id="post-51">

Arthritis Treatment: Reduce Your Pain Naturally.

December 15th, 2006

If you have arthritis and you are looking to control pain without drugs, then the first thing you need to do is  reduce your weight or maintain a normal weight. If you are overweight, weight loss will be the most important thing you can do to improve the level of pain, stiffness and mobility.

A small amount of weight loss can make a significant difference. The best measure of weight in relation to height and general body health is the Body Mass Index (BMI). The normal range is 20-25 and 26-30 is considered overweight and over 31 obese.

Extra weight puts additional stress on weight bearing joints such as knees and hips, and increases the level of pain. It also increases the risk of arthritis. It is not always easy to lose weight if you have arthritis. If your weight remains constant on a particular diet plan, then you are consuming just the right amount of calories to provide for the needs of the body. If you are gaining weight, then you are taking more than your body needs and the extra calories are stored as fat.

To lose weight you need to consume less than your body requires. This way the extra calories needed is obtained from the breakdown of fats stored in the body. Exercise will help you burn fats. it is not as effective as a specific diet plan but will help. It should be incorporated into the whole weight loss plan.

The heavier you are, the more calories you will burn during exercise. Exercise will keep the joints supple, reduce stiffness and tone up supporting muscles. It also makes you feel healtheir and energised.

To assess your progress, evaluate the level of pain, stiffness and mobility before your diet and exercis plan, then make assessmentsat intervals.

Dr.Phil Hariram

Arthritis Guide.

    • Posted in Arthritis Treatment | No Comments »

    id="post-16">

    Arthritis Treatment: Chondroitin.

    November 5th, 2006

    Chondroitin is a carbohydrate compound and is present in cartilage. It gives the cartilage elasticity. Articular surface of joints are protected by cartilage (articular cartilage) and this cartilage is a tough smooth gristle that reduces friction and protects the underlying bone from wear. Damage and wear of the cartilage is seen on an x-ray as loss of joint space. Cartilage contains both glucosamine and chondroitin.

    The rationale for the use of chondroitin and glucosamine as treatment of arthritis is that these two drugs, according to some, will improve the health of affected articular cartilage. Both chondroitin and glucosamine are manufactured by the body.

    Chondroitin is considered a dietary supplement and as such the manufacture is not regulated. The quality of products available will vary.

    It is available as chondriotin sulphate, obtained from cows’ cartilage. Make sure you purchase a recognised brand from a reputable company and check the label for ingredients. If you are not sure, ask, or consult your doctor. Do not discontinue your on going medication.

    According to studies, patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis had relief on par with NSAIDs such as ibuprofen. Trials, however, are inconclusive and a large placebo controlled trial will one day throw light on whether this drug should be an acceptable arthritis treatment..

    There are no serious side effects. Reported side effects are increased intestinal gas and loose stools. It should not be given to children or taken by women considering pregnancy or who are pregnant. It may potentiate the effects of anti-coagulants.

    If you are taking this drug or considering taking it in future, make your assessment on its effeciacy after three month. If you feel it is doing you some good, continue.

    Dr.Phil Hariram,

    Arthritis Guide.

    • Posted in Arthritis Treatment | No Comments »

    id="post-10">

    Arthritis Treatment:Osteoarthritis Lifestlye Changes.

    October 27th, 2006

    This osteoarthritis treatment depends on you. Lifestyle changes can make a significant effect on your condition. Obesity affects the bio-mechanics of weight bearing joints. Maintaining the correct weight (BMI) will reduce progression of arthritis especially in the knees.

    Maintain a good level of activity and improve on exercise. This improves the strength of the muscles and wasting, and has a positive benefit on osteoathritiic joints and general well being.

    If there in deformity of the knees such as valgus then insoles and patello-femoral strapping will help. Using shoes with softer soles help spread the load and absorb impact. Use trainers when you can instead of hard sole shoes. Walking stick helps distribute the load.

    It is important that osteoarthritic patients remain positive about their condition. A positive mental attitude is an invaluable tool when addressing the level of pain and disability.

    A patient with osteoarthritis should pay particular attention to potential problems and hindrance at work, home or when going out and look at ways to overcome them.

    Drug treatment of osteoarthritis have possible side effects and although maybe necessary, lifestyle modification is an important aspect of osteoarthritis treatment. In addition you feel a lot better being able to control your symptoms yourself rather than rely on drugs etc as the only treatment for osteoarthritis.

    Dr.Phil Hariram,

    Arthritis Guide.

    • Posted in Arthritis Treatment | No Comments »