Saturday, August 24, 2013

End a Fight Quickly - Top 7 Tips For Small People


Size means nothing in the martial arts. It doesn't matter how small or tall your are: everyone is capable of strength, speed, skill and most importantly, the ability to defend themselves. But some people think that even if a small person was to win a fight, it would take a long, strenuous effort. With these tips, you smaller martial artists can prove larger people are no better:

1. Don't hesitate. Small people are often self conscious about their size and are reluctant to act for fear of failing. Go straight in to strike or execute some other technique with all your effort, strength and speed.

2. Use your mobility and lower center of gravity as an advantage. Get under their kicks and knock them off balance, weave in and out of range. Distance and position, as I mentioned in an another article, is what can make an invincible fighter. Keep moving; judge distance (Note: because a smaller fighter might have less of a reach, close quarters combat should be something he/she strives for skill in. If you can stay close but out of their attacks, do--but be wary of grabs and takedowns)

3. Don't go to the ground. Weight, unless you are proficient in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or other ground fighting arts, is something that will be working against you if a bigger opponent takes you to the ground. If you are mounted and are being beaten, there is no way to win the fight without the proper knowledge. This especially goes for self defense situations.

4. Fight dirty. Go for the eyes, groin, neck, knees--but ONLY in a self defense situation. Someone fighting you who is bigger is already exploiting an unfair advantage, so you must use all of yours in order to defend yourself. That means cheap-shots.

5. Modify techniques to use for your advantage. Don't make them higher, but change them slightly or use a technique differently in order to compensate for lack of size. Many Karatemen, who were often barely five feet tall, developed their Karate to use their small size as an advantage.

6. Use your opponent's weight against them. This is obvious, but many people do not know how to do this correctly. Learn to yield and then snap back, like bamboo. Or to blend with the energy and then suddenly redirect it. Picking up techniques from Taiji Quan (Tai Chi Chuan) and Aikido will help tremendously here.

7. TRAIN, TRAIN, TRAIN. Practice constantly. Workout out every day to make your self stronger and faster and tougher. Improve your skill, and practice will both larger and similar sized opponents. In order to get ahead of the big guys, we have to work hard!

Never feel inferior because of your size. You CAN defend yourself against larger people, and you don't need brute strength. Technique, if correctly practiced, will always prevail against an opponent. So go train and get better!

How Not to Get Knee Arthritis


The predominant culprits in Knee OA are:

1- Injury; usually related to sports. ACL damage or tear at some point in your life.

2- Trauma; if you were in an accident or took direct hits to the knee.

3- Abusive treatment of knees and joints, contortions, high jumping and landing poorly on hard surfaces.

4- Obesity; this one, for the most part, is almost entirely avoidable.

5- Inactivity leading to immobility; this too is completely preventable.

Injury, Trauma, and Abusive treatment of knees.

In each of the above, a knee may eventually fall victim to arthritis, even after apparently healing completely. The components of the knee that are more frequently affected by such triggers are the ligaments that hold the joint together, the shock absorbing and insulating pads known as the meniscii; there are two of them, and the cartilage that covers the end surface of the femur or thigh bone. Sports injuries tend to be related to cruciates, such as the Anterior and Posterior Cruciate Ligaments, and collateral ligaments. Trauma additionally includes fractures, bone shattering and meniscus damages to the list. After an injury, sometimes people will try to stand and walk differently to protect the injured joint. Healing with such compensatory adjustments may permanently change articular surfaces in the knee joint.

While, accident trauma, and sports injury are not exactly the kind of outcomes one plans for with any great degree of desire and has little control over subsequent damage; obesity and in-activity are very much within the realm of our 'by choice' indulgences.

Obesity

To appreciate why this is a serious problem for the onset of arthritis we should understand that obesity rates are 54% higher among adults suffering with arthritis compared to those who do not have this condition. These findings reinforce the classic definition of a vicious circle. Arthritic pain discourages people to exercise. Lack of physical activity results in excess weight worsening the condition. It is no wonder that overweight adults are up to five times more at risk for developing knee arthritis than those who enjoy normal weight.

Obesity should be of major concern to us as individuals, as it is for people responsible for the delivery of healthcare. The percentage of people expected to be obese by 2030 is around 50% of the population, according to a study presented at the CDC and published in the June 2012 edition of American Journal of Preventive Medicine. A concomitantly worrisome statistic is the projection by the CDC for an estimated 67 million adults that will have doctor diagnosed arthritis by 2030. And while two thirds of the affected population is expected to be females; worse yet, arthritis projections do not include the contribution due to the obesity epidemic. In other words, both the magnitude and the impact of these two diseases may not be fully realizable by us.

For people who like to see statistics, data, trends, and projections can serve to be revealing and educational if we want them to be, but for the case in point, actually quite scary. Even so, if we cannot be scared into losing weight how is this for motivation; the Food and Drug Administration advises us that for normal height women just a reduction of 11 pounds can cut the risk of osteoarthritis by 50%.

Source: CDC-Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta. GA.

In-activity leading to immobility

How important is physical activity? It means everything if it can help maintain 'mobility'. To explore this in detail researchers at the Finnish Centre for Interdisciplinary Gerontology at the University of Jyv瓣skyl瓣 looked into the question; "Could mobility impairment be a reliable predictor of loss of independence and increase in mortality?"

Some of what they found was predictable and expected, but not all. They compared people between the ages of 65 to 84 who were 'mobile and active' with populations that were; 'mobile and not active', 'sedentary but active', and 'sedentary but not active'. As can be expected the 'sedentary but not active' group fared worse, followed by the 'sedentary but active' population. The surprise came from finding virtually no difference between the two mobile groups.

Quite obviously we must never allow our ability to walk, and move about to become compromised. This can happen only when we ensure our legs and lower joints are strong and flexible to allow maximum range of motion (ROM). And the time to worry about mobility is not when we are old; it is when we can actually do something about it before we reach old age.

Almost all forms of physical activity can be helpful in maintaining mobility, but some more than others, when it comes to OA. There is a difference, however; aerobics and cardiovascular exercises are great for the heart, and lungs and overall health but for osteoarthritis, ideal regimens tend to be slower, more deliberate and focused movements of limbs. These are offered by Tai Chi, weight training, and Flenches.

The advantage with flenches is they are more focused, easy to follow and can be done almost anywhere; even while standing in a line waiting for service. They can be done sitting at a desk, belted in an airplane seat, and as well when lying down in bed at home.

Flenches are described in detail in the Knee Deep in Pain book.

What Are the Causes of Osteoarthritis


The causes of osteoarthritis include previous injury to the joint, obesity as well as aging. There is only one cause of this disease that you can do anything about and that is obesity. Many people who are overweight will develop knee osteoarthritis as a symptom. This is because the excessive weight puts a strain on the cartilage in the knee and causes it to deteriorate.

Osteoarthritis is a condition that affects the joints of the body. This includes the knees, the fingers, the spine and the elbows and shoulders. Most people who suffer from osteoarthritis do so in their knees, back and fingers. It is a condition that causes the cartilage that surrounds the joint to weaken. The joint becomes inflamed and results in great pain.

Anyone who has played sports will often experience knee osteoarthritis as this is one of the common causes of arthritis among athletes. While osteoarthritis is more predominant in women over the age of 50, if it presents early, it is most likely going to be found in a man. Many men who played sports as youths suffered injuries to their knees and joints. These injuries, over time, cause the cartilage to wear down and cause the condition of osteoarthritis.

When this condition is found in a younger person who is healthy and fit, and is located in a joint that can be replaced, such as the knee, knee replacement surgery is often recommended. When osteoarthritis strikes, it will continue to get worse for the person who suffers from the condition. A younger person may find themselves disabled by the condition by the time they are 50 if they do not get help. This is why knee replacement surgery is often performed on younger patients.

Being overweight is one of the main causes of osteoarthritis. Patients who are overweight will also discover that the excessive strain on their knees from their weight is causing osteoarthritis in the knees. They are often advised to lose weight. This can be difficult as exercise may be painful in such a condition. But losing weight can alleviate the pain symptoms of this condition.

Aging is something that no one can help. Most of the people who suffer from osteoarthritis are women over the age of 50. Like osteoporosis, it is believed that a healthy, balanced diet and supplements can help stave off this condition. Many women who suffer from osteoarthritis have a lack of Vitamin D in their diet. Women should make sure that they take vitamins and eat properly so that they can avoid having this painful condition as they get older. Unlike osteoporosis, that causes brittle bones, osteoarthritis affects the joints.

Cold weather exposure is also linked to osteoarthritis. Those who worked in situations where they experienced sudden changes in temperature to their hands or other body parts may be more affected. For example, if they worked in an area that was cold and stuck their hands in warm water to get the warm, they may be more inclined to develop osteoarthritis of the finger joints.

Treatment options depend upon the causes of osteoarthritis. Obviously, if someone is overweight, they will want to lose weight so that they can treat their condition. You may be able to avoid this condition by taking health supplements, eating right and maintaining an ideal body weight.

Four of the Best Self Defense Tactics to Destroy Anyone!


I want to give you an opportunity to learn some self defense techniques that I know work well in real life. Over the years I've spent time struggling to keep myself alive while in prison and working as a bouncer. During that time I learned some things that any martial arts student can use along with the training they have received in more formal martial arts and street fighting experience. If you find that you are confronted by a rapist or mugger these techniques might just make the difference between life and death for you. While you can't use these techniques in fight competitions or in a martial arts dojo, they are very effective where it counts most, in real life fighting on the street.

The number one best self defense tactics - Never hesitate to bite the bad guys face or any other vulnerable areas if given the chance. If an attacker gets his fingers near you face bite them. There are many different areas on the body face and neck you can bite for serious pain. Anything from eyebrows, to ears, lips, legs, flanks, even the groin, fave or an elbow can be a biting target. When clinch fighting you are even more dangerous if you use street only moves like opportune biting. Sure it makes sense your worried about blood. If you really think about, if the guy wants to kill you, what is more important? You're better off to opt for the blood as leave the chance go by and end up dead for sure. Bites work very well, there is no denying their effectiveness.

The number two best self defense tactics - When you are throwing some kicks aim at the knee caps, groin and shins. And you better know how to get up instantly if you end up on the ground because your assailant caught your side kick. Do what you can to keep you balance steady and your kicks low so that you can keep your assailant from getting nearer to you. While you're at it, if you want to kick use the dirtiest street fighting "tricks" and kicks you can think of. If you need a great sequence of self defense moves try stomping on the attacker's feet followed by kicking him in the shins as hard as you can and then punching him in the groin and you'll have a winning sequence! You have to be capable of truly ruthless violence in order to prevail in a real street fight.

The third best self defense tactic - You have to practice self-defense that will do you some good in real life situations that weren't pre-planned. You need to make your situations and the response to an attack as real as you can. Practice in a park or other available open space. Then turn it around and do your training where space is at a premium, like a small bedroom or hallway. When a fight presented itself in prison it was often in a hallway area that was only five feet wide. It's essential to learn how to fight in any sort of area with varied terrain and opponents of different sizes and with different techniques.

The fourth best self defense tactics - Being able to tear out an attackers eye ball is a lot more effective then hoping your punches knock him out. If you have the chance to reach out and gouge the eyes of an assailant first, you can follow with punches. It's a lot less likely that your assailant will think he can beat you when he can't see you or what he's doing either. Really, if you can, tear his whole eye out. You might think it's too harsh, but if someone is really trying to rape or kill you anything you do to survive including any means you can use to disable or defeat your attacker is the right thing to do.

What Are the Alternatives to Knee Surgery?


Knee injuries are very common in the United States and result in over 1 million surgeries per year. Out of those surgeries, there are an estimated 650,000 arthroscopic meniscal procedures performed every year.

That's a lot of cutting!

The problem with knee surgery, especially on the meniscus, is that it can leave the knee incredibly unstable. In fact, re-operation rates for post-meniscectomy can be as high as 29%. This may lead you to question the validity behind this type of knee surgery in the first place.

At The Darrow Sports and Wellness Institute we feel the same way. We try other procedures long before we send a patient to surgery. We believe in more natural modes of healing and therefore make sure we have exhausted all other avenues first. Before we get into that, though, it's valuable, if not essential, to understand what causes knee pain and failure in the first place. To do that, you must understand the anatomy of the knee, specifically that of the meniscus.

What is the Meniscus?

The meniscus is a crescent-shaped fibrocartilaginous structure that usually refers to either of two specific parts of cartilage of the knee: The lateral and medial menisci. Together the menisci provide structural integrity to the knee when it's under pressure, nutrition and lubrication to articular cartilage, and shock absorption during movement. Several ligaments also work in tandem with the menisci to prevent overextension of motion.

Meniscal damage can be caused by acute injury or gradual overuse. Tears are the most common injury. The problem with the meniscus is that it's a poorly vascularized tissue, meaning blood flow to the area is very limited. In fact, only a small percentage (10 to 25%) of the meniscus receives a direct blood supply. If the injury is to this area, there is a moderate chance of natural, internal repair, whereas the other areas of the meniscus, if injured, cannot heal from injury whatsoever.

How Do You Know You Have Suffered a Meniscus Tear?

If the tear is caused by sudden injury or trauma, often the pain is immediate and accompanied by a pop. If it's from ongoing stress and overuse, the pain is less obtrusive and simply increases over time. In both instances, there is usually a bit of swelling and a decrease in mobility and mechanical function. Also, a common characteristic of a meniscal tear is a constant clicking, popping, or locking of the knee joint.

Although these overt symptoms lead many patients to seek help, surprisingly many patients have tears and have no idea. A study in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that out of 991 knees scanned with an MRI, 60% of the patients had a meniscal tear without the hallmark symptoms associated with it. This study illustrates a two-fold importance. One: Meniscal injuries are more common than once thought. Two: If your doctor gets an MRI when you have pain, and finds a meniscus tear, his answer is most likely surgery. However, no one knows if that tear had been there silently for 20 years. According to the study, there is a 60% chance that the meniscus tear is not causing the pain. So why have surgery in the first place.

Thus Surgical Intervention

Surgery for the meniscus consists of several different methods of attack: meniscectomy, meniscal repair, and meniscal allograft transplantation. Although they may offer short-term relief for pain, more often than not, these surgeries result in further degeneration and future pain and instability in the knee. Why? Because no surgery is going to change the inherent lackluster blood supply to the meniscus! Therefore a new method needs to be employed.

A New Mode of Attack

Since it's more a matter of healing, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy seems like the most common sense and obvious mode of attack. PRP works on the meniscus in an entirely different way than surgery. This non-invasive procedure essentially allows your body to heal itself, by using your own platelets re-injected back into the area of injury.

By delivering to the damaged meniscus an extra dose of what it needs the most: your platelets, the meniscus is able to begin healing on its own. How it does this is nothing short of amazing. Platelets stimulate growth factors, which are a necessary part in the healing and regeneration process. By inciting an inflammatory response, PRP boosts an immediate immune response-the growth factors. After this stage, fibroblasts enter the picture and begin depositing collagen, the framework of regeneration. The collagen cells than mature into healthy, robust tissue. So instead of removing the injured meniscus, like in surgery, PRP heals the injured tissue, while also creating new, structurally sound tissue.

Since the meniscus is biologically unable to do it itself, PRP Prolotherapy is imperative!

Massage - A Non-Invasive Method to Ward Off Knee Pain


The knee is a complex arrangement of muscles, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and bones that becomes more vulnerable to injury as we age. Chronic knee pain can be caused by a number of factors and can have a negative effect on one's quality of life. Massage therapy has demonstrated its effectiveness in treating knee pain, as well as aiding the muscles of the lower body to keep the knee in proper alignment.

Knee pain is one of the most common complaints among the U.S. population, accounting for more than 11 million visits to physicians each year. The knee is the largest joint in the body, and its structural complexity makes it one of the most vulnerable areas for injury. Injuries from twisting, straining or trauma are common, and as we age, the cushioning areas of cartilage decrease while ligaments lose much of their elasticity. The knee joint is also frequently affected by osteoarthritis. Several studies have shown massage therapy to be effective in treating knee pain associated with osteoarthritis, and there is data to suggest that massage can relieve knee pain caused by other factors.

Weight plays a significant role in the onset of knee pain. The knee is a weight-bearing joint, and it is estimated that for every 10 pounds of excess weight we carry, the knee experiences an added 60 pounds of pressure. Therefore, being 20 or more pounds overweight is comparable to having an extra person for the knees to support. Hamstrings and quadriceps that are too tight can put undue stress on the knee, leading to stress and strain injuries. Poor posture and leg length discrepancy can increase stress on the back and side of the knee, leading to misalignment, pain and swelling.

Massage that is performed regularly on the hips, back and legs can help to correct knee misalignment by lengthening associated muscles and improving posture. Massage supports lymph drainage, which carries toxins from the area and reduces the swelling associated with fluid build up. If the knee has been injured, massaging the quadriceps and hamstrings will reduce the amount of pressure placed on the knee, which will aid in the recovery process.

Studies conducted on the efficacy of massage for osteoarthritis of the knee have concluded that it can help to increase range of motion and reduce pain. The data suggest that massage improved circulation around the knee joint and alleviated pain and tenderness. Regular massage (twice weekly, one hour sessions) also increased patients' muscle tone and range of motion, which are both key factors in pain reduction.

Conventional treatments for knee pain, especially for the pain associated with osteoarthritis consists of drug therapy, corticosteroid injections, modified exercises as well as surgery. With the exception of exercise, these treatments carry significant side effects that can be undesirable.

Friday, August 23, 2013

Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Degeneration


In simple words degeneration occurs when cartilage, which serves as the working surface of joint, is replaced by the bone. Synovitis is the inflammation inside the joint capsule in which joint is located. Synovial membrane produces synovial fluid, which acts as a lubricant for the joint. In OA this membrane gets inflamed and quantity of the fluid produced decreases

Aetiology (causes) of OA: External causes - Trauma and micro-traumas of the joint, functional overloading, hypermobility of joints (extra flexible joints).

Pathogenesis (resultant effects): Artificial ageing of cartilage takes place as a result of traumas and overloading. Metabolism in the cartilage is disturbed. Cartilage loses elasticity and becomes rough, and it starts cracking. As cartilage does not absorb (cushion) the load, the load is born by the bone under the cartilage thereby as a result the bone gets compressed. Lose fragments of cartilage inside the joint irritate the synovial membrane, which leads to its frequent inflammation.

Symptoms:

1. Pain of joints occurs under the load, which gets severe towards the evening and decreases by the night.

2. During initial stages the pain is felt during first steps, which then disappears.

3. Frequent jamming of the joint accompanied by an acute pain and is caused when dead piece of cartilage comes between articular surfaces. The pain subsequently disappears by a particular movement, which removes it from the articular surfaces.

4. Cracks in the joints.

5. Relatively small restricted mobility in the joint.

After all these agonies, one can say that joints are the most favored places for OA

Treatment: Generally speaking, there is not much one can do to get relief from OA as cartilage degeneration can not be reversed. Anti-inflammatory drugs can get you temporary relief. Physiotherapy is also a good option. One can also try Su-jok therapy and in some people it has shown very good results. Besides all the preventive measures, physical exercises and medications, one must remember that it is very important to get your cartilage metabolism on track and for this there has to be something which can help you. Glucosamine has proved to be a good supplement for not only getting the relief from severe pains related to osteoarthritis and cartilage degeneration, and even helps you get back to a normal life. Liquid glucosamine is much more effective than in the form of capsules.

Total Knee Replacement - Get Ready To Heal


Surgery for a Total Knee Replacement is a major assault on the body. It creates a great amount of stress and your body's natural defense mechanisms react to the stress. Pain, swelling, and inflammation reactions are to be expected. At the same time your body reacts to the knee surgery, it starts to heal itself. Unfortunately, some of these reactions can hinder the healing and your subsequent recovery. The body's resources are stretched to meet all of their needs.

There are some simple things you can do to ensure you heal from your knee replacement as quickly as possible. They aren't complicated nor do they cost a lot of money. They will require your attention both before, and after your knee operation.

The body's ability to recover from any assault is dependent on a number of things. Adequate rest is one. Most healing occurs at night. Relief from stress is another. Stress, or to be more blunt, the fight or flight response, releases various chemicals into the body that channel activity away from long term care and over to quick response capability. You want to avoid this. The last requirement is the presence of appropriate and correct nutrients so the body can repair tissues and reduce inflammation.

Unfortunately our current diets don't have anything like the variety and quantity of vitamins, minerals and other elements that our ancestors evolved with. Part of the problem is the calorie density of our food. The constant presence of sugar and other carbohydrates provides more than adequate energy for our daily requirements, especially with our reduced levels of activities. In the distant past, our forbears had to eat a much larger quantity of vegetative material, and even meat (much leaner meat, with significantly less fat content) to fuel themselves up for their daily activities. And those daily activities did not involve turning up the thermostat for heat, or flipping a switch for cooling. All travel was by foot, and the hunt for food, before the invention of agriculture, required steady travel during much of the day. The calories burned by primitive peoples were large, but the benefit was that their diets were varied and their daily intake of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients was significantly higher that we get today.

Certainly you should make a point of eating a varied diet, high in fresh vegetables and quality protein. Dark green leafy salads containing romaine, leaf lettuces, kale, swiss chard and spinach are good. Bright colored veggies like peppers (red and orange as well as green), carrots, tomatoes etc. contain the range of vitamins such as A, C, and E that will assist your recovery. And don't forget to take your multi-vitamins. Even with your best efforts, you are consuming produce that has been bred to look good in the store, and travel well, not to be nutritious. So double up on your on-a-days. A study involving 11,000 dentists, followed over a decade, identified that the healthiest 10% tended to consume about four times the RDA of most essential vitamins and minerals. Something to consider.

You might also think about starting the day off with a protein shake. A rounded scoop of whey protein powder with some frozen berries and half a banana in a blender is an excellent source of low fat protein and anti-oxidants. Have another shake mid-afternoon, and make your main meals, lunch and supper, slightly smaller than normal. This way you are spreading your nutrient intake out across the day. This is easier on your system.

There are some supplements you can take that will help you in your quest to heal. Two amino acids that you might consider are L-Arginine and Ornithine. These two are considered "non-essential" because your body can synthesize them from other proteins, but studies have shown that under conditions of stress, your body does not produce enough of them.

In particular, arginine and ornithine encourage the thymus gland in the production of more and more active lymphocytes. Lymphocytes play an important role in the body's immune system.

As well, studies have shown that arginine, in combination with lysine (1200 mg each), promotes the release of human growth hormone. HGH accelerates wound healing and slows muscle loss after surgery. If you have liver or kidney disorders, you should not take these supplements without consulting your doctor.

Your system has a major job in front of it. Healing from knee replacement surgery will stretch your systems resources. Provide it with the quality fuel it needs. And it will reward you with a faster, more comlication free recovery.

Valuable Information About Knee Pain Treatments


We all get knee arthritis sooner or later, and when that inevitable day comes, it helps to know a knee pain treatment that works. As far as options go, there are plenty to choose from. You can find - in the market today - different salves, ointments, pain relievers, vitamins and an assortment of prescription drugs that can relieve the pain from your knees.

Unfortunately, treating knee pain is a long term endeavor and in most cases, something that will remain with a person for the rest of his or her life. Ultimately, what this means is that drugs and chemicals will not be enough to treat your knees. So in a sense, no single medical product will be enough. You will also need to make some changes in your daily habits if you intend to do something about your knee problems.

For starters, you will need to face up to the truth that your knee muscles may be getting old and stressed out, and that increased stress will result in more arthritis or pain. Moreover, you might also want to consider taking up special diets and exercises designed to help make your muscles stronger. For example, protein-rich diets are good at healing muscle tissues whereas a daily dose of calcium can help improve the bones of your body. So try to consult your doctor about how your diet and lifestyle may influence your knees.

Of course, that is not to say that you can't use drugs or medication. However, it's best to use them as a last resort only. Painkillers for example can be very addictive and using it extensively may lead to other problems. Moreover, drug treatments can easily lead to more drug treatments, so if you are considering that as an option, you better be ready for the long term consequences.

However in situations where the pain of your knees is so unbearable, you will need to start using a knee brace and then undergo physical therapy. However, their use should wake you up to the possibility that your knees may have deeper problems than you first thought. In the end, long term problems require long term solutions.

To wrap up, knee pains are almost always a fact of life, and you're not supposed to be angry or resentful about them, because they happen to everybody. This is inevitable and something which you will need to prepare for.

How to Rehab Your Knee After ACL Surgery


In addition to helping to keep the body stable, the knees are also subjected to extreme forces during pivotal movements. As a result, the knees are prone to injury. In fact, over the past decade, knee surgery has become a quite common practice. The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is the most vulnerable to stress during pivotal movements, such as the cutting maneuvers that are required by athletes in a number of different sports. In order to get back into the game following ACL surgery, you must fully regain the ability to perform pivotal movements, such as running, jumping and changing directions at a high rate of speed.

A vigorous rehabilitation program following ACL surgery is crucial for the procedure to be a success. Rehab following the operation is somewhat of a lengthy process. It may be months before you are able to return to your chosen sport and resume your normal level of activity. Several variations of ACL rehabilitation are available, as specific rehabilitation must focus on the individual athlete, adhering to their own protocol. Your progression through rehab depends on the completion of each step before moving on to the next.

The First Few Days

In the first few days of rehab following ACL surgery, the primary goal is to keep the swelling at a minimum and remain as comfortable as possible. Some things you need to keep in mind during this phase of the healing process include:

• Remember to ice your knee frequently
• Keep the affected knee elevated as much as possible
• Use crutches to get around without the risk of further injury

In some cases, the surgeon may recommend that you use a brace following your ACL reconstruction. However, this is under some controversy, as a large number of surgeons believe that you should not use a brace. Equally controversial is the use of a motion machine, or CPM, following ACL surgery. Some surgeons recommend using a motion machine, although there is little to no evidence to support the fact that it aids recovery following ACL surgery.

The First Six Weeks

Immediately after your ACL surgery, you should be able to begin range of motion exercises. In the beginning, the focus should be on regaining full extension of the knee, which means being able to completely straighten out your knee. Generally, regaining the ability to bend your knee, or flexion, is much easier than extension.

You will need to work with a physical therapist on gait training, aerobic workouts and gentle strengthening exercises. Many physical therapists try to get their patients working out on a stationary bike as soon as possible following ACL surgery. The stationary bike aids in the improvement of aerobic activity, motion and strength.

As you continue to work with your physical therapist and your range of motion increases with great success, the focus of your rehabilitation will begin to shift toward strengthening your knee through balance and proprioceptive exercises.

Up To Three Months

After about seven weeks, you should be able to start back with simple activities, such as light jogging, working out in the pool and outdoor cycling. However, for the first three months, you should avoid sports that require pivotal and side-to-side movement, such as soccer, basketball and football. Around the tenth to twelfth week, some individuals will be able to begin lateral shuttles, shuttle runs and jumping rope.

The Final Four Months

During this phase of your rehabilitation, you will continue to progress with specific sports activities. It is important to note, however, that this stage of the healing process is often the most difficult. The reason for this is that the knee may feel normal, yet it is not quite ready to take on the stress of some activities.

The focus of rehab following ACL surgery should be on simulating the activities related to your particular sport. Most physical therapist have their patients do figure-eight drills and plyometrics during this phase, gradually adding sport drills as your progress with your rehabilitation.

Arthritis Treatment: What's on the Horizon for Osteoarthritis Treatment?


Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis affecting more than 30 million Americans. It is a disease of articular hyaline cartilage which covers the ends of long bones. The purpose of hyaline cartilage is to cushion and absorb the impact of both direct stresses and shearing forces applied to the joint.

Osteoarthritis affects primarily weight-bearing joints such as the hip, knee, low back, and neck. However, it can also involve the shoulder, ankle, base of the thumb, and base of the big toe.

Despite the focus of attention in rheumatology on newer therapies for diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, there has been relatively little done to deal with osteoarthritis. This is unfortunate since osteoarthritis (OA) is a significant cause of pain, reduced mobility, reduced productivity, and diminished quality of life.

Between symptomatic therapies consisting of rest, physical therapy, analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), injections of glucocorticoids ("cortisone") and viscosupplements, there is a void until the patient requires joint replacement.

I will discuss some of the "avant-garde" therapies that are being evaluated for treatment of OA.

The first treatment is the use of stem cells. Stem cells are blank slate cells, cells that can be coaxed to differentiate into any type of tissue cell. The focus of attention has been on the use of adult mesenchymal stem cells. Studies have demonstrated that when these cells are introduced into OA joints, that they are incorporated into the articular cartilage of the affected joint. While most investigations have been demonstrated in animal models, there have been small studies and multiple anecdotal reports indicating similar results in humans.

The second type of treatment that has been studied is the use of anti-cytokine drugs. Some feel that OA is a systemic disease that requires systemic therapies.

Cytokines, which are protein messengers, play a pivotal role in the generation and propagation of inflammation. One cytokine that may have a role in the chronic inflammation seen in OA is interleukin-1. Attempts to block the effects of this cytokine have been studied with mixed results. When given systemically it didn't perform much better than placebo. When given as an injection in a joint, there have been mixed results.

Another material that has been studied is botulinum toxin (Botox). It appears to have beneficial effects in regards to pain and inflammation. It has been used in OA of the knee as well as of plantar fasciitis.

Other therapies that have been studied include platelet-rich plasma (PRP), insulin-like growth factor, and bone morphogenic protein. Results are controversial.

The Most Common Causes of Knee Pain in Middle Aged Men


Worn or injured Cartilage

Cartilage becomes brittle due to a lower water content as you get older so it's more likely to tear.

Ligaments and tendons

Also become less flexible and stretchy, and liable to tear. Particularly the tendon that holds your kneecap in place.

Weaker thigh muscles

Can cause your kneecap to be pulled unequally as your knee flexes.

Plica Syndrome

A fold in the membrane that surrounds the knee gets caught under your kneecap, and eventually forms painful scar tissue.

Bakers Cyst

Is a cyst at the back of the knee.

Bursitis

Is a swelling of the fluid filled sack around the joint.

Gout

Can also be a cause of severe knee pain.

All of these can lead to our old friend:

Arthritis.

Knee Arthritis is the number one most common cause of knee pain in middle aged men. Old injuries can return to haunt you.

Post traumatic Arthritis often develops after an injury.

Similar to Osteoarthritis It can occur years after injuries are thought to have healed. All this in a joint that flexes and bears weight every moment we are on our feet.

Common symptoms of Knee problems in middle aged men:

Grinding Knees

Grinding and crunching as you move your knees is quite common and usually nothing to worry about. But if it's accompanied by pain in the joint then it could be worn meniscus cartilage. If the pain feels like it's under your kneecap then its probably Kneecap problems.

Popping sounds

Are quite common again if you've got no pain then don't worry. But when these sounds are associated with pain. It's more serious. A pop or snap is often felt when a ligament is damaged.

Giving way or Instability of the knee

Is another sign of ligament damage.

Locking or catching

Is often felt in your knee when you've got a tear in the meniscus cartilage. A small flap can lift up and get caught in the joint. You will often feel like you need to straighten and 'click' your leg

Treatments for Knee Problems

Soft tissue problems especially knee injuries are usually treated at first by a procedure known by the an acronym R.I.C.E. Which stands for:

Rest
For two or three days then slowly re-introduce movement to prevent loss of strength and mobility.

Ice
Applying a cold compress or ice-bag (or even a bag of frozen peas) will reduce swelling.

Compression
By bandaging the knee also helps to reduce swelling.

Elevation
Keeping your knee elevated above the level of your heart reduces the pressure of the blood in the knee, which helps soft tissues to repair.

Non-Steroidal anti inflammatory drugs are also used to keep swelling down.

Physical Therapy (Physiotherapy) Is very important, once the healing process is underway, to ensure any strength loss in the muscles is properly regained. This is very important to us in our middle ages because we are already suffering from muscle loss, and it takes longer to rebuild.

For more serious knee problems, there is of course the surgical solution.

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Knee Replacement Surgery - What's the Best Rehabilitation?


Knee replacement surgery is performed on individuals who experience severe pain and disability due to arthritis in their knee. Often the individual has suffered for many years in pain and as a result their quality of life has been significantly affected.

Time for surgery varies depending upon the individual but key things that are taken into consideration include: Limited walking distance - the individual not able to walk more than 3 blocks Significant Pain - the pain is not relieved by arthritis medication

A good outcome for knee replacement surgery occurs around 95% of the time. Rehabilitation following a knee replacement is very important to help achieve this good outcome rate. Physical therapy (or physiotherapy) provides the individual with specific exercises to both increase strength and ensure the knee replacement has both a good bending range and as well as being able to straighten it fully.

Exercises can be divided into 2 groups: Range The individual is prescribed exercise to bend the knee and exercises to ensure the knee can be fully straighten. The position the individual performs these exercises in varies depending on a number of different factors. Strengthening The individual is prescribed exercises to build up the strength of the quadriceps muscles (quads) located on the front of the thigh that is responsible for straightening the knee. It is also important to work at strengthening the hamstrings which is the muscle group at the back of the thigh which is responsible for helping the knee to bend. Other muscle groups in the lower leg of hip may be weak because the individual has not walked properly for many years due to the pain of knee arthritis. A physical therapist will be able to assess and prescribe what is best for the situation. Gait or walking re-education may also be required. As the individual typically has experienced pain of knee arthritis for many years, the individual may still walk with a limp due to this old program. A good physical therapist will be able to provide with some walking tips and strategies to ensure quality of walking improves after knee replacement surgery.

A good way to think of a physical therapist is that of a coach. They can show you what to do, but it is the individual who must get on with it and practise their exercises at twice a day to ensure a good recovery. By making your knee exercises part of your normal routine, a bit like cleaning your teeth or combing your hair, your quality of life will improve dramatically following knee replacement surgery and you will be very glad of the decision to have it done.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Post Surgery Recovery


In the world of sports we often hear about knee injuries that derail at least an athlete's season, if not career. The most common major knee injury seen amongst athletes is a tear of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament, or more commonly known as the ACL. However, it is not just athletes that are experiencing troubles with their ACL; many people are injuring their ACL performing everyday activities. Luckily for us there have been a number of advancements in the surgical treatment and rehabilitation of an Anterior Cruciate Ligament so that it is no longer a career threatening injury, for athletes and non-athletes alike.

Anatomy of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)

Each one of our knees contains a number of ligaments that help stabilize its movements. Of the four major ligaments contained within the knee capsule, the ACL is considered by many to be the most important because it provides the majority of the knee's stability. The ACL's main objective is to stabilize the knee during planting and twisting motions, as well as prevent forward movement of the lower leg from the upper leg. It is able to do this by attaching to our upper leg at the front of the femur and crosses the knee to attach to the lower leg at the back of the tibia. When an injury to the ACL occurs it is either a partial or full tear of the ligament. The joint responds as it would to any other soft tissue injury by swelling. Some people hear a pop while others just notice an extreme lack of stability and a sense of the knee giving out when weight is shifted on to that leg. Depending on the extent of the injury a patient may or may not have surgery to repair a partial tear of the ACL. As previously mentioned it is not just athletes that experience tears of their ACL. Women tend to be more prone to an ACL injury, an unfortunate problem attributed to a number of factors. Anatomical factors that can contribute to one's likelihood of injury include: strength imbalances between the hamstrings and quadriceps, joint laxity, and a large Q-angle.

Common Methods of Rehabilitation

Whether or not a patient decides to have their ACL injury repaired surgically or not usually does not affect the plan of action for rehabilitation. Before a physical therapist is seen, the wounds must heal. Following that stage a good physical therapist will focus on reducing swelling, increasing and regaining full range of motion, strengthening the joint and surrounding muscles, as well as re-training the muscles to achieve optimum neuromuscular control. Obviously toward the beginning activities will focus on decreasing swelling, while toward the end of rehab the physical therapist will focus their patient's strengthening on functional motions.

It is wise to follow the acronym PRICE during the early stages of recovery from an ACL tear. PRICE stands for protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation. By following these five steps each day a patient will effectively decrease their pain and swelling and better prepare their joint for the recovery process. About one or two weeks following surgery the patient will begin physical therapy. The physical therapist will perform an initial evaluation consisting of background questions, and visual and physical inspection of the knee itself. With this information a physical therapist will develop a detailed plan specific to each patient's rehabilitation needs.

Rehabilitation Timetable & Expectations

As with any injury the expected time of recovery is based on numerous factors, such as: age, extent of injury, success and type of surgery, work ethic during rehab, physical therapist technique and care to detail, and overall health and fitness of the patient. An average patient, who had a traditional ACL surgery, will begin light jogging about four months post-surgery with full strength and mobility not being full restored until about six to nine months after surgery. Most doctors will advise a patient to not return to more aggressive physical activities until their recovering leg has gained at least 90% of the strength of the healthy leg. There are more advanced surgeries that can put an athlete on the playing field in about six months. This option is intended for serious athletes only and a physician should be consulted before investigating this alternative.

Any type of major injury can be a setback in an athletic career, or quite a struggle to deal with in day-to-day life, and an ACL tear is no different. Surgery and rehabilitation techniques are improving each day and are therefore making the recovery from such an injury less painful. A patient who is dedicated to their complete recovery will have a much better experience throughout the process and give themselves a great opportunity to continue their life, be it as an athlete or not.

Special Report - How to Find the Best Basketball Knee Brace - Basketball Knee Support Can Mean a Lot


If you are searching for a basketball knee support, you might have noticed that there are a ton of different basketball knee braces on the market. - The vast number available on the market can make the task seem overwhelming. - Once you read through the questions and information below the task will be much more manageable.

You are guaranteed to learn something about knee braces, which will probably save you some serious cash.

The Goal of This Article

Our goal here is, not to advertise a certain brand name to you, but to help guide you with useful questions. This way the decision making is up to you. Once you can answer these questions, then you will know how to find the best knee support possible, when you are playing in any sport.

Here are some great questions to ask yourself, when you are looking for a basketball knee brace. The reason why we ask these questions is that there are knee supports specified for these criteria.

Questions For You To Consider

1.) Do you have a mild to moderate knee injury? (Several types of knee supports are focused on mild to moderate injuries only, usually they are simple knee sleeves, or less costly hinged knee supports)

2.) What is your knee pain on a scale 1-10? (Usually, the bigger the knee pain, the bigger the support needed)

3.) Do you have a serious knee injury, like a complete ACL or an MCL tear? (These usually have a dynamic hinge on each side of the knee with medial and lateral uprights for more support)

4.) Are you protecting against a future knee injury?

5.) Do you need a knee support that will help hold your knee cap in place? (If this is the only issue you are having, usually you do not need a deluxe knee brace, a smaller one will usually suffice)

To make the best choice possible, it is wise to consider your knee issue first, then look to the sport you are playing.

Important Studies

Several studies have shown that people usually do not need custom knee braces. - This might sound a little bit silly, but we like to ask this question: Are all your clothes custom made? If they are not custom made, we are willing to bet that they probably fit pretty well. Do they not? - The same thing happens with non-custom knee braces, non-custom knee supports usually fit great, plus this means that you get to save hundreds of dollars too. - We all could benefit from saving this kind of cash!

ACL - Anterior Cruciate Ligament, Reconstruction Surgery is Done For Injured Ligaments of the Knee


ACL is a ligament in the center of your knee that becomes damaged when twisted or injured. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most commonly injured ligaments of the knee.

ACL reconstruction is surgery to replace the torn ligament. ACL Reconstruction is performed using a combination of open surgery and arthroscopy. Patients with ACL tears who place high demands on their knees, generally require ACL reconstruction.

WHO NEEDS?

o Most people expecting to return to high-level athletic activities in sports such as soccer or basketball
o Individuals who experience recurrent episodes of knee instability due to anterior cruciate ligament deficiency
o Patients who do not want to attempt conservative therapy

PROCEDURE

ACL reconstruction is surgery to replace the torn ligament. There are several choices of tissue to use for the new ligament, including tissue from your own body (an autograft) or tissue from someone who has died (allograft). The most common autografts use part of the tendon in the front of the knee (patellar tendon) or in the hamstring. Each type of graft has small advantages and disadvantages, and works well for many people.

Knee arthroscopy is a surgical procedure in which a pencil-sized instrument called an arthroscope is inserted into a joint without any open cut or incision. Fluid is then inserted into the joint to allow the surgeon to thoroughly examine the interior of your knee and determine the source of your problem.

The surgeon checks the cartilage and ligaments of the knee. If there is other damage, such as a meniscus tear, the surgeon will fix the problem. You will most likely go to sleep for the procedure, but it can be performed under different types of anesthesia.

Then, the surgeon will replace the ACL. Other small incisions are made around the knee to place the new ligament. The old ligament will be removed using a shaver or other instruments. Bone tunnels will be made to place the new ligament in the knee at the site of the old ACL. If your own tissue is to be used for the new ligament, a larger, "open" incision will be made to take the tissue. The new ligament is then fixed to the bone using screws or other devices to hold the ligament in place.

At the end of the surgery, the incisions are closed, and a dressing is applied.

REVISION OF ACL RECONSTRUCTION

Failure of an ACL reconstruction is often hard to describe. The patient can have complaints of knee instability, pain, stiffness, or the inability to return to desired activities. Treatment for failed ACLs is complex and technically challenging, and the results of revision ACL surgery are not as good a primary ACL reconstruction. It is therefore important to follow a specific approach to evaluate, diagnose, and treat potential revision ACL cases. Causes of failure like drill hole placement in a nonanatomic location, failure of fixation, graft impingement, intrinsic graft failure, arthrofibrosis and trauma. With the help of arthroscope the patient's knee is then evaluated within the joint and any scar tissue is removed. Precise placement is necessary for a successful revision. If the old hardware is in the way of the ideal tunnel placement it is removed usually under fluoroscopic (x-ray) control. The anatomic insertion site on the femur for the original ACL is identified, and a drill hole is initiated using a gaff to place a rear-entry guide, then drilled from outside in. The hole is cleared out and the edges are chamfered (rounded) to avoid damage to the graft.

Next, the insertion site of the ACL on the tibia, on the tibial plateau, is identified, and a drill hole is initiated using a triangle-guide, again drilling from outside in. The hole is cleared out and the edges chamfered in a similar manner.

The graft tissue, which usually is a bone-patellar-tendon-bone graft, is brought through the now continuous tunnel running from the femur through the knee joint and through the tibia. The tissue is secured in place using 9x20mm screws, which bind the bone blocks at either end into the tunnel.

The knee is finally brought through a full range of motion to visualize for any impingement of the graft, and to ensure proper placement. The instruments are removed and incision sites closed, the joint injected with Marcaine for pain relief, and the patient is able to return home later that day.

ACL provides almost 90% of the stability to the knee joint. ACL reconstruction is a highly successful operation. With good rehabilitation, 90% to 95% of individuals who undergo this surgery can expect to return to full sports participation within six months.

In India, Apollo hospitals have the required expertise to treat the above disease.

Best Way to Massage a Hurt Knee


Massaging a hurt knee has too many techniques to consider since there are so many etiologies why there is pain on the knee. It might be due to an accident, a fracture or an open would. The most important thing as of now is identifying whether you can massage the hurt knee or not. In this article I will be teaching you simple tips on how to massage a hurt knee.

Fractures

A hurt knee might be due to fractures. Fractures are very difficult to manage since fractures are fatal. It can cause bleeding and can even cause fatality up to death. A fracture has two types: an open fracture or a close fracture. An open fracture is the one which we can see there is an extrusion of bones coming from the internal layer of the skin while a closed fracture only manifest immobility of the limb being affected. As a rescuer giving a massage, it is important that we should assess well if the cause of the knee problem is fracture. Because we cannot do massage if there is a fracture. The priority intervention of every lay person is to stabilize the fractured bone and avoid more damage to the patient. Any damage that will be inflicted to the patient in the scene will be charged against you. The patient can sue you anytime even if your intention is just to help the patient.

Muscle pain

If the cause of the hurting of the knee is brought about by muscle pain, you can stimulate tissue healing by massaging gently the bones surrounding it. A hurt knee cannot receive a full massage since a knee has a bony prominence and the bony prominence of the knee is so painful when massaged. The tip here is supplying enough blood back to the farthest portion of the limb and gently massaging the sides of the knee. If the muscle pain stimulates the knee pain, then the one that should be stimulated in the process is the muscles involving the knee. There are anatomical pictures available in the internet to guide in you massaging a hurt knee which originates from a muscle.

Bruising

Bruising or hematoma is a painful sensation being experienced when there is a sudden pressure in the knee. It is caused by rupture of some capillaries of the knee making it more painful to touch with. The important thing about a hurt knee with bruise is to stimulate vasodilatation so that blood can enter the deepest layer of the skin to stimulate restoration. Restoration happens when the area being damaged by the pressure will received adequate supply of blood.

Open wounds

Open wounds that trigger knee pain is very difficult to manage. It is because the pain is coming from the impaired skin and you should be knowledgeable enough on the first aid procedures that will involve would care and preventing the occurrence of infection. Your knee is the part of the body with bony prominence and it is fatal if you will not mind the wound for a long time.

Pain in Joints - Where Every Joint Hurts to Move


Having pain in your joints now and then is common but when you wake up one morning and every joint hurts, where your toes may twinge and your knees and arms are constantly hit by sharp jolts, you have grounds to be concerned.

Arthritis however may not be the problem here, a viral, kidney infection or tendonitis could be the cause, in which case anti-inflammatory drugs maybe prescribed for the very short term until the symptoms subside and you recover.

If however some form of arthritis has not been detected, then it's obviously crucial that your doctor advises you to see a rheumatologist.

Also, be sure to keep a diary of the pain you're experiencing so in case blood tests don't reveal the cause as is often the case when trying to detect this disease, you have some detailed notes which will help your doctor pinpoint what illness you have.

Here's an example of how almost every joint in your body may hurt:

From head down:


  • No pain above neck level, no fever, no headache, no sickness.

  • Pain across shoulders when you try to raise an arm or turn your head.

  • When you clench a fist there's a pain in the elbow joint.

  • Rotating wrists causes pain.

  • Straightening or bending the joint will cause additional elbow agony.

  • A strong ache in the lower back when you sit or stand up.

  • Standing causes discomfort in the knees.

  • The hip may be tender to touch.

  • Curling your toes causes pain along with trying to point your feet up in the air.

  • Rotating the ankle can be excruciating.

  • When sat down if you try and cross your legs the knee's may crack and also feel hot and inflamed and tender to touch around the knee joint and surrounding muscle.

If you are experiencing something close to or all of these symptoms across your whole body, then you will most definitely get referred to a rheumatologist - a rheumy.

To help speed up the diagnosis, along with keeping tabs on the joint pains you are experiencing and at what particular time, keep a list also of the foods you've been consuming as gluten foods for example can really inflame joints where as fresh fish and certain vegetables can help reduce the swelling and pain.

By doing so your rheumy will be able to connect the dots. You will also be asked to bring a urine sample and the list of medications you've been taking.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

How Much Does a Titanium Knee Replacement Weigh?


Medical technology has come an incredibly long way over the past several decades. Individuals who are suffering from consistent and serious joint pain have more options available to them than ever before for getting relief from the pain and restoration of movement in hips, elbows and knees. Joint replacement surgeries are on the rise with younger patients than we have seen in the past. Many athletes are finding that years of abusing their joints have caused them to need a full knee replacement. One of the questions that many patients are asking is how much does a titanium knee replacement weigh?

Titanium is an elemental metal, meaning that it is not man-made. It is an extremely low density metal and does not corrode. Titanium has the lowest strength-to-weight ratio of any metal, which makes it especially useful for medical applications. Pure titanium is as strong as steel but weighs approximately 45% less. As a strong, lightweight and corrosion resistant material it is perfect for use in joint replacements. To construct a prosthetic knee, the material is melted down and then cast into the components which will eventually form the replacement knee joint. But how much does a titanium knee replacement weigh?

The light weight nature of titanium is actually one of the biggest benefits to using titanium. Although the weight of an individual knee replacement varies depending upon the size of the knee and the patient, they only weigh a few pounds. Ultimately there is no single answer for the question. The better question for your doctor might be how much does MY titanium knee replacement weigh. Each knee prosthetic is individually constructed to the exact measurements of the recipient. Just as every person's knees are different and unique, so too is every titanium knee replacement.

If you are a candidate for knee surgery, you probably have many questions running through your head. Will I be able to walk again? How long will my recovery be? Will I be limited in my activities? What types of physical therapy will I be doing?

While there have been great advances in medical technology, a successful outcome is determined by the patient's attitude and willingness to do the necessary therapy. Based on their experience, many doctors have somewhat low expectations for recovery and may not be very encouraging. It is up to the patient to find and follow an exercise program that has already shown proven results. Equally important is finding a trainer or mentor who has a positive attitude toward recovery from knee surgery and who can teach anyone the same mindset. Believing it can be done and working with someone who has already achieved the desired results is the key to returning to normal activities and remaining free from pain.

Arthritis Knee Pain Treatment and Herbal Remedies That Work


Arthritis can affect all the joints in one's body and it can take many forms. Osteoarthritis is the form that affects mostly the knees. It occurs due to the fact that the cartilage of the joint is degenerating progressively until the end of the bone remains uncover and gets inflamed and painful. Knee arthritis usually hits after the age of 50 and overweight people are more likely to develop it. An improvement in the sufferers' condition occurs once the weight problem is solved or about to be solved.

Osteoarthritis also runs in the family and it might be triggered by previous injuries in the knee. Its most common symptoms include pain, stiffness and swelling and they become more severe as time passes. Patients can go through periods of relief afterwards they can have a crisis again. The evolution of knee arthritis is not linear. It is very important that the patient seeks medical assistance because otherwise he or she might reach the point when no movement will be possible. Treatment might vary depending on the particularities in each case. Losing weight is essential for slowing down the disease. The physician might also recommend anti-inflammatory drugs and even surgery. However, there are patients using herbal remedies in order to obtain arthritis knee pain relief and studies have shown that these are very effective.

Arthritis knee pain relief can be obtained by massaging the joint with anti-inflammatory oils such as Rumatone Gold. Lavender and chamomile oils are known for their analgesic properties. Warm olive oil is also recommended. Massage and physical exercise is good in arthritis, but make sure to talk to your physician in order to do the right types of exercise and not to jeopardize the heath of your joint even more.

Certain infusions made of plants with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties are also helpful in providing relief for patients with arthritis. Ginger, for example, is very much used by those with osteoarthritis. They either drink ginger tea or apply ginger compresses. This is a safe herb even if it is used for longer periods of time. Licorice has the same effect on the human body as cortisone, only that it doesn't produce the side effects usually associated with cortisone. The only thing that can result from prolonged used of licorice is a slight elevation of the blood pressure. The recommended dose is of two pills with licorice extract daily. Arthritis knee pain relief can be easily obtained with natural remedies, but the patient has to be aware of the importance of losing excess weight and of exercising.

Bowling Balls


Bowling balls are available with a wide range of options. Such options as coverstock, weight block, top weight, and pin location to name a few. With so many variables, how do you choose the right one for you? Many factors, should be considered when making a decision on your next bowling ball purchase.

Let's briefly breakdown what each of the above mentioned terms mean in reference to bowling balls.

-Coverstock is essentially to outer surface of the bowling ball that creates the shell. Typically, the coverstock can either be dull or shiny on a bowling ball.

-A weight block is the core of the bowling ball. Depending on the shape and density of the weight block, it can influence the reaction of the bowling ball.

-Top weight is the core variation within the bowling ball. If the core is higher in the ball, it produces a higher top weight. If the core is lower, then the bowling ball will have a lower top weight.

-Pin location simply designates the location of the top of the weight block in a bowling ball.

These definitions simply apply to the bowling ball itself. What factors not related to the make/model of the bowling ball? For this we are referring to factors such as your bowling game itself. Things such as ball speed, track flare, axis tilt, etc all play an important role in bowling. Each person has their own unique way of bowling. Knowing your game and style will make it easier for you to make the proper selection when buying a new bowling ball.

Below is a brief breakdown of a few key definitions.

-Ball Speed is simply the speed at which you roll your bowling ball. Many of the newer scoring systems measure the speed of your bowling ball. However, not all are 100% accurate, but it can give you a general idea of what the speed is.

-Track flare is the "oil rings" that appear on your bowling ball after you throw it. These rings show the progression of the rotation of your ball as it is rolling down the lane and the ball changing its axis of rotation while seeking its preferred spin axis.

-Axis tilt is the angle of rotation of the bowling ball.

Depending on your style and lane conditions, making the right decision can be tricky at times. The easiest and best way to decide which bowling ball is right for you is to visit your local bowling pro shop. Many pro shop owners have been around the game of bowling for quite some time. With their knowledge and experience, as well as watching you bowl, they can give you strong recommendations on which bowling ball will suit your game.

However, not every bowling center has an on-site pro shop. Luckily the internet provides a plethora of information regarding bowling balls. Many of the manufacturer sites provide in depth analysis of reactions and characteristics and even a few videos with the bowling balls in action. Customer reviews found on various bowling ball message forums can also provide real life insight as to what a particular bowling ball can do on certain lane conditions. There are even a few retail sites that provide bowling ball reviews, which are customer reviews for various products.

As you can see the internet can be an excellent resource in helping you determine which bowling balls will take your game to the next level.

Arthritis Hip and Knee Remedies


In 2008, the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI), published its first evidence-based recommendations for arthritis treatments of the hip and knee. The goal was to determine which arthritis remedies would be most useful for individual patients.

They determined that the first arthritis remedies to relieve patients' hip and knee pain should be those that they can do for themselves. It was also found that receiving monthly phone calls from lay people promoting self-care improved patients' joint pain and physical function for as much as a year.

Compensating for a painful knee can, over time, result in pain in your hip or ankle. Shoes with high heels or uneven wear can throw your posture off and put unnecessary stress on your knee joints. Switching to comfortable shoes may not be enough, however. You might need an orthotic device placed in your shoe. Shoe inserts come ready made or a physical therapist can design one especially for you.

Physical therapists can observe how you sit, stand and walk and teach you how to move with less pain. They will tailor exercises to your particular condition and help you relieve hip and knee pain, maintain motion and prevent joint stiffening.

Physical therapists can also provide assistive devices to make daily tasks easier. Canes and crutches can reduce pain in the hip and knee joints. Wheeled walkers may be preferable if both hips and/or knees are affected. With arthritis affecting the knee, special footwear and insoles can improve walking and reduce pain while a knee brace can also improve your stability and reduce the risk of falling.

Consider getting a trainer. Aerobic, muscle-strengthening exercises can promote muscle strength, improve range of motion, increase mobility and ease pain. In a recent study by Japanese researchers, exercise, whether on land or in water, decreases pain levels, increases the body's production of inflammation-fighting hormones and decreases stress and anxiety, which can make joint pain worse.

If you are overweight, losing just 10 pounds will take 30 to 60 pounds of pressure off your knee.

Exercise in water. If you don't have access to a warm-water pool, you can do warm-water exercises on a smaller scale in your own tub, Jacuzzi or whirlpool bath. Warm water is a good place to stretch and strengthen your muscles, even for those who have difficulty exercising on dry land. Acting as resistance to help build muscle strength, the buoyancy of water makes exercise seem easier and more comfortable.

Relieve pain with heat and cold.

Heat may be dry or moist. Moist heat sources include warm baths. Soaking in a warm tub can be a good way to apply heat to all parts of the body at once, especially if you have arthritis in several joints. A hot bath or dip in a Jacuzzi can also bring immediate pain relief. Consult your doctor if you are older than 70 or have respiratory or cardiac problems. Heat inducing creams are a temporary but effective way to relieve pain but, to prevent burning, do not use them with a heating pad.

Dry heat sources include heat lamps, heating pads, microwaveable pads or wearable heat wraps that apply continuous heat to the body and can even be slept in. In a recent study researchers found that continuous heat administered by a wearable heat pack eased pain and stiffness all day and better than either of two commonly used drugs, ibuprofen and acetaminophen.

Or apply cold. When joint pain is severe, applying something cold can numb the affected nerves and distract your mind from your pain. The coldness restricts the blood vessels and prevents fluids from leaking into the surrounding tissues. But using it for too long can cause stiffness.

Cold may be applied with a commercially available cold pack, or you can make your own cold pack by wrapping a towel around a bag of frozen vegetables or filling a sealable plastic bag with ice. For best results, and to avoid causing damage to your skin, always put a towel between your skin and the cold pack. Apply cold packs for no more than 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Alternating hot and cold methods may also provide relief.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, TENS, has been shown to help with short-term pain control in some patients with knee or hip arthritis. TENS is a technique using a weak electric current applied to the skin through electrodes. It is believed to stop pain messages from reaching the brain.

You might want to try acupuncture. In a recent trial, acupuncture significantly reduced pain and improved function for patients with arthritis of the knee who had moderate to severe pain even though they took medications for it. While patients had a 40 percent reduction in pain, they did not begin to benefit until week 14 of the 26-week study.

Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles at particular points on the body. The needles may be connected to a low-level electrical current for a more powerful effect. If you decide to try acupuncture, make sure your acupuncturist uses sterile, disposable needles and that they are licensed by your state and certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

Nurture your emotional health with guided imagery. To take your focus off your stress and pain, select a place in your home where you won't be disturbed. Play serene background music. Search your memory for the most beautiful, the most peaceful pain-free place you have ever been. Or imagine it in as much detail as possible, the sights, the sounds, the feelings. Take as much time as you need; Reach a state of calm and peace before you open your eyes. For extremely effective guided imagery, use self hypnosis techniques.

Arthritis Knee Pain Causes, Symptoms and Natural Relief


Arthritis is a joint disorder resulting in joint inflammation and pain. Knee joint is a major weight bearing joint of our body, and therefore is quite vulnerable to increased rate of wear and tear. Before learning about arthritis knee pain management, we have to understand the structure and functioning of the knee joint. Knee joint is, by nature, a hinge joint, allowing flexion normally to a maximum of 135 degrees but no extension. The functioning of knee joint allows free movement of the legs, and the joint is also capable of bearing the entire body weight.

The knee joint is the point where the femur or thigh bone and the large shinbone or tibia meets. The joint is comprised of three compartments: the inner or medial compartment, outer or lateral compartment and the knee cap or patella joining the femur to form the third compartment named as patellofemoral joint. The knee joint lies protected within a capsule and collateral ligaments are there both on the inside and outside of the joint, and also ligaments cross each other within the joint, and are known by the name of cruciate ligaments.

These ligaments hold the bones in place, and also impart strength and stability to the joint. The junction where the femur and tibia meet, the cartilage meniscus occurs. Meniscus serves as a cushioned pad allowing the bones to move freely without friction, and also absorbing the load of body weight above knee while standing. Below the knee cap, a large tendon called patellar tendon occurs. This tendon is attached to the front part of tibia bone. The thigh muscles, quadriceps muscles and hamstring muscles surrounding the knee relax and contract to allow knee movement.

Cause and Symptoms of Arthritis Knee Pain

Arthritis knee pain occurs due to degeneration or wear and tear of the meniscus or inflammation of soft tissues surrounding the knee. Aging of body makes the meniscus weak and incapable of repairing itself after the daily wear and tear. As a result of which it may start tearing or flaking. Once the cartilage is lost due to degeneration, the shin bone and thigh bone are exposed to friction which may develop bony outgrowths or spurs called osteophytes. The above occurrence makes the knee painful. Pain may occur also when rheumatic arthritis invades the delicate tissues around the knee joint.

Another cause of knee pain due to arthritis is the crystallization of uric acid within the joint cavity. This actually occurs in case of gout. Swelling of knee due to arthritis may lead to accumulation of fluid in a cyst behind the knee. Such a cyst is called Baker's cyst, and it is one common reason for pain at the back of the knee. The common symptoms associated with knee pain due to arthritis are swelling, warmth in the joint, inflexibility or stiffness, redness of skin around the joint, locking sensation in the joint, crunching sound while moving knee.

Rumatone Gold Capsule and Oil are natural remedies for arthritis knee pain relief. These herbal supplements and anti-inflammatory massage oil are specifically formulated to ease pain and inflammation associated with knee pain.

Knee Joint Pain Symptoms


In order for you to treat knee joint pain, you need to know the exact cause. There are many factors that can trigger this problem. The first thing is age; Knee joint pain is pretty much common in older folk than younger people. This might be due to the wear of the tissues over the years. If you have experienced trauma of the knee, you will suffer from the pain depending on the extent of the trauma.

There are several symptoms that will be accompanied by the knee joint pain. It might be that your knee is popping or even snapping. You will be in a great deal of pain. The ligaments of the knee are most likely torn. If the bone cartilage has degenerated, knee joint pain is very intense and walking becomes a problem.

People who are involved in very intense physical exercises will find themselves in trouble when it comes to suffering with pain in the knee. This people may include;

* Football or Soccer players
* Skiers
* Snowboarders
* Hikers

There are very many others and if you are one of them, you need to have the right information to facilitate your healing process. The best way to deal with torn ligaments and tendons is through surgery. The procedure is never life threatening but, you have to take some time to recuperate.

Physical therapy undertaken by a professional is one of the best ways to deal with joint knee pain. The option of surgery is never a guarantee that the knee mobility will be back. Lack of mobility in the knee is mainly caused by a meniscus tear. This tear will require you to protect yourself in order for you to walk again well.

You can treat the pain with anti inflammation drugs and ointments. However, you need to know that this methods are only temporary. Pain killers are usually not advised for the condition. If you require information, see a specialist to know the better cause of action.

Immobility of the knee is also referred to as locking. Because of this, the patient will be unable to move their leg without intense pain. Swelling of the affected knee may further indicate arthritis or even gout. Therefore, visit a doctor so that you can know in detail what to expect on the outcome of the knee treatment.

You will discover that there are so many remedies for the condition. They range from traditional to modern. If treatments prove not to work, you can simply try others with the right guidance from your health provider.

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Got Painful Knees? Learn About Chondromalacia Patella and Your Treatment Options


If you have a painful knee, particularly when taking the stairs, you could have a condition called chondromalacia patella. Also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome or anterior knee pain, this condition is often caused by the irritation or injury to the cartilage under your kneecap.

Symptoms and Causes

Picture the cartilage behind the knee cap as a biologica friction reducer, reducing the friction of every step you make whether it is walking, running, jumping or even skipping. Repetitive movements, overuse of the knee or even injury can damage the cartilage over time. The cartilage in the knee joint itself is a shock absorber, the cartilage behind the knee cap is more to help with smooth movement / reducing friction) Because going up and down the stairs puts a lot of stress on the knee, this is when you most often feel the pain. You likely will feel pain if you sit for long periods with a bent knee or when you squat or kneel as well. Some people feel a grinding or crushing sensation during knee extensions.

Repetitive actions which stress the knee joints such as competitive jump roping or track and field events can cause chondromalacia patella. Injury such as a knee fracture or even a dislocation can be a contributing factor. Improperly aligned bones in the foot or knee are another cause of the anterior knee pain.

Specific activities, sex and age all are contributing risk factors of patellofemoral pain. Jumping and running sports strain or traumatise the knee. Women are more likely than men to develop this knee condition due to the wider pelvic region. In addition, young adults and teenagers tend to develop this condition because of their higher physical activity levels.

Treatment

Treatment of anterior knee pain typically takes a multi-pronged approach using physiotherapy and orthotics in the form of prescription insoles in the shoes). There are specific exercises that can strengthen muscles around the knees, legs and hips that can help with rehabilitation. Exercise such as swimming, which does not put any stress on the knees is encouraged too. An orthopaedic professional will likely also expound on the virtues of ice therapy after exercise as well as over the counter pain relievers with anti-inflammatories.

Orthotic foot insoles and supportive braces for the knees can also go a long way towards reducing pain and increasing mobility. These feet arch supports and knee braces can help improve any misalignments as well as protect the knee joint itself. Only as a last resort would realignment surgery or arthroscopy be considered for a case of chondromalacia patella. Luckily, physical rehabilitation and orthotics often does the job of alleviating the knee pain so you can maintain an active lifestyle.

Why Do Legs and Ankles Swell Up?


If you notice swelling in your ankles, it's a good idea to find out what the problem is. Injuries, gout and arthritis are fairly common causes, but obesity, pregnancy and circulation problems are also possible. Treatments differ depending on the root cause of the inflammation.

1) Arthritis: Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can attack joints. RA tends to hit small bones, such as those in the hands, wrists, feet and ankles. Osteoarthritis is usually caused by wear and tear. Joints in the hips, knees and ankles are usually affected by it over the course of a lifetime.

RA is best treated by the doctors, as it is an auto-immune disorder. Osteoarthritis can be treated by both a doctor and some home remedies. Topical pain relievers such as capsaicin, willow bark and tea tree oil may be useful, though avoid willow if you are allergic to aspirin. Internally, willow and gotu kola could help.

2) Clots: If the inflammation is only in one joint, it could be the result of a blood clot, also called deep vein thrombosis. This is potentially both life altering and life threatening, and should be treated immediately. If your doctor isn't available, go to urgent care or the emergency room if you suspect a clot.

3) Gout: The buildup of uric acid in your blood stream can lead to crystals that get deposited in your joints. Those of the feet and ankles are usually the first to show signs of it The initial diagnosis should be made by your doctor, and you will probably receive some prescriptions to help control the problem.

Cherry juice may also be suggested, and it is a very good idea. It can help reduce uric acid in the blood and it can help reduce inflammation. Don't use willow bark if you have gout, as it can cause flare ups. It has the same active ingredient as aspirin, which should also be avoided.

4) Infection: Most causes of this condition are of fluid, but that from an infection could be full of pus. Again, it may be only on one ankle, if it is a localized infection. You may need antibiotics to deal with it, and it is important to check with the doctor. Untreated infections can cause a lot of problems, spreading to other parts of the body. Garlic may be helpful internally. Externally, a drawing agent such as baking soda could help.

5) Injury: This is probably the most common cause of inflammation, especially in young people. Sprains, strains and breaks will cause the condition. Treatment depends in part on which type of injury it is, but all of them will respond to RICE, rest, ice, compression and elevation. Hot wraps may be applied after the first forty-eight hours. You can use a decoction of willow bark and gotu kola for this application.

6) Obesity: Being overweight puts a lot of pressure on the joints, especially from the knees down. This overwork can lead to swelling. Besides losing weight, elevation and ice may be helpful.

7) Pregnancy: If you notice your ankles have gotten larger, call the doctor; two lives are at stake...yours and the babies. This isn't always a sign of pre-eclampsia, but it could be. Only your doctor can diagnose it, and the doctor is the best one to treat it. There are several things that can be done, but all require expert medical attention.

8) Varicose veins: This is also a circulation issue, and it's one most people don't appreciate a lot. Besides swelling and pain, they are unsightly. They can be controlled to a certain extent by wearing compression stockings and keeping your legs and feet propped up. You'll want to avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time, and if you're overweight, dropping the extra pounds will help.

Before you start any new herbal remedy or home treatment, check with your doctor and/or pharmacist. Let them know all the supplements and herbal remedies you are using so they can help you prevent harmful interactions between the herbs and any medications you are taking.

Fractures - A Common Cause of Knee Pain


There are a number of things that can cause knee pain. Fractures can cause an incredible amount of pain, and believe it or not, sometimes just moving the wrong way can cause a fracture, especially among the elderly and others suffering from bone and joint degeneration. Luckily, in most cases, this is a condition that can be taken care of pretty easily and will heal fairly quickly.

Patella Fractures

A patella fracture, probably the most common form of knee fracture, is a fracture of the kneecap, and it is very painful. The main cause of this type of injury is a fall, where the injured has landed directly on the kneecap. It can also happen during an eccentric contraction, or when the knee is straightening while the quadriceps muscle is contracting. The first thing a physician will do for a kneecap fracture is take x-rays, to find out to determine the type and severity of the fracture. Then a course of treatment will be chosen. There are actually many different types of patella fractures, with the most common ones being transverse, vertical, osteochondral and marginal.

Other Types of Knee Fractures

When most people think of knee fractures, they automatically think of the kneecap. But in actuality, a knee fracture can be any fracture of the kneecap and the bones around the knee, including the tibia (shin bone) and the femur (thigh bone). There are a number of causes for these types of fractures, including sports-related injuries, automobile accidents and falls, particularly falls from heights. As with kneecap fractures, x-rays will confirm the diagnosis of these fractures. In most cases, these fractures can be treated with immobilization, but more severe fractures may require surgery.

Treatment for Patella Fractures

If the patient with a patella fracture is able to raise the foot in the air with a straight leg while laying down, the it is more than likely that treatment will not involve surgery. In this case, there will probably be a few different types of treatments used. Following the wearing of a leg cast or splint, there will be additional forms of treatment, including physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory and pain medications, and hot/cold therapy. If the patient is unable to raise the foot and hold it off the bed, then surgery may be required.

Often surgical treatment of patella fractures involves the use of metal implants. Unfortunately, many patients report that over time, these implants cause pain in the knee, and many patients have a second operation to have the implants removed. In order to make sure that the injury cannot be taken care through other means, these surgeries usually do not take place until at least a year following the injury.

If you have recently fractured your kneecap, you can expect at least six to eight weeks of recovery time, followed by possibly months of therapy, to regain full range of movement and pain relief of the knee. In most cases, patients are up and around within a few weeks. With proper treatment, patients can get back to their normal daily activities in a short period of time, with little pain suffered following the treatments.

Treatment for Other Knee Fractures

Much of the treatment for other fractures is the same as with kneecap fractures. Of course, it will be recommended that you stay off the leg as much as possible, and in many cases, you will be required to wear a splint or case, depending on the type of break. There will probably be medications involved in your treatment, including pain and anti-inflammatory medications, and you will have to undergo physiotherapy. In some cases, surgery may be necessary, but most of the time, as long as there are no complications, a simple break will heal easily, as long as you follow your doctor's orders.

Osteoarthritis Knee Pain - What You Should Know


When it comes to pain in your knee, there can be many different causes that are associated with it. You can have pain that is the result of an acute injury that you may have suffered previously or you can have chronic pain caused from arthritis. Osteoarthritis knee pain is a very common form of arthritis that affects many people as they begin to age.

Osteoarthritis knee pain is commonly caused by the degeneration of the cartilage that surrounds your bones. This cartilage helps protect your bones from rubbing against each other. Once it wears down the bones will begin to rub causing lots of swelling a pain in the joint area. As the arthritis gets worse, this rubbing will often cause a limited motion mobility and range of motion.

People who suffer from arthritis pain in their knee usually have flare ups when there is a severe change, falling barometric pressure, or when the wake up in the morning. When it comes to the causes of osteoarthritis, there has been no true consensus that has been formed. Some people believe that it can be caused by a poor diet, food allergies, or even mineral deposits that have occurred.

There are many different treatments for osteoarthritis knee pain available. For people who suffer from severe pain, they should consider trying to find a comprehensive treatment program that can proactively treat the causes of the knee pain. A basic exercise that you can do is massaging your knee. By massaging your knee, you can help loosen up unstable tissue within the knee. This can often help get rid of some of the pain you may experience.

Common Causes of Knee Pain


There are a number of reasons why you might be experiencing knee pain. Overuse, injury, and infection are the three most common causes of knee pain. If you are experiencing pain in joints or pain that does not subside, it is recommended that you seek medical advice to determine the cause. If left untreated, what starts out as something minor could lead to more a serious condition.

Overuse Can Cause Pain

Knee pain due to overuse typically is a result of stressing the joints. For example, vigorous exercise or repetitive use can cause knee pain, especially if you are just starting an exercise regimen or if you have been relatively inactive for a long period of time. This type of knee pain normally will resolve after a few days of rest, and perhaps over-the-counter pain relief medication or an anti-inflammatory to reduce any swelling that may occur. Knee pain can be considered acute when the injury is caused by an impact or twisting of the knee, such as an anterior cruciate ligament injury. An overuse injury can also be considered acute if there is chronic pain and/or swelling.

Injury or Trauma

Knee pain as a result of injury or trauma will require a visit to the doctor, or even the emergency room. In most cases, trauma to the knee can result in ruptured ligaments or torn cartilage and may even require surgery or aggressive treatment to repair the damage.

Infections

Septic arthritis: Sometimes your knee joint can become infected, leading to swelling, pain and redness. Septic arthritis is often accompanied by a fever.

Bursitis: This is the most common bursa affected around the joint, just above the kneecap. People who kneel for prolonged periods of time are more susceptible to bursitis. If the bursa becomes infected, aspiration and analysis of the bursa fluid may be necessary.

Understanding the Knee

The knee joint is surrounded by a joint capsule with ligaments strapping the inner and outer sides of the joint. These are called "collateral ligaments." Crossing within the joint are "circulate ligaments." These ligaments provide the crucial stability and strength necessary for the function of the knee joint.

Injury or degeneration of bone or cartilage can sometimes cause pieces of bone or cartilage to break off. These pieces of bone or cartilage float in the joint space. This can create a problem if it interferes with movement of the knee. It can also result in a "locked" knee.

Swelling of the knee can occur as a result of several different types of knee problems. If you are experiencing knee pain that will not go away or if you have experienced trauma, you should always seek medical advice to ensure that you don't have any severe damage-you may cause further damage if the knee is not promptly treated. Many people think the pain will go away and try to ignore it, but this could actually cause more damage in the long term.

The Important Facts That Everyone Should Know About Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment


If you suffer with aches and pains that seem to persist and intensify, stiffness in your joints such as when you sit, stand, or use your hands, joints that are swollen and painful or inflamed, and other symptoms like these, then it could be that you are suffering with rheumatoid arthritis.

Of course, determining whether this is the case or not will require a medical professional. However, if you find that your aches and pains tend to worsen depending on the weather, you can count yourself along with more than 80 million people in the US, Australia, and England who go through the same thing.

Unfortunately for most of these people, they will come to the decision that this is simply the way things are. They will resign themselves to a life of pain and discomfort. What they do not know is that, over time, the pain will get worse, as will the other associated symptoms, making this a very difficult and debilitating condition to live with.

What rheumatoid arthritis treatment is known to be effective?

If you have decided that you refuse to simply accept the pain, and you want to do something about it, look no further than the green-lipped mussel found in the waters off the coast of New Zealand. Most of us know that nature has the answer for many of life's ailments and other health issues. Many of us have benefitted from the medicines that are derived from nature. Homeopathic medicine has long been the choice of many over conventional drugs, because they are natural and safe. Natural remedies also do not produce any unwanted or unpleasant side effects.

Why the green-lipped mussel?

This New Zealand mussel will not only help your discomfort that results from the arthritis. Your skin, immune system, and your nervous system will also benefit.

But the question is why?

The green-lipped mussel happens to be a complete food. Even more astounding is the fact that the minerals that the mussel contains are very similar to the minerals one would find in a healthy human being. Of course there is more to it but space does not permit too much detail here.

Should you use a product that contains the green-lipped mussel?

The answer is a resounding 'Yes!' if the research is anything to go by. However, whether you choose a product that contains this intriguing ingredient, or some other type of treatment, be sure to give the homeopathic avenue serious consideration. While we have a lot to thank the world of science for, the fact remains is that medications produce side effects. Also, while a medication might benefit you in one way, it might be doing damage to another part of your body.

"The green-lipped mussel is a complete food that aids in the relief of arthritic pain and discomfort."