pills well, then that may be the best solution for you.

Dozer, however, does not like pills, so we decided to try liquid and chewables.

Some dogs are happy with chewable tablets, thinking they are treats, but Dozer would have none of that. The other alternative is the pour-on liquid, which we poured over his dinner at night. That worked well for us. He cleaned it up right away!

We started to notice an improvement about 5 days after his first supplement. Two weeks later, he was back to his old self, jumping into the truck to check out the cows and running up and down the basement stairs after me. What a joy it was to see him feeling good again!

The good news is that glucosamine supplements for dogs typically work that quickly, with most dog owners noticing results within 10 days to 2 weeks.

What Dosage of Glucosamine is Best for Dogs With Arthritis?

Watch the product bottles carefully, since they may list dosages that are hard to compare. For example, one bottle may list 100 pills while another may list 16 ounces.

One website suggested that you think about the dosage in terms of one day. How much will your dog need for one day's treatment?

A good rule of thumb to start is 750 mg of either Glucosamine Sulfate or Glucosamine Hydrochloride per 50 pounds of your dog's weight.

Many veterinarians report that doubling the glucosamine supplement to start for 1-2 weeks is beneficial, and can "jump start" your pet's recovery. And of course, make sure to discuss any medication or supplement with your vet before starting any new regimen for your dog.

Are There Any Side Effects to Glucosamine for Dogs?

A few side effects have been noted by some pet owners, including vomiting and diarrhea. Some dogs will seem drowsy or experience a lack of appetite, but these symptoms appear to be rare. Reducing the dosage for a short while seems to alleviate these side effects.

Many dog owners reported that their dogs seemed to experience these side effects for just a short time as their bodies adjusted to the supplement. You may want to try a different form of glucosamine if one form seems to present side effects.

If you've "jump started" your pet's dosage to 2x, as recommended earlier, and you notice vomiting or diarrhea, back off to the normal dosage.

It is highly unlikely to overdose your pet on glucosamine.

The good news is that once we started Dozer on his glucosamine supplement, almost immediately we noticed our pet feeling and acting more like his old active self. He's more than 9 years old now, but you wouldn't know it!

We're so glad that we discovered glucosamine for the treatment of arthritis in dogs.

The sound that comes from knee is somewhat like pop and crack. If there is some other sound, that it means that the knee is broken. Knee popping may be part of warm up exercises for many athletes but they don't do it for its own sake. When it comes to the burning sensation of nose, it isn't caused by cigar ember and the smoke. It depends on the degree of the burning sensation and the causes may be irregular.

The knee popping sound is not meant for laughing because it happens at a time when one is not ready for it and is often comes with pain. As the burning of nose is concerned, one wants to know first what's going on inside the nose. The nose consists of a sensitive inner coating made up of membranes. Hair-like membranes are present called cilia that protect the nose from dirt and infections while keeping it clean and free from allergy. The nasal membranes remain moist when they are sufficiently covered.

When the ligaments rub against each other and knee socket, it causes knee popping. The popping sound usually comes from the front knee around the knee cap. When the ligaments rub against the knee socket or it gets torn, a popping sound is heard. It's not a popping sound but sometimes sounds like grinding and crunching. Arthritis patients have grinding knees because their cartilage is wearing off. All popping sounds are not accompanied by pain. When there is pain in the back of the knee, there is probably a cyst that is beginning to form around the area.

Nose burn generally results from irritation in nose, damaged nasal nerve, and sun burn, chlorine in the swimming pool, too much blowing of nasal fluids, high altitude and diabetes. The irritation in nose means that your nasal membranes have been irritated because of colds and viral allergies. A burning sensation is felt when air enters and rubs against the nasal membranes.

Unprotected sun-bathing is dangerous for health and this can cause nose burn. If a person has been swimming in a pool for a long time, chlorine can build up in the nostrils seeping into the membranes causing a burning sensation. Excessive nasal discharge at because of flu or colds can also cause nose burn. High places have thin oxygen that makes the lungs work double time and the air passages from the nose down also work equally double and harder for pumping in air. This results in a burning sensation. Diabetic patients may feel a burning sensation in their noses if the respiratory track is the troubled part.

Knee popping sound and the pain can be temporarily relieved by doing morning stretching exercises, maintain a diet rich in Vitamin C and calcium and seeing an orthopedic doctor regularly. On the same hand, there are some handy ways to lessen nose burning by applying Vaseline, using a humidifier and staying away from nasal decongestants.

Full aspects have been covered in this article. Looking forward to your feedback, hopefully it will be of great use to you.

