Osteoarthritis & rheumatoid arthritis

Discovering the difference…

Arthritis is a broad term used for a number of disorders, diseases and issues related mainly to joints of the human body. However, the two most common forms of arthritis include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Most people don’t even know that these two diseases are very  different from each other in a variety of ways such as:

	Osteoarthritis	Rheumatoid arthritis
1	It is also known as degenerative arthritis	It is also known as inflammatory arthritis or polyarthritis
2	It is a more common disease than rheumatoid arthritis	It is a less common disease than osteoarthritis
3	Osteoarthritis is a deterioration of cartilage and overgrowth of bone often due to “wear and tear”	Rheumatoid arthritis is the inflammation of a joint’s connective tissues, such as the synovial membranes, which leads to the destruction of the articular cartilage
4	It is a non-inflammatory disease of the joints which is characterized by degeneration of the cartilage of the joints and a hardening (sclerosis) of the underlying bone	It is a complex inflammatory disease that mainly affects joints and various other parts of the body
5	Its cause is known and it is often caused by the aging phenomenon that affects joints. Other possible causes include obesity, joint injury, overuse of joints and heredity	Its cause is known. It is believed to be an “autoimmune disease” in which your body’s immunity works against your own cells and tissues instead of germs
6	It usually begins later in life, usually after age 50	It usually begins between age 30 and age 60, but can begin anytime
7	It results from the breakdown of the tissue inside the joints	It results from swelling in the joints
8	Cartilages are involved	Synovial membranes (thin membranes between joints) are inflamed
9	It is a degenerative disease primarily of weight-bearing joints (commonly the spine, hip, knee and also the terminal interphalangeal joints of the hands, but any joint may be involved)	It commonly involves the wrists, fingers and other synovial joints (for example, knees and elbows)
10	It tends to affect hands and feet first, but can affect any joints	It mostly affects hips, knees, feet, and spine; rarely affects hands
11	Osteoarthritis affects only joints, not internal organs	Rheumatoid arthritis affects joints, tissues and a lot of internal systems of the body
12	Two most common symptoms are pain and swelling over affected joints	Common symptoms include pain, stiffness, heat, redness, tenderness over affected joints
13	Joints are tender but not warm	Joints are tender are warm
14	Pain often affects only one joint	Pain usually occurs in joints on both sides of the body (e.g., both wrists or both ankles)
15	Blood tests are often normal	Blood tests often show indications of inflammation, anemia (blood deficiency)

Did you know that while both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis differ from each other in a number of ways, there are some natural or herbal supplements that are equally effective for both conditions?

Exploring the herbal cure for arthritis

Top three herbs for arthritis

The term Arthritis is used a variety of disorders, issues and diseases related mainly to the joints in the body.  There are over 100 forms of Arthritis with the two main forms being Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.  Persons inflicted with Arthritis experience severe pain in the joints.  Relief of the pain experienced can be found in many sources such as drugs, yoga, massages, diet and exercise.   Although medical advancement is soaring, there is no replacement for natural foods and healthy eating habits which is the easiest and quickest way to prevent and cure the pain suffered with the illness. 

There are specific herbs, oils and spices that help to heal inflammation which is suffered with the condition and reduces the pain experienced in the joints.  The following is a little knowledge to help you know more about these foods. 

Capsaicin

When the body experiences pain, it is doing so because pain impulses are being transmitted to the brain.  Substance P is a chemical that is involved in this transmission.  Capsaicin helps to deplete or interfere with substance P, helping to relieve the pain that is associated with the condition.  Capsaicin is effective with diabetic neuropathy, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis and works by relieving the pain in the nerve, joint or muscle.  In a study conducted on 31 rheumatoid arthritis patients and 70 osteoarthritis patients, 80% experienced a decrease in pain after two weeks of capsaicin treatment.

Reishi Gano

Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) is a popular mushroom that is edible and is used in many Asian countries for the promotion of health and longevity.  Reishi Gano is used to treat many diseases such as cancer, inflammation, scleroderma, neurasthenia, nephritis, insomnia, liver disease, hypertension, hyperglycemia, ulcer, bronchitis, arthritis and allergy.  There are over 200 active elements in Reishi Gano which include Triterpenoids, Adenosine, and Polysaccharide which each having impressive medical benefits.

There are a number of ways in which Reishi Gano helps to resolve arthritis symptoms which include:

·         It is a natural source that kills pain (COX2 inhibitor)

·         It is a source which produces anti-inflammatory effect, controlling the pain and inflammation of the joints, tissues, and cartilages

·         It helps the body to fight against infections and inflammation because it is an immune-modulator and helps to control auto-immune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis

·         It is rated 7 times more potent than Ginseng making it a powerful antioxidant.  Antioxidants help to clean the body from free radicals which are responsible for causing many diseases

Tongkat Ali

Tongkat Ali is a root in Malaysia that has several properties including:

·         Boost sexual ability

·         Helps to fight fatigue (which is experienced with most types of arthritis)

·         Boosts energy level

·         The root is known to increase androgen hormones levels, which play a integral role in enhancing the immune system and controlling and boosting energy (effective with rheumatoid arthritis

In addition, it also:

·         Decreases stress and tension

·         Improves the blood flow to organs

·         Improves cognitive function

·         Improves sense of well being

·         Increases bone mineral density

·         Improves muscle mass and strength

It is essential to include these three plants or herbs when devising an effective and permanent plan to control and cure the many forms of arthritis and the symptoms experienced with the condition.

How to deal with pain in arthritis

How to get no pain yet all gain…

Persons living with arthritis or a related condition often live with pain which is one of the hardest factors experienced with the disease.  In order to know how to combat the pain you must learn to manage the disease.  The first consideration to determine is which type of arthritis the patient has.  Knowing the particular arthritis will help to determine the patient’s treatment.  Before you begin to develop a treatment plan, you must understand some concepts regarding pain.

Not all pain is alike

Pain experienced by arthritis patients is not always the same.  There are many different types of pain just as there are many different types of arthritis and not all patients will respond the same to treatment.  It may be necessary to try several different treatments before finding one that works for the patient.

Why pain occurs…

Pain occurs because it is telling us that something is wrong.  When an injury is experienced, nerves in the area where the injury originated release chemical signals and other nerves transmit the signals to the brain.  Pain is a sign that something is wrong and you need to act.  For example, if you touch a hot plate, your brain immediately receives the signals and forces you to let go of the plate.  This form of pain is a protection that helps keep you safe.

Long-lasting pain, such as that experienced with conditions such as fibromyalgia or arthritis is a different type of pain.  While the pain is alerting the body that something is wrong, it is not as easy to relieve the pain.  This type of pain can be debilitating to the patient and must be managed to enhance the patient’s sense of well-being and quality of life.

What controls pain?

The brain and spinal cord includes a system of nerves in which pain signals travel through.  The body often tries to intercept these signals to stop them.  This is done by creating chemicals that interfere or block the signals.  These chemicals are termed endorphins, and are morphine-like substances, killing the pain and decreasing the pain sensation.

What causes pain in arthritis?

There are many factors that cause pain with arthritis which include:

Inflammation: Is the process that is responsible for causing swelling and redness in the joints of the patient.

Injury to joint tissues: This is a result of pressure, injury, stress or the disease process on the joints of the patient.

Body fatigue: Is a result of the disease process, which can make the pain intensified and more difficult to handle.  

Mental depression or stress: Arthritis patients often have limited movement and are no longer able to enjoy various activities making depression a serious factor in the disease.  The patient can become wrapped up in a vicious circle of pain, stress, depression and a limited or loss of abilities making the management of pain more difficult. 

What increases the pain associated with arthritis?

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Focusing on pain
• Overdoing physical activity
• Stress
• Increased disease activity

What reduces the pain associated with arthritis?

• Cold and heat treatments
• Humor
• Topical pain relievers
• Distraction
• Massage
• Medications
• Relaxation
• Appropriate exercise
• Positive attitude and pleasant thoughts

How to control arthritis pain at home

Thermotherapy (Temperature therapy)

Stiffness and pain of arthritis can be reduced by using heat and cold treatments.  Placing cold pack on the affected area will help to numb the area and to reduce the swelling and inflammation. Cold packs are particularly useful for joint pain due to a flare up.  With heat, muscles relax and stimulate the blood circulation.  Heating lamps and heating pads are forms of dry heat; where as, baths and heated wash cloths are forms of moist heat.  Both of which are useful.

Sleep therapy

When our bodies sleep, they are restoring energy.  With arthritis patients this helps to manage the pain.  Sleep therapy also helps to reduce the pressure on the joints and helps to decrease swelling and pain.  The average person needs seven to nine hours of sleep each night.  If you feel sleepy at various times throughout the day, take a brief nap.  If you have trouble sleeping through the night, then avoid the nap and relax quietly during the day.

Massage therapy

Massaging your muscles brings relief to the painful area.  Massage therapy can be done by yourself or a profession.  If you are massaging yourself then:

• Stop if you begin to experience pain
• Don’t massage joints that are extremely painful or swollen
• Use oil or lotion to help the massaging technique

Relaxation therapy

Relaxation therapy does help to reverse the pain associated with arthritis and allows the patient to have a sense of well-being and control their life.  It is vital that the patient learn ways to control and calm the mind and body.  There are various methods that are used to help patients relax such as:

Hypnosis:  Hypnosis is a deep relaxation technique which is intended to help the patient release themselves from their anxieties and thoughts.  The technique is pleasant and soothing and effective in relieving pain.  

.

Guided imagery:  This technique utilizes pleasant images which the mind focuses on to help guide away from the pain. Prayer is very relaxing and comforting for some people.

Herbal therapy:

The herbal supplements works by removing the primary cause of the pain, which with arthritis inflammation and stiffness, and helps to ease the arthritis symptoms.

Importance of exercise in arthritis

“Activity” in arthritis

Arthritis patients are less physically active.  This is simply because of the factors involved with the disease.  Many arthritis patients are under the misconception that exercise will cause further damage to their joints.  However, this is not so, as exercising regularly helps to strengthen the muscles and to protect the joints.  Appropriate exercise helps to ease pain, keep you mobile and to help control weight.  Your chances of developing chronic diseases are increased when you are not physically active.  Over half the adults living with heart disease or diabetes also have arthritis.  Experts have revealed that lack of information on how to exercise properly, fear of worsening symptoms or damaging joints, fear of pain and pain prevent people living with arthritis from being physically active.

The good news!

Over 40 million persons live with arthritis and the good news for these 40 million people is that a regiment of moderate exercise can improve mobility and reduce pain.  For those living with arthritis physical activities such as swimming, bicycling and walking have shown to improve physical function, reduce pain, and improve the quality of life.  The risk of developing Osteoarthritis is reduced when weight control and injury prevention measures are taken.  Weight loss and control is also helpful to reduce symptoms of patients that are suffering with knee Osteoarthritis.

The following tips will help you to understand how to effectively and safely enhance your physical activity in arthritis:

Rest: When our bodies rest or sleep, they are restoring energy.  Balancing rest with exercise is effective to help reduce arthritis symptoms.  Balance exercise with rest and pace yourself. However, it is important to remember, that too much rest can make your joints stiff. 

Activity: Keep yourself active.  Stronger muscles help to reduce fatigue.  Good activities for arthritic patients include exercises and swimming in a heated pool.

Gentleness: Be gentle in your daily life.  Start slow and gradually build doing a little more each day.  Avoid contact sports and other high impact activities.

Convenience: When you are in the least amount of pain, tired or stiff, exercise.  And, exercise during the time that your medication is most effective.

Variety:  Motion exercises should be done at least once a day.  When waking in the morning exercising first will help to ease the stiffness felt upon rising.  Exercising prior to bedtime will help stop the stiffness from developing during your sleep.  Only do a range of movement exercises when you experience a flare up.  .

People with arthritis can manage chronic conditions such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes by finding help to overcome the barriers that often limit their physical activity. 

To effectively manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, people with arthritis need help finding ways to over­come arthritis-specific barriers to physical activity. Using natural anti-arthritis herbal supplements may significantly reduce swelling, stiffness and tenderness of the affected joints and provides the much-needed muscular boost to carry on healthy physical activity in people with arthritis.

Osteoarthritis

Understanding the basics…

Introduction

In clinical and medical terminology, the word “osteo” means “bone” and the suffix “itis” indicates inflammation.  Therefore, Osteoarthritis means “inflammation of the bones”.  However, it is a disease which is much more severe than the simple explanation of “inflammation of the bones”.  There are over 100 forms of arthritis, and Osteoarthritis is considered the most common arthritis among those living with arthritis.

What happens in osteoarthritis?

Each bone in the body is covered by a slippery tissue called cartilage. The cartilage is on the ends of the bone in a joint, which allows the healthy mobility of the joint.  Because osteoarthritis often affects the cartilage the top layer of the cartilage breaks down and is worn away.  The joint is no longer protected from the shock of movement and the bones under the cartilage begin to rub together causing loss of motion, swelling and pain of the joint.  With time, the shape of the joint may be lost.   Spurs may also begin to grow on the edges of the joint.  Bits of cartilage or bone can also break off into the joint space which increases pain and damage.

Osteoarthritis affects the joints only.  Patients suffering with osteoarthritis do not have the threat to their internal organs with the condition as with some forms of arthritis.  The disease occurs most often in the spine, hips, knees and hands.

Who is at risk?

Although young people can get osteoarthritis, it mostly occurs in older people. 

What Causes Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a condition that generally occurs over time.  Risk factors that may lead to the development of the disease include:

1.    Stresses on the joints from certain jobs

2.    Stresses on the joints from playing sports

3.    A genetic defect in joint cartilage

4.    Joint injury

5.    Aging

6.    Being Overweight

Osteoarthritis symptoms:

There are symptoms as well as warning signs of the disease which include:

·         A crunching sound or feeling when the bones rub together

·         Tenderness or swelling in one or more joints

·         Stiffness in a joint after getting out of bed or sitting for a long time

How Is Osteoarthritis Diagnosed?

There are several methods that physicians use to diagnose Osteoarthritis which include:

·         Taking a medical history of the patient

·         Performing a physical exam on the patient

·         Taking X rays

·         Taking exams of the fluid in the joints or blood tests and other various tests which will help to determine if the disease is present.

How is osteoarthritis treated?

A combination of treatments is often designed to fit the needs, health and lifestyle of the patient.  Treatment plans may include:

·         Surgery

·         Complementary and alternative therapies

·         Medicines

·         Nondrug pain relieve techniques to control pain

·         Rest and joint care

·         Weight control

Exercise

Arthritis at a glance

The ABCs of arthritis

In general, arthritis is a disease of the joints and cartilages.  To have an understanding of arthritis, you must understand cartilages and joints.

What are joints?

A joint is a place in the body where two or more bones meet such as the shoulder or knee.

What are cartilages?

Cartilage is a slippery tissue that layers the bones in the body and a cushion in the joint that protects the joint from the pressure and the shock of movement making the movement painless.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is termed as “inflammation of the joints”.  Symptoms include swelling, stiffness and pain.

What causes arthritis?

When the cartilage is broken down or the joints in the body are inflamed, arthritis occurs.  When the cartilage is worn or breaks down, the bones begin to hit one another, rubbing together without the protective cartilage resulting in stiffness, swelling and pain.

Two most common types of arthritis

1-    Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis among adults living with arthritis.  It is a form of arthritis that is often a result of wear and tear of the joints that begin to wear out as a person ages.  The disease may also be a result of an injury.  The most common places on the body for osteoarthritis to strike are in the hands, hips and knees.  The condition causes the joints to thicken and ache.  The joint tissues may become strained and cause more pain.

2-    Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is a result of a poor immune system.  The immune system is responsible for helping to protect the body against infection.  The immune system begins to attack the body’s healthy tissues, causing an inflammation and pain in the joint.  The disease can also affect other body parts such as the eyes, nerves, blood vessels and heart.  .

Signs and symptoms of arthritis

Although there are over 100 types of arthritis, there are symptoms that are common in all forms such as: 

• Redness and warmth in a joint
• Difficulty when moving or using a joint normally
• Recurring or constant pain and/or tenderness in a joint
• Redness and warmth of the skin surrounding the joint
• Limited use of a joint
• Stiffness around the joints that lasts for at least an hour in the early morning
• Joint swells or enlarges
• Joint feels like it will not support the weight of the body or is not stable

With rheumatoid arthritis other signs may occur as well.  If you are experiencing pain or concern it is important to visit your doctor.  However, prior to you visit, ask yourself the below questions:

• What medicine/s are you taking?
• Does your family have a history of any type arthritis or other rheumatic disease?
• Have you had any accidents or illnesses that may account for the pain you are experiencing?
• Does activity make the better or worse?
• What were you doing when you first became aware of the pain?
• How long does the pain last?
• When does the pain occur?
• Is the pain in one or more joints?

By answering the above questions you will help your doctor to better diagnose your condition.

How is arthritis diagnosed?

Diagnosis will be made by your doctor who will take a medical history, perform a physical exam and may take x-rays and blood tests.

How is arthritis treated?

Treating the disease will depend on various factors such as:

• The type of arthritis
• The cause
• Your work or activity
• Your age
• How the arthritis affects your daily activities
• Severity of pain
• Which joints are painful

Surgery and medical drug therapy can also be a treatment to help the condition.  Because the dangers involved with medical drugs pose additional risks to the persons health many patients are turning to herbal supplements. 

Lifestyle changes

Persons living with arthritis may be required to incorporate the following changes into their daily routine and lifestyle:

• Not staying in a position for an excessive amount of time
• Avoid movements or positions that put extra stress on painful joints
• Use cold or hot treatments to help to control swelling and pain

Exercise to strengthen the muscles and improve joint strength and movement.  Strength training, dancing, bicycling, swimming and walking are all good choices in exercise.

Who can treat arthritis?

Types of therapists…

When you begin to have concerns regarding arthritis or are beginning to experience symptoms and signs associated with the disease, the first step is to choose the right doctor or therapist.  While many patients are under the assumption that it is only the medically trained doctor that can treat arthritis, this is not the case.  In fact, there are many specialists and therapists who can help treat arthritis symptoms in their own ways.  There is  terminology that is used regarding the many different types of therapists which is described below as well as how they help arthritis patients to deal with their condition.  *

Health Professionals Who Treat Arthritis

The following are some of the many different types of health professionals that treat people with arthritis:

Primary care physicians: These are doctors that are the patient’s primary care physician, meaning they are the “regular” doctor that the patient sees.  Primary care physicians are responsible for referring the patient to other specialists. These doctors are known as “general physicians” or GPs and are not specialists.

Rheumatologists: Rheumatologists specialize in conditions relating to the joints and specialize in arthritis treatments and other conditions that affect the bones, muscles and joints.

Orthopedists: Orthopedists are doctors that specialize in treating joint and bone diseases and surgeries for the diseases

Physical therapists: Also referred to as physiotherapists are professionals in the health care system that work with patients using various techniques such as exercise to help the patient improve the function and mobility of their joints.

Occupational therapists: These therapists are professionals in the health care system that educate patients on the various ways and techniques to conserve energy, minimize pain and protect joints.   

Dietitians: Dieticians are professionals in the health care system who education patients on how to eat healthy and improve their daily diet and how to maintain and control a healthy weight.  

Nurse educators: These are professionals in the health care system that specialize in caring for patients and helping them to understand their overall condition and implement the treatment plans ordered by the doctors.

Physiatrists (rehabilitation specialists): Physiatrists are doctors who have trained to help patients to regain their physical potential.

Acupuncture therapists: These therapists are professionals in the health care system then treat patients with acupuncture techniques which are the insertion of needles into their skin and results in improving physical functions and reducing pain.

Psychologists: These professionals in the health care system help patients cope with difficult times in their lives such as medical conditions, hardships within the workplace, or trouble at home or in relationships.

Social worker: These health care professionals provide help to patients that have social challenges due to an illness, home health care, financial hardships, disability and other needs relating from the person’s medical condition.

Naturopaths: These are therapists in the health care system that treats their patients through natural means only.  

Homeopaths: These are therapists in the health care system that specialize in a holistic, natural and safe treatment for a number of illnesses and ailments which include arthritis, toothache, headaches, hay fever, diarrhea, eczema, depression, and asthma..

Herbalists: Herbalists are professionals who are educated in the field of herbal medicine and the healing properties of plants.  They resort to many different ways to treat their patients which include herbal supplements, leaves, crude plants, seeds and dried roots.  The various plant parts are used to treat the patient’s disease including patients with arthritis.

When treating arthritis, it is important that you view yourself and your doctor or therapist as a team.  You will need to work closely together in order to ensure the best care.  Treatment among patients that have a good relationship with their doctors and therapists tends to have better results.

Natural measures for the prevention & treatment of arthritis

Top three hints & tips…

While we are unable to change some of the factors which make one susceptible to arthritis, such as age, sex and heredity, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of developing this disease by adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes ding exercise, practicing weight loss & taking a natural (herbal) safe supplement.

1-    Losing weight

Many people become less active when they develop arthritis because of pain and the fear of causing damage. This can lead to muscles becoming weaker and wasted. It also leads to increased weight gain and obesity. Weight loss can help build-up muscles, stabilize joints, and alleviate pain and stiffness in joints.

Weight loss has been shown to have significant benefits for people with arthritis, including reductions in pain and improvements in physical function, mental health, and quality of life. Excess weight puts extra stress on weight-bearing joints, especially the knees. According to a recent study, weight loss of an average of 11 pounds can reduce the risk of knee osteoarthritis by as much as 50%. Weight control can also help reduce stress on the joints and spine.

Also, regular and appropriate weight loss can have enormous benefits for people with arthritis, which include:

• Better joint mobility and range of movement
• Improved pain management
• Stronger muscles and bones
• Decreased disease progression
• Improved energy levels and general wellbeing
• Improved self-esteem and feeling more positive

2-    Exercising

Regular and healthy physical activity on daily basis such as walking, cycling and swimming) to strengthen supporting muscles and maintain joint mobility improves symptoms of arthritis and has been found to be greatly helpful for many.

3-    Taking an “arthritis” diet

Diet changes may make a big difference for many patients. While losing weight has long been part of arthritis treatment, the focus is now on foods and supplements that can reduce painful inflammation.

Another strategy is to identify and avoid foods that might cause arthritis to flare up. And scientific evidence is beginning to support the use of certain supplements that can relieve pain without many of the side effects of prescription drugs.

Likewise, some early research suggests that foods high in omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation and risk for arthritis pain. Also, taking ginger and glucosamine (as extracted from the shells of shellfish) and chondroitin (as derived from cow cartilage) has been found to exert strong anti-inflammatory effect in arthritis.