Arthritis affects more than 35 million individuals in America alone, and that includes Arthritis neck pain. Arthritis it is presently ranked number one crippling disease in the whole of United States. If you are among the afflicted, your arthritis signs may be occasional or recurrent, and you may endure from swelling in one or more joints, chronic pain, or tenderness in any joint, early morning stiffness, or an helplessness to move a joint normally.

Whether your arthritis symptoms are mild or severe, they undoubtedly have a direct effect on your daily life. Maybe you have been counseled about "learning to live with arthritis." However, there is far more you can do to ease your pain, increase your range of motion, and both relax and reinforce your muscles. Acupressure massage using your fingertips to ease your aches and pains is a huge option.

Arthritis Neck Pain: Arthritis pain in any part of the body, especially the extremities hands, arms, feet, knees, legs, or hips incredibly often results in tightening of the neck muscles. The effect is pain and a decrease in the range of motion.

Whenever arthritis settles in the neck, the corresponding neck muscles have intricacy supporting the weight of the head, which is regularly fifteen to twenty pounds. Stress creates an added burden on the neck muscles, and? damaging situation is set up where inflamed joints and tension breed more strain and often neck pain.

There are many self-help techniques for relieving the chronic neck tension that often occurs from tensing against arthritic pain, It is found that a combination of Acu-Yoga (Using posture to press the acupressure points for self-treatment), hot compresses, deep breathing, and acupressure are predominantly effective. First, apply the hot compresses to your shoulders and neck until the skin becomes pink, indicating an increase in circulation. Ginger compresses are highly effective for relaxing the muscles in this area.

If the compresses are inconvenient or unavailable, do the Dry Wash Facial Message.

Step 1: Rub your hands together, creating a heat.

Step 2: Right away and systematically massage your face and neck with the palms of your hands.

Therefore, what is the benefit of Dry Wash Facial Massage: A daily dry wash cleans the pores, restoring tone and luster to the skin. This warming massage is helpful for acne and stiff necks.

After doing the Dry Wash Facial massage or applying the hot compresses, rotate your head very slowly five times in one direction and then other. Keep your eyes closed and breathe deeply as you do this exercise. This will help to elongate the neck and naturally reposition the vertebrae in the cervical region.

One of the mainly significant things you can do to assist your Arthritis neck pain is regular exercise, but must be done correctly to a have a good results over time. Sorry to say, numerous people with arthritis think exercise is destructive. Others become discouraged because progress is slow or their exercises are painful. Maintaining a proper balance between rest and exercise, and exercising properly, are keys to a successful arthritis exercise program. Easy-to-follow exercise program will definitely help sufferers of arthritis and related soft tissue rheumatic disorders, and also everyone who feels stiffness or tension in parts of their body.

Using the natural techniques of acupressure, massage and gentle yoga stretches, you will be able to relieve pain, aches and inflammation.

Thanks for reviewing this article, I hope you found the information useful and to of great use

A contented mind is a continual feast.

There are many types of arthritis, but the most common form is osteoarthritis- a breakdown and loss of joint cartilage. A wear and tear type of condition, it is found mostly in seniors, but younger people can also suffer from it's painful effects.

Your first line of defense against arthritis is probably an over- the- counter pain reliever. It may help, but as you lose more cartilage, the effectiveness wears off.

Next, is usually a trip to your doctor. You should be able to receive an accurate diagnosis of your problem, but make sure you ask the right questions concerning your treatment. For osteoarthritis, common treatments include cortisone shots, or a prescription for an anti-inflammatory drug know as NSAID.

Cortisone injections are usually safe and can give satisfactory arthritis pain control in many cases, but only for a short time. Usually though, doctors will put a limit on the number of injections given, because they can cause a weakening of the tendons.

Another doctors' choice is one of the NSAID type of drugs for pain relief. These are powerful medications which can also cause serious side effects. These drugs are heavily advertised on TV and widely prescribed. Make sure your doctor thoroughly explains the negatives associated with these drugs. Also, ask your doctor about possible interactions with any medications you may be taking.

A common thread with both cortisone injections and NSAID drugs is that these treatments do not correct the condition. All they really do is treat the symptoms, but not the problem itself. So, while your joints may feel better, they are still deteriorating. And the NSAIDs come complete with horrific side effects, which can be damaging and sometimes even fatal.

If your doctor suggests NSAID medications, make sure to ask for what period of time. Remember, those type of drugs only help control the pain-nothing else. They do nothing to correct anything and can actually make things worse.

You want to know about the long-term result of any treatment you're offered. If you aren't getting a real solution, your future options usually come down to more limited mobility, or painful joint replacement. Not a pleasant picture, but you may have a better choice.

Ask your doctor how much cartilage is left. If there is some amount remaining, why not try a good natural solution, which can start to regenerate the cartilage, stop arthritis pain and prevent painful surgery.

Undoubtedly, you won't receive much support or help from your doctor if you bring up that subject. The reason is that your doctor receives very little in the way of natural healing, or nutritional information from traditional medical training.

A good, natural remedy won't interfere with any treatment you are receiving and can help in stopping arthritis pain and restoring the cartilage. And you don't have to worry about potential drug interactions, or the deadly side effects of NSAID drugs.

There are several types of arthritis, the most common of which are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is also sometimes called degenerative joint disease, and it is associated with aging. The primary underlying cause of osteoarthritis is wear and tear on the joints, which naturally occurs with the aging process.Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of and damage to the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis commonly appears in middle age, and is far more prevalent in women than in men. There is no correlation between certain ethnic or racial groups and the prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis, and it can also affect children and young adults.Clearly, the most common identifiable sign of arthritis is chronic pain in the affected region. Arthritis is frequently associated with pain and stiffness in joints, especially joints that have been injured in the past. Pain and stiffness may be most noticeable after being immobile for a period of time, such as after sleeping.

Swelling is also a very common symptom of all forms of arthritis.Arthritis frequently causes hip pain, knee pain, wrist pain, and pain, stiffness, and swelling in the finger joints. Another common symptom that can aid in the proper diagnosis of arthritis is a warm sensation around the affected area. A key indicator is the presence of symptoms in the same joints on both the left and right sides of the body. For example, if the same symptoms are affecting both wrists, it is a likely indication that arthritis may be the cause. A decreased ability to move the joint may occur in relation to the pain and stiffness caused by arthritis. Arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis, may also cause a general feeling of fatigue throughout the entire body. In some cases, a fever may be present.In severe cases, joint deformity may occur. With advanced progression of arthritis, a patient's range of motion can be significantly affected, possibly leading to the necessary use of a mobility aid, such as a cane. Symptoms associated with this degenerative disease that are persistent over a period of several months should be evaluated immediately.

Early diagnosis and treatment are helpful in slowing the progression of arthritis and ensuring a better, longer lasting fulfilled life for patients.Physical therapy and other natural and homeopathic remedies can greatly improve the symptoms of arthritis and help to slow the progression of the disease. Because arthritis affects the joints of the body, which are made up of ligaments and cartilage, certain herbal and mineral formulations can help to improve the elasticity of the ligaments and lubrication of the joint, improving comfort and reducing pain caused by damage to the area.Visit your health professional at your first concern that you may be suffering from arthritis. A proper diagnosis is the first step to formulating a treatment plan that will have you living life to the fullest, free of pain, for as long as possible.

A Baker's Cyst is a well defined sac of fluid that arises in the back of the knee. This type of cyst is also know as a popliteal cyst due to its location in the popliteal area (backside) of the knee. These cysts contain knee joint fluid that has been forced out of its encapsulation. This article explains why these cysts form and the medical symptoms you want to be aware of.

Baker's Cyst

The most noticeable symptom is a visible mass that can be seen as a bulge in the back of the knee. This bulge will be most easily seen when the person is standing with the knee fully extended This mass will be able to be felt and will generally feel soft and may be tender or painful. Some persons will experience an ache or tightness around the knee while others will experience no discomfort.

Baker's cysts are fairly common and may result due to an injury to the back of the knee or may be associated with an underlying condition such as arthritis or gout. Some cysts may occur without a known cause.

The initial diagnosis of a Baker's cyst will come from the afflicted person as they will likely observation the cyst protruding from the back of their knee. This condition should be evaluated by a physician. The evaluation may include a physical examination, radiological testing (i.e. x-ray, ultrasound, arthrogram or MRI scan) and possibly blood and/or a urine tests depending on the suspected cause.

If the cyst is associated with an underlying condition, treatment will be focused on that condition. If the cyst is painful or is interfering with activity, surgical removal may be necessary. Baker's Cysts typically resolve when the protruding fluid is removed. Joint aspiration or cortisone injections may be necessary.

Do you have Graves disease? If so, then you must be suffering from rheumatoid arthritis as well. Graves disease and rheumatoid arthritis are two diseases that are linked to each other. One common symptom of patients suffering from this disease is a fine tremor in their hands and fingers. Incidentally, this is also a symptom of rheumatoid arthritis.

Graves disease is an autoimmune disease. It is a health problem wherein a person's immune system attacks the thyroid glands. And consequently, it causes the same gland to produce too much thyroxin hormone. It is usually referred to as hyperthyroidism's most common form.

The similarity between the two is the fact that they are both autoimmune diseases. Like Graves disease, rheumatoid arthritis is a problem with the immune system, causing chronic inflammation on the joints. A person with rheumatoid arthritis has his joints being attacked by the antibodies, thinking that they are detrimental to the body processes.

But of course, either the thyroid glands or the ligaments of the joints they aren't harmful to one's health at all. But both of them moves the body's immune system to think and work otherwise. The antibodies, instead of attacking bacteria and viruses, end up destroying the glands and the parts that are needed by the body to function.

As such, Graves disease and rheumatoid arthritis [http://graves-disease-treatment.blogspot.com/2007/09/best-treatment-for-graves-disease.html] should be treated and cured early on. Because if not, a number of other health complications can be expected. And everybody wants to keep a healthy body. Therefore, it is advisable that you consult with a doctor at once if and when you experience any symptom related to these diseases.

Whilst there's no denying that arthritis can be an extremely uncomfortable condition, the good news is that there is a wide variety of treatments available today that will provide arthritis pain relief. These range from surgery on hips and joints, to steroids, injections to acupuncture. However, they are also simple, easy actions you can do, to provide relief on a day to day basis.

Before you start your arthritis treatment, get the correct diagnosis from your doctor. There are over one hundred different types of arthritis, including; fibromyalgia, gout, lyme arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis to name a few. Each different condition requires a different type of arthritis pain relief, so it is important that you know which one it is you are suffering from before beginning treatment.

The first step to arthritis pain relief is to protect your joints by avoiding placing extra stress on them. Using walking aids like sticks to remove pressure from your knees and hips and replace a shoulder bag (which encourages you to walk lopsided) with a satchel or wheelie bag, which will distribute the strain more evenly. Staying close to your ideal weight will also help to relieve your joints of unnecessary weight and strain.

Exercise is crucial to lessen the pain from arthritis; as keeping your body fit will in turn will help naturally combat the condition. Flexible joints and supple muscles are less brittle so less susceptible to cartilage deterioration and bone wearing. Talk to your doctor about special strengthening exercises you can do to strengthen the bones and muscles. If you're fond of water, why not take up swimming, as it's very good for relaxing the muscles and strengthening your body without the high impact of other aerobic sports.

If you want to find the best arthritis treatment to suit you, then it is important to educate yourself about the condition. Learning about arthritis will help you both to come to terms with the diagnosis and find a solution that works for you and enables you to live a normal, pain-free life.

Much has been said about exercise and how it helps keep unwanted flab and excess weight off and more importantly how it strengthens our joints. Still, in many accounts you would find that the incidence of arthritis is rampant among the most robust of people like elite performance athletes and others of any team sport as compared to non-athletes which may be an affecting factor as to why some tend to discard the possibility of entering into competitive sports training.

The umbrella of factors that cause arthritis branches out into three main reasons:

1) that the arthritis may be caused by an overdriven immune system,

2) an infection causes inflammation within or around a joint region,
3) normal wear and tear of routine activities leading to some sort of injury.

High expectations from one's coaches, team mates, if any, family, and others, the desire for the glory of championship, and the focus on outmatching the competition drives athletes to push their body's limits in order to attain a set records. When you are an athlete, you are trained to be, for lack of a better term, "masochistic" towards the warning signs your body gives you. Pain is something that you ignore maybe even welcome. Some still live by the quote "No Pain, No Gain" In an Adidas flyer, it has been written: "I must love pain." Athletes tend to ignore the pain in their bodies continue on. Training competitively for any sport is hard where pain is always an ingredient. Sometimes, athletes ignore mild injuries because the desire for championship is far too important to abandon, which can lead to injuries that are aggravated and can lead to permanent damage. Overtraining coupled with a strict diet also contributes to the incidence of arthritis among athletes.

When arthritis is diagnosed among athletes, the initial response is rest and a break from sports training. Athletes, because their bodies are tougher than those of non-athletes, can get through a day after intense training without experiencing fatigue and soreness because their bodies have been conditioned to respond to hard core exercise. As a result, a considerable number hardly take cool down periods at the end of a workout leaving their muscles and joints tight. When this is the case, arthritis becomes more probable and treatment could be more extensive.

There is a way to ease arthritis pain in athletes during and after events of extreme exertion and contribute to the health of their over stressed joints. Since athletes are disciplined for dieting, they can always subscribe to joint dietary supplements such as Synflex Liquid Glucosamine and the more potent Syn-flex 1500. What this does for them is it eases joint pain, improves mobility, reduces inflammation, rehabilitates cartilage and promotes healthier joints. With an ample amount of ingredients that work together to relieve pain, soreness, and stiffness in the joints, Synflex Liquid Glucosamine and Syn-flex 1500, can help athletes to take care of their bodies without sacrificing crucial training. Many athletes have discovered of the benefits of this glucosamine liquid compound, and integrate Syn-flex products in their training, but daily life also.

Believe it or not, stretching can be as beneficial to the health of your knees as exercise itself. When your muscles are tight and lack flexibility, it can cause your knee joint, and the surrounding tissues, to become atrophic, therefore exacerbating pain.

Stretching will help to keep the muscles surrounding your joints from becoming so stiff that you lose range-of-motion. If your goal is healthy and pain free knees, keeping the surrounding muscles and ligaments supple is imperative. 

Here are some excellent stretches for improving the health and flexibility of your joints:

Iliotibial Band Stretch

Stand up straight and cross one leg behind the other. Lean on the front leg until you feel a stretch across the outside of the thigh. Hold this pose for a full thirty seconds, repeat five times, and then switch legs. 

Quadriceps Stretch

Hold a standing position and place one hand on a counter top or chair for balance. Bend one knee back as though you were attempting to touch your heel to your bottom. Use your free hand to help pull your foot as close to your bottom as possible and hold the position for at least thirty seconds. Repeat this exercise five times with each leg.

Hamstring Stretch

Sit on the floor and extend both legs straight out in front of you. Reach your arms forward as though you were sleepwalking and bend at the waist as far as possible. Keep your knees straight and try to touch your toes. Hold the position for ten seconds before resting. Repeat the process five times.

Calf Stretch

Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you. Use a towel, belt, or sheet to form a loop, holding one end of the towel or belt in each hand. Place the loop around one foot (preferably between the ball of the foot and the toes). Pull the loop toward your body thereby pulling your toes toward you as well. Pull until you feel a firm but comfortable stretch in your calf. If you feel pain, stop. Hold the pose for twenty seconds and repeat five times on both legs. 

Arthritis is a disorder of joints where it involves inflammation of one or more joints. What causes arthritis can be from having an autoimmune disease, broken bone, infection or a general wear and tear on joints. There are various forms of arthritis. These are:

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Psoriatic arthritis

• Septic arthritis

• Gonococcal arthritis

• Autoimmune diseases

Breakdown of cartilage occurs as the result of arthritis. Cartilage acts as a lubricant to prevent friction or resistant between the bones. Its main function is to protect a joint, allowing the joint to move, absorb shock and able a person to walk and move smoothly. Without it or the normal amount of cartilage in the joints, bones will rub together that can cause tremendous pain, swelling and stiffness.

Identifying what causes arthritis can be divided into biological, mechanical and biochemical causes. Biological causes are factors that involve infections in the body that affects joints or tissue breakdowns. Mechanical causes include physical traumas or accidents that cause misalignments of the joints, ligaments or tendons. Lastly, biochemical causes includes nutrient deficiencies or toxins that can be found around or within the joint.

Here is a detailed list of what causes arthritis.

• High calcium level in the body

• Copper toxicity

• Imbalance or high sodium and potassium ratio

• Excessive tissue breakdown

• High toxic metals in the body such as iron, manganese, copper, or lead

• Thyroid activity

• Calcium and magnesium ratio greater than 10

• Emotional imbalances

• Fatigue

In addition, there are studies that wrong diet is linked to the cause of arthritis. Consumption of acidic foods may also cause damage to cartilages and bones. Diet foods are also linked to the cause of this condition. The lack of vital nutrients for a long period of time can trigger arthritis. Examples of diet foods are canned foods, overly processed foods, too cooked foods, and refined foods. With the lack of vitamins and minerals needed in the body and blood being too acidic, cartilages in the body can dissolve.

Treating all types of joint inflammation starts in figuring out what causes arthritis. People diagnosed with arthritis need to have changes in their lifestyle. It may include exercising regularly in order to reduce the pain. These changes can help patients in improving the strength of their muscles, bones and most importantly, the joints. It is advisable before taking any medication or exercise, consult a medical practitioner or a specialist who can identify the cause of the condition and the appropriate treatment that goes with it. They can also provide an exercise routine that can relieve and eventually heal arthritis